hand luggage travel tips

12 Best Tricks & Tips on How to Travel With Hand Luggage Only

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 12th March 2024

Categories Travel Tips

Last Updated on 12th March 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

If you’re looking for how to travel with hand luggage only , then we’ve got you covered. After all, for the past couple of years, I’ve made it my mission (whenever possible) to travel solely with hand luggage. And yes, that even includes month long trips, as well as voyages to several different climates in one go!

Fewer bag fees and shorter waiting times are just a few of the many reasons that I choose to go with just a single bag when travelling.

Over that time, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible when taking a trip with little baggage. Here are my very best tips for travelling with hand luggage only:

Your carry on bag is the most important part of the equation

#1 keep your liquids in an easily accessible place, #2 bring plastic or canvas bags for your dirty laundry (and extra shoes), #3 wear your largest items while travelling (think winter coats, heavy boots etc), #4 pack versatile items, #5 choose your carry on bag wisely: make sure it has various compartments so you can better organise your things, #6 remember that you always need less than you think, #7 don’t pack anything you haven’t worn in the last six months, #8 you only need a few pairs of shoes, #9 to fold or to roll your hand luggage essentials, #10 invest in packing cubes, #11 charge all your electronics fully before you set off, #12 invest in a kindle, watch the travel packing hacks video here, pin tips for travelling with hand luggage only.

Before I dive into discussing the best ways to only travel with hand-luggage, it’s important to note that the piece of the luggage itself is one of the most important factors to consider!

When it comes to carry on cases, I personally look for a bag that’s not too heavy (as many airlines have a restriction on the weight of your bag and the case is factored into this) and something that’s durable, as well as spacious.

A personal favourite of mine is that the case be soft as opposed to hard-shelled so that I can stuff more things in! You’ll also want to consider whether you purchase a rolling case or a backpack. While rolling cases are easier if your bag is heavier, backpacks are often much easier to transport over cobblestones and place into overhead lockers.

Most airlines have a restriction of  55 x 35 x 20 cm or 22 x 14 x 9 inches (though some airlines are even smaller or require you to purchase extra luggage space) so this is an important factor to consider when purchasing your luggage. 

I personally use this case , which is one of the lightest rolling cases you can purchase. Otherwise, this backpack   is perfect for those seeking a backpack option!

Top tips for travelling with hand luggage only

When you’re going through the airport, you’ll want to hold up the line as little as possible when preparing your bag to put on the conveyor belt (you don’t want to be that person who takes five hours to sort out their things and makes everyone behind you sigh loudly!) .

You already know that you can’t bring liquids over 100 ml, even if the liquid inside the bottle is less than 100 ml and so just leave those bottles at home. Keep your liquids in a clear plastic bag and in an accessible place (I keep mine in the front pocket of my suitcase so that if they leak, they don’t ruin my clothing) .

You also might want to invest in some travel sized reusable bottles . These are both environmentally more friendly than purchasing tiny bottles all the time and you can actually take your favourite products with you!

If possible, try to prepare your bags in advance of time (and at home) so that you don’t miss any liquids when going through the scanner.

After all, it would be a shame to have to throw away your favourite lipstick! Next, be sure to have all medicine clearly labelled and be sure to have a copy of your prescription on you at all times.

When it comes to travelling with hand luggage only, you’ll want to try and be as organised as possible so that you can make proper use of the space available. This means compartmentalising your things and placing them in plastic bags (or preferably canvas bags if you’re trying to be environmentally friendly) .

Be sure to bring plenty of extra bags so you don’t have to mix your clean and dirty laundry (no one likes doing this, even by accident!). 

Of course, when you’re travelling with just hand luggage, finding enough space is your worst enemy! After all, you don’t have very much of it.

To conserve space, and make sure you’re able to pack that extra pair of sunglasses, or even that extra dress, be sure to wear all of your heaviest items while actually travelling. Things like heavy boots and winter coats take up plenty of space and can easily be worn through the airport instead!

To ensure that you can pack as many outfit variations as possible, pack plenty of versatile items. For example, a scarf (which is pretty much an autumn / spring/ winter staple anyway) can be used as a blanket, as a scarf, or as a way of accessorizing an otherwise boring outfit.

Pack your bag with a capsule wardrobe in mind. Think colourways and patterns that go together, as well as neutral coats/ jackets/ shoes that will go with pretty much everything you bring with you!

This is one of those tips for travelling with hand luggage only that begins before you even think about going away! When you’re selecting your hand baggage piece to purchase, ensure that you’re choosing not only a durable bag but one with plenty of pockets.

Again, the lack of space in your luggage means that you should be as organised as possible, and having plenty of compartments allows you to do this in an easy fashion.

Update: as of 2023, I have been using a Cabin Zero backpack that some friends bought me for my birthday- it’s been really helpful for packing things conveniently into a small space!

Most people will pack for a holiday and bring even more outfits than the number of days that they’ll actually be in a destination. As such, when planning to travel with only hand luggage, it’s worth remembering that you’ll likely need a lot less than you think.

Of course, depending on when you’re going, you should also remind yourself that you can likely purchase anything that you’ve forgotten when you get to your new destination.

With this being said, when it comes to warm clothing, you can’t be too prepared. Always  bring the spare jumper/ pair of thermals (learned from personal experience!)

Of all the tips for travelling with hand luggage only, this is probably the advice I personally need to follow the most but is something that should go without sating.

Unless you’re packing some kind of seasonal/ specialised clothing, if you haven’t worn the piece recently, chances are you won’t wear it anytime on the trip! Don’t pack it and save the packing space for something you’ll  actually  want.

When you think about it, you really only need to travel with two pairs of shoes, especially if you’re going with hand luggage only. I personally always go away with a pair of boots that are semi-waterproof and can be dressed up for evening meals, as well as a pair of trainers/ tennis shoes to walk around during the day. If it’s the summer, I’ll also pack a pair of easy to walk in sandals that can easily go from day to night.

The age-old question is whether you should be rolling or folding your hand luggage items. Well, I personally prefer to roll my clothes as I find that they stack much more easily, meaning that I can fit extra dresses and t-shirts in my bag!

However, others prefer to fold their clothes, and so the choice is totally up to you! Just make sure to weigh your bag before you go- many airlines restrict hand luggage to 8 KG or 10 KG only!

And while we’re on the subject on how to pack your clothes when travelling with only hand luggage, you might consider splurging on some packing cubes.

These little pockets are total game-changers and will easily allow you to separate your clothes and belongings, allowing you to stay organised and easily find the most essential of items. Check packing cube prices here.

If you’re going to be spending time at the airport, then no doubt you’ll want to spend time on your phone or laptop prior to taking off. Though you may have everything easily to hand thanks to the aid of packing cubes, that doesn’t mean you want to go unpacking all your chargers in the departure lounge! As such, be sure to fully charge all your electronics at home before even making your way to the airport.

If you’re truly trying to cut down on your packing list and want to save a little weight, then switch to paperless. I was given a Kindle as a Christmas present close to a decade ago and haven’t looked back since.

Easy, fast, and convenient, I love the fact that I can read up to a month’s worth with a single charge and take an entire library with me as I travel, without the need for being weighed down by a library’s weight!

I also love that the Kindle allows you to download books with the press of a single button, without having to wait for a book to be delivered or even without having to leave your reading nook! Check the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite prices and further information here .

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

DiscoverNet | These Simple Tips Will Make Traveling With Just One Carry-On Bag Even Easier

Saturday 10th of June 2023

[…] For many travelers having at least one formal look is essential, if not necessary. But sometimes, there is not enough room in your luggage for extravagant statement pieces and ensembles. Limiting your dressy outfits is better if this is one of those times. One of the best ways to look chic without overdoing it on the packing side is to rely on those versatile pieces and pre-planned outfits you have already packed (per Solo Sophie). […]

Abdurrahman Nazim

Saturday 19th of May 2018

Nice article, nice tips.

Saturday 18th of November 2017

Good tips for travel light with just a luggage

15 Handy Tips on How to Travel with Hand Luggage Only

The thrill of adventure, the excitement of exploring new destinations – they all come to life when you’re jetting off on a travel adventure.

However, the process leading up to that moment, especially dealing with luggage, can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re looking to streamline your travel experience and not check in any bags, there’s a solution that many savvy travellers swear by – the art of travelling with hand luggage only.

In this guide, we’ll reveal the best tricks and tips to help you navigate the world of carry-on travel seamlessly.

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Rome

Rome one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. Its incomparable history landmarks, scenic streets, and outstanding local cuisine…

Travelling to St Albans: A Full Guide

Planning a trip to the charming city of St. Albans? Fantastic choice! Located in Hertfordshire, England, St Albans is a historical gem with a rich…

10 Tips for Surviving an Early Morning Flight

There are lots of perks to booking an early morning flight, from cheaper tickets to having longer to spend the first day of your holiday,…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Budget Travel » Travelling with Hand Luggage Only – How to Travel Carry-On Only in 2024

Travelling with Hand Luggage Only – How to Travel Carry-On Only in 2024

After almost four years of solid backpacker experience, and a couple more years dabbling in and out of Europe before that, I’ve learned a thing or two. Packing light is the name of the game.

You save serious cash by not checking in baggage on flights and the airport process is plane sailing (sorry). But most importantly, you learn how to become a pro-packer backpacker.

Of course, it comes with some limitations. The size of your baggage is important. And those pesky liquids… (we would have gotten away with it if it wasn’t Manchester Airport).

Learning how to pack the bare essentials is a skill, and it takes some practice. But trust me, it can be done.

I’ve done 6-month backpacking trips with as little as 40 litres of luggage and it was splendid. I have never checked a bag in EVER whilst backpacking and I swear by the process of carry-on only.

Although some airlines may be assholes (I’m looking at you EasyJet), this guide is filled with tried and tested methods that’ll get you travelling light in no time.

Enough waffle, here’s how to travel with carry-on only.

Why You Should Travel with Hand Luggage Only

Choosing the right luggage for you, limitations of travelling carry-on only, negatives about going carry-on only, how to travel with cabin baggage only, carry-on only packing list, tips and tricks to get more into your carry-on, faqs about travelling carry-on only, final thoughts on travelling with just hand luggage.

Budget backpacking rocks, but it’s next-level awesome with hand luggage only! The first reason to travel light (and my favourite) is that you don’t have to lug a massive backpack everywhere you go.

Other reasons include not having to wait for baggage claim and reducing clutter inside your pack. You also get to keep all your valuables with you and don’t run the risk of delayed or lost flights /baggage.

But we all know what the main reason is to travel carry-on only… saving money.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Saving that $$$

Ok, so we are all broke backpackers, right? And even if you’re not broke, who doesn’t love saving money? I know I do anyway.

Flying is expensive enough. Travelling carry-on only prevents you from having to pay extra to check in a bag.

For long-haul international flights with multiple stopovers, this can save you hundreds of dollars. Even for short international or domestic flights, you can save $20-50 a pop.

Whilst this may not seem like a big deal as a one-off, just imagine how much you can save across a whole backpacking trip. Psst , it’s a lot!

For example, I’m currently backpacking the Philippines and here you need to fly EVERYWHERE, you know, from island to island. I have saved hundreds on this Southeast Asia trip so far.

That money is being better spent on other things, like surfboard rentals and waterfall tours. Much better, right?

Ok, so you wanna save some cash, but you gotta invest a little to save a lot. Choosing the right luggage for YOU is a big decision. Determining the type of traveller you are will dictate the best carry-on luggage for you.

I personally travel with the extremely popular Osprey Farpoint 40 – it’s popular for a reason. I have used my Farpoint 40 on four big backpacking trips and I can’t imagine ever buying a different pack. I just love it.

My partner uses the Nomatic Travel Bag 40 . Both the Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Nomatic Travel Bag 40 fit almost any carry-on size requirements and are extremely durable, stylish and functional.

If you’re looking for a wheeled duffel then the Osprey Transporter is a good shout and it comes in a variety of different sizes.

Check out other great alternative carry-on backpacks below!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

The limitations of your hand luggage size will depend on the airline you are flying with. The standard size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm though.

Be sure to check your airline’s carry-on allowance which can be as small as 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Most airlines also allow a personal item in addition to a cabin bag. It’s important to note that you should also check your carry-on weight allowance.

The standard hand luggage weight allowance is 7kg . Airlines often don’t check this but sometimes they do, so watch out. I like to take heavy items such as battery packs and liquids and stuff them into my pockets if I think they’re going to weigh my bag down.

Another tip is that many airlines allow a personal item that you can stash under the seat in front of you but this is often omitted from the weight limit, so whatever is heavy can just be your ‘personal item’. 😉

Differences Across the World 

I must admit – I am far from an expert when it comes to flying in the USA and Canada. Though I’ve got the rest of the world pretty well covered. And 99% of the time, the differences come down to the airlines.  

No matter what, always check the airline’s luggage restrictions for size and weight. Some airlines are super relaxed and will even let you sneak on more bags sometimes. Just watch out for strict airlines who are under strict orders to rake in whatever cash they can. 

The restrictions for things such as liquids usually come down to the country’s and airport’s specific restrictions. So again, I can’t say anything except preparing is key .

It’s important to consider what you should NOT put in your carry-on . Knowing what’s off-limits will help you avoid hiccups at security.

Don’t Just Take My Word For It

I’m not mister know it all. Check out some of the other friendly faces from The Broke Backpacker and what they had to say about travelling carry-on only in different parts of the world.

Dani’s Adventures: Hand Luggage Only in SEA

Dani has been in Southeast Asia for the past year or so. At this point, she’s basically a local. I’ve never seen anyone pack as light as Dani, when I heard rumours that she used to travel with a 20L pack I honestly just laughed. I thought I was good at this sh*t.

I’ve spent a large majority of the last 12 months exploring the incredible countries of Southeast Asia (SEA) with just my lil carry-on bag. And I’ve learned a thing or two; that’s for sure.  

If there is one place in the world where you can EASILY go carry-on only, it’s SEA. More often than not all you’ll need are a couple of pairs of swimmers, a sarong (if you want to head to the temples), a couple of T-shirts, a pair of sandals, a rain jacket and not a whole load else! 

The first 6 months I spent in Thailand I had a 20L pack with ALL my stuff. But to be honest – that was wild – even for me. I’ve now upgraded to the 40L REI Co-op Ruckpack and it’s perfect. I can even fit my snorkel and all my journals that seem to be stacking up! 

I’ve mainly travelled with Air Asia to get between countries and they seem to be pretty chill with baggage (especially compared to Europe!) .

A top tip from me is to make sure that you check in online as this often means you don’t have to go to the check-in desk. If you’re a couple of kilos or cm over the size limit – this is a crucial step to miss as it’s where they will often weigh your bags. 

Laura gets around Europe’s budget airlines

When you’re a true Broke Backpacker, Europe can be pretty tricky to navigate. Yet, Laura manages to find her way around all sorts of places. Only travelling with hand-luggage hasn’t just saved just saved hundreds of €€€, it’s also saved a whole heap of fannying around in European airports.

Pre-pandemic, I travelled across Europe on €20 return tickets – all my hand luggage comfortably in tow. 

But then, you know, 2020… it all changed. Global pandemic problems. 

Prices started to creep up and all the budget airlines did a Ryanair special on us. All of the tickets started coming with a “small hand luggage only” stamp: you have to pay extra if you want to bring anything but the basics in a small backpack. 

Does this mean that I’m paying extra for flying with luggage in Europe? Am I buggery.

First off, I have pretty much boycotted Ryanair at this point. I choose airlines with more relaxed restrictions. The staff are usually more easygoing and – unless you’re taking the piss – they’re not after catching anyone out. 

Secondly, I travel with a squishy bag. This means that IF they do stop you, I can squish it into the sizer. Worst case scenario, I wear all my clothes and it’ll be an extremely warm flight.  

If you do need to bring extra luggage, it’s cheapest to pay to add large hand luggage rather than checked. Then you can keep both the small and big hand luggage – which should be PLENTY for any backpacker. 

Pro booking tip: Bypass the part on the booking website where they sell you a package deal of luggage + a seat. If you don’t mind where you sit on the plane, adding luggage later in the booking process is usually the best way to make your flight cheaper .

Samantha’s take on going carry-on only in the USA

The USA is certainly not a cheap place to backpack or travel, and domestic air travel is nothing short of a headache. Samantha chimes in about how she’s managed to avoid the inflated fees and deal with some of the cheapest and least forgiving (not in price but in services) airlines in the world…

Let’s be real. The US is one of the most expensive places in the world, and to be quite honest, I’ve never really travelled in it as it simply does not appeal to me. I now live in Asia, which as Dani shared, is pretty easy to travel carry on only.

BUT, I haven’t jumped into this post for nothing! For years, I routinely travelled domestically between my home state of Connecticut and my university in Florida, and you be that I NEVER paid for a checked bag.

I’ve even travelled on Spirit Airlines (one of the worst in the world, even beating out Ryanair) with a pack that certainly should not have made it by indulging in a bit of… trickery. I’ve re-used old luggage tags and even engaged in a bit of Photoshop fun when the airline used to allow you to print your boarding pass.

I’ve also done some things like having a family member or travel partner stand elsewhere with my bag while I checked in, so they didn’t realize I had a larger carry-on to weigh when they only allowed personal items!

But even as a broke backpacker, when travelling in the USA , it really is worth it to use a more reputable airline these days. Since the pandemic hit, domestic airlines have been as pathetic as ever. So that’s why I highly recommend flying with JetBlue when it’s available . It has an insane amount of legroom in economy, FREE high-speed Wifi on all flights, and a pretty solid carry-on allowance.

Just make SURE to check in right when it opens though – boarding groups E-F are routinely denied that sweet overhead luggage space, which is yet another post-2020 problem that never seemed to be an issue beforehand.

Now then, travelling with just hand luggage isn’t without its negatives. You’re gonna have to make some sacrifices in order to pack light . You may even have to be brutally honest with yourself and ask yourself some of the following questions.

• Do you really need a big bulky DLSR or will your phone camera do just fine?

• Do you need a laptop or can you just use your phone?

• Is more than one pair of shoes (plus sandals) essential?

• Can I buy this at my destination to save space?

• Do you really need all these hygiene products? Are some purely luxury items?

• How often am I going to have to do my laundry? (Often).

When you travel carry-on, it’s unlikely you’re gonna be dripping in designer on the road. There is a lack of flexibility in what you can bring with you.

If you’re travelling somewhere cold, like Europe in winter, you’re going to find it a lot harder to pack light than someone just packing boardshorts and vests for a trip in Southeast Asia . But it’s still doable nevertheless.

In my opinion, the worst thing about going carry-on only is that you can’t afford to leave much space in your bag. This means it’s very tough to acquire items on the road and bring gifts or souvenirs home with you.

So, how the hell do you pack so light and travel with hand luggage only? Well, you’ve got to start from scratch.

First things first, you HAVE to prioritise. My general rule is that if I think I may not need it, or I can buy it on the road, I won’t pack it. I only pack what I KNOW I’m going to need. If there’s any doubt in my mind, it’s a no from me.

One of the biggest travelling light hacks is… good packing cubes . Yep, packing cubes really help you to prioritise your pack and keep everything super organised. I use the Amazon Basics packing cubes and can recommend them as a good budget option.

Packing things tightly helps to maximise space in your bag. Packing cubes are the best tool for this. They’re legendary for when you’re moving about and always have to repack your bag too.

There is no secret to travelling carry-on only. It’s purely about sacrifices and priorities. Now, I am a hairless male who is fortunate enough to not need any skincare, hair, makeup or cosmetic products; and that defo helps.

But I do have my own priorities that I make work. Believe it or not, I go carry-on only WITH a travel fishing rod (and fishing gear), a laptop, a GoPro and a large reusable water bottle. So if I can do it with this crap, you’re makeup bag excuse is invalid. 😉

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When you’ve only got 40 litres or so of space, and several miles to hawk this bag on your back, you must evolve or crumble in the travel life. You can’t become attached to things. Yet still, we do. 

Here are some things I am seriously attached to in my hand luggage kit.

Nomatic Travel Bag 40L

• Weight > 3.42 lbs
• Capacity > 40L
• Included Accessories > Laundry Bag, Waist Straps
• Price > $289.99

Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set

• Weight > 2.5 oz combined
• Dimensions > 3 in × 9 in × 3 in
• Price > $42

SeaToSummit Microfibre Towel

• Dimensions > 81.28 x 40.64 x 0.51 cm; 72.57 Grams
• Price > $18.94

Nomatic Collapsible Sling

• Weight > 1.36KG
• Capacity > 3L
• Price > $59.99

International Travel Adapter

• Weight > 4.1 ounces
• Price > $21.99

After nearly four years of backpacking carry-on only, I’d consider myself to be somewhat of a professional at this stuff. In my time, I’ve learnt a good few tips and tricks on how to bypass strict rules and fit more into carry-on only. Some of these tips are kinda obvious… but some are genius, hehe.

• Wear as much as you can on the plane – Obvious, but golden. Wearing all your heavy and bulky items like shoes and jackets on the plane keeps them out of your bag. And you can always take them off mid-flight.
• Take a bum bag – Airlines rarely consider this to be luggage and you can fit a surprising amount in a good fanny pack . It’s like an extra front pocket on your rucksack for chargers and valuables.
• Fill your pockets – This one isn’t the most useful tip in the world, but every little helps, right? If you have a big jacket with zip pockets, load ’em up. Why not?
• Pack a day bag – This is standard procedure for me. I pack an empty day bag into my main bag and transfer any overspilled items into my day pack when I’m not flying.
• Get a duty-free carrier bag – This is my best and most tip-top secret super cheeky tip . I’ve never been caught doing this, but it is risky – do so at your own risk. What I do is fill a duty-free carrier bag with extra items. Airline staff rarely check what’s inside as duty-free items often don’t count towards your carry-on allowance.

However You Travel, Travel Insured

Travelling without insurance is a rookie money-saving error. You don’t want to skimp on safety, and a medical bill can set you back a silly amount. Don’t risk it, get good travel insurance .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about travelling carry-on only. If you have any of your own, drop them in the comments below.

What is the best carry-on only backpack?

I use and can vouch for the Osprey Farpoint 40 . I love this bag to bits and it comes with a lifetime guarantee… beat that. Other great carry-on-sized backpacks include the Nomatic Travel Bag 40 and the Peak Design Travel Pack 30 .

What is the carry-on luggage size?

This will depend on the airline you are flying with but the standard size is 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Be sure to check with your airline first though because some budget airlines can go as small as 55 x 35 x 20 cm. Most airlines also allow a personal item in addition to a cabin bag. It’s important to note that you should also check your carry-on weight allowance.

What should I pack in carry-on only luggage?

Probably everything you’re gonna need for your trip if you’re going carry-on only. You can always buy items along the way such as clothing so all you really need is your passport, your phone, and a change of clothes, I guess.

What is not allowed in carry-on luggage?

The usual stuff; firearms, explosives, and chemical weapons. Seriously though, you usually can’t bring liquids of over 100ml, blades of any kind, flammable items, and ammunition. Check what you are allowed to bring in your carry-on with your specific airline, as rules are often different.

How the f*ck do you fit everything in THAT?

The secret is that I cut corners. I travel with packing cubes, tightly rolled clothing, minimal luxury items and I’m a boy, so I use all-in-one shower gel and shampoo. I don’t bring anything I might not need and always ditch items that no longer serve me.

I hope you have been inspired to embrace minimalism and give travelling carry-on only a go. Having such a light pack is liberating and really reduces decision fatigue.

I have only ever travelled with hand luggage and have NEVER paid to check in a bag when I’m backpacking. There’s no feeling like hopping off a flight and going straight to the whip without standing around waiting for delayed baggage.

The best thing about travelling with only hand luggage is that you save so much money. But there are definitely some negatives about it too. I often struggle to deal with walking away from souvenirs I LOVE but just won’t fit in my bag.

The best way to successfully travel with only hand luggage is to have a plan and invest in some good gear such as packing cubes. I can recommend the Osprey Farpoint 40 as a great carry-on compliant bag for your travels as this is the bag I’ve used for the past four years or so.

Remember, before you go for it, make sure you check your airline’s baggage limitations. Each airline is different and some are notoriously strict (*cough* EasyJet, *cough* Ryanair).

Worst case scenario, you can just pay to check in your extra baggage. In my opinion, it’s always worth the risk, life’s all about risks after all!

Disclaimer: Some of the tips and tricks in this article are ‘bending the rules’ . Success is not guaranteed. If you get caught, you didn’t hear it from me 😉

• Let’s team up and help you find cheap flights for your next adventures.
• Make sure you’re planning your trip the right way .
• When your flight gets delayed, you have options, like claiming flight delay compensation .
• We’ve been to the most EPIC backpacking destinations . Check out our top picks!
• Find the best tips on how to travel cheap in expensive countries .
• Since you’re travelling with hand luggage only, here are the best carry-on backpacks for your next adventure.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Joe Middlehurst

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

How To Pack Hand Luggage: 15 Money-Saving Packing Tips

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PACK HAND LUGGAGE?

Have you ever unpacked after a trip and wondered why you’ve taken something with you or found things you never wore in your bag? Me too!

Packing for every possible situation feels like a good idea, but it’s the quickest way to overfill your bag, lug stuff around that you don’t need and pay a small fortune in checked baggage fees. Travelling hand luggage only is the way to go.

I’ve been travelling internationally for over 40 years and learned how to pack hand luggage through trial and error. Today, I travel with and luggage only by choice. And yes, that’s included short breaks, week-long business trips, city breaks and extended trips, including months of backpacking around Egypt .

Travelling light saved me time and lots of money ! Without a hold bag, I could speed through departures and arrivals and avoided hefty hold baggage fees . You could too!

Your bags also won’t get battered, lost or stolen between check-in and the baggage reclaim, and it’s easier to get around when you don’t have a heavy checked bag to worry about!

Over the years, I’ve picked up carry-on-only travel hacks and tricks that make travelling carry-on only easy. Here are my very best tips for packing hand luggage only, whether you want to know how to pack hand luggage for a week, a few days or a longer trip:

How to Pack Hand Luggage: 15 Best Tips

1. pick clothes that work together.

With three coordinating tops, three pairs of trousers, shorts or skirts, and three layering pieces (jumpers or cardigans), you’ll have 18 possible outfit combinations. Throw in a couple of pretty scarves that take up next to no room and can “lift” an outfit.

The best way to avoid running out of outfits when travelling with a carry-on bag is to mix and match, picking neutral colours and styles that work together.

Top tip : Check if there’s a launderette near your accommodation. Alternatively, use the hotel laundry service or wash a few items by hand while you’re away so that you can recycle your outfits.

2. Buy Stuff When You Get There

You may be able to buy things once you’ve arrived, such as sunglasses, sunhats, sandals, and toiletries. It’s a sustainable way to travel and helps support local businesses.

Pro Tip: Remember that your baggage limit will be the same for your trip home too!

3. Pack a Laundry Sack

You may be unable to do any laundry before re-packing your bag, so pop a laundry sack into your bag to separate clean and soiled items.

Top tip: Use the plastic hotel laundry bag, then store it in your bag and use it repeatedly! I have one that’s at least five years old! Alternatively, an old pillow slip works just as well.

4. Pack Clothing That Takes Up As Little Space as Possible

Lightweight, multipurpose clothes work best for travelling carry-on only, as these items usually pack into a tiny space.

Pick cleverly engineered technical fabrics that look smart enough for a city break, work well for more rural or off-the-beaten-track locations, and dry in a snap after hand-washing.

Pro Tip: Pack layers rather than bulk for cold destinations.

5. Fold and Roll

Now you know what to pack, it’s time to make it fit. Here’s how to pack hand luggage efficiently:

• Fill the spaces on hard-shell cases behind the handle with small items, like your undies, swimwear and lightweight clothes.
• Roll your clothes to save space in your bag and to minimise creasing. Stack your rolled items next to each other.
• Stuffing shoes with small items like socks will help them hold their shape and make the most of the space in your bag.

6. Fill EVERY Nook and Cranny

Put fragile items like sunglasses or camera lenses inside a sock, and stow them inside your shoes. You’ll get rid of dead space and protect your precious items at the same time.

7. Use Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the ultimate minimalist packing tool! Once you’ve folded and rolled your clothes, pack them into compression packing cubes, then see how much space you save when you do up the compression zip.

If you need to open your cabin bag at airport security, your clothes won’t all tumble out and ruin your careful packing! I personally use these compression packing cubes , which are made from recycled plastic bottles!

8. Maximise Your Second Bag

Check whether your airline and your ticket type permit you to take a personal item (such as a handbag, laptop bag or camera bag) in addition to your primary carry-on bag.

If you can, you’ll have to stow this in the footwell, beneath the seat in front of you. That means your bag needs to be flexible and sturdy.

Pack the things you’ll need on the flight in this bag so they are easy to access during the flight.

9. Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes

Wearing your coat and bulkiest shoes to travel is the best way to save precious packing space – you can shed layers after boarding the aircraft.

Use your pockets for reusable water bottles, brolly, or gloves. It’s a great way to bring a few extra things, but don’t go crazy!

Top Tip : A stuffable down jacket that packs down tiny into a small stuff sack is one of the easiest hacks for how to pack hand luggage.

10. Minimise Your Liquids and Switch to Solids

Restrictions on hand luggage liquids can be a hassle. The TSA Liquids Rule limits you to one one-litre clear bag for all liquids in containers no bigger than 100ml each.

Find everything you need to know about the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rules here , including which items you can and can’t pack in your hand luggage.

• Decant essential toiletries into 100ml bottles . ( Remember to wash these out and reuse them for your next trip ).
• Switch to solids wherever possible. For example, switch your spray or roll-on deodorant for a stick deodorant . Or, try solid shampoo and conditioner instead of liquids. Consider taking a soap bar instead of shower gel and buying toothpaste tablets rather than toothpaste. Solid products won’t count as liquids; they last well and are better for the environment.
• Pack minimal toiletries that you can use for more than one purpose. For example, a cream blusher can double up as a lip colour and eye cream, and you can use a dash of shampoo to handwash a few clothes.

The  TSA  classifies solid deodorant, lipstick and bars of soap as solids. They don’t need to go in your hand luggage liquids bag. Still, any final decision on whether an item is allowed will always rest with the local security officer.

Security agents who insist these items fit into the hand luggage liquids bag have challenged me at several UK airports. Be warned if you’re flying into or within the UK!

Read More >>> Can I pack scissors in my carry-on bag?

11. Keep Your Essentials on Hand

Keep your passport, phone, money, and boarding pass in a bum bag (fanny pack), neck pouch or secure zipped pocket. You’ll need easy access to them as you pass through the airport.

Organise your liquid bag BEFORE leaving for the airport, and stow it somewhere easily accessible. You don’t want to be the disorganised passenger who holds up the whole security queue or to have your posh new lipgloss confiscated because you forgot to put it in your liquids bag.

12. Go Digital

Wherever possible, switch to digital devices to save space in your cabin bag, but don’t forget to pack your charger and power bank. Here are a few ways to make the most of digital devices:

• Download boarding passes onto your phone to avoid the need to print and stow your travel documents
• Load your favourite books onto an eReader
• Tidy up the cables for your devices with inexpensive hair bands, and tuck them all into one bag so that you can locate them quickly

13. Charge Your Devices

Make sure to charge your electronic devices fully before you travel. If any devices in your hand luggage won’t power up when a security agent asks, you won’t be allowed to take them on the plane with you.

A multi-port charger is a great way to charge up more than one device and free up space in your bag.

Here’s the multi-port charger that I use – it’s lightning-fast with a heap of security features to protect your devices. It’s compact and lightweight too.

14. Pick Your Camera Carefully

Consider leaving your big (heavy) DSLR camera at home and travelling with a lightweight mirrorless camera . Alternatively, take all your photos on your smartphone.

15. Ditch the Chunky Jewellery

Jewellery can be a magnet for the wrong kind of attention when travelling, especially if you’re a solo female traveller. Consider taking only the bare minimum of jewellery with you, and keep it subtle to save on packing space and look after your security.

Top tip: If you’re a solo female traveller, a fake wedding ring can help you to avoid unwanted attention. I used one every time in Egypt – it worked like a charm!

How To Pick The Right Hand Luggage

As there is no industry standard hand luggage size, and airlines often update their rules, before you buy a cabin bag , you should:

1. Check your airline’s hand luggage specifications

2. Check the cabin baggage allowance for each flight if you’re taking more than one flight or flying with more than one carrier.

As a general rule of thumb, international and national airlines tend to have a size restriction of 55 x 35 x 20 cm or 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and you can stow your bag in the overhead locker.

Others, typically budget airlines , have much smaller baggage size (and weight) allowances, especially on their “no-frills” fares, and you may have to fit your bag under the seat in front of you. It pays to check, as paying hold luggage charges at the check-in desk is very expensive!

What’s the best hand luggage to buy?

You need a carry-on bag that works on the way to the airport, on the flight, and at your destination. Wheeled bags can be a great option, but if you hop on and off trains and buses, navigate uneven terrain, or walk a long way, you might be more comfortable with a backpack.

Top Tip: Bags with plenty of pockets and soft sides are handy, as they help keep your stuff well organised. Packing and accessing your belongings is also easier with a front-loading (suitcase-style) bag.

I use this Flight Knight case for city breaks, as it’s one of the lightest rolling cases you can buy at just 1.5kg, and it’s approved for multiple airlines.

For short breaks with Ryanair, I LOVE my 20-litre 40x25x20 under-seat backpack . It fits a surprising amount and was plenty big enough for 5 days away!

For longer trips where I only want to travel with hand luggage but don’t want a wheeled cabin bag, this Osprey backpack is my old favourite!!

Typically, 20-26 litre bags are a good size for a long weekend, while 30-45 litre luggage is perfect for longer trips. If you need a larger bag, this backpackers checklist is helpful.

Pro Tip: After you’ve packed your bag, use a digital luggage scale to check (and double-check) the weight of your bag!

