travel carry on bag checklist

My Ultimate Carry-On Packing List for One Week or More

I’ve been traveling light and using packing lists for years, and I’ll never take for granted how good it feels to travel carry-on only. Because I’ve seen how miserable traveling with excess can be.

But here’s the good news: Baggage doesn’t have to slow us down. Traveling light is a choice. We don’t have to fight and struggle with our belongings every time we want to go someplace new.

That’s why I’m going to give you an up-close look at my do-everything, all-season travel setup. I want to show you precisely what a lightweight and practical approach to travel looks like.

So, take a look inside my bag. Check off the boxes of my carry-on packing list as you get ready for your next adventure. Maybe you can transform your travel bag into something lighter and more mobile, or maybe you’ll find a game-changing piece of gear to help liberate your life on the road.

Lighten up. It’s a change worth making.

Carry-On Packing List

• Benefits of Carry-On Travel
• ‘Must-Bring’ Travel Essentials

Carry-On Travel Bags

Lightweight travel luxuries.

• Light & Packable Travel Clothing

Cold Weather Travel Clothing

• Travel Photography Gear
• Connectivity & Organization Gear
• Compact Travel Toiletries Kit

In-Transit Travel Clothing

• Final Thoughts on Packing Light

Packing Light: The Benefits of Carry-On Only Travel

I’ve preached to you that traveling light and utilizing a carry-on packing list is of the utmost importance, so let me tell you why. Why must everything fit in one bag? What’s wrong with checked luggage?

Traveling Light is Far More Comfortable

In the world of travel packing, less is more.

Less baggage to carry means more  freedom and mobility. Less  stuff to lug around means more energy to focus on the world around you. Less weighing you down means a more comfortable travel experience.

Who doesn’t want that?

Checking Bags Doesn’t Always End Up So Well

I’ve seen and heard horror stories of checking baggage, and I want no part of the drama.

Friends have told me painful tales of bags getting lost and taking weeks  to make it back to them. I’ve seen a relative’s luggage zipped wide-open with clothing spilling out as it rotated slowly along the luggage carousel. I’ve watched my girlfriend’s heart drop as she opened her checked bag, revealing a mess of scrambled and broken belongings inside.

While situations like these aren’t the norm, there’s always risk involved when you hand your baggage off to a set of busy strangers.

Carry-On Only Travel Saves Time

Packing lists eliminate the stress and guesswork that often come along with organizing your luggage. By knowing exactly what to pack and what to leave behind, you’ll get ready for your travels much faster and more efficiently.

By choosing not to check bags, you’ll never have to wait around anxiously at baggage claim either. Just grab your bag, walk off the plane, and get moving.

Must-Bring Travel Essentials

Certain items you simply cannot travel without. IDs. Visas. Money. Cell phones. Medications. Important travel documents. The items below are likely to stop you dead in your tracks if you’ve left one (or more) of them behind.

While many of the items below (tickets, insurance info, travel documents, etc.) can be saved and accessed digitally, don’t forget to bring hard copies as well. If your cell phone or laptop dies or goes missing, you’ll be glad you did.

Check this list twice. Once after you’ve finished packing, and a second time right before you walk out the door.

Passport/Visa

ID Card/Drivers License

Wallet/Purse

Cash/Credit Cards

Medications

Insurance Documents

Copies of Passport/Visa

Maps/Guidebooks

Travel Itineraries

Travel Reservations

Do-it-All Cell Phone: iPhone 13 Pro

A quality smartphone is a smart investment when putting together your travel packing list. My iPhone 13 Pro has loads of storage (512 GB), a fast processor, an incredible camera, and a beautiful display. Yes, it’s expensive, but it was worth every penny.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Wallet : Slimfold Soft Shell

The thinner the wallet, the better. That’s why I love the Slimfold Soft Shell. Its minimalist design makes it barely noticeable in my pocket. The wallet is simple, easy to access, and holds everything I ask of it. What more could you ask for in a travel wallet?

VIEW ON SLIMFOLD

Passport Cover : J.Crew

I’m glad I received this passport cover as a gift because I would’ve never thought to buy one for myself. It’s durable leather construction shields my passport from the harsh rigors of travel. In addition to protecting my cherished passport, my cover can store important documents as well.

VIEW ON JCREW

Carry-on travel begins and ends with the luggage you bring along. Make sure your main piece of travel baggage abides by the carry-on size guidelines of the airlines you’ll be using, and you’ll be in great shape.

The age-old question of, “ Should I use a rolling suitcase or a backpack? ” is entirely yours to answer. Do some careful research and make a choice the best suits your style of travel. I use a backpack simply because I can move around easier while wearing it.

Don’t forget to bring a packable daypack, which can double as a personal item at the airport. It’ll also come in handy for day trips after you’ve settled at your destination.

Main Travel Backpack

Backpack : Osprey Porter 46

Osprey’s Porter 46 is comfortable, functional, and durable. I loved using it as my main travel bag. That said, it slightly exceeds some airlines’ carry-on luggage limits, though I’ve never been questioned about it once. Consider the Farpoint 40 , if the Porter 46’s limitations give you pause.

Read my article on the 15 best minimalist travel backpacks .

Daypack : Matador Freerain24

I fell in love with this daypack’s features before I ever ordered it. It’s is completely waterproof, weighs only four ounces, and packs down into the palm of my hand. The bag is great for day trips or hikes when bringing along my main travel bag would be overkill.

VIEW ON MATADOR

Camera Bag: Denali

This minimalist camera bag fits my Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera, two lenses, and its spare batteries perfectly. That’s all I could ever ask of it. If my camera and lens kit were any larger, I’d be forced to go searching for another bag, but for now, I’m good.

Below are the non-essential odds and ends that always find their way into my bag anyways. Sure, I don’t need to pack a single one of these items, but that’s not the point. This particular gear enhances my life of travel enough to warrant a permanent spot on my packing list and in my carry-on bag.

Ask yourself, “Which items truly make life better while traveling, and which items can I leave behind?” Carefully construct your own lightweight list of travel luxuries and, if ever in doubt, live by the timeless moniker, Less is more .

Water Bottle

Travel Locks

Packing Cubes

Battery Bank

Bluetooth Speaker

Water Pouch : Sawyer 32 oz

If you’re a frugal traveler, you know that paying for water can bust budgets. That’s why I always carry my Sawyer 32 oz backpacking water pouches. And, when I find fresh water, I pounce and fill these bad boys to the brim. Using them keeps me away from single-use plastics as well, which is a good thing.

Earplugs : Howard Leight

I’m an earplug snob. Sure, it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I’d rather listen to a stranger snore all night than toss and turn while wearing uncomfortable earplugs. I’ve tried out several brands, and I’ve finally found my forever-plugs, the Howard Leights. They’re comfy and effective. Second-to-none.

Travel Lock : TSA-Approved Padlocks

I’m no travel lock expert, but I can tell you that these sturdy little padlocks get the job done. They’re well-built and make it easy to set a unique 4-digit combo. They’re TSA-approved, which means airport security will use keys, not lock-cutters to see what’s in your bag.

Mini-Towel : Packtowl Ultralight Microfiber

Since the vast majority of hotels and hostels offer free towels, I never pack a full-sized towel of my own. I do, however, pack one of these ultra-compact Packtowls for the rare occasion that I can’t get my hands on a towel when I need one.

Packing Cubes : SuitedNomad

Organization is key in the carry-on lifestyle, which is why any sane traveler must include a set of packing cubes on their list. I use two cubes while I travel – one for my clean clothes and the other to store my dirty ones. Without this simple organization, my bag would be a disaster.

Headphones : Sony Xtra Bass

While compact earbud-style headphones might be more practical for lightweight travel, the Sony Xtra Bass’s have found a stable place in my packing list anyways. I love the feel of over-ear headphones, and this pair puts out deep, quality sound at an approachable price.

Battery Bank : Anker Powercore II

My trusty little battery bank bails me out time and time again on the road. It’s durable and compact, and will fully charge my cell phone twice before it runs out of juice itself. As a traveler and blogger, I’m grateful for every instance that it’s kept my precious phone from dying.

Headlamp : Nitecore NU25

I don’t use my headlamp frequently when I travel, but it’s sure nice to have around when I need it. Whether I’m packing up camp on the Huemul Circuit as pre-dawn winds howl or drunkenly night fishing on the North Shore of Hawaii, my headlamp always shines bright and leads the way.

Bluetooth Speaker : JBL Flip 4

Do I need to pack a Bluetooth speaker? Well, no. That’s why I choose not to bring the Flip 4 on many of my trips. That said, this speaker is compact, waterproof, and sounds great. I won’t hesitate to bring it along on the trips where I might feel the need to rock out sans headphones.

Lightweight & Packable Travel Clothing

The biggest hindrance to packing light is the traveler’s tendency to bring far too many clothes along. Few things make me cringe more than witnessing a fellow traveler fight and struggle with a bag that is bursting at the seams with two weeks’ worth of clothing.

Avoid being that traveler and instead pack a lightweight and durable set of clothing for your next adventure. Stay away from the heavier cotton-based materials (like denim!) to experience the true joy of packing light.

I bring a maximum of six shirts and two pairs of travel pants for every trip I take, and I usually manage not to come across as a scruffy and stinky drifter. How? I pack clothing made from highly-breathable materials that stay fresh longer than cotton. I pack mostly dark colors that hide the constant smudges and stains of travel.

And, yes, I utilize laundromats or sink-wash my clothing before it’s reached its limit.

Sweater/Jacket

Travel Pants (2)

Rain Jacket

Athletic Shorts

Button-Up Shirt

T-Shirts (4)

Underwear (5)

Sweater : TSLA 1/4 Zip

I know what you’re thinking.  Does Tesla really make clothing?! No, they don’t, but this brand happens to be well-made and affordable. My 1/4 zip sweater is super-comfy, keeps me warm, and packs down small. In many ways, it’s the perfect travel sweater.

Travel Pants: Wool&Prince Stretch Canvas

Versatile pants are essential for carry-on travel and the Wool&Prince Stretch Canvas check all the boxes. They fit super well, match with all my shirts, and are super stretchy and durable. My uncomfortable days of traveling in constricting pants are now far behind me.

VIEW ON WOOL&PRINCE

Athletic Sandals : Chaco Z1

My Chaco Z1s are beefy, versatile, and well-built. Their thick, durable soles give the support and stability of a hiking boot while allowing the breathability and convenience of a sandal. These are heavier and take up more space than flip flops, but they do so much more.

Rain Jacket : Marmot Precip

While this isn’t my favorite rain jacket for trekking and backpacking, it works well as a lightweight travel jacket. It blocks rain nicely, but it also keeps me warm when worn as a shell with my Tesla 1/4 zip sweater when life on the road gets chilly.

Athletic Shorts: Patagonia Nine Trails

A good set of athletic shorts will always have a place on my packing list, and these are my absolute favorites. They’re feather-light, fit comfortably, and dry quickly. They also have three zippered pockets, so I’m not at risk of losing my important travel essentials.

VIEW ON REI

Button-Up Shirt: Columbia Silver Ridge

While this is my main shirt for backpacking and hiking trips, it’s stylish and practical enough to use as a stand-alone travel shirt as well. I don this shirt when I need to transform from ‘scruffy budget backpacker’ to ‘respectable, cultured traveler,’ and it works like a charm.

T-Shirts: 32 Degrees Cool Crew

These 32 Degrees t-shirts are perfect for my minimalist style of travel. They’re a blend — 90% polyester, 10% Spandex — which makes them soft and breathable without stretching out or losing their fit. They’re very affordable too, so if I stain, rip, or lose one, it’s not the end of the world.

VIEW ON 32 DEGREES

Boxer Briefs: ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go

The Give ‘n’ Gos are my go-to everyday boxer brief. Travel, hiking, blogging, you name it, they get the job done. They’re comfy, breathable, and odor-resistant, which makes them especially great for travel. Never underestimate the importance of a good set of undies.

Socks: Darn Tough No Show

Darn Tough makes the most comfortable and durable socks I’ve ever put on, hands down. They’re a perfect blend of Merino wool, nylon, and Spandex that keep my feet feeling fresh and comfortable during the throes of travel. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.

VIEW ON DARN TOUGH

Travel Belt : Jasgood

Nobody has ever pickpocketed me before, and I aim to keep it that way. By using this zippered money belt, I’m able to keep all of my big bills and important documents hidden safely away from thieves. This belt, along with my pant’s zippered pockets, makes it really difficult to pickpocket me.

Sometimes travel will take you to chilly destinations , so you’d better be prepared with warm, lightweight, and packable travel clothing when the conditions are downright cold.

With all the warm and well-made winter gear on the market, there’s no excuse to let cold weather cheapen or derail your trip. And, no, preparing for a frosty weather adventure doesn’t mean you have to ditch your carry-on travel mantra either.

The five pieces of clothing below help keep me toasty when the temperature drops and bitter conditions set in. As a whole, these items pack down very small and weigh less than 1.5 pounds (700 grams) combined – a small price to pay for warmth and comfort.

Winter Jacket

Long Underwear

Down Jacket : Arc’teryx Cerium LT

The Cerium LT is the warmest down jacket I’ve ever owned, by a long shot. It keeps me comfortable down into below-freezing temperatures and is a must-bring on all my cold-weather backpacking adventures. It’s insanely lightweight and packs down conveniently into its built-in stuff sack.

Long Underwear : Patagonia Capilene

I love my lightweight travel pants, but they don’t always keep my legs warm when temperatures drop. That’s why I bring these along to all of my cold-weather travel destinations. They provide an extra layer of warmth and take up barely any room in my bag.

Warm Hat : Carhartt Knit Beanie

This fleece beanie is a staple of my cold-weather outfit, whether I’m traveling or not. I love it not only for its warmth and comfort but also for its affordable price tag. When I lost my first Carhartt beanie, I had zero hesitation in replacing it immediately.

Warm Socks : Smartwool Extra Heavy

My travel shoes often need a little help insulating my feet in frosty weather, which is why I pack a pair of Smartwool Extra Heavy socks when the temperatures call for them. These socks are ultra-warm, though, so consider a pair of Darn Tough Hikers if your feet tend to run hot.

Gloves : Sealskinz Waterproof

I bought these waterproof gloves solely for hiking and backpacking, but they’ve proven to be a great travel glove as well. They’re compact, stylish, and comfortable and keep my hands toasty warm on even the coldest winter days.

Travel Photography Gear 

It’d be an absolute pity to travel the world without quality photography gear to capture all of life’s vivid moments on the road. Not only do I cherish the thousands of memorable photos my camera has taken, but these images enhance my blog and bring it to life for you, my beloved reader.

Don’t worry. It’s entirely possible to pack a top-notch photography setup while still traveling light. You just need to get your hands on the right gear.

Nearly every single photo on this blog was captured through the camera and lenses I’ve listed below or with my trusty Nexus 6P cell phone. My setup is compact and portable and has found a comfortable place in my lightweight packing list for years to come.

Extra Lenses

Extra Batteries/Charger

Camera/Lens Kit : Olympus O-MD E-M10

After tireless research into mirrorless travel cameras, I bought the Olympus O-MD E-M10 in 2015, and it’s been a proud part of my carry-on packing list ever since. It’s sleek, durable, and effortless to use, and reliably captures high-quality photos.

Prime Lens : Sigma 60mm F2.8

Behold, the best lens in my bag. It’s a prime (fixed) lens, which means it doesn’t zoom, but it makes up for this lack of versatility by taking professional-quality portraits and striking close-ups with ease. My photography kit would be incomplete without it.

Tripod : Ultrapod

The Ultrapod II is one of the most compact and affordable travel tripods on the market, which is why adding it to my travel photography setup was a no-brainer. Sure, its short stature limits its capabilities, but it does everything I ask of it (and nothing more).

Extra Batteries : Powerextra

There are few worse situations while traveling than missing out on a wonderful photo-op because of a dead camera. That’s why I never travel without two fully charged batteries at my disposal. These cost less than a fifth of the price of Olympus’s official replacement batteries.

Connectivity & Organization Items 

Blogging is my passion, and my professional life revolves around it. To leave on a trip without the necessary tools to blog would send me into a spiral of panic and sadness. Nobody wants to see that.

Thankfully, I’ve found a place in my packing list for each essential piece of my lightweight blogging gear. That’s right, I can fit the entirety of my personal and professional needs into one bag and carry it onto an airplane. That’s freedom.

Here’s my simple, powerful, and efficient travel blogging setup that allows me to live a lightweight and mobile life on the road.

Laptop Stand

External Hard Drive

WiFi Signal Strengthener

Laptop Case

Pocket Journal

Travel Adapter

Laptop : MacBook Pro 14″

Travel blogging could get annoying quickly without a fast and reliable computer, which is why I invested in the MacBook Pro 14″. This trusty machine has the speed and power to answer all my blogging needs. It’s portable, durable, and lightweight and has never let me down.

Laptop Stand : Roost

Elevating my laptop to eye-level has been a complete game-changer while working remotely. Gone are the days of slouching over to type, which creates bad posture that can lead to back and neck problems. The Roost is the lightest and most portable stand on the market.

Bluetooth Keyboard : Apple Magic Keyboard

Because I use my Roost to elevate my laptop, I require a keyboard to keep my hands at a comfortable level to type. My Magic Keyboard is essentially a replica of my MacBook’s keyboard, allowing my to type as comfortably as I had before I started using a stand.

Bluetooth Mouse : Keychron M3

Sure, I could have gone all-out Apple and sprung for one of their mouses, but I went for a lighter and more affordable option recommended to me by a tech dork that I trust. My M3 has worked out well for me so far, and has stood up well to the abuses of travel.

Hard Drive : 4 TB WD My Passport

In the dreadful event that my laptop disappears or gets damaged, it’s imperative to have its valuable contents backed up. Thankfully, I can do so with my trusty external hard drive. Backing up my computer’s important files gives me security and peace of mind.

WiFi Signal Strengthener : OURLiNK Dongle

Finding a solid internet connection on the road isn’t always easy, which is why I always carry this little device. This tiny USB plug-in connects to WiFi networks, strengthens connections, and improves internet speeds. A win-win for travel bloggers like me.

Laptop Case : ProCase

Protecting my MacBook Pro while I travel is mandatory. That’s why I carry this generously padded and water-resistant case. I love its external pocket and slide-out handle, which both come in handy for digital nomads like myself. Tip: order one size down.

Pocket Journal : Moleskine Soft Cover

I’m a forgetful writer, so my pocket journal is one of the most valuable blogging tools I carry. It has a thick leather-like cover and durable pages that hold up to the relentless abuses of travel. With it, I capture fleeting details that otherwise might fade from my memory.

Pen : Fisher Space Bullet

I’d be doing my journal a disservice if I didn’t bring along a suitable pen to go with it. The Fisher Space Bullet is sleek, reliable, and versatile. It uses pressurized cartridges, which allow me to write at any angle or livable temperature, and even underwater.

Travel Adapter : Worldwide All-in-One

I can’t keep track of the different types of wall outlets during international travel, so I bought this handy all-in-one travel adapter. By carrying it, I don’t need to worry about foreign power systems or voltages. I simply fold out the proper plug-in and pop it in the wall.

Travel Toiletries

Remember when I said that I usually manage not to come across as a scruffy and stinky drifter while I travel, despite carrying minimal clothing? My lightweight travel wardrobe deserves a lot of credit, but my compact and high-quality toiletries set should get some recognition too.

I’ve somehow managed to squeeze all of my hygienic travel needs into a small and durable toiletries bag that weighs almost nothing. My lightweight little kit packs perfectly into my bag and leaves ample room for the rest of the travel gear on my list.

I pack only TSA-approved liquids that are 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and, by doing so, free up plenty of room for the rest of my lightweight travel gear.

Toiletries Bag

Hair-Styling Product

Dental Floss

Glasses/Contacts

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Nail Clippers

Multivitamins

Toiletries Bag : UltraLite Sacks

This nifty ditty bag isn’t advertised as a toiletries kit, but it works swimmingly for my current setup. It’s ultralight, durable, waterproof, and fits perfectly inside my travel bag. I use an ultralight trail wallet and a small zippered pouch for extra organization inside.

VIEW ON ULTRALITE SACKS

Soap : Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s is an effective and versatile soap that boasts 18 different uses. I use it along my travels as an effective body wash, shampoo, and laundry detergent. It smells great and is full of healthy and sustainable ingredients. A little of this soap goes a very long way.

Toothbrush : Folding Travel Brush

What you see is what you get. This simple toothbrush folds into itself to save space and keep the bristles from collecting germs in my toiletries bag. As long as I rinse the toothbrush thoroughly after every use, it stays clean and germ-free.

Toothpaste : Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint

I’m a sucker for Dr. Bronner’s products. Their toothpaste, just like their soap, is made from simple ingredients that have withstood the test of time. Some natural brands of toothpaste (like Tom’s) don’t seem to leave my mouth feeling completely fresh, but Dr. Bronner’s does.

