Packing for carry-on travel isn’t a science, it’s an art. We’ve partnered with adventure travel expert, and minimalist traveler, Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak, as he talks about some of his best packing tips for traveling carry-on only.
Is less really more?
When it comes to packing for a trip or vacation, you bet it is. Experienced travelers will tell you that the number one mistake most rookies make is overpacking their bag. Sure, we want to make sure we’re prepared for any weather or situation, but that doesn’t mean packing our entire life into a suitcase.
In order to make your flight (and your journey) less stressful, I’ve curated a list of the top packing tips for traveling carry-on only.
1. Pick the Right Carry-On Bag
Not all carry-on luggage is made equal. Many travelers overlook the practicality of their bag and just purchase any ole’ carry-on that manages to fit in the overhead bin. However, it’s important to take several factors into consideration when choosing the best type of luggage for carry-on travel.
First, you’ll need to decide on the size of your bag. Size limitations vary from carrier to carrier, so you should always double check with your specific airlines to confirm your carry-on fits the bill. It’s not uncommon for domestic airlines and international airlines to have different size restrictions.
Second, you’ll want to choose the right type of bag for your journey. Backpacks are easier to carry if you’re on the go, like island hopping through Thailand or riding trains through Norway. You won’t have to worry about hauling a heavy suitcase up several flights of stairs or through cobblestone alleys.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, make sure your luggage is light!
Backpacks are also soft-sided which means you can squish and squeeze your things into every nook and cranny—especially in the overhead bins. That said, you should try not pack more than what your back can carry.
On the other hand, rolling suitcases are more durable and cause less strain on your body. Although hard suitcases keep your items tidy and organized, they’re often heavier than soft backpacks. If you choose the wrong suitcase, a significant chunk of your luggage weight limit might be taken up by the bag itself.
2. Take Advantage of the Airline’s Personal Item Allowance
Most airlines allow you to take a smaller, personal item onboard along with your overhead carry-on bag. This item should be fit nicely under the seat in front of you and be spacious enough to hold your valuables, electronics, and passport.
It’s best to choose a personal item that can be used as a daypack during your trip. Small backpacks, messenger bags, or laptop bags are ideal. Remember that this isn’t an excuse to pack a second heavy carry-on since you’ll be lugging it around with you wherever you go.
Ladies, don’t waste your personal item on a small purse that only holds a few things. Instead, think about bringing a small backpack or large tote since you can always tuck your purse inside.
3. Pack Clothes for a Week
If you’re traveling for just a few days, you probably won’t run into issues fitting your clothes into a carry-on. However, packing the right items for a trip longer than a week might be more difficult.
A good rule of thumb is to pack just one week’s worth of clothing. Maximum.
If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, simply plan on doing laundry during your trip. Unless you’re blessed with access to a washer or dryer, you might end up washing dirty clothes in the sink. For this reason, clothes that can be washed and easily air-dried (i.e. quick-dry underwear) should have first priority on your packing list.
4. Bring Clothes That Can Be Layered
Wearing at least five layers on this brisk morning in Death Valley National Park.
Since you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be selective about what type of clothes to bring. The secret to packing light is to bring clothes that can be layered. Not only will multiple layers take up less space in your bag than one giant coat, for example, they will also keep you warm in a variety of situations and give you more outfit options to work with.
This is especially true if you’re traveling to different climates. You can wear your lighter layers like tank tops or T-shirts when it’s warm, and layer up with sweaters and mid-layers when it’s cold.
Leave those chunky knit sweaters and heavy coats at home. That’s where they’re most useful.
5. Choose the Right Toiletries
Many travelers know that bringing full-size shampoo or a large bottle of lotion in a carry-on bag is forbidden. Besides complying with TSA’s liquid allowance, there are several other tips of which even the most experienced travelers will want to take advantage.
If you’re staying in a hotel, then using the provided shampoo, conditioner, and lotion is a no-brainer. Most hotels also have toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and shaving cream for free if you ask the front desk.