Can I take 2 bags as hand luggage?

Some airlines allow you to take a cabin bag (typically a small wheeled bag) that you can stow in the overhead lockers and a personal item (that you must stow under the seat in front of you).

Check your baggage allowance before you book!

Wrap Up: How to Pack Hand Luggage

Now you know how to pack carry-on bags for TSA checks like a pro; you can travel for weeks with everything you need – without lugging a massive suitcase around. Adios, baggage claim!

If you’re planning a trip soon, be sure to bookmark these tips on how to pack hand luggage for later!

Pin How to Pack Hand Luggage to Pinterest for Later!

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

Similar Posts

How to Fly in a Wheelchair: 5 Best Tips for Easier Wheelchair Travel

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of…

25 Best Long Haul Flight Tips: How to Survive a Long Flight

What to Pack for Yorkshire, UK: Your Ultimate Guide

34 Best Travel Tips For Egypt: Things to Know Before You Go

Can You Take Honey On A Plane? Complete Guide (+TSA Rules)

The Ultimate Women’s Packing List for Travel to Egypt

Protect Your Trip »

How to pack a suitcase (and not hate it): 12 expert tips.

Take the stress out of vacation prep with these simple hacks.

How to Pack a Suitcase

Getty Images

Rolling your clothes, making packing lists and bringing a laundry bag are a few of the ways you can pack your suitcase like a pro.

While nearly everyone gets excited to go on vacation, almost no one looks forward to packing beforehand. This dreaded task is only made worse by the threat of wrinkled clothes, forgotten items and broken gear when you arrive at your destination. Read on to learn how to pack a suitcase like a pro.  

Choose the right bag

Choosing the right bag for your trip, needs and style is key to achieving packing success. Narrow down your choice with these multi-purpose options, from soft-sided and hard-sided carry-on bags to travel backpacks and duffels:

• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Checked Luggage
• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Weekender Bags for Women
• The Best Duffel Bags in Every Style
• The Best Travel Backpacks

Invest in packing cubes

Frequent travelers swear by these highly rated packing cubes – lightweight, zip-up compartments allow you to separate different types of clothing, accessories, and even toiletries within your suitcase. They can also help to keep clothing wrinkle-free.

Pack everything from underwear to charging devices in individual packing cubes to keep everything organized and easily accessible. You might even purchase a few packing cube sets in different colors to organize your belongings by color (clothing items in red packing cubes, accessories in blue, etc.) or by a family member. Once you arrive at your lodging, just take the packing cubes out of your bag and place them in the dresser drawer.

Make a few packing lists

Before you start packing, jot down one list of must-haves and a second list of other items that you'd like to bring, but that aren't totally necessary. This will help you to avoid overpacking. Also write a list of last-minute items you'll need to throw in your bag just before you leave.

Read: What to Pack in a Carry-on Bag

Assemble a capsule wardrobe

Emirates cabin crew member Lauren Guilfoyle recommends assembling a capsule collection of basics like black pants, white jeans, neutral T-shirts and a denim jacket. These items are easy to mix and match and can be worn multiple times, so you won't need to pack a brand-new outfit for each day.

Roll your clothes

"Rolling your clothes helps to fit more and, if done right, helps to reduce wrinkles in the clothes you've packed," says Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant and current host of "The Jet Set" talk show. To do this efficiently, use the Army or Ranger Roll method, which involves folding up the bottom few inches and sleeves of a garment as shown here .

Wrap breakables in clothing

Traveling with wine bottles or other fragile items? Roll any breakables inside a few layers of clothing to prevent damage.

Wear bulky items on the plane

"Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel," Guilfoyle recommends. For example, if you're going to the beach, pack your flip-flops in your bag and wear your sneakers on the plane.

Pack a laundry bag

Scott Keyes, chief flight expert and founder of travel website Scott's Cheap Flights , advises bringing a separate, packable bag – even just a small plastic bag or trash bag – for dirty laundry. "[A trash bag] is simple, compresses super small and saves you from having to mix your clean and dirty clothes," Keyes says.

Fill in empty spaces

Be sure to use up any excess space. For instance, you can place socks and other small items inside of your shoes or a clutch purse.

Pack a wrinkle-release fabric spray

Not a fan of ironing or packing for a cruise and worried about wrinkle-prone clothing? Carry a bottle of wrinkle-release spray with you. Simply spray the liquid liberally on clothes while gently stretching and smoothing the garments to eliminate creases caused by packing. You might also consider packing wrinkle-resistant fabrics like 100% cotton, nylon and spandex.

Read:  The Best Garment Bags for Travel

Buy a portable luggage scale

Rather than trying to balance your luggage on your bathroom scale, hook this portable (and affordable) luggage scale onto any bag to check its weight. When you're finished, pack the scale in your baggage so you can check the suitcase's weight for your return flight as well.

Keep toiletries ready to go

To avoid the hassle of packing your toiletry bag every time you go on vacation, keep one in your closet filled with travel-sized items. If you run out of an item on a trip, be sure to refill it as soon as you get home so it's ready for your next getaway.

Read:  The Best Toiletry Bags

You might also be interested in:

• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?
• The Best Luggage Trackers
• Guide: Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• The Best Travel Neck Pillows
• The Best Passport Wallets

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 17 best costa rica tours.

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

The Best Kauai Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler April 11, 2024

The Top-Rated NYC Food Tours

Ann Henson April 11, 2024

The Best Things to Do in Maine

Mariya Greeley and Nicola Wood April 10, 2024

The Best Pearl Harbor Tours

John Rodwan and Amanda Norcross April 9, 2024

The Best Pigeon Forge Dinner Shows

Korrin Bishop April 9, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 8, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan April 4, 2024

The Ultimate Carry On Packing List After 12 Years of Travel

This page contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

We’ve been living out of carry-on bags for over 12 years now. We love the freedom that travelling light gives us—we can pack our belongings in 10 minutes, walk around easily with all our luggage, and breeze through airports without queuing at check-in desks or baggage carousels.

Below we share our current travel packing list. It has evolved over the years and is meant to give you a starting point for your own carry on packing list. You don’t need to follow it exactly as we all have our own preferences and needs. 

Living out of carry-on luggage for over a decade is very different from travelling for two weeks or even six months, and we’re certainly not ultralight travellers. We have a ton of electronics to run our online business, whereas many travellers could manage with just a phone.

We’ve added extra clothes over the years to reduce the amount of laundry we need to do and as I started running and yoga. I can’t believe in our first year we only had three tops and pairs of underwear!

We used to travel mostly in hot climates but have been spending more time in cooler places in winter. The packing list below works for multiple climates and I’ve noted the extra things we pack for cold places.

Our biggest change in recent years has been switching from one carry on backpack each to a rolling suitcase plus personal item. You can read more about that below as well as our carry on packing tips.

Our Carry On Suitcases

Our recommended carry-on backpacks, erin’s clothes, simon’s clothes, electronics, miscellaneous, documents and money, carry on packing tips, more carry-on packing posts, our change from carry-on backpack to suitcase.

After nearly ten years of carrying everything we own on our backs, we were ready for a change. 

We loved the freedom of travelling with a backpack—it’s easier to carry on rough streets, climb stairs, and hop on and off buses and boats.

But as we added more items over the years, our bags were getting heavier and we began to dread carrying them. 

Our travel style has also changed—we travel more slowly, often rent cars, and can afford to take taxis to our accommodation rather than walk. 

For travelling by bus around South America, a backpack made sense. When we spend more time in airports and cars, a suitcase makes life much easier. 

Back to Contents

I opted for the Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase and the Away Everywhere Bag (as my personal item for my electronics). 

With this combination I maximise the amount I can carry on a plane. I haven’t had any issues so far on 10 airlines (including budget European airlines like Ryanair).

I am prepared that on some stricter airlines, I may need to check the suitcase as it is on the larger size for hand luggage and not all airlines allow two bags. If you are worried about this, check out the smaller Away Carry-On instead.

I was nervous about the change, but Away offers an amazing 100 day free trial, so I knew I could return it if it didn’t work out. They also provide free delivery to the US, UK, and Canada.

I haven’t looked back. The suitcase is stylish, spacious, and durable. The smooth spinner wheels mean I can effortlessly roll it alongside me (no need to drag it behind). They even worked on cobbled streets in Europe.

I especially love how the Everywhere Bag slides over the handles of the suitcase, so I don’t have to carry a thing. Airports are so easy now!

Stairs are more challenging with a suitcase than with a backpack, but I think it’s worth it for easy rolling the rest of the time.

Simon was jealous of my burden-free travel days, so he has now converted to the Away Bigger Carry-On too.

He pairs his suitcase with a Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack, which he loves. It’s no longer available, but we also tested the Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack , which is similar.

The backpack has plenty of organisation, fits Simon’s two (!) laptops and large iPad, and has a sleeve so you can slide it onto suitcase handles and not need to carry it. 

I do still think backpacks are a great choice for many people, especially if you’ll be moving around a lot, taking public transport, and walking to your accommodation. 

They are best if you can pack lighter than we do—reducing electronics would help. 

Another advantage of backpacks is that you can get away with being over the allowed carry-on weight on planes, as they are less likely to be weighed. That said, our Away suitcases have yet to be weighed (thankfully). Read my tips on dealing with airline weight restrictions .

We think the Tortuga 40L Travel Backpack is the ideal carry-on backpack if you want plenty of space with good organisation, comfort, and a stylish design. See our Tortuga backpack review for full details.

If you’d prefer a smaller bag, I used to travel with and loved the Osprey Farpoint 40. They now offer a women’s specific fit, the Osprey Fairview 40 .

Our Carry-On Only Packing List

• Away Bigger Carry-On Suitcase (Erin and Simon) – Durable, incredibly spacious, and so easy to manoeuvre. It also comes with an optional built-in battery for charging your phone and a detachable laundry bag. 
• Away Everywhere Bag (Erin) – A stylish travel bag for my laptop and camera bag. It fits perfectly on the Away suitcase with a trolley sleeve and is also ideal as an overnight bag. This is my personal item on the plane and fits under the seat. 
• Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack (Simon) – A spacious, organised laptop bag with a sleeve to slide on the suitcase handle.  Great as an overnight bag too. Simon’s personal item on planes. 
• Matador Beast 18 Daypack – This packable backpack fits inside our luggage on travel days and is comfortable for hiking. It’s rather bulky, though, so the Matador Freefly16 is a much smaller, lighter option. Read our comparison of the best packable daypacks for more ideas.
• Reusable shopping bag – This is useful for shopping, beach visits, and storage of water and snacks on journeys. It folds up into a tiny pouch when not in use. 

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the secret to carry on packing. They are essential to help us fit more in our luggage and keep things organised. Read my post on  how to use packing cubes .

• Eagle Creek Pack-It compression cubes x 4 (Erin) – I love these as they are ultralight and squeeze my clothes down small. I have two medium cubes (one for tops, one for bottoms/dresses) and two small cubes (one for workout clothes, one for underwear). I have a set of Spectre and the newer Isolate cubes and both are good.
• Peak Design small and medium packing cubes (Simon) – For Simon’s underwear (small) and clothes (medium). These are heavier and don’t compress quite as much as the Eagle Creek ones, but they do have a useful separate compartment for dirty laundry and a more stylish design. 
• 2  Acai Skinny Outdoor Jeans – My new favourite travel-friendly jeans are super comfy, have huge pockets, and are shower-resistant. I have them in blue and black. They are UK based but ship internationally. For more options see my review of the best travel pants for women .When we spent most of our time in hot countries, I had linen trousers instead of the second pair of jeans. 
• 1-2 Leggings – For lounging, hiking, yoga, and planes. My favourites are the buttery soft Lululemon Align . The Wunder Under Tights are a bit warmer. The 25-inch is full length on me (5ft4) and I bought two sizes down as they stretch out.
• 1 RipSkirt Hawaii (Length 2) – This lightweight wrap skirt is perfect for throwing on after a swim as the water-shedding material means no wet bum marks and it dries so quickly. It’s also wrinkle-free and comes in lots of beautiful designs and various lengths.
• 1 -2 Shorts

Tops and Dresses

• 1 -2 Dresses
• 4 – 5 Short-sleeve tops or t-shirts – My favourite is the Bluffworks Threshold t-shirt which is super soft and odour-resistant.
• 1-2 Tank tops

• 1 Cashmere sweater – Cashmere is soft and light but it doesn’t machine wash that well (I do it anyway).
• 1 Fleece – I have one from North Face that’s lightweight with pockets and a hood.

Running Gear

• 1 Capri leggings   – I have the Lululemon Fast and Free High Rise Crop 19 inch which have handy pockets on the side and back.
• 1 Sports bra
• 2 Running socks – The Albirds Trino Sprinters are light, breathable, odour-resistant, and surprisingly durable.
• Runderwear underwear – So comfy!

Underwear and Swimwear

• 2 Bikinis  – I like Andie Swimwear.
• 7-9 Underwear
• 3 Socks – I don’t wear socks often. In cold places, I buy more as needed. 

I used to only travel with three pairs of shoes—running shoes, sports sandals, and ballet flats.

Now, when I’m in cold places I add a pair of Allbirds Wool Runners for casual use, so I can keep my running shoes just for running. They are perfect for travel—see the cold weather section below for details.

Alternatively, for rainier climates I like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles , which are water-resistant and have extra traction.

I sometimes add a pair of hiking shoes (for New Zealand, UK, and US National Parks), but it is hard to fit them in my suitcase. I currently have the Oboz Sypes low waterproof hiking shoes.

I like ballet flats for cities and evenings out. I’ve tried many over the years—see my Allbirds Tree Breezers review (which includes a comparison with Tieks and Rothy’s) as well as my Tieks review (after travelling with them for 8 years) and Rothy’s vs Tieks comparison. 

• Running shoes   – I’ve run in Allbirds Tree Dashers for years now. I love their neutral design (so I can wear them around town too) and they are comfy, breathable, fairly lightweight, and machine washable. See my Allbirds Tree Dashers review for details. 
• Sports sandals – My Teva Verra sandals are perfect for travel—super comfortable, waterproof, and practical for hikes but nice enough to wear in cities. Amazingly, there was no break-in period. Buy them on Amazon or from the Teva website .
• Ballet flats – My Allbirds Tree Breezers are ultra comfortable, lightweight, machine washable, and made from sustainable materials. I wear then on planes as they are easy to slip off at airport security. See my Allbirds flats review for more details. 
• Shower caps – I pick up a few shower caps from hotels to store my shoes in and protect my suitcase. 

Accessories

• Sunglasses – I like Maui Jims , which are expensive but durable, stylish and have polarised lenses to reduce glare (it really makes a difference). 

Cold Weather Extras

In cold weather, I add these extra items: 

• Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Down Jacket – It’s warm but light and packs down small in its own pocket. 
• Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket – It packs into its pocket and has pit zips and an adjustable hood. 
• Extra sweater – I prefer merino wool for its warmth and odour resistance.
• 1 Flannel shirt – I like the REI Wallace Lake Flannel Shirt .
• 2 Long sleeve t-shirts – A budget option is the Uniqlo Heatech Extra Warm top or for extra warmth, the Icebreaker 200 Oasis Crew Top .
• 1 Fleece-lined leggings – The Lululemon Base Pace Fleece Tights were ideal for hiking on our winter US National Parks road trip.
• Extra socks – My favourite are Smartwool medium crew socks , which are thick, warm, and odour-resistant. Darn Tough hiker micro crew socks are also excellent. Smartwool, Icebreaker and Darn Tough all make great merino socks. Check out REI for lots of choice.
• Allbirds Wool Runners – I love how cosy and warm these wool sneakers are! They are as comfortable as slippers and I can wear them without socks. They are machine washable too. See my Allbirds Wool Runners review for more details. 
• Fleece headband – For running.
• Scarf and gloves

See our Iceland packing list for what we pack when we are only visiting a cold country. 

Most of Simon’s clothes are from the small US company Bluffworks , which makes shopping really easy.

They make travel-friendly clothes that are stylish, durable, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking, and machine washable. Most feature hidden pockets to keep your phone and wallet safe.

Simon loves having clothes that are as suitable for active adventures as for dinners out and city exploring.

• 1 Aviator Travel Jeans – These are super comfortable, feature hidden zipped pockets, and the dark indigo colour looks great.
• 1 Bluffworks Ascender 5 Pocket Pants – They are dressier than normal travel trousers but still lightweight, quick drying, and with hidden zippered pockets for security. He’s worn them on hikes, horse riding, to fancy restaurants, and even to weddings! The khaki colour does stain easily so I recommend a darker colour. Read our detailed Bluffworks pants review .
• 2 Shorts – Simon looks for shorts with lightweight fabric and hidden zippered pockets. He loves his Clothing Arts Pick-Pocket Proof Business Travel Shorts and Bluffworks Ascender Shorts .
• 1 Board Shorts

• 5 T-shirts – Most of them are the wonderful Bluffworks Threshold t-shirts . They are as soft as cotton but moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and odour-resistant. He’s found them more durable than merino t-shirts (his previous go-to).
• 1 Long sleeve dress shirt – After struggling for years with shirts that wrinkled, Simon now travels with the brilliant Bluffworks Meridian dress shirt , which has all the features you need for travel—wrinkle-free, soft and comfortable, moisture-wicking, and quick drying. It looks great, too, and works as well for dinners out as it does for hikes. 
• 1 Long sleeve t-shirt – The Icebreaker 260 Tech Crewe Base Layer is the perfect light layer. As it’s merino it doesn’t smell.
• 1 Bluffworks Gramercy Shirt Jacket – Another genius creation by Bluffworks. This replaces Simon’s old fleece and his Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer . It’s more casual than the blazer but still looks stylish and has a cosy fleece lining and tons of pockets. It’s versatile enough to wear for bike rides or city travels and can be worn alone or under a down jacket for extra warmth.

• 7 underwear – His favourites are ExOfficio Give-n-Go Sports Boxer Briefs , which are very light and quick drying. 
• 4-7 socks – He prefers socks made from merino wool which is moisture-wicking and odour-resistant. REI, Icebreaker, and Smartwool are all good brands. Search REI for a range of options.

For nearly 10 years, Simon had just two pairs of shoes—hiking shoes and sports sandals.

A few years ago he also added a pair of casual sneakers, the Allbirds Tree Runners , which he loves. 

If you aren’t planning any major hikes, the Allbirds are great for travel as they are smaller, lighter, and easier to dress up than hiking shoes, and can be worn without socks. 

• Hiking shoes   – Currently he has the Keen Targhee III waterproof hiking shoes .
• Allbirds Tree Runners – The summer version of Allbirds are lightweight, comfortable, machine washable, and come in a range of fun colours. You can read our comparison of Allbirds tree vs wool runners here.
• Sports sandals – Simon has had a pair of Teva hiking sandals through all our years of travel and lives in them in warm climates. They are super comfortable, durable, and great for hot weather hikes and watersports. His current pair are the Teva Fi Lite . Shop for them on Amazon or the Teva website .

• Sunglasses – Like me, Simon has a pair of Maui Jims with polarised lenses. 

In cold weather he adds these items:

• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down jacket – This warm but light jacket packs down small into its own pocket.
• Marmot Eco PreCip rain jacket – A lightweight waterproof that packs into a small pocket but has features like a hood and pit zips. 

Remember to keep all your liquid toiletries in containers of 100 ml (3oz) or less if you are travelling by plane. Solid toiletries help minimise the liquids you need. 

• Toiletry bag  – We have the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag  which is lightweight and comes with a mirror and hook to hang it up when there’s nowhere to put it. We have the small version which is just enough space for all of our toiletries. 
• Small zip-lock bag – For liquids when flying. We usually fit our liquids into one bag between us.
• Solid shampoo bar + tin – A must for carry-on travel. Solid shampoo lasts ages and doesn’t use up your liquid allowance. We often use it as soap as well. We buy bars from either Lush (which has shops worldwide) or Ethique . 
• Toothbrush each + head cover
• Toothpaste (usually a 50 ml tube)
• Solid deodorant ( Salt of the Earth 50 g ) – The more solid toiletries you pack, the better. This natural crystal deodorant works well and lasts over a year. 
• Lip balm  
• Moisturiser – I like the Steamcream 75ml tins.
• Hand sanitiser (50 ml bottle) – Especially useful for bus journeys and hikes. Dr Bronner’s lavender hand sanitiser smells so good.
• Shaving oil (15 ml bottle) – Magic stuff! A tiny bottle lasts Simon nine months.
• Razor each + 2 or 3 spare blades
• Hairbrush (travel-size)
• Nail clippers
• Menstrual cup (Erin) – Essential for travellers who menstruate. A Mooncup or Divacup takes up less space than tampons (and you don’t have to worry about finding them abroad) and is better for the environment, your body, and your wallet.
• Hairbands and clips (Erin)

Sometimes we add these extra items in 50-100 ml (2-3 oz) bottles when needed:

• Hair conditioner
• Insect repellent
• Paracetamol – Painkillers.
• Loperamide (Imodium) – In case of traveller’s diarrhoea.
• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) – For motion sickness.
• Plasters (Band-Aids)
• Prescription medications
• Antihistamine – Simon has allergies, so we sometimes carry these.

We have way too many electronics but we do need/want them as we work as we travel. Most people on shorter trips will only need a phone, Kindle (if you read a lot), and perhaps an iPad.

Laptops and Accessories

• MacBook Pro 16-inch laptop + Incase neoprene case + charger (Simon) – Powerful enough for all his design and development work.
• Razor Blade 14 3070 Gaming Laptop – Yes, ridiculously Simon now travels with two laptops (I don’t recommend this as airport security is a pain). One for work, one for gaming. He loves it.
• MacBook Air M2 13-inch laptop + Comfyable sleeve  + charger (Erin) – Smaller and lighter than Simon’s laptop but powerful enough for my writing and photography.
• Western Digital 2 TB SSD external drive (Simon) – For backing up our laptops. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are well worth the expense for travel as they are tiny and much more durable than spinning disk drives.
• Sandisk 2 TB SSD external drive (Erin)
• Small mouse (Simon)
• International USB travel power adapter   – A power adapter that works worldwide with multiple USB ports makes charging all our devices so much easier. 
• Electronics Organizer – We have an Eagle Creek electronics bag that keeps our cables and accessories organised. It’s no longer available, but this Bagsmart Electronics Organizer is similar or we like the look of the Peak Designs Tech Pouch (they always make quality gear).

Photography (Erin)

Most travellers these days can manage with the camera on their phone and save lots of space. As a travel blogger, that’s not an option for me. 

I switched from DSLR to smaller but high quality mirrorless cameras years ago and think they are the best option for serious travel photographers. 

I pack everything in my Peak Designs bag and then place that inside my Away Everywhere Bag (my personal item) so I only have two pieces of luggage on travel days.  

I charge my camera with my Kindle’s USB cable. 

• Sony A7 III Mirrorless Camera – This full-frame camera takes high quality photos and is especially fantastic in low light. 
• Sony 16-35mm f4 lens – I love the wide angle on this lens for landscapes and interior shots. 
• Samyang 35mm f/2.8 lens – An inexpensive, small, and super light lens that’s ideal for street photography, food, and low light.
• Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag – I love this stylish, comfortable, versatile camera bag that can be carried in three ways. The inside can be configured to fit your camera and lenses using the velcro dividers. I have the 5L in the older version—the 6L is the nearest size in the new bag. 
• Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap – A versatile strap that’s so much more comfortable than a standard camera strap. It can be worn as a sling (my favourite), shoulder, or neck strap, and it’s easy to switch between the styles. 
• 2 batteries 
• 3 Sandisk Extreme 64GB SD cards  
• USB memory card reader  – For transferring photos to my laptop. 
• Lens pen  – For cleaning.

iPhones, iPad, Kindles, Watch

• iPhone 13 Pro (Simon) and iPhone 11 (Erin)- iPhones are becoming increasingly good for photography and I often use it when I don’t want to carry my camera. We buy local SIM cards with data plans in each new country. eSIMS are really convenient (no physical card and you can set them up before you arrive)—we’ve used Airalo in various countries.
• Peak Design Everyday Case – This brilliant phone case is slim, elegant, and protective. It connects to our Peak Design wallet to make a phone stand (we often use it for selfies). You can also get mounts for cars and bikes.
• Apple AirPods Pros x 2 (Both) – We both love the wireless AirPods so much and the noise cancelling is great in the Pros (a life changer for planes).
• iPad Pro  + neoprene case (Simon) – It’s huge, but Simon loves the beautiful screen, especially for drawing.
• Apple Pencil – For drawing on the iPad Pro. Perfect for travelling artists as it replicates a real pen or brush. Simon now does all his artwork digitally.
• Kindle Paperwhite Signature + USB cable x 2 (Both) – I couldn’t live without my Kindle. It fits thousands of books on a device smaller than one paperback and is waterproof for pool reading.
• Apple Watch + USB cable x 2 (Both)  – We find them especially useful for fitness tracking and convenient Apple Pay payments.
• Apple lightning cables  + USB power adapter
• Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter – For connecting our iPad and Mac to a TV. 
• Waterproof phone pouch – This keeps our phone and wallet dry while swimming, kayaking, or river hiking.
• Travel towel – We mainly use this for the beach or swims on hikes.
• Yoga Paws   Skin Thin – Little yoga mats for your hands and feet. A much smaller, lighter alternative to a yoga mat. I practice every day wherever we are with Yoga with Adriene videos (free on Youtube or I signed up for the membership site for offline downloads and extra content). Read my Yoga Paws review .
• Klean Canteen water bottle – This fits in the water bottle pocket of Simon’s laptop backpack on travel days.
• Vapur Element 1L water bottle x 2 – They are light and fold flat or can be rolled up when not in use to save space.
• Silicone earplugs (Erin) – Essential for me for noisy places and overnight bus and plane journeys.
• Eye mask (Erin) – I use a cheap light one, like the kind they give out on planes.
• Tiny sewing kit – Like the ones that hotels provide.
• Moleskine pocket notebook – I tried going digital but I still mostly prefer making travel notes on paper. 
• Zip-lock bags – These always come in useful for storing food or wet clothes. I take a few small and medium bags.
• Beeswax wraps – A sustainable way of storing leftover food and sandwiches. 
• Toilet paper – We store a little folded up in the pockets of our bags.
• Travel insurance – We used True Traveller for many years and they are the best value we’ve found for Brits. We now use SafetyWing instead, which is a monthly subscription designed for digital nomads and is available worldwide. See our SafetyWing insurance review for more details and our travel insurance after departure post for all the options if you are already travelling (or travelling long term).
• Peak Designs mobile stand wallet  – This slim wallet is so well designed. Not only does it keep our cards easily accessible, but it connects to our phone with a magnet and has a built in stand (perfect for selfies).
• Dollars – Around $100 for emergencies. Otherwise, we’re mostly cashless these days (depending on the country) and use Apple Pay via our watches (so convenient). When we do need cash, we withdraw from ATMs locally.
• 2 debit and 2 credit cards each – We recommend travelling with at least two cards in case one gets lost or compromised. Wise (in many countries) and Starling (UK) are the best debit cards we’ve found to use abroad. Read more about managing your travel finances .
• Passports – We protect them with a clear plastic cover .
• Card reader for online banking  – This is issued by our bank for secure access.
• Driving licence
• International driving licence (when needed)
• Photocopies of passport (we also keep a scanned copy on our laptops) 
• Passport photos – For visa applications.
• Vaccination card
• Scuba diving certification card

Here are my top tips for how to pack a carry on.

• Use packing cubes or compression bags to keep your clothes organised and squeeze more in.
• Pack clothes for about a week and then do laundry.
• Buy quick-drying and odour-resistant clothes (like those made from merino wool or from travel companies like Bluffworks ). This isn’t essential if you’re on a tight budget, but it does make things much easier. You have to do less laundry and items dry more quickly when you do.
• Choose solid toiletries (like shampoo bars and crystal deodorant) over liquids to maximise the amount you can fit in your airline-friendly ziplock bag. Keep liquids under 100ml/3oz.
• Don’t pack items “just in case” . Everything needs to earn its place in your bag. If you really need it later, you can probably buy it locally.
• Wear your bulkiest clothes on travel days.
• Go paperless . A Kindle will save so much space if you’re a reader.

See our other posts about packing light:

• Carry-On Travel in 10 Easy Steps – The basic principles you can use for packing carry on only for any trip.
• Iceland Packing List – How we packed hand luggage only for a 12-day trip to this chilly country.
• How to Pack Carry-On Only for Cold Weather – Our winter carry on packing list for Finland including snowboarding.
• How to Pack for 4 Months in Europe from Summer to Winter – How we adapted our packing list for a summer-winter trip.
• The Secret to Carry-On Only Travel: How to Use Packing Cubes to Save Space
• Airline Carry On Luggage Size and Weight Limits: A Detailed Guide

If you enjoyed this post, pin it on Pinterest!

116 Comments

Thanks for the great tips, Erin. Couple questions – does security ever want to see in the packing cubes? I was thinking of compression ones but thought could be a pain. Also, have you ever travelled to Scotland in early July, if so, any clothing suggestions? I keep getting mixed info.

Reply ↓

Security has never opened our packing cubes.

Unfortunately, weather can go either way in Scotland in July. I’d prepare for everything with layers. Probably most of the time jeans/t-shirt will be fine but you’ll most likely need a sweater and rain jacket too. I’d bring a pair of shorts just in case you get lucky with one of the rare warm spells. Enjoy!

I travel to Europe 1-2 times/year and am always looking for packing tips. This is the most comprehensive I’ve seen. I started taking just a carry on and backpack for 2-3 week trips and am glad I changed. What I learned is not all carry ons and backpacks are the same. My carry on is the biggest allowed and I changed to a non traditional backpack – that’s a game changer.

Thank you for your tips.

I pack dryer sheets with my clothes to keep them fresh smelling and I can wear clothes a couple of times feeling and smelling fresh.

Good tip, thanks Kelia!

As a seasoned traveler & packer, I have to call bs on your one carry on & one personal item mentioned holding everything in your list. I’d like to see a video…

Haha, we barely believe it too! They are very tightly packed at the moment. But the Away suitcases do hold a remarkable amount.

Best travel tip I learn if on a one week or two week vacation. Bringing less clothes. Each outfits can be worn two times . After wearing each outfit hang up or fold neatly to be used again (space out wearing days) or you can wash if needed

Love your information, thanks for sharing!

What’s your experience with Away Bigger Carry-On? Did you have to check-in? And in the overhead bin, it was easy to put the baggage?

We haven’t had to check it so far but due to the pandemic, we’ve only flown long haul flights (and one domestic New Zealand). We’ll be testing on a budget European airline (Easyjet) in May. We haven’t had any problems putting it in the overhead bins but you might on a very small domestic plane. We love the space it gives us!

As I watched a YT videos on travelling with Carry-On, one suggested that the commonly accepted size is 9″x 14″ x 21.5″, which would not allow (officially) for anything bigger than this. I could verify the next time at the airport during check-in, they have box frame to verify sizing, if you have not seen it already.

The kicker is, it is up to the airlines to enforce it. Sometimes, they un-officially allow when the carry-on is too big by asking and moving the carry-on to the checked bag areas. I suppose a passenger can’t complain for not paying a charge for checked bag.

Helpful for travellers. …

What do you use (or did you use) for water purification while traveling in South America? Was the tap water safe to drink in Medellin? Thank you.

It’s been years since we were there, but I think the water was safe to drink in big cities like Medellin and Buenos Aires. Elsewhere we used bottled water.

Sorry if I missed it, but what do you do for pajamas, Erin?

Usually I don’t bother but if it’s cold I wear any tshirt/tank top and leggings. Or one of Simon’s tshirts :)

After nearly 10 years of long term travels I am now of the conclusion that you do not need any expensive, travel specific, technical clothing. Especially in tropical climates, you can just buy local cheap market clothes such as cotton t shirts, shorts etc for next to nothing. There’s no need to pay over the odds for quick drying materials because if you wash a t shirt in the evening, it’s dry by morning, even cotton. A whole kit consisting of; 2 t shirts, 2 pairs shorts, flip flops can be got for under £10. Much of the travel specific clothing is over engineered, over priced and trying to solve problems that don’t exist for most of the time. Best to shop & dress like the locals do.

I can see how that could work. You definitely don’t need tech clothes, but we do find them nice to have.

We don’t find cotton always dries overnight. We just did a wash at a motel here in New Zealand and it’s taking ages (more than 24 hours) for the non technical and merino clothes to dry. We really notice the difference between our different types of clothes. When you only have a day before you are moving on this is inconvenient.

We also appreciate the moisture-wicking nature of tech clothes for hiking (and hot walks in cities) and the odour-resistance reduces the frequency we have to wash stuff.

But yes, it is a luxury rather than a necessity.

I’m planning my trip to Japan (1 month), with my boyfriend and I had in mind 2 big suitcases but mostly empty so we can buy lots of stuff from Japan. Can you give us some advice on how to pack big suitcases or even if there is a better idea for us? I intent to take a tablet and a camera, a few clothes and basic stuff. I’ve been reading non stop your blogs about Japan and I found them all so helpful, I even sat down and translated some things in Greek and noted everything to get ready! I am super excited! Thank you for your help, I hope you are doing well and have fun wherever you are. Greetings from Greece!!

I see in the pictures that you have a hard Carry on and a soft bag., How are you able to use BOTH bags for Carry-On. As you are only allowed ONE Bag and a small purse or small back pack. That soft bag looks way too big to be allowed as well as the other suitcase. Curious as I only take a Hard side Carry-On size bag and a Purse., or very small backpack. Have travelled to 65 counties for the last 50 years. I do not know of what airline allows 2 Carry-on’s of that size. The soft bag will not fit into the cage that they want to put your bag in at the boarding gate. What size are the bags you are using. Thanks.

They definitely won’t be allowed on all airlines, but they do meet the size restrictions of many airlines, especially in the US. So far (due to the pandemic) we’ve only travelled on one flight (Singapore Airlines) and had no problem taking them both on. The suitcase goes in the overhead locker and the soft bags fit under our seat.