Deodorant : Sam’s Natural

It took me years of searching and sampling to find an all-natural deodorant that keeps my travel musk at bay. Finally, I came across Sam’s Natural, which boasts over 15 different scents of healthy and long-lasting deodorants that are full of natural ingredients you can pronounce.

Razor : Dollar Shave Club

I stock up on Dollar Shave Club razors whenever I’m back in the U.S. because they’re affordable, convenient, and they get the job done. Yes, I’ve tried the mail-in alternatives (Harry’s and Gillette), and D.S.C. beats them in both price and quality.

VIEW ON DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB

Dental Floss : Plackers Micro Mint

For whatever reason, I can’t stand flossing my teeth the old-fashioned way – with a string of floss and nothing else. Thankfully, someone invented these nifty little ‘Plackers’ to make dental hygiene much more bearable for struggling flossers like myself.

Ear Cleaner : Mudder Ear Pick

Traveling with dozens of pesky Q-tips was an annoying travel reality until I discovered the wonders of the metal ear pick. Not only is my shiny new tool more compact than a handful of Q-tips, but it’s a far healthier way to remove wax from my ear.

Sleep Aid : NOW Melatonin

Getting a solid night of sleep on the road isn’t always easy. That’s why melatonin, a natural sleep aid, is an essential part of my lightweight travel setup. When a challenging sleep situation looms in my future, I’ll pop a 5 mg pill, put in my earplugs, and fade away to dreamland.

Multivitamin : Naturelo ‘One Daily’

My diet is all over the place when I travel , so I always pack daily multivitamins to ensure that my immune system stays strong. While I prefer eating fresh fruits and vegetables to swallowing capsules, at least I can guarantee that one way or another, I’ll be getting the nutrients I need.

Whether I’m on a bus, train, or airplane, personal comfort is paramount when I’m in transit for long periods. This fact of life is why I’ve put together the most comfortable travel outfit possible from head to toe.

The clothes listed below will never actually make it into my fully-packed carry-on bag simply because I always sport them on the days that I travel. The rigors of being in transit are far more bearable when I’m wearing relaxed, comfortable travel gear.

Put aside your perfect set of comfy travel clothes the night before your trip and get ready for maximum comfort along your journey.

Long Sleeve Shirt

Travel Shoes

Long Sleeve Shirt : Carhartt Force Extremes

In many ways, the Carhartt Force Extreme is the perfect ‘in transit’ top. It’s breathable enough to keep me from overheating in hot and muggy situations, but also substantial enough to keep me warm when the A/C is blasting down. It’s the best travel shirt in my arsenal.

Athletic Pants : Brokig Joggers

A comfortable pair of pants is essential when I’m in transit for long periods, which is why I always wear these ultra-cozy joggers during my travel days. They’re a 65% cotton, 35% polyester blend, which makes the material soft, stretchy, and breathable – the perfect combo for long hauls.

Athletic Shoes : Salomon XA Pro 3D V8

Though the XA Pro 3Ds are trail runners, they’re a great everyday travel shoe as well. I’ve put hundreds of hard-earned travel miles on these shoes and also taken them into the mountains for long-distance hiking adventures. They’re stylish, versatile, and are my go-to travel shoe.

Hat : Vuori Athletics

I’d feel naked along my travels without my trusty Vuori hat. See, the cap and I have developed a brotherly connection over the years. The miles we’ve covered and the wild travel memories we’ve made together have only strengthened our bond.

VIEW ON VUORI

Sunglasses : Ray-Ban Square

I got lucky at a thrift shop years ago and scored a pair of these for only 20 bucks. What a steal . Since then, they’ve become a vital part of my travel outfit. These wide-lense shades block out light and allow me to catch sleep for long stretches in less-than-ideal situations.

Boxer Briefs : ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go

As I mentioned before, these are my go-to everyday boxer briefs. That means I definitely wear them on days I travel. For women with undie-envy, check out the ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go Bikini Briefs , which are also lightweight, breathable, and highly reviewed.

Socks : Darn Tough No Show

These are such an exceptional pair of socks that I had to mention them twice. They work wonders for my feet on busy travel days, keeping them cozy, dry, and fresh. For a higher cut sock, check out the Darn Tough Hiker 1/4 Cushion .

Live the Carry-On Travel Lifestyle

So, there you have it. An up-close glimpse at every single item inside my lightweight and portable travel bag. Thanks to my carry-on travel packing list, I have the freedom to go wherever I want and do as I please in the most efficient way possible.

Snow-capped mountains? Tropical beaches? Urban jungles? All of the above, please.

Now, it’s your turn. Take a step back and look inside your travel luggage. What do you see?

Is your baggage an overstuffed mess of clutter and confusion? Do you have a lightweight and ultra-portable ‘do-it-all’ setup like mine? Do you fall somewhere in between?

Whatever the inside of your bag looks like, remember this: Traveling light is a mindset. It’s a conscious decision. Freedom and mobility are enjoyed by those who lighten their load.

Travel gives us the chance to experience our world in its most raw and unfiltered state, without unnecessary distractions. The baggage you bring along has the ability to hold you back or power you through your next journey.

Which will you choose?

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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What to Pack in a Carry On Bag: The Ultimate Carry On Bag Essentials List

I have a list of carry on essentials that I always pack in my carry on bag.  When I check luggage (which I rarely do), these are the items that go in my carry on bag rather than my checked bag.  Even when traveling with carry on luggage only, these in flight essentials are usually in my small personal item that is under the seat rather than my larger checked bag in the overhead.

My carry on bag essentials list includes all items I would need to be comfortable on a long international or overnight flight.  (For shorter flights, I skip some of these items as I do not need them.)  Also included on my list of what to pack in my carry on bag, are valuable and hard to replace belongings as well as those items which I can’t live without in the event my checked luggage is lost or delayed.

Carry On Essentials List

Not sure what to pack in your carry on bag? Here is a comprehensive packing list of carry on essentials:

Passport/other ID

These are essential documents for boarding your next flight and should always be in your carry on luggage.

Many airlines (including all U.S. airlines) require passengers to wear face masks when boarding and on the plane. The airlines might have extra masks for passengers but better to bring your own mask to be on the safe side.

Cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Cash, credit cards or ATM cards should never be put in checked luggage in the event your checked luggage is delayed, lost or stolen.

Printed itinerary/ hotel and flight confirmations

I like to print my hotel and flight e-mail confirmations.  I don’t want to rely on having wi-fi or my data plan working.

Glasses/ Contacts/Sunglasses

These items are hard to replace while traveling and should always be in your carry on bags. I also like to pack my sunglasses with me.

Essential medication and prescriptions

You don’t want to worry about not having any medication you need if your checked luggage is delayed.

Electronics (cell phone, camera, computer, adaptors), jewelry and other valuables

Don’t put anything in your checked luggage that you cannot afford to lose.  This includes electronics, jewelry and other expensive or sentimental belongings. If you plan to use your electronics in flight, you might want to bring an  external battery  so you can charge your electronics.

Change of clothing (including underwear)

It is a good idea to have a spare change of clothes and underwear in case your luggage is delayed. You do not want to have to live in the clothes you traveled with.  Yes, you can buy new clothes but stores are not open 24-7. I also bring a pair of flip flops  that double as my shower shoes.

Reading material/entertainment

Long flights (especially in economy) can be awful unless you have something to entertain you like a book, movie etc. Make sure to pick a good movie or book that you can get absorbed in so that time flies.  While long flights have movies as in flight entertainment, sometimes the movie selection is not a movie that I would enjoy. Personally I find books more relaxing than movies. If you would rather not bring actual books, consider bringing a Kindle .

Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss

On a long flight you might want to brush your teeth.  I find it easier to sleep after I brush.

Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries

The air in the flight is very dry.  Lip balm and lotion are at the top of my in flight essentials list . Also bring any toiletries you would need on a flight including face wipes, contact lens solution and makeup.

Antibacterial wipes or sanitizing lotion

Airplane surfaces can be very dirty.  I use antibacterial wipes to wipe down my tray table, arm rests etc. These wipes are my favorite because they are individually wrapped.

Eye mask, ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones, sleeping pill or melatonin

If you have trouble sleeping with lights on bring an eye mask. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones are also useful to block out noise and help you sleep. Melatonin has been proven to help with sleep.

I’ve heard that the blankets are not washed between flights.  You might want to bring your own blanket.

You might find it more comfortable to travel with a neck travel pillow or your own pillow.

Compression socks

If you are traveling on a long economy flight, you might want to wear compression socks to prevent DVT . While everyone is at risk for blood clots on long cramped flights, compression socks are a must if you are pregnant, older or have a history of blog clots. I like these socks  that can be worn by both men and women and come in variety of colors and patterns.

Scarf and extra sweater or fleece

Planes can be chilly.  A scarf can be handy for keeping you warm.  In the event you do not have an eye mask, you can also use your scarf to cover your face.  Even if traveling in the summer, you might want to bring an extra layer (like a sweater or fleece) in your carry on.

In case you don’t like airplane food or would like healthier choices, snacks are a good idea.  Nuts and granola bars are good options.

Bottle of water

Because the air is so dry on flight, dehydration happens quicker when flying than it would at home.  I bring a bottle of water with me on the flight.  While the flight attendants do bring water it is good to bring extra water for times when they are seated such as takeoff and landing.

Bring at least one pen for filling out customs forms when traveling internationally, taking notes, doing crossword puzzles etc.

Click to download a pdf of my  Carry On Bag Essentials List .

Here are some tips to survive a long flight in economy .

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19 comments.

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Great suggestions. I agree with the blanket and neck rest or pillow. On my last trip I took the airline pillow out of the plastic bag and there was hair on the pillow. That was it for me!

I always pack only carryon baggage and wondered how other travelers approach this tactic. Fun stuff.

This is a great list! Neck pillows seem to be the one item that a lot of folks regretting not packing.

Indeed, keeping your glasses and contacts in your carry on luggage is a good idea. This way you are able to use them whenever you need them. And, if your other bags get lost then you can still be able to see.

Agree! I am always worried about my bag getting lost that is why I make sure I have everything essential in my carry on.

I always like reading about what others pack – always great to hear another perspective. Great tips!

These are great. I usually bring a shawl or pashmina scarf with me to double as a blanket.

my eye mask is my most essential carry on piece of luggage!

Great list! I never think about the change of clothes but it is a great idea. A lost or delayed suitcase can happen. It happened to family members on our last trip to Lisbon and they didn’t have anything so we had to buy some stuff.

Compression socks for the long trips…. Can’t live without them! Of course, I have finally had to admit, though only in the privacy of our own home, that I must be getting older.

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Great list! I also try to remember to bring a hair tie or something like that to keep my hair out of my face.

This is a very useful compilation. You never know the importance any even the most insignificant item on this list until your find yourself in the middle of nowhere without something you really need. I have had a messed up camp experience when I forgot my lip balm at the hotel.

Good stuff!

Yes, a bag of mixed nuts and a granola bar are always must-haves in my carry on. It’s saved me on more than on occasion when there’s been a delay on the tarmac and my tummy was growling.

Lots of good suggestions here! I usually just use a carry-on for my entire trip so in addition to all of these plane essentials, I have all of my clothing, toiletries, etc. I also like to print out my hotel and plane confirmations. And it’s super handy to have a copy of your passport as well in case it gets lost.

wow! Great list! I never think about the change of clothes but it is a great idea. A lost or delayed suitcase can happen. It happened to family members on our last trip to Lisbon and they didn’t have anything so we had to buy some stuff.

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The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List

Carry-on travel is the ultimate way to travel. It makes everything so much easier. You don't need to worry about lost luggage  because you'll have all of your possessions with you at all times. You don't need to worry about back pain, because the carry-on backpack you'll be carrying will be much lighter than other backpackers'. In fact, the only thing you need to worry about is ​ carrying liquids through security at airports, and that's surprisingly easy to deal with.

Here is the ultimate packing list for carry-on travelers.

When it comes to clothing, you need to plan out your outfits in advance to maximize the different looks you can create while traveling. It's also far easier to pack clothing if you're going to be traveling during one season only. Heading to Southeast Asia in the dry season will obviously require far fewer (and bulkier) clothes than Finland in the middle of winter. 

The key here is to pack neutral colors so that everything goes with everything else. We recommend taking five T-shirts, a pair of shorts, one pair of pants (or jeans), a lightweight jacket, and enough underwear and socks to last you five days on the road. If you'll be heading to colder climates, look for clothing that's made of merino wool, as that will keep you warm while still remaining lightweight in your bag. 

When it comes to shoes, the fewer you pack the better. If you're more of an adventure traveler, you'll want to bring sturdy walking shoes with you. Try to get a multi-purpose shoe that covers walking, trekking, and hiking, so that you only need to bring just one pair. Here's a carry-on clothing breakdown: 

• 2 strap tops
• 2 vest tops
• 1 long-sleeved top
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 swimsuits
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of running shoes (to be worn on travel days)
• 3 pairs of socks
• 7 underwear

Toiletries are the trickiest to deal with when it comes to traveling carry-on only. You'll no longer be able to buy bottles of shampoo and shower gel to lug around the world with you. Instead, you'll have to get creative.

If you're more of a mid-range/luxury traveler, you may be able to rely on supplies from the hotels you stay in. And if you're not sure if your future hotels provide toiletries, you can take some with you when you leave.

If you stay in Airbnb apartments, you'll also be able to tell in the listing if toiletries are included in the bathroom, so if you want to avoid the hassle of finding smaller sizes or solid versions of toiletries, this could be another good option.

If none of those apply to you, it's time to start looking for solid items. Practically every toiletry product you can think of has a solid counterpart, whether it's shampoo , conditioner , shower gel , or sunscreen .

Finally, you could pick up those small travel-sized toiletry items you see at airports and drugstores, but unless you're heading out on a trip lasting less than a week, it's best to avoid these. They're not great value for money, not easily replaced while you're traveling, and run out within a few days of opening them. The following is a carry-on travel toiletries breakdown:

• Small toiletries bag
• Solid shampoo and conditioner bar
• A small bar of soap
• Solid sunscreen 
• Solid deodorant
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Nail scissors
• Contact lenses

Travel Technology

What you decide to travel with depends totally on your travel style. If you're aiming to do any kind of blogging or writing on the road, it's best to travel with a light laptop, such as the MacBook Air to make typing much easier. For anyone else, you really just need a tablet and a phone.

When it comes to reading, pack a  Kindle Paperwhite in your bag, because it will save a huge amount of space and weight as you travel—much better than traveling with a book.

When it comes to photography, if you're not super into it, you can easily get by using your phone—many phones on the market today have cameras that are just as great as what you'll find in a point-and-shoot.

You'll need a travel adapter to use in every country you visit, so make sure you get one that looks robust. Look for an adapter that converts to all countries in one, rather than many adapters to save on space.

Instead of using an external hard drive, sign up for an online service to upload your photos to keep them safe. Or if you're using a phone as your main camera, you could use the cloud storage you have access to on your device. 

Everything else that hasn't been mentioned will be chargers and cables. Here's an example of a carry-on technology list: 

• 13" MacBook Pro
• Kindle Paperwhite
• Sony A7ii camera with a kit lens with SD cards
• iPhone 5SE with earphones
• Various charging cables 
• Power adapter

When it comes to travel, the vast majority of medications you can buy at home, you'll be able to get while you're abroad. In your travel first aid kit, then, you should look to fill it with any prescription medication you won't be able to get while you're traveling. Include a packet of painkillers and some Imodium in case of emergencies. If your doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics just in case of emergencies, then that's something you'll want to include as well. 

If you'll be traveling to regions where malaria is prevalent, you'll want to carry your full supply of anti-malarial tablets with you. In this case, buy a pill bottle, push through the pills in the blister pack, and store them in the bottle. It'll take up much less space in your bag. 

Other than that, there's nothing else vitally important that you need to include. The travel first aid kit contains: 

• 1 box of paracetamol
• 1 box of ibuprofen
• 1 box of Imodium
• 1 course of antibiotics (usually Amoxicillin or Cipro)
• Birth control pills or other prescriptions

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous items totally depend on what kind of traveler you are, what things you treat as absolute essentials, and how much space you have left in your backpack. 

Some of my miscellaneous items include a quick-dry travel towel (these are essential for carry-on travelers—they're so light and small and dry very quickly), a sarong, some makeup, sunglasses, and a dry bag (good if you plan on taking any ferries or boats on your travels). 

What Shouldn't You Pack 

We could just say anything that isn't mentioned in this article, but the truth is, everyone's different and what we deem as essentials, you won't want to pack; and what we advise skipping out on, you won't feel comfortable traveling without. Having said that, if you're interested in finding out which items we don't deem necessary to travel with, keep on reading. 

• Silk sleeping liner:  This is a mainstay on most packing lists on travel blogs, but we wonder how many of them actually use it. Hostels aren't disgusting places, they aren't full of bed bugs, and you really don't need to travel with a silk sleeping liner. It's a waste of space in your backpack. 
• Sewing kit: Okay, this is a tiny item, so it doesn't really matter if you pack it or not, but it's usually faster and easier to just buy a new one of whatever you've torn instead. 
• Thick, warm clothes:  To free up space in your bag, avoid carrying thick, winter clothing with you on your trip. Instead, pack many thin layers made of merino wool  to keep you warm. 

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Not too Much, Not Too Little: My Carry-On Only Printable Packing List

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I wasn’t always good at packing. Trip after trip, I’d forget something — usually something small and easily replaced, but an inconvenience nonetheless. Finally, I learned my lesson, got organized, and wrote out a list. Ever since, I’ve been using the exact same printable packing list and haven’t had problems since. If you’re looking for a starting place of your own, I’m happy to share.

This packing list is minimalist on purpose. I nearly always pack carry-on only, mostly because I hate waiting for my suitcase at baggage claim and partially because I hate dragging too much from one hotel to the next. If you want to bring more than a carry-on, use this list as a starter and add to it as needed.

I originally shared this list in 2016 but it was in need of a refresh in 2021, not for the list of items but for brands and specific gear recommendations. Of course, if you have your own favorite products, pack what you have and only opt for new if you’re unhappy with what you have.

This version of my printable packing list was the basis for my most recent trips including Montenegro , Idaho, Guatemala , and the UAE. Even though those trips each had different activities, climates, and needs, the list is comprehensive and flexible enough to work anywhere.

This is a long post.  If you’re in a hurry, scroll to the section you want tips on, bookmark this page for future use, or head directly to the printable packing list PDF at the end.

Focus on the Bottom Line First

I won’t bore you with an argument to travel carry-on only.  You either love it or hate it…and that won’t change unless you want it to.

What I  do  think is important: being realistic about what you choose to bring.  It boils down to two recommendations:

• Don’t over-prepare. This isn’t Boy Scouts. You only need to be pack for likely scenarios, not one-in-a-million chances.
• Pick a bag that you can carry.   If you can’t pick it up or maneuver it through an airport, downsize and try again. In my opinion, one large bag is easier than two smaller ones.

Becky’s Tried and True Packing List and Gear Recommendations

You do  not want to be the person who flies halfway around the world only to realize your travel gear is subpar.  Not only is it frustrating, but you’ll waste valuable time looking for replacements while traveling instead of spending your time sightDOING.   Skip all the inferior products and go straight to the good stuff.

Start with the Right Bag

I alternate between a rolling suitcase and a backpack for my primary bag, depending on the type of trip I’m taking. Either way, everything on the inside is neatly organized with packing cubes to keep things contained and make it easier to find what I need.

More often than not, I travel with an old Delsey carry-on roller suitcase. It’s a bit banged up, but still works fine and I haven’t found the right suitcase to replace it with yet.

When I’m traveling to destinations where I expect to schlep my stuff around more, I take my Tortuga Backpack . It’s carry-on sized, holds everything I need, and fits comfortably without getting too heavy thanks to the built-in hip belt.

For a personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of me on an airplane, I typically use a laptop bag.

For a daily carry bag when I’m at my destination, I like foldable backpacks that pack down to very little space, like my waterproof Matador Daylite .

Packing the Essentials

There aren’t a lot of essentials, but you should be prepared with your passport, any visas or other required documentation to enter your intended destination (like a vaccination card ), and a few forms of payment.

I typically pack at least one Visa and one Mastercard with no foreign transaction fees, just in case one card type isn’t accepted somewhere, plus my Schwab ATM/debit card and enough cash to last me through the first 24 hours.

Pack the Right Clothing

Clothing makes up the bulk of what I bring and I’ll be honest, I still tend to overpack in this category. I often think I’ll want workout gear or something to go out at night and I usually don’t use either. Pack what you’ll actually wear and be honest about how you tend to travel. For longer trips, laundry on the road is relatively easy and costs less than what you’d spend to check a bag.

Realistically, you probably already have what you need in your closet and don’t need to shop for specialty gear. I avoid fussy fabrics on the road (who wants to iron on vacation?) and look for items that can be mixed and matched for different looks.

How much is too much? My goal is always to fit my clothes into 3 packing cubes : I use two medium-sized cubes for my main clothes and one small cube for socks and underwear. I don’t worry about the exact number of shirts and pants and instead focus on the amount of space it takes up altogether. If the cubes don’t zip, it’s time to take something out.

