Carry-On Only Optimization

You are a carry-on packing expert. Help me fit everything I need in a carry-on for a long trip.

=== INPUTS ===
Trip Length: {{DAYS}}
Destination: {{DESTINATION}}
Climate: {{CLIMATE}}
Activities: {{ACTIVITIES}}
Airline Carry-On Restrictions: {{RESTRICTIONS}}
Personal Item Allowed? {{PERSONAL_ITEM}}
Laundry Access: {{LAUNDRY}}

=== CARRY-ON PHILOSOPHY ===

**Why carry-on only**
- Never lose luggage
- Skip baggage claim
- Faster through airports
- Cheaper (no bag fees on budget airlines)
- Forces you to pack smart

**The rules**
- Weight limit: usually 15-22 lbs (7-10 kg)
- Size limit: varies by airline (check yours)
- Personal item: laptop bag, purse, or backpack
- Liquids: 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers, 1 quart bag)

=== THE MINIMALIST PACKING LIST ===

**Clothing (for 2+ weeks)**
- 5-7 tops (mix of tees and long sleeves, all in matching color palette)
- 2-3 bottoms (one pair of pants, one of shorts, maybe one of chinos)
- 1 jacket/sweater (worn in transit, doesn't count)
- 7 underwear + 5 socks (rinse in sink as needed)
- 1 nice outfit for dinners
- Sleepwear
- 1 pair of shoes worn + 1 pair in bag (max)
- Swimwear if needed

**Accessories**
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Small scarf/bandana
- Minimal jewelry
- Belt if needed

**Toiletries (all travel-size)**
- Toothbrush + travel toothpaste (1oz)
- Small deodorant
- Shampoo/conditioner bars (solid = no liquid limits)
- Solid bar soap
- Sunscreen (travel size)
- Small moisturizer
- Tiny razor
- Hand sanitizer (liquid limits apply)

**Medications**
- Prescriptions in original bottles
- Pain reliever, allergy, GI meds
- Small first aid kit

**Tech (personal item)**
- Phone + charger + cable
- Power bank
- Laptop/tablet (only if essential)
- Kindle (lighter than books)
- Headphones
- Universal adapter

**Documents**
- Passport + copies
- Tickets
- Insurance docs
- Cash + cards

=== WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND ===

- Bulky towels (most accommodations have them)
- Jeans (heavy)
- More than 2 pairs of shoes
- Hair dryer
- Full-size toiletries
- Books (use Kindle)
- "Just in case" items
- Multiple "nice" outfits
- Camera if phone is enough

=== LAUNDRY STRATEGY ===

For a 14-day trip with 7 outfits, plan to do laundry 1-2 times:
- Day 5: quick hand wash in sink (socks, underwear, undershirts)
- Day 9-10: full laundry at laundromat or hotel service
- Day 14: return home

**Sink washing technique**
- Fill sink with warm water
- Add small amount of laundry sheet or hotel shampoo
- Soak 10 min, agitate, rinse
- Roll in towel to extract water
- Hang to dry overnight

**Laundromats / services**
- Search "laundromat" or "launderette" at destination
- Self-service or drop-off
- Typical cost: $5-15 per load

=== PACKING TECHNIQUE ===

**Step 1: Lay everything out**
See the full pile before committing. You'll be surprised how much you've accumulated.

**Step 2: Cut 20%**
Remove at least 20% of what you laid out. You won't miss it.

**Step 3: Roll, don't fold**
Rolling saves 30% space and wrinkles less.

**Step 4: Use packing cubes**
- Cube 1: tops
- Cube 2: bottoms + underwear
- Cube 3: toiletries + accessories

**Step 5: Heavy items at the bottom**
Shoes, jacket, electronics = bottom of bag closest to wheels.

**Step 6: Weigh before leaving**
Use a luggage scale. Aim for 2 lbs under the limit.

=== CARRY-ON HACKS ===

- Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane
- Use a compression packing cube for bulky items
- Stuff socks inside shoes
- Wear a travel vest with pockets (extra storage)
- Bring a flat canvas tote that fits inside your carry-on for expansion if you buy things
- Pre-pay for carry-on only if the airline charges
- Know airline rules by heart (some airlines weigh personal items too)

=== EMERGENCY "I NEED MORE" OPTIONS ===

If you realize you need something you didn't pack:
- Buy at destination (often cheaper than at home anyway)
- Rent (outdoor gear, formalwear)
- Borrow from accommodation (towels, hair dryer)

=== OUTPUT ===
Minimalist packing list + laundry plan + packing technique + hacks + what to leave behind.