How to pack carry on only | Pack light travel tips
Some links are affiliated. This means I may earn a small commission from purchases made at no extra cost to you. Disclaimer: Content on this blog is based off personal experience and informational purposes only and not to be taken as or replace medical advice. I am not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any losses or damages incurred by using this information
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Tiffany
I traveled to 5 different countries with 2 completely different climates using a carry on only. England, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, and then to Curacao in the Caribbean. All of my different outfits and the stark change in weather lasted me on my entire month long trip. If I can do it, you can too!
Today I’m going to teach you how to travel carry on only whether you’re jetting off on a months long backpacking trip, or a 2 week vacation in a small suitcase.
Sis, you don’t need 30 outfit changes for a weekend trip. As a gal who has traveled the world with only a 40 liter backpack, I’m here to say carry on only travel is very much so possible!
Not only is traveling carryon only cheaper, but you have a peace of mind that your luggage won’t get lost, mishandled by security, or stolen. There have been plenty of times where I could have checked in a bag for free, but I still chose to travel with my small suitcase.
Now, let’s get into all the tips on how to successfully master carry on only travel!
Utilize Packing Cubes!- Carry on only travel
Packing cubes, packing cubes, packing cubes! These bad boys are genuinely one of the biggest ways I’ve been able to stay organized, efficient, and travel carry on only.
When you go to pack, do not do a traditional fold. You’re going to roll your clothes up and in return, you’ll be awarded with nearly double the amount of space!
The best packing cubes to use for carry on only travel are compression. This means they can zip not only once, but twice!
Grab some compression space saving packing cubes here.
Research your destination & weather trends
It’s like going to Australia during American summer time, only you didn’t realize they’re on a different hemisphere and its freezing cold at that time.
Research every country/city you plan on visiting and the weather during the time of year. Then, pack accordingly.
For example, if the weather is Denmark and Germany during October, bring light to medium jackets along with boots.
Don’t get caught lacking- one of the worst feelings is popping up to a new country and none of your clothes fit the weather!
the same skirt on the same trip, used two different ways! ^
Only pack one week’s worth of clothes- Carry on only travel
Hear me out! I have been consistently packing one week’s worth of clothes for years, and still managed to get extremely cute clothes out of every fit!
The key is to pack interchangeable outfits and clothes that can be tightly folded. For example, leave the dress that is super cute, but takes up a lot of space.
Instead, grab another smaller dress, and pack lots of tiny accessories that help to built up an outfit. Colorful jewelry, scarves, anklets, arm bands, and unique belts can all help to make a creative and beautifully layered outfit!
Be prepared to wash!
Packing one week’s worth of clothes for a trip longer than one week means we’re heading to the laundry mat.
This can be as simple as booking accommodation with a laundry/dryer, or getting into the sink and doing it yourself.
If you’re staying in a hostel, most have laundry services for an affordable rate. If you’re staying in a hotel, call the front desk and ask what the laundry rates are, or go to a mat nearby.
Grab this super cool portable washing bag that comes with a built in wash board!
Have a good sized personal item- Carry on only travel
Having a big (but airline permitting of course) personal item is key to maximizing your carry on only travel journey.
Most airlines will allow a 26 liter backpack (or equivalent in a purse), as long as it can fit underneath the seat.
Often times, If I’m running low on storage in my carry on, I’ll stuff a packing cube into the bottom of my personal item. Sometimes, if I pack efficiently, I can even stuff a pair of shoes in my personal too!
This way I don’t have to be stressed about checking in any bags. I’ll still even have extra room for my super important stuff like laptop and documents!
One of my favorite personal items to travel with is my everyday commuter north face backpack.
However, there are plenty of other personal item sized packs that are also perfect to bring next to you on the plane.
Check out some great & affordable 20 – 26 L personal item sized backpack here!
Bring extra foldable bags
I love to bring extra tote bags in my personal that can fold down to almost nothing. This is great for when I’m on the plane and want extra storage, or when I’m in my destination city!
They can serve as laundry ‘baskets”, added luggage for the airport, taken on day trip adventures, and can hold all your souvenirs!
Check out these foldable tote bags than can shrink to basically nothing!
Wear your bulkiest clothes- Carry on only travel
On travel days, I always wear my bulkiest clothes to the airport, especially if I’m traveling to a cold destination.
I’ll layer my biggest shirt, sweater, and jacket as well as my large shoes. The airport is cold anyways so this way I’ll be extra cozy!
Packing all my sweater and jackets for a trip in my suitcase is a huge no no. Another tip/hack I’ll also do is tip one of my sweaters (or 2, or 3 LOL) to the outside of my suitcase. I’ve traveled to many countries this way and never had any issue!
Did you enjoy this article? Sharing is caring! Be sure to share with family and friends and save to your Pinterest board for later.
Check out these other travel articles you’ll also love
