14 Tips for Traveling with a Carry On Only

Wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane

When packing for a trip with only carry-on luggage, wearing your bulkiest clothing items on the plane is a smart move. This means put on those heavy jeans, cozy sweaters, and big shoes. This way, you free up a lot of room in your suitcase for other things you need.

For airport security, choosing slip-on shoes, like Vans, makes things easier. You can quickly take them off and put them back on without much hassle.

Don’t forget, you can wear your thick jacket or a sweatshirt while traveling. Doing this means you don’t need to find space for them in your carry-on. You’ll still have all the warmth you need, but you’ll have extra space for other essentials. I like wearing a hoody on the plane so I can rest my arms in the center pocket.

If you’d rather not sit through the flight in your most cumbersome shoes, wear them onto the plane anyway. Then, swap them out for softer slippers or flip-flops. You’ll still have room in your carry-on, and your feet will be comfortable during the flight. You can probably fit a pair of flip-flops in your personal item for easy access.

Remember, every extra bit of space counts when you’re trying to fit everything into carry-on bags. Wearing your biggest items is an easy travel hack to maximize what you can bring without checking in extra baggage.

Plan Your Outfits

When planning for a trip, choosing outfits wisely is essential, especially when sticking to carry-on luggage only. I always start by selecting clothing in neutral colors. These pieces can be easily mixed and matched to create various looks, which is a fantastic travel hack. Before packing, I lay out each outfit to ensure I only bring what I’ll wear, eliminating unnecessary bulk.

I’ve found that skirt-top combinations are highly efficient. They can be swapped around to serve different occasions, letting you get more out of each clothing item. Also, the outfit I wear to the airport isn’t just for travel; it’s part of my planned wardrobe. This way, I save room and add versatility to my travel outfits.

Don’t skip the packing cubes

Don’t skip the packing cubes. These nifty organizers are a real travel hack for staying tidy and making the most of your luggage space.

Packing cubes make everything visible at a glance, no more digging through bags to find that one shirt. Plus, they keep your stuff off those questionable hotel drawers. Trust me, it’s a peace-of-mind thing.

Also, if you’re looking to maximize space, grab a compression packing cube. It squeezes out extra air, making more room for, say, an extra pair of shoes or that souvenir you know you’ll buy.

I roll my clothes before tucking them into cubes, which avoids creases and makes unpacking a breeze.

Packing cubes are light and fold flat, so they won’t eat into those strict weight limits for carry-on luggage, especially on international flights. And when it’s time to head home with dirty clothes, just put them in a cube, keeping the clean stuff fresh.

If you’re not persuaded to use them by this, check out my in-depth guide to why you should be using packing cubes.

Remember, packing cubes are your ally against bulky items. Use them, and you’ll thank yourself at the baggage claim as you waltz past the baggage carousels, travel-ready for the return trip.

Pack versatile clothes

When I pack for a trip using carry-on only, I focus on choosing versatile clothing items that can mix and match to create different looks. To do this effectively, I stick to neutral colors which are great for coordinating and layering. This simplicity of color makes it easy for me to pair different pieces together.

I also consider the different activities I’ll be doing. I think about each day and select versatile capsule wardrobe items that work together. For instance, I always pack a light jacket or sweater. It’s a smart travel hack because it can turn a summery dress into an outfit for cooler evenings.

Pack Versatile Clothes:

• Opt for neutral colors for flexibility.
• Include layers like a light sweater.
• Plan outfits for each day’s activities.

In all honesty, it’s a lot easier to pack carry-on-only for warm-weather destinations. You don’t need a ton of layers or heavy clothes. Cold-weather travel requires more clothing, meaning you have be careful about the carry-on weight limit. Compression bags can help with the general poofiness of winter clothes to save space.

Opt for lightweight, multi-functional fabrics

When I’m packing my carry-on bags, I always focus on bringing lightweight fabrics. They are super easy to pack and don’t add much weight to my luggage, which is perfect for sticking to those pesky weight limits on international flights. I’ve found that choosing clothes that serve more than one purpose is a real game-changer.

