How to Pack a Carry-On Only for 2 Weeks: A 2026 Field Guide That Actua | Compass Draft

A practical 2026 guide to packing one carry-on for two weeks: the bag selection, the clothing strategy, what to leave home, and the laundry plan that ties it to

Squares in Squares

A humorous look at different styles of people packing for vacations

This opinion piece by illustrator Edith Pritchett offers a lighthearted and humorous take on the different kinds of people when it comes to packing for vacations. Instead of focusing on travel destinations or logistics, the article explores personality-driven packing behaviors that many readers can recognize in themselves or others. It categorizes travelers into archetypes based on how they approach preparing their luggage, from those who meticulously plan every outfit in advance to those who throw things into a suitcase at the last minute. The piece emphasizes the relatable nature of travel preparation stress, highlighting how packing often reflects broader personality traits such as organization, spontaneity, anxiety, or over-preparedness. Some travelers are portrayed as minimalists who bring only the essentials, while others are described as over-packers who prepare for every possible scenario, leading to overloaded suitcases. There are also references to procrastinators who pack at the last minute and those who forget important items despite best intentions. Through illustrated humor, the article gently pokes fun at these behaviors without judgment, making it more of a playful reflection than a serious critique. It resonates with readers by showing that packing habits are universal and often shared experiences that can be laughed at collectively. The tone remains conversational and observational, aligning with the style of editorial cartoons that capture everyday life quirks. Ultimately, the piece uses the simple act of packing for a trip as a lens to explore human habits and differences in a way that is both entertaining and relatable.

A humorous look at different styles of people packing for vacations

This opinion piece by illustrator Edith Pritchett offers a lighthearted and humorous take on the different kinds of people when it comes to packing for vacations. Instead of focusing on travel destinations or logistics, the article explores personality-driven packing behaviors that many readers can recognize in themselves or others. It categorizes travelers into archetypes based on how they approach preparing their luggage, from those who meticulously plan every outfit in advance to those who throw things into a suitcase at the last minute. The piece emphasizes the relatable nature of travel preparation stress, highlighting how packing often reflects broader personality traits such as organization, spontaneity, anxiety, or over-preparedness. Some travelers are portrayed as minimalists who bring only the essentials, while others are described as over-packers who prepare for every possible scenario, leading to overloaded suitcases. There are also references to procrastinators who pack at the last minute and those who forget important items despite best intentions. Through illustrated humor, the article gently pokes fun at these behaviors without judgment, making it more of a playful reflection than a serious critique. It resonates with readers by showing that packing habits are universal and often shared experiences that can be laughed at collectively. The tone remains conversational and observational, aligning with the style of editorial cartoons that capture everyday life quirks. Ultimately, the piece uses the simple act of packing for a trip as a lens to explore human habits and differences in a way that is both entertaining and relatable.