How much clothes can a carry-on bag hold?

Okay, so how much can you really cram into a carry-on? It's a question I've pondered many times, standing in front of my closet, staring into the abyss of my wardrobe. Three to four days' worth of clothes, they say. Is that even possible? I mean, last time I went to visit my sister in Chicago – just a long weekend, mind you – I felt like I needed my entire house!

I think I managed to squeeze in maybe three outfits, two pairs of shoes (boots and sneakers – essential, right?), plus my toiletry bag which, let's be honest, is practically a carry-on of its own. And don't even get me started on trying to fit in a hairdryer! Forget about it.

So, yeah, three or four days might be doable if you’re a super-efficient packer, like my husband. He folds his clothes like little origami swans and somehow manages to pack for a week in a tiny backpack! Me? Not so much. I'm more of a "roll-it-up-and-hope-for-the-best" kind of packer.

They mention extra security features… I guess that’s good? I've seen those fancy carry-ons with built-in locks. Probably worthwhile. And, ugh, the fees! I once had to pay an arm and a leg because my bag was slightly overweight. Lesson learned: weigh your bag before you get to the airport! Don’t be like me. It's a painful experience. Trust me.