My Away Everywhere Bag is 41.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 26 cm.

We do expect there will be times when we have to check the suitcases but after a decade of full-time travel, it’s worth the risk to us in order to have a bit more stuff. If we were travelling on shorter trips we’d stick with just one bag.

Hi, Can you advise where you store important documents such as birth certificates, property papers etc while your travelling? Thanks

We keep a folder of documents at Simon’s parents back in the UK.

Hi, What does Simon wear in bed when it’s cold? Thanks

Boxers and a t-shirt. He doesn’t get as cold as me though.

This is such an awesome list. I love it!! All the ideas, the products you guys use etc etc. Great thanks for putting this together for all of out here who need ideas and thoughts about carry on only desperately!!!!!! I know with all the products and links this would be hard to do, but…..do you have just a printable list?

Thanks Jennifer! I actually created one for readers of my book. You can find it in Google docs here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1R2579yFB2_Vna6PSr4vCgahq7xaNXDktaRirYqMkdgE/edit?userstoinvite=hfguite%40gmail.com&ts=5dd29d0a&actionButton=1#gid=1064467678

Such a helpful article! I’m wondering whether you carry a personal item with you as well as your main backpacks though and if so, what do you recommend?

For most of the last decade we didn’t have a personal item. Sometimes we’d use the packable daypack (we have the Tortuga Setout) or shopping bag if we needed to keep things handy on flights or have extra space for food.

Hey Erin, I was looking to get a good packable backpack for my upcoming trip to Thailand and found this backpack https://the-most-functional-packable.kckb.st/96ac29dc on Indiegogo. What do you think about it? Looks like a great backpack for travel, I was just looking for some opinions before I made my decision… By the way, I love the content you have been posting lately :)

It looks good. It’s a bit heavier than the Setout but has a few more pockets and a laptop sleeve. You can never be sure when (or if) these crowdsourced things will ship though.

Super helpful article! For an upcoming trip, my goal has been not to overpack like I usually do, so this is a great resource. But why bring the dock for the Nintendo Switch? It’s charged with a regular USB-C charger, which would be way smaller and lighter than the unnecessary charging dock. My partner and I also just bought a Switch Lite just to travel with, which is handheld-only and smaller than the original one (and came in a pretty yellow color).

Simon likes having the dock so he can play it on the TV when we’re staying in apartments for a few months. It’s not really necessary for most travellers though.

We’re planning to visit Japan in November, will the shoes you recommend be warm enough for the weather at that time.

Assuming you mean the Tokyo/Kyoto area, the Tieks should be ok but it won’t really be sandals weather. At the beginning of the month the average temperatures are around 20ºC but this drops by about 5ºC by the end of the month.

If you want something warmer, I have recently been wearing Allbirds Wool Runners for winter/spring in Melbourne. They are comfortable and warm and you can wear them without socks (I find I can slip them on and off without undoing the laces which is useful in Japan). https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/1/allbirds/

Hi, I really love your dresses. You didn’t mention where you get them from in your review. I like how your dress in Italy (I think) covers your shoulders and back and is still cute (floral navy dress). Would you mund sharimg yoyr dress yips. Cheers Tanya

Hi Tanya, I buy most of my dresses when we’re back in the UK. The one in Italy is from M&S (but from a few years ago) and I also buy them from John Lewis and White Stuff. Unfortunately they are always changing their designs so there aren’t any particular ones I can recommend. Erin

Hello! I have read through all your backpack information….I am looking for a backpack for a 2 week trip to Europe. I am flying Lufthansa, and they said it has to be 22 by 16 by 9 largest…also it can only weigh 18 pounds! So, I am curious if the Osprey Farpoint 40 would be right dimensions….but really worried it would weigh over 18 pounds when packed?? Thoughts or suggestions?? Thanks for your help!! I will be leaving the backpack at the hotel, but wanted to use one IF possible, for easier travel on plans and trains…Kristi

The Farpoint 40 will be the right size. Depending on what you pack you could end up going over the weight limit. We are usually over the weight limit though and find airlines rarely check. It helps if you check in online to avoid the check-in desk. We wrote more about it here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-to-travel-carry-on-only-airline-size-and-weight-guide/ Good luck!

Hi Erin, Thanks you and Simon both for an info packed excellent website! I’m about to purchase a Setout pack and am wondering if you have or would recommend the 35L size. I’m 5’1 and thinking that’s going to better fit me /be easier to carry on etc. than the 45L women’s size.

Take care and Happy Holidays!

I do think the 35L would be better as I find the 45L rather bulky. I hope it works out for you!

Simon, did you not have the Tortuga V2 originally? What was the impetus to change to the newer models? The reason I ask is the I have the Tortuga V2 (since October 2015). It has served me well although getting a little tired. We are heading to Europe for 15 months from February 2019 and am thinking about changing or not. Love to get your ideas and reasons why you changed.

Yes, Simon did have the V2 before. Honestly, Tortuga offered him the Outbreaker and later the Setout for review so that’s the main reason he switched. But we do think they are both improvements. The Setout is our favourite because it’s lighter.

Compared to the V2, the Setout looks better, doesn’t have the bulgy pocket in the front or the side pockets which always made it an odd shape, it’s more comfortable to carry, it opens fully on 3 sides so is even easier to pack, and there’s a large water bottle holder on the side. They aren’t huge differences—mainly I think it just looks a lot more stylish.

You can see our Setout review here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/tortuga-setout-backpack-review/

Have a great time in Europe!

Nice post. Though nowadays there is a lot of electronic devices that people bring during traveling. I, myself always bring my mavic pro, trackimo tracking device and romoss 20000mah powerbank.

Hey, we travel with a Nintendo Switch too! But you can get rid of the bulky charging dock by getting a USB C charger (we have one that came with our portable battery pack that can also charge our Switch and GoPro Fusion). We also got a tiny adapter that works to connect the switch to any TVs with HDMI to use instead of the dock.

Simon looked into that but apparently if you use a non-Nintendo HDMI adapter Nintendo may brick the Switch! We don’t really want to take that risk and wish Nintendo would come out with their own travel friendly adapter.

My wife and I wonder what you both typically carry for your “personal item” to take on the plane. Do you carry a particular travel purse you like? Do you use your day back?

We try not to have a personal item as it’s easier to travel with one bag and not all airlines allow a personal item. For long flights, when we want to keep things close at hand, we use our packable daypack or our packable tote/shopping bag.

Great post and so well laid out. Have you tried out the icebreaker lineup of merino wool? I highly recommend it. Great stuff.

Yep, we love our long sleeve Icebreaker tops – we’ve had them for over 8 years!

Who do you insure your laptops cameras etc with? I looked at True Traveller but their valuables and single article limit is very low.

We no longer insure our laptops and camera and just make sure we have a contingency fund in case of loss. We couldn’t find anywhere affordable to insure them for continuous travel.

These are such great tips! Thanks for this

Really enjoyed reading this, especially the backpack suggestions. We have been thinking of getting the Tortuga so it’s nice to know you guys like it!

We have continued to downsize and now travel ultra light for a family of 3. We recently went on an 8-day trip with 2 outfits each (we wore one and packed an extra). Our daughter got 4 total because toddlers can go through 2-3 outfits a day easily. We are trying to find an alternative to our noise machine (we love it but it’s so bulky).

That’s impressive Lejla! I always love hearing about families packing light as so many people assume it’s not possible.

Awesome breakdown of your travel packing list. Thanks for the good info!

I’m glad you liked it!

So when the seasons change I guess some of your gear also changes, for people traveling in and out of hot and cold weather climates, do you have any recommendations for selling gear. For example, I may need a coat in northern California this time of year, but I won’t need one when i go to LA.

I think it would be great to have an app where nomads could exchange clothing or sell it.

We have never bothered with selling our clothes on the road as it’s usually hard to get a good rate for it. We usually just donate to a charity shop. You could try ebay or craigslist.

I recommend travelling with a packable down jacket as they don’t take up much space when you don’t need it anymore. I’ve written more about them here: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/carry-on-only-packing-list-cold-weather/

Hello. Have you ever had trouble with airport security with the retractable lock? I use one to secure my violin case which will be flying carry on shortly.

Not at all, it’s no problem.

great tips and such enjoyable reading!

What a great post Erin! Right up my street. I will be sifting through this with a fine toothcomb when we decide to move on from our first slow stay (in Malaysia). In the meantime, do you have any tips for adapting this list for the one critical “accessory” we also travel with… our soon to be four year old daughter ?

So inspiring–I’m so amazed–thank you so much for your update! Even though I can’t travel with just a backpack on longer trips (too much weather fluctuation, etc.), this is exactly what I love learning from as I aspire to do this on shorter trips. Thank you so much!

Thanks Kristen. Good luck with travelling with a carry-on on your next short trip!

Question for Erin I notice that you don’t pack any scarf. Is there a reason? Could it be that you are now traveling in warm climate places? I usually take a wrap (the big one) and several scarves of various materials to add to my outfit and to use as a blanket (the wrap). Do you find them redundant? Thanks for your take!

We travel mostly in hot countries so I don’t find one necessary. I do usually buy one when we get to colder places and then just leave it behind.

Oh wow. What a complete and useful list! When we travel we prefer having only carriers too, it’s so nice that you don’t have to pay any extra or wait for the suitcases after a flight. This year we’re planning to go around Europe by car during the summer. I’m also going to a short visit to Sweden soon. And maybe some travels will also be possible at the fall/winter season. :)

Enjoy reading your blogs.Thanks for all the tips.

This is an awesome list, I’ll definitely be taking tips for my trip at the end of the year! A little bit unsure about the lack of smart clothes though when looking for the likes of teaching jobs in South America!

You could easily fit in a smart outfit and then buy more clothes locally if you get a job. Have a great trip!

I’m gonna say that it’s a good idea to bring one smart outfit with you. You can buy more on the road if you need them, but having one nice outfit — that you know fits and flatters — is important, especially if you plan to job interview. Especially if you anticipate having trouble being able to buy clothes that fit off the rack — a frequent problem for taller or larger people in Asia, for instance, or for anyone who doesn’t wear standard sizes. (E.g. I’m a petite 5’1″ woman and I can almost never shop without significant alterations anywhere). Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics, roll vs. fold, and use the age-old traveller trick of hanging it up in the bathroom while taking a shower to steam out the creases.

Won’t need anything for the first few months but I’m thinking ahead to applying for teaching jobs in Chile next February. From what I gather teachers in South America are expected to dress quite professionally. Might just have to get a suit and tie shipped from home at that point! Love those packing cubes though, definitely adding those to the list!

Ahh fellow Apple Lovers and Globe Trotters! I feel as though we would get along ?

Maybe we’ll cross paths one day!

Thanks for this post! Im treating this post almost like a blueprint in some places.

One thought thought: Instead of an HDMI cable why not a chromecast? does the same thing plus more, is lighter and takes up less space?

Just a thought

Really great post! I’ve spent the past ten years of vacations using my beloved Gregory Deva 60L pack, and I’m trying to downsize to a carry-on only bag to avoid the hassles of checked luggage. I’ve looked at the Osprey Farpoint 40 like you have, Erin, but, at 5’1″, I find it really doesn’t fit me very well, even in the S/M size. So I’m still on the hunt for the perfect bag. I also REALLY struggle with keeping my liquids under 100ml … especially sunscreen, since I burn so easily and I’m really picky about what I use. Any advice?

Hey! I really like your blog guys. Very insightful & eye-opening! Gotta use your rips in travelling. Thanks for this. ??

Great post, thanks for all the useful info! Just wondering, do you not use soap/shower gel/moisturiser, or do you buy it in the place you’re visiting? I really struggle to cut down on toiletries, and I’m not even someone who wears make-up etc. Any tips? PS. Looks like the link for your USB Lecxci adaptor isn’t working.

We use our Lush shampoo bar as soap when we need to or if we’re staying for somewhere for a few weeks we buy shower gel. Most places we stay also provide soap.

Great to see, I travelled for years like this too. I’m about to head back out on the road after selling everything and convincing my wife life on the road is better than the corporate grind…Thanks for sharing a great site! Question do you guys own a base anywhere? We are thinking Central America for our base…

We don’t have a base anywhere. Lots of our nomad friends have found a base after travelling full-time for a few years and rent it on Airbnb when they are away.

Really inspirational! :) I might not quite be there yet, although I tried traveling with carry-on for the first time this year. I noticed that there were even things that I could have left at home (and some that I forgot to bring). I guess it’s a process of finding your own list…

It’s definitely a gradual process and everyone has to figure out the packing list that’s right for them.

Hi there, LOVE the list – super helpful. Very interesting about your Tieks – I’ve been on the fence!

I’m interested in Simon’s Bluff’s trousers. My husband has a similar body type – tall and lanky. So it’s a struggle to find pants that look stylish and not baggy. Simon’s look great! What style of bluff’s did he go with?

Simon has the original pants in regular fit. If you get a smaller waist size they are more fitted. For his second pair he went up a waist size and they were a bit looser. They still aren’t too baggy though – so much more stylish than normal travel trousers.

I’ll be writing a detailed review of the Tieks soon. I’m on my third pair and couldn’t travel without them now.

Simon If you have just enough clothes for lasting a week between laundry, how come it’s only 5 shirts and 4 pairs of socks & not 7?

We usually wear t-shirts more than once. Simon doesn’t wear socks every day as we are usually in hot places and he wears sandals. Socks are pretty easy to wash in the sink if necessary between big washes too.

Have you looked at any alternatives to a backpack? I’m just not super keen on carrying my life on my back and was looking at the different options outlined here (www.essentialpackingchecklists.com/finding-the-perfect-carry-on-suitcase/), especially the wheeler with backpack straps. Thoughts?

I included some reviews of suitcases from other carry-on travellers in my book. The Osprey Ozone 22″ is a popular option amongst long term travellers wanting something rugged but light.

Many light packing travellers don’t recommend jeans, however I’ve just found that NEXT do a lightweight jean. They are a mix of cotton and linen and cost £38, much cheaper and better cut than Rohans! They also deliver to Europe.

Thanks for the tip. We wouldn’t be without our jeans and just look out for lightweight pairs in the summer.

If you were limited to just one pair of long trousers would you choose jeans or Bluffs?

Simon would probably choose jeans but it depends what style of travel you are doing. The Bluffs are lighter, dry more quickly, and are more suitable for hiking so would be better for more adventurous travel.

Where would you say is the most secure part of the farpoint bag to attach it with a lock to a piece of furniture?

Probably the top handle.

Commenting on this because I found your blog while looking for color accurate photos of the purple Tieks you used to have. I can’t seem to stop reading the blog — your stories are fascinating. Thanks for sharing. (and kinda delighted to hear that you are on your next-gen pair of the shoes)

Thanks Shani! And you won’t regret getting a pair of Tieks. I’ve been wearing them for three years now and still love them.

Great to see Simon’s clothes list not based on ridiculously expensive gear like Outlier, Wool and Prince et al. You can travel and live without such luxury gear, I am not saying his stuff is the cheapest but is much more realistic than lists you see with $500+ spent on 3 items. Great work love the site!

There’s no reason at all you can’t travel carry-on only with inexpensive clothes.

Really appreciate your work. Extremely detailed.

Reading this helped me to get a clear idea on traveller’s packing list.

Thanks a lot

It’s really nice to see what other travel photographers take on their trips. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

Sorry but there’s too much attention paid to gear. Gear is just a tool, whereas travel should be about places, people, food, experiences, etc. You can travel in any clothing or even better just turn up in what you have on and buy as and when you need it. Besides, travel with carry-on, i.e. 35-40 litre bags is old hat now, there’s hundreds of articles about it. Try just what fits in a 20-25L day-pack, now there’s a challenge!

Looks like they could pull that off without the electronics, so all they have to do is stop working. :P

And in theory sure, travel has nothing to do with the gear. But a pack that doesn’t fit filled with clothes that are still damp isn’t much fun at all you see. So we share what we pack, learn from others, and hopefully have a journey that doesn’t involve thinking about stuff since we’ve already taken care of it.

Well said, thanks! And yes, most of our stuff is electronics!

This is so great & useful! Thank you.

As you’re heading to Spain soon, check out Decathlon as they have lots of quality clothing and gear for extremely good value. Eg. Quick dry, lightweight chino style hiking trousers for 9.99 Euros, T shirts for 4.99 Euros. We’ve been travelling for 3 years with only carry-on luggage and now most of our clothes are Decathlon. Your entire clothes packing list could be put together for under 100 Euros each!

Thanks for the tip Colin!

Thanks for sharing your experience. These lists are not only useful but inspiring! There is so much to be gained by living simply with just exactly what you need and nothing more.

Absolutely incredible I like how you pack things that really matters you don’t pack things that you are not going to use

Very interesting. Keep rocking guys!

Thanks Armin!

This post is very useful for travelers. Thanks for sharing

Very interested in your adventures!

Thanks Helen!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy .

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Our 6 Best Tips and Tricks for Travelling With Hand Luggage Only

And then our travels would never be the same.

During our first backpacker-trips around the world, we travelled with huge backpacks AND hand luggage.

The backpacks were heavy and filled with clothes we didn’t use.

It was always exhausting walking around looking for a place to stay.

When flying we would worry about our bags being delayed and on busses, we would be concerned about the way our luggage was treated.

In 2017, we decided to challenge ourselves to travel with carry-on bags only.

Not simply for a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, but for a journey that would last more than three months.

Throughout the time of our three and a half months trip to Asia in 2017-2018, we did just that.

It was surprisingly easy! And so much more pleasant .

Plus: it saved us money on airfare.

Now we only travel with hand luggage whenever it’s possible.

Do you want to do the same?

Here are our best tips and tricks.

Table of contents

Why it’s super smart to travel with hand luggage only

1. know the restrictions, 2. buy the right bag, 3. pack for your destination, 4. don’t pack “just in case”-items, 5. understand liquids, aerosols and gels, 6. know what not to bring.

• If online check-in is possible, you can skip the check-in queue and go directly to security.
• You don’t have to pay luggage fees .
• Your luggage won’t be delayed or misplaced . You have it close to you all the time.
• No more waiting at the baggage carousel when you land. You can walk directly out of the airport.
• It’s stress-free to get around or use public transport when you only have one bag.
• You might even go so far as to say it’s better for the environment . Bringing as little weight as possible means the plane has to use less fuel. Perhaps a bit far-fetched, but nonetheless another positive reason to leave those extra kilos of luggage at home.

The tricky thing about travelling with a carry-on is that the size and weight restrictions vary from airline to airline.

It’s super annoying and we would love them to be standardized.

But as long as they aren’t, you’ll have to check the limitations for the specific airline.

We have noticed that the weight usually varies between 6 and 10 kilos.

The dimensions are typically in-between 50 x 35 x 20 cm (minimums) and 56 x 45 x 25 cm (maximums).

But again, it depends on the airline, so check it before you go. Low-cost airlines (like Ryanair and Wizz Air) tend to have stricter rules.

Pro tip: If you carry too many kilos, make sure to wear your heaviest clothes, shoes and everything else you can have on your person. We have had to carry a few heavy things (like batteries and books) in our pockets to make it work, haha. They can weigh your luggage, but they can’t weigh you!

When you know the size restrictions, it’s easier to find the right bag for you .

Some people swear by cabin trolleys. We prefer soft or semi-soft bags for carry-on luggage, though.

Most places we travel, it’ll be more practical to carry rather than to roll and it will easier fit into overhead bins. At least that’s what we think.

Alex travels with a Gregory Compass 40L backpack (adlink) .

At around 1 kilogram (~ 2 pounds) it’s relatively light.

The bag mainly consists of one big compartment with back panel access. As it opens up in the bag it’s easy to access the luggage than a top load backpack.

It also has a laptop compartment, a zippered mesh compartment, an accessory pocket on top and an extra pocket on the bottom.

The only bad thing to say about it is that it doesn’t have a belt strap.

Victoria travels with a Fjällräven Travel Pack with 35L pack volume (adlink) .

The basic, Scandinavian design plus the many compartments and pockets for organizing (including a laptop compartment) makes it such a great travel bag.

The unisex bag weighs 1,65 kilos and the dimensions are 46 x 32 x 27 cm.

The depth of the bag is more than what many airlines officially allow, but we have never had a problem with it.

Like Alex’ bag, it doesn’t have a belt strap but for Victoria, it’s the perfect cabin bag .

If it’s not for you, there are many other options.

Actually, there are quite a few bags out there weighing less than ours. Which is pretty cool!

And the lighter the bag, the more luggage you can pack within the limitations, right?

Check out travel packs and backpacks (adlink) with a volume of 25 litres to 49 litres, weighing less than 1 kilo .

This one might seem obvious, but make sure to check the weather conditions in advance.

Then you’ll have a much better idea of what to pack – and especially, what not to pack.

We recommend packing versatile, basic clothes and thinking in layers .

That way you can create several different outfits from the few pieces you bring and be prepared for changing weather.

Do you want to bring less stuff and pack in a smarter way?

Read our 15 Helpful Packing Tips For Travelling Lighter .

It’s not necessary to pack for every possible situation.

You’ll most likely not need it.

And if you do , you can just buy, rent or borrow when you actually need it.

For some reason, the combination of airport security and liquids always confuses us.

Well, we understand that “terrorists could bring components to make explosives”, but liquid restrictions are so annoying.

Products such as hairspray, roll on deodorants, aftershave, lip gloss, toothpaste, shower gel, nut butter, jam and even soft cheese are all classified as liquids.

Luckily, some countries are really relaxed when it comes to liquids, aerosols and gels. You don’t even need to take them out of the hand luggage.

In most European countries though, the rules are rigidly enforced. You’re allowed to bring one clear, re-sealable bag per person and nothing over 100 ml .

To be safe, prepare for requirements.

You can take a lighter on the plane, but no more than one. And you must keep it on your person throughout the flight.

In your hand luggage, safety razors are not allowed. Disposable razors and electronic razor are fine though.

Pay extra attention to sporting equipment .

If you don’t want to look suspicious or get your stuff confiscated, make sure that you don’t bring prohibited items .

There’s no way you can bring any chemicals or toxic substances .

As mentioned, large containers of liquids (more than 100 ml) are no-gos as well.

If you’re bringing powdered substances , such as protein powder, flour, spices or coffee, ensure that you don’t bring more than the limited amount.

Also, it’s not allowed to bring knives or scissors with blades greater than 6 cm, corkscrews and most toolbag items .

Do your homework and everything will turn out fine!

Are you ready for a trip with hand luggage only?

We truly hope that you found our guide useful!

Do you feel prepared to travel with just a carry-on next time? We would love to know!

And please tell us your best tips for travelling with hand luggage only.

Pin for later:

• Why You Shouldn’t Pick Up Baby Sea Turtles - They’re the cutest. But here’s why you should (probably) leave them alone
• The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads and Long-Term Travellers (That You Can Buy On the Road) - We review and compare three different travel insurances that you can buy on the go
• Why You Shouldn’t Pick up Starfish - Yes, they are beautiful, but here’s why you should leave them in the ocean
• Hand Luggage Only: Our Packing List for Travelling in Southeast Asia for Several Months - Yes, it’s possible! Clothes, gear for photography and endless adventures… All in two small bags
• Be a Responsible Tourist in Thailand: 10 Things You Need To Know - How to behave ethically as a tourist in the country of smiles

2 thoughts on “ Our 6 Best Tips and Tricks for Travelling With Hand Luggage Only ”

I am a big fan. You guys are so lovely toghter as always

Thanks a lot!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Destinations
• Digital Nomad
• Travel Tips
• Inspiration
• Travel Videos
• Work With Us

Copyright © 2024 Northabroad

• Affiliate Disclaimer
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Travel tips & planning · April 18, 2020

17 helpful tips for travelling with carry on only

If you’re flying domestically, heading for an extended weekend abroad or if you’re travelling for longer but on limited funds, travelling with carry on only can save big bucks as well as time and stress. And especially during this time of the ‘travel comeback’, travelling with hand luggage can save you from the nightmares of lost suitcases and long waits at the baggage carousel.

I’m notoriously terrible at packing light (just ask my mum!) and this doesn’t come natural to me at all , so you can be sure that these carry on only packing tips have been tried and tested by me on my own trips. And guess how many times I’ve had to pay extra baggage fees? NEVER!

From picking the right bag to building a capsule wardrobe to cutting down on unnecessary toiletries, here are my best tips and tricks for travelling with carry on only.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 15 carry on essentials for long haul flights

But first, why should you travel with carry on only?

Travelling with carry on only makes life so much easier if you’re heading somewhere for a short trip, and it’s often cheaper too!

Most low cost carriers like Jetstar, AirAsia and Ryanair, or domestic/short-haul services, only include carry on luggage in their basic ticket prices, so a check in bag costs extra on top of your ticket price. A check in suitcase can cost anywhere from $20USD up to $75-100USD for a long-haul flight on a budget airline.

Most airlines allow online check in these days so if you don’t have a checked suitcase and don’t need to print a boarding pass, travelling with cabin luggage only means you’ll be able to go straight through security instead of lining up at the check in counter. That means you’ll get to your gate early and be able to nab a coveted seat up the front or near a charging port. Win!

Travelling light also means you’ll avoid waiting for a checked bag at the baggage carousel when you land, you’ll be more comfortable taking public transport without lugging around a heavy suitcase, and it’s just way easier to get around.

And most of all, the summer of 2022 in Europe and North America showed us that staffing issues at airports and in airlines can have a huge impact on luggage services, which meant thousands of travellers arrived at their holiday destination without their check in bags anyway. Save time and save stress by travelling with a carry on instead of checking anything in!

Now, let’s get into my top tips for travelling with hand luggage only.

1. Choose your cabin bag wisely

Set yourself up for carry on success by choosing a lightweight bag that maximises your hand luggage allowance and is easy to travel with.

The four most important things to consider when choosing luggage are weight, sturdiness, ease of travel (e.g. decent wheels and a good handle) and security (a good lock and distinct features that make it easy to spot).

I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases , I have a 55cm carry on size one and a 75cm large matching suitcase for my long trips. After 15 months months of lugging these babies around three continents and more than 40 countries, I can confirm that they are worth every dollar. I genuinely cannot recommend them enough, I can’t see myself ever using another suitcase (unless Samsonite comes out with something even lighter).

Note: As of September 2022 it does look like the Samsonite Cosmolites have low availability in most countries, hopefully they’re just refreshing the line and not shutting it down completely. I’d recommend checking Amazon as well as the local Samsonite website for your country.

My Samsonite Cosmolite carry on is only 1.67kg for a full size hard case cabin bag. That is insanely light!

Even other carry on favourites like the American Tourister Stratum , the Delsey Chromium Lite and the cult classic Away Carry-On are 2.9kg, 3.5kg and 3.2 kg respectively. That means I get at least an extra kilogram of space to pack compared to the vast majority of other cabin bags on the market.

Aside from being ultra lightweight, the Samsonite is extremely high quality in terms of sturdiness, the spinner wheels are smooth, and it has a TSA-approved lock with a code. They do get scuffed, as all suitcases do when you travel, but after months and months of extensive adventures my Samsonites still both look pretty good.

If you’re looking for a cheaper lightweight option, you can’t go wrong with the Amazon Basics expandable carry on suitcase which is just over 3kgs.

I’d also recommend choosing a bright colour so it’s easier to see if anyone accidentally (or purposefully!) grabs your bag from the overhead locker thinking it’s theirs.

If you prefer to go for a carry on backpack to keep things even lighter, make sure you get one that opens fully for easy access, like this 1kg travel backpack .

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How I can afford to stay at world-class hotels without blowing my budget

2. Double check the weight limit and dimensions

It’s super important that you check your airline’s hand luggage rules before you fly, because if you’re overweight you might need to pay extra or throw things out.

Each airline has different carry on restrictions in terms of weight and size of carry on luggage. Most airlines allow either 7kg or 10kg of weight, and the most common dimensions allowed are around 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (or similar).

My Samsonite carry on bag fits these dimensions exactly and I’ve never had an issue with taking it on any planes, but there are a number of major airlines (annoyingly) with different restrictions.

Qatar Airways is one of these, with dimensions of 50cm x 37cm x 25cm, but I’ve flown with them twice with my 55cm long bag and it hasn’t been an issue. China Southern is the main one with a stupidly low weight limit, allowing only 5kg of cabin luggage on economy flights.

If you’re travelling with hand luggage only to save money, it might be worth paying slightly more for an airline with a higher allowance rather than trying to be sneaky and risk having to pay at the airport for checked baggage.

3. Check if you’re allowed a personal item

The majority airlines offer their customers to bring a second ‘personal item’ that either under the seat in front of you or meets a second set of dimension restrictions.

The second item might be a large jacket, a camera bag, a laptop briefcase, a backpack or a small handbag.

Note that some airlines include personal items in your weight limit (i.e. total 10kg of cabin bag and personal item) but many don’t. If yours doesn’t have an official weight limit for the personal item, I’d recommend putting anything heavy into your personal item backpack or hand bag and then you can maximise your cabin bag’s weight limit with other stuff.

When I’m travelling with carry on only I’ll have my laptop, my cameras, my drone and all my heavy tech stuff like hard drives and chargers in my ‘personal item’ backpack, then I’ll keep lightweight things like clothing and small carry on toiletries in the cabin bag that goes in the overhead locker.

4. Some airports allow duty free as an extra item on-board

In order to encourage more duty free sales, some airports around the globe allow duty free purchases as a potential third bag that you can take on board. London Stansted and London Gatwick both had this in place when I was living in London!

To make use of this you’ll need to buy something from duty free, ask for a big bag and then you can pack any extra bits and pieces you’ve got into the bag.

Note that this one definitely isn’t a given, some airports or airlines don’t allow this, sometimes they won’t give you a large bag unless you buy something big, and airlines do have the right to check the bag to make sure you aren’t being sneaky.

I usually use it as a way to carry my jacket, a scarf, snacks and anything else I want to take onto the plane that I could throw away or wear instead if they did hit me up (but over maybe 100+ flights I’ve never been pulled up on this).

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate Guide to Solo Female Travel

5. Use packing cubes

OKAY now let’s get into how and what to pack when you’re travelling with carry on only! If you aren’t already on the packing cube buzz then you need to be, and it’ll change your life whether you’re backpacking, holidaying or travelling for business.

Not only do they help organise your outfits in advance, they make you reconsider if taking five t-shirts for a weekend trip is really necessary. Spoiler alert: It’s not.

6. Keep your toiletry bag light

Shampoo, skincare, make up and other toiletries or beauty items can really add to your bag weight. Try to avoid taking anything you don’t really need for your short trip, and anything you do need, look for lightweight options instead.

For shampoo, conditioner and body wash, I’m a huge fan of Ethique zero waste toiletry bars . They’re a Kiwi company but they ship worldwide, and you can find them in Holland and Barrett in the UK, and in Farmers and some health stores in NZ. They last forever, they’re easy to travel with and you don’t have to worry about mini bottles which are heavy, single use and bad for the environment.

If you really prefer to take a make up bag with you, grab a set of reusable travel bottles and containers and transfer small amounts of moisturiser, foundation etc. into them, or go for travel sets with travel-size mascara, eyeliner and lippies.

Note: Disposable razors (not safety razors and not razor blades), tweezers and nail files + clippers are technically supposed to be allowed on planes, however I have seen some airport security staff confiscate these before. I’d recommend bringing them if you need them but be aware that they may end up being taken off you.

Some of my fave travel-sized toiletries are:

• This Venus Mini travel-friendly razor
• This mini Tangle Teezer hairbrush
• A mini mascara like this Too Faced Better Than Sex one
• A bronzer and blush duo like this Nars set

7. Be careful of liquids

When you travel with cabin luggage only, you’re limited to one single plastic bag of liquids under 100mLs each. That means the bottles have to be under 100mL, as in you can’t take a half-empty 150mL bottle of perfume.

Make up, skincare and toiletry liquids like foundation, moisturiser and even roll on deodorant are all included in the liquid allowance so it’s easy to go over the limit if you don’t think about it.

From my experience, many airports don’t adhere to the “one single bag” rule and will allow you to go through security with two or three clear plastic bags, but if you’re unlucky enough to be at a strict airport or to get a stickler for a security person then it’s not worth the risk of having to throw out a bag of stuff. Keep your stuff to a single bag to save the stress.

8. Take a mini first aid kit

It’s always a good idea to pack a small first aid kit on any trip, with plasters, antiseptic wipes and pain relief at the bare minimum, as well as any prescriptions you need.

If you’re going on any hikes you might want gauze and antibacterial cream, and if you’re visiting anywhere with different food hygiene to what you’re used to you could add Imodium or anti-nausea medication too.

9. Wear heavy clothes on the plane

This should be a no brainer but if you’re struggling to meet the luggage restrictions, make sure you wear your heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane. You can take off jackets, jumpers and scarves once you sit down, but it saves you having to shove them into your cabin bag and potentially go over the limit.

Bonus tip: Wear a jacket with pockets for even more storage if you need it. I almost got pulled up flying a low cost carrier with a tiny weight limit, until I put all four heavy drone batteries into my pockets!

10. Pack a capsule wardrobe

One of the many things my mum has taught me is how to travel with a minimalist-style capsule wardrobe. This means sticking to basic pieces in a limited colour scheme so every item goes with multiple items, with the aim of creating as many outfits as possible out of as few clothing items as possible.

What you need to take will be completely depend on whether you’re going somewhere like Iceland or Norway , doing a European road trip or spending a week in Bali , so there’s no point in me suggesting a packing list.

Go for block colours in your chosen colour palette that you can mix and match, and you can throw in patterns, glitz or some glamour with a feature piece or accessories.

Make sure you’re choosing lightweight materials that don’t crease, suit the temperature of your destination and that you can wash easily and dry quickly.

11. Wash things when you’re there

Which brings me to this one! As long as you have access to a sink, you can wash clothes while you’re travelling if you really have to.