Another option is to bring solid toiletries like solid soap, sunblock, and laundry detergent. They are usually compact in size and don’t fall into the TSA liquid category. Fellas, you can even get solid cologne bars so you don’t have to carry heavy glass bottles with you when you travel.
And if you’re really tight on space, just leave the toiletries behind. As long as you have your necessary medication, contacts, glasses, etc., you can purchase any other basic items when you arrive.
6. Be Selective About Footwear
Wearing versatile shoes is a must!
Let’s face it—packing the right pair of shoes isn’t easy. Not only are the majority of shoes bulky, but they also take up large amounts of space in your carry-on.
The key is to bring shoes that are versatile and comfortable. I know, it’s easier said than done. But trust me, nothing is worse than getting blisters on your first day and not wearing that specific shoe for the rest of the trip.
Two pairs should do the trick. One comfortable pair for walking or hiking, and another pair that can be dressed up or down. If you’re jet setting somewhere tropical or warm, swap the second pair for flip-flops or sandals.
As a side note, you should always wear the bulkier of the two pairs on the plane in order to free up extra space in your bag. We’ll get to more of that in a little bit.
7. Use Compression Bags or Packing Cubes
Even if you’re diligent about packing only the bare necessities, you still might find that space is a little tight in your carry-on. Don’t fret, because compression bags and packing cubes are here to save the day!
Compression bags allow you to squeeze more into every inch of usable space. You place your clothes inside the plastic compression bag and deflate all the air out until the bag is flat and compacted. This saves a ton of space (upwards of 80%!) and allows you to fit more into your carry-on.
Packing cubes work a little differently. Unlike compression bags, packing cubes are durable, fabric containers that stack neatly in your suitcase or backpack. When you arrive in your hotel or hostel, you’ll have all your shirts, pants, socks, and underwear separated into individual cubes. While they can save a little space, their main function is to keep your bag organized and your clothes wrinkle-free.
8. Roll Instead of Fold
When you roll your clothes, you can fit a lot more into a smaller space!
It’s the great packing debate—should you roll or fold your clothes?
If you’re traveling carry-on and want to fit more items into your bag, then rolling is definitely the way to go. Expert travelers like myself swear by the rolling method for packing more items into tight spaces. Clothes that are rolled are more compact and space-saving than clothes packed in the traditional folded way.
It’s worth the extra time and effort to fit everything neatly into your carry-on. The rolling method also avoids those pesky creases that you get from folding. Rolling leaves you (and your clothes) happy and wrinkle-free. Yay!
9. Wear What You Can During Check-In
One of the biggest space-saving carry-on tips is to wear as much as you can while in transit. Whatever is on your body doesn’t count towards the airline weight limit! By wearing your heaviest jacket, bulkiest shoes, and thickest sweaters, you can free up tons of space in your luggage.
And don’t forget, airplanes are notoriously cold, so this trick does double duty.
This tactic is especially handy when you’re traveling to a colder climate and want to bring a large parka or coat. Save yourself the struggle of jamming a puffy jacket in your suitcase and wear it on the plane instead.
In a pinch, you can also free up space from your smaller, personal item. Stuff small valuables like sunglasses, books, and phone chargers into your coat pockets.
By now, you should be a packing pro ready to take on the world of lightweight, carry-on only travel! By following these space-saving tips and rules, I know you’ll have no problem traveling with just a carry-on. Not only will you be free from the burden of a heavy bag, but you’ll be free to roam the world wherever your journey decides to take you.
Remember, you’re not packing less, you’re packing more efficiently.
Jeremy Scott Foster of TravelFreak is an official Travelocity Gnational Gnomad. Gnational Gnomads is an exclusive group of high-profile travel and lifestyle experts who offer tips and inspiration on behalf of Travelocity.