Keep shoes to the absolute essentials: they’re bulky and heavy. I do most of my hiking in trail runners instead of boots (they’re smaller, lighter, and work for 95% of the trails I’m on) and I pack a pair of good walking sandals as well for just bumming around town or the beach. On some trips, I throw a pair of flats in my bag too for dinners out.

Still want specific recommendations? Try Prana Halle pants , KÜHL Freeflex shorts , Aviator jeans , Bluffworks t-shirts , North Face fleece jackets , and Smartwool socks . For footwear, I swear by my Xero Shoes sandals but don’t care for their other shoe styles.

Don’t forget to grab a swimsuit, raincoat, or other outerwear as needed for your destination.

Packing Personal Care Items and Accessories

This section has a lot of items but they’re typically all small so don’t get overwhelmed.

For hygiene, you’ll want a toothbrush and toothpaste, ravor and shaving cream, deoderant, brush/comb and hair styling products, cosmetics and makeup remover, and maybe cotton swabs or other applicators. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion are at your discretion: I know some hotels are likely to provide them but when in doubt, I bring my own in GoToobs to prevent leaking.

The specific brands you use will depend on your personal needs and preferences but some of my go-tos are a Billie razor (works well and has an awesome travel case), Wet brush , and Human + Kind family remedy cream . I also think everyone needs a Steripod to keep their toothbrush clean and protected.

You’ll also need a handful of accessories, which may include hair ties or clips, neck ties, jewelry, hats or gloves, belts, sunglasses, or anything else you normally reach for at home to complete your look. You may also want to consider a fake wedding ring instead of bringing valuables from home: there are tons of cheap lookalike options on Amazon .

If you tend to get sick while traveling (or are accident prone), you can assemble an entire travel first aid kit to bring with you. You know yourself best and what you tend to need when away from home, whether that’s anti-inflammatories, anti-diarrheals, motion sickness meds, electrolytes , or whatever.

99% of the time I only need ibuprofen and bandages but when I expect to be in remote locations away from local pharmacies, I use a weekly pill case to carry seven different types of over-the-counter meds (one in each “day” and labeled accordingly).

Make sure to also consider destination-specific health items, like DEET insect repellant ( wipes are easier to pack than sprays) or a water filter .

You’ll also want to bring any and all prescriptions you need. Don’t forget them!

In-Flight Needs

For long-haul flights , you’ll want to be comfortable.

My top items are a water bottle and travel mug (yes, I bring both and fill them up at the airport). I also bring lip balm, an eye mask, earplugs, compression socks , ginger candy , and plenty of entertainment. For me, that’s usually podcasts pre-loaded on my phone and a Kindle with lots of good books.

Packing Electronics

Bringing electronics is a balancing act — we live in an era where technology is a must-have, but you also don’t want to overdo it with expensive gear that’s at risk of being broken or lost.

I always travel with my laptop since I work from the road but kudos to you if you can truly disconnect! I sometimes — but not always — bring a DSLR camera and other times rely on my phone for pictures. Headphones and an external battery round out my list.

I’m also in love with my new wall adapter : it’s super compact and yet can charge up to 4 devices simultaneously (two plugs, one USB-A, and one USB-C). That keeps me covered without having to pack a separate multi-plug…and it has attachments for different international outlet styles so you can head anywhere in the world.

Packing Everything Else

Here’s where I’d love you to chime in: what miscellaneous stuff do you bring?

I always have an old-fashioned paper notebook and pen. For the past year or so, I’ve also consistently packed my foldable yoga mat.

On wildlife-oriented trips, I also bring binoculars, and for trips where I expect early mornings, I bring tea bags along since it’s easy to find hot water even when coffee is unavailable.

At the end of the day, it’s a fully packed bag but I use it all.

What I’ve Stopped Packing

Packing lightly is just as much about what you don’t bring.  A few things don’t make my cut:

Laundry Care:  I used to wash clothes by hand using a Scrubba .  Now, I either send it out (in low-cost countries) or settle for plain soap and a hotel sink.  It might not be perfect, but it’s good enough.

Headlamp:  Unless I know I have an adventure planned, I skip the headlamp and plan on using my cell phone for a flashlight in case of emergency.

Voltage Converters:  Unlike adapters (which help you fit your plugs into the shape of other countries’ wall outlets), voltage converters are rarely necessary.  Almost all modern electronics accept dual voltage, so there’s no need to bring a separate, heavy device that transforms voltage from 240V (frequently used worldwide) to 120V (typical in the USA).

Paper copies of travel documents:  I pull up confirmation numbers, credit card backup information, and other documents from secure internet-based storage.  It’s a good idea to share that info with someone you trust back at home, too.

Solid Toiletries:  For awhile, I stuck to solid shampoos and other items in order to avoid TSA restrictions on liquids and gels.  Most of the products don’t work well and/or are very expensive…and I always seemed to have extra room in my ziploc bag anyway.  Now I stick to liquids.

Anything and everything I don’t use at home:  Think twice before packing items you don’t ordinarily use at home.  For me, it’s things like sewing kits and scarves.  Some people love them, but they make no sense for me.

Printable Packing List

Get ready for your own trip with carry-on packing list or download the PDF for easy printing!

In an effort to be helpful, I’ve added a few popular packing items onto the checklist even if I don’t use them.  Use your best judgment and don’t pack items you don’t think you’ll personally need.

*     *     *

Packing is such a personal chore – what do you agree and disagree with?

20 thoughts on “not too much, not too little: my carry-on only printable packing list”.

I carry a mini-flashlight in my purse or day bag. It is amazing how many times I have used it! Handy on red eye flights to find your things without turning on the overhead light, and for reading maps. My last trip to Poland, I even used it in some museums and crypts to read inscriptions and notes. I keep it bedside at night for an emergency light too. For the most usefulness, get a bright LED flashlight.

@Sharon, I used to carry one also but now I use my phone’s built-in flashlight (and my external battery pack has one too!).

This is a really solid packing list. I have recently started doing the same and have been refining ever since.

One thing to add from my persona list is a few sections for various scenario to remind myself for incremental items.

For example under a section for “If driving:”, i have items like glasses (which i need to drive with at night), international drivers license, phone holder (when i use my iPhone for GPS) etc

I have a couple other sections for “International trip” and “for camping”…

You have a great blog btw! Love the layout/organization.

@Jimmy, Good idea to still list out items that you only need sometimes. I’ve forgotten my car charger for phone (which I use as GPS) before!

I’m a tea-toting person too! There’s something about a familiar flavor that brings me comfort. Also, I love brown rice green tea and that can be very difficult to find when on the road. Cheers!

@Crystal, I’ve never heard of brown rice green tea but now I’m going to try and hunt it down!

I support that 100%. If you have trouble finding some, just let me know. It’s also known by its Japanese name “genmaicha”.

Its good to read about another person’s ideas about what to bring or not bring. I’ve enjoyed your post, and might have to implement some of your ideas in my travels. Thanks!

@Shawn, Anything different you recommend?

This is genius! I try to ONLY pack carry on whenever possible. It’s amazing what you realize you don’t really need.

I have never been able to pull a carry-on only trip off!! These are great tips for packing, it can be overwhelming to make sure you don’t forget anything.

@Jenny, More often, my problem these days is OVER packing with stuff I don’t need!

I love the printable packing list! We will be traveling a bit this summer, so I think this is super important! I always have a difficult time trying to figure out the best things to pack. Thanks for sharing these tips!

What a great list. I think you pretty much covered everything. I always struggle with the right shoes but I’ve learned to wear my heaviest pair. I’m a dansko gal but also have the trail running shoes you mentioned. Dansko’s because of the weight get worn not packed.

I’m 72 years old and don’t do any heavy-duty hiking/activities. However, I am soon going on a 12-day South African Safari with G Adventures (National Geographic Journeys) and will be participating in their basic “game drives” and other primary activities.

Can you recommend a lightweight hiking/walking shoe (or boot) that would be appropriate for this trip?

Thanks in advance for all your great information!

@Budd, I like “trail runner” type shoes because they have pretty good traction on the bottom but are lightweight and airy enough to stay cool in warm climates. All sneaker brands will sell them (Nike, Reebok, etc), if you have a favorite. Hard to give exact styles since everyone’s foot shape and size is different. To go up a level in hiking quality, look for Merrell or Keen.

Great tips for packing. I have always had a problem in figuring out waht to carry and what not to carry. Really helpful read, thanks.

@David, My pleasure to help!

Great ideas. I have been doing carry-on only for the last 10 yrs and we usually travel in the fall. For me, depending on the length of the trip, 3 pr. of pants (1 black semi-dress, navy blue, grey or brown), blouses/shirts, half a many as the days of the trip. Example, if the trip is 14 days then I take 7 blouses/shirts and a mix of short and long sleeves. I only take 3 pr .of underwear and wash them out at the end of the day and 2 bras. 1 sleeping outfit, 1sweater, 1 lightweight rain coat that is packable, 1 packable down coat. 2 pr of shoes, one ballet slipper for evenings and 1 pr of Vionic sandal (which I wear on the plane, because it is easier to get through TSA and a 2 of large scarves, one black and one white. On the plane outfit is jeans, tank top, white long sleeve blouse, black wool jacket, scarf. On of the most important items is a contact eye case, 1 side Vaseline/the other side Vick. Kindle, head phones, cell phone and copy of important documents sent to my email address and same in a folder on that acct. Credit cards, 2 different companies and a debt card. For women a small crossbody bag worn in front on your body. This is the only way to travel. Happy traveling everyone.

Back in the early 1980s when I first started traveling, Rick Steves’ 2nd edition book “Europe through the back door” recommended “Take less stuff and more money”. I’ve been doing that (mostly) ever since.

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The Ultimate Carry On Packing List After 12 Years of Travel

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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. 

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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

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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!

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Ultimate Carry On Packing List Guide: The Top Travel Essentials You Need on Your Luggage Checklist

by Aileen Adalid Packing Guides 32 comments

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I’m planning an RTW (round-the-world) trip next year and I will have some check-in and carry-on luggage… but I’m having a hard time packing my stuff! I really don’t want to miss any essentials. I’ve been following you and it seems like you always manage to pack light for your travels. As an experienced traveler, I would love to know your top carry on packing list! . – Nana from France

I know how nerve-wracking it can be to pack for a trip: we gotta bring the essentials without letting our luggage get too bulky — no one wants travel around like a mule!

Besides, the last thing that we want to happen is to face the dire situation of forgetting a vital item, only to end up going through various hassles of replacing it while in a foreign country.

And so, as with any travel journey, there are two things that we typically pack for: a check-in baggage and a carry on bag . The items that you should pack for your check-in bag is a discussion that I’ll tackle later; but for today, in order to answer Nana’s question, we’ll focus first on the essentials in order to come up with a good carry on packing list for your luggage and/or backpack.

The way I see it, a carry on should:

• Contain things that can assist you no matter if it’s a short or long haul flight
• Contain things that can serve as a ‘safety net’ in case your check-in baggage gets lost during transit (which is often inevitable) .

Personally, after traveling around the world for several years now, I can say with confidence that I’ve already perfected my carry on checklist and it has been non-changing no matter the destination I fly to. To help save you time and effort, I will be sharing this list with you through this post!

So no matter how long your trip may be and no matter where you’re going below is a list of my typical carry on essentials and gear that can keep you “properly equipped” during all of your travels!

Table of Contents

Ultimate Carry On Packing List

» the carry on ‘carrier’.

Most airlines allow one (1) carry on cabin luggage that is under their respective weight limit (typically around 5 to 10kgs only).

Fortunately, there are also some airlines that allow two (2) items: one (1) carry on and one (1) personal item ( a handbag, a backpack, a laptop bag, an umbrella, a briefcase, etc. that can be stowed under the seat before you. ) Given this fact, there have actually been times that I do NOT have any check-in baggage at all: I only bring one carry on backpack and one small rolling luggage that contains my clothes — a set-up that is VERY helpful for avoiding long check-in lines.

Oftentimes, however, I am faced with preparing just 1 carry on bag, while the rest is stored in my main luggage. Nevertheless, as dependent upon your trip and the airline that you’ll be flying with, it always helps to have bags ready that are generally within the standard limits for cabin luggage.

Here are my recommendations for the types of bags and containers that you’ll need to prepare: .

••• Backpack

For years, I have been on the hunt for the PERFECT backpack that can properly organize and protect my carry on packing list items — cameras included. After all, most backpacks are thin and “top-loading” (where you simply shove items into their depths and wish that you’ll find them easily later on). I rather wanted a versatile bag that can keep my tech gadgets secure whilst also being able to segregate my other carry on items for better ease and access.

Thankfully, my search ended last year when I discovered Bagsmart’s Camera Bag ! This has easily become my ultimate carry-on backpack. The bottom section is ‘front-loading’ (like a suitcase) and can be sectioned into compartments with the help of its adjustable velcro dividers which is as you see in the image above. You can even take off all these velcros and convert them into one big space — so yes, its layout can be changed in order to fit your needs.

The upper compartment is sectioned off too. Rest assured, you can take these velcro dividers off and open them up towards the bottom section if in case you want to convert the camera bag into the typical full top-loading backpack. Additionally, the interior is well-padded and there’s even a zippered section at the back that can fit 15″-sized laptops. The material is also superb as it is ever-lasting, stain-repellant, and anti-scratch. It even comes along with a water-resistant cover in case it rains!

Slim (11.8″ x 7.5″ x 15.7″), comfortable, with lots of pockets and extra features — I’m sure it will be your new favorite too. For instance, it comes with buckles on the sides where you can strap on a tripod , and it even has removable buckles to balance and transfer the weight that you carry. .

••• Handbag or Small Rolling Luggage

For fast and easy access, I highly suggest a travel handbag. But if you want something that can store your bulkier camera gear, I highly suggest checking out this camera tote bag.

As for luggage, as I’ve already mentioned, the dimension limit for a carry-on varies across all airlines. I’ve done my research, and so far, in order for you to be on the safe side of such limits, you need a suitcase that is within or around this standard size: 22″ high, 14″ wide, and 9″ deep. I personally use a Samsonite Luggage Winfield 20 because I love how lightweight and strong it is. I’ve been using it for a while now and it has truly withstood the wear and tear from all of my travels. .

••• Liquid Pouch (Optional)

In case you plan to pack some liquids in your carry on bag, you will need a TSA-Approved clear liquid pouch to place it in.

IMPORTANT NOTE : All the items that are listed below can fit inside my Bagsmart Camera Bag alone. In fact, after everything is packed in, I always have ample space left for some extras. Yep. It’s that amazing!

» Gadgets & Tech

••• Smartphone

Its benefits are a no-brainer, one of which is the fact that a smartphone can hold tons of helpful travel apps to help you on your trip. If you’re curious, I own an iPhone which has superb camera specs. Do you want a cheaper alternative? I recommend a Huawei phone because its camera also has fantastic features. .

••• eReader or Tablet (Optional)

I’m a bookworm and I LOVE the feel of a good ol’ book as I flip through its pages with my fingertips. However, the truth of the matter is: books can be very bulky and this is why I own an eReader. In fact, my Kindle Paperwhite has been my travel companion ever since! (For entertainment during long flights, long bus/train rides, chill afternoons, etc.)

I can store TONS of books in it and its battery life is also mind-blowing. I’ve been on a week-long vacation before and I used my Kindle every single day. When it was time to go home, its battery life still had more than half! Later on, I learned that there’s no need for me to pack my Kindle charger because it can last a long time. (You can pack a tablet instead like an iPad Mini , but I fell in love with a Kindle when it comes to reading. Besides, an iPad Mini is basically like a bigger version of my smartphone.) .

••• Laptop (Optional)

Yet another no-brainer item to put up on my carry on packing list. As a digital nomad , I need to be online for work so my laptop is my lifeline. I never travel without it. I work with a Macbook Pro 13″ for years now, and I know it’s not as light nor thin as a Macbook Air , but since I wanted a machine that has the capacity to handle my graphic and video processes while I’m on the road, I rather opted for the Macbook Pro. (The difference between the two in weight is not so huge. My Macbook Pro is still very slim and it’s also more compact than most laptops out there.) .

••• Earphones

Perfect for canceling out the noise and for slipping into my own music-filled world. Besides, I often question the cleanliness of the headphones offered during long flights, so I always make sure to pack my own.

Some people find headphones, like the noise-canceling ones (e.g. Panasonic’s ErgoFit In-Ear Earphones ) , as a better item to include in their carry on packing list. However, they can be quite huge and it often puts stress on my head and my ears. I find that as long as you purchase earphones that are powerful and well-fitted to your ears (such as the Airpods Pro ) they can offer almost the same features as headphones. .

••• Camera (Optional)

If you’re not trying to capture professional photos as I do, your smartphone is enough to pack along for your travels. But if you’re like me, I often travel with different cameras in stow. My typical photography arsenal includes the following:

• For vlogging: Canon Powershot G7 X
• For all-around photography: Canon 80D DSLR (I have a prime lens of 50mm and an all-around lens)
• For action, sports, and underwater: GoPro

If you’re not particular with photography and you just want a great point-and-shoot camera for your travels, I recommend Canon’s Powershot G7 X. There’s no need to bring along a massive DSLR. .

••• Plugs, Adapters, Chargers, etc.

For organizing my chargers and to avoid them from tangling altogether, I place them in one velcro section of my CamPro bag and twist them around with some wire ties (or you can get an electronics or cable organizer ). Of course, never forget to pack a universal adapter . .

••• Power Bank

This is very helpful for emergencies or for simply prolonging your gadgets’ lives — especially when you’re doing a layover and there aren’t any outlets available at the airport or in the surrounding establishments. You will also need this when you travel (power banks are not allowed to be stowed inside your check-in luggage so you’ll need to put this in your carry on). Truth be told, I once got lost with my phone dead, and thanks to my Anker power bank , I got myself out of that mess in a jiffy. All in all: it’s better to be safe and prepared than sorry! .

••• Internet Connection

I used to consider this an optional feature, but in today’s fast-paced world, it’s a necessity. When it comes to staying connected while traveling, you have three primary options: using your physical SIM card with a roaming plan, relying on a pocket WiFi device, or embracing the versatility of an eSIM. Each choice has its advantages and drawbacks. Physical SIM cards may be cheaper with the right service provider, while pocket WiFi is ideal for group travel. However, my personal preference is the eSIM, and here’s why: it offers unbeatable convenience. With an eSIM, you can avoid the hassle of swapping out physical SIM cards for different destinations or the need to constantly recharge an additional device, such as a pocket WiFi.

For this, the one platform I’ve grown to love for eSIM solutions is Airalo . This eSIM marketplace stands out not only for its affordability but, more importantly, for its unmatched convenience. Airalo allows you to effortlessly purchase eSIMs tailored to specific countries, regions, or even opt for a global eSIM.

What also makes it truly exceptional is the ability to centralize all your past and present eSIMs in one place, simplifying the process of reloading or reactivating. The best part? Airalo’s service is highly reliable, and their customer support is top-notch. Say goodbye to connectivity concerns and hello to seamless eSIM solutions with Airalo!

••• Data Storage (Optional)

Some people (like me, who work online) bring along hard drives and it’s not a good idea to stow those away in the check-in luggage. But one thing that you need to consider is bringing along an extra memory card in case you need more space for your photos or even for emergencies too. .

» Small Items

••• For Comfort: Earplugs, Eyemask & Neck Pillow

I initially ignored the benefits that earplugs could bring. But when I finally gave it a try, it helped a lot in muting out the noise of the plane, some crying babies, snoring seatmates, and more. If you’re planning on buying these, I would recommend Hearos Xtreme . Neck pillows and eye masks are also heaven-sent items for making a flight a lot more comfortable and they are essentials on my carry on packing list, especially for long-haul trips.

When it comes to eye masks though, I typically buy these Japanese steam eye masks because they help a LOT in relaxing tired eyes as well as help prevent swelling after an ‘uncomfortable’ sleep inside a plane. I highly suggest that you give it a try! Together with this, I also pack a face mask (to keep germs and allergies in check) and a sheet mask (to keep moisture on my face — a flight can be very dehydrating on your skin!) . .

••• Snacks, Mints & Water Bottle

Surely there are airlines that offer free snacks and meals during flights, but there are also some who don’t (especially if it’s less than 3 hours) — you either have to pay for it or procure them yourself. So why not just bring some small snacks along like nuts, trail mix, biscuits, bars, fruits, etc.? In this way, you get to choose healthier options too! Plane food is usually unhealthy and bland anyway.

While you’re at it, pack along some mints as well for that tinge of refreshment and fresh breath during your journey. You can also pack chewing gum instead to help make your ears ‘pop’ (but sucking on mints or candy as well as drinking can already help you accomplish this). I would also suggest a collapsible water bottle since it won’t be too bulky on your bag. After all, water is very expensive in the airport and there is an abundance of water stations to refill your water bottle with. Otherwise, once you’re on the plane, flight attendants can just simply serve you water as you need it. .

