If there’s one thing I’ve become a master at over the years- it’s packing. I have travelled a LOT. Both nationally as well as internationally, for both business as well as pleasure and solo, couples and with the whole family. The purpose of this blog is to share things that make life easier and what I’m about to share has truly been a game changer for me! I’ve been a raving fan of the company OTG247 for about 6 months now, so when they reached out to gift me some of their fabulous bags to add to my growing collection, I was over the moon excited! (Thank you Aime and Ashley!) This bag system has seriously revolutionized my packing and I’m excited to show you how to pack for Europe using this completely addicting bag system! This works!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through them, then at no cost to you, I may receive a small commission- SO, thank-you!

These days, I always travel with my ROAM carry-on and a large tote bag (this large one from Mark and Graham is a current favorite). For a short haul flight, long international flights and even for long road trips, these are the basic building blocks of my system.

Inside my ROAM carry-on, I now use the #10 OTG247 bags for my clothes. All of my travel clothes need to do double duty and go with more than one outfit so organizing them by outfit just won’t work. I organize by type. One bag holds bottoms, two hold tops, one holds underthings and night clothes, etc.

These all fit, stacked so nicely on one side of my carry-on. The “Nudie” Collection (clear on one side) is a dream for packing because you can easily see what you’re looking for without having to take everything out! You guys……I’m able to fit 5-6 cool weather outfits all on one side of my carry-on this way! You could definitel fit even more when packing lighter weight, summer items.

On this side of the carry-on, I use the cute #2 OTG247 bag to pack all of my jewelry. If you keep your earrings on the cards that you purchase them on , it makes packing and storage a snap. I place my necklaces inside little ziploc bags, to avoid them getting tangled.

I use the straps on my Roam luggage to tighten everything down nicely on that side.

On the opposite side, I have room for 2 (maybe even 3 depending on the shoe!) pair of shoes. I use the OTG#4 and #5 bags to pack things like my hair brushes, clips, elastics, dry shampoo and extra sunglasses, as well as my other non-liquid skincare products that I don’t need to access during my flight.

I use the straps and tighten it all down. There are a few more pockets inside my Roam luggage that I can stash small, last minute items- which always seems to happen. I will use the ample extra space beside the OTG247 bags to place curling wands or my hairdryer.

Everything else has to go inside my tote bag! I keep this under the seat in front of me on the plane so that I have easy access. I used to put everything in it and then have to dig through the entire contents-of the bag every single time I needed something. I KNOW you know what I’m talking about. No more sistas! I’m a changed woman! My tote bag is one organized filing system now and just looking at it, makes me instantly feel like I’ve got my life together! 😀

Let’s begin with US TSA regulations. All of the liquids that you intend to carry on the plane with you need to be easily accessible in a clear, zipped pouch. You’ll have to place this in one of the bins to be scanned, when you go through security at the airport, so keep it handy. I use the #2 OTG247. The bags are waterproof, so even if something were to leak out, you can simply wash it out and let it dry.

Into the big tote it goes.

Next, I always have my lap-top with me and I usually write when traveling. I slip my MacBook into the #8 OTG247 bag , and into the big tote it goes. This bag is also great one for holding an extra outfit or messy clothes, or shoes as you travel (the bags are completely washable). I just like being able to snap out my laptop in this flashy bag when I’m on the plane!

What about all of your cords, pens, batteries, ear phones, note pad, etc? I categorize those items as my “tech” and they all go into the OTG247 #3. And down into the big tote it goes.

My important documents go into the #1 bag and this is the bag I will always have with me while we travel. Drivers License, Credit cards, passport, 1 pen and my glasses all go into this bag. It comes with both a long, crossbody strap as well as a wristlet, and I like to use the wristlet to attach it to the inside of the tote when we are hustling through airports and train stations. Not only does that secure it to my bag, but I’m able to quickly grab it to make a coffee run, while my husband waits with our luggage.

The OTG247 #6 bag holds all the rest of my makeup pallets, foundation and brushes (These are all non-liquid, so TSA doesn’t really care where you put them). This bag holds a ton and it comes with a long crossbody strap so I can easily pop it out and head to nearest ladies room to touch up my travel weary face. And it DOES it get travel weary! This bag can also pull double duty as a chic handbag when you reach your destination, so I really love that! Are you dying over that zebra print? Pretty sure my daughter is probably going to steal this one, lol.

When we travel around Europe, we try to economize on breakfast and lunches. We save any splurges for dinners out. The OTG247 #7 “Foodie” bag, comes with a detachable crossbody strap and you guys…… this one is insulated! I usually use this for my ipad when packing and then we use it to haul sandwiches and snacks when we are out sightseeing. It’s so chic- nobody knows I’ve got my food in there! I just tuck the #1, inside this #7 and add the strap. We will typically stop at a local bakery and grab our food, and we’re off.

Because we have a lot of business meetings in our upcoming travel, I will also slip the OTG247 #9 “Techie”down in my tote as well. I use this as more of a chic briefcase. It will hold my laptop and all the other things that I will need for any meeting. I slip the #1 bag in here and attach a crossbody strap and we are ready to go. This bag can hold a lot for packing as well, so if you have extra items that you’ve forgotten, you can easily slip them into this bag before it goes into your large tote. I’m carrying an extra pair of pants in here for our upcoming trip for a quick change after we deplane and before we catch the train to our first meeting.

This is what my tote looks like when I’m finished. Everything is accessible and in it’s place. Not one loose item is floating around in that bag! (If I am carrying my larger camera, I will place it down inside the bag on it’s own.)

I’m dying over how pulled together I am! The different patterns and colors help me to grab the item that I need with just a glance. The bags are very high quality and the ZIPPERS NEVER STICK! I tell you I’m obsessed! And look how much more I’m able to have on the plane with me!! Not saying I don’t trust the airlines with my luggage…………but I don’t trust the airlines with my luggage.

Packing this way ensures that you can save your checked bag for bulky items like coats, thick sweaters, and shoes. And IF the airlines DO lose your luggage, you have the most important things with you so you can carry on with your trip while they get that sorted.

If you want to get started with your own collection of OTG247 bags, you can use the code LASHES at check out and get 10% off of your order.

I hope you loved this packing post! If you found it useful, please consider sharing it on Pinterest.

Off to Europe in a few days, so be sure to follow along on Instagram Stories and Facebook.

There are loads of options for colors and patterns so do check them out at OTG247 and don’t forget to use code LASHES for a 10% discount.

You may also enjoy reading my post on How To Backpack Across the Swiss Alps!

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