Most hostels have laundry services or on-site facilities, or you should always be able to find a laundromat in towns around the world, and you can take some laundry detergent sheets instead of lugging around powder or liquid. If you can’t find a laundromat then take a laundry bar, like this one from Ethique , and use a shower or sink to freshen up your outfits.

And for whoever needs to hear this, you do not need to take three pairs of jeans, seven pairs of underwear and ten t-shirts for a three day trip. (I need to hear this).

12. Roll, don’t fold

The jury’s out on which of these is best (rolling takes up less space and reduces creasing but folding is better for organisation) but I’m a proponent for the former. Try it some time.

13. Make use of free space

If you’re limited on actual space rather than weight, make sure you’re using every bit of room in your suitcase.

14. Reconsider what gadgets you need

I’m terrible at this one because I get separation anxiety if I’m apart from my laptop and hard drives 😂 but it’s a major in terms of meeting weight limits when you’re travelling with only cabin luggage.

Consider what you really need for a short trip. Are you actually going to spend any time on a laptop or even a tablet? Do you need your bulky DSLR camera or will your phone do?

Make sure you’ve got any chargers and charging cables you need for your devices, as well as international travel adapters and portable power banks to keep you sorted on the go. I use Cygnett power banks and adapters on all my trips.

And another top tip, pack any tech in your personal item so it can go under your feet rather than being shoved around by other travellers in the overhead compartment.

15. Insurance is a must, even for short trips

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance is the most important thing to take with you, even if you’re only travelling a short way. On weekend trips I’ve had to claim insurance multiple claims, from flight delays and cancellations to dropping my iPhone into a canal in Sweden. I’ve heard of way too many horror stories from people who either needed it and didn’t have it, or had to use it, and it’s just not worth the risk.

Plus it’s cheap for quick trips so there’s literally no excuse not to get it!

I travel with a comprehensive policy from Covermore NZ (there’s also Covermore Australia for any Australian readers) but if you’re from elsewhere then I recommend Safety Wing and World Nomads .

16. Don’t double up with your travel buddies

If you’re travelling with friends or family, check in with them before the trip to make sure you’re not doubling up on anything you can share. It sucks to turn up to somewhere realising you’re each carrying a hair dryer, hair straightener and full set of toiletries!

17. Fake it ’til you make it

And last but not least, walk onto that plane like you aren’t buckling under the weight of a 15kg backpack.

Seriously though, if you look like you’re struggling then you’re definitely going to get stopped and checked. And if your weight is even 500g over the Ryanair, EasyJet or Jetstar limit, they’re going to expect you to do something about it.

Weight restrictions are there for a reason, partly safety sure but mostly to make the airline money, so if you’re over the limit you can’t complain if you get caught. BUT in my full-time traveller experience, if you look confident and make it seem like your bag is light as a feather, you’re more likely to get through without any grief.

I hope these cabin luggage packing tips have helped you plan what to take next time you’re travelling with carry on only. Save dollars, save time and save stress by sticking to only 10kgs rather than a huge suitcase.

If you have a tip that I’ve missed that you want to share, let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog? Pin it!

You’ll Also Love

April 28, 2020 at 12:05 am

Awesome tips! I always use packing cubes for checked in baggage but never thought of using them when traveling with just carry on! I don’t why, but will give it a try if I just travel with carry on 😀

April 29, 2020 at 4:31 pm

They’re super handy to keep your bag organised! Especially on short trips where I am a chronic overpacker haha

July 19, 2022 at 5:40 am

Solid Stick deodorants are another way to reduce liquids. And for longer trips it’s worth noting that spray or roll on deodorants usually equal 30 uses whereas a stick can last up to 120 uses (yes I counted !!! I have a spreadsheet!). A little 15ml cosmetic jar – the kind that comes in the assorted packs of travel containers – holds 30 days worth of toothpaste. No need to pack a huge tube.

July 22, 2022 at 5:31 pm

Yes great idea!

July 24, 2022 at 7:41 pm

I’m glad I found this article! I’m on vacation right now. However, since we drove here, I didn’t have to worry about how much I brought with me. That being said, I’m trying to stop overpacking for vacations. For this trip, I packed a carry-on size suitcase, a backpack, and a tote bag full of eight books (I’m a huge bibliophile). I’m an artist, writer, and craftsperson, so I often bring along a few supplies for artsy and craftsy projects. I bring a crochet tool kit (with my hooks, etc) and one skein of yarn. That takes care of my crocheting abilities. I also bring some small canvas boards, a glue stick, a small bag of papers, and a tiny pair of scissors. That way, I can at least do some collage while I’m on vacation. Also, I didn’t see you mention a lingerie bag. I always pack a lingerie bag so that I can throw my bras and my (lacy) underwear in the washing machine at my destination and not get them ruined.

August 10, 2022 at 1:50 pm

I love this! I just bought a Kindle and it’s an absolute game changer for me, I’ve read more books this month than the first half of the year combined. Love the suggestion of a lingerie bag too, going to add that one to the list!

September 22, 2022 at 11:15 am

Super helpful article. Thanks for your insights. My checked luggage was misplaced for 7 days on my previous international trip and I managed to survive with a change of clothes I always put in my carry on. It’s forever changed my wardrobe in general but especially my traveling luggage. My biggest takeaways are – invest in a kindle – leave the laptop at home, My phone is good enough for travel – lingerie bag for keeping used clothing separate while on the move and the laundromat use – nothing goes in my bags without careful consideration.

September 24, 2022 at 12:53 pm

Yes agree with all of these! I got my Kindle a couple of months ago and absolutely looove it

March 11, 2023 at 8:43 pm

I use the Kindle app on my phone for reading – one less item to carry!

March 23, 2023 at 10:42 am

Yes true, this is a great idea!

November 2, 2022 at 9:00 pm

Hey there! I recently created a product to make carry-on only easier… It’s called Waschii .. Basically a washing machine that fits in your back pocket… Can wash all your shirts socks underwear pants etc. perfect for keeping your pack lite and your adventures ongoing. Let me know if you are interested in trying one out Waschii.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• SEE ALL BLOGS
• GET INSPIRED
• DESTINATIONS
• SOLO TRAVEL
• TRAVEL PLANNING
• BLOGGING RESOURCES

Join my email list

Subscribe to be the first to know about new blog posts, travel hacks, giveaways and more.

Finding Alexx is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

• About Finding Alexx
• Work with me
• Privacy policy

Copyright © 2024 Finding Alexx

Flying Fluskey

Sharing our travel stories to inspire yours, carry on only – 20 top tips for hand luggage travel.

Packing for a trip can be daunting at the best of times, especially if you aren’t a fan of packing. Add in the restrictions that come with hand luggage travel and it might seem like an impossible task. However, there are plenty of tricks that we have tried and tested that we can’t wait to share with you. But first, why do we travel carry-on only?

Why Do we Travel Carry On Only?

Our obsession with hand luggage travel started with the rise of low-cost carriers and their charges for check-in bags. Suddenly, we were faced with the challenge of how to pack for that city break without tripling the costs of the bargain ticket. We managed ten days of travel with just one Ryanair bag. After that, we never took a large suitcase away again! We love travelling light because:

• It saves time – We don’t have to wait in line to check our bags in at our departure airport or ensure the stressful wait by the luggage belt at our destination.
• It saves money – These days, it’s not just low-cost carriers that charge extra for luggage. Plenty of full-service carriers offer cheaper hand luggage only options which means we get to fly on a nicer airline that provides food and drink, a pillow, a decent seat etc Plus, being first to the taxi queue at your destination not only saves you time but money if you are in a country where negotiations are normal. It can also avoid luggage fees in transfers/taxis
• It is manageable – We know we can carry our luggage so if we arrive at our destination and discover lots of stairs, no pavements or similar, we aren’t dragging a heavy bag around.
• It is more secure – Our luggage is with us on the plane and so we know exactly where it is at all times. If we have any valuables, we can keep an eye on them. Oh, and the airline will never lose my bag if it is with me!

20 Tips for Hand Luggage Travel

Make a list, then halve it, check your allowance, pick your bag well, social media hacks, master the great liquid dilemma, know your illegal items, roll up, roll up, packing cubes.

• Easy Squeezy Packing

Dress Awkwardly

Look for laundrettes, accessories with care, be brutal with your bathroom bits, look for the mini things, duly digitise, co-ordinate your group travel, remove the just-in-case items, what can you purchase there, va-va-vacuum pack, plan to ditch things, final thoughts.

A quick way to run into problems is to start packing willy-nilly. Start by counting the days you will be away and plan an outfit for each day. Then think of any special activities you will be doing (hiking/swimming/running/a black tie event). Look down the list and see which items you can reuse. Do you really need four pairs of shorts or five days or would that denim pair cover three of those? Could you use a slightly sparkly midi skirt for day and night time? Do you have any leggings that would work for hiking and city sightseeing?

Developing the skills to create a capsule wardrobe is something I am still working on. The theory is to pick a few colours that work together and then take several pieces that fall within this. You can then mix and match them to construct plenty of outfits. If you can master this, you will surpass me!

First things first, you need to find out what your airline allows. This can vary widely between carriers from the thoroughly stingy Ryanair (40x20x25cm) to the incredibly generous British Airways with their large 23kg bags (56x45x25cm)!

Some things to note:

• Can you take a free personal item in addition to your hand luggage? Most airlines will allow both a hand luggage piece and a personal item. This can give you around 23 additional litres to pack into.
• What dimensions are allowed? You may be asked to put your hand luggage into a sizing cage to prove it fits. Some airlines have strange dimensions (Ryanair especially) so although you think your bag fits in most sizers, it is worth measuring them just check. Don’t forget about the wheels and handles when you measure. If these stop the bag from slipping into the cage, you will be charged!
• Weigh it, don’t pay it! There may also be a weight allowance . For example, Virgin Atlantic has a limit of 10kgs for your main hand luggage and 6kg for your personal item.

If you can pack light, choose a soft-sided bag like a backpack or duffle. Avoiding those handles and wheels gives you more packing space, allows you to squish it into a sizer cage and from experience, airline staff seem to pay less attention to them. If you are opting for a backpack, look for one with a hip belt. 10kg+ can begin to feel pretty heavy when you are carrying through an entire airport.

If you are worried about over-packing, stick to a hard case that won’t allow you to extend beyond the allowed dimensions. You can probably squiash more in by sitting on it in a way that a soft bag wont allow.

Have you been watching Instagram Reels or TikTok recently? Well, then I am sure you will have seen some of these packing hacks.

Disclaimer: I have never tried any of these personally.

• The Neck Pillow – Buy a neck pillow with a removable cover. Removed the pillow and stuff it with pants, socks and other squishy clothing items. Voila! A comfy flight AND additional litre-age.
• Use Duty-Free Bags – Many airlines will allow you to take on things you have brought in duty-free in addition to your allowance. Bring a bag with some bits in and ask for a duty-free carrier bag (or buy something small) and then you can fill that bag with the additional items. Mot airports in the Uk have the same bags so you can reuse this trick every time you fly out. You will have to use another hack for your return journey though!
• Krispy Kreme Box Hack – I have only seen this one once and it was mildly bonkers but it seemed to work. Pack some extra bits in a Krispy Kreme box if you are travelling in the USA and you can take them on in addition to your allowance. This might fall apart when you realise you airport doesn’t have a Krispy Kreme or when they see your pants rather than the original glazed that should be on display.

This is everyone’s biggest bugbear when they are travelling carry on only. It is such a complicated problem that we have written a whole blog post to help you out!

Check out our post about packing your liquids bag like a pro HERE or tap on the tip titles below.

If you don’t fancy reading a whole post on the subject, here are the main bullet points:

• Learn The Rules About Packing Your Liquids Bag – One plastic bag 20cm x 20cm with nothing over 100ml in. The bag must be able to seal.
• Know What Counts As a Liquid at the Airport – Anything that is a liquid, paste or gel. If you can smear it on a wall, it is a liquid.
• Pack Your Liquids Bag BEFORE you Leave the House – Don’t get to security and then start trying to find the lip balm at the bottom of your wash bag or hand sanitiser attached to one of the zips on your bag.
• Decant, Decant, Decant – You don’t need a huge bottle of shampoo for a week away so get a small bottle and put just enough in. You can do it with hand cream, perfume (those mini atomisers are so sweet) and even foundation.
• How to Pack Toiletries on a Plane – Try shampoo bars, conditioner bars or deodorant bars, they don’t count as a liquid. Choose face wipes over a liquid cleanser. Grab all the sachets and samples you’ve been given over the years instead of bulky bottles.
• How to Pack Sun Care on a Plane – Buy your sun cream through security or at your destination. It may cost a little more but it is important to have enough for the time you are away so 100ml might not cut it.

To save time at security, and avoid getting into trouble, it is important to know what you cannot take through.

• Scissors – Technically you can take scissors through as long as the blades are less than 6cm long. However, most security staff will fight this and attempt to take away even tiny nail or sewing scissors. To save the drama, just leave them at home. You can take nail clippers and with those, you can cut thread, thin zip ties and of course, your nails with them.
• Knives – Again, it just isn’t worth trying to argue through a small knife. If you have any multi-tools with blades on, ditch them at home.
• Corkscrews – These curly metal stabby implements are perfect for getting corks out of wine bottles but when you travel hand luggage only, you will have to stick to screw cap vino!
• Some Umbrellas – Poison-tipped brollies aside, you might be surprised to learn that some umbrellas are not security friendly. Umbrellas with metal spikes on the top will be refused.
• Oh, and one that confused me for a while…you CAN take a standard shaving razor. Cutthroat barber tools are not permitted but your average Gillette is just fine.

Rolling your clothes is a tried and tested method that will help reduce wrinkles and save space. Some people like to do the ranger roll. This involves laying all your clothes out on top of each other and rolling the lot up in one big hotdog. I tried this once and wasn’t a huge fan, it meant undoing the whole lot every morning.

Personally, I favour rolling each individual piece of clothing After they are all as tight as possible, they all go into my….

I am obsessed with Packing Cubes .

Separating clothes, electricals, and toiletries into different cubes makes finding things so easy. This is especially important when using a backpack. You won’t lose clothes at the bottom but have them all easily accessible. It also helps to condense your clothes, allowing you to cram more in. I love the small cubes from Muji for my big clothes but also have a set of Packing Cubes from Amazon that I use for other bits.

Easy Squeez y Packing

Who is the crazy lady going around shops squeezing clothes? That’s me! I do this for two reasons:

• To see if they wrinkle easily. If they do, they aren’t great for travel.
• To see how much the fabric condenses. If it squishes down well, it is coming home with me!

Sports materials pack down to nearly nothing so search out cute clothes in technical fabrics. Nylon and Polyester are your friends for sure. You can also find some lovely, slidey mesh dresses that you can scrunch without fear. I also own some rather pricy silk gowns by Perrin and Co that look like they would never fit in hand luggage. This is not the time for layered tulle or a chunky knit.

If you have clothes that you really want/need to take with you, wear them! Going somewhere warm? Put on your big layers and boots for the flight. It is uncomfortable *take from a person that had to run through Gatwick in wellies…in June) but these big pieces would take up SO much room in your case that it is totally worth it. You can cram it under the seat in front of you…or sit on your coat on the plane. I tend to wear my heels to the airport as they are very awkward to pack. I also wear sunglasses on my head.

If you are away for more than a week or two, do some research before you leave for laundry. Hotels charge a small fortune (I mean one outfit could cost £30) but laundrettes and hostels are much cheaper. We had 2 kilos of laundry done in Russia for just £10, allowing us to do hand luggage travel for three weeks. In Belgrade we stayed in a hostel which allowed guests to use a washing machine and clothes line for free. It really helps, meaning you can wear nice dresses twice and not have to pack some much in the way of socks, undies and tops.

It is fun to accessorize but when you are travelling with just hand luggage you need to be smart about what you pick.

• For bags and shoes , choose colours that go with everything. Black, white or nude bags and shoes are always an easy choice.
• However, to make a statement, metallics are a total winner. Gold sandals go from day to night with ease and look fab with a tan.
• Forget the chunky bracelets and pick cute material ones instead.
• Pack a selection of light and colourful earrings. They are an easy pop of colour and some dainty sparkles will really class up an outfit for the evening.
• A scarf can be used for so much! A thick one will be a scarf outside and a blanket on buses/planes/trains. A thin one can also be a little blanket but also a beach towel or cover for visiting temples/churches.

To avoid a bulky washbag, consider making a few of these changes:

• Do you really need a big blow dry brush? Take a small hairbrush with you and if you are really wrapped for space, consider a wide tooth comb instead.
• A pack of face wipes has some serious bulk. If you decide to take them instead of a liquid then decant the number you need (plus two) into a small ziplock bag. This keeps them moist and reduces the space they take up.
• Pack a pallette. You can pack blush, contour and other colourful things all in one thin little packet.
• Decant your foundation into a teeny tiny bottle like this one from Muji or a little pot. The bottles can be so big and heavy!
• Forget the tools. Brushes, sponges and eyelash curlers are all bulky and do you really need them or can you go old school for a week?
• Get a soft-sided or rolling washbag The stiff ones won’t squash down that well.

There are certain things that you can’t travel without. I get it. I cannot travel without hair electricals BUT taking the time to find a small version of these things is worth the effort. for example:

• Phone chargers can be pretty bulky. I use the Mu folding plug which is totally flat. It has UK, US and European plug fittings so it covers most of the world. Looking, it seems like the company is no longer in operation but this multi USb Travel Plug looks like a pretty good alternative.
• When you are picking underwear or swimwear, avoid heavy padding and big flounces. Little bikinis or plain swimming costumes will fit much more easily. Bralettes and unpadded bars flatten or roll.
• If you don’t have a personal item as part of your allowance, consider a handbag that packs flat or a folding backpack that you can easily stash.
• Pack a couple of cable ties instead of a bulky lock. You can snip them with nail clippers.
• Don’t bring a bulky beach towel. A microfibre towel is an excellent alternative. If your hotel provides a towel, just bring a thin sarong that will pack down to nothing to lie on at the beach.
• My straighteners are half the size of real ones but the plates are full size. I love them so much I have bought a second pair for when these give up. They straighten and curl so there is no need to carry a curling tong/wand.
• My hair dryer is a real travel luxury that I can’t leave at home. Its tiny but powerful. I am aware I could use ones provided at hostels/hostels but they are often pretty poor and the Babyliss Nano is so small and so good that I just can’t leave it at home.

To save some serious space and weight, consider putting everything on your devices.

• Books can be put on a kindle or tablet. Kindles have a battery life that last forever.Alteratively, you could bring audiobooks on your phone which takes up even less room.
• If you hate digital books, bring a paperback and make sure your accommodation has a take one, leave one or lending library.
• Guidebooks can be purchased in digital form and are actually cheaper when bought that way. lonely Planet even lets you buys most of their books chapter by chapter. which perfect for city breaks. Who needs the whole of Lithuania if you are only visiting Vilnius .
• Phones/tablets have thousands and thousands of games , including family favourites like Uno. A pack of regular cards can be a good icebreaker but trust me when I say you will make just as many friends with a round of Heads Up! Plus, you can play things in awful airport/theme park queues.

Don’t double up on things with those you are travelling with. How many pairs of straightners do you need between four of you? Just take turns with them. One friend can bring their straighteners, you can tackle the hairdryer firned three can sort the mini hairspray and number four is tasked with a mutiplug for everyone’s electricals. You can share shoes (if you are the same size), accessories (bags and jewellery) and entertainment (as above).

Pack the things you need, not the things you MIGHT need. If you are going to a city, it is more than likely that you will be able to get some version of the thing you need. Emergency top? There are H&Ms all over the globe. Need plasters? There is always a pharmacy you can reach.

Following on from the point above, if you are doing really tiny hand luggage travel, consider what you can get hold of when you reach your destination. Does your hotel provide beach towels…or towels in general? If not, it might be be worth buying a cheap one when you get there.

If you are doing an activity that requires a specific item, the area around it might sell or rent it cheaply. In El Nido (in the Philippines) boat trips are very popular so dry bags are very cheap and EVERYWHERE. In Belize, watershoes are required for a common rivertubing activity. Punters can rent the shoes for just $3 meaning you don’t have to pack them or deal with them when they are wet.

If you have a small bag but no weight limit, you could try vacuum packing your clothes. This is a great idea if you know you can do the same on the way back. I did it once when I was taking huge dresses in hand luggage. I had to beg housekeeping to use their vacuum cleaner to get home again. Alternatively, you could…

If you are planning to get rid of those trainers that are almost dead, then take them away with you. You already know they are comfy (new shoes on holiday is always a bad idea). Then you can throw them away before you come home and give yourself some space for souvenirs. I know people that buy a full Primark wardrobe for their trip so they can ditch it along the way but that’s not great for the environment, I definitely prefer the dying clothes method. Altertively, there are places in the world which have donation or recycling places where you can leave your clothes.

Packing carry on only take practise and we learn a new little lesson every time we do it. It is now about 15 years that we have been improving our techniques and we hope we haven’t missed anything. If you have any other tips or tricks for hand luggage travel that we have missed, let us know!

Leave Us A Comment Cancel reply

To respond on your own website, enter the URL of your response which should contain a link to this post's permalink URL. Your response will then appear (possibly after moderation) on this page. Want to update or remove your response? Update or delete your post and re-enter your post's URL again. ( Learn More )

Privacy Overview

74 Best Suitcase Packing Tips - Master Your Luggage Like A Travel Ninja

Wise old Confucius might have said “The journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step”.

But he was wrong.

It starts by packing your suitcase.

I should know. I’ve done it at least 1000 times. And that’s not an exaggeration.

I’ve learned each of these lessons the hard way so I can teach you the easy way. This is the culmination of years of gruelling travel experience distilled into an easy, practical guide that will transform you from a packing pansy into black-belt travel ninja .

This thorough reference includes what you need to pack into your suitcase, how to avoid the common planning pitfalls, and secrets to keep your luggage as light as possible, so you can focus on the fun times in your upcoming vacation rather than sobbing in a slumped heap on the floor at the airport luggage check-in desk.

Once you’ve read and absorbed the deep wisdom found on this page, travel will become more effortless. You’ll glide through the airport with a zen-like peace on your face. Fellow passengers will watch you find your seat and nimbly whip out everything you need, with the grace, focus, stealth and steely stare reserved for master ninjas. And you’ll strut into your hotel lobby with a magnetic confidence that will make heads turn and jaws drop.

Well, something like that anyway.

I think I’ve hyped this up enough. Let’s get to it.

If you only heed a single best piece of advice from this article, use packing cubes . And wear sunscreen.

Packing Strategy

1. Make a packing list . Benjamin Franklin said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. And that same axiom applies to luggage. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Ok, enough cheese. You get the idea. Write down (or type on your phone) a list of every item you want to include in your suitcase and think about each one. Carefully. Visualise how you’ll be spending your vacation and what items you’ll need – clothing, accessories, shoes, toiletries, and gadgets. 

2. Keep your list. When you return home, look at anything you didn’t use and cross it off the list. Use the same list next time you pack, and over time your packing skills will become as sharp as double-edged ninja star.

3. Pack less than you think you need. On my travels, I’ve met two kinds of travellers: those who pack light and those who wish they did. Novice travellers will try to cater for every possible scenario. Ninjas know what they’re doing and understand they can always buy what they need at their destination if they get desperate. As a benchmark, lay out all your clothes on the bed and then put back at least one third. Everyone’s style is different so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. But just be ruthless with yourself.

4. Pack with a plan. There’s plenty of strategies floating on the interwebs about how to place items in your suitcase. The secret is… there’s no one perfect method, so play around and choose one that suits you. The key is to be flexible. Try placing shoes around the outside of the suitcase in single file, with the sole facing the edge. Or try placing water-resistant items (such as rain jackets) at the top near the zipper/handle in case your suitcase is left on the tarmac in the rain and water leaks in (cough, cough, I’m looking at you Air Canada). Pack heavier items towards the wheels (shoes, jeans, toiletries), and lighter items nearer to handle (the “top” when upright). This keeps the centre of gravity as low as possible, reducing the chance of the suitcase tipping over. And it makes the bag much easier to roll.

5. Measure. This might sound anal, but pull out a measuring tape (cloth or metallic is fine) and gauge your suitcase dimensions before deciding what packing cubes you need. Or you can be lazy like me and just look up the internal dimensions of your suitcase on the Internet. Map out how you plan to lay out the packing cubes inside the suitcase. I just used a piece of paper and a little mental mathematics. Leave a little wiggle room in case the cubes swell with clothing.

Ninja tip: If you’re using a clamshell-style case suitcase that is 28 inches or larger, then chances are the packing cubes can be positioned on their sides (white mesh facing the side, rather than up) to maximise the use of space. The other upside is the handle on the packing cube is at the top, for easy access.

To get you started, eBags Ultralight Packing cubes are the following dimensions:

• Small: 6.5” x 6.5” x 3.5” (16.5cm x 16.5cm x 8.9cm)
• Slim: 13” x 6.5” x 3.5” (33cm x 16.5cm x 8.9cm)
• Large: 13” x 13” x 3.5” (33cm x 33cm x 8.9cm)

Tip: Can't decide what to put in your suitcase? Check out my latest Christmas gift ideas for travellers .

6. Practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to do a “dry run” and try packing everything a few days before your trip. It’s less stressful than doing it 30 minutes before you leave for the airport. If you’re an organisational lover then try laying out all your items on the floor or bed so you can get a holistic view of your luggage… and it also makes for a fancy top-down photo so you can make your friends on Instagram jealous about your exotic getaway. 

Tip: Love travel planning? I use Airbnb and Booking.com to find accommodation bargains.

7. Plan to wash . if you’re travelling for over 10 days, plan to do a load of laundry (if possible) to reduce the volume of clothes you need to bring along. Airbnb properties usually clarify if a washing machine if it’s available, and some value-priced hotel chains (particularly in the US) have coin-operated laundromats within the property. Check the hotel facilities or find the nearest laundromat ahead of time. Another option is a DIY sink-wash with a little laundry detergent (pack in a small Ziploc bag), or check out this new ingenious invention .

8.   Go ultra-light.  If you can get away with only taking a  carry-on bag , do it. It feels wonderful strutting out of the airport as soon as you land, walking past the jet-lagged zombies salivating around the luggage carousel like tasty brains are zipping past on a sushi-style conveyer belt.

9.   Choose a  lightweight suitcase . Don’t waste your weight limits on a heavy suitcase. Check the weight  before  you buy. I avoid extra bells and whistles that weigh down the bag like a fancy built in power bank. A pound saved on the suitcase is another pound of clothes you can pack. 

10.   Choose luggage that rolls easily . When you’re running late, it can be the difference between making or missing a flight. And every other time, it just makes your life more enjoyable. It really does pays to spend a little more on quality  hardside luggage . In my early travels, I made the mistake of scrimping on suitcases. Better quality luggage will work out cheaper in the long run.

11.   Decorate your suitcase . Add a coloured tag, sticker or even a piece of fabric to the handle to make it easier to identify on the luggage carousel at the airport. Or if you’re a true ninja, stick with black.

12.   Lock it.  Make use of the built-in lock if your suitcase features one, otherwise buy a  travel-friendly padlock  that is TSA approved. If you use a non-TSA compliant lock, you might find it cut or broken when you pick up your suitcase from the carousel. If you don’t lock it, you could end up like  Shapelle Coby .

13.   Bring a soft-sided shoulder bag, tote or  backpack .  These are ideal for short day-trips, take minimal space in the suitcase and can be squashed flat like a pancake. Ideally, opt for an  anti-theft backpack .

If you need advice on what suitcase is best for you, try asking the experts at Kaehler Luggage . They have a wide range of top brands and very reasonable prices. And they’re nice folks too.

Packing Your Suitcase

Clothes & shoes.

14. Keep it smooth. Choosing clothing that is wrinkle-resistant reduces the need to pull out an iron while on holidays. You probably don’t enjoy doing the ironing at home, so put it away on your time off! If do you enjoy ironing, then you definitely need a holiday.

15. Mix ‘n match outfits. Choose clothes that are flexible for multiple looks. This means choosing complimentary colours across the wardrobe where possible. I typically go with blues, greys, and blacks. Ideally one top can be matched with different bottoms and vice versa. Each trip is different and this rule can be bent if you need to go to a business meeting or formal event. 

16. Accessorise. An easy alternative to bringing another outfit. Add a scarf, tie, (collapsible) hat, bracelet or ninja utility belt to give an existing outfit a new look.

17. Roll instead of folding soft garments – t-shirts, shorts, jeans, knitwear. This is a very popular packing tip, and chances are you’ve heard it before. But remember, some clothing items don’t roll well – like stiffer fabrics and dress pants/skirts, these should be folded. Folded garments must be placed on top of rolled garments to avoid wrinkling.

18. Fold + roll. To optimised the space in a narrow packing cube, fold t-shirts to width of packing cube and then roll. This will avoid wasting space and makes it easier to find a specific t-shirt compared to stacking multiple garments on top of each other.

Travel tip: Packing a suitcase is just the start of the adventure... book your bus, ferry train or car on Bookaway.com .

19. Divide & conquer. Pack cubes by weather and "look" rather than just all the same types of garments in the same cube. It may sound a little counter-intuitive at first. But this tactic is particularly handy when you have just a couple dressy or formal outfits. I keep my button-up shirts and smart pants in the same cube so I can quickly grab a whole outfit when I need it. This also reduces the chance of infrequently used clothing getting dirty or wrinkled when it is dislodged as more frequently used garments are placed in and taken out of the packing cubes.

20. Colour code. If travelling with a friend, spouse or family member,use a different colour packing cube for each person. If you have shared items (such as toiletries), use a 3 rd colour. This is super useful in dark hotel rooms. Or if you’re travelling by yourself, use a different colour to differentiate between types of garments (like shirts and shorts) or specific looks (beach, casual, smart, dressy, formal).

21. Invert. Pack light-coloured clothing inside out to avoid embarrassing stains from shoes or other items in the suitcase.

22. Poncho . Pack those separately in a waterproof bag to for an easy grab-n-go situation. Take the concept a step further and attach the bag to your backpack via a carabiner. This way if you don’t end up using the poncho, you can throw it back in the suitcase. The strategy also works with swim suits, scarves, beanies, gloves. Whatever the weather-specific accessory – keep it separate and easily transportable.

23. Drop the extra shoes. As a general rule of thumb, 3 pairs of shoes are more than enough for most trips (unless you’re a fashionista) – a casual flip-flop or loafer, sneakers and a dress shoe. Or if you’re more inclined to the outdoors, replace the dress shoe with a hiking boot. Try to wear the heaviest or bulkiest shoes on the flight, and pack the other two.

24. Comfy shoes. I always choose comfort over style, and quality over price. Painful blisters on your feet don’t make for a fun vacation. This extends to socks too. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking or hiking, invest in a quality pair of socks (I use FITS Socks ). When I started doing this I was shocked and the difference it made. 

25. Stuff ‘em. Fill shoe cavities with socks to save space. Alternative stuffing options: electronics chargers, belts, underwear, gold bullion (just kidding… give that to me instead!).

26. Bind em’. Tie flip-flops together with rubber bands with the sole facing each other. This prevents the potentially dirty bottoms from touching other garments in your bag. I’m also a raving fan of rubber bands – there’s boundless ways to put them to use, from sealing food bags to preventing disobedient knick-knacks from straying to holding your ninja stars together.

27. Wrap ‘em. Wrap shoes in plastic bags for the same reason. If you want to get a little fancy, lightweight shoe bags do the same job… but with flair.

28. Split ‘em. If flying with 2 large checked-in suitcases, split your clothes between each in case one suitcase gets lost by the airline. Then once you arrive at your hotel, rearrange the seasonal clothing back into one suitcase each (eg. one bag for summer and the other for winter). It’s one of those situations that you hope never happens, but when it does, the time taken to do this will be worth it.

29. Extra plastic. Bring a spare plastic bag to store wet swimwear in case you go swimming on the last day of your vacation, before departing to the airport for your return flight. This prevents wet swimwear, possibly doused in chlorine, from staining dark clothing. It’s always a good idea to wash swimwear in fresh water after use. However, remember to take this bag straight out as soon as you get home to dry out the garments. I’ve forgotten once or twice and woke the next day asking “what’s that smell?”.

30. Plan for dirty laundry. Keep spare packing cube for clothing and ninja suits in need of a wash. This prevents smelly clothes from sharing their aroma with clean clothes. If your socks, underwear or t-shirts are particularly pungent, use an air-tight bag or simply a plastic bag tied at the top. Just remember to wear a gas mask when you re-open it.

31. Disappearing jacket. Now you see it… now you don’t! Save space by cramming your bulky puffer jacket inside a zipped neck pillow case . The neck pillow can be placed in carry-on luggage or even worn through the airport (if you want to look like a hard-core flyer). This tip is one of the most ingenious ideas I stole from an experienced traveller recently. As an added bonus, if your luggage is lost by the airline you've still got a warm jacket on hand.

Toiletries & Health

32. Cling wrap. If you’re travelling with shampoo, remove the lid and add a layer of cling wrap over the opening before replacing the lid. This reduces the chance of leaks and explosions caused by air pressure changes in an airplane cargo hold. 

33. Go small. Even better, buy re-usable travel size bottles for the toiletries bag – replace the full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash and sunscreen, and squeeze those into travel-size containers.

34. Avoid busting. Only fill up your travel-sized bottles three quarters full. The cargo area on a plane is not pressurised like the passenger cabin, and liquids expand at high altitudes. Although your shampoo probably smells pleasant, you probably don’t want it all over your suitcase… and spare ninja uniform.

35. Give me a solid. For short vacations, sometimes the only reason why you have to bring a checked-in suitcase is for liquid toiletries. Try a solid shampoo and deodorant . It might just do the job, and save you paying for extra baggage. I’ve been using an organic solid deodorant for a while and can’t go back.