A vital item, given that most places abroad warrant travel and customs forms to be filled. You certainly wouldn’t want to wait until the person before you finish using the free pen at the immigration (and then watch in horror as she decides to claim it as her own — yep, happened to me). So save yourself the trouble and pack this because you’ll definitely need them. .

••• Eyeglass / Sunglasses (Optional)

Apart from a good pair of sunglasses , I also pack along with my graded glasses and its case (I am near-sighted). I also wear contact lenses but I stow these away along with the cleaning solution in my check-in luggage because I customarily don’t wear contacts during flights (it could dry up my eyes quickly, more so during long flights) . But of course, if you choose to wear your contact lenses during your flight, don’t forget to pack them and their solution in your carry-on. If your eyes dry up fast, consider packing some eye drops. .

••• Toothbrush & Toothpaste (Optional)

At times, however, long-haul flights provide this as a free set. But to be sure, pack your own. I store smaller versions of these items in my carry-on to save space. An example is this mini toothbrush pack from Colgate — or just save some of the toiletries they give away in hotels and use it for your next flight. .

••• Medications

I still remember the hassle that I went through when I found out that I forgot my pills during a road trip in Europe; and unlike in Asia, there are some pills that they just don’t give away without a prescription. With that said, apart from the medication that you personally need, I find it imperative to include the basics for your carry on packing list: medication for headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and fever . (This is separate from a travel-sized first aid kit which I put away in my main luggage). .

Those marked with an * below mean that it’s something that boys can pack and use too.

• Hand sanitizer *
• Deodorant *
• Perfume * ( do you know those small vials that you get as samples for perfumes in department stores? I keep those and pack them when I travel. It’s better than packing a whole bottle of my perfume)
• Wipes ( wet wipes, feminine wipes, facial oil-absorbing sheets)
• Basic make-up kit items: for me, that’s my lipstick , liquid eyeliner , and eyebrow kit (just pack away your bigger cosmetic stuff in your check-in luggage).
• Pantyliners, napkins, or tampons (consider wearing a menstrual cup )

IMPORTANT NOTE : Make sure that ALL liquids are NOT larger than 100ml (3.4oz) and they should be stowed away in a 20cm x 20cm resealable see-through liquid bag . Typically, only one is allowed per passenger.

» Carry On Packing List Essentials and For Emergencies

••• Passport, IDs, etc.

••• cash, debit / credit cards, ••• paper copies.

In case of loss, theft, and other emergency situations, I always make sure to bring photocopies of my passport, identification cards, visa, and other travel documents ( accommodation booking, emergency contacts, etc.) as a part of my carry on packing list. .

••• Travel Insurance

“ Do I need travel insurance?” YES, yes you do .

You absolutely NEED travel insurance as a part of your carry on packing list because you never know what can happen while you’re overseas. I personally love and use World Nomads Travel Insurance because it encompasses a LOT of countries worldwide, insures your baggage, belongings, and flights, covers medical emergencies, is affordable, and can be extended while you’re on the road (no need to go back home to apply for one) . If you want to cross-check this with another trusted provider, I recommend looking into SafetyWing especially since they have amazing plans catered for frequent travelers or digital nomads .

How to choose the best travel insurance?

Read this guide to know what to look for in an insurance and where to buy it!

••• Spare Clothing

In case you lose your luggage, it helps to stow at least one outfit ( I pack an extra light dress) and a pair of undies in your carry-on. Sure, you can always buy them abroad or at the airport in case of emergencies, but it’s best that you save yourself from those costs and hassles. Be always prepared like a girl/boy scout! .

••• Other Valuables

Examples are jewelry and keys as well as some other expensive items that you wouldn’t want to put in your check-in luggage.

In case you’re curious about what I frequently wear during flights, my clothing highly depends on the weather situation of my travel destination; however, as a standard, the following items already keep me comfortable during my journey from point A to point B:

••• Footwear

I typically wear sneakers (or sandals/slippers, depending on the destination) since they’re the most comfortable. At times, for me, if my trip necessitates heels or boots and I’m running out of space in my check-in bag, I would opt to wear my heaviest or bulkiest during the flight. It’s not going to be comfortable, especially on a long flight, but I can always take them off during transit. .

••• Compression Socks

I first found out about this amazing thing through my traveler friends and since then, I have never left home without packing my compression socks! Basically, these make long flights a lot more comfortable since it helps reduce the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), blood clots, and leg swelling. In some way, these socks “squeeze” your legs gently to move blood up and studies have concluded that passengers who wear compression socks are always better off than those who don’t. Ever since I’ve learned of this fact, I made it a point to always wear these compression socks . .

••• Sweater or Scarf

I have low tolerance for the cold, especially inside airplanes, so I always pack a sweater. If I’m heading to a hot place, a light long-sleeved cardigan or a huge scarf already works best for me.

Looking for Other Packing Guides?

Browse through all of my  packing guides  by season, by type of adventure, and even by destination!

I hope this helped save you the time to sort out the things that you need on your carry on packing list.

If you decide to add more items to what’s listed above, just make sure that they’re things that you really need for your trip! Otherwise, you’ll just be packing extra baggage or clutter.

Rest assured, the items I listed above are the basic travel essentials that have served me well all throughout the years of my traveling lifestyle, and it is now my hope that it gives you peace of mind that you’re going to be adequately and properly equipped for your trip!

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Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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How to start a successful blog, 32 comments.

Very helpful guide , thanks a lot for sharing this :)

Instead of carrying a laptop, would it be possible to post on a cellphone or tablet Instead? We may backpack in Europe for a month or two and we need our loads to be as light as possible. I am thinking of starting a blog so friends and family can follow our travels. Your article is full of what seems to be useful information. Thank you for it.

Hey Susan! No problems, it’s possible to do it on a cellphone or tablet too, for sure :) Your adventure sounds exciting by the way. Let me know how it goes (and thanks!)

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The Ultimate Packing List

Christine Sarkis

Ashley Rossi

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis .

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times , Conde Nast Traveler , and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008 . She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : The Trtl Pillow . It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto : Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at [email protected] .

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "A week in a bamboo beach hut on India's Andaman Islands."

Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Packing mishaps range from inconvenient (heading to the Caribbean without a swimsuit) to disastrous (discovering you left the country without your wallet), but most are preventable. We’ve created this ultimate packing list to help you pack well every time.

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

To see the ultimate packing list, scroll down the page or click here for an editable PDF version that you can save or print out. To customize the list, simply download or print it, then edit for your specific needs. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here .

Clothes to Pack

• Dress Shirts
• Casual Shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Laundry Kit
• Leisure Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Dress Shoes
• Collapsible Tote

Shop Our Clothing Packing List

Toiletries to Pack

• Dental Floss
• Conditioner
• Styling Tools
• Facial Cleanser
• Face Lotion
• Moisturizer
• Contact Lenses
• Contact Solution
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup Remover
• Menstrual Products
• Birth Control/Medication
• Nail Clippers
• Hand Sanitizer
• First-Aid Ointment
• Insect Repellent
• Pain Relievers

Shop Our Toiletries Packing List

Miscellaneous Items

• Laptop/Tablet
• Film/Memory Card
• List of Medications
• Banking Contacts/Information
• Electronic Chargers
• Emergency Contacts
• Copy of Passport
• Plug Adapter

Shop Our Miscellaneous Items List

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Books or E-Books
• Travel Blanket
• Travel Pillow
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Change of Clothes
• Empty Water Bottle
• In-Flight Medications
• Passport/Visa/ID
• Credit/ATM cards
• Insurance Cards
• Maps/Directions

Shop Our Carry-On Essentials List

Packing Tips for Clothes and Other Items

When packing for a vacation the most important things to keep in mind are the length of your trip, the weather, and any non-standard clothing or gear you might need.

Your first step when packing is to decide if you’ll be checking a bag or only taking a carry-on and then curate the amount of clothing you’ll need based on that decision. Typically, you should avoid checking a bag in situations where you have a layover since the likelihood of your bag going missing goes up with every connection . You might also want to avoid checking a bag if you absolutely need items in your bag on arrival—for example, if you’re going on a cruise.

If you’re packing more minimally, focus on packing layering clothes in more neutral colors. That’s not because we don’t like fun colors and patterns; it just means that neutral-colored clothing is more versatile, so you can wear these items more than once when you’re tight on space.

How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag

Also invest in clothing that does double duty, like multi-use wraps , crushable hats , self-cooling and heating fabrics like merino wool layers , bug-repellent clothing , wrinkle-resistant shirts, quick-drying activewear and undergarments, casual sneakers, UPF-proof clothing , and compressible jackets … just to name a few. Look toward popular athleisure brands like Lululemon , prAna , and Athleta for comfortable yet stylish travel clothing.

When curating your packing list, you should keep in mind the length of your trip and decide on quantities from there. For a shorter trip (three to five days), you can probably manage with the following: one pair of underwear and socks per day, one pair of pajamas, one to two dressier outfits, one to two activewear or athleisure outfits, one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes. For a longer trip (over a week), you can manage with one pair of underwear and socks per day, two pairs of pajamas, three dressier outfits, three to four casual outfits, two pairs of shoes, and two activewear or athleisure outfits.

And if you’re able to do laundry on your vacation, you can probably manage with even fewer items. Just don’t forget to pack a travel laundry kit .

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Also make sure to bring along accessories like a money belt, scarf or sarong (can be used for things like an airplane blanket , coverup at the beach, or to throw over your dress on a cool evening), and a collapsible tote or day bag for any extra items you might acquire on your travels. If traveling to a city or destination that is prone to pickpocketing, make sure to pack some pickpocket-proof clothing and gear .

Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, you may need to invest in some special travel gear. We’ve tested out everything from waterproof baby carriers to interchangeable heels , so you can trust our recommendations. If you’re headed out on an organized group tour , you’ll most likely get a packing list from the tour provider, which should make your trip planning easier. If not, do your research online (one tip is to look at locations on Instagram and see what people are wearing) and consult this story for other handy lists of tips.

For more active trips, make sure you have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, quick-drying clothing, a day pack, snacks, and any necessary equipment. Check out our specific packing lists for hiking trips and camping trips .

Another type of trip that you may need to pack slightly specific items for is a cruise . Make sure you pack non-standard items like seasickness remedies, formal wear, dress shoes, and your bathing suit. Beach vacations also require different items like water shoes, towels, sunscreen, and maybe even snorkel gear. Luckily for you, we also have a specific cruise packing list and a beach vacation packing list .

Lastly, you need to consider the weather. For warm-weather destinations like jungles and Caribbean islands, you can obviously skip the coats and gloves, but if you’re headed out on a ski vacation then you’ll need a whole slew of things like goggles, a neck gaiter, snow boots, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a specific Caribbean vacation packing list , a Mexico vacation packing list , and even a ski trip packing list .

10 Secrets I Learned Working in a Hotel

To help keep things organized, we love using packing cubes and/or compression sacks. They’re especially useful for when you’re traveling to multiple destinations in one trip.

Wondering how to pack all of your items? Enter the great debate of the rolling vs. folding method! While this is definitely a personal preference, we put two editors to the test to find out which method is in fact, more space-saving. Watch the video below to see the answer.

How to Pack Toiletries and Medications

Whether it’s important medication or your favorite lipstick, forgetting any type of toiletry can range from being mildly inconvenient to becoming a serious problem. For toiletries, make sure to pack your essentials, like medication, contacts, and any other items that you might not be able to purchase or replace during your travels. (Put them in your carry-on bag, not your checked suitcase.) However, if you forget items like a toothbrush or razor, you can typically call the front desk at the hotel for a spare.

We also recommend traveling with some type of a travel first-aid kit , which includes items like tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Make sure to check TSA guidelines if you’re traveling with medication , as well as the policies and regulations at your destination.

Packing Tips for Everything Else …

Traveling without tech items like your phone, laptop, tablet, or camera can be a major bummer. For those traveling abroad, you’ll also want to remember to pack electronic adapters and converters . Other tech-related items for photographers to pack are a sturdy camera bag , backup batteries, and memory cards, as well as lens cleaner. And don’t forget smartphone essentials like a backup charger, waterproof case if you’re headed out on the water, and a phone stand or tripod for photos.

A travel packing tip we’ve learned the hard way? Travel with a copy of your passport, credit card, and bank contacts, as well as a list of medications and your emergency contacts.

If you are traveling abroad, we have an entire checklist for you, but the most important thing to note here is your passport and visas . Make sure that your passport is up to date, has as least six months of validity, and has enough blank pages for any stamps. Another tip for international travel? Give yourself plenty of time to apply for any visas that you might need and to arrange for a visit to a travel clinic if any special medications or vaccines are needed. You should also familiarize yourself with any remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions at your destination.

There are also some items that you may not think to pack, but should, like an electronic tracker , duct tape , toilet paper, a decoy wallet, or a whistle.

The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

What to Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

In case you’re separated from your checked bag or other items, you should always make sure that you have your ID, wallet, house keys, medications, valuables, camera, phone, laptop, tablet, pen, cash and cards, glasses, and copy of your itinerary with you on the plane.

Other items that you might want to have handy with you include entertainment for your flight, comfort-promoting items like a blanket or pillow, as well as an empty water bottle to fill up post-security (here is a list of our favorites ), a change of clothes (just in case your luggage is lost or delayed), snacks, and gum.

If you’re looking to pack carry-on only, you guessed it: We also have a separate packing list and tips for that, as well as the best bags to use for carry-on only .

What to Pack to Stay Healthy While Traveling

The pandemic has significantly changed the way we travel and, by extension, the items we prioritize in our luggage. While many destinations have loosened or entirely lifted COVID-19 restrictions, some venues and events may still require a mask or proof of vaccination/negative COVID test to enter. Plan ahead to see if any activities on your itinerary have restrictions in place.

Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer , while always a good idea to have on hand at the airport , have become absolute carry-on musts. Wiping down areas like your tray table, airplane seat armrest, and hotel television remote can spare you from a variety of common travel bugs.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2013. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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May 3, 2023

The Ultimate Carry On Packing List (+ 5 Packing Tips)

Planning to travel light and leave your checked luggage at home.

If so, you won't have to worry about the airline damaging (or losing) a checked bag. You won't have to wait around for baggage claim either. Instead, you can walk right off the plane and through the airport and start your vacation immediately.

But the last thing you want is to arrive at your final destination only to realize you left something crucial at home. To make sure you bring everything you need for your trip, you must be smart when you pack.

While we can't tell you everything you'll need without knowing more about your travel plans, we do have experience traveling light. So, to help you make sure your bases are covered, we've put together a carry-on packing list—plus a few tips for how to fit everything in your bag—to help you get started.

The Best Carry On Bags

Before you even begin packing, you'll need to choose the right carry-on bag. Most airlines allow bags up to 22" x 14" x 9"—anything larger than this may not fit in the plane's overhead bin. And that means whatever bag you bring as your carry-on will need to comply with your airline's regulations.

It's also crucial that the bag provides enough space for all your belongings and is durable to withstand wear and tear from travel.

Here are a few of our favorite bags for carry-on travel:

• Aeronaut 30 – In addition to the large main compartment, this bag has built-in zippered partitions and five external pockets, giving us enough space to pack everything we need and keep it organized. Plus, we can wear it as a backpack, carry it as a duffel, or sling it over the shoulder, which makes it easy to carry even when we've stuffed it with everything you need.
• Synik 30 – Technically , this travel backpack classifies as a personal item (on most airlines that we've flown on; note that size limitations can vary airline-by airline, so we encourage you to check with your airline before travel). But we love to use it as our carry-on because the clam-shell opening allows us to pack it exactly the same as we pack our normal suitcase. And the organizational pockets (including one specifically for our laptop) make it our go-to for business trips.
• Pilot – This TSA-approved bag is specifically designed for travel—it has more pockets than any of the other bags in this list, which makes it easy to organize and access items throughout our travel day. And while its smaller size means that we normally use it with a larger suitcase like the Techonaut, it's still the perfect size bag for overnight trips when we're packing light.
• Western Flyer – One of our smallest carry-on bags, the Western Flyer is our favorite bag for minimalist travel. Similar to the Aeronaut, we can carry this bag three different ways and take advantage of built-in organization features like compartments and O-rings. But its smaller size and laptop compartments make it perfect for quick business trips.

Essential Items To Pack In Your Carry-On Luggage

Traveling can be a hassle if you don't have the right supplies and equipment. Having a checklist helps ensure that you don't forget any essential items. Knowing everything you'll pack also helps you decide whether you can realistically travel with just a carry-on or if you'll need to travel with something larger. It also helps you plan how to pack everything so that it fits comfortably without exceeding weight or size limits.

While the specific items you pack will depend on your destination and how long you'll be there, the travel packing list we've created contains the standard travel essentials you need for any trip. You can use it as a starting point for your own packing checklist. Be sure to modify it to fit your own style and accommodate your needs on your trip.

• Pants T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts
• Undergarments
• Athletic wear
• Swimsuit (if you're headed to the beach or a hotel with a pool)
• Formal attire, including dresses or a button-down shirt
• Outerwear, like a rain jacket or heavy winter coat if you're heading somewhere with cold weather
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Skincare products (moisturizer, lotion, sunscreen, etc.)
• Hairbrush and styling products (hairspray, gel, etc.)
• Contact lenses and solution or glasses with a case
• Makeup and makeup remover wipes or pads
• Feminine hygiene products

Electronics

• Tablet or e-reader
• Charger cables and adapters
• Headphones or earbuds
• Camera, memory cards, and batteries
• Portable speaker or audio device
• Power bank or external battery charger
• Portable WiFI router/hotspot

Miscellaneous items

• Travel documents (passport, boarding pass, travel insurance card, etc.)
• Snacks or chewing gum
• Water bottle (empty for security reasons)
• Travel pillow
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Books/magazines/reading material
• Pen/pencils/paper and writing materials
• Cash in small denominations
• Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)

5 Tips For Packing Your Bag

Efficiently packing your carry-on bag is key to having enough space for all of your items. And the more organized you are, the easier it will be to find what you need in your bag when you're traveling.

1. Bring only what you need

The key to traveling light is to pack the right items and only take what you need. To make sure everything fits in your carry-on, avoid packing a change of clothes for every day of your trip. Instead, focus on packing versatile clothing items that you can combine together to create multiple different looks. If you can, you should also limit yourself to a single pair of shoes (or plan to wear the bulkier pair if you know you’ll need a change of shoes), as footwear is bulky and quickly eats up space in your bag.

If you are traveling for an extended period of time, consider leaving things like body wash at home. You can buy a small bottle of what you need at your destination rather than stuff extra items into your carry-on.

But if you do plan to bring your own toiletries from home, it's a good idea to look into dry bar shampoo and conditioners. These typically take up less space and eliminate the hassle of finding the travel-sized products that you like and comply with TSA regulations so you can bring them through airport security. In that same vein, it’s also smart to pack all of your toiletries in a clear organizer cube , which minimizes the chance that TSA will stop you to inspect your bag.

2. Roll your clothes to save space

Rolling your clothes can help you save a lot of space in your carry-on bag. Not only does it reduce the amount of bulk in your bag, but it also compresses your clothes and makes them easier to organize. Plus, rolling is a great way to prevent wrinkles when traveling!

Here's how to roll clothes before you pack them in your suitcase:

• Start by folding clothing items into a neat square or rectangle, which will make rolling easier.
• Smooth out the folded clothing to make sure rolling doesn't create wrinkles.
• Tightly roll each individual item. Then pack them tightly together to prevent items from unrolling in your bag.

3. Organize your bag with packing cubes.

Packing cubes are an excellent way to save space and keep your carry-on bag organized while traveling. By compressing clothing items, they make it easier to fit everything you need in a small space. They also help you manage all of your items so that you can easily find what you need without making a mess of your bag.

If you're traveling for more than a few days at a time, you may want to bring a dedicated toiletry bag like our Spiff Kit to store all of your hygiene and beauty products. Selecting something durable and water-resistant will ensure that if anything leaks during travel, it won't damage anything else in your bag.

4. Pack large items first

Start by packing more oversized items first. That way, you can leave room in your bag for smaller items that may not fit otherwise. Not only does this help maximize space and prevent any last-minute cramming, but it also reduces the risk that something small will get lost or damaged in transit.

Plus, if there's still some extra room after packing large items, then you'll be able to easily fit other things like books or magazines into the same space without worrying about them getting squished.

5. Be wise when choosing a personal item

In addition to your carry-on, most airlines will allow you to bring one personal item. And choosing a bag like the Co-pilot will help you maximize your space by offering a little extra room for anything that doesn't fit in your carry-on. That way, you can ensure you have everything you need without exceeding weight or size limits. Plus, it can double as a daypack that you can deploy as needed on your trip.

If you're still looking for the perfect carry-on bag, look at our Travel Collection to find one that suits you. Then, peek at our Organizational tools to double-check that you have everything you need for efficient packing and travel.

13 comments

Gary C - June 2, 2023

It isn’t clear to me why you recommend packing a portable wifi/router when most phones (certainly iPhones) can be used as a wifi hotspot. ——— TOM BIHN replied: Hi Gary! From personal experiences, we’ve traveled to places where the hotspot from our phones was really unreliable due to poor service in certain areas, so adding that is why we’ve added the pocket wifi as a backup option!