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
45 years of travel (73 countries and counting) and I’ve learned each of these tips. I would add when I really need more space I wear my multi-pocketed travel vest under the coat that has pockets. It’s like another “personal item” that is free….
Me too! 😊
I always wear a vest with several pockets. Keeps passport, ID money etc within easy reach.
Mine has zip-off sleeves, so it is also a jacket. Of course the sleeves fit in the pockets!
Overall, I agree except packing cubes, vacuum bags, and rolling. I travel A LOT for both business and pleasure. I’ve traveled in carryon only for more than thirty years and have tried all of these things. But, using packing cubes and vacuum bags merely add MORE items to you bag—more layers and more weight. So, I came up with my own method many years and countries ago that keeps clothes from wrinkling and fits more into a bag than rolling possibly can. (Rolling creates cylindrical pieces that waste valuable space and is not good for items like dress shirts and suit coats that tend to wrinkle.) For thirty years, I’ve used the method and can easily pack for a month in a carryon (longer if I do laundry). In recent years, I’ve seen something similar called “bundling.”
First of all, as mentioned in the article, you need the right bag. The right bag is a lightweight, simply shaped, most square carry-on that you can find (because this gives you the most packing space within airline requirements). This means don’t waste weight or space with bulky pockets pockets. The straps inside the bag need to be web straps coming from the bottom of the bag and not those useless elastic ones at the top. The purpose of the straps are to compress the contents and keep things from shifting because shifting causes wrinkling. Fill every nook and cranny.
How to pack the bag? Starting at the bottom of the bag, fill the spaces between the rails with small items like undergarments. Yes, you can roll these. Don’t waste any space—the goal is to make a flat starting point for the rest of your clothes. Next, take your longest items such as dresses or slacks and lay them lengthwise across the bottom of the bag. With slacks, place the waistband against one and smooth then across the bottom of the bag, leaving the legs hanging over the other side. Alternate which end you place the waistband. For something longer such as a formal dress, leave both ends hanging out. Smooth each item across the bottom of the bag, not wasting any space. Shirts can go crosswise in the same fashion. For jackets, neatly fold in the arms. Once you have all of these items in the bag, add things that don’t wrinkle like workout clothes, swimwear, and pajamas. Fold them neatly in sizes to maximize the space and place on top. Begin tightly wrapping the hanging ends of the clothes one item at a time over these. If a longer item are too long, just wrap them around the edges, keeping everything smooth and as tight as possible. Then, secure very tightly with the straps, compressing as much as possible. This leaves you spaces around the edges to wrap belts, place shoes (stuffed with socks to maximize space and prevent damage), curling iron or straightener, brush, flip flops or slides etc. I even place my snorkel in this space and sometimes shoes. I place my toiletries and other shoes on top, then close the bag.
Be sure to leave things that you may need to get to quickly in your personal item for under the seat—computer or iPad, backup battery (or buy a bag like AWAY with a built-in removable backup battery), chargers, medicines, liquid bag (so that you can access it at the security checkpoint without opening your suitcase), neck pillow (I use inflatable with plush cover), footrest (to avoid cutting off circulation on long flights), purse, earplugs, snacks, water bottle (collapsible if you have no space), etc.
Make sure to weigh your bag if you’re traveling internationally. Some airlines will weigh your carryon and make you check it if it’s too heavy. (I’ve found that, if I’m not careful, my carryon could end up weighing 40 pounds, and my carryon is not large!) Dress in layers, as the author suggests, and wear your bulkiest shoes and clothes.
I do exactly like Jennifer T… I packed for a 11 day cruise ( used no laundry) a week in the Caribbean. And a week in cold weather!. I had 18 tops, 6 cutoffs, 4 slacks 4 pairs of shoes, bathing suits, Bought a nice coat at GoodWill for $8.00 and left it for the maid when I left. I’ve known people that only pack necessity’s and buy all their clothes at GoodWill for less that $20. ( price of a nice shirt) and leave it for somebody.
