Travel with just a carry-on bag.
One of the first things you need to do is be realistic about what you actually need to bring. It can be challenging to change your mindset from packing multiple outfits for every possible occasion, but it is necessary. Focus on the trip itself rather than what you will wear. Packing fewer clothes not only frees up space in your luggage but also reduces the worry of losing your belongings. Additionally, consider washing clothes in your hotel room as needed throughout your trip. Hotel shampoo can be a great alternative for laundry.
Sample packing list:
- 3 pairs of pants (if you need jeans, wear them instead of packing them)
- 3 pairs of shorts or skirts (skirts are preferable, but if it will be colder, pack more pants)
- 6-7 neutral-colored shirts for mixing and matching
- One sweatshirt (wear it on the plane, and if you need a coat, wear that too)
- 7 pairs of underwear (wash them in the hotel as needed)
- One light, compact dress
- One pair of pajamas (you can also use a pair of versatile shorts and a t-shirt)
- Tennis shoes (wear them on the plane)
- Sandals and an additional pair of shoes, depending on your destination
- 1-2 swimming suits and cover-ups
- 1-2 workout or walking shorts outfits
- Keep your makeup and toiletries simple, and make sure they are carry-on size
Using packing cubes is another essential tip for traveling carry-on only. Packing cubes help you stay organized and make the most of the limited space. You can find a variety of packing cubes available, or compression packing cubes from Amazon. Rolling your clothing items can also save space. Use packing cubes specifically for your underwear and swimming/workout items.
Having a backpack as your personal item is highly recommended. It serves as extra storage and can carry your laptop, chargers, personal items, and even a change of clothes.
When it comes to wearing your heaviest or bulkiest items, don’t be afraid to do so. For example, tie a sweatshirt or coat around your waist. Wear your bulkiest shoes, and if you want to bring jeans, wear them instead of packing them. These strategies help save space in your luggage.
Investing in a high-quality suitcase is crucial for traveling carry-on only. We highly recommend the Away suitcases. They offer a range of sizes, and they have a lifetime guarantee, which makes the investment worth it. However, if you are traveling in Europe, be aware that they can be stricter with sizes and weights, so it may be better to stick with a regular carry-on. Carrying a backpack also allows you to adjust the weight distribution in your carry-on.
In conclusion, it is entirely possible to travel with just carry-on luggage. We have all transitioned from being the people with multiple heavy bags to embracing the simplicity and convenience of traveling carry-on only. As we pass by others struggling with their luggage, we can’t help but laugh at our past selves. We hope that these tips on how to travel carry-on only will make your trips easier and more enjoyable as well.