36. Ditch the charger. If you use an electric toothbrush and are travelling for 10 days or less, leave the heavy charger base at home. You’ll be fine without it, and if worse-case-scenario the battery runs flat, then you’ll just have to brush the old-fashioned way.

37. Say no to drugs. Pack any pain relievers and vitamins in small Ziploc bags , but cut out the packaging front or back (which shows the active ingredients) so it’s easily identifiable. This reduces the bulk and lightens your load at the same time. And it looks a lot less suspicious if your bag is checked by border control at the airport.

38. Doctor bag. For faster packing, have a ready-to-go health/medical kit standing by which includes a few Band-Aids for minor scrapes and cuts, Neosporin, cold medicine, and medicine for stomach trouble. It’s the only thing you pack that you hope you never need. Other than your ninja sword .

39. Adapters. Pack a universal power adapter , or two. Be careful to check your electrical items are rated for international voltage (110 – 240V) before using overseas. Often hair dryers and electric toothbrush chargers are not. On the upside, most hotels will provide a hair dryer and your toothbrush can go for a while without charging. 

40. Go full. Charge all your electronics at home before you leave. This includes any spare batteries for cameras. I know, I have to write that tip for myself too.

41. Warning: fragile. Always bring fragile camera and computer gear in the carry-on bag with you, and never check it in. If you do, there’s a good chance your travel insurance won’t cover breakages. I never go anywhere without my  Vanguard Alta Fly 49T carry-on bag.

42. Digital reading. Skip paper books and magazines, and load up your favourite reading material on a Kindle . Save on space and weight, and save a tree in the process.

43. Go loopy. Use Velcro cable ties to loop around USB and power cables. This prevents them from sprawling out like a spaghetti octopus and makes them easier to grab when you need them.

44. Zip everything. Pack water-sensitive items (such as electronics) in Ziploc bags. I use one for my Amazon Fire TV Stick . Bring extra Ziploc bags – they’re always handy, and take up virtually no space or weight.

45. Harden hard drives. Pack external hard drives in a durable waterproof carry case . This absorbs shocks and helps prevent damage to your precious data. Ideally these should be able to withstand ninja star attacks. 

46. Combine accessories. Pack all GoPro accessories in a separate carry case so you can easily access it whenever needed. I also keep a separate lens cleaning cloth in that case as it’s likely to pick up saltwater (which contains minerals and oils) when the GoPro is used in the ocean, and I want to avoid that getting smeared on my DSLR camera lenses.

47. Simplify charging. If you have a lot of devices that need charging (phone, tablet, GoPro, GoPro remote, Internet hotspot, wireless headphones, power bank), consider using a 6-port USB charger . This will reduce multiple bulky electronics adapters and streamline the use of power outlet adapters.

Bonus Tip: Speaking of phones, the easiest way to get fast Internet in any country is aloSIM . Their eSIM is the most important thing you'll pack... and it doesn't weigh anything!

48. Test beforehand.  If you’ve purchase new electronics items, test them out well before your departure date to ensure they work properly (and you have time to return them in case of faults). It also helps that you’re familiar with your gear so you can feel confident using it on your vacation rather than fumbling along like a newbie.

49. Size your car.  Carefully check the size of your rental car before booking. If you’ve planned well, you should know how many suitcases and bags you’ll have. Good car rental sites will tell you how many suitcases will fit in the trunk. Saving a few dollars with the smallest possible car, might become problematic when your beautiful shiny 30-inch suitcase doesn’t fit. So, if it’s only a few dollars extra to upgrade to a larger size car, your peace of mind is worth it.  RentalCars.com  is one of my favourite rental sites.

50. Split clothing.  On road trips put all the clothing you need day to day in the same bag so you can leave the unused bag in the car, making it easier to get in and out of hotels.

51. Check and re-pack.  Check the 7-day  weather forecast  every evening so you know what clothing will be required the next day and can re-pack accordingly. It’s particularly helpful to review tomorrow’s hour-by-hour temperature and wind speed. Depending on your location, a seemingly warm sunny day may have a surprisingly cold start to the morning. Or what appears to be “shorts” weather may require a sweater because of gale-force winds.

52. Portable DJ bag.  Place car accessories in a sealed carry bag. I bring a USB car charger, audio cable, USB cable and phone mount in a small bag so I can quickly grab that when picking up a rental car. Combine that with  Amazon Music Unlimited  and you’ve got a never-ended soundtrack for your road trip. Tip: if you’re driving in rural areas,  download your playlist  to your phone for reliable offline access.

Everything Else

53. Weigh it.  Use a  portable luggage scale  so there’s no surprises at airport. Don’t push your luck because I’ve found most scales at airports are skewed around 3-5% heavier than hand-held luggage scales. 

54. Feel like home. Rather than living out of a suitcase, move packing cubes into drawers when staying in hotels. It will make you feel more comfortable, and keep the convenience of easy re-packing when it’s time to leave. Just grab the cubes out of the drawer and place back in your suitcase. Re-packing done in 30 seconds or less. Like a mega ninja.

55. Avoid zipper snags. Place your finger under the suitcase or packing cube zipper when doing up to avoid the zipper catching on loose threads. 

56. Avoid brush snags. If you’ve packed a coarse-bristled brush, cover it with a sock to avoid it getting caught on clothes resulting in snags or tears. 

57. Improve the smell. Take a small bag of mild potpourri, fabric conditioner sheets or scented drawer liners, and place in the centre of your suitcase. You'll keep your clothes smelling sweet throughout the trip.

58. Avoid breakages and tears. Wrap fragile items (such as porcelain, vases, bottles of wine, etc.) in soft clothing, like a sweatshirt, and place in the centre of the bag. Clothing around the fragile item will act as a buffer from bumps. If the item has a cavity, such as a vase, then place a t-shirt inside to absorb the shock and reduce the chance of breakage. But I have to ask, why are you travelling with a vase? It might be nice.

59. Fill in empty holes. I try not to over-pack my suitcase, but if you leave too much empty space, the clothing or cubes will move around far more and can get wrinkled or even damaged. If you have a lot of spare space, place your packing cubes at the bottom near the wheels, and make use of a built-in elastic suitcase strap, to minimise movement. The flipside of this advice is that if you’re planning a shopping spree or bringing home a few souvenirs, leave enough room for those.

60. Important documents. Pack a photocopy of your passport and travel insurance documents in your checked-in luggage. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring along a copy of your prescription in case you need an urgent replacement. Keep your ninja certification handy too… just in case.

I often get asked about what luggage I use. This changes from time to time as my travel style evolves, but currently I use  Samsonite Omni PC  for my primary suitcases. They are the perfect balance between light weight, strength and durability.

Carry-on Bag

61. Ditch the suitcase.  If spacing allows, use a personal bag (like shoulder bag) to carry on all the items you need (such as laptop, headphones, snacks) rather than in a wheeled suitcase. It’s easier to walk down the plane isle, and makes embarking faster.

62. Handy pills.  Bring any medication you need in your carry-on bag. If it’s in a liquid form and over 100ml, there’s a good chance it can get through security if you have an active prescription from a doctor. These rules will vary by country.

63. Pocket power.  Pack your in-flight essentials in a zippered pocket for easy access – earphones, hand wipes (airplane fold-down tables and arm rests are a haven for germs), tissues and a pen (for filling in immigration forms). I use the  Bellroy All Conditions Essentials Pocket .

64. BYO snacks.  Save money on over-priced airline food, plus give yourself the flexibility to choose healthier options. Use separate Ziploc bags for: sliced apples, dried fruit and nuts, granola bars, Pringles, you name it.

65. No bling.  Avoid wearing and packing excessive jewellery. It attracts unwanted attention and increases the risk of loss. Depending on your travel insurance coverage, expensive jewellery may not be fully covered or covered at all. Ninjas shouldn’t wear jewellery anyway.

66. Compression socks.  I used to scoff at these but not anymore. I recently wore flip-flops on a long flight and my feet swelled up like a balloon. I now use  CEP Recovery+ Pro compression socks . Pack compression socks in your carry-on and pull them out once you find your seat.

Airports & Airlines

67. Check airline weight limits.  Know the limits for checked luggage before you pack your suitcase. Some discount airlines have very strict carry-on weight and size limits (these vary by airline). Often a personal item (like purse or small laptop bag) is acceptable in addition to your regular carry-on luggage. But be careful to check if the carry-on weight limits cover individual items or  combined .

68. Liquid limits. Remember liquid limits in the country you’re flying from and to. In some countries rules for domestic flights are different to International flights. Here’s more information for several countries: USA , UK , Australia , Canada .

69. Refill water. Bring an empty water bottle to the airport so you can fill up after going through security. Many airports have water fountains otherwise most restaurants will fill your bottle with tap water if you ask nicely. If you’re looking for a good quality re-usable bottle, check out Hydaway  ( official website ) and Klean Kanteen . 

70. No boom boom. Don’t pack dangerous and restricted items (such as firearms, knives, flammable items, corrosives, glowing radioactive waste). If you’re not familiar with those restrictions, check your airline’s policies and country of departure/arrival ( TSA has some more info ). A cavity search from airport security is not the best way to start your vacation.

71. Hold the gold. Never check in valuable items such as passports, original identification documents, cash, credit cards, jewellery, and electronics. These should always be brought onto the plane with you. If you feel the need to travel with gold bars in your pockets, then send me an email. We need to hang out.

72. Stand straight. I’ve found most airlines are relatively inconsistent when enforcing their carry-on baggage weight checks. It helps when you’re at the check-in counter not to look like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders. You don’t want to draw unwanted attention to your luggage for additional scrutiny.

73. Plan B. If you know your carry-on bag is overweight and are trying your luck, have a fall-back plan. On at least one occasion I’ve walked up to an airline check-in desk wearing several layers of jackets. The pockets were crammed with camera lenses and external hard drives. Fortunately, I wasn’t asked what that bulge in my pants was. I’ll admit, it’s not elegant, but I’m pretty sure there’s no rules preventing that. 

74. Spread the love. Be friendly to the airline ground staff who are helping you check-in. Ask them how they day has been. Adding a bit more kindness into the world has a way of coming back to you. And if you ask super nicely, the staff member might be able to give you a seat in the exit row. It can’t hurt asking.

The Bottom Line

Packing a suitcase is a skill, and a skill worth your learning. It’s a crucial part of mastering the art of travel. By practicing my time-tested travel teachings you’ll be well on your journey towards becoming one with your suitcase. And the universe. But mostly your suitcase. 

With so much to learn, it might seem a little daunting. Never fear, dancing dragon. Take a deep breath, tighten your ninja eye mask, and always remember that I believe in you. And so does Confucius. 

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

• Our Guerrilla Packing Tactics: Check-In VS Carry-On
• Vanguard Sedona 45 Backpack Review: Ultra Light… But Not On Features
• How To Pack 175 Magazines In Your Carry-On (With No Extra Weight)
• World’s Best Travellers Reveal What You SHOULD Pack In Your Suitcase
• American Tourister Luggage Review: Duralite 360 3 Piece Spinner Set
• 19 Christmas Gift Ideas for Travellers in 2018

More posts from Travel Tips

Best Free eSIM Plan for Travel: Try Before You Buy

I’m always looking for travel hacks to save money and get more bang for my buck. I recently came across an established international eSIM provider that has just started offering a…

11 Best Destinations in Southeast Asia for Digital Nomads

Ah, the digital nomad life! Working from exotic locales, sipping coconuts by day and coding away by night. If you're itching to embark on a Southeast Asian adventure while keeping…

Road Trip Comparison: RV Rental vs Tent Camping vs Hotels

I often get asked… should I rent an RV? Let me start off by saying that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every traveller. A lot of it depends on personal preference,…

How to Prevent the 34 Worst Travel Problems

I’m not trying to discourage you from getting on a plane – quite the opposite. I want you to return to your home after the trip with a broader perspective of the world, a more open…

Which Carriers Support eSIM in Germany?

Germany is an exciting destination for any traveller. From bustling Berlin to the quaint charms of Cologne, Germany offers something for everyone. Firstly, you'll need a mobile…

What is the Best eSIM for New York with Unlimited Data

For visitors, New York generously offers a dizzying range of activities. But the first thing you'll need is a prepaid data plan for your smartphone. I've compared dozens of options…

How to Find Cheap Flights with eDreams

Discover the steps I use to find cheap flights on eDreams and the 5 reasons why I choose this online travel agency.

Is eDreams Legit & Reliable?

Have you heard of eDreams, but are not quite sure if it's safe to use? Before you spend your hard-earned money with them, let me take you through the story of eDreams and the…

How To Get a UK eSIM for Travellers

Are you planning a trip to the United Kingdom? If you are, congrats! The Land of the Rose Isle has so much to offer its visitors. But before you start packing your bags, there's…

How to Choose an Australia eSIM for Travel

If you’re visiting Australia from Asia, Europe, or North America, then chances are you'll want to use your fancy new smartphone on vacation. But what if you don’t have a local SIM…

Reader Comments...

Thanks for providing us such a information. We appreciate your information. Thank you for sharing, I found very useful info here, I was delighted to find this web site. great post.

Vavvv. Very useful info. Thanks

Thanks for all these great tips. Some of them I already practice, but a lot are some I am going to try on my next trip.

Some great tips in this post will certainly keep these in mind when traveling the next time. I make my reservations from Cathay Pacific to get cheap plane tickets.

This is a very helpful post. I am definitely gonna try some of these.

Awesome tip for 2018. Made me want to look back (packing blunders). Remembered how i almost ruined a family trip. Went to Beijing last year with the family and our 1-year-old kid. It was a fascinating trip. Would have been ruined if I did not check in our car seat, thanks to our car seat cover https://goo.gl/bNM3U5 we were able to gate check our car seat.

This is simply amazing! Keep up the good work.

The main problem comes through traveling is this only that from where to start the packing our baggage. Thanks for sharing such a helpful article.

That's quite an interesting article Josh, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveller, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.

Some great tips here. I would strongly advocate trying to travel only with a carry-on/no checked luggage. Every year my wife and I do a major trip of 1-2 months. This past year we travelled for 2 months in SE Asia using a lot of internal flights. Lots of connections and lots of opportunity to lose checked luggage. We also kept the weight of each bag to 8 kg as that is the limit on some Asian carriers. With that low a limit we each used a small personal shoulder bag (for camera stuff and electronics) and a very light 2 wheeled bag from IT that weighed less than 2 kg. With only 6 kg (13 lb) for bag content you have to make some really tough decisions.

Thanks, Josh - for sharing such a wonderful information as I travel a lot and all the time I have an issue in a packing of my stuff, but after reading your blog I am sure that now I have a proper solution to my packing problem. Please keep on sharing such useful stuff, as I am waiting for your next post.

I like the tip that you gave to measure the dimensions of your luggage before you go on a trip. My wife and I are going on vacation to Cape Verde that I won from work, and we want to make sure that we have everything in order for our travels. I will be sure to measure the dimensions of our luggage to make sure that it meets the requirements given by our airlines, so we will not have to leave some of our luggage at home.

What is the name of the wheeled carry on luggage pictured above that you ise?

Where can i find a neckpillow which can contain my jacket?

It's very informative and interesting post. I am impressed with your post. I like it. Thanks for sharing it.

These are some really helpful tips and extremely detailed. For me packing light is a must and my TUMI V3 carry-on luggage

Some great ideas. Thanks for the help.

I want to bring your attention to let you know I found this post extra informative, from first to last found I found each tip fruitfull. Though I am a travel geek and frequently travel 3 days of a week. Helpful article.

Some very good tips here. My only worry would be putting packing cubes in drawers. Sounds like a recipe to forget one. If I am in a hotel for a few days I will put the cubes on the desk, in the US there is often a 2nd bed, or there is usually counter space near the coffee maker or TV. Call me paranoid, but hiding your stuff in drawers just seems like an accident waiting to happen. God forbid you leave something when you are on the way to the airport.

I love the idea of putting my puffy jacket inside my back pillow case. Best idea I have seen. My jacket fit perfectly.

Write Your Comment

Please DO NOT include links, URLs or HTML in your comments - they will be automated deleted and you will waste your time.

HOT: My top 48 photos of 2022 .

My name is Josh and I'm an Aussie who has been travelling the world non-stop for 11 years , and explored 70+ countries so far. I'll help make your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel tips.

(click my smiling face to find out more)

Latest Post

17 Things To Do In Bali For Couples

Bali is a haven for couples of all ages. I recently returned to Bali for my 20th visit, and I was inspired to explore parts of the island I had not seen before, as well as revisit…

Travel Hacks

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Pack Hand Luggage for a Week

Last Updated: August 24, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Julie Naylon and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan . Julie Naylon is the Founder of No Wire Hangers, a professional organizing service based out of Los Angeles, California. No Wire Hangers provides residential and office organizing and consulting services. Julie's work has been featured in Daily Candy, Marie Claire, and Architectural Digest, and she has appeared on The Conan O’Brien Show. In 2009 at The Los Angeles Organizing Awards she was honored with “The Most Eco-Friendly Organizer”. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 15,479 times.

By packing hand luggage for your weeklong trip, you save money on baggage fees and give yourself the freedom to start your vacation as soon as your plane lands–say goodbye to waiting at baggage claim! But how do you maximize space and fit everything you need into a carry-on for 7 days? Read on to learn pro packing hacks, so you can pack efficiently and comfortably into just a carry-on.

Hand Luggage Packing List for One Week

Check airline restrictions for carry-on luggage.

• Choose a bag with an outer pocket to make pulling out toiletries easier as you go through security.
• Pick a hardshell bag for a cruise, since hard suitcases stack easily into the belly of the ship.
• Most international airlines will allow a bag that’s 21 x 14 x 8 inches (53 x 36 x 20 cm).

Follow the 4-3-2-1 rule for clothes.

• Think about your itinerary and be realistic about what you need.
• For instance, you might not need 4 sets of workout clothes if you know you’ll secretly end up skipping morning yoga and hitting the breakfast buffet (it’s vacation!).
• Bring 5-6 pairs of underwear and socks. You can do laundry if necessary.

Plan outfits to fit with the weather and your itinerary.

• For a hot or humid climate , pick clothes like linen pants, jersey tops, and rayon skirts. Those materials are lightweight and breathable, so they can easily air dry.
• For a colder climate , skip bulky sweaters. Instead, pack thermal shirts that you can wear under a fleece layer and thinner sweaters.
• If you’ll be hiking or hitting the beach, consider packing an old tee shirt to wear. If you end up buying souvenirs, you can donate the shirt or throw it away to make space in your bag.

Pack clothes in the same color scheme.

• For tropical destinations and summer vacations , choose lighter base colors like khaki, ivory, and light blue. Then, add yellow or orange accents.
• For a winter trip , lean towards a color scheme with charcoal, cream, shades of brown, and deep reds and greens.

Pick travel-friendly fabrics.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them.

• Rolling works well with lighter layers like tee shirts. You might be better off still folding heavy sweaters. [8] X Research source

Use packing cubes.

• You can even designate a packing cube for your charging cables and small electronics.

Aim to bring 1-3 pairs of shoes.

• For instance, you can pick a nicer pair of sneakers that double as a casual daytime shoe. Or, ditch the dressier evening shoe and stick to casual vibes.

Put small items in your spare shoes.

• You can wrap breakable items in socks, and then put the wrapped items in your shoes for extra protection.
• Wrap your shoes in shower caps to prevent the soles from getting your clothes dirty.

Swap in solid toiletries.

• Your toiletries have to be less than 3.4 oz. (100 mL) if they’re liquid. [13] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
• You can even cut bars of soap in half or quarters to save more space.

Rely on hotel toiletries.

• When in doubt, you can call ahead to see what the hotel will offer.

Pick makeup products that are multipurpose.

• Leave your hairdryer at home (most hotels have hairdryers) or invest in a smaller travel version.

Bring fewer electronic devices.

• Tie cables with twist ties or velcro straps to keep them organized.
• Pack your electronic devices in a laptop bag with protective padding.
• Create DIY laptop padding by wrapping your computer in clothes or bubble wrap if you’re putting it straight in your bag. [16] X Research source

Plan to do laundry.

• Bring laundry soap in bar form, or bring a few laundry pods with your other liquids.
• Add a stain-remover pen to your packing list.

Bundle up for the plane and wear your bulkiest shoes.

• Plus, since airplanes can get a little chilly, the extra layers will help you stay at a comfortable temperature.

Pack a tote or spare bag.

• A tote bag is also a great way to separate your dirty laundry from the clean clothes in your bag.

Pack items you'll need onboard in a personal carry-on item.

• Important documents like your passport
• Entertainment like books, games, tablets
• An eye mask or travel pillow
• Toiletries and medication
• Valuable and fragile items

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hand luggage, check out our in-depth interview with Julie Naylon .

• ↑ https://travelinglight.com/what-is-the-standard-carry-on-size/
• ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/luggage/choosing-between-hard-sided-luggage-and-soft-sided-luggage-a7522194221/
• ↑ https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-pack-any-bag-in-15-minutes
• ↑ https://traveltips.usatoday.com/pack-one-week-traveling-light-105648.html
• ↑ https://travel.usnews.com/features/how-to-pack-a-suitcase-16-tips-and-expert-tricks-for-perfectly-packed-luggage
• ↑ https://www.seamwork.com/magazine/2019/11/the-best-fabrics-for-travel
• ↑ Julie Naylon. Professional Organizer. Expert Interview. 18 December 2019.
• ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/travel/a17001/packing-tips-tricks-travel/
• ↑ ​​ https://travel.usnews.com/features/how-to-pack-a-suitcase-16-tips-and-expert-tricks-for-perfectly-packed-luggage
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/29/travel/clothes-packing-dress-light-shoes.html
• ↑ https://ladylighttravel.com/2016/09/24/reduce-your-solid-toiletries-to-reduce-bulk-and-weight/
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-3-1-1-liquids-rule
• ↑ https://www.smartertravel.com/surprising-free-hotel-amenities/
• ↑ https://www.allshethings.com/packing-hacks-to-travel-light/
• ↑ ​​ https://www.popsci.com/pack-gadgets-for-travel/
• ↑ https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2019-09-02/readers-laundry-tips-clean-clothes-traveling
• ↑ https://www.cleverjourney.com/personal-items/

About this article

Did this article help you?

• About wikiHow
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Hand Luggage Only – Tips and Tricks You Need to Know!

In this day and age, traveling with hand luggage only is becoming more and more attractive. Unless you have been living under a rock, air travel around the world post pandemic is in chaos, and lost luggage is becoming the norm, rather than the exception. Personally, I know of at least 3 friends who have lost their luggage in Europe recently.

But guess what? There is an easy way to prevent it happening to you!

Choosing to travel with hand luggage only looks scary at first. Especially if you are like my partner, and like to bring everything in the wardrobe, closet, bathroom cabinet and kitchen pantry with you. But once you learn to be minimalistic, and take a realistic look at what you actually USE when on a trip away, you will quickly become accustomed to packing light.

Table of Contents

Travel is easier and quicker, hand luggage only travel is cheaper, no more lost luggage, you can be more flexible with plans, your packing is limited, recycling your clothes, you have to abide by airline restrictions, make a list – then cut it in half, invest in packing cubes, get some portable scales, use a backpack, game the system, be smart with clothing, put your entertainment online, cut down on shoes, travel by bus or train, wear heavy items on the plane, act like your hand luggage is light, be prepared at check in and security, hand luggage only – the positives.

Ok, so first let’s take a look at the positives of packing light, and jetting off with hand luggage only. There are probably more, but here are the main reasons that I choose to do it.

How much time do you waste waiting for your bags in airports? I can tell you that it is a lot! Go on some budget airlines in South East Asia , and I can tell you that from experience I have stood at the carousel for hours. And that is no exaggeration. Once, the bags were all stuck coming up the conveyor belt, but there was no one around after the late night flight into Bangkok to fix the problem. Two hundred passengers could SEE their bags, but not get to them.

Take hand luggage only though, and you walk right by the carousel and out the doors, smack into your holiday.

It’s not just at the airport though that things are easier. Taxi’s , Tuk Tuks , even walking through hotel lobbies becomes a LOT easier. Don’t even get me started on the cobbled streets of Rome, either…

Want to know how I travel the world and save money on conversion rates WITHOUT carrying a thick wad of cash with me? It’s simple – with my WISE debit card! The WISE card allows me to carry multiple currencies on the one account, making it easy for me to pay in store in the local currency, or withdraw cash from local ATM’s without worrying about conversion rates stinging me! Check out how to get your own WISE account for FREE at THIS LINK .

How many times did you find a nice, cheap flight, then end up paying an arm and a leg once you added a luggage allowance? All the time, I bet.

This is no longer an issue when you travel with hand luggage only. Just be aware of the airline restrictions, and make sure that you adhere to them. Then, it’s off on your cheaper than usual holiday!

This is a big issue right now. Everywhere around the world flights are being canceled, passengers moved around, and flights delayed. This all means that baggage handlers are overworked, and luggage simply goes missing. You end up in Jamaica, while your swim suits have gone to Nepal. Great.

Eliminate it all by flying with hand luggage only. It’s pretty hard for an airline to lose your luggage when it’s strapped to your back. It can’t go missing when it’s in the overhead compartment, two feet from you. Be smart, and keep your belongings with you.

Traveling with hand luggage only means you have more options. When we were in Cambodia recently, we had the option to fly to our next destination, or save a LOT of money traveling in a mini bus. The only issue was that the mini bus only had a small luggage capacity.

We ended up saving all of that money because we were able to be flexible.

Changing flights is easy when you haven’t checked your baggage. Sometimes, flights will be overbooked, and they will ask for volunteers to take a later flight. Usually there is a really great offer involved. If you only have hand luggage, you can be the first the throw your hand up.

It’s just smart traveling.

Hand Luggage Only – The Negatives

Like everything, there are negatives to traveling with hand luggage only. Not THAT many, but there are some. You can get past them all though, and I firmly believe that the positives out weigh the negatives anyway.

This is a no brainer really. If you can only take 7kg onto a domestic flight, then you will not be able to pack those 3 big jackets and 5 pairs of shoes. Although I am sure some people would try.

Instead, you will have to pick and choose what you can take. If you are going to be in a destination with varying climates, then it will become even tougher. Find a way around it though, and you will find it very beneficial.

Not REALLY recycling. But you WILL have to use the same clothes over and over again. Now, this is not going to be much of an issue if you are only going away for a few days. But then, you would probably take hand luggage only in that case anyway.

But if you are on a serious vacation, or trip, then you are going to have to wash those clothes a few times and wear them again. You can utilize laundry services if they are available, but either way, you will have to think ahead.

Make this a non issue by being versatile with your packing. Pack clothes that you can mix and match, and if traveling in cheap South East Asian countries, just buy your clothes when you arrive there!

Traveling with hand luggage only is easy when you are moving around by bus, train or car. It’s when you have to get onto a flight that things get tight.

I flew to South East Asia recently with hand luggage only. My bag was well under the capacity limit as I had packed very lightly. That’s pretty easy in a part of the world that has a perpetual summer.

The problem came 6 weeks later when I had to get on another flight, and realized I had shopped a bit too much. Some creative packing skills had to come to the fore to get me out of a jam.

So be aware of those flight restrictions. If you buy a new shirt, then you may have to leave an older one behind. Remember that everything you add, also adds weight.

Packing Tips for Traveling with Hand Luggage Only

Through most of my travels, I have gone with hand luggage only. I hate hauling a big suitcase with me, and enjoy having the flexibility of movement that just a back pack gives me. When I really HAVE to carry something bigger, it is usually a hybrid bag that is generally just a back pack with wheels anyway.

Here are a few tips that I have gleaned on my travels, and things that I know will make it easier for you as well.

This is one of the most important tips that I have for traveling with hand luggage only, but I still struggle with it myself. It has saved me many times though.

Make a list of everything you want to bring. Then, go to your closet and take it all out, as per the list, and lay it out on your bed. Then, halve it! If you have 6 shirts, take 3. If you have 4 pairs of shoes, you will only need 2.

Traveling light means just that, traveling light. Don’t take all the extra stuff when you don’t need to. Which brings to to another tip that is slightly related to this one.

If you have extra room in your luggage, don’t just fill it! Don’t throw in that extra shirt JUST because there is room. I have done this many times and end up carting the extra clothing around the world, and when I get home it is still folded at the bottom of my pack.

What was the point?

Using packing cubes had me dubious at first. But I invested in them anyway, and now, I am never without them. In fact, recently I traveled to Australia on a quick trip, and couldn’t believe how much I missed them! I had only taken a few items of clothing with me, but wow! I noticed the difference.

I have a set of 3 Eagle Creek cubes that I bought off Amazon . I will put a link to some below. I use them all the time and roll all my clothes before packing them into the cubes. They fit SO MUCH it is incredible, and save a heap of space. This allows you to use smaller packs and get just as much clothes into them, so they are a no brainer when traveling with hand luggage only.

Also, check out my full review on my Eagle Creek Packing Cubes at the link below.

I take my little scales everywhere with me. They are light and I just toss them into the top of my pack when I am done packing. What they save me in time and stress makes the small investment worth it though.

I weigh everything when I travel. Especially before I go to an airport. No one likes to be surprised with overweight baggage, and paying the criminal fees that they charge you at the check in counters. (I mean seriously, what’s up with that anyway?)

Instead, have your luggage all weighed and know exactly what you are in for before you leave home. Stick by the hand luggage restrictions imposed by the airlines, and you will never have an issue again.

This is a life changer when traveling with hand luggage only. Ditch the old, small wheeled suitcase, and invest in a good back pack. You will notice the difference.

There are a couple of great back packs on the market that are specifically made to conform with airline sizing restrictions. My favorite is the Osprey Farpoint . You can fit so much into it that it almost seems unfair. It is also very easy to carry around with you, is comfortable, and surprisingly light and versatile.

You will notice the difference between having a backpack and a small suitcase. You can fit so much more into a backpack and still be under the weight limit. They fit easier into overhead compartments, and usually have special laptop sleeves and spaces to keep your electronics separated from your clothing.

For me, it’s an easy decision.

What do I mean by that?

It’s simple. Most of the time when you fly with hand luggage only, the airlines rules allow you one piece of hand luggage – usually about 7 – 10kg. They ALSO allow you to have a personal item.

Now, as a guy, my personal item once consisted of a set of headphones, or a book, or both. Then I began to take notice of the ladies who were allowed to carry a handbag with them, and I started to think of just how much I could fit into one myself.

So I found myself a small sling bag to use. Enter the Grams28 154 City Pack that I now take everywhere with me. In it, I can fit my smaller and heavier items such as my camera, Insta360 camera, chargers, as well as passport etc. It comes as my personal item and my backpack has more weight available for that extra t-shirt and hoodie!

Check out my full review about my favorite sling back HERE .

This sort of goes along with the first point about not packing too much. But there are a couple of other tips I want to mention here.

Pack clothing that you can mix and match. Choose outfits that are versatile. I know a few people that I follow on Instagram, and I was genuinely shocked when I found that they only pack about 4 different outfits when they travel. In their photos, they always looked different.

The secret came in the versatility. They could interchange tops and wear with different shorts or skirts. Every time they went out, they looked different. It was so smart that I do it myself now. Every time I pack.

The other idea is to look at your destination, and decide if you can shop when you arrive. If you are heading to Bali, or Bangkok, then it means that you can travel VERY cheaply. Simply buy a few 2 dollar shirts when you arrive. You don’t even have to bring them home again!

I am a big exponent of this one, and even did it before I turned to traveling with hand luggage only.

Being a big reader, I used to carry a book with me everywhere I went. Now, it is simply a Kindle. I have a couple hundred books on there, and the biggest issue I have is choosing what I want to read.

On flights, I like to watch movies or tv shows to pass the time. Unfortunately, on budget flights or domestic flights, most of them will not have any in flight entertainment, other than watching other passengers being unpleasant human beings.

Therefore, I put all my movies and tv shows onto a USB. This simple plugs into the bottom of my phone via an adapter that I purchased online. I now have no issues on flights and watch movies while everyone around me looks on with jealous eyes. You can also do this with Netflix, by downloading shows to watch in the app when you are offline.

Click one of the buttons below to check out the adapters on Amazon.

This is one for the ladies, at the risk of being sexist. But then, maybe for the men too.

If you are heading to a sunny beach in Jamaica, how many shoes do you really need anyway? I take a pair of flip flops everywhere I travel, and a good comfortable pair of walking shoes. Beyond that, MAYBE I will take a good pair of Converse as well, just in case I have a night out.

But I think even that is overkill. Pack versatile shoes. If you can use the same shoes for walking, exploring, AND a night out, then that is a sure fire winner.

This one might seem like a no brainer, but most people don’t even think about it. Hand Luggage is only really a term used in the airline industry, and is rarely, if ever, used on bus and train. In fact, I am pretty certain the term was coined BY the airline industry.

So the obvious answer to not have to worry about checked luggage, is to travel by bus or train when it is an option. And to be honest, if you aren’t traveling overseas, or time is not really a factor, then why NOT consider it?

There are some places in the world where travel by bus and train is actually a better option. South East Asia for one. The Balkans for another. In fact, travel by bus around Croatia in particular is preferred by most visitors. In Thailand, the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train trip is one of the most traveled in the country, and possibly the entire South East Asia!

So do away with expensive luggage fees on planes, and travel by bus or train instead. Pack light, but stop the stress about how much it all weighs.

So how to find if bus or train travel IS an option? Simple. With my favorite booking site – Bookaway. I use it to save myself a lot of money, stress and time, all over South East Asia, Turkey and the Balkans. Check out their amazing and simple site in the link below.

This goes along with the previous tip. Pick your heaviest shoes, and wear them on the plane. When I travel with hand luggage only, I ALWAYS wear my shoes onto the plane.

I also wear, or carry, my heaviest jacket, jeans and longest shirt. If you can wear a couple of shirts, say, a long sleeve with a t shirt over the top, or some variation, then do it. The more you wear, the less is in your luggage, and the more likely you are to be well under that weight restriction.

