How do you get away with only Carry-ons??

[ocalla]

We wear our bulky clothes such as jeans or sweatshirts or jacket. Pack only clothes for a couple days and wash clothes while there. I use the purex laundry sheets that contain laundry soap and softner in one sheet. I plan to do laundry around the same time we are spending time at the pool. Since most laundry area's are by the pool, it works out well.
You can also take on another small bag along with your carry on. I usually take a back pack to stow under the seat.

LOVE the Purex laundry sheets. Had received a sample pack before we left home for our July visit, and decided to give them a try. It was so nice to only pack those sheets, they worked great!!!

 

[seashoreCM]

Plan a washday while down there.
This should cut down on the stuff you bring, not cause you to pack more stuff.

 

[fla4fun]

Has anyone ever used those space saver bags? Do they really work?

Yes, I've used them. I used them a couple times because I wasn't going to be able to do laundry at my destination and wanted to keep my suitcase clean inside. If you have a weight limit for your carry on, keep an eye on it because it's easy to go overweight because you can pack so much more in the bag. I was flying internationally and had to keep my bag light.

My sister flies a lot more than I do when it comes to vacation. She swears by shipping a box with all the toiletries, extra shoes, etc. to her hotel and then using the one carry on for clothing and valuables. She's been doing that for about 5 years now, even before all the baggage fees became a normal thing.

One thing I've done is pack a lightweight duffel bag that rolls up inside the carry on, and then used that to pack and check dirty laundry, so I have my carry on for souvenirs and stuff on the return trip. That way, I have the ease of carry on only on the outbound leg, and space to bring things home on the return.