I pack for a month in Europe (fall or spring, never summer) in a 19 in. hard sided, but light bag. My tote has my small purse and one change of clothing, a sweater and a nylon raincoat.My second pair of shoes are sandals that look dressed up with a skirt.
What is the carry on bag that you are using? Specifically, so I can go buy it. And what are the dimensions? I need this bag.
The best bag ever is the 21” rolling duffle by Eddie Bauer. I pack for 8 day ski trips, helmet, gear, ski clothes and other clothing all in the bag. Toiletries in backpack. Very affordable with a lifetime warranty. Slides right in (wheels first) in the overhead. Wheels down the isle of the plane. Doesn’t get any better than that!
I use the Away carry-on with the outside pocket and removable charger. I travel a lot and it’s the best suitcase I’ve ever owned. It’s a little pricey but worth every penny. I also use their personal item bag. It’s roomy, things don’t get lost in it and it slips ofervthevAway luggage handle. I might add that the seat company shipped fast and has excellent customer service. I can’t say enough about them and no I’m not a paid spokesperson!
You’re exactly right about all of this. But I usually use the roll method for the flight over so my bag is more organized. I use your method on the flight back so I can create more space for the odds and ends I buy.
Love this! Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer, this is all most helpful. I’ve never heard about packing a foot rest, though, and having short legs causes a great deal of discomfort on long flights. Can you recommend the foot rest that you use?
Also short, I always take a soft sided personal item tote which can be pushed under the seat in front of me. Don’t overstuff it, and you can use it as a footrest. My slip on shoes tuck under the bottom edge, and my feet nestle on top of the tote. After numerous trips across the ocean, I’ve found that to work well.
Short too! I put a plastic trash bag in my personal tote and use it to keep my tote from getting dirty when I use it for a foot ready. Then, I roll up a clothing item, that I’d pack anyway, to put behind my back for lumbar support.
I take a cardboard box for a foot rest. I pack it flat when carrying it on to the plane. Then i fill it with either some packing cubes of clothes or my personal-item carry-on (less the things I want easy access to on the plane).
At trhe end of the flight, I either leave it on the plane or take it off and toss in recycling at the airport.
For my return trip, I find another box. At the hotel, on the street. It’s not hard for me to find something that works.
One thing that works well as a foot rest is an inflatable beach ball. Just blow it up half way or so…what ever is comfortable for you. Not the most discreet, but practical!
I pack a medium to small sized beach ball (dollar store) that I under inflate for my footrest. It also works for lumbar support of needed. When packed away, it takes up very little space and weighs nothing..
I use this one and love it!
Foot Rest, Portable Travel Footrest Flight Carry-On Foot Rest Adjustable Height Foot Rest Travel Accessories Footrests Hammock, Black. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VJ9BKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.kO0Cb66AMTR5
I got 2 of these from Healthy Back. Folding footrest 29.99. I even use in the car in long trips!
Being short, many meeting room chairs are too high as well as airline seats. A friend suggested a folding footstool advertised in the “fliers” magazine. It folds flat and fits in many pockets or purses. It cost less than $30 and has lasted a long time. It is sturdy and light weight. Check on-line or in the airline magazines. Also, one of my carry-on bags is leather and flexible that makes a good foot rest with short legs stretched out.
Being tall, with my legs cramped on every flight, it never occurred to me that some ppl have the opposite problem! 🙂
Thank you Jennifer. Some great tips I will try on my next adventure!
I do exactly this except I do it in a large packing Cube so that I can easily pack two of them in the suitcase. I organize each packing Cube by theme such as everyday and nice or work and other or warm and cold depending on where I am going. I find it’s easier to pack and repack if I am on the move. Of course in one place all this packing matters a lot less. You normally have the opportunity for washing. Most of my toe has been months and it has worked just fine too organized within packing cubes but use the layering method you suggest. I even use a piece of cardboard a size of the packing Cube to help fit everything in nicely. It cuts down on wrinkles and I just find that when I am trying to get something from my suitcase I don’t have to repack everything.