ALWAYS act like your hand luggage is as light as a feather. I always toss my bag onto my shoulder like it weighs nothing, and saunter off through the airport like I’m walking on air. No one can tell that my shoulder is screaming in pain, and my dodgy knee nearly just collapsed.

If they did, then someone is bound to stop me and ask to weigh my bag. I don’t want that, even if I have already weighed it myself a dozen times before I came to the airport. Who needs that stress?

This is especially important if you are flying close to the weight limit. All it takes is a set of scales slightly off calibration, and suddenly your hand luggage only flight just turned into an expensive checked bag flight. Don’t take the risk, and DON’T draw attention to yourself.

This is another place that you really don’t want to draw attention to yourself. For more reasons than one, but really, you don’t need someone from the airline ratting around in your luggage.

When you are standing at check in, leave your bag by your feet, out of sight. Or simply leave it hanging on your shoulder and don’t draw attention to it. They might ask to weigh it, but usually only if they SEE it.

When you get to security, be the dream traveler. Have your laptop out and ready. Get your electronics separated and be aware of the local laws. For example, in Thailand they need your power bank separated from your luggage, just like your laptop. Be aware of that and ready for it.

Take off your belt (actually, I never wear a belt. It’s just another thing to slow me down at security) your phone, wallet and keys. Have them all ready and whisk through security without anyone giving you a second glance as they are already worried about the slow passenger behind you that WASN’T prepared, is slowing up the line, and about to cop the rubber glove search as a result.

Flying and traveling with hand luggage only is a dream compared to hauling around large suitcases everywhere. Try it out yourself on your next trip.

I hope these tips help you out. They are sure fire winners for me when I am on the move around the world. Feel free to download a copy of this article on PDF to read again later. Simply click the button below and watch the magic happen!

Drop me a comment below to let me know what you think, or to let me know any tips YOU might have.

Related posts

Riding a Scooter in Sapa, Vietnam – Everything You Need to Know

Mt Ijen From Bali – Your Complete Guide

Is Nusa Dua or Uluwatu Better?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

[…] ideally fit into hand luggage on the plane or train. Making travel easier and quicker according to The Travel Author, choosing to travel with only hand luggage makes the whole process much smoother, meaning that […]

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Hand luggage only! Ten tips to save space and money as you pack for holidays – and still be ready for anything

This summer more than ever, if you’re travelling by air you’ll want to do it with the smallest, lightest bag or suitcase – and definitely not check it in. Here’s how …

A nya Lakovlieva, who posts on TikTok as @nolimitua, has had 25m views for the airport selfie video she posted last September. It wasn’t owing to a Balenciaga tracksuit or a photobomb by Timothée Chalamet , but because a sneak peek inside her travel pillow revealed she had taken out the foam stuffing and filled it with clothes – to max out a few extra cubic inches of packing space. If you are rolling your eyes at what sounds like an over-the-top ploy, you might want to read the small print of your holiday flight booking a little more closely. EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air now charge hefty fees, not just for luggage stowed in the hold, but for bags and wheelie cases that need to be stashed in the overhead lockers. Only a bag small enough to fit under the seat in front of you is included with most seats. And – just in case you were planning on chancing it – yes, these rules are being enforced. Flying home from Bilbao airport recently, I witnessed first-hand the Ryanair ground crew slapping penalty charges on passengers with trolley cases they hadn’t paid for, some of whom were caught out because they hadn’t realised the rules had changed. Meanwhile, this summer’s airport chaos is adding an adrenaline spike of will-you-ever-see-it-again jeopardy to the financial cost of checking in your luggage. A shortage of baggage handlers has left passengers at Gatwick facing anxious waits for bags stranded on planes because there are no staff to offload them. On a particularly bad day at Heathrow recently, three-hour queues at the check-in desks left some travellers with a stark choice between missing their flight and leaving their suitcase behind. Full disclosure. I am not a natural light packer. For many years, my rule of thumb was: if I can lift my own case, I haven’t got enough shoes. So believe me when I say that if I can pack light, anyone can. I have changed my ways, and now I much prefer a streamlined pack – not least because it cuts down on that tedious post-holiday laundry pile. It will also reduce your carbon footprint as a lighter plane uses less fuel. I present: a 10-point plan for your smallest-ever holiday wardrobe.

1. Know your rights

Rules vary between airlines. For instance, the size of your free underseat bag is 40cm x 25cm x 20cm on Ryanair, but 45cm x 36cm x 20cm on easyJet. Some airlines levy different charges for extra cabin and hold bags according to weight; some care only about measurements. These are not facts you want to be grappling with for the first time in the departures hall, bleary-eyed and frazzled at 6am. If you are travelling with kids, or going away for a long time, or just really, really can’t live without your yoga mat or your omelette pan or whatever it is, consider sharing a suitcase with your friends or family so that you are only paying for one.

2. Pack light by dressing heavy

You know that Friends episode, The One Where No One’s Ready, where Joey wears all of Chandler’s clothes at once? Well, Joey Tribbiani is your style icon for your airport outfit, my friend. If you are travelling superlight, with only what fits in an underseat bag – we’re talking roughly the size of a standard day rucksack, the kind you see on the secondary school kids at the bus stop – then you will need to wear almost as many clothes as you carry. (When you get on the plane, keep cool by turning the overhead fan on.) Just because you won’t need a coat on holiday doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear one on the plane: dig out a light coat or jacket with big pockets and stuff them with your phone charger, holiday reading, socks, whatever. If you have, or can borrow, one of those smallish, flat crossbody zip-up bags, put your passport, wallet and sunglasses in there and wear it under your jacket, where it will keep them safe and can’t be seen, so won’t count towards your allowance – it will be useful on holiday, too.

3. A few fun clothes are better than lots of dull ones …

You know how you get told that a “capsule holiday wardrobe” should be colour coordinated in navy and white or whatever? Absolute rubbish. It’s a holiday wardrobe, not a school uniform. The way to be happier with fewer clothes is to take pieces that you love and that make you feel instantly well-dressed. Take your favourite vintage band T-shirt instead of three neutral crew necks. Take a dress that’s comfy but special enough to wear out for dinner, and wear it in the daytime as well, instead of boring shorts and a vest.

4. … But be realistic about your holiday

There is another maddeningly unhelpful trope of the holiday-wardrobe narrative, which goes: “At golden hour, slip a taffeta skirt over your swimsuit and you are ready for cocktails.” This is all very well but who will cook the kids’ pasta and shake the sand out of the beach towels while you’re swanning around in your imaginary taffeta? Come to that, who is making the cocktails? Resist the Instagram-influencer cosplay and think about the specifics of your holiday. For example: this year we’re going to Hydra in Greece, renting a house that as far as I can work out is at the top of about a million steps, so although I love long dresses (swishiness, plus mozzie-protection) I will take shorter ones so that I’m not tripping up on them.

5. Take what you can wash

It is easier to pack light if you take clothes you can wash and wear again after you have got sweaty/dripped ice-cream on them. You don’t need a washing machine: a sink and some travel soap (or just normal soap) are absolutely fine. Choose lightweight fabrics such as silk, which will dry more quickly than cotton, as well as take up less space in your bag.

6. Don’t take high heels

Is your destination Casa Amor ? No? Then leave the high heels at home. There are plenty of chic flat sandals that will work for day and evening. (If you are buying, have a look at the black leather Lillian flatform slingbacks by Kin at John Lewis, £59.)

7. Learn to live without your tracksuit

Observation from my post-pandemic air travel: the fluffy, brushed material that most tracksuits are made from has become a comfort blanket for the modern male. I have seen many men en route to hot destinations wearing tracksuit bottoms on the plane. The fabric is super bulky, and too hot for weather above 30C. Mate, I know trackies are comfy but it’s a two-hour plane journey; it’s not going to kill you to wear, say, a lightweight pair of tailored trousers, which will be much more useful on holiday.

8. Roll everything

Rolled-up clothes take up less space. Lay out two or three pieces on top of each other on your bed – really flat if you don’t want them to crease – then roll tightly from one end, squeezing air and wrinkles out as you go.

9. Be a god(dess) of small things

Veer towards packing lots of small-but-fabulous things. Swimsuits and bikinis take up virtually no space, so if you will be spending lots of the day in them you can double your holiday wardrobe while adding minimal bulk. I’ve got my eye on the expensive (€170) but very chic Bay swimsuit by Kióhne , which has stone beads on the straps and a thick, textured fabric that would make it an instant beach-lunch outfit coupled with a pair of denim cutoffs. Some snazzy earrings, a colourful silk scarf to tie in your hair: these are the little things that go a long way.

10. Think outside the suitcase

When my kids were small they were obsessed with pool inflatables. These were brilliant on holiday – hours of book reading time for me! – but, since they never squished back down to their original size, bulky and expensive to travel with. One year, I arranged with the owner of the villa we were renting in Spain to post them out in advance. OK, she thought I was a total lunatic, but it worked and cost a fraction of the price of taking them as luggage. A friend of mine orders the books she wants to read on holiday online a few days before she goes away and puts her holiday destination as the delivery address. Crazy, yes, but also sort of genius. Oh, and don’t forget your travel pillow.

• Summer holidays

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

10 things to pack in your hand luggage

By: Author Monica

Categories Travel Tips

Does anyone else find packing your hand luggage can be just as tough as packing your main case?

I begin with just a couple of things, maybe a magazine and my phone, and before I know it my bag is overflowing with stuff. Cosmetics and gadgets and entertainment and food are spilling out of my bag and it’s so heavy I can barely lift it. By the time I get on the plane I’m a flustered mess because I just have so much stuff!

After years of practice I’ve finally managed to keep my hand luggage to a minimum and here are the 10 things I always fly with.

My 10 hand luggage essentials to try and keep that bag a little lighter

1. trtl sleepscarf.

The trtl sleepscarf calls itself ‘the next generation of travel pillow’ and it’s a really comfortable way to get some shuteye during a long journey.

When I first saw it I thought it was one of the strangest designs ever but as soon as you’re wearing it you have that light bulb moment where you think, ‘How has this only just been designed?’

It basically a scarf with a strengthening rib you can rest your neck, chin or jaw against. You can comfortably relax and fall asleep with no head lolling or drooling on your neighbour’s shoulder. It’s particularly good if you have a middle seat on a plane and have nothing to lean on. It’s also small and lightweight so you don’t need to carry a bulky pillow.

2. Face wipes

I always travel with a pack of make-up removing face wipes. They’ll help you freshen up and remove the make-up smudged across your face after that awesome nap.

3. Battery to charge your phone

While I’m at an airport I pretty much spend the entire time on my phone as I send the last few emails and catch up with friends and family before I leave, so I always arrive in my destination with a dead battery. There couldn’t be a worse time to have a dead battery when you need to use your maps and internet and get in touch with people.

I’ve arrived before and expected a driver to be waiting with my name on a sign but he wasn’t there and my battery was dead so I couldn’t phone anyone.

The moral of the story is to always have an external charger and write down important phone numbers and addresses!

Something like the Anker PowerCore + Mini is perfect as it charges quickly and it’s small and lightweight.

4. A huge cardigan

After travelling on a freezing cold overnight flight I never travelled without a large cardigan again. You can use it like a light blanket to keep you warm as not all airlines will have extra blankets to hand out.

A nice cardigan can also dress up a plain outfit so you can get away with wearing leggings and T-shirts.

5. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Nothing freshens you up as quickly as brushing your teeth. This is especially important if you’re meeting a special someone at the airport!

6. Headphones

You can’t beat a comfortable pair of noise cancelling headphones for a flight. Block out the sounds of kids screaming, shouting parents, rowdy passengers and the noisy hum of the plane then close your eyes and escape to your own little world. I currently use Beats headphones but I’m drooling over the rose gold headphones by Frends .

7. iPad

I can’t imagine travelling without an iPad these days. An iPad helps you pack light as you have all your entertainment in one place. You’ve got your books, magazines, games, videos, movies, TV shows and music. Then if you decide to do some work you’ve also got all the tools you need for that too.

8. Vapur Water Bottle

They’re really handy when you’re flying. Long-haul flights usually have a drinking water tap onboard that is just big enough to fit a tiny glass beneath (it’s almost shot glass size, it’s ridiculous). This tap is handy to wet your whistle but a nightmare if you’re parched because you have to stand there for 10 minutes knocking back tiny cups of water. The Vapur water bottles, however, are flexible so you can bend them under the tap to fill them up. Handy!

9. Healthy snacks

I know the thought of eating healthy snacks isn’t particularly exciting but nothing makes you feel tired, bloated and groggy like a few beers and a tub of Pringles. Bring along some fruit and you’ll feel much better when you get off the plane. I usually stock up while I’m at Boots or Pret ready for the journey.

10. Posh eye mask

Are there any items you have to have in your hand luggage?

Pin this for later ->

Monday 30th of May 2022

Definitely bring a pen along with u

Nifty Packing Tips To Save Space In Your Suitcase - Digital Nomad Europe

Thursday 12th of July 2018

[…] they’re normal glasses or sunglasses, they’ll still be space in there to add small hand luggage items. Tuck your earphones into them when you’re not listening to music, place your miniature liquid […]

50 stylish hand luggage backpacks perfect for travelling

Monday 29th of February 2016

[…] // Anyone else just want them all?Read more:My dirty little travel beauty secrets10 things to pack in your hand luggage […]

Stanley Chan

Monday 4th of January 2016

Phone battery is the most important thing that must not be forgotten in your trip. Healthy snacks of course are definitely important in your whole trip. I cannot travel without my travel neck pillow. I'm used to wear it every time I travel and I'm comfortable to have it rather than trtl sleepscarf.

Wednesday 30th of December 2015

I always ensure i have my headphones in my luggage... everytime i travel!

Tommy, Content Editor @ LuggageRate

30+ Essential Suitcase Packing Tips & Hacks That You Need to Copy ASAP

Last Updated: October 30, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

On the hunt for suitcase packing tips?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this free smart packing guide on how to pack a suitcase like a pro.

If you’re anything like me, odds are: you’re a hopeless over packer. After all, some of us are just born a little weird… like “ I need to pack this parka just in case ” weird or “ of course I’ll read all 7 Harry Potter books this trip ” weird… but this guide will help you get over that.

As someone who has been travelling and living in Europe for the past five years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what packing tips and hacks actually work and what weirdo ones are a total waste of time.

Save these suitcase packing tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

From the basic ‘no duhs’ to some unconventional gems of genius, today, I’d like to share all of my best tips for packing with you!

Especially if you’re headed to Europe.

While I’m still the world master of ‘panic packing’ (aka throwing all my stuff in a suitcase while sobbing), having these tips in mind often helps me hold things together.

So, without further ado, here are my golden essential tips for smart bag packing.

VIDEO: Watch These Travel Packing Hacks and Tips in Video Form

More of a video person? Click here for a video featuring all these tips instead!

Below, you’ll find my full written guide for luggage packing like a pro.

Must-Know Suitcase Packing Tips

Let’s start with some basic luggage packing tips! After five years of travelling professionally, from Indonesia to Germany , these are my best tips to show you how to pack your suitcase like a consummate professional.

1. Always start with a packing list

Packing luggage should always begin with a solid list of what to pack.

I know, this is such a ‘mom’ tip, but there’s a reason why moms are always right. Plus the human brain adores lists.

Especially in the period before a trip when you’re stressed about all the things to do before traveling abroad , it’s all too easy to forget items you need.

That’s why I always make a packing list to keep myself organized!

Feeling lazy? You can steal a comprehensive printable checklist from me below.

Or… if you’re a serial stationary hoarder like me,  this stack of printed packing lists is practical, fun, and will last you a long time.

2. … and always end by reviewing your packing list

It’s silly how often people forget this step.

There’s a reason you made that list!

Make sure you go through all the items the night before you leave (or the morning of) to make sure you haven’t forgotten a single thing, especially the small stuff.

For extra paranoid parrots like me, I always write a “HARDCORE ESSENTIALS” note on my phone that I review the morning of my flight.

Things like passport, money, hair straightener (sorry, I’m vain), and sunglasses (the #1 thing I manage to always forget). This way I know I have everything I absolutely need.

Again, if you buy a packing list pad like this , you can just leave it on top of your bag the night before so you don’t forget to double check it!

3. Know your airline’s baggage fee policy

Every packing guide will give you this tip, but I’m here to underline it and circle it in a bright red pen, especially if you are visiting Europe.

Because seriously, the inconsistency among airlines (especially the budget variety like RyanAir or Wizz Air ) is pretty infuriating.

SO, avoid surprises at the airport by knowing what you’re working with right from the start. A quick Google before you pack can help save you loads of stress (and potential overweight fees!)

You can also invest in a cheap handheld luggage scale  like this one  for less than 10 bucks off Amazon which you can use for years and it’s great for ease of mind.

If you don’t have one already, I also highly recommend buying a compact looking carry-on suitcase like this one.

A lot of the time, attendants don’t care to weigh luggage (when you’re travelling carry-on only) and all they do is take one quick look at the size, so if you have a nice suitcase that doesn’t  look  huge, you’ll be much less likely to get stopped.

Which would I recommend? Well,  this one is near-identical to the Samsonite I travel with, and I’ve never once been stopped for bag inspection! I love the ease of mind it gives me and it can hold a surprising amount of stuff. I travel with it on pretty much every trip!

4. Bring the right bag

One of the most underrated luggage packing tips is to firstly choose the right luggage.

The topic of “best bag for traveling” is highly subjective of course, but I really can’t stress enough how important it is for you to choose the right bag for your travel style and destination.

Bringing the right bag is the difference between breezing through your travel days without crying vs. sobbing in a frustrated puddle on your hotel floor.

Okay – that’s dramatic, but having the right bag is  important. 

For me personally, I’ve outgrown the backpacking stage of my life and tend to do a lot of city breaks, stay in mid-range hotels, and  travel light  because I’m so often on the go.

That’s why I travel with a very compact carry-on hard shell suitcase (almost identical to  this one ).

I think one of these is perfect for European travel because they’re quite handy, easy to carry, fit nicely on trains and overhead bins and still look pretty smart so you don’t feel terribly out of place in fashionable cities like Paris or  Milan .

Of course, if you’re travelling with a family, you’ll need bigger bags, or if you’re backpacking, you’ll need a good backpack.

What’s important regardless of the type of bag you choose is you pick something that…

• A) you LOVE, because you’ll have it ALL the time
• B) something that you’ve tested before
• C) something that you can easily carry because Europe has so many stairs, cobblestones, etc.

5. Roll your clothes

Game. Changer.  

If you’re wondering how to pack clothes for travel, one of my best suitcase packing tips is for you to simply roll your clothes! Seriously, if you’re not currently rolling your clothes instead of folding them, do it!

It saves lots of space, especially when coupled with magical compression bags like these ones (no vacuum needed!) packing cubes (which I’ll discuss later).

The jury is still out on whether it actually saves space or actually minimizes wrinkles but I love it because it makes it way easier to see at a glance what you’ve packed and what items you can choose from.

If you’re feeling especially crafty you can master the art of something called the  Ranger Roll  which apparently is used a lot in the military – it basically rolls your garments into fun little burritos.

This helps compress things but I’m a bit lazy so I just roll like normal and it’s fine.

6. Pick out what you think you need, and cut it in half

The first time I read this tip for packing light , I thought it was absolute insanity.

Then, one time I actually tried it, and you know what? I didn’t regret it at all!

While this may initially feel like a slow painful form of packrat torture, doing this will cut you down to the exact essentials you’ll actually need.

I honestly think that overpacking is hardwired in us, which is why doing this exercise is so helpful.

7. Make use of packing cubes (or in a pinch, Ziplock bags)

If you are wondering how to pack luggage and save space, the answer is packing cubes.

I am obsessed with packing cubes. The amount I own is honestly frightening.

They not only help you stay organized, but also save loads of space in your suitcase/backpack. These are my #1 travel game changers, and if you buy a good quality set, they’ll last a super long time.

I personally use my packing cubes to organize tops, bottoms, etc. but I’ve also heard of people with a different packing cube strategy which involves getting small cubes and separating them into different outfits for each day.

If you want to know which packing cubes to buy, check out my full guide to packing cubes  or watch my video showdown  here.

8. Invest In Protective Covers /Wraps

Now, this tip is more geared towards people like me travelling with any kind of fragile gear like cameras, gimbals, etc.

But really if you travel with anything mildly fragile like perfume bottles or intend to buy anything fragile like mugs… (I love a good a mug) then it’s really handy to have some of these protective wraps with you.

I have two,  this one  from Domke which is a great brand, but also an  Amazon brand one  that does the exact same thing for way cheaper.

They’re basically these padded Velcro wraps that you can use to protect anything. I use them for my camera and gimbal, so I effectively turn any bag of mine into a camera bag and can just wrap any item up really easily and toss it in my backpack.

Of course, you can also use a fluffy scarf or something for the same purpose, but I just think the wraps are a little bit smarter and easier to handle, plus they’re not very expensive so they’re a good purchase if you travel often.

9. Plan Your Outfits

A tough piece of packing advice people hate hearing is that they shouldn’t ever bring things just in case.

This goes for everything, from the random gadgets you think you might need to the extra ballgown you want to bring in case you get invited to a ball.

But really, one underrated packing tip is to plan your outfits in advance – no ‘just in case’s.

Planning your outfits in advance can really help you streamline your vacation wardrobe and ensure you’re only bringing things you’ll actually wear. Plus, it will also help you look better during your trip.

Click here  to check out my minimalist travel packing lists for both Summer and Europe travel.

10. Always pack your absolute essentials and one outfit change in your carry on

Smartly packing for travel means preparing for the worst, so be sure to keep this luggage packing tip in mind!

While only 1% of bags tend to get lost , it will happen to even the best of us at some point… whether the bag is lost,, goes missing or uh, is accidentally taken by someone else in Paris (true story). That’s why it’s so important to have some essentials in your carry-on bag.

Having your essentials and extra clothes on you will bring precious peace of mind, so you’re never that angsty person waiting in fetal position at baggage claim.

11. Keep Some Extra Clothes In Your Travel Buddy’s Suitcase

Another little contingency plan in case your suitcase goes missing is to (if you’re travelling with someone else) make sure to pack some extra outfits in your travel buddy’s bag and vice versa.

This way, if either of you loses your bag, you’ll at least have some backup items. In the crazy off chance that BOTH your bags go missing, well my friends, I’m sorry!

12. Bring a few extra bags (e.g. totes, ziplocks, etc.)

You never know when you’ll need them, especially for things like dirty clothes, which are always an afterthought.

They weigh nothing and come in SO handy, so don’t forget a few!

And if you (like me) are working at reducing plastic usage while travelling , I recently discovered these re-usable silicon Ziploc bags (and mesh produce bags) that would definitely come in super handy for travel as well! Check out reviews and prices here.

 13. Bring A Bag For Dirty Laundry

On that note, even if you don’t bring a bunch of totes or extra bags, make sure at the very least to bring a closable bag for dirty laundry because you definitely want to keep that stuff separated.

… And a bag that zips up or seals is ideal because….. well, I’m sure you’ve smelled dirty laundry before.

14. Keep your liquids in a bag and separate them from your other goods

Many of you probably know this already, but just as a reminder, if you’re bringing any liquids in your carry-on bag, you’ll need to present them separately at airport security so they can be scanned.

One of my favourite carry-on packing tips is to get your own reusable toiletries bag instead of using the bags at the airport.

Since I almost always fly carry-on only, I’ve invested in  this awesome reusable clear toiletries bag  that’s TSA approved so I can easily store all my toiletries in it and just pop it out during security checks.

This is just way more durable and I don’t need to use those dinky plastic bags they provide. 

NOTE: 95% of the time, I’ve had no trouble with this, the only exceptions being random airports here and there mostly in Paris and London I think, but yes if you travel often, a bag like this is a total lifesaver.

If you haven’t yet invested in an excellent travel toiletries bag, I highly recommend you do so. They’re one of the best investments I’ve ever made for travel! You’ll never want to use a dinky single-use Ziplock ever again.

Looking for a durable and affordable toiletries bag for your upcoming travels? Check out my roundup of best toiletry bags you can buy online , or check out this summary table below:

15. Always wear your bulkiest items of clothing on the plane

*Puts on Captain Obvious cape*

Coats and boots are heavy. So, if you plan on bringing them on your trip (when packing for winter in Europe for instance), make sure you’re wearing them so they don’t hog up all the space (and weight) in your luggage.

This is an extreme example (that I do not recommend!!) but check out this hilarious coat that you can stuff all your luggage into.

[Also ideal for smuggling movie theatre snacks]

16. Forget full sized liquids, pack mini versions and buy if you need more

This is one of the top suitcase packing tips for travel I recommend to newbie travellers, and one of my all-time favouite packing hacks.

Seriously, put that full-sized bottle away! There’s zero reason for you to bring it.

There WILL be toiletries to buy where you’re travelling. It’s not worth the unnecessary weight to bring a giant bottle of everything (which I have seen many people do).

17. DIY Your Own Travel Size Toiletries

An additional tip building off the point above is to make your own travel size toiletries instead of buying them.

I still see a lot of people buying mini size toiletries from shops that cost like 1-2 bucks per bottle, but I don’t think this is really practical.

Those mini bottles are a huge waste of plastic and also you’re bound to those specific products, which isn’t great if you use very specific shampoos or cleansers like I do, so I really recommend buying reusable travel bottles like  these affordable silicon ones , which I love.

These are SO handy and SO cheap – definitely travel packing essentials I can’t live without.

With them, you can pack lighter, bring your favourite products with you and it’s a little bit better for the environment.

These leak-proof silicon bottles are perfect for this, and dirt cheap too, but I’ve summarized some other popular options in the table below.

Pssst, if you need a little extra help, read my full roundup of the best travel-size bottles you can buy online.

18. Use Plastic To Avoid Leaks

If you’re packing any liquids, sometimes you might find that they can leak in your bag, which is… obviously not great!

To prevent this from happening, I recommend covering the bottles with something before you cap them.

Now often this tip is given with the assumption that you’ll be using plastic wrap, but this effect can also be achieved if you have a million plastic shopping bags in your cupboard.

Just cut those up and use some little squares to cover instead.

19. Use tissue paper to avoid wrinkles

I haven’t tried this one myself, but many travellers swear by rolling their clothes with sheets of tissue paper, or putting sheets of tissue paper between folded shirts.

This apparently minimizes the friction/pressure, which then reduces wrinkles. Magic!

20. Plan to layer for warmth

Rather than bring chunky sweaters or puffy jackets, think about bringing many layerable items instead.

This is (in my opinion) the most effective way to pack for cold weather, and gives you more outfit choices too!

If you struggle with travelling light, you might also benefit from this guide on how to travel light.

21. Never pack things “just in case”

Let’s be real: more often than not, that case will not come up!

And if by some miracle, you’re in need of a special item, just take that opportunity to indulge in some shopping.

Learn from my mistake: I lugged around a raincoat for 6 weeks in Europe and used it maybe twice… the amount of space it took in my backpack was embarrassing!

And if letting go of the “just in case” mentality sounds impossible, you might benefit from my minimalist packing list/guide .

22. Pack The Heaviest Items On The Bottom Of Your Bag

This is a VERY underrated tip that a lot of people forget about, but when packing your suitcase, make sure to place your heaviest items at the bottom where the wheels are to avoid the suitcase randomly toppling over during your trip. 

Having heavy items on the bottom is the best way to pack a suitcase for stability.

…  The last thing you want is for your suitcase to be imbalanced!

23. Make Sure You Have A Unique Luggage Tag Or Mark Your Suitcase In A Unique Way

Honestly, you’d be shocked at how often people take the wrong stuff at baggage claim.

It happened to me once a few years back. I was travelling with a grey hard top suitcase topped with a cutesy pink tag.

I thought that was already unique, but sure enough, someone took it by accident thinking it was theirs! I only realized when I stood there like a doofus for an hour watching all the bags get taken and the last one left looked suspiciously like mine.

Don’t worry – I eventually got mine after shedding my body weight in tears and whimpering repeatedly.

SO, to avoid this ever happening to you, I suggest you make your suitcase obnoxiously unique… that way it’d be really difficult for someone to think it’s theirs.

Might I suggest this  hilarious sloth cover  urging you to follow your dreams?

24. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

Most major European cities will have fountains all over where you can get delicious tap water for free and most major airlines are happy to serve you water in your own bottle as well, so that’s why it’s a great idea to take advantage of a reusable water bottle on your travels.

Sure, it may not be the most space-efficient thing to bring but it’s really handy to have, and better for the environment too : )

If you’re worried about bringing a water bottle that’s too bulky, there are a lot of great collapsible water bottles out there with amazing reviews  like this one.

25. Last but not least, don’t forget to leave a little extra space

A list of suitcase packing tips for travel wouldn’t be complete without this important (but often forgotten) gem of wisdom.

Here’s the thing: you’re human… You will inevitably buy something.

The worst feeling is falling in love with an item abroad and having zero space in your suitcase to bring it home.

Pro tip: I have some friends that bring an extra duffle that folds up small so that they have an extra bag for the way home (to hold all the shopping!)

And by ‘friends’, I mean my brother, who once came home from Japan with a suitcase full of Pikachu dolls. Still, a pretty cool packing hack!

More Travel Packing Hacks

Packing for vacation shouldn’t be stressful… and the more packing tips you know, the more prepared you’ll be.

So now let’s move onto some cool travel HACKS, AKA ingenious little tricks that you can use to make packing a little easier and more fun.

26. Pack A Pillow Case

We’ll start with a weird packing hack – pack a pillow case on your next trip!

Why? Well, they weigh nothing and are really multipurpose.

You can, for example, stuff one with clothes or a puffy jacket for a DIY travel pillow, or if you’re staying in a hostel it might be nice for hygiene reasons.

Honestly if you have no other use for it, consider it a dirty clothes bag.

27. Pack A Clothespin Or A Money Clip

Even if you don’t plan to do laundry or um… clip money on your trip, these are great for making a DIY toothbrush stand so you can make sure your toothbrush doesn’t touch the counter or anything gross.

All you need to do is clip it onto the middle of the toothbrush to create a nice little perch for your toothbrush.

28. Use A Tic Tac Case To Store Your Bobby Pins

Bobby pins… you buy them in the hundreds and yet somehow lose them all.

Does this sound like you?

Honestly, bobby pins things go missing ALL the time so it’s really handy to keep them all in one spot, and a Tic Tac case is the perfect size for this purpose.

29. Use A Carabiner For Your Hair Ties

In a similar way, you can use a carabiner to keep tabs on all your hair ties, which means no more digging around in the darkest depths of your bag for one, or keeping one on your wrist at all times. Yay!

30. Store Q-Tips In Old Pill Bottles

If you have any old pill bottles lying around, they’re actually the perfect size for storing Q-Tips, so if you’re big into keeping your ears clean while abroad, be sure to start hoarding those pill bottles ; )

31. String Necklaces Through A Straw To Keep Them From Tangling

This is a really easy thing to do if your necklaces get tangled often – mine personally hold up fine usually so I just keep them in a pouch but if you want an easy way to make sure they don’t get tangled, thread your necklace through a straw and then hook it around.

This way, your necklaces stay in one untangled bundle.

32. Use A Shower Cap To Store Your Shoes

Obviously this is a shower cap you will not be using, but wrapping a shower cap around your shoes is great for keeping your dirty muddy shoes away from the rest of your belongings.

Alternatively, those big zipper plastic bags that bedsheets come in are also great for the same purpose.

33. Stuff Your Shoe With Small Items To Save Space

Ahh yes, efficient packing tips – my favourite!

If you’re really looking to maximize space in your suitcase, consider stuffing your shoes with small items like socks and underwear. You’ll be shocked at how much you can actually cram in there.

NOTE: Just be sure, especially with underwear, to put them in a protective bag first because putting them in your shoes as-is sounds like infection city.

34. Invest In A Universal Adapter

If there’s one travel tool you need in your arsenal (besides my precious packing cubes of course), it’s a universal adapter, especially one with multiple slots for USB chargers too so you can charge multiple devices without a bulky power bar.

This one is great! 

Why should you get a universal adapter?

Well, you can reuse it on every single one of your trips, and even if you’re JUST visiting Europe, there are certain countries that use a different outlet (e.g. the UK, Ireland and Malta), so better safe than sorry. Trust me, the ease of mind is priceless.

35. Bring An Oven Mitt

This is one of my favorite travel packing tips and tricks because it’s so random.

But it’s also super helpful.

If you travel with any heat appliances like I do (e.g. a hair straightener, curler, etc.) then bringing an oven mitt is a genius way to make sure you always have a heatproof surface to rest it on and also a safe place to store it when you need to pack up quickly in the morning.

I have a terrible habit of just tossing my hair straightener on top of my stuff when I travel, which terrifies my boyfriend because… well, nobody likes fires…. but now that I wrap my stuff in an oven mitt, he can breathe a little easier, and we fight a lot less ; )

36. Pack Dryer Sheets To Avoid “Weird Clothes Smell”

If you’ve travelled any time in your life, I’m sure you’re familiar with that “weird clothes smell” that can quickly permeate your suitcase.

Well, packing a dryer sheet or two in your bag will keep that stench at bay! Not only are they very light, they’ll keep your luggage smelling freshy fresh.

Need a recommendation? These ones smell like lavender and are both vegan and cruelty-free.

37. Bring A Frozen Waterbottle Or Frozen Sponge To Keep Your Snacks Cool

Now I’m sure you know you’re not typically allowed any liquids over 100mL on a plane…

But if you want to bring your own drink on board and avoid the $10 airport waters, or if you just want to keep your snacks nice and cool, consider bringing a frozen water bottle as a DIY ice pack and a refreshing drink after you pass security…

Or if you just want an ice pack, a frozen sponge will do the trick.

BONUS: Don’t forget to pack pens!