Jessi - June 2, 2023

I lived for two weeks out of the synapse 25. It is the perfect bag to carry as a personal Item. It fit a large packing cube, toiletries bag, as well as a laptop, and all related charges. ——— TOM BIHN replied: That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing :)

Stephen Paskey - May 27, 2023

Your comment about the Synik 30 as a “personal item” is simply flat-out wrong. Most airlines limit personal items to 18 × 14 × 8 or smaller. The Synik 30 might fit under a seat, and you might get away with it if it’s not overpacked and you’re not asked to put it in a sizing obx, but “technically” the bag does not fit airline requirements.

Daniel - May 15, 2023

I have made two international trips to Asia so far with a Techonaut 30 as my carry on luggage and Daylight Briefcase as a personal item. The main thing to watch out for is the weight limit for the carry on bag which is 7kg/15.4324lbs. Since the Daylight Briefcase was considered my personal item, the airline I flew on did not scrutinize the weight. The DLBC still managed to pack in quite a lot of stuff! I even managed to bring back some souvenirs with this setup. I have managed to fit the DLBC under the seat with what I packed on the aircrafts that I have boarded so far.

By the way, was there a specific reason that the Techonaut 30 not mentioned in the blog post? ——— TOM BIHN replied: No specific reason, we figure we just give the Aeronaut 30 some extra attention!

Andrew - May 8, 2023

The Synik 30 generally won’t fit under an airline seat. The Synik 22 will, but you probably need another bag. Alternatively, the Synapse 25 fits and is a little more roomy.

I’ve been able to comfortably live out of the Synapse 25 for a week when traveling somewhere warm. I think this is the perfect single bag carry on. In the US the Synapse 25 works fine for a personal item (under the seat), and you can use an Aeronaut 45 or traditional luggage as your carry on. For me personally, that combo is enough to live out of almost indefinitely excluding significant seasonal weather changes.

Some important points: - I like to use all of the extra Tom Bihn packing bags, but don’t overdue it in a 1 bag travel scenario. They add weight and bulk. I’ll always pack the clear organizer cube for TSA liquids and standard spiff kit for bathroom items, but the others I skip unless I have 2 bags. - Having a small, lightweight computer with a small, lightweight charger is critical. You can use smaller adapters than came with a given Macbook/MBP, they just charge slower. - Have a way to get laundry done during your trip. - I like to travel with a single pair of shoes, but this has gotten me in trouble more than once.

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The Ultimate Carry On Checklist for Long Flights

John Parker

Embarking on a long journey can be exciting, offering opportunities to experience new cultures, explore breathtaking landscapes, and make unforgettable memories. But anyone who’s ever traveled to far-flung places around the world knows that the flight itself can be a bit of a marathon.

The secret to a smooth, comfortable journey starts well before you buckle your seatbelt and turn your devices to airplane mode.

It begins with the art of packing the perfect carry-on bag .

We’ve all been there – squashed into a seat for hours on end, suddenly realizing we’ve forgotten something crucial, like our headphones or a comfy sweater. A well-packed carry-on is your best defense against the trials of long-haul flights, ensuring you have everything you need right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time flyer, our comprehensive checklist will guide you through packing your carry-on bag to ensure maximum comfort, convenience, and entertainment for your journey through the skies.

From essential travel documents to health and comfort items, from entertainment options to personal care products – no item has been overlooked.

So, if you’re gearing up for a long flight, read on! Our ultimate carry on checklist is here to ensure your travel experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. No more frantic last-minute packing or mid-flight regrets – just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

What to pack in carry on for a long haul flight

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of things you may want to pack in your carry-on bag for a long flight:

1. Travel Essentials

Passport, visa, and ID: Always have your essential identification and travel documents with you.

Boarding pass: Keep your printed or electronic boarding pass handy.

Wallet: Carry cash , credit cards, and any necessary insurance cards.

House keys: Don’t forget your house keys if you’ll need them when you return.

Phone and charger: Bring your smartphone and charger for communication and entertainment.

Laptop and charger: If you plan to work or watch movies on your laptop , don’t forget it and its charger.

Headphones: These can be a lifesaver when you want to listen to music , watch movies, or block out noise.

If you don’t have any I recommend buying a pair of noise-canceling headphones as they will make the flight much more relaxing. They are almost the first thing I pack!

Read my choice of the best noise canceling headphones for flying .

Portable Charger: An external battery pack can ensure your devices remain charged, especially on long flights without in-seat power.

2. Health and Comfort Items

Travel-Sized Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes: Wipes can be a lifesaver for freshening up during a long flight or cleaning up spills. This is particularly true if flying with young children.

Medications: If you take any medications, have them accessible in your carry-on. Never pack your essential medications in checked bags as you may need them during the flights and the bags may be lost or delayed

Eye mask and earplugs: These can help you sleep more comfortably on the plane.

Neck pillow: These are ideal for comfort during sleep. If you are small enough to actually sleep in the limited space – at 6’2″ I certainly am not.

Snacks: Bring some healthy snacks in case you get hungry or unhealthy ones too. The choice is yours.

Water bottle: An empty bottle that can be filled after you pass security.

3. Entertainment

Books or e-reader/Kindle: A long flight is a great time to catch up on reading. I normally take a book and have some others loaded on the Kindle app on my tablet should I finish the book during the flight.

Travel games: Small, portable games can help pass the time, particularly if traveling with a partner/colleague.

Notebook and pen: For jotting down thoughts, ideas, or details about your trip. Or make a list on your phone of course.

Entertainment Subscriptions: While not physical items, ensure your music, audiobook, and movie subscriptions are up to date for offline use. Download your favorite content ahead of time in case WiFi isn’t available or is unreliable during the flight.

4. Clothing and Personal Items

Change of clothes: Just in case of spills, or if your checked baggage gets lost so that you at least have something to change into at your destination without having to rush out and buy some.

Jacket or sweater: Planes can often be chilly so having something you can put on to keep comfortable can be very useful.

Travel Blanket: Airplanes can get cold, particularly if you get some sleep, and a small, compact travel blanket can help keep you comfortable.

Compression Socks: These can help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduce foot and ankle swelling during long flights.

Travel-size toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer, and other necessities, all in sizes that meet airport security liquid regulations .

Cosmetic products: If you use them, pack travel-size versions of your essential cosmetic products.

5. Miscellaneous

Travel guide and maps: If you’re going to a new place, these can be handy to have and allow you to make the most of your stay.

Travel adapter: If you’re traveling internationally, you may need this for your electronic devices. The one below covers every eventuality – check on Amazon .

Car Keys: If you are returning home and have parked your car at the airport then make sure your car keys are handy in your carry on, not your checked bags. This is particularly important should your checked bag go missing or be delayed leaving you stranded at the airport.

Even if the checked bags do arrive with you, the last thing you want to do, perhaps at night and in the rain or snow, is open your suitcases in the car park to rummage for the keys.

Mini First Aid Kit: Having basic first aid items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers can be helpful. Most airlines will carry these items should you have a minor injury though but they may not legally be allowed to give you any medication unless there is a doctor on board.

Remember, different airlines have different carry-on bag size and weight restrictions , so make sure to check the guidelines before you pack. Also, some items may be subject to security restrictions, so always check the latest regulations.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a long flight can be a daunting task, but with the right checklist, it can become a breeze. Remember, the ultimate goal is to ensure comfort and convenience throughout your journey, helping to make your long-haul flight a more pleasurable experience.

Don’t forget to double-check your airline’s carry-on restrictions to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport. Be mindful of your personal needs, too, and feel free to adjust the checklist to suit your specific requirements.

With a well-packed carry-on bag, you’re not just preparing for a flight – you are setting the stage for an enjoyable and memorable travel experience. So pack wisely, travel light, and let the adventure begin!

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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Must Have Travel Essentials: Carry-On Packing List

It’s been quite a while since I’ve shared on this blog and during a recent international trip I took to India, I found myself thinking about all the planning and prepping that go into traveling so I thought I would jump back in and share my travel essentials carry-on packing list… particularly for international long-haul flights. Throughout the years, I’ve found so many helpful tips from other travel bloggers that have really enhanced my trips with recommendations on must have travel essentials, prepping ideas, places to go and see, hot spot restaurants to dine at, etiquette tips and so much more. As you get closer to your trip, if you’re new to flying on long airplane flights or traveling abroad, you might ask yourself “What do I need in my carry-on luggage?” or “What travel essentials should I take with me on an international trip?”

Even as a seasoned international traveler, I still have to gut check each time and make sure my packing list includes all the must have travel essentials I like to have on hand.  As I unpacked my carry-on essentials during the first 8-hour leg of my flight home from India, I jotted down this packing list and tips that will hopefully make it easier for taking those long international flights for you.

My carry-on packing list recommendations are broken into three lists below:

Must Have Carry-On Travel Essentials Nice-to-Have Carry-On Travel Additions Airline Amenities (often provided with premium tickets)

I highly recommend packing everything in the second list of ‘Airline Amenities’ on your own if you are flying basic/economy class which tend to not provide you with much of anything from this list.  All the airlines are different so just check with them directly before your flight to find out what’s typically included for your trip.

Carry-on Travel  Essentials

1.  Passport

It’s nice to keep it clean in a pretty passport holder, but plan to take it out of the case when going through immigration… it will save time rather than the customs agent having to do so as it gets in their way.

I highly recommend getting an electronic visa if that’s an option for the country you are going to. When entering India, there were separate lines for traditional vs e-visas.  I noticed that of the folks in line for the traditional visa, less than 1/5 of that size were in line for the electronic visa customs line. Our visa for India was for business, so there are limitations on getting electronic tourist visas for tourists… but take advantage if it’s available for your trip. We breezed through very very quickly!

3 .  Printed Boarding Pass

Printing is old school yes, but just in case your phone dies or you haven’t downloaded all connecting airline apps to get your digital copy for connecting flights in other countries, it’s safe to have a printed copy as backup.

4.  Filtered Water Bottle

I take my Strawlife filtered bottle on international trips so I have a little extra precaution with the water I’m drinking.  Be prepared if you refill the bottle before takeoff, the pressure builds up and will push through the top of the mouthpiece – so just be careful for extra water to be present when you open the cap to a pressure sealed container.

5.  Compression S ocks

Sitting for long flights isn’t great for our body’s circulation so wearing compression socks to apply a little pressure to your feet, ankles and legs help increase blood flow to your heart and decrease swelling.  I don’t love to wear compression socks so I typically wait until I’m in my seat to slip these on. Sometimes I’ll add an extra cozy pair of socks on top to keep my extra warm while I’m in seat, and slip the cozy pair off when I need to slide my shoes on for a restroom break or a quick walk around the aisle of the plane.

6.  Hand Lotion 

Along with staying hydrated (see #4 water bottle in this list), your skin will typically get pretty dry on airplanes because of the pressurized cabin air that lakes humidity.  Folks with dry skin or eczema can have it even worse. Regardless a good moisturizer that’s easy to access is key.

Travel Tip:  Apply moisturizer to your skin ahead of any long flights and then reapply moisturizer every time you wash your hands.  Even consider carrying a travel sized spray bottle of water to spritz your face and hands periodically and then apply lotion to lock in the moisture.

7.  Chewing Gum

Gum is great to have on hand for several reasons. I like mint-flavored gum particularly to help with some tummy relief, get fresher breath when brushing your teeth isn’t an option or you just need something to wake you up from sleeping on the plane, and when your ears are popping on take-off and landing.

8.  Phone charger

I’ve never been on a plane that didn’t have an outlet available at your seat and some even have USB outlets.  Personally, I prefer to bring a small charging block to use instead of relying on those USB outlets because I’ve heard horror stories of hackers using them to get in your phones – particularly at the terminal while you are waiting and may want to charge up before a flight.  I take a small charging block with folding prongs when traveling to help decrease size and for a little extra safety.

9.  Noise Canceling Headphones

Noise canceling headphones with a sound jack cord and fully charged are crucial for a great trip.  Some older model planes still only have two prong jacks for their in-seat audio connections, so I would also recommend bringing a two prong jack adapter.  You can still use the single jack audio cord that comes with most headphones (like I had to do) but the sound will only come out one ear if you plug a single into a double.  Noise cancelling headphones help with drowning out crying babies, sleeping without all the background noise, better audio experiences than airpods or other regular headphones, etc on the plane.  Bonus are having them on hand when you’re trying to wind down at the hotel… these ended up being very useful when we heard wedding beats thumping through our hotel room walls until midnight three nights in a row and I needed some quiet time!

10.  Critical Medicine / Medical Device

It’s important to bring any prescription medicine with you in your carry-on so you don’t risk it being lost with checked luggage.  Just make sure you have the medicine in their original bottle with the prescription details.  You never know when your bag may be checked at security and you’ll want to show exactly what medicine or medical devices you have prescribed with YOUR NAME listed on it.

I carry prescription migraine medicine with me anywhere I go to avoid the severe side effects I get. I can’t imagine how much more awful I would feel dealing with my migraine symptoms like nausea & vomiting, intense light & noise sensitivity, head pressure & pain, chills, numbness, etc. on a trip… especially on an airplane!

 I personally consider this whole page a list of my personal favorite carry-on packing essentials because I end up using a lot of these products while actually in country on my trips, but I broke them down since some folks might not want everything on my nice-to-have list below.

Nice-to-Have  Additions:

11.  Eye Drops

Remember that tip I mentioned above about staying hydrated in dry pressurized airline cabins?  Eye drops are a great addition to your carry-on, especially if you’re prone to getting dry eyes.

12.  Basic Medicine: Advil, Tylenol, GasX

I don’t think I’ve ever taken a trip that I haven’t needed or wished I had some basic medicine like Advil or Tylenol with me after standing in long lines at the airport, dealing with any aches or pains from a long flight, or even just a headache so I like to make sure I keep this on hand as well.  I also include GasX or some sort of tummy medicine in my carry-on packing list because I just don’t want to be that person with stomach issues in a small enclosed airplane environment!

13. Warm Thick Socks

I know my two lists above of carry-on essentials and airline amenities include compression socks and thin socks respectively, but I will do whatever I can to avoid cold toes!  I also pack a pair of thick fuzzy socks to layer on top of my compression socks and put on just before I know I’ll be curling up for a long sleep. I tend to wait until I know I won’t need to get up out of my seat for a while during a long flight so I don’t have to fuss with putting layers on and off to throw on my shoes or disposable slippers to use the restroom.

14. Cozy Wrap / Scarf

Some airlines keep their cabins on the cooler side and I appreciate that over it being too hot or stuffy, but I always travel with a large scarf or cozy wrap to layer up and keep me warm.  One of my must-haves is that I carry a wide scarf in my handbag almost everywhere I go at home or abroad when traveling. I change the thickness or print depending on the season but gravitate towards something neutral that will complement most of the outfits I pack for a trip.

15. iPad / Laptop with Charger

Pretty self-explanatory… You never know when your flight may be delayed and if that happens when you’re already on the plane, it’s so much better to have your iPad or Laptop with a charging cord and block on hand to help pass the time.  Even if you don’t plan on using it during the flight, I like to put these and any expensive electronics like my cameras in my carry-on bag to avoid risking it getting lost or delayed in checked luggage on a trip.

16. Travel Adapter

You might not need this as much ON the flight itself, but a travel adapter is awesome to keep in your carry-on to use when you’re at the airport waiting for your flight or during long layovers.  This is my go-to travel adapter that gives me plenty of options when I’m trying to charge multiple electronics. Layovers or overnight delays in other countries may not have a matching outlet for your plugs so having a travel adapter on hand makes sure you stay charged up.

17. Magazine / Book

Whatever you like to read, it’s great to have something non-electronic to peruse and relax with instead of having your face stuck in a screen the whole time.

18. Hydrating Face Mask

Including a hydrating face mask for your carry-on packing list is not essential, but this is nice to have on hand to combat the dry air in flight. I typically put a single face cleansing wipe in a ziplock bag to take any makeup off and clean my face while in my seat just before I want to wear the mask.  A lot of masks I’ve seen have you leave it on for around 20 minutes (then it starts to dry) and when you peel it off you are left with super moisturized skin.  You will look strange and it’s hard to eat with a mask on so I recommend not doing this until after you have your in-flight meal or any snacks on the front end.  There are plenty of types to choose from but a good aloe or rice-based mask is great for that extra moisturizing component!

19. Jet Lag Homeopathic Pills

I’m still up in the air on whether these actually helped, but I’ve included these homeopathic jet lag pills because I thought they were a cool find and always prefer homeopathic options to healthcare when I can find something that works. I’ve only used it on one long flight so far and I did have a good experience landing and getting acclimated, but I don’t know that I can pinpoint this as the reason just yet.

I always pack snacks that I know I will love so I can avoid purchasing overpriced airport snacks and know I have something to fall back on just in case I don’t love the inflight food options.

21. Disposable Heating Pad

Packing disposable heating pads is a great option if you’re naturally cold since airlines do tend to keep it cooler in flight, but it’s also fantastic if you’re on your cycle or have achy body parts anywhere. If you’re heading someplace extra cold and you don’t use these on the flight, it’s great to wear them under your gear as you adventure out into the cold on your travels too.

22. Extra Outfit with Undies

This one is always great to include if you have space. You never know if your checked luggage will get lost or arrive on time so having a clean backup outfit packed in your carry-on is awesome.  If you’re a parent, it’s nice because you never know what you might get on your clothes from your kids (spit up, vomit, food, etc.), and having a clean backup helps you feel better too.  I always pack undergarments with whatever is the lowest profile yet cute and comfortable outfit I have.  For the ladies, a dress is a great option since it cuts down on keeping up with multiple clothing.

Everything above is a packing list of carry-on essentials that you’ll need when traveling abroad, but there are a few other things that do make the cut, and depending on what type of ticket you purchased for your flight, the airline may provide them to you.  If you’re in first/business/premium classes you may get a little ‘goodie-bag’ of other travel essentials… it depends on the airline and your seat class so do a little extra research on the upfront to see what’s provided.

Just reiterating, not all airlines are the same and that goes for their amenities provided too!

Example  of  Airline  Amenities:

Recycled Carry Bag

Sleep mask (all have had atleast this)

Toothpaste/toothbrush (most have had)

Earplugs (most have these, but you will also want some for your hotel so it’s not a bad idea to ensure you have extras)

 Lip moisturizer / lip balm

Pen (for filling customs forms on plane)

Small Pillow

Small Thin Throw Blanket

In addition to making sure your carry-on is packed with all your travel essentials, you’ll want to make sure you have a cute travel outfit.  I found a super comfy matching long-sleeve and pants outfit that looked a bit more put together than just wearing sweats but was just as comfy in my opinion!

The carry-on travel essentials packing list above includes everything that I think you need to pack if you’re being a minimalist but still want to be comfy while taking long airplane flights.  I’ll be sharing my list of the extra nice-to-haves for you to pack in a separate list soon but hopefully, this list will make sure you’re covered with the basics!

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Her Packing List

Packing Tips

First timer’s guide to traveling carry-on only.

With prices for baggage becoming more and more expensive and airlines limiting your carry on size even further, now is as important a time as ever to start traveling carry-on only .

I’ve flown carry-on only for a number of trips, including to Hawaii , Puerto Rico and even for a week in London . I highly recommend it on trips where you’ll be taking small, regional flights within your destination or even for much longer trips.

It’s totally possible if you can eliminate the excess!

Here’s what to expect, and how to do it, when you’re a first-timer going carry-on only.

What to Expect When Traveling With Only a Carry On

• Expect a more stringent toiletry packing experience. You’ll need to be more cautious of the liquids that are going into your kit since they have to fall into the 3-1-1 rule. Pare down, repackage, and go for multipurpose items when possible.
• Expect potentially longer security checks. By going carry on only, you’ll have more stuff with you since you’re not checking things in another piece of luggage. Keep your belongings organized so there isn’t so much drama at security.
• Expect to need more overhead luggage space. Instead of a smaller carry on bag that can go under your seat, you may need to get on the plane sooner so that precious overhead space is available.
• Expect to wait less . You’ll wait less in lines that are mainly for checking your luggage, and you’ll wait less at the baggage carousel after a long flight.
• Expect to worry less . Worry less about whether or not your luggage will actually be with you at your destination!
• Expect to stress less. The physical stress of excess baggage is one thing, but the mental stress is real as well. With less stuff to manage, you have more mental bandwidth.
• Expect to pay less money for luggage. Check fewer bags, pay less cash.

How to Go Carry On Only for the First Time

Choose the best carry on travel bag.

Decide what bag you’re going to bring. You might already have one at home that you’ve used for shorter trips or you may need to buy a new one. We’ve covered all ranges of carry on bags on the site, including backpacks , suitcases and duffel bags , so do your research.

A 40 liter backpack is completely doable , and it is our max size recommendation for just about any trip.

The most important part of this whole process is to check the size and weight requirements of the airline you’ll be flying. Does your chosen bag fit into it or will you need to go smaller?

