How To Travel With Only A Carry-On Bag

How To Travel With Only A Carry-On Bag


August 20, 2023 | Allison Robertson

How To Travel With Only A Carry-On Bag


Traveling with just a carry-on may seem like a challenge, but with the right strategy and a little bit of planning, you can not only pack everything you need but also avoid the headaches of checked luggage.

Here's how you can travel lighter, save money, and breeze through airports with just a carry-on.

1. Know Your Airline’s Baggage Policy

Person packing for a tripVlada Karpovich, Pexels

Advertisement

Not all airlines have the same carry-on bag policies.

The size, weight limit, and the number of bags you're allowed to carry can vary.

So, before you start packing, check your airline's website for their specific rules.

This step could save you a lot of hassle and potential additional costs at the airport.

2. Choose The Right Bag

Two people reaching for luggage bagsDids, Pexels

Advertisement

Your choice of bag can greatly influence your packing efficiency.

Look for a lightweight, sturdy bag with lots of compartments to help organize your items. 

Using a soft-sided bag can be easier to store underneath your seat or squeeze into the overhead compartment.

Some travelers prefer a backpack for its versatility, while others prefer a wheeled bag for easier transport.

The choice is entirely personal and depends on your specific travel needs.

3. Master The Art Of Clothing Packing

Person packing luggageTimur Weber, Pexels

Advertisement

When packing your carry-on, the way you pack your clothes can make a significant difference in the amount of space you use.

Consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them—this not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkling.

Packing in layers makes it easier to compress your bag if needed. Start with heavier items like jeans and sweaters at the bottom of the bag and lighter items like t-shirts and underwear at the top.

Remember to take advantage of any empty spaces. Stuff socks, chargers, or other small items into shoes or corners of your bag.

4. Pack Multipurpose Items

A woman packing travel essentialsTimur Weber, Pexels

Advertisement

Every item you pack should earn its place in your bag.

Pack clothes that can be layered, mixed, and matched to create different outfits.

Opt for lightweight, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant materials.

Don't forget that shoes can take up a lot of space, so consider wearing your bulkiest pair on the plane and pack only one more versatile pair.

5. Embrace The Power Of Packing Cubes

A woman packing clothingTimur Weber, Pexels

Advertisement

Packing cubes are a game changer for efficient packing.

They help organize your luggage and can compress your clothes to free up more space.

You can designate a cube for each category of items (e.g., tops in one cube, bottoms in another) which also makes it easier to find what you need without disorganizing your whole bag.

6. Comply With Liquids Rules

Toiletries packed in a bag for travelTimur Weber, Pexels

Advertisement

Remember that most airlines have a limit on the number of liquids, aerosols, and gels that you can carry in your hand luggage.

Typically, each container must be 100ml or smaller and all containers should fit in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.

It's a good idea to purchase travel-sized toiletries or to use reusable travel-sized containers for your products.

7. Utilize Destination Amenities

Woman in a hotel bathroomMediteraneo, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Whenever possible, make full use of the amenities provided by your destination. 

Doing so can help reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack, freeing up valuable space in your carry-on.

Most hotels provide basic toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sometimes even toothpaste. 

So, unless you have specific brands you can't do without, leave your toiletries at home and make use of the ones at your destination.

Many hotels also provide things like hair dryers, irons, kettles, and even small kitchenettes. 

Take advantage of these to reduce what you need to bring.

If you're going to be at your destination for more than a few days, consider packing less and using the hotel's laundry service, or look for a local laundromat.

Some travelers even wash smaller items in the hotel sink and hang them to dry overnight.

8. Leave Some Space For Souvenirs

Souvenir shop in a small rustic townNaim Benjelloun, Pexels

Advertisement

If you plan to bring back souvenirs or do some shopping at your destination, make sure to leave some extra space in your bag or pack a lightweight foldable bag in your carry-on.

This gives you a bit more flexibility with your return journey packing.

9. Don't Forget About Entertainment And Comfort

Person holding a tabletNew Africa, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Long flights can get boring and uncomfortable, so don't forget to pack a few small comforts.

Load up your e-reader or tablet with books, movies, and games for the flight.

You might also want to include travel essentials like an eye mask, travel pillow, and earplugs.

10. Keep Essential Items On Hand

Important travel itemsconejota, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Always pack your essentials in your carry-on—not just because they're necessary, but also in case your checked luggage gets lost or delayed.

These include travel documents, prescription medications, electronics, and valuable items.

Traveling with a carry-on doesn't mean sacrificing your needs or comforts, it just means packing smarter.

Once you get the hang of it, you might even find that the simplicity and convenience of traveling light make your trip more enjoyable.


READ MORE

Woman is cooking in home kitchen. Female hands cut salami, vegetables, greens, tomatoes on table on wooden boards. Ingredients for preparing italian or french food. Lifestyle moment.

The Surprising “Secret” Ingredients Home Chefs Reach For

Every good home chef has a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to cooking. And that includes some seriously surprising “secret” ingredients that they add to their signature dishes.
May 31, 2024 Samantha Henman

The Discovery Of America's Largest Dinosaur

When paleontologists unearthed the fossils of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, they had no idea they were uncovering one of the largest dinosaurs ever to roam North America.
March 31, 2025 Ella Mason

The States With The Worst Roads—Ranked According To Data (And Drivers)

We ranked all 50 U.S. states (and Washington D.C.) based on road quality, spending, driver satisfaction, bridge safety, and commute efficiency—giving each state an overall score based on weighted data. Get ready to see how your state stacks up.
July 31, 2025 Jesse Singer
Internalfb Image

Intriguing Secrets Behind The Construction Of The Berlin Wall

This is how a concrete barrier turned into the world's most dramatic stage of human defiance. You may have heard about the 1961-constructed Berlin Wall, but do you know the history and happenings of it?
January 1, 2025 Alex Summers
Incredible 2024–2025 Discoveries Shaking Up the Story of Human History

The Most Exciting New Historical Discoveries Of 2024 And 2025

Archaeologists weren’t looking for a forgotten language when they pulled a carved stone from a riverbed in Georgia. Nor did anyone expect ice cores to link industrial pollution to Roman intelligence. Yet each revelation has opened doors where none were seen.
July 31, 2025 Marlon Wright
wallup.net

Blood-Curdling Facts About Horror Movies

"We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones." - Stephen King
December 31, 2023 Miles Brucker