And okay, here’s a final bonus tip for you, not exactly a hack but something that’s SUPER important and most people forget… Make sure you have a pen in EVERY BAG.

You never know when you need a pen, especially if you need to fill out any customs paperwork, and honestly the little station they sometimes have is like the Hunger Games of pens.

One time I landed at London Stanstead and they didn’t even have ANY pens available, so I had to awkwardly ask a staff person to borrow theirs and it was just… really weird.

#TeamPenForLife

Did I miss any of your favourite suitcase packing tips?

So there you go, years of packing wisdom squished into a single blog post. I hope you found this free packing guide helpful and valuable and if you have any more travel tips for packing you think I should add, Let me know in the comments!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

37 thoughts on “30+ Essential Suitcase Packing Tips & Hacks That You Need to Copy ASAP”

I’m always on the edge about rolling my clothes versus folding them. Right now, I’m still folding them. No matter whatever I hear about the advantages of rolling, I can’t seem to even try to convert!

… and I also have a very, very bad habit of packing things “just in case”, such as extra outfits. Umm… gotta look perfect for my pictures I guess, and have extra changing options. Ha ha.

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

haha why does it worry you? Try it once with packing cubes! Your life will be changed 😉

Great advice! I’m a BIG fan of packing cubes… I can’t believe I had never heard of them until a few years ago. Never have tried the tissue paper method. Will definitely have to, especially on business trips. I also recommend shoe bags as a way to keep organized and clean. Plastic bags are a great alternative but they often leak or get dirty too quickly.

Hey Tam, ahh awesome thanks so much for the link 🙂 <3 And oooh yes shoe bags I love as well! I just got a new packing cube set that came with laundry/shoe bags and I'm in Type A heaven hahah.

Nice Post Christina. I like you tips. Keep blogging

thanks for reading, Julian 🙂

Well I am impressed with these tips always helped a lot

Happy to hear that, Jimmy!

Main thing that i have to add in this list is How do you usually organise all of your electronics, cables, those fiddly bits that take you ages to dig out at security? Stuff them in like the rest of us? Well, if you want to organise your packing then get yourself a stash of ziplock bags. Phone charger, camera charger, adaptors, headphones – take extra plastic bags (the same ones you’d use for hand luggage liquids) and use them to store electrical items, things for the journey home (house keys, parking ticket and car keys), medication and other loose accessories..

well thanks to my packers team a they have did a very well job here

That’s quite an interesting article Christina, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveler, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.

Happy to provide you with any tips to make the experience less stressful! Safe travels, Gloria 🙂

I like how you suggested starting a luggage packing list. I am going on vacation and want to be able to store my luggage properly. Thanks for the tips on suitcase packing tips.

Great article, I believe packing is the most important factor one should keep in mind while traveling, and then comes means of transport which helps to reach your destination on time.

Only buy travel size toiletries once. Refill those small bottles from your large ones at home…or reuse some of those small complimentary ones from the hotel.

Packing is really stressful work. Most of the people are confused about how to the packing. Your blog is very helpful for packing. I also use your tips for packing because your tips are very easy and nice. I like your blog. Thanks!

I have made some packing but after reading this I wondered I havent done anything and so many things to get packed 😀 😀 Thanks for sharing this post <3

Hey, Read your Blog and found these tricks very useful especially that extra bag point because it is very useful and some of us often forgot it.

Rolling clothes is one of my favourite things to do. I find it easier to locate what I need if I’m living out of a suitcase and it stops the clothes creasing too – bonus!

Another article of yours that I have enjoyed. Agree with all of the above & will finally try the dryer sheets next time I’m away. Keep seeing it but have never taken the leap (it might be a boy thing!). Cheers! – Nigel

Really smart ideas and tips especially the Bring dryer sheets to avoid “weird clothes smell” cause everything that we go on a trip my dress has unnecessary odor.

It’s, in reality, a nice and useful piece of information about packing tips.

Great tips, really helpful.

Wow! Amazing tips, really it works & helpful during travel

This is all so true! Thanks for such a wonderful article, it’s quite interesting in reading about the packing tips and hacks.!!

I truly loved reading the blog above; you have explained everything in-depth about relocation. Surely I’ll share the suggestions & guide with clients. Thank you for such a fantastic post, and please keep it up.

Great written and come with approximately all important infos

Love your tips! I have two for having more room for items I purchase. The first is that I place a carry on suitcase inside a larger suitcase for some travel. I live in Europe but travel back to the US and stock up or bring things I already own back to the UK. You need to check with your airline about how many bags you can have though. Nowadays I have to pay a lot for the extra suitcase but it can be worth it. The second is one I did more when I was younger. I would pack a certain amount of times I was willing to part with. Old underwear and socks would go in the bin for the last few days. And I would donate clothes to charity in order to fit souvenirs in.

Very informative blog, thanks for sharing with us

Hey Christina, Nice Post, Thanks for this informative article. I’m a businessman And have to travel so, Its really helpful for me.

Very nice, love it.

I think it would be hilarious if you started a trend where everyone takes your advice, and soon there will be many sloth suitcases showing up at airport baggage claims across the world. I can only hope. I am off to purchase mine right now.

Seriously though, thanks for all of these travel tips. I love the website, and your humor (sorry, I am American so I spell it differently).

I have learned a lot things from your articles, and I am excited for my first-ever trip to Oktoberfest this year. Prost!

You have shared so many awesome tips! I would not have thought about q tips in a little tub or using a straw for necklaces. Genius packing tips

Good tips! I’m definitely a “just in case” packer and need to re-think that. Ireland is one of those countries that insist on ziplock bags only for your liquids. Also, I keep one of those wrapped hotel mini soaps in my suitcase – keeps it smelling nice for a long time – even after you get home and store your bag away.

Awesome! This article is very informative and very good. Thanks for sharing this with us. Keep sharing.

This is a truly helpful and practical piece of information regarding tips for packing.

Very helpful, thanks for the share.

Very helpful, keep sharing the good stuff.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

• Shop Cube Sets
• Shop Cubes by Size
• Shop Toiletry Bags
• Shop Makeup Bags
• Shop All Travel Accessories
• Create account

Browse categories

• All Products

15 Carry On Packing Tips & Hacks So You Can Travel Light!

Why Travel With a Carry-On Only?

Carry-on only travel is preferred by a lot of people because it makes the trip a lot lighter, less stressful, and a lot more enjoyable. Aside from these reasons, there are some more advantages to traveling with just a carry-on suitcase like:

✓ Less stuff (and weight) to carry.. Dragging a heavy suitcase up the stairs is never fun. Having less luggage to carry around makes it easier for you to move from one destination to another and explore many new places. This is important especially when you’re commuting by train, bus, or taxi or when you’re in a very crowded area. 

✓ Baggage claim is for losers. Since your carry on items are literally always with you, you don’t need to worry about your luggage never showing up in baggage claim. Pack a smaller suitcase and never have to wait around again! 

✓ Save extra bucks by not checking luggage. Though some airlines for both domestic and international flights don't charge fees for passengers' 1st checked bags, some have fees that could range between $30 to $200. Traveling with a carry-on only, on the other hand, is almost always free! Just be mindful of the size and weight restrictions.

General Tips for Packing a Carry-On Bag for Travel

Whether you’re traveling with a carry-on backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag, you can apply these packing tips for any of them. These carry-on packing tips will help you organize your travel essentials into a tiny little carry-on space to make your trip even more enjoyable and comfortable! We’ve covered everything from how heavy your carry on should be to what to actually pack in your bag. Let’s do this!

✅ Carry-On Luggage Size and Weight Limit

Tip #1 - Measure your suitcase.

Different airlines have different requirements on the size and weight limit of the carry-on suitcase that they will let you bring onboard the plane, both for domestic and international flights. Even though they don’t strictly check and weigh it the way they do checked bags, it would be wise to choose a carry-on bag that’s within their limit just to be safe. Check your airline’s website or check this out to find out most airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions.

Despite the differences among airlines, the universally accepted luggage dimensions for a domestic flight within the US is 22" x 14" x 9". For international travel, the rule of thumb is about 21", since the standard carry-on baggage size outside of the U.S. is smaller.

✅ Choosing and Packing Travel Essentials

Tip #2 - Keep your cool, remember TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Going through airport security is a whole different experience in itself. Don’t worry, you’ll do just fine if you keep your makeup and toiletry liquids, creams, and gels packed in 3.4 ounces containers or less, in their own separate TSA approved clear toiletry bag .

Tip #3 - Know which items are a no-no!

There are items that you can pack in your checked luggage that you're not allowed to bring in your carry-on bag. Some of the most common things that you're not allowed to bring are things that are sharp, pointy, dangerous, flammable, liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces, and more. Sometimes, the rules can be different or changing so it's much better to visit the airline’s website and look up the item that you're not sure about and they'll let you know if you can bring it in your carry-on.

If you’re traveling local, you can check the TSA’s website for the full list of prohibited carry-on items . Another option is to take a photo of the item you’re going to bring, go to the TSA’s Facebook Messenger or Twitter and send them a question to ask if it’s allowed.

Tip #4 - Check off a packing list . Just do it. 

Don’t get over confident with your packing skills. Let’s be real, we all forget that one thing we thought we  100% packed. Having a packing list will help you make sure nothing gets left behind. We’ve got plenty of FREE packing lists that you can use here for any of your trips! You’re welcome to download or print them as you like.

Tip #5 - Plan your outfits, discard options.

If you start packing your clothes with, “I think…” you’re heading towards a town called the Overpackingville. Most of the time when you overpack, you end up wearing half of the things you packed. So disregard options, pack clothes that you will definitely wear during the trip. Consider sticking to a color palette and bringing clothing items that can mix and match easily. Plan your outfits in advance (I know it’s hard) so you won't have to pack extras.

Tip #6 - Wear it, don’t pack it.

Wear what you can instead of packing the items. This includes your heavy layers. If you wear your biggest pieces on the flight, like your sweatpants, jacket, gym shoes, and such, you can save a considerable amount of space in your suitcase. Anything that can take up a lot of room in your luggage, if it makes sense to put them on, that's the stuff you should wear to the airport.

Tip #7 - Shoo away germs with a travel shoe bag.

Put your shoes in a travel shoe bag to keep your luggage and other essentials inside free from dirt and germs. Also, bring a travel laundry bag to put your dirty clothes in after you wear them. This will prevent the smell or stain of your used clothes from sticking to your luggage and other clean items inside.

Tip #8 - Downsize containers to upsize comfort.

Transfer any large products into smaller containers. If you have sample sizes of your larger products, bring those instead. If you have no samples or mini size containers, you can always buy those travel size silicone bottles that you can also reuse multiple times for your trip. These are much better than the plastic ones because they don't break easily and they're much better at preventing your liquids from leaking.

Tip #9 - Categorize to be more organized.

Make your brain happy by creating categories. You can put toiletries in an extra small cube , shirts in a small cube , shorts and pants in a medium cube , blankets, and other bulky items in a large cube , jewelry and loose trinkets in a travel jewelry roll , chargers, cords, and wires in circular pouches . Whenever you need any of these things, having them in the same cube together will make it easier for you to access them so you won't spend so much time rummaging through your luggage.

Tip #10 - Take it from KonMari, fold clothes vertically.

The KonMari way of decluttering and organizing things is a game-changer for travel packing. Basically, you want to fold your clothes to the height of your suitcase (or packing cube). That way you’ll have a nice selection of items from a top view glance, without having to dig.

Tip #11 - Use CLEAR packing cubes for everything.

And we mean everything! Packing cubes are a heaven-sent when it comes to keeping all your travel essentials organized. You can use them for small essentials such as toiletries and makeup products, as well as for your jackets, blankets, and any other bulky items you have. 

Packing cubes can transform your carry-on luggage into your very own traveling closet. You don’t need to unpack everything, you just need to take out the cubes, set them where you want them, zip them open, and you’re good to go. Traveling drawers, on the go.

Tip #12 - Make items in your personal items bag easy-access.

Aside from a carry-on bag, you're also allowed to bring an additional small personal items bag which can be something like a purse, a briefcase, or a small backpack. You can pack all your snacks, electronics, and other essentials that you will need during the flight; the rest you can pack in your carry-on bag.

A duffel bag makes a great personal items bag because you can pack quite a bit of stuff and still fit it under the seat in front of you. Make sure you’ve got everything that you’re going to use on the plane in your personal items bag or purse so that you won't have to take your carry-on suitcase out of the overhead bin and rummage through it just to find items, especially when you’re on a long-haul flight.

Tip #13 - Pack empty bags for souvenirs and shopping items.

If you’re going away on vacation, make sure to bring an extra tote bag or an empty bag and pack it in your suitcase flat or folded. That way, if you want to do some shopping and buy some souvenirs for friends and family back home, you can use this bag instead of an extra suitcase (it happens) or an overflowing carry on.

✅ Packing Entertainment

Tip #14 - Ditch the books, bring your nook.

The beauty of smartphones (or ipads) is that they’re incredibly light and everything can be downloaded or installed - be it games, books, movies, songs, and more! So, when you travel, forget about those travel guides, paperback novels, or magazines. You can access everything from your phone and it’s more convenient that way, especially when you’re traveling carry-on only.

Tip #15 - Pack tech in-between clothes to avoid damage.

If you’re bringing some gadgets along with you, and you don’t have separate bags for them (your laptop does and should!)  you can pack them in between your clothes so they won’t get damaged while in transit. Just be more careful when handling your carry on and don’t ever pack your valuables in checked luggage. Important electronics should always be packed in your personal or carry on luggage!  Make sure they have their own padded case to protect them from any harsh conditions of traveling.

When traveling, having a bigger suitcase isn't always better. Yes, you may be able to pack more things in there, but think about your aching back in the middle of your trip and then you’ll know it was a bad idea after all. Traveling with a carry-on (only) will make your trip a whole lot more comfortable and enjoyable because you've got less things to worry about. This will also make you (or force you) to pack way more efficiently, AKA less stuff.  .

Now that you know the best carry-on packing tips, it’s time to put them into practice. If you know more tips that we haven’t mentioned yet, please let us know in the comments.

If you’re a newbie in packing, you can refer to our How to Pack a Suitcase guide for a complete, step by step rundown of everything you need to know and do when packing a suitcase for travel.

Pack Light. Pack Tight. You got this!

← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment

Cart is Empty

Complete your set

Circle Pouch Set

Complete Bundle (For Checked Bags)

Large Cosmetic Bag

How to Pack Light When You're Only Traveling With a Carry-On

By Karthika Gupta

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science—and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month—sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to bring only a carry-on whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it's a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximize space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for packing light with only a carry-on.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Our best tips for packing light:

Choose the right luggage, don't skip the packing cubes.

• Opt for multi-functional fabrics

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

• Adjust your body care routine

Travel hacks are a game-changer

A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right luggage to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you're traveling with just a carry-on-sized bag, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy—expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 7.8-pound hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to maneuver in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the overhead bin and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book in there easily. The suitcase comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organization.

Another smart carry-on option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colors also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.

Next up: choosing a functional personal item . I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler. As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my Otterbox 3-in-1 MagSafe charging station that helped cut down on extra cords, and my insulated Camelbak water bottle . It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole tote as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.

Anyone who struggles with optimizing space when traveling knows that packing cubes are the ultimate solution. Not only are they perfect for organization, but compression ones like these from Monos and Béis save space in your bag. I routinely use about three to five cubes and organize my essentials by category. The bigger cube is for bulky items like jeans, pants, and sweatshirts, the medium is for shirts, and the smaller one is for undergarments and socks. The clear-view window on the Monos packing cubes allows me to see what's inside at a glance, making it easier to get ready. I also carry an extra one to separate dirty laundry on my return trip home.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

I will admit that choosing the right clothes for a multi-week trip is the most challenging part of packing, especially when dealing with different climates. My Duer jeans are my favorite denim. With the right amount of stretch, softness, comfort, and a water-repellent fabric, I wear them on planes, around town, and even hiking. My top picks are these fleece-lined relaxed Girlfriend fit for flights, and the mid-rise performance slim straight for backup. Another new favorite is the Freeflex Roll-Up pants from Kühl. The roll-up feature quickly converts it into a capri, increasing the usability. Plus, they are quick-drying, moisture-managing, and water-resistant.

For daily wear, I pack a few classic, mix-and-match pieces from Prana in neutral colors. Foundation rib tanks and simple short-sleeve tees are versatile, comfortable, and perfect for layering. I recently discovered hemp fabric, a natural fiber that is breathable, antibacterial, and seems to get softer with every wash. Adding Jungmaven tees to my travel wardrobe was a no-brainer because it wicks moisture away from the skin keeping clothes odor free longer so you can get more wear from your tees. A few moisture-wicking UPF 50+ bras that double as sports bras, merino wool breathable natural briefs from Ibex , and Comrad compression socks complete my essentials.

As a runner from the Midwest, I can never pass up the opportunity to tackle trails wherever I go. My Hoka short-sleeved performance tee and multi-pocket jogger tights from Oiselle are ideal because of their quick-drying fabric, which means I don’t need sweatshirts to keep me warm while running outside.

Keeping up with the theme of packing multi-purpose clothing, I chose between two outerwear pieces depending on the season—the Stretchdown light vest from Mountain Hardwear or a Silent Down Jacket from Patagonia. The vest is a lightweight layering piece that packs down to a pouch for convenience. The jacket, which I wear on the plane (another tip: don't pack your bulkiest pieces; wear them in transit), is incredibly soft, warm enough for 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit weather, thanks to the down insulation, and not too technical—the perfect outerwear for a nice dinner.

Deciding on what shoes to bring on any trip is always a bit tricky, but generally, you want to go classic and neutral. Because of space restrictions, I opted for a white walking shoe that would go with any outfit (worn on the plane) and packed my lightweight gym shoes as a backup. Clae’s white vegan leather sneakers have traveled with me across continents and continues to hold form even after hours of walking everywhere. For my running and training routines, I lean on my Agility Peak 5 running shoe from Merrell. It performs flawlessly on gravel and concrete and after getting caught unprepared in a sudden downpour one too many times, I always choose the Gore-Tex waterproof style. A cute pair of lightweight Tevas sandals that are also waterproof and breathable round out my footwear choices.

Don’t sacrifice your body care routine—just adjust it

After a lot of trial and error over years of extensive travel, I finally curated just the right selection of products for my Dopp kit . The key is to trim down your routine (and packing list) with multi-purpose products that still get the job done and leave you feeling refreshed. Everist plant-based waterless shower travel essentials are a game changer and the travel-size tins save a lot of space. I also recently switched to waterless moisturizers and lotion bars for travel after having to ditch many creams and bottles at security because of liquid restrictions. My go-tos are Glow Face Stone solid face moisturizer and Forest Sone lotion bar from Kate McLeod. And all this packs away in my carry-on-friendly Monos Metro toiletry case.

After traveling thousands of miles with just a carry-on, there are a few hacks I always rely on that make a huge difference to my overall outlook on traveling as lightly as possible. I always clip a few carabiners to my backpack or suitcase (if possible). In a pinch, these hold nicknacks like an extra jacket, a water bottle, or my sandals if I am running out of space. A buff is a must and an easy way to protect your face, neck, and head from the elements. It also acts as a neck warmer and mask on planes. And my Sea to Summit inflatable two-ounce camping pillow has been a lifesaver during many unscheduled airport overnights thanks to cancellations and delays—I never leave home without it.

The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Sizes: What Size Should You Get?

D id you know that choosing a suitcase (or multiple cases, for that matter) in the right size can save you some money in luggage fees and help you become a more organized traveler?

On one end, unused space in your luggage will result in wrinkled clothes and a messy suitcase. Not to mention the extra weight and possible luggage fees. And on the other - having too little space will limit your packing capacity. That's why nailing the correct luggage size is very, very important.

In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about all the different luggage sizes, restrictions, and more, so you can understand what size luggage is better for you. Make sure to check out our FAQ section at the bottom if you still have any questions!

Luggage Size Chart

But before we begin this article, down below you can check out our infographic and table with the most common luggage sizes, which will offer an easier way to grasp the differences between them.

Measuring Luggage

Before we talk about different luggage sizes, you should learn how luggage is measured.

Basically, each airline has different size and weight restrictions for hand and checked luggage. Usually, premium airlines will allow slightly larger bags, and cheaper ones will allow smaller ones with tighter weight limits. Your job as the passenger is to find out the restrictions yourself because they change all the time, and it would be impossible for us to list and update each airline individually.

There are two types of size restrictions that you need to know. The first one is dimensions - height (top to bottom), width (side to side), and depth (front to back). It will usually be applied for personal items and carry-ons and could be stated as follows: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Airlines will usually offer measuring boxes inside airports, where you can put in your bags to check if they fit.

The second measurement is linear inches. Linear inches just means the total sum of height, width, and depth, and it's mainly used for checked luggage, which needs to be under 62 linear inches. So to get linear inches, measure the height, width and depth individually and add them all up.

To measure the dimensions of your suitcase, you can place it next to a wall and measure the height, width, and depth by placing a measuring tape next to the wall. To get a more exact measurement, you can place a book or something flat on the other end of the measuring tape. Make sure to include the wheels, handles, and anything else that's sticking out! Another thing to keep in mind is that fabric suitcases might become a bit larger once they're packed to the brim, so before measuring, pack your suitcase full and measure in the widest end.

Hand Luggage

Hand luggage means all the bags that you're allowed to take with you on the plane without checking them in. Usually, it's a carry-on, a personal item, and any other items that aren't counted towards the allowance, such as duty-free items.

Hand luggage has to be stored under each passenger's front seat or in the overhead compartments, which are located above each seat. You won't be able to access it during take-off and landing because they have to be tucked away securely in case of an emergency.

When you arrive at the airport, you won't need to go to the check-in desks if you have just hand luggage, and you've already printed your tickets back home. You'll be able to go straight to security, where TSA (Transport Security Agency) will screen your hand luggage for any prohibited items. After that, you're free to do duty-free shopping or wait at the designated gate until boarding starts.

Carry-on Luggage vs Personal Items

The main difference between carry-on luggage and personal items (other called "underseat luggage") is that carry-ons need to be stored in the slightly-larger overhead compartments and personal items under each passenger's front seat. Usually, most people choose smaller rolling suitcases as their carry-ons and backpacks, duffels, or tote bags as their personal items. That said, you can use any type of bag as a carry-on or a personal item, whether it's a briefcase, rolling suitcase, duffel bag, backpack, tote, or even a regular shopping bag.

You won't really be able to access stuff from your carry-on during the first and last 15-30 minutes of the flight, as well as any turbulence, so pack your most necessary items in your personal item, such as your laptop, headphones, e-reader, any medicine, e.t.c.

Personal Item Size and Weight Requirements

Most airlines won't specifically mention an exact size requirement for personal items, and instead, they'll just say that it has to fit under the front seat. On average though, it should be 6-9 inches in width, 10-14 inches in height, and 17-18.5 inches in length . They avoid stating the exact measurements because each airline has different types of aircraft in their fleet and each aircraft has a different amount of space under each seat. To get the exact personal item size requirements, you should probably ask the airline directly, or check our list where we compiled personal item restrictions for most popular airlines.

Some airlines also have individual weight restrictions for personal items. But most of them just have some kind of weight limit for the total weight of your personal item and carry-on.

Tip: Looking to purchase a personal item? Check out the [amazon link="B06XZTZ7GB" title="Matein Travel laptop backpack"], which I've used as my personal item on multiple flights without any issues. It always fits under the front seat and it's surprisingly spacious.

Carry-on Size and Weight Requirements

On average, carry-ons usually have to be 8-10 inches in width, 13-15  inches in height, and 19-23 inches in length. Each airline has different carry-on size requirements, however, the most popular one is 22 x 14 x 9 inches . The restrictions are so different between airlines because the overhead compartments tend to differ in capacity across different aircraft.

In terms of weight, each airline has different weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Most airlines in America don't have any weight requirements for hand luggage but some do, especially budget airlines. If the airline has a carry-on weight limit, it's usually between 15-35 lbs (7-16 kg) . Some airlines will also have a specific weight limit for the total weight of carry-ons and personal items.

Tip: Looking for a new carry-on? I've used the [amazon link="B07BM9DFX9" title="Travelpro Maxlite 5 19-inch fabric carry-on"] for a while now and I love it. It's spacious, lightweight, and very durable. Even though it's slightly over the limit in width, I've never had any issues with that on international flights.

Domestic Carry-Ons vs International Carry-Ons

When you'll be shopping for a new carry-on, you'll notice that some of them will be marked as "international carry-on" and some as "domestic carry-on." That's because carry-on size restrictions are usually stricter for international flights and looser for domestic ones. If you're flying domestically, you might get away with a 23-inch (longest side) carry-on, but on an international flight, you'll probably be limited to 19-21 inches.

So essentially, domestic carry-ons will be slightly larger than international ones. If the carry-on is too large, you will be asked to check it in, and you'll have to pay additional fees. That's why it's important to buy a smaller carry-on if you're planning on flying internationally. Usually, international carry-ons will have to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches .

Hand Luggage Fees

Almost all airlines will allow bringing one personal item completely for free. When it comes to carry-ons though, most airlines allow bringing one for free, but budget airlines might charge a fixed fee depending on your class, which could be anywhere from 10$ to 50$. For instance, Spirit airlines will charge 31-50$ for carry-on luggage and Ryanair will charge about 6-20 EUR.

Keep in mind that most of these items are usually allowed for free in addition to other hand baggage:

• Assistive devices for the disabled
• Other wearable clothes
• Walking canes
• Food in disposable containers meant to consume on the airplane
• Child restraint seats
• Duty-free items
• Reading materials
• Cameras ( some airlines consider cameras as personal items, while others don’t. )
• Pet carriers ( Some airlines consider pet carriers as personal items, while others don’t. )

Read Next : 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2022

Hand Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Using only hand luggage and avoiding checked luggage altogether is a technique used by many, me included because it offers many benefits:

• No need to wait in line at the check-in counter
• Most of the time, completely for free
• Less likely to be stolen or lost because it's on you at all times
• Easier to carry around, especially if you use a backpack as a personal item together with a carry-on suitcase
• The best place for keeping valuables and fragile items
• You can access all of your items during the flight
• Less likely to break because it isn't exposed to baggage handling

However, there are some drawbacks to using only hand luggage, such as:

• Less packing space
• Harder to manage for families because they usually need to bring more items
• It needs to be lugged around the airport after security instead of being handed over at the check-in desks
• Usually, has much stricter weight limits

Tips for Buying Hand Luggage

• If you're flying on short flights, consider using only an underseat rolling suitcase or backpack. People who fly for business often only need to fly out domestically for a quick meeting, so a lot of them travel with only a personal item. You can easily fit a spare shirt in there as well as some toiletries and a laptop, which is really all you need.
• For up to two-week vacations, a carry-on and a personal item offer more than enough space. Personally, I'm a light packer, and I can travel for up to three weeks or even a month using only a carry-on and a personal item. For most people, this offers enough space.
• Consider getting a backpack with a back strap as your choice of personal item. That way, you can secure it around the retractable handle on top of your carry-on, which makes it incredibly easy to lug around. Especially in crowded areas, such as public transport and airports.
• If you'll be flying internationally, get a carry-on under 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles included. On domestic flights, you'll probably be able to use something larger, but if you want to avoid paying extra fees down the line, make sure your carry-on is under this limit.
• Make sure to get lightweight hand luggage. The weight restrictions are pretty strict as it is already, so make sure to get a lightweight carry-on and personal item. Especially the carry-on, because you'll have to stow it in the overhead compartments. So instead of going with a hardside carry-on, get a fabric one instead, which will most likely be lighter.

Read Next: Airport Travel Terminology 101 – The Ultimate Guide

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage is all baggage that's too large or too heavy to be carried on the flight, and has to be checked in instead. This means that you'll need to hand it over at the check-in counters at the airport. The baggage will then be transferred over to baggage handling and it will be loaded in the cargo hold of the airplane . When you land, you'll have to pick up your checked luggage from the luggage conveyor belts in the baggage reclaim area.

You can use other kinds of baggage as well for checked luggage, not just suitcases. You can also use large backpacks, duffel bags, totes, musical instruments in their cases, large trunks, and other oversized items. A lot of times, you'll have to check in specialty items, such as large musical instruments and all kinds of sporting equipment, such as bicycles, snowboards, golf clubs, e.t.c.

Read Next: What to Put in Carry-on and What in Checked Luggage (Guide)

Checked Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

Most commonly, checked luggage will have a size restriction of 62 linear inches (height + width + length) and a weight limit of 50 or 70 lbs. These are the IATA guidelines that are enforced in the EU and US which are there to keep the baggage handlers from handling too heavy bags. Oversized and overweight baggage will be accepted, but it will be labeled as oversized/overweight and you'll have to pay a fee for that unless it's sporting equipment. For instance, American Airlines will accept oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm) and overweight bags up to 100 lbs (45 kg.)

Small vs Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

Checked luggage comes in different sizes, and usually, the longest dimension is 23-32 inches long. Depending on the longest side, checked luggage is usually divided into three sizes, which are small, medium, and large. Small checked suitcases usually are 23-24 inches on the longest size, medium ones 25-27 inches, and large ones in 28-32 inches. Quite often, suitcases above 30 inches will actually be oversized, because they're over 62 linear inches with wheels and handles included.

For most people, a medium checked suitcase will be the best option, because it will be just within the checked luggage size limits and offer a large amount of space for all of their items.

Read Next: 8 Best 62-Inch Checked Suitcases in 2022

Checked Luggage Fees

On most international flights, airlines will allow you to bring one or two checked bags completely for free. On domestic flights, usually, they'll offer either one free checked bag or none at all. This depends a lot on the airline though. Additional bags will cost on a per-bag basis, starting with cheaper rates and continuing with more expensive ones. For instance, for American Airlines on domestic flights, the first checked bag will cost 30$, the second 40$, and the third one 100$ .

If you aren't flying alone and you're carrying a lot of checked bags, it's usually a better idea to split them evenly among all the passengers to save some money on the checked baggage fees. It also isn't advisable to bring more than two checked bags because the fees start to get pretty costly after that.

The fees for overweight and oversized luggage can get very expensive, upwards of 100-200$ for each bag, so before you arrive at the airport, make sure that each bag is under the weight limit.

Checked Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Although there are a lot of disadvantages for flying with checked luggage, there are some advantages as well, such as:

• Checked bags offer much more space
• Better for families who carry a lot of items
• Checked bags don't need to be carried around the airport after checking them in
• No need to worry about size and weight, as the restrictions are pretty hard to reach
• You should be able to get away with a slightly oversized checked bag because they're rarely measured

However, there's a reason why I don't travel with checked luggage. In my opinion, it has more disadvantages, such as:

• With a personal item, carry-on, and a checked suitcase, it's much more difficult to use public transport
• Checked luggage is mostly a paid service, especially with budget airlines
• There's just too much space if you're a light packer
• Checked bags can get damaged from baggage handling
• Items get lost or stolen much more frequently when packed in checked luggage
• You won't be able to access the contents of checked luggage during the whole flight
• In case checked baggage gets lost, you'll be left without a lot of items and your trip might be ruined
• You'll have to wait in the check-in line at the airport

Tips for Buying Checked Luggage

• Avoid plastic checked suitcases. Hardside ABS, Polycarbonate, or Polypropylene suitcases can crack pretty easily. When they're thrown in the baggage area under a pile of other suitcases, this can happen very easily. That's why you should choose an aluminum checked suitcase or a fabric one, which will be much less likely to break.
• Before buying a checked suitcase, double-check that it's below 62 linear inches.  Oversized checked luggage fees can get pretty expensive, usually between 100-200$. To avoid this hefty fee make sure that your suitcase is below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth) with handles and wheels included. A very large amount of large checked suitcases, in fact, about 50-80% of them are oversized, so pay close attention to the dimensions.
• A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you're looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
• Get a bright or patterned checked suitcase. Checked luggage gets lost much more frequently. So when you're shopping for a new case, make sure to get one that's colorful and easy to recognize. It will be much easier to spot on the baggage carousel and if it gets lost, the chances of finding it will be much better because you'll be able to describe it better. If you already own a dark checked suitcase, get a colorful patterned luggage cover.
• Avoid checked luggage with spinner wheels. Rolling, inline (2 wheels) suitcases are better options for checked suitcases because they're much less likely to break while the bag is checked in. Spinner wheels are much more likely to fall off because they're extended out from the main shape of the suitcase. It's actually one of the most common things that break on checked bags.
• Consider getting a [amazon link="B07XFKYD4M" title="pelican trunk"] instead of a typical checked suitcase. They're basically indestructible and they're one of the most popular choices for climbers, camera crews, and other people who need to bring a lot of expensive checked gear.

What Size Luggage Should You Get?

There are all kinds of different factors that determine what kind of suitcase you should get. Before buying any luggage, you should understand how often and where you'll be traveling, how many people you'll be flying with, what are your packing traditions, and so on.

Are You an Over-Packer?

There's nothing wrong with being an over-packer, but it will affect what kind of luggage you should choose and how much you'll be paying in fees. Most over-packers like to travel with a checked suitcase and a personal item, such as a small backpack, skipping the carry-on entirely. You'll be able to pack your valuables and essentials in the personal item and be left with a very large amount of space in your checked suitcase, where you can pack all of your clothing and anything else you'd need. A medium checked suitcase will usually offer about 90-100 l of space while a carry-on only 35-50 l, so the difference is pretty significant.

How Long You’ll Be Traveling?

The length of your trips/vacations also determines what kind of luggage you should get. If you'll be traveling for months, unless you're an extreme minimalist, you'll need to bring some kind of checked luggage. But for two to three-week trips, it's perfectly fine to bring only a carry-on and a personal item, unless you're an over-packer or you need to bring other kinds of gear for your job, planned activities, e.t.c.

Where You’re Flying to and What Are Your Planned Activities?

