The Ultimate Carry On Backpack

     More and more I do research, the smaller I want to make my travel bags. In the beginning, I was looking at 55 liter bags, which now seems ridiculous. As one that tends to travel in a duffle bag, I realized it's completely possible to pack in a backpack for any trip, especially a summer one. I thought I would share some of my favorite options for travel backpacks.

     I would like to note that all of these open up like a suitcase, my main requirement for a bag.

Burton Traverse Backpack

Comes in various colors and designs, this 35L bag is my favorite for versatility and cuteness level. Currently, these are on amazon starting at $67. I opted for the dots. I also chose this bag for the waist strap, chest strap, laptop pocket, and straps on the bottom of the back for extra storage. Also Burton has a lifetime warrenty, which really convinced me to buy it. 

Cabin Max Edinburgh Carry On Backpack

A similar bag for about $50 on amazon is the Cabin Max Edinburgh Carry on. This bag doesn't seem to be quite as big as the Burton though. 

Cabin Max Metz Backpack

I almost bought this on Amazon. The paper planes really had it for me. I loved those cute little guys. When I checked the reviews some raved about the bags, while others tend to show the damage they endured. Beware that some of the color options are smaller, which is shown in the reviews.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

This bag was my second choice next to the Burton. It's about $160 on Amazon, depending on the color you choose. Like my adorable bag I chose, it opens like a suitcase with straps to help compress where needed. This bag also has 5 more liters than the Burton Traverse.

These are my tip picks for Carry On Luggage. My next post will discuss "personal item" (think laptop bag or purse) that many airline allow you to also carry with your carry on. It's the bag that is suppose to be shoved under the seat.

Accomodations: Everywhere - AirBnB

some fun infographs about airbnb!

When I came across this site, I thought many of my "where the hell do we stay" questions have been asked. Obvious there are other more official options if you want a hotel or hostel, but if you want something more intimate I suggest airbnb. 

First off, you're helping out individuals when you rent a space from them. That's a nice thought, right? On top of that this is where real life people live everyday. In theory, these homes will feel nice and homey. And as a bonus, if you have a chance of getting a host who can recommend places to visit and eat. 

Caleb and I are planning on doing a combination of all types of places to stay. There will be hostel stops to keep our budget low, and perhaps a hotel or bed & breakfast for a breather. With Airbnb it makes it so much easier for us to plan some of those bed & breakfast alternatives. 

Airbnb allows you to create wishlists as well. My Europe & Local Listings are pretty stockpiled with places that look way to fun to pass up. But that's not all, there are multiple options for unique stays under "Airbnb picks." Some of these include, trains, treehouses, repurposed homes, and even private islands! 

Let it become your new addiction as it did mine. As there are many special, luxury options, there are also beautiful and rather functional options for us who want to save a few bucks.