Steer clear of checked baggage fees with these clever tactics.
As a travel writer with expertise in packing, I frequently receive many inquiries: What are some top choices for carry-ons?
packing tips
? What’s your secret for making everything fit? Also, which travel accessories truly make an impact? Over the years, I’ve
polished a collection of preferred procedures
That makes traveling with just a carry-on not only possible, but effortless.
Everyone who has journeyed with me understands that my approach remains largely consistent. I always begin with some form of preliminary packing checklist, and I never set off on a trip without my
Away Bigger Carry-on
(find more details below). I completely agree with this.
building a capsule wardrobe
, and I never skip stocking up on travel-sized toiletries. Keep scrolling to learn more about my foolproof carry-on bag packing method and explore the travel essentials I never go anywhere without. Psst, don’t miss your chance to get some of them for up to 40 percent off in the
Memorial Day sales
.
Related:
88 Top Amazon Memorial Day Sale Offers on Bags, Comfortable Footwear, Accessories, and More—Beginning at Just $6
Discover a Roomy Roll-aboard suitcase
$110
$92
Buy on Amazon
$295
$266
Buy on Away Travel
If you’re not checking luggage, your carry-on should be both dependable and spacious. After trying out numerous designs and manufacturers over time, I consistently return to the same options.
Away’s Bigger Carry-on
I find that it can easily accommodate three to five days’ worth of clothing, a few pairs of shoes, and either my toiletries pouch or my hair dryer. A sturdy hard-shell case like this one (or
Samsonite’s discounted Winfeld 2 carry-on suitcase
It also comes in handy when you need to sit on it to close the zipper.
Use Compression Packing Cubes
$43
$31
Buy on Amazon
Traveling without packing cubes is out of the question. These organizers ensure your luggage stays neat—particularly when you categorize items by outfit or apparel type—and using compression cubes can be really beneficial as well.
Bagsmart’s six-piece set
Take an additional step by removing excess air, allowing you to accommodate more items without adding extra volume. This is one of the simplest methods for optimizing space.
Select a Considered Travel Ensemble
$36
Buy on Amazon
$35
$14
Buy on Nordstrom
$148
Buy on madewell.com
Your airport attire should serve multiple purposes. Opt for an ensemble that you’ll enjoy wearing throughout your journey or even back home from the flight, like a
breezy matching set
That eliminates the uncertainty in putting together an outfit. Personally, I prefer wearing my bulkiest clothes during the flight.
wide-leg jeans
, sneakers, and a sweater—to make more space in my bag. Consider them extra outfits that you don’t need to pack.
Include Only One Multi-Purpose Layering Item
$25
$20
Buy on Amazon
$148
Buy on Everlane
Besides locations with chilly weather, typically just one good layering item suffices.
lightweight cotton sweater
works for daytime
or
It provides warmth during dinner and doesn’t take up much room when moving around. I often wear it on the flight or pack it rolled inside my carry-on bag.
Explore Travel with Running Shoes That Transform into Fitness Gear
$180
$135
Buy on Amazon
Sneakers often take up a lot of space in suitcases, especially when you’re packing additional footwear like sandals or high heels. I usually opt for a versatile pair that works well for exercise sessions as well as extended periods of exploring.
Adidas Ultraboosts
serve as a favorite: they offer adequate support for workouts and have a stylish design suitable for exploring new places.
Gather Your toiletries Ahead of Time
$30
$21
Buy on Amazon
$72
Buy now
Those glass bottles are heavier and larger than expected, particularly when carrying multiple ones. Prepare beforehand by transferring your necessities into lighter, travel-sized receptacles.
Cadence capsules
are spill-proof and meet TSA regulations, and an organizer ensures everything stays upright. Having mini versions of items like toothpaste and contact solution makes it simpler, along with keeping them in a spacious yet compact compartment.
well-organized toiletry bag
.
Store Toiletries in Your Carry-On Items
$30
Buy on Amazon
$275
Buy on Nordstrom
After you’ve packed your toiletries, place them in your carry-on bag. Opt for a well-organized bag such as
MZ Wallace’s Medium Metro Deluxe Tote
(or this
$32 duplicate inspired by the popular travel brand Lovevook from Amazon
It prevents irregularly shaped bottles from filling up your suitcase space—plus, it’s useful to have skincare accessible for touch-ups during the flight. I opt for a spacious, quilted tote that also serves as a daytime bag throughout my journey.
Limit Your Denim
$37
$30
Buy on Amazon
Jeans take up quite a bit of space. Unless your trip lasts for several weeks, a single pair should be sufficient. To add more variety to your outfits,
pack flowy trousers
Rather than dress them up, pair them with sneakers and a t-shirt for an afternoon of browsing stores, or elevate them with a cardigan and sandals for a sophisticated evening out. Many of these pants are also made from lightweight, wrinkle-resistant materials.
Choose Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics
$48
$36
Buy on Everlane
$50
Buy on quince.com
When each garment needs to perform exceptionally well, the quality of the material becomes crucial. Seek out items that maintain their condition even after multiple wearings, such as
Everlane’s Luxe Crew Tee
or
Quince’s Waist-Skimming Mid-Length Skirt Dress
. Natural fibers like cotton and linen breathe well, but if wrinkle resistance is your priority, rayon blends and knit jersey materials are your best bet. They come out of your suitcase ready to go.
Invest in Day-to-night Staples
$30
$26
Buy on Amazon
$268
$161
Buy on frankandeileen.com
The more versatile your wardrobe, the fewer pieces you’ll need. Build your travel outfits around staples that work from breakfast to happy hour. A classic oversized button-down, whether you opt for
Amazon’s top-selling, $25 version
or
celebrity-favored label Frank & Eileen’s Shirley Button-Up
, appears effortlessly chic in jeans during the day and refined in dress pants and heels in the evening.
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