I always check my bag’s dimensions against budget carriers like Ryanair before purchasing, as I know they have the strictest luggage allowances. Consider future trips before you purchase a bag that will only work as carry on for domestic flights.

Also ensure that it will be comfortable to carry through the airport when full of your stuff:

• Will the duffel bag strap start to wear on your shoulder?
• Does having a bag on each shoulder affect your balance?
• Are the straps or wheels sturdy enough to last for long distances?
• And don’t forget about the handles you’ll need when it comes time to place it in the overhead bin.

Create Your Carry-On Packing List

Crafting your packing list for carry-on-only travel is important, as you’ll want to make sure you pack just what you need and nothing more . Optimizing your travel wardrobe, minimizing your toiletries, and cutting back on extras are key.

Don’t worry – it’s easy if you spend a bit of time planning!

• You may want to have a look at these carry-on packing lists: RTW trip and Morocco . This post on Carry On Only for a Year of Travel is also helpful.

Specifically for your travel wardrobe , choose solid color clothing that can go with multiple travel outfits and dress up with accessories. Pick your number of tops and bottoms and work out how many outfits they can create to ensure you don’t put down more items than you need on your carry-on packing list.

You’ll want to re-wear pieces of clothing or mix and match. Multi-use items come in handy in these situations. Consider pieces like the Chrysalis Cardi that can be worn as a top and as a dress.

For toiletries and beauty items , pare down to essentials in reasonable quantities and look into multipurpose beauty items . Also, consider the 3 1 1 rule for liquids , which is explained in more detail in the section below.

For everything on your list , be sure you’re not adding things:

• just in case
• that are duplicates
• that you don’t love or use in your daily life
• that you most likely will not put to use (ie. workout gear or work supplies)

Here are 3 resources that can help with this step of the process:

HPL's Editable Packing Checklist Template

3 Steps to Packing Everything You Need and Nothing More

Carry-On-Only Crash Course

❌ what is not allowed in a carry-on bag.

There are a number of prohibited items for carry-on bags including firearms, knives and razor blades, flammables, explosives, and toxic materials. If it’s sharp and/or can be used as a weapon (like a baseball bat, for example), keep that item at home!

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage in the Best Way Possible

Organize your belongings.

We recommend using pouches and packing cubes to create an organized system inside your luggage. This will help you find what you need faster, repack faster, and get through airport security faster.

Our best tip for this section is to consider the items you might need quick access to when in transit. Put those in an easy-to-reach section of your bag. See this article on how to pack a suitcase for ideas .

Remember the 3 1 1 Rule for Liquids

Traveling with only a carry-on also affects the amounts of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols you can bring thanks to TSA requirements. That means you will need to be extra focused on packing items like toothpaste, mascara, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, sunscreen, hair gel, and other necessary liquids.

Why is it called the 3-1-1 rule?

All “liquids” items need to be in containers less than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) each and fit into 1 quart-sized bag. Each passenger is allowed 1 quart-size bag of liquids in their carry-on . That is why it’s called the 3-1-1 rule.

This includes makeup and food items like peanut butter, but does not include medications with the original label, baby formula or duty free items purchased at the airport.

If you’re worried about bringing everything you need while still going carry on:

• opt for solid versions of items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, and perfume
• invest in good travel-sized toiletry containers
• learn the best ways to pack your liquid toiletries

Do you still have to put liquids in plastic bags in 2023?

You may have heard that some airports are no longer requiring you to pull out your bags of liquids while going through airport security – and this is now true for some European locations with new scanners. Some airports in other parts of the world, like in the US and Australia for example, may not ask you to take any liquids out of your carry-on baggage while others will.

However, the 3-1-1 liquids rule is still in effect by the transportation security administration, so you will want to abide by these rules while packing so that you aren’t caught off-guard while moving through a security checkpoint.

Don’t Forget the Personal Item!

While it may be overwhelming to pack carry-on-only in one bag, don’t forget that you may also have a personal item. It’s easy to go overboard, but definitely make sure it’s smaller than your carry-on and can fit comfortably under your seat while still giving you foot room.

Many airlines limit the size of your personal item, and some carriers don’t even allow you one. Do your research.

As of 2023, on many airlines traveling with just a personal item is the only way to travel without needing to pay extra for luggage! Learn how to make ultralight packing a reality inside HPL Packing Method .

The best bags to use as personal items are large purses, totes, briefcases, daypacks, or other soft bags that can be placed at your feet and under the seat in front of you. The bigger they are, the more likely the airlines are to make you check at least one of your bags.

Use this bag for your most important and most needed items. Your personal item is where you should store your passport, documents and items to keep you entertained. I typically use either my PacSafe Slingsafe (now discontinued), my Manhattan Portage messenger bag or my Simic briefcase as my personal item with my purse stored inside for easy access.

Weigh It Up

Before leaving for the airport, give your bag one last check of the dimensions and weight. It can be different when full and you don’t want to fork over unnecessary fees for a few inches (or few pounds)! Investing in a luggage scale can be useful for this step of the process.

When you get to the airport, check the dimensions in the baggage checking station to make sure it fits easily and move items around as necessary before you get to the gate. I’ve had to wear a number of items from my carry on to avoid paying 50 euro on a Ryanair flight before!

This is where a little extra work on packing can come in handy. Check out an HPL Program to start getting the help you need.

Getting Through Security

Even though you have more stuff to take through security than when you check your luggage, the experience shouldn’t be too difficult if you have your belongings well-packed and organized.

Think ahead to what things will need to be removed from your bag before running through the x-ray machine, such as toiletries and laptops, and have those in an easily accessible location.

Consider the clothing you’ll be wearing as well. You may need to remove hats, jackets, belts, and even shoes for this process.

More Motivation to Help You Travel Carry-On-Only When You Haven’t Done It Before

• If you’ve never done carry-on-only packing before, you may feel like you don’t have enough stuff. You might feel uncomfortable. That is totally normal!
• If you go on a trip and you feel like you did everything wrong, that is totally okay! Each trip is a learning experience. You use the information that you gained and make changes and improvements as needed. Don’t give up.
• If you feel like you need a bit more guidance and support, to help with the confidence to go carry-on-only, Her Packing List is here to help. Check out packing programs and products today!

Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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Reader Interactions

September 29, 2015 at 9:57 am

Two days ago I returned home from my first carry on trip. I referenced many articles from this site to make it happen and really liked the experience overall. The other gals I was traveling with were very impressed that I was able to travel carry on for an entire week! The one issue I need to perfect for next time is weight. My duffel backpack was HEAVY and I was more than a little sweaty by the time I reached my destination. Not ideal when I want to reuse the clothes I’m wearing on the flight! I need to keep working on that minimalism.

September 30, 2015 at 7:35 pm

You’ll get there Jennifer! Now that you’ve done it once, you can really jump in and understand where you can change things. Did you brings things you didn’t wear? Could you have brought fewer toiletry items, or exchanged certain things for lighter weight models? So many possibilities, and I’d be happy to help you out. Feel free to drop me an email if you ever want to work on reducing the weight of your carry-on. I think it would make a good post to do a before and after!

September 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Thank you! It was quite a good learning experience. I did pretty good with the clothes (the fact that it was a warm location helped) but could probably cut back on a couple things. Definitely brought one more pair of shoes than necessary. My extra weight definitely came from gear and toiletries. I’m a photographer so I lug my SLR with me and I had my laptop. I’m going to try switching to an iPad next time, which will be a challenge for editing but that will get rid of 6 or so pounds right there. I am eager to get back on the road so I can try this again! 🙂

February 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Jen- how did you pack your SLR? We’re planning on traveling soon and I can’t imagine not taking it, but I’m struggling with how to pack it properly?

September 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm

My mother and I took our first international trip this July to Paris and Italy. It was for 17 days and we managed to only take one 19″ roller bag and one tote bag each. It was hard work to get her on board, but I had done a lot of research, on this site and others, about carry on only packing and its benefits. We did end up checking our suitcases on the return flight due to all the souvenirs we bought (like artwork!) but it was not that difficult to manage the trains, busses, and airplanes we took during those 17 days with our small bags. Part of our trip was with a tour group, and we had the smallest and least amount of luggage out of 40 people!

September 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

Woohoo! Way to go Bunny- that’s awesome 🙂 Glad to hear it all worked out and your trip was that much easier because of it!

September 30, 2015 at 4:41 pm

I just got back from my second carry-on only travel adventure. I cannot begin to explain how freeing it is. You never wonder if your bag is lost, you don’t look out the plane window and wonder “is that my bag that fell off the buggy and got trampled by a baggage handler?!”. Plus you get to skip lines! When re-entering Canada we zoomed to the front of the customs line while everyone else had to wait for their luggage. It’s nice to be independent (I never need help carrying a suitcase the size of Australia up the 3 flights of hostel stairs). I will never go back to checking a bag!

September 30, 2015 at 7:24 pm

That’s awesome, Amelia! YES, I know those thoughts! Especially while looking out the window at the baggage handlers- oh dear. It’s an awesome feeling to be in control and to not have to worry 🙂

February 9, 2016 at 12:43 am

Very good tips. I am glad you mentioned checking weight limits. I stay under 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for all my travel as I then comply with just about every carrier worldwide. My wheeled bag (from IT) weighs only 3.5 lbs. My previous bag weighed in at almost 7 lbs and I could never make it under the weight limit. (FWIW I have no affiliation with IT)

May 23, 2016 at 5:11 pm

I have been traveling with only a spinner luggage carry on and a tote since the airlines started charging baggage fees. I also carry a luggage scale to weigh my luggage as well keep in my tote The best Money I have ever spent.. I have often been asked at security if I had any other luggage and I smile and say this is all I have. Very freeing to be the first out of the airport coming and going. I have downsized my makeup as well only take mascara, tinted moisturizer and lipstick. I take a solid deodorant, solid perfume. and tooth paste 100ml. I use the the 5-4-3-2-1 method for packing. 5 Tops 4 bottoms 3 dresses, 2 shoes 1 bathing suit. and under garments. I roll everything I wear my heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane. Always wear a hat and take a pashmina on the plane with me. In my tote I have a digital camera, Ipod and a ereader, an empty water bottle that I fill up after I get through security. I also take snacks such as a bag of mixed nuts,raisins,dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.I carry green tea bags as well. I have a RDIF holder for my credit cards, passport and money in my Tote. I never take a cell phone or a computer. Never discard my boarding passes until I get home and than shred them as the the barcode has way too much personal info on it.

May 23, 2016 at 6:47 pm

You sound super prepared! Thank you for sharing your packing routine. I LOVE that “freeing” feeling of zipping in and out of the airport without checking or picking up bags!

June 17, 2016 at 7:19 pm

This is a great guide- definitely hit all the important factors. I’ve been flying on JetBlue a lot, so I’ve been doing carry-on only a bunch recently. I’ve found that a shape-shifting bag is hugely helpful (duffel, backpack). I also shove a smaller bag into the top of the larger bag to pull out with my “airplane items” so I can stow the big bag, but not bother other travelers if I need to grab a snack or want to stow my book.

June 22, 2016 at 9:13 am

SO much better to use a roller bag and a tote. I have no lost luggage, no baggage fees and no line to wait for my bag after landing. PACKING CUBES are genius. You can get a ton of clothing in these wonderful helpers. I use 3 cubes–one for pants and larger items like a sweater, one for tops and one for underwear and socks. I went to the Container Store and got leakproof 1 oz. Nalgene containers for liquids. They’re cheap. I can get about 25 items in my 3-1-1 bag–toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer, concealer, foundation, toner, hand sanitizer, body oil, hand cream, Neosporin, contact solution, eye drops, mouthwash. It you buy a 3-1-1 bag with a flat bottom, you can get more inside rather than a Ziplock which I used to use. I leave the 1 oz. containers filled and in the bag and they’re always ready and filled for the next trip. Another tip is to make a list of what goes in the bag and keep it in the bag. I use a tote for my under the seat bag with really important stuff. Always take some snacks along because planes get delayed and flights can be long depending on where you’re going. Airport food is expensive.

October 26, 2016 at 7:02 am

So happy I found this Site! .I am turning 50 in 2 months and really just started my travelling adventures . Last year I invested in a really cute, 3 piece hot pink luggage set with wheels. I just thought it was the bees knees . Ha ha .I have travelled to the uk twice since then , dragging a suitcase up many many stairs in train stations and hotels with no lift . Not to mention the constant fear of snapping a wheel on those cobblestone streets ! My Christmas gift to myself will definitely be a backpack !! And probably cutting my packing list down to a quarter of what I’ve been taking ! Yikes !

January 13, 2017 at 5:58 pm

Hi I’m traveling for 30 days through Europe soon. Is a carrtypn still adequate!

January 30, 2017 at 1:19 am

Hi Monique! Absolutely! Carry-on works for any trip length. You will need to check with any airlines you plan to fly as to their restrictions. Also plan to wash clothes more often so you can pack less.

May 29, 2017 at 9:02 am

I hope you don’t mind me asking what do you mean by (potentially longer security checks). Does it mean it raises a bar when you travel with a carry-on? I have a middle-eastern name and that’s enough hassle for me but I wonder if I travel with only a carry-on, shall I worry about extra issues?

May 30, 2017 at 7:50 pm

What we mean is when you have more stuff, there’s probably more you have to get out and put in the bins at security. Not only that, but it may take longer to repack after going through security. Also, if security spots something at the bottom of your carry-on bag that they want to investigate, there is more stuff to sort through to get to it. I cannot comment on whether or not this is something to worry about. If you pack simply and smart, there shouldn’t be a problem.

July 15, 2017 at 9:36 pm

This is a great article! Very informative and I enjoyed reading the comments also.

Question: i will be traveling from Atlanta-Paris-Vienna-Atlanta in September and I will be gone for a week. I am a self-confessed overpacker so I am challenging myself to do all carry on for this trip, especially since I’ll jave a packed itinerary.

Do you think a wheeled carry on + a personal bag be okay? I’m worried because of the Paris-Vienna leg with a local airline and I’m not familiar with their rules on carry on yet.

July 17, 2017 at 8:45 am

Hi Jhae – You will need to check with that specific airline. Call or check their restrictions online.

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• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags

I'm a Frequent Flier, and These 15 Genius Items Have Helped Me Outsmart Checked Bag Fees — From Just $10

Perfect the carry-on-only lifestyle with these game-changing gear and accessory picks.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

I’m a professional travel writer and devoted carry-on-only packer . I hardly have to explain why: It’s widely known that checked baggage fees can be exorbitantly expensive (and are on the rise ) — sometimes even rivaling the price of an a la carte seat. Beyond that, when you check your bag, you send it out into the unknown, where it can be marooned in some far-away city ( which actually happened to me ), subjected to theft, or altogether lost. Plus, I just like to have all my stuff with me at all times, should I need anything in a pinch (and I like using my carry-on as a perch that rolls my personal item bag through endless stretches of the airport so I don’t have to bear the weight).

Over years of experience and many thousands of miles, I’ve amassed a solid system of tools to help make my carry-on-only travel life happen. And there are a few more I’m eyeing to complete my inventory. The good news: All of my top carry-on essentials picks are available at Amazon, and most are on sale now, with a starting price point of just $10 . Here are the best carry-on luggage, backpacks, duffel bags, and other important packing travel accessories to lighten your load and help you skip those baggage fees.

Rockland London Hardside 20-inch Carry-on Spinner

Before we get into the travel accessories, let's make sure that your carry-on luggage is up to snuff. I’m not the only one in my family who goes carry-on-only: I expect my kids to do the same so we don’t end up paying those extra fees or waiting at the carousel (remember: a traveling family is only as streamlined at the airport as its weakest link). So I got these 20-inch spinners for my twins three years ago; they’ve traveled all around the world with us, and are still holding up great. These have four multidirectional spinner wheels, a telescoping handle with a push button, and interior mesh and zipper pockets. At six years old, my kids were big enough to handle a 20-inch spinner, and these are so much more practical and enduring than the juvenile character-shaped options.

Etronik Weekender Bag

If you're a fan of the Béis Weekender Bag like I am, then you'll love this version from Amazon-loved brand Etronik (which has a price point that's a fraction of what I paid for my Béis one — even in the brand’s warehouse sale). I like that it has a fully separate PVC-lined and vented compartment on the bottom for shoes or dirty clothes, plus it can be used as your sole luggage or an extra roomy personal item bag that you store under the plane seat. It also has a USB interface for easy phone charging on the go. This one is available in 28 colors (I have the pale pink version), and (unlike my Béis bag) it also comes with an extra matching pouch that can be used for toiletries or safeguarding your in-flight essentials. 

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

Having noticed the impressive volume of five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers (nearly 80,500 and counting!), the Matein backpack seemed like a no-brainer purchase for my husband to use as a carry-on and personal item bag on international trips  — and he’s still traveling the world with it years later. This bag is all about thoughtful organization, with a separate laptop compartment, a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back, and a front compartment that's organized with pen pockets, a key fob hook, and more dedicated spaces. The back padding is thick, and the adjustable shoulder straps are sturdy and comfy. There’s also a built-in USB charger for staying charged up on the go. 

Wrangler Smart Carry-on Luggage With Cup Holder

To be a carry-on-only traveler, you have to get used to always having a piece of luggage with you at the airport. And that means coming up with successful strategies for making the most efficient use of the only two hands I have. That’s why I love that this carry-on roller bag has its own built-in cup holder for that must-have airport coffee. It also has a USB port and phone holder, creating a trifecta of useful features that make carry-on-only travel seamless and convenient. Plus, it boasts an expandable capacity and smooth-rolling multidirectional wheels.

Hanples Travel Backpack

The cool thing about this backpack is it opens all the way — like a suitcase — so you can get the benefits of traveling with a roller bag while reducing the risk you might have to check it if the overhead bins fill up. Even better news: It fits under the seat as a personal item, and weighs just 2.5 pounds. This bag also has a thick cushioned laptop compartment and an expandable design that gives you 5 liters of additional packing space, and there’s a port for a charging cable or headphones.

Coolife 3-piece Luggage Set

If you’re new to carry-on-only travel — or just want to overhaul all of your gear at once — I love this budget-friendly luggage set that covers all of the bases needed to keep you from checking a bag. It comes with a 20-inch spinner bag, a backpack, and a toiletry bag, all nicely matching (I think the white version with camel piping is super chic). The luggage features a TSA-approved lock and a fully lined interior divider for organization. And, the backpack has a sleeve that fits right over the trolly handle for seamlessly rolling through the airport. 

Lovevook Weekender Bag With Accessories

I like this structured weekender bag with a 30-liter capacity to use as a complement to a roller bag (or carried alone for a short trip); it has a sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle for hands-free bliss, and the main body is made with waterproof canvas with the bottom is enhanced with PU leather for added water resistance. It has a sturdy design with its shaping ribs and metal feet at the base for standing freely, which comes in handy when you're packing or trying to find something inside mid-flight. What's more, the main compartment features a wet pocket as well as useful tech sleeves, and the outside ones have zipper closures for essentials. 

Veken Packing Cube Set

Now that you have a quality carry-on bag, you'll need to stock up on important travel accessories. Organization is the key to carry-on-only packing, and packing cubes are a huge help in that effort. This affordable and highly reviewed set comes with eight unique pieces, including a shoe bag, a laundry bag, and a cosmetic bag in addition to the zippered, all-purpose cubes in various sizes. Mesh panels make it easy to see what’s inside each pouch at a glance so you only have to open the one you need.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer

My tech essentials always stay with me under my seat because I’m typically using both my laptop and my phone in flight (I even keep my Apple Watch charger with me to keep the battery full for the following day on overnight flights). I had a fancy, gimmicky tech organizer before this one, but it was too fussy to be useful — so I bought myself this simple, practical, and compact case at an impulse-buy price to replace it. It does the trick perfectly with its spacious and see-through mesh panels, smooth zippers, and forgiving expandability for tech over-packers (guilty). 

Amasuki Multifunction USB Charger

Speaking of overpacking tech cables, there’s a better way to travel with everything I need without jumbled cords taking up precious luggage space: This multifunction cable supports simultaneous charging of three devices, and eliminates the need for fussing with multiple charging cubes — especially in a confined situation like an airplane seat with limited ports. Mix and match as needed to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and other devices without packing unnecessary extra bulk so you can stay streamlined in a carry-on-only situation.

Cadence Capsules

If you follow my coverage, you already know I swear by these game-changing capsules that keep all of my toiletries secure and organized — and in the most aesthetic, streamlined way possible. The set comes with individual magnetic cases that attach in a honeycomb pattern to the others, each clearly labeled with its contents. You can keep all your TSA-approved liquids in your carry-on without any risk of leaking (freeing up serious space in your toiletry bag for other essentials). I use mine not just for toiletries but for other essentials I want to keep with me, including delicate jewelry and medications. 

Amazon is stocked with other travel-friendly sets to safely transport your toiletries — like the leak-proof Bpluma Travel Bottles that are just $10 and perfect for shampoo, conditioner, and more. If you're looking for something more stackable and versatile like my favorite Cadence capsules, opt for the Cosywell Small Travel Containers . 

Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Case

My husband and I both have one of these toiletry cases, which have a smart feature: a hook, so you can hang it in a small space like, say, an airplane lavatory to get freshened up on the go without your stuff rolling everywhere. Its transparent pouches allow you to see contents inside at a glance, and tons of zippers keep everything organized and any potential leaks well contained.

Hibag Compression Bags Set

This set of 12 compression bags is handy when you’re going carry-on-only and need to make every square inch of suitcase real estate count. They have the space-saving effect of vacuum sealing (though you don’t need an actual vacuum to draw the air out) with the promise of freeing up to 80 percent of luggage room. I’ve yet to try this strategy myself, but I’m intrigued — and inspired to give it a shot based on the more than 36,000 five-star Amazon ratings.

Ododos Belt Bag

When I’m only traveling with a carry-on, I have my hands full. And that means that I need to have my most essential items — like my passport, phone, and credit card — easily accessible lest I keep any airport lines from bottlenecking. That’s why I often travel with a nifty belt bag , which I usually wear across my chest so I can keep my eyes on it and away from would-be pickpockets (note: it also works as a waist or shoulder bag). This one is durable, water-resistant, and so affordable. And it comes in more than 40 colors to match any travel wardrobe style. 

Amazon Basics Packable Duffel Bag

Even when I’m packing super compactly for carry-on-only travel, I accept the possibility that I might come home with more than I left with — whether that’s travel souvenirs or bulky materials from a work trip. This 100 percent nylon bag folds flat, packs down small, and weighs nearly nothing (though it has a 50-pound capacity to bring back any overflow items). Packing one of these means always having options — and “options” is my favorite packing strategy in one word.

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The 13 best carry-on backpacks of 2024, tested & reviewed.

Enjoy hands-free travel with a versatile carry-on backpack.

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Not sure whether to take a rolling suitcase or a travel backpack on the plane? Both types of carry-on luggage certainly have their merits, but if you like keeping your arms and hands free when traveling, a backpack is the right choice for you. Furthermore, compared to a hard-sided suitcase , it's easier to squeeze a malleable backpack into an overhead bin or under the seat. And if your vacation is focused on adventure travel, you might value a durable pack on your back over wheels on the ground.

U.S. News compiled this list from extensive research and testing along with consumer reviews. Whatever your reason for choosing a backpack, there are plenty on the market to satisfy your needs. Read on for the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

• Best for Business Travel (tie): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – Large
• Best for Business Travel (tie): Aer Travel Pack 3

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Best for weekend getaways: solo grand travel tsa backpack, best for women: tumi voyageur celina backpack, best for men: peak design travel backpack 45l, best for adventure travel: kelty redwing 36, best with wheels: samsonite tectonic nutech wheeled backpack, best organization: augustnoa classic noa, best leather: monos metro backpack in vegan leather.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of backpacks are height by width by depth.)

Price: $200 or less

When it comes to bag travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs a serious punch. The carry-on backpack is available in three sizes – 42L, 35L and 28L – and a variety of colors, including the vibrant multicolor Del Día style. The 35L size not only fits everything you need for your next getaway, but it's also TSA-compliant as a carry-on item . On the outside, the Allpa features a removable waist belt, a padded laptop sleeve on the side, anti-theft zippers, carabiner lash loops for extra gear, a sternum strap and a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps can be tucked away if you're looking to save more room in the overhead bin or you want to carry the bag via its grab handles.

The bag opens suitcase-style; inside, you'll find one large zippered mesh compartment on the right and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, providing ample space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories. What's more, the bag comes with a rain cover (though it's already water-resistant).

What our editors say:

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures, from a road trip around Iceland to camping all over Colorado. It fits more than expected, is comfortable to wear (especially if using the waist belt) and is extremely durable. I just wish the 35L had an exterior water bottle pocket like the 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $15.99 or less

This backpack has three excellent things going for it: It's affordable, lightweight and durable. It's a great option for a weekend getaway bag and is an excellent little backpack to have on hand for tours and day trips once you make it to your destination. If you're planning to hike or kayak on your next getaway, you'll definitely want to have the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack in your back pocket – literally. It can be folded into a compact pouch and tucked away in a larger carry-on bag if you're planning to only use it as a daypack.

The lightweight travel bag is both tear- and water-resistant. With all of its pockets – including one on each side for water bottles or umbrellas – you'll be able to fit everything you need for an adventure-filled trip.

It can fit enough for a weekend trip, plus it's super useful for hiking, boat excursions and more once you're in your destination because it's so light and water-resistant. I've used it for years and it has held up incredibly well; it comes in so many fun colors, too. I love it so much, I bought two so my husband has one he can use as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

Constructed with recycled bluesign-approved quilted nylon, this chic bag is packed with pockets and organizational details. The interior has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large zip pocket with two slip pockets, two water bottle pockets and two removable pouches. On the front of the bag there's a deep phone pocket and multiple zippered pockets of various sizes, including a small one that's ideal for a boarding pass, earbuds or wipes.

A water bottle pocket sits on each side of the bag, and the back of the bag has a luggage trolley sleeve that can be zipped shut on the bottom to be a pocket when not attached to your suitcase. This backpack has a top-zip design, and can be carried by the two top handles or the adjustable padded backpack straps.

This bag has completely changed my mind about backpacks. It's extremely spacious and works so well for my laptop, change of clothes, toiletry bag and other carry-on essentials. I love all of the pockets and that I can carry this like a north-south tote in addition to using the trolley sleeve or backpack straps. But what truly sets this apart is the beautiful fabrication that is so soft and the luxurious Italian leather details. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best for Business Travel: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and Aer Travel Pack 3 (tie)

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $215 or less

This sleek, professional backpack by Dagne Dover is perfect for professional and casual settings alike, with a vast array of organizational features and a 20-liter capacity for the large size. On the outside, you'll find a zippered padded pocket for up to 16-inch laptops and a slip pocket for your phone, while an interior sleeve can fit a tablet or a second laptop, allowing you to travel with multiple devices. The inside of the bag has two mesh slip pockets and a zip-top pouch attached with a leash, as well as three zippered pockets in the front panel.

To help you stay even more organized, the exterior also features a zippered front pocket with pen loops and a key clip; two zippered side pockets; two slip side pockets; and straps to secure a small bottle. The water-resistant bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve and a separate shoe bag.

I adore bringing this bag to work and using it as a personal item on flights. I don't think I've ever used a backpack with better organization than this one – there's a dedicated place for every little thing, from keys to pens to my devices. I also love that the neoprene material is extremely lightweight and water-resistant. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Aer Travel Pack 3

Price: $249 or less

With a pocket for everything, the clamshell-style Aer Travel Pack 3 keeps you organized to the max on business trips. Keep your laptop (up to 16 inches) safe in the padded, zippered laptop sleeve, and stow your passport in the quick-access side pocket. The front compartment features several sizes of pockets perfect for chargers, notepads, pens and more. Along with the lay-flat main compartment for clothes, there's also an interior pocket for small accessories as well as a hidden luggage tracker pocket.

Designed for one-bag travel, the durable Aer Travel Pack 3 also features a water-resistant nylon exterior along with load lifters for a more comfortable fit. You can purchase a hip belt separately.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has one of the sleekest designs when it comes to carry-on backpacks. I also appreciate all the pockets: The sizable laptop pocket is perfect for someone like me who uses a huge laptop; the eight pockets in just the front compartment are so handy for everything you could need while traveling; and the bag even comes with a zippered water bottle pocket on the side. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $185 or less

The Osprey Farpoint is truly an all-in-one travel pack that combines quality with minimal weight. The clamshell-style carry-on bag features a substantial main compartment across from a large mesh pocket. There's an easy-to-access zippered laptop sleeve on the side for devices up to 16 inches.

For extra support and comfort, the backpack includes a sternum strap, back panel, harness and hip belt; the latter three can be zipped up for fully streamlined travel, and compression straps help slim the bag down even more. The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets most domestic carry-on size requirements and is compatible with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack , which can be brought onto the plane as a personal item.

This is one of my favorite backpacks. I love how the back can be zipped up so the bag more resembles a duffel; this makes it easy to stow away without having to deal with a lot of straps. Additionally, the interior compression straps can really help cinch down belongings, especially if you're using packing cubes . – Leilani Osmundson

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Price: $117.99 or less

Perfect for weekend getaways , the Solo Grand TSA Travel Backpack opens like a regular suitcase. In the main compartment, you can secure several outfits with compression straps and store accessories and toiletries in two zippered mesh pockets. In the back, a padded compartment protects laptops up to 17.3 inches in size, and on the front there are a variety of pockets – even pockets within pockets – for your phone and other essentials. This backpack is also equipped with two side mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and side and top carry handles.

This backpack is flawless. It's big without the bulk and has plenty of pockets, which not only makes it ideal for weekend getaways but also prevents me from having to awkwardly rummage through my bag when I need something on the plane. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $475 or less

This backpack blends function and fashion with a compact design. On the front of the bag are two zip compartments and a U-zip pocket with a card slot, a slip pocket and a pen holder. The interior of the bag is divided into two separate compartments: one zippered section with a padded laptop compartment (holds up to a 15-inch PC or 16-inch MacBook), and another large compartment with a zippered pocket and two slip pockets (ideal for glasses or charging cords).

There is also a zippered compartment on each side of the bag, one of which has a water-resistant lining for a water bottle. On the back of the bag you'll find a hidden phone compartment and a trolley sleeve to attach to a roller bag.

This style oozes sophistication, especially the black with the gold hardware. From its sleek material to its many pockets and details, this backpack looks and feels like a chic handbag that can go from the office to a beach resort with ease. I especially like that there are two places you can access the front compartment of the bag, and I like that the laptop section is separate from the rest of the backpack so it's easier to take out my computer and go through airport security (which makes me less likely to drop something from inside my bag). – Rachael Hood

Price: $299.95 or less

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a solid, rugged choice that will last. The nylon canvas shell of the backpack is weatherproof and water-resistant, with a waterproof bottom liner as well. You can unzip the back panel to access the main packing compartment, which is also accessible via zippers along each side of the bag and can be divided in two by a mesh sleeve. To keep you organized, this backpack has quick-access pockets for small items like passports and glasses, plus expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods or umbrellas.

The bag meets carry-on size requirements but can expand by 1.5 inches if you need the extra room; the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away if you plan to check it instead. If you prefer a smaller bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack also comes in a 30-liter size .

If you only want to bring one bag on a short trip, you can't go wrong with this backpack. It's sturdy, reliable and able to fit a ton while still being carry-on-sized. It served me well on a recent trip to New Zealand, and I'd definitely recommend it for travelers who like hands-free luggage. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $134.95 or less

If you'll be adventuring in the great outdoors for your next trip, consider purchasing the Kelty Redwing 36 backpack. You'll find two exterior water bottle pockets as well as a hydration-friendly inner pocket (for storing a water bladder). Tool loops can hold hiking poles, fishing poles, ice axes or other adventure gear. Organization is made easy with plenty of zippered pockets, including one on each side of the bag, a large one on the front and one on top that's perfect for storing travel documents such as a passport. Plus, a ventilated back panel helps keep you cool when you're hurrying through airports or hiking up a mountain.

If you need a bigger backpack, the Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical is a great checked bag option and has many of the same features as the Redwing 36 along with more straps and pockets.

The Kelty Redwing 36 can be cinched down quite a bit for truly streamlined travel and to better meet carry-on size guidelines. However, I'll caution that the waist belt is difficult to remove. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $159.99 or less

If you want the flexibility to either carry or wheel your luggage, a wheeled backpack style may work best for you. The Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack transforms from a rolling bag into a backpack by just tucking in the handle, pulling out the stowed straps and using the wheel cover. The durable polyester material is water-repellent and has red accents.

There are three sections to this bag: a main compartment with space to pack for a weekend trip, a dedicated sleeve for both a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 11 inches, and a front pocket equipped with various organizational features. There are various small pockets, pen sleeves, card slots and a key leash within. You can tuck a water bottle and umbrella into the exterior pockets on either side of the bag. Just keep in mind that this bag may slightly exceed carry-on size restrictions on some airlines with stricter rules.

I expected a wheeled backpack to be uncomfortable to carry, but this convertible bag has proved surprisingly convenient. I like having both the rolling and hands-free options for different circumstances, and it has ample packing space. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $148 or less

This sustainable water-resistant backpack is constructed with 100% recycled materials and has 10 pockets to organize everything. The spacious interior compartment has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve with a strap to secure it in place, as well as an interior mesh pocket for small items or charging cords and a removable shoe bag.

On the exterior, the front pocket has a built-in mesh organizer for pens, and there are mesh water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The back of the bag has two adjustable padded straps, each with a built-in zippered compartment ideal for keys, ID or tickets. A hidden zip pocket makes for a secure space for a wallet or passport, and the trolley sleeve provides added versatility.

This backpack is great for travel or everyday use. I especially appreciate the comfortable backpack straps with the small zip pockets. They are easy to reach and perfect for small items like lip gloss, cash or a transit card. Durably constructed, the water-resistant exterior performs well in any weather, and I love that there's a padded space for both my laptop and iPad. – Rachael Hood

Price: $230 or less

For an upscale backpack that can be dressed up or down, this Monos style is an ideal choice. Constructed with sustainable vegan leather (there's also a nylon version with vegan leather accents), this structured style is both water- and scratch-resistant. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is separate from the main packing compartment so you can access your device easily. The brand's QuickSnap Modular Kit System means you'll have a detachable Metro Kit for small items that attaches magnetically to the front of the bag; this kit is interchangeable between Metro bags and can be swapped out for a different kit or removed entirely, depending on your needs.

The backpack's main compartment is designed for maximum functionality with a felt-lined document sleeve, a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets, and a waterproof zippered privacy compartment for a rain jacket or gym clothes. On the back, you can make use of a hidden slip pocket for your phone, a trolley sleeve and adjustable padded straps. There's also two top carry handles if you'd prefer to carry this backpack like a tote.

I really like the elevated styling and durability of this vegan leather bag. But what sets it apart is the separate laptop compartment (I don't like to have to open my entire bag to get out my laptop while on the go), and the modular Metro Kit system that can be removed when it's not needed. It's full of value-added design elements, and the material looks classic and appropriate with any attire. – Rachael Hood

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on its size, a backpack is considered a carry-on item. To be able to put it in the overhead bin, you generally don't want it to exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but that sizing varies by airline, and since backpacks are soft-sided, the dimensions can be somewhat malleable. If it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane ( check your airline's specific size requirements ), it is typically considered a personal item. If the backpack can fit under the seat, then you can often bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag (based on your airline ticket type and inclusions).

For a backpack to be a carry-on for most domestic airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or should be able to be squished to approximately those dimensions). To be considered a personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat size and space varies by airline and airplane type, so it's best to check with your airline's size restrictions.

How We Tested

From the comfort of the straps to the capacity of each bag, our team tested more than 20 carry-on backpacks from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the durability and details that make a difference. After taking these backpacks on a variety of adventures, we've selected these carry-on backpacks as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Rolling Duffel Bags
• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Fanny Packs
• The Best Travel Insurance

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How (and Why) I Travel for a Week With Just a Carry-on Bag

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Table of Contents

Why i prefer not to check luggage, how to take a week-long trip with just a carry-on, final thoughts.

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Summer vacations are kicking off, which means we’re all making important travel decisions. One of the most vital of such decisions is whether or not to check a bag.

The case for checking a bag is obvious: You can bring more stuff. And in certain circumstances, it makes a lot of sense. But you won’t find me checking luggage this summer for my week-long vacations.

Even better? It’s made me a more efficient packer and a better traveler . Here’s how I travel exclusively in a carry-on bag and how you can do it, too.

I used to be a serial luggage checker . The more stuff, the better. Chance of rain? It’s fine because my massive checked bag has an umbrella, raincoat, and mosquito repellent for the post-shower humidity. Need to borrow a travel steamer? Got it! Surprise gala? Let me pull out my heels!

It got even worse after having my first child a few years ago. Packs of diapers, toys, wipes — and all of his rain gear, too. But once my son became potty trained, more self-sufficient, more mobile, and could roll his little suitcase, I changed my tune. I couldn’t chase after him through a crowded airport weighed down with lots of luggage. And 3-year-old boys can move at alarming speeds, in case you weren’t aware.

Inspired (and tired), I started to lighten my load . Soon after, I was traveling with just a carry-on bag for any trips 7 days or less. These are my arguments for traveling with just a carry-on.

My Bag Won’t Get Lost, Damaged, or Stolen

According to data from SITA , for every 1,000 bags checked, 7.6 of them were mishandled .

Sure, those odds aren’t terrible . Still, if your bag never leaves your hands or sight, the chance of it getting mishandled, lost, damaged, stolen, or delayed is slim to none (unless, of course, you overpack it and jam the zipper, which I’ve unfortunately done).

Traveling Light Makes Things Easier

Lugging bags through an airport, into ride-shares and taxis, and on public transport, even finding space to open several suitcases in a hotel room is annoying. It hurts my shoulders and exhausts me, especially after running after a toddler, too.

Traveling light, or even in a backpack that counts as a personal item , just makes things easier . It’s less to pack, less to unpack, less to lug around, and less to keep track of.

No Waits at Baggage Claim or Check-In

Some airlines are better than others when it comes to getting bags out on the baggage claim. Airlines like Delta and Alaska even allow you to claim miles or compensation if your bags don’t come out on time.

However, I’d rather spend zero time waiting at baggage claim . After a long flight, I just want to get off the plane, get through the airport, and beeline to my destination or home. Baggage claim waits can sometimes add up to an additional hour onto a journey, and I’d rather spend that hour sipping cocktails at the hotel pool or getting unpacked and settled back home.

Plus, in many cases, if you aren’t checking a bag, you can skip long waits at the check-in desk and go straight through security if you already have your boarding pass.

It’s Cheaper

I do hold Oneworld elite status and hold certain credit cards that allow me to check bags with certain airlines for free . Still, there have been times when I’ve flown carriers outside of this alliance and low-cost carriers. In some cases, on an airline like Ryanair, the baggage fees can cost equal to or even more than the cost of the ticket.

Flying with just a carry-on helps me avoid these extra costs (unless, of course, your airline charges for carry-on bags — I can’t help you there).

Have I convinced you yet? Checking baggage is expensive, cumbersome, and time-consuming. It opens up the possibility that your belongings could face loss, damage, or theft. Still plan on checking a bag? At least apply for a credit card that offers you free checked bags. The Citi ® /AAdvantage ®  Executive World Elite Mastercard ® offers 1 checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation. The Delta SkyMiles ®  Platinum American Express Card gives you 1 checked bag on Delta flights for you and up to 8 travel companions.

Follow these tips if you want to ditch your heavy checked baggage and travel with just a carry-on.

Think About Your Destination, Weather, and Trip Style

Traveling with just a carry-on doesn’t always work. It depends greatly on the style of trip, destination, and weather. Traveling to warm and sunny destinations makes not checking a bag significantly easier. It’s just science — boots and sweaters are thicker, larger, and take up more space than sandals and swimsuits .

The style of your trip is important, too . Not checking a bag works well on a trip to the beach, but if you have an important business trip where you need curated, distinct outfits daily, this might be tougher. If you’re going to a wedding or event, you may need a lot of specific items, including footwear and a tux or dress, that make not checking a bag challenging.

Finally, consider the destination. Imagine you’re going to Chicago, and you realize you need something. It’s easy to pop out to a Walgreens or H&M and pick up some sunblock or an extra pair of socks. However, trips to more rural destinations or emerging countries may make this more difficult.

Several years ago, I ran out of some essentials on a trip to rural Ghana. I couldn’t just pop into a shopping mall to get what I needed. Buying additional clothing from a street market and homemade mosquito spray from a roadside stall was certainly an adventure, but perhaps this wasn’t the right trip to travel light for.

Opt to just bring a carry-on for beach trips, leisure travel, visits to urban or first-world destinations, and during warm weather seasons. For business trips, events, cold-weather destinations, far-flung or rural destinations, big activity trips that require gear, or bleisure travel , where you’ll need both work and leisure items, you might want to lean into checking that bag.

Maximize Your Personal Item

Most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item . This personal item is your key to success. Check the size requirements for each airline, but in most cases, it can be a small backpack, purse, tote, laptop bag, or other small bag. Make sure to fill every square inch of this of your personal item bag with your essentials to open up additional space in your carry-on bag.

My strategy is to usually fill my personal item bag with things I need on the flight and other lightweight items so it doesn’t kill my shoulders or back to carry it.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes not only help you organize your suitcase, but they can actually save you space. Certain compression packing cubes compress your items , pushing out added space and air and essentially shrinking them down so you can fit more in your bag.

Roll vs. Fold

This step is largely personal, but I have the most luck saving space when I tightly roll bulkier items, like sweaters, and fold smaller items . You can also roll items and tuck them into gaps in your suitcase. Remember to ball up socks and tuck them into your shoes within your suitcase to maximize space.

