How to Pack Carry-On Only

Packing light sounds amazing in theory…until you’re staring at your bed piled high with clothes, shoes, and “just in case” outfits that could fill a small car. I used to be that over-packer, but after dozens of trips, I’ve learned how to travel with just a carry-on whether it’s 3 days or 2 weeks. It makes travel so much easier.

In this post, I’m breaking down how I pack carry-on only, the travel gear I swear by, and my best tips to make sure you don’t feel like you’ve left half your life behind.

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Check out the videos

Follow along on the vlog to see how I pack my personal item and carry-on suitcase.

Packing Personal Item

Packing Carry-On Suitcase

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Traveling with just a carry-on completely changes the way you experience a trip. Not only do you skip those dreaded baggage fees (because who wants to pay extra just to bring clothes?), but you also save time by walking straight off the plane without waiting at the baggage claim. There’s zero stress about lost luggage, since everything you need stays with you, and it makes connecting flights, budget airlines, trains, or buses so much easier to manage. Once you experience the freedom and flexibility of traveling light, it’s hard to go back.

My Go-To Carry-On Setup

I use a backpack as my personal item that I place under the seat in front of me and a carry-on suitcase that goes in the overhead bin. Here’s the luggage & bags I’ve been traveling with:

Carry-On Suitcase: Away Bigger Carry-On

Sturdy, spacious, and fits overhead bins of most aircrafts. I have traveled domestically (within the U.S.) and internationally with this suitcase since 2018. It has seen it all and is still going strong!

Personal Item: Bagsmart Backpack

My personal item that holds electronics, snacks, and all the plane essentials. And don’t forget to pack another outfit in case your carry-on suitcase has to be gate checked before boarding the plane.

Choose a Capsule Wardrobe

The number one way to succeed with carry-on packing is to build a capsule wardrobe for your trip. A capsule wardrobe means every piece you pack can mix and match, giving you multiple outfits without stuffing your suitcase full of clothes you’ll never wear. It’s all about versatility and planning ahead.

• Pick a color palette. Start with 2–3 neutral base colors (like black, white, beige, or navy) and add 1–2 accent colors. This way, you can pair almost everything together. For example, if you pack a neutral pair of pants, they’ll work with every top you bring.

• Stick to multipurpose clothing. A lightweight dress can double as a beach cover-up during the day and be dressed up with jewelry at night. A simple button-down can be worn on its own, layered over a tank, or even tied at the waist.

• Think in outfits, not items. Instead of packing random tops and bottoms, plan 7–10 complete outfit combos. This prevents you from overpacking and ensures you’ll actually wear everything.

• Limit shoes to three pairs. Shoes are the biggest space-takers. I recommend one pair of comfy walking shoes (sneakers or sandals, depending on the trip) and one pair of versatile “nice” shoes that work for dinner or a night out. Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane to save room.

• Don’t forget layers. Even in warm destinations, planes and evenings can get chilly. A light sweater or travel jacket can be a lifesaver, and it often doubles as a pillow on flights.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling for longer than a week, don’t pack extra outfits “just in case.” Plan to do laundry once during your trip instead. A quick wash at your hotel or Airbnb can save a ton of suitcase space. Check out these

Pack Toiletries Smart

Toiletries are where most people struggle with carry-on packing, especially with the TSA liquid limit. Since all liquids have to fit in a single quart-size bag, you have to be intentional about what you bring. Over the years, I’ve learned to simplify my routine and swap out bulky items for travel-friendly alternatives.

• Switch to solids whenever possible. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars, bar soap, and even solid perfume sticks not only last longer than liquid products, but also free up valuable space in your liquids bag. Plus, there’s no risk of messy spills mid-flight.

• Invest in refillable travel bottles. Instead of buying overpriced travel-size products every trip, I decant my regular skincare and haircare into TSA-approved silicone bottles. It’s more sustainable and ensures I’m using products my skin is already used to.

• Prioritize multi-use products. A tinted moisturizer with SPF can replace your foundation, sunscreen, and even daily moisturizer. Coconut oil or a multipurpose balm can work as a makeup remover, body moisturizer, and cuticle cream.

• Keep it organized. I use a flat, zippered toiletry bag that packs easily into my carry-on. Liquids go in a clear pouch for security checks, and everything else gets grouped by category so I can find what I need quickly.

Maximize Space with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the secret weapon of every carry-on traveler. Instead of tossing everything into your suitcase and hoping it fits, cubes keep your clothes organized, compressed, and easy to find. I use compression packing cubes specifically, because they have an extra zipper that squeezes out the air and flattens everything down, kind of like a vacuum seal without the machine. I fold my clothes into the size of the cube for an even lay, then zip them down so they’re flat and stackable. You’ll be shocked how much you can fit.

Personal Item = Bonus Space

Your personal item is basically a second carry-on in disguise. I pack my backpack with mindset of "what-if my suitcase doesn't arrive with me at my destination?" Sometimes your carry-on suitcase will need to be gate-checked before boarding. Therefore, I like to pack a couple of outfits and anything that I can't buy a duplicate of at my destination in my personal item in case my suitcase doesn’t arrive with me.

I always keep these inside my backpack:

• Laptop & chargers

• Snacks & water bottle

• Mini toiletries (hand sanitizer, lip balm, toothbrush)

• Spare outfit (just in case)

• Travel documents & passport

I use the Bagsmart Blast Mesh Travel Backpack. It has so many pockets for storage and is expandable in case I buy too many souvenirs on my trip. However, it it is expanded then it will need to go in the overhead bin. In that case, I use check my carry-on suitcase, so I am not taking up more bin space.

Don’t Forget the “Extras”

Once you’ve packed your clothes, toiletries, and essentials, it’s the little extras that really make a difference on the road. These are the small, lightweight items that don’t take up much space but can save you time, money, and headaches while traveling. I like to think of them as my “carry-on survival kit.”

• Foldable tote bag (for groceries, beach, or overflow)

• Portable charger

• Universal travel adapter

• Tiny first-aid kit (painkillers, band-aids, etc.)

Packing carry-on only doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. With a little planning (and the right gear), you’ll be shocked at how much you can fit without ever checking a bag.

If you’re ready to try it on your next trip, check out my YouTube videos for a full walk-through of my carry-on system. You can also shop my go-to travel essentials here. Once you start traveling carry-on only, you’ll never go back.

Ciao for now!

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