Fabrics that breathe well, don’t wrinkle easily, and repel water are also on my radar. They keep me comfy and dry, no matter the weather I run into on my travels. Plus, clothes made for travel often have sneaky pockets for keeping my phone and wallet safe, like my travel infinity scarf.

Layering is my go-to strategy. It lets me adapt to any temperature changes without over-packing. So instead of packing extra clothes for different climates, I just combine a few versatile pieces.

Repeat outfits

This is not a fashion blog. I don’t need to carry three outfits for photo shoots at the same place. However, for the rest of us, repeating clothing pieces and even entire outfits is okay.

Most folks won’t even notice if you wear the same pants or skirts a few times. Trust me, I’ve traveled enough to learn this travel hack. Repeating outfits isn’t just okay; it’s actually pretty savvy. If you don’t like the idea of the same outfit, you can switch up looks by mixing different tops or accessories, making it seem like a whole new ensemble.

This trick is especially handy for managing your luggage. Think about it – less clothing means your carry-on bags stay light. Plus, those neat piles of clothes in your packing cubes? They make life easier when you’re living out of a suitcase. After rocking your look for the day, fold or hang your threads to let them breathe. Then, they’re ready for another go. Once you’ve worn them a couple of times (depending on the activity that you’re doing) put them in the packing cube for dirty clothes and they’re ready for the laundry.

Do your laundry

Since you’re limited on how many articles of clothing you can bring, even if you’re using compression bags, don’t be afraid to do laundry on your trip. Many hotels have laundry facilities so you can wash your favorite outfits for a small fee.

If you’re a budget traveler, or just want to wash a few items, then I suggest these sink suds. You can do your laundry in the sink, hang the clothes up to dry, and then you’re ready for your next day of sightseeing!

This is why having quick-drying clothes is important. If your clothes take too long to dry, then you have to wait til you’re someplace for a few days so it can dry.

Pick versatile pairs of shoes

Packing the right pairs of shoes is essential when it comes to traveling with carry-on bags only. First, limit yourself to two pairs: one that you wear while traveling and an extra pair packed away. The pair you wear should be your bulkiest shoes, like sneakers or boots. This saves valuable space in your carry-on luggage and eases your journey through airport security.

Now, for your extra pair of shoes, versatility is key. Opt for shoes in neutral colors; they can pair with various outfits. Classic styles like a simple pair of sandals or a pair of flats are great for different occasions. The right shoes will nicely round out your travel wardrobe, but ensure your shoes are lightweight!

Remember, comfort is crucial, so choose shoes that are already broken in. New shoes can lead to unexpected discomfort, which is the last thing you want when exploring new places.

Here’s a quick packing list reminder for shoes:

• Wear bulkiest shoes during transit (sneakers, boots)
• Pack an extra pair (sandals, pair of flats)
• Stick to neutral colors
• Choose lightweight comfort
• Avoid brand new shoes

Following these tips, you can breeze through baggage claim without waiting at the baggage carousels and enjoy the extra space in your bag for other travel essentials.

Pack travel-size liquids

When preparing your carry-on bags for a flight, it’s essential to pack smart, especially when it comes to liquids. All liquid, gel, and aerosol items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less to meet TSA guidelines. You’re allowed to bring as many of these travel-sized containers as can fit snugly in one quart-sized bag. This is the liquids bag that I use. This rule makes you think minimalistically about which toiletries you really need.

For extended trips, you might transfer bigger toiletry items into small travel-sized bottles. This saves precious space in your carry-on luggage and keeps you within the rules. Often, hotels and rentals provide basic items like shampoo and body wash, which can lighten your load.

Another great travel hack is using solid toiletries, like shampoo bars and soap bars. (More on this below) They cut down on liquid usage, saving space for an extra pair of underwear or that extra pair of shoes.

Use Solid Beauty Products

When I pack my carry-on luggage, a top travel hack I’ve learned is to opt for solid beauty products. Solid shampoos, conditioners, and even bar soaps like those from Ethique or Lush are true game-changers. They’re not just lighter and more compact than liquid bottles, but they also sidestep the risk of spills ruining my clothes.