Be Smart About Shoes

Shoes, especially boots, wedges, or bulky or large men’s shoes, can take up major space in your carry-on bag. Wear your largest or bulkiest shoes on the plane, then take the smaller pairs . If you can minimize the number of shoes you take (e.g., just taking a pair of flat sandals or flip-flops on a beach trip and wearing gym shoes on the plane), you’ll save major space in your bag.

Think About Laundry

One of the things I always do when organizing a trip is consider the laundry options in my destination . If I’m traveling to a spot where it’s simple, cheap, and fast to send out laundry (e.g., Thailand or New York), I’ll almost always opt to do so. Booking a home rental with a washing machine is also an option. Some hotels offer elite members free laundry items. If you do decide to do laundry at a hotel, just check the pricing. It’s often not so bad for an item or 2 but can get very pricey for a whole load.

Finally, some people swear by bringing along travel laundry soap and doing a quick wash of their essentials, then hanging them dry.

Liquid items can take up a lot of space and weight in your bag. I opt for solids instead . I carry a small solid perfume and both shampoo and conditioner bars that take up less space than bottles. Not only does this minimize the possibility of spillage, but it saves space in my carry-on.

Mix and Match Basics

I won’t get into much fashion advice here, but it’s much easier to pack for a week if you’re smart about outfits. I try everything on before I go and make sure the items I pack can pair with multiple things and function in multiple scenarios. For example, a plain black tank can go with shorts, jeans, a skirt, or underneath a jean jacket. I bring purses and other accessories that go with the other items I pack. The more you can streamline your outfits and plan ahead , the easier it will be to pack fewer items.

Doing this makes the packing process slightly longer and more elaborate, but it’s worth it when I save time at the airport by not checking a bag.

Still not convinced you can travel with just a carry-on? It’s okay, don’t feel bad about checking a bag. However, please don’t pay for it! This guide can help you avoid paying fees to check bags and make sure to always use an Airtag or bag tracker in case your bag gets lost.

Not checking a bag for a week (or longer or shorter) may seem daunting to the serial overpacker. But I believe in you. Save time, money, and hassle on your next trip by using these tips to travel with just a carry-on . Your wallet, shoulders, and sanity will thank you, and you may just enjoy your vacation a little bit more since you won’t be dragging around and digging through so much excess stuff.

The information regarding the Citi ® /AAdvantage ® Executive World Elite Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you fit 7 days worth of clothing in just a carry-on bag.

The trick here is to pack basic items that you can mix and match with one another. Having access to laundry in your destination helps, as does traveling on a leisure trip to a warm-weather destination. Using compression packing cubes helps create more space in your bag, too.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 packing method?

The 5 4 3 2 1 packing method refers to packing 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories, 2 shoes, and 1 swimsuit. However, when doing this method for packing in a carry-on, I suggest wearing a pair of shoes and packing the other. Accessories can be things like purses, sunglasses, and a hat. These items might be able to easily tuck into your personal item, too.

Are packing cubes really worth it?

Yes, packing cubes can ensure you can fit everything you need in your suitcase by compressing your items and pushing out excess air. Packing cubes also allow you to organize your items so everything is easy to find.

Is it better to roll or fold your clothes when packing?

This is up for debate, but a combination of both rolling and folding is often most efficient when packing your suitcase. Fold lighter weight or smaller items, then roll bulkier items. You can also roll things to take advantage of random spaces within your bag.

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About Lori Zaino

Lori is an intrepid traveler who loves creating itineraries that exude “luxe on a budget.” She’s written for CNN, NBC, The Infatuation, and more, and loves to muse about points-fueled trips to Sri Lanka, Sicily, and Myanmar.

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Only a carry-on for extended trips: 4 tips to pack like a pro | Cruising Altitude

• If you’re traveling for a long time, don’t be afraid to do laundry while you’re away.
• Shoes are probably the bulkiest items you’ll pack, and if you can manage to bring one or two versatile pairs, you can save a lot of space in your suitcase.
• When you’re packing you should ask yourself: how many times in your regular life do you do multiple outfit changes per day?

One of the best marks of a frequent traveler is being able to pack quickly and efficiently. It’s likely part of the reason that people who fly a lot are so eager to get on the plane as soon as possible because the faster you board, the more likely you are to secure convenient overhead bin space and not be forced to check your carry-on bag. Most frequent flyers, myself included, avoid checking a bag whenever possible.

It may seem daunting to take a 10-day trip with just a small rollaboard, but I promise it’s possible. I talked to Wilson Santiago Burgos , founder of Mochileando.com and regular contributor here at USA TODAY, who is currently on a three-month trip with only a backpack. 

We compared notes on how we economize our packing, and while we don’t use all the same strategies, between the two of us we hope these four tips can help you in your own travels.

1. Lose the shoes

This is my biggest advice to almost everyone who’s trying to reduce their luggage. Shoes are probably the bulkiest items you’ll pack, and if you can manage to bring one or two versatile pairs, you can save a lot of space in your suitcase.

On his current trip to Central Asia, Santiago told me he only brought sneakers and a nicer pair of shoes for dinner and city activities. For warmer weather, you might only need flip-flops and dinner shoes.

“One technique I use always to save space in my luggage is I always wear the biggest shoes I bring when I fly,” Santiago told me.

And that’s something I do as well. Of course, I’m not wearing my snowboarding boots on the plane for a trip to the mountains, but I’ll wear regular snow boots while I travel and pack a pair of sneakers if need be for that kind of trip. 

2. Don’t be afraid to do laundry

I’ll confess I don’t usually travel long enough for this to be an issue, But Santiago told me he often travels for months at a time with only a backpack, and the key to that technique is not being afraid to do laundry while you’re away.

“When I’m traveling too long I have clothes for 7-10 days so I wash my clothes at the hotels,” he said.  

“Last week I washed my clothes in Uzbekistan and it was $14, it was so cheap,” Santiago added. “If you do the math, it’s probably cheaper to wash clothes than to pay for a checked bag every time you have to take a flight in a trip of three months.”

Last week's Cruising Altitude: Why airport bathrooms are gaining attention

3. Make a list

This was a big point of difference for us. I pretty much never make a paper list for packing. I have my own routine and usually know what I need to bring. I often just pack a few hours before I leave, especially if I have an evening flight, and count out the items I’ll bring by day.

Santiago, on the other hand, told me he makes a list every time.

“The list for me is very important: you save space, but you won’t forget anything important like medicines, technology, passport,” he said.

In his defense, he may be right. On a recent trip, I forgot to pack toothpaste for the first time in my life. Maybe it’s time for me to start getting more organized, too. 

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4. Do a post-mortem

You don’t have to feel like a failure if you don’t manage to pack light on your next trip, but if that happens and you want to travel lighter on the one after that, you can do some reflection when you get home.

“Ask yourself one question: In the last trip that you did, did you use all the things that you have in your bags? If the answer is no, you know you have space to improve your packing,” Santiago said. “My experience is 70%-80% of the people, they will tell you they didn’t use all of the things they packed on the last trip.” 

Now listen, I’m not a purist here. I think it’s a good idea to bring a few extras: maybe you’ll need a change of underwear or you’ll spill something on your shirt and want to swap it out. But honestly, when you’re packing you should ask yourself: how many times in your regular life do you do multiple outfit changes per day? You can avoid overpacking by bringing only what you’d use on a normal day, so long as you don’t need any specialized gear.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag (Free Packing List)

I f you are planning to go on a cruise, it’s important to remember to pack a cruise carry-on. If you have been on a cruise before, you know how important it is not to check-in things that you will need. The reason for this is because your checked luggage will not be delivered to your stateroom right away on the first day of the cruise. It may take several hours for your luggage to arrive, which means that you should pack your first-day essentials in your carry-on bag. Here is a list of items to pack in your carry-on bag, to ensure that you have a stress-free first day on the cruise. I made a cruise carry-on bag packing list that you can download for free (see below).

Cruise Carry-On Bag

Aside from your purse, you will need to pack a carry-on bag for your upcoming cruise. Ideally, pick a bag that should be big enough to fit a change of clothes and toiletries and it should be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane. 

It’s a good idea to choose a bag with wheels so that you don’t have to carry it, as it can get heavy. A small roller luggage like this would be perfect as your carry-on bag. This type of luggage is easy to store and transport and will make bringing it up to the ship much more comfortable.

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What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

The list below are items that you should not leave in your check-in luggage. They should be in your purse or carry-on bag so you have it with you when you board the ship. 

Travel Documents (Passport/Tickets)

You need your passport, cruise travel documents and other identification. When you board the ship, make sure you keep your passport and other travel documents in your carry-on bag or purse. Don’t leave it in your checked luggage!

Photocopy of Passport/Cards

It’s always a good idea to take precautions when traveling. One way to ensure your safety is to pack photocopies of your passport and credit cards. That way, if your wallet gets lost or stolen, you can quickly call your credit card companies to report the theft and cancel the cards. Similarly, if you lose your passport, having a photocopy of it will make it easier to report the loss to your consulate. Remember to keep these photocopies in your carry-on bag, not in your check-in luggage. Alternatively, you can take pictures of your passports and credit cards as a backup. Just make sure you have a digital or physical copy of these important documents in case of an emergency. 

Cash (Small Bills)

Pack some small bills to use for tipping purposes. This will be especially helpful for tipping your porter, as well as any cruise staff who may have assisted you, such as those who helped you with your wheelchair. 

Bathing Suits

Make sure to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on bag, in case you feel like taking a dip on the first day. It’s important to remember that your checked luggage will not be available until later in the afternoon, so having your bathing suit with you will save you from waiting around for it to arrive. Personally, I always pack my kids’ bathing suits because they love to jump into the pool right away.

Swim Goggles

Don’t forget the swim goggles!

You will need sunblock if you are planning to swim the first day.

You should pack flip flops in your carry-on bag if you plan to swim on the first day. 

Swim Cover Up

If you’re planning to swim on the first day, then you should pack your swim cover up in your carry-on bag. You can wear it over your bathing suit when you go to the pool. I like this swim cover up , it provides enough coverage and comes in many fun prints. 

Beach Chair Towel Clips

If you’re planning to lounge by the pool on the first day, bring your beach chair towel clip in your carry-on bag. A beach chair towel clip will keep your beach towel secure on the beach chair, so it doesn’t fall off or gets blown away. It’s a pet peeve of mine to lie down on a beach chair where the towel has slipped off. I like these fun beach chair towel clips . 

Change of Clothes

Bring a change of clothes in case you get in the pool that first day. Sometimes they don’t deliver your luggage to your cabin until almost dinner time. You will want a change of clothes after swimming at the pool.

Refillable Water Bottles

I like to pack at least one refillable water bottle in my carry-on bag. Most cruise ships don’t provide free water in your cabin, having a refillable water bottle will make it easier to get water from the buffet. I like to fill up my water bottle with water and ice and take it to my cabin. 

Lysol Wipes

I like to sanitize my cabin the moment I get in, so I always keep a pack of Lysol wipes in my carry-on bag. 

Electronics

There will be some downtime on the first day, make sure you bring your iPad, Kindle, and gaming devices with you. 

Don’t forget to pack the chargers for your phone and other electronic devices!

If you are cruising with kids, you will need their toys to keep them entertained because there will be downtime on your first day. If they have a security blanket, make sure you keep that in your carry-on luggage in case they need it for their nap because you don’t know what time your check-in luggage will arrive. 

If you have a book you are reading, bring it with you in your carry-on bag so you have it just in case. 

Toiletry Bag

I always pack my toiletry bag in my carry-on so I have access to my face soap if I want to freshen up.

Hand Sanitizer

Even though the ship has many sanitizing stations, you will need your own. I always have a small hand sanitizer in my carry-on bag just in case. 

Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses if you plan to lounge by the pool. If you plan to read, bring your reading glasses.

Definitely bring your medication in your carry-on bag. My son is allergic to peanuts, and I always pack his EpiPen and allergy medication in the carry-on bag. I also pack my OTC medication in my carry-on bag just in case. Check out my Cruise Toiletry Bag and First Aid Kit packing list with free printable for you to download. 

Cruise Carry-On Bag Packing List: Free Printable

Get your free cruise carry-on bag packing list . Download our free PDF printable to help you with your cruise packing!

Note: Printables are for personal use only and may not be sold, posted or distributed. 

Check out my other cruise packing lists with free printables: Alaska cruise , Caribbean cruise , Mexico cruise and Mediterranean cruise .

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The post What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag (Free Packing List) appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

More From Forbes

Jetblue flights get a free carry-on.

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Starting September 6, 2024, all JetBlue customers, including Blue Basic fares, can bring a complimentary carry-on bag . Previously, the free carry-on bag perk was only available with higher fare tiers or by purchasing an Even More Space seat.

390806 06: A JetBlue Airways jet sits on the tarmac June 19, 2001June 19, 2001 at the Ft. ... [+] Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The low-fare airline based in New York announced at the Paris Air Show today that it had signed a contract with Airbus for the purchase of up to 48 additional new A320 aircraft. Valued at more than $2.5 billion, the new aircraft order covers 30 firm orders, options for five aircraft and purchase rights for an additional 13 planes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Free JetBlue Carry-On

Expanding the free carry-on benefit to Blue Basic fares makes JetBlue one of the most competitive basic economy offerings. For Blue Basic departures on September 8 or later, passengers can bring one carry-on bag and personal item.

Until then, this entry-level fare class only permits one personal item at no extra cost. Exceptions include Mosaic members, travelers on JetBlue transatlantic flights (including connecting flights), active U.S. military, unaccompanied minors, and combining Blue Basic with an Even More Space Seat.

“Carry-on bags are an important piece of travel to customers, and when presented with a choice between JetBlue’s award-winning service and another carrier’s basic offering, we want JetBlue to be the easy winner,” says Marty St. George, president of JetBlue. “We’re always looking for ways to evolve our offering in response to customer preferences. This is a win-win as we improve the customer experience and keep JetBlue competitive in our industry.”

Further, all entry-level Blue Basic fares and higher tiers also include these in-flight benefits:

• Unlimited Fly-Fi on all flights (coverage area may vary by aircraft)
• Seatback entertainment
• Ample legroom in coach

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Best covid travel insurance plans, customizable fare options.

This benefit addition helps make flying on JetBlue more affordable and convenient to its more than 100 domestic and foreign destinations. It’s possible to avoid $65 in first-checked baggage fees thanks to this luggage change.

Conversely, there are still several incentives to consider purchasing a Blue, Blue Plus, Blue Extra, or Mint fare to enjoy unique benefits that can improve your flight experience.

For instance, Mint and Blue Extra fares enjoy early boarding access and seat selection. These benefits give passengers first privileges to the overhead bins to stow carry-on bags instead of having to check at the gate as the final passengers to board may be required to do.

Additionally, premium fares include free checked bags on most routes, same-day switches, free cancellations or changes, priority security, and earning bonus TrueBlue points.

Compare the various JetBlue fare options to choose the best benefits for your travel goals.

Final Thoughts

Being able to bring a free carry-on makes budget-friendly basic economy fares more appealing and another way to save money. JetBlue’s Blue Basic tickets make it easier to travel across the United States or reach exciting overseas destinations across the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe.

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Dagne Dover just launched its first wheeled suitcases — here’s what to know

We’re big fans of Dagne Dover here at NBC Select — the AAPI-owned brand is responsible for some of our favorite diaper bags , weekenders and backpacks . Now, the brand is expanding beyond weekender bags and accessories: it’s officially entering the rolling luggage space with a set of four soft-sided suitcases as well as a range of new travel accessories, including garments bags and packing cubes.

All of its new rolling luggage has 360-degree spinning wheels and is made from water-resistant recycled polyester material; it’s also all soft-sided. Below, we break down what you need to know about the new pieces before shopping.

SKIP AHEAD Carry-on luggage | Checked luggage | Travel accessories

Carry-on luggage

Dagne dover seattle carry-on rolling luggage.

While the brand’s popular weekender bags are stylish and comfortable to take on flights and trains, they don’t beat the convenience of a rolling carry-on. The brand’s new Seattle carry-on bridges that gap: It has the sleek, modern look that’s at the core of Dagne Dover’s branding, but with more space, pockets and, most importantly, wheels.

The Seattle Carry-On comes in two sizes: 23.5 inches and 20.5 inches . The 20.5-inch option, despite being noticeably smaller, has similar features to its bigger counterpart, including a padded tech sleeve and included shoe bag. Both bags open two ways — there are zippers at the top and on the sides of the bag — so you have some flexibility on how you want to pack (or if you need to stuff in a last-minute jacket or hair tool ).

The 20.5-inch bag is your best bet if you plan on flying since it falls under the required carry-on dimensions for most airlines (which is typically 22 inches (length) by 14 inches (width) by 9 inches (height) including handles and wheels. The 23.5-inch suitcase does not. Both bags are available in four core colors: Onyx (black), Ash (gray), Dark Moss (olive green) and Warm Dust (brown/pink).

20.5-in. suitcase : Size: 13 x 8.75 x 20.5 in. | Trip duration: 2-3 days | Weight: 9 lbs. 2 oz. | Tech sleeve: fits most laptops up to 13 in.

23.5 in. suitcase : Size: 13.5 x 8.75 x 23.5 in. | Trip duration: 3-5 days | Weight: 10 lbs. | Tech sleeve: fits most laptops up to 16 in.

Checked luggage

Sydney checked rolling luggage.

The 28.5-inch Sydney suitcase is the largest in Dagne Dover’s new collection — it’s a great size for longer travel periods when you plan on checking your luggage. Keep in mind that if you’re an overpacker who often has overweight bags, both sizes weigh more than 10 pounds on their own without any items in them. The Sydney bag has much of the same features as the carry-ons mentioned above (minus the padded tech sleeve), plus an interior roll-up divider that lets you separate your items into compartments and three padded handles around the top and sides of the suitcase to make picking it up easier. There’s also a small pocket on the back panel to store your phone, passport or other small accessories. Plus, it has corner protectors to prevent your suitcase from getting scuffed up or breaking in transit.

If you’re going away for about a week and don’t want to haul a large, bulky suitcase, the 25-inch version is likely a better choice. It has all of the same features as the larger checked luggage but in a more compact frame. Both bags, which also come included with shoe bags, are available in four core colors as well: Onyx (black), Ash (gray), Dark Moss (olive green) and Warm Dust (brown/pink).

25 in. suitcase : Size: 17.5 x 11 x 25 in. | Trip duration: 3-5 days | Weight: 11 lbs. 14 oz.

28.5 in. suitcase : 18.25 x 11.75 x 28.5 in. | Trip duration: 7-10 days | Weight: 13 lbs. 5 oz.

Travel accessories

Roma packing cube.

The Roma packing cubes, which come in four sizes and colors (all sold separately), are made from the brand’s cushioned, recycled air-mesh material, which is soft and lightweight like its popular neoprene fabric, so they won’t add any extra weight to your travel bag, according to Dagne Dover. The small size can fit things like socks, underwear, swimsuits and small electronics and cords, while the largest size is spacious enough to fit several sweatshirts, sweaters, pants and bulkier clothing items.

Small size : 15 x 15 x 9 cm. | Weight: 3.2 oz. 

Medium size : 20 x 33 x 9.5 cm. | Weight: 6.4 oz. 

Large size : 29 x 33.5 x 11.5 cm. | Weight: 8 oz.

XL size : 34 x 42 x 14 cm. | Weight: 9.6 oz. 

Capri Garment Bag

This foldable garment bag is helpful for traveling with formal wear for weddings, work conferences or any other event where you’ll be wearing a long dress or suit. When fully opened, it has a 1-inch-deep gusset to accommodate multiple full-length outfits — and a hook to hang it up when you reach your destination. It has four zip pockets for small items like jewelry and hair ties, two large zippered shoe pockets and a trolley sleeve to sit it on top of your carry-on for easy maneuvering.

Size (tote): 22.5 x 1 x 67 in. | Size (garment bag): 22.5 x 1.25 x 18 in. | Weight: 3 lbs. 2 oz. | Handle drop: 10 in. 

Monaco Garment Duffel

Monaco Garment Duffle

If you’re looking for a weekender, gym bag and garment bag all in one, this duffel is for you. The bag has a padded laptop compartment and two main pockets to store your phone, wallet, passport and other essentials, plus you can convert it into a crossbody bag using the detachable shoulder strap. It can also fit multiple full-length gowns or suits as well.

Size (duffel): 21 x 10 x 13 in. | Size (garment bag): 21.5 x 1.75 x 41 in. | Weight: 4 lbs. 2 oz. | Handle drop: 6 in. 

More Dagne Dover new travel items:

In addition to the products mentioned above, the brand also released:

• A tech carryall
• A slim laptop bag
• A flap-top backpack
• Small and large Dopp kitts
• Small and large pet carriers

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who writes about travel, pets and skin care. For this story, she referenced NBC Select’s previous Dagne Dover coverage and reviewed the brand’s website for details about the launch. The NBC Select team were sent some samples of the bags to test as well.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date. 

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.