Think about what you'll be doing and what gear you'll need. Do you need scuba diving or skiing gear? Are you into photography and need to bring a large tripod? Are you flying to a cold-weather country and you need to bring a lot of extra warm clothing? The kind of travel that you'll be doing, determines what size luggage you should get.

Think about valuable and fragile gear specifically. Try to keep the most valuable items in your hand luggage. If that isn't possible, remember to ensure your gear and invest in a durable, large enough, checked suitcase or trunk. A good option for that is the [amazon link="B07XFKYD4M" title="pelican trunk"], which is the industry standard for professionals.

Tip: It’s Better to Buy a Smaller Suitcase, Instead of a Larger One

Many people will probably disagree but I personally think that it's always a smarter choice to buy a smaller suitcase instead of a larger one. This will make you become a lighter packer, which could end up saving you some money in the long run on checked baggage fees.

A lot of times, people are bringing gear that they don't really need and end up with heavier, oversized suitcases. Remember that you'll also have to carry your luggage around the town and to the airport. You're on a vacation to get new experiences, not buy a lot of unneeded stuff, and be exhausted from carrying an oversized suitcase. Of course, if you're traveling for work, that may not be true, but for general leisure travel, it's a better idea to get a slightly smaller suitcase than you think you'd need.

What Size Luggage I Use Personally

I usually travel one or two weeks at a time, so a personal item (backpack) and an international carry-on are more than enough to fit in everything that I need. I rarely use checked luggage because I'm a minimalistic packer.

My favorite has become the [amazon link=" B06XZTZ7GB " title="Matein laptop backpack"] for a personal item, which fits perfectly under the front seat and has many neat compartments for everything that I need. It's 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches large, but I never pack it full, so it always fits under the front seat.

And for the carry-on, I use the [amazon link=" B07BM9DFX9 " title="Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on"] , which is pretty light and small enough for domestic luggage restrictions. It's 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches large with wheels and handles included, so sometimes it's a little bit above international limits, but I've never had any issues with it. I've tried squeezing it inside the measurement boxes myself, and I managed to fit it in with a tight squeeze.

My laptop backpack has a rear strap that wraps around the carry-on's retractable handle so my backpack can be secured on top of it. It's handy because my carry-on has spinner wheels, and it's super easy to move around. In tight spaces, for instance, in the subway, it's much easier to store the backpack on top of the carry-on.

If you're a light packer like me, I'd suggest going with a backpack and a carry-on. It'll be enough for 1-2 week trips, but if you wash some clothes midway and don't buy too many souvenirs, you can stretch that to three weeks or even a month. If you're traveling longer than that or you're an over-packer, you should get a 25-27-inch medium checked suitcase instead of the carry-on.

Also check out: Airplane seat upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Sizes

What’s the largest luggage size for checked-in luggage (62-inch luggage).

In order to comply with the 62-linear-inch checked luggage size requirement, you shouldn't get a suitcase larger than 29-30 inches (longest side.) Almost all 31 and 32-inch suitcases will be oversized. Even a lot of 28-30-inch suitcases are oversized, so you have to double-check the product description and find out how large they really are. Count the total sum of the height, width, and depth, with wheels and handles included to get the true linear-inch measurement. The largest suitcases within the 62-linear-inch restriction are about 100-120l in volume.

To maximize the amount of space that you can have inside, choose a fabric suitcase, which will open from the top, instead of the middle, as you see on most hardside cases. This means you'll have a larger main compartment. Also, make sure to get it with inline rolling wheels, instead of spinner ones, which results in a lot of unused space.

Tip: If you want to maximize the amount of space you get from a 62-linear-inch checked suitcase, get the [amazon link="B07XFKYD4M" title="Pelican 1615 travel case"], which is exactly 62 linear inches in size and is virtually indestructible.

What’s the largest size for hand luggage?

When we talk about hand luggage, there are different restrictions for personal items and carry-ons. There are also different restrictions for each airline. In general, personal items should be below 17 x 10 x 7 inches in dimensions and carry-ons under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

The largest size restriction for personal items that we found was on Southwest airlines, where personal items need to be under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The largest size restriction for carry-ons was on Alaska Air, which was 24 x 17 x 10 inches. Generally, more expensive airlines will have looser restrictions for hand luggage.

What are the 3 luggage sizes?

If we're talking about dimensions, the three luggage sizes are height (from top to bottom), width (from side to side), and depth (from front to back).

If, however, we're talking in terms of luggage types, what people most likely mean with the 3 luggage sizes is personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage, which have three different size and weight restrictions.

What’s the best luggage size for 20 and 23 kg?

Can i use backpacks and duffel bags as hand/checked luggage.

Yes, you can use backpacks and duffel bags as checked luggage. Theoretically, you can use any type of bag as checked luggage, as long as it's durable enough to withstand baggage handling. You could even use a cardboard box , although it may not be a wise idea.

Personally, I've only traveled with a large backpack as my checked luggage. That's because I do a lot of hiking and my hiking backpack is much larger than a carry-on. It's pretty common for people to travel only with a large backpack (not only hike) and keep their essentials in a plastic bag or a tote bag during the flight. This gives you a lot of freedom because everything you need is packed inside one large backpack.

Do I need to include wheels and handles when measuring luggage?

What size luggage should i use for a week-long trip, what if my checked luggage is oversized.

IATA, which is the largest worldwide airline regulator, states that checked bags can't be over 62 linear inches in order to keep the baggage handlers from working with oversized bags. Anything over 62 linear inches will be labeled as "oversized" and will cost you an extra 100-200$, depending on the airline.

Even if you pay the hefty oversized luggage fees, there is a limit to how large checked luggage you can bring. Each airline considers this individually, and, for instance, American Airlines will allow oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm).

The rules are slightly different for sporting equipment, though. Bicycles, for instance, will almost always be allowed, even if they're oversized, and their luggage fees won't be as expensive.

What if my checked luggage is overweight?

Do carry-on measurements need to be exact, should i get hard or soft luggage .

There are pros and cons for both, but I personally tend to lean towards fabric luggage. It's lighter, less likely to crack or break, and you can extend it slightly outwards if you've over-packed. On the other hand, hardside luggage offers more protection to your items and is better-looking in my opinion. Modern hardside suitcases made from Polycarbonate are also pretty durable and don't weigh much more than comparable fabric alternatives. So it doesn't really matter that much whether you choose a hardside or softside bag - it's more a matter of preference.

The only real instance where I wouldn't use a hardside plastic suitcase is in checked luggage. They're put under a lot more pressure from baggage handling and quite often, they get thrown around and placed at the bottom of a pile of checked suitcases. They're much more likely to each up with cracks or dents, so using a fabric-checked suitcase would make more sense.

Should I get a rolling or spinner suitcase?

There are advantages to both, but generally, it's better to stick with spinner suitcases for carry-on luggage and rolling ones for checked luggage. That's because while spinner suitcases are much easier to move around, they're much easier to break off the suitcase. And in checked luggage, they're much more likely to break off from luggage handling.

Rolling suitcases will usually be more spacious because the wheels are somewhat integrated within the main frame. On spinner suitcases, they'll extend outwards of the suitcase, which results in a lot of unused space underneath the suitcase. Remember that the wheels are counted towards the total measurements.

But if you're having back problems or in general lugging around a suitcase gives you hard time, then a suitcase with spinner wheels might make more sense. Compared to inline rolling suitcases, they're much, much easier to move around - they practically roll by themselves.

How much luggage can I bring on international flights ?

Most airlines will allow one personal item and one carry-on for free on international flights. As for checked luggage, most airlines will allow one or even two checked bags for free for each passenger, and the rest will need to be paid for with additional fees, ranging from 30-100$. In general, the fees increase for each next checked bag and could be as follows: 30$ for the first checked bag, 40$ for the second, and 100$ for each next one.

You'll be able to bring up to 10 checked suitcases (even though it'll cost a small fortune!) but on some international destinations, a bit less. Airlines operate within the rules set by airline regulators, and in some countries, each passenger can have only two or three checked bags.

How many pieces and what size should a luggage set be?

Most luggage sets come in three pieces: one carry-on (19-23 inches), one medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches), and one large checked suitcase (28-32 inches). I would advise against getting a 3-piece luggage set like this because quite often, the largest piece in the set is oversized, which means that it's above the 62 linear inch limit and you'll have to pay oversized luggage fees.

Instead, it would be much more beneficial to get a 2-piece set containing a carry-on and a medium checked suitcase, or a 3-piece set that also contains a personal item (underseat bag). If you're getting a 3-piece set with a large checked bag, make sure that it isn't oversized.

Luggage sets are often cheaper to get than buying each piece individually, so it's quite often a smarter choice to buy a whole set.

Final Words

Getting the right size luggage is really important because if it's oversized, you might end up paying extra in fees, or just end up with a lot of unused space. For anyone new to traveling, I'd advise getting a small backpack as a personal item and a carry-on that's within 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is more than enough for most trips, and I'm usually able to squeeze in everything needed for 2-4 weeks in there. If you're an over-packer, you might need to swap that carry-on with a medium checked suitcase, which would be 25-27 inches in size (longest end).

Best Luggage for International Travel to Make Your Trip Abroad Easy and Enjoyable

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

More Americans are traveling abroad with over “one-in-five Americans planning on vacationing in a foreign country in the near future,” according to Reuters . I myself head to Sweden for a few weeks every summer to visit my in-laws, and packing our suitcases with clothes—both sweaters and bathing suits because Swedish weather can be unpredictable—along with gifts for relatives is a days-long undertaking.

When traveling internationally, most people focus on important stuff like updating passports, understanding customs requirements, making hotel reservations, and planning exciting itineraries, but choosing the right luggage for your long-haul trip ranks up there in ensuring you and yours have a fun and hassle-free trip.

“Choosing the right luggage helps to keep your trip smooth and uncomplicated,” says Ivette Manner s, a travel and bridal writer who goes around the globe for her job several times a year. “I travel often for work and leisure and like to keep things simple. You don’t want to rush through airports, customs, taxis, and public transport being bogged down with a lot of baggage—and you don’t want to make the mistake of leaving anything crucial behind.” she says.

What to consider when choosing luggage for international travel

Situation equals size.

Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend wedding or embarking on a multi-city trip will help you decide which type of suitcase you need: carry-on, mid size, oversized, weekender, and more. Also, how many are in your party? Traveling solo or with family, friends, or loved ones?

Visiting Europe with my family for two or three weeks means we need larger, checked luggage paired with smaller carry-on backpacks and totes for the flights. When traveling for work, Manners takes “one roomy, zip-top tote bag and a medium-size suitcase.” The length of stay, and purpose of travel will help determine the size and type of luggage you need.

Airline compliance

It is zero fun to have to check your carry-on last-minute or pay extra exorbitant fees because you overstuffed your luggage and exceeded weight and size limits. “As soon as you book your flight, check the airline’s baggage allowance and restrictions policy,” cautions Manners, so you can stay within the baggage dimensions. “It’s a good idea to invest in a bag within the baggage dimensions allowed by the airline(s) you frequently travel on, so you’re not surprised at the airport with extra baggage charges,” she adds.

According to TravelPro , while most domestic airlines allow you up to 35 pounds for carry-on baggage for domestic flights and 50 pounds max for checked luggage (though you can pay extra for up to 70 pounds), international travel often caps carry-ons at 18 pounds. The exception being British Airways which allows a whopping 51 pounds for carry-on bags! Kayak says that a carry-on bag should be no longer than 21.5 inches long, though this does vary airline by airline and I have friends who swear they fly everywhere with their 22-inch long carry-on. To be safe, and avoid trouble, always check ahead to know your baggage allowance before your trip!

To stay in compliance—and if you’re someone who tends to overpack (insert raised hand emoji)—Manners recommends getting a luggage scale to keep yourself in check. “Some people also swear by packing cubes,” adds Manners, which some say allows you to pack even more while keeping clothing sorted and wrinkle-free. If you’re new to, but interested in packing cubes, Manners recommends purchasing inexpensive options on Amazon to see if they would work for you before your next big trip.

Luggage should last years and is a worthy investment, but with many high-quality and low-cost options on the market you don’t have to break the bank. Legacy names like Samsonite keep innovation and quality high while still being fairly priced. “Look at a brand’s warranty,” advises Manners, which safeguards against wear, tear, and damages that happen frequently with luggage. For instance, the premium brand, Briggs and Riley , comes with a higher price tag but a lifetime guarantee. I chose bags for this list from around $100 to several hundred dollars to meet all your price points and needs.

Materials and mobility

“People love those fancy aluminum suitcases ,” says Manners. “But while they look super chic, they’re not always practical, not to mention super expensive.” They get banged up and scratched and you have to take them to the brand to get repaired. “But polycarbonate hard shell suitcases can take more wear,” she says. Other things to consider in a suitcase are the materials: are you looking for soft or hardshell? Also, pay attention and test out zippers, locks, roomy interior compartments that can expand, and the durability and quality of wheels.

Our picks for the best luggage for international travel

Best carry-on luggage for international travel: away the carry-on.

The Carry-On in Sorbet Orange

With its signature design, bright colors, and compact design that fits most overhead bins, this popular carry-on luggage from Away checks all the boxes. The hardside carry-on is made from a 100% polycarbonate shell that is durable and lightweight, weighing in at 7.5 pounds. Fans love the interior organization that features zipped mesh compartments, a hanging pocket, and a waterproof laundry bag great for keeping wet—or dirty—clothes separate. The 360 gliding wheels can traverse most terrains, and the sturdy handle has two adjustable heights for ideal comfort. At under $300, it’s a great deal.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Material: 100% polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 39.8 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Price on publish: $275

What we like:

• Meets carry-on requirements for most airlines
• Comes with a TSA-approved lock
• Comes with compression straps to fit more in

What we don't Like:

• It’s on the smaller side for carry-ons

The bottom line:

An accessible-priced and well-designed carry-on that fits on most airlines.

Get it here: Away The Carry-On

Best lightweight luggage for international travel: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Samsonite Proxis Spinner

I own this large Proxis Spinner from Samsonite, and it’s a piece my whole family loves. We can pack so much stuff in and it’s still incredibly lightweight luggage . My husband loves the technical aspects like the resilient outer shell made from a Samsonite-patented material called Roxkin™ (a multi-layered propylene combined to make one single sheet) that is incredibly durable and will bounce back into shape when dented. The easy-to-handle ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle and the dual 360 spinner wheels help us breeze through planes, trains, and automobiles. I like the interior fabric dividers, compression cross straps, and zipper pockets that help to keep all our clothes organized and in place. And my kids like the mod and metallic colors (like honey gold). The light Proxis line includes a carry-on, medium, large, and extra-large.

• Dimensions: 30.7 x 21.5 x 11.4 inches
• Material: Roxkin™ outer shell
• Capacity: 98 liters
• Warranty: Limited 10-year Global Warranty
• Price on publish: $600
• Incredibly lightweight but durable
• Dual rubber wheels for fluid and quiet travel
• On the pricier side for Samsonite

A surprisingly lightweight and durable suitcase with dual wheels that can zip through the airport and beyond.

Get it here: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Best large luggage for international travel: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

My Australian friend turned me on to the premium brand, Briggs & Riley, and this expandable suitcase might have one of the largest capacities of any suitcase on the market. The softside suitcase features a patented CX® expansion release hinge that allows you to expand the bag for up to 34% more packing capability and then compress it back down to its original size when needed.

Everything about this suitcase is quality from its self-repairing zippers, 360 spinning wheels, and genius interior design that features a built-in garment folder to keep clothes wrinkle-free. Plus, all Briggs & Riley bags are backed by their unconditional lifetime guarantee , which doesn’t ask for a proof of purchase or a lengthy explanation.

• Dimensions: 31 x 22 x 13.8-16.8 inches
• Weight: 15.6 pounds
• Material: Ballistic nylon
• Capacity: 141-167 liters
• Warranty: Unconditional lifetime guarantee
• Price on publish: $949
• One suitcase can accommodate multiple travelers
• No-questions-asked lifetime of repairs
• Optional monogram
• You might go over weight limits if you fill it to capacity

A high-quality suitcase that can hold tons with a lifetime guarantee.

Get it here: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Best medium size luggage for international travel: Away Medium Flex

The Medium Flex in Coast Blue

For those that need more room than a carry-on, but still need something maneuverable, the Away Medium Flex is for you. The newer flex model can expand for an extra 1.75” of space, which can make all the difference when traveling for weeks and allows for the fun souvenirs and duty-free goodies you’ll bring home. The Flex comes with all the details. Away is known for great interior organization that includes zippered compartments, snap-in-place straps, a laundry bag, and quiet 360 wheels that smoothly glide over tough terrains like cobblestones.

• Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches
• Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 68.8-75.7 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $395
• Nine fun colors
• Expandability
• TSA-approved combination lock
• Reviewers say the lighter colors scuff easily

A pretty and expandable suitcase ideal for longer travel.

Get it here: Away Medium Flex

Best affordable luggage for international travel: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange

With over 34,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this 24-inch spinner features many of the qualities of other suitcases on this list, but is priced at under $100. Available in carry-on, medium, large, and a luggage set, the budget spinner has an extra-tough thermoplastic exterior that can handle the bumps that come with travel. It has double wheels for easy gliding, a telescoping handle, and can expand up to 15% to hold more clothing—or souvenirs.

• Dimensions: 24.7 x 11.4 x 18.3 inches
• Weight: 9.63 pounds
• Material: ABS Thermoplastic
• Capacity: 69 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited, but you can add a three to four-year protection plan at an extra cost
• Price on publish: $78.35
• Limited warranty

A durable and highly-rated suitcase that won’t break the bank.

Get it here: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best soft luggage for international travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

“In my opinion, TravelPro makes great softside suitcases and they last for years.” says Manners. “I like to use these best for international travel because I don’t have to worry about them getting banged up or scratched. They’re economical and lightweight.”

Travelpro is used by many flight crews around the globe, so they know the qualities that you want in a bag. This medium size spinner is the ideal size with 97 liters of capacity and a two-inch expansion capability to last you for days (and weeks) of travel. The Travelpro comes in nine pretty colors, is lightweight at under 10 pounds, and easily glides with magnetically-locking wheels that can rotate a full 360 degrees for smooth transport through airports and city streets.

• Dimensions: 28 x 18.5 x 11.75 inches
• Weight: 9.8 pounds
• Material: High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating
• Capacity: 97 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage, but must register it first
• Price on publish: $365.49
• Bin tested to be compliant with most airlines
• Built-in suiter to reduce wrinkles
• 100-day money-back guarantee
• Haven’t found it yet

Affordable, high-quality suitcase favored by frequent fliers that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Get it here: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Best hardside luggage for international travel: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Garnering thousands of reviews, this Samsonite Freeform spinner line is a perennial hardside luggage favorite because it can handle major wear and tear. The hard shell is made from polypropylene (a thermoplastic) known to handle high stress. The double wheels add extra durability, even when other luggage is placed on top and 360 mobility, so there’s less strain on your body when traversing through airports and destinations. It has an expanding capability of 1.5 inches for packing on longer trips and the interior features lots of dividers and zippers to store accessories and keep everything neat and organized. Coming in at under $200 with a 10-year warranty, this is a solid suitcase for your travels and it’s available in carry-on and large versions.

• Dimensions: 27.9 x 19.6 x 13.4 inches
• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Material: Polypropylene
• Capacity: N/A
• Price on publish: $179.99
• Lots of color choices
• TSA-approved lock
• Would like a more expansive warranty
• Height on the Medium Spinner makes it too big for carry-on

Affordable and resilient luggage with high packing capacity from a name brand you can trust.

Get it here: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Best luggage set for international travel: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis, the luggage line founded by actor Shay Mitchell, allows you to mix and match two or three of your favorite rollers, creating your own personalized luggage set —and you get a discount. You can choose from any of their cases: from their best-selling 21-inch Front-Pocket Carry-On to their Medium, Large, and kid-friendly Mini Roller. I love that the Front-Pocket Carry-On and Mini Roller meet most international airline requirements, and all the hard cases are made from sturdy polycarbonate with vegan-leather details. Choose two suitcases and save 10% and pick three pieces for 15% off.

• Dimensions: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 21.5 x 3.5" x 9 inches, Carry-On: 22.8 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches, Medium Check-In Roller: 28.3 x 17.7 x 11 inches, Large Check-In Roller: 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches, and the Mini Roller: 17 x 9 x 16.5 inches
• Weight: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 8.6 pounds, Carry-On: 8.36 pound, Medium Check-In Roller: 10.2 pounds, Large Check-In Roller: 11.84 pounds, Mini Roller: 7 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate, vegan leather trim
• Capacity: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 47 liters, Carry-On: 49-61 liters, Medium Check-In Roller: 78-94 liters, Large Check-In Roller: 112 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty when purchased from Béis or authorized Béis retailer
• Price on publish: Two rollers 10% discount, three rollers 15% discount
• Female-founded
• Calming color options
• Cute kid rollers
• Limited warranty (though it is lifetime)

A fun and flexible mix-and-match luggage set that allows you to choose the cases that best suit your travel needs.

Get it here: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Best trunk for international travel: July Checked Trunk

July Checked Trunk

“I love using a trunk suitcase when I am traveling for an extended time or when I’m going to a cold-weather place and need to pack lots of bulky coats and sweaters,” says Manners. Traveling with a trunk suitcase has a fun, sophisticated feeling, and the old-world trunks of the past have now made way for lightweight and playful options like this one from July. Available in 11 pleasing colors and with personalization options, this chic trunk with 360 spin wheels, comfy rubber handles, and roomy 80/20 split compartments might be your new favorite travel go-to.

• Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Material: Glazed polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 95 liters
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults
• Price on publish: $595
• Lightweight
• Can be personalized
• Reviewers suggest going with matte finish, as scratches on shiny colors are more noticeable

This sturdy and sleek trunk is extra roomy for bulky items.

Get it here: July Checked Trunk

Best backpack for international travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack in Wine

I own this colorful and lightweight backpack from Cotopaxi that can fit the packing needs of an overhead-compliant carry-on with the ease of a backpack. It zips open to reveal a suitcase-like interior with mesh, zippered pockets and compartments to keep everything organized. It comes with a waist belt, in addition to adjustable straps for better weight distribution, and it comes with four grab handles so you can carry it from every angle. I especially like the laptop space and compartment at the top for quick access to essentials like money, your passport, and sunglasses. For additional backpack options, read our guide on travel backpacks .

• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Material: TPU-coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Warranty: Guaranteed for Good limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $200
• Carry-on compliant with most airlines 
• Comes in so many fun colors
• Certified B-Corp company 
• Made from 94% recycled materials
• Included rain cover
• Straps can be loose on smaller shoulder frames

On the pricier side of backpacks, but it has a lot of wonderful features and organization.

Get it here: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Best duffel bag for international travel: CALPAK Luka Duffel

CALPAK Luka Duffel in Cobalt

This best-selling Luka duffel from CALPAK can pack everything you need for a weekend—and still counts as a personal item, fitting comfortably under your seat. It has a trolley sleeve that slides through suitcase handles so it can rest comfortably on your luggage as you zip through the airport. It has nine pockets, including one for your shoes, and it’s made of water resistant polyester, so like most duffel bags it looks good and lasts for years to come.

• Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited
• Price on publish: $128
• Comes in 19 eye-catching colors
• Has both handle and strap options
• Can fit under airline seat
• Some colors are final sale, so check the fine print

Lightweight and roomy personal bag that can still fit under your seat.

Get it here: CALPAK Luka Duffel

Best weekender bag for international travel: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

“I highly recommend the shortyLOVE Friday Weekender bag” says Manners.“ It’s super roomy and streamlined, not bulky at all, and the straps are super comfortable, you hardly feel it’s on your shoulder.” Though it has a sleek design, it can fit all of your important documents, jewelry, and clothes for any quick trip. The water-resistant nylon bag comes in five colorways and is easy to clean.

• Dimensions: 15 x 27.5 x 9 inches
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Material: Water-resistant nylon twill
• Warranty: None
• Price on publish: $298
• Roomy yet streamlined
• No warranty

Roomy and stylish weekender that is sturdy and comfy.

Get it here: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

Best size luggage for international travel

“I like medium-size check-in suitcases,” says Manners.” It helps keep you from overpacking, but allows you to take what you need for a week of travel. And you’ll be able to move around easier in transit.” If traveling alone or sharing a suitcase, we find medium size suitcases (usually around 26-28 inches in length) to be ideal. Look for suitcases that can expand and compress for extra packing needs. Weighing around 10 pounds empty, you can pack a lot, but make sure you don’t go over the airline weight limits.

Tips for buying a suitcase for international travel

Online retailers and outlet stores are both great places to buy luggage , especially during major shopping days. But you should first check the baggage requirements of the airline you intend to fly, including restrictions, and extra charges, so you’re not met with any surprises.

Once you’ve determined your right size, Manners suggest “finding one with well-made spinning wheels and a comfortable, sturdy retractable handle.” Another thing to consider is the material, like soft side, hard side, waterproof, etc. And don’t forget important details, like durable zippers, solid locks, and lots of room and interior compartments to pack everything you need. Many brands offer 60-100-day free trials and money-back guarantees, so utilize these policies to try out the luggage before you invest.

How we selected the best luggage for international travel

As a former travel writer and editor myself, I have zig-zagged continents for work and leisure. I also tapped jet-setting friends, colleagues, and experts who weighed in on their favorite luggage. I tested different brands, read through customer reviews and looked at certain criteria.

Luggage size and type

Whether you’re jetting off for a swanky girls weekend or a longer trip abroad, the type of trip you’re taking will help determine which luggage to choose, so I rated them all (weekender, duffel, backpack, carry-on, larger checked suitcases, and trunks), examining their storage capacity, expandability, organizational features, weight, and construction.

Features and materials

Luggage these days offer so many high-tech features, like charging ports and nearly-indestructible thermoplastic exteriors, as well as fun extras including laundry bags, TSA-approved locks, multiple storage capabilities, along with lifetime guarantees that will help your luggage last a lifetime.

International airline compliance

I found international baggage allowance to differ slightly from American domestic, so be sure and check your airline baggage requirements first before travel. That said, for carry-ons, the general rule of thumb is for an international carry-on to be no bigger than 21.5-21.7 inches long and weigh 18 pounds. Again, while rules (and adherence) vary from airline to airline, to be safe, I chose carry-ons that meet these requirements.

I chose luggage at every price point and chose the best in class across the board from budget to luxe in all types of luggage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which luggage brand is best for international travel.

Well-known luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro have earned reputations for both quality and affordability, so they made my list. “I really recommend Away and TravelPro suitcases,” adds Manners. I also included more expensive options like Briggs & Riley, because their no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee on all of their luggage is unmatched industry wide.

Is hard luggage better than soft for international travel?

“Some people love hard case bags, but I find that you can pack more things in a softside suitcase.” says Manners. Hardside versus softside is really a preference. Softside seems to scuff less because of the treated materials, while hardside suitcases can also handle wear and tear and seem to be more trendy these days.

What is the best material for checked luggage?

“That depends on preference, but a nylon with coating to prevent scuffs and scratches for softside luggage, and polycarbonate-shell or thermoplastic are incredibly durable If you like hard case suitcases,” says Manners.

How many suitcases can you take on an international flight?

This often depends on the type of airplane ticket you purchase. Some tickets include your first checked bag for free, then you have to pay a fee for additional bags. Other tickets don’t include baggage, so you’ll have to pay a certain fee for the first checked-in bag, plus fees for additional bags. Look into bag allowances before you buy your tickets, warns Manners, so you can factor the cost of your checked bags into your flight—and avoid surprises at the airport.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

I visit Universal Orlando several times a year. Here are my top 10 tips for first-timers.

I’ll never forget walking out of Universal Islands of Adventure in 2022, drenched from head to toe after riding Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge . 

It was my first trip back to Universal Orlando Resort in years, and I learned some things the hard way, which I gladly shared with fellow travelers, hoping that they’d avoid my mistakes .

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Florida resort several times a year. And while I stand by my earlier tips, I’ve learned a few others.

Here are my top tips for first-timers visiting Universal Orlando.

1.  Stay on property

From RV parks to vacation rentals, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Central Florida, but it can pay to stay on property when visiting Universal Orlando. Not only are prices comparable to off-property hotels with Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside starting at $99 a night, but all of Universal’s resort hotels offer 30 minutes of early entry to select parks, which vary depending on time of year. 

They also provide free resort transportation, so you can get back to your room fairly quickly after a long park day or for a midday break. That free transportation can be clutch in the mornings, particularly at pricier Loews Sapphire Falls , Loews Royal Pacific , Loews Portofino Bay , and Hard Rock Hotel , which offer water taxis that drop you off closer to the parks than you can get arriving by car or bus. Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel guests can walk over to Sapphire Falls for water taxis, but the extra time and steps added may make it not worth skipping the resort shuttle bus.

Walking paths are also available to the parks from every resort hotel except the Endless Summer ones. Cabana Bay guests also have a dedicated walking path to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.

Guests staying at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay and Hard Rock also get free Universal Express Passes , which dramatically cut waits for most rides and normally start at $79.99 per person. Free package delivery is also available to all resort hotels, if guests don’t want to lug park purchases around all day.

Epic Universe details revealed: What's coming to Universal Orlando next year

2. Buy a popcorn bucket

Snacking at the parks can get expensive. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, but there’s one crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank. 

A plain popcorn bucket costs a little over $12, and you can keep getting refills throughout your trip. Refills cost around $2 each, making popcorn among the cheapest, most shareable snacks on property. On our last trip, my family and I got multiple refills for the price of one pretzel with cheese dip.

3.  Bring a light, refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is always important, particularly on hot park days. 

You can fill water bottles with free ice-cold water at any of the many Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across the property. Cups of ice water are also available for free anywhere dispensed soft drinks are sold.

Leave big double-walled stainless steel tumblers at home. Not only will they feel heavy, carrying them around all the day, but if they aren’t leak-proof, they’ll make a mess when you tip them on their sides to fit in lockers for thrill rides.

4. Bring a medium-sized bag to carry your stuff

Numerous attractions, from Jurassic World VelociCoaster to Men in Black Alien Attack , require guests to store loose articles in lockers provided for the duration of the ride. 

I previously recommended keeping most of your things together to avoid having to empty every pocket each time. That’s still true, but I want to add a caveat on size. 

The free lockers aren’t very big. They can fit a Loungefly-style mini backpack or empty popcorn bucket, if you squish them down, but they’re not large enough for packed full-size backpacks. Keep that in mind unless you want to pay for larger lockers.

5. Bring ponchos

Ponchos don’t take a lot of space and can save you from getting soaked like me on Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge, Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls , and Jurassic Park River Adventure .

Even if you skip water rides, ponchos are good to keep on hand for rainy park days.

6. Use single-rider lines 

Many attractions have a single-rider lane. If you’re traveling alone or don’t mind your party being split up, you can save time using the single-rider lane, if it’s open. They’re not always offered.

It doesn’t guarantee a short wait, but it’s usually shorter. On our latest trip, my middle schooler still waited at least 45 minutes for The Incredible Hulk Coaster and an hour for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit . That was about as long as the regular standby wait for Hulk but shorter than the standby wait for Rip Ride Rockit.

The following attractions have single-rider lanes, though availability varies.

Universal Studios Florida

• E.T. Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Simpsons Ride
• Transformers: The Ride-3D

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Doctor Doom's Fearfall
• Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

7. Use child swap 

If someone in your party doesn’t meet ride requirements for an attraction or simply wants to sit it out, you can ask for a child swap. It’s particularly helpful for families with young children because it allows parents and caregivers to take turns riding the ride and staying with whoever is sitting it out.

On our most recent trip, my youngest didn’t want to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure , so we all waited in line together, but then she and I peeled off to a designated waiting room while my middle schooler and mother-in-law went on the ride. When they were done, my mother-in-law stayed with my youngest while I went on the ride. My middle schooler lucked out, getting to ride it twice.

Not all attractions have waiting rooms, but they all offer swaps. Just let team members know you need one.

8. Take breaks

Theme parks can be exhausting. Not only are you on your feet all day, but they can be loud, crowded and overstimulating. 

When possible, I like to plan for at least one sit-down meal in the day. This way, I can take my time and recuperate in air conditioning away from crowds. I’ll typically splurge on one table-service meal, but there are several medium-priced, quick-service restaurants across both theme parks where you can grab a lighter snack and relax.

Really, any cool spot where you can sit down works. Knockturn Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is always refreshing, though dark. Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure is a great place for kids to explore while adults unwind. 

9.  Watch the shows

Rides get a lot of the love, but Universal Orlando’s live entertainment is top tier. You can find showtimes on the free resort app or simply stop to watch performances you stumble across while roaming the parks.

The only year-round shows with dedicated seating are at Universal Studios Florida: Animal Actors On Location! , The Bourne Stuntacular , and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, which is more funny than scary.

10. Let little ones stretch their legs

There are several play areas across both theme parks for little ones to burn off energy.

This summer, a new DreamWorks Land will open at Universal Studios Florida with a “Kung Fu Panda”-themed play area.

At Islands of Adventure, kids can explore Camp Jurassic in Jurassic Park, If I Ran a Zoo in Seuss Landing, and Me Ship, The Olive in Toon Lagoon. There are also splash pads and water features across Toon Lagoon; just make sure to either bring swimsuits or backup clothes for those.

Bonus: Don’t sleep on Volcano Bay

You’ll definitely want to pack swimsuits if you’re heading to Volcano Bay, which regularly ranks among the best water parks in the country and adds a completely different experience to vacations.

It’s themed like a tropical paradise, with plenty of trees and an iconic volcano that houses multiple water slides. The water park can get crowded, but you never spend too much time standing in line because every guest gets a Tapu Tapu wearable bracelet that lets them join one virtual queue at a time. 

Single-day tickets start at $80, which is considerably less than the $119 starting price for guests age 10 and up at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, but still not cheap. However, if you’re already planning to buy multi-day tickets for both theme parks, tacking on Volcano Bay is not much more.