I suggest finding the right solid shampoo and conditioner before your trip. Travel can wreak havoc on our hair and the wrong bars can make it worse. It took me a few times to get the right combo for my hair, but now I won’t go back to liquid.

Bonus: Solid beauty products are much better for the environment, saving plastic bottles. It makes us a more sustainable traveler (while also saving space!)

And, when I pack for a trip, saving my liquid allowance is crucial, particularly for international flights with stricter weight limits and security measures. A shampoo bar comes in handy, ensuring I still have the space for my extra pair of shoes or clothes, all while keeping my travel footprint smaller. I also don’t have to worry about my bottle exploding in my luggage.

Go digital wherever you can

Traveling light with carry-on only can be a travel hack few master. Here’s my go-to tip: go digital wherever you can. It streamlines the airport process big time. Think about it—we live in a digital age, so there’s no need for physical papers that just add to your load. Digital travel documents save you time and keep you from juggling too much paperwork.

When it comes to entertainment and navigation, forget about packing books and maps. They take up extra space you don’t have in your carry-on bags. Instead, use your digital devices for both reading and finding your way around. Planning a trip with Google MyMaps is easy and a huge space saver.

Cameras? Well, your phone or a small digital camera can capture memories without the bulk. (Though my camera bag is typically in my personal item on the plane so if you’re like me, don’t worry you can still bring the camera.)

And let’s not forget boarding passes and e-tickets. They’re golden for the traveler who hates the extra hassle of keeping track of paper. Plus, organizing your itinerary is a breeze with travel apps—no more printed schedules to worry about.

Remember, every bit of space matters when you’re packing light.

Follow the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule

Packing for a trip with only carry-on luggage can be challenging. To make it simpler, I adhere to the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule. This helps me pack just what’s necessary and avoid any unnecessary bulk. Here is how it breaks down:

• 1 Hat: A single hat to protect against sun or cold, depending on the destination.
• 2 Pairs of Shoes: I choose a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals or dress shoes, wearing the bulkiest pair while traveling.
• 3 Bottoms: This usually includes jeans, casual pants, shorts or a skirt, aiming for neutral colors that can match anything.
• 4 Tops: These can be mixed and matched over the week. It’s about choosing versatile pieces.
• 5 Pairs of Socks: I always have enough socks for the week, plus an extra pair, just in case.
• 6 Pairs of Underwear: Enough for each day, with a spare one.

This method also means re-wearing some items or using washing machines when available, thus keeping my packing list tight. (More on this above) Clothing items are selected for comfort and flexibility, easily transitioning from day to evening.

Skip the souvenirs

For some of us, skipping the souvenirs just isn’t 100% possible. I have a mug addiction and I am not ashamed. So I will always have a few souvenirs to bring home. However, being mindful that I only have a certain amount of space helps me from over buying souvenirs.

If you’re trying to do carry-on-only travel, space has to be at the forefront of your mind, EVEN when you’re traveling – you still have to make it home.

However, some people don’t mind checking a bag on their way home, they really just want to carry on for their trip so they don’t have to worry about their luggage getting there. If the luggage gets lost on the way home, it’s okay because they’re home. If this is the case for you, then buy away!

Throw away old clothes as you travel to make room for souvenirs

One clever strategy I’ve found liberating is to pack old underwear, socks, and pajamas that I’m ready to let go of. This way, when I need extra space for souvenirs, I can discard these items confidently, knowing they’ve served their purpose.

Here’s a quick list to consider before your trip:

• Old Pairs of Underwear: These tiny items can make room for something special on your return trip.
• Worn-Out Socks: Replace them with a nifty pair you find on your travels.
• Faded Pajamas: Let go of them to accommodate new finds.

Before leaving, I assess my clothing essentials and ensure they’re items I wouldn’t mind parting with, should I need the space. If a trip is coming up, I tend to put those items to the side to make sure I pack them and toss as I travel. As a bonus, I don’t come up with as much dirty underwear or socks.

Adopting this mindset not only creates extra space in your rolling suitcase or backpack but also adds to the overall joy of traveling light. It’s a moment of letting go to make room for the new—both literally and metaphorically.