Yes. I like the bundling method too
I saw this same way of packing for a trip, on Oprah….used it when my husband was on a business trip to Atlanta…..he called and told me, none of his clothes were wrinkled at all…..have done it ever since!! Small carryon, works well!!
Seeing a video of this method would be very helpful. If possible when packing next time could you record your method? Would be so helpful and maybe eliminate husband stresses b/c so bad at this. Thank you
Thanks ! I thought I was the only one that found this way of packing much better then rolling and compression bags. I’ve been packing this way for years now. A small carry on is all I take and can fit 2 weeks worth of clothes in it.
You should do a video.
I like to carry “disposable” clothes found at various thrift stores. Usually take 3 short sleeve tops, 3 mid arm tops, 3 capris, one long black pant, and wear jeans on plane. Roll together older underwear in bra. Wear jacket and sweater on plane, layered with short or mid arm top and heaviest shoes. Take a second pair of light weight shoes in bag. Always take sample size hair care, travel toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant.
When ready to leave put all used clothing on the bed in boutique fashion for housekeepers. That way I have plenty of room for souvenirs and of course a new pair of shoes! Most of the time my bag is lighter on the way back home than when I went!
More than fifty years of international travel, I learned early, blend in. Never look like an outsider. I pack my carry on with extra socks to change into as soon as I arrive at destination, a fresh T-shirt and not much more. First stop is local market to purchase inexpensive clothing worn by locals. Blend in. At end of travel, leave behind new purchases…
Agree. I think a good rule of thumb is to keep your carry-on at 20-23 pounds. By using weight as a the primary guideline, I can pack with a focus on lightweight washable clothes that can be layered. I use ziplock bags (one quart, and one gallon size) for toiletries.. 91 countries so far…Agree…I pack the same for three months as I would for a week. I do Add extras for cold weather…Enjoy the journey.
Weight is very limiting with some carriers. Please check every leg of your trip. The carrier you booked with may have different rules than one of their partners.
I like all the suggestions but when traveling where Need to switch hotels in different cities, I chose to roll my clothes and insert into my suitcase cylinder style ((not laying sideways). This allows me to not unpack anything, but simply pull out the “cylinder” I’m going to wear because I’m not digging through layers of items looking for something I want to wear. It saves me so much time getting ready daily and when leaving, I’m not repacking. The other ways mentioned in this stream are great if you’re able to unpack and stay at the same destination for awhile to make it worth it.
Having to use a laundromat in a foreign country can provide unexpected benefits. We met a guy who took us to a great jazz club in Paris. We bypassed the long line outside and had a premium table!I
Love the leave clothes behind idea!
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This bag is 25 years old. Land’s End. Our family had 4 of these and we travelled EVERYWHERE while our kids were growing up on three continents with just these bags that fit under the seat in front of us. Too bad you can’t get them anymore.
I can’t see the bag you’re talking about, but Rick Steves has a rectangular soft sided travel bag that converts to a backpack that is really popular.
We use the Eaglecreek Switchback bag with wheels, backpack straps and a zip-on daypack. We’ve been using the backpack carry-on bags since the 70’s when I made my own Frostline bags for travel through Africa.
A few thought:
-Prints don’t show dirt or stains as easily as plain. Carry a small bottle or a few packets of detergent for hand washing necessities. Cheap lightweight underwear is fast drying.
-Unless you are going to round up cattle leave the jeans at home. They are hot, weigh a lot, and take forever to dry.
-I never travel without my Petzl mini headlamp that swivels,. It is great for reading in bed. A small roll of nylon strapping tape rolled around a small pill bottle, superglue small tubes, screwdriver and screws for glasses, Imodium and a few cold tablets are all necessities. I also like the small battery operated candles that are 2/$1. You can stand them up and you don’t have to hold them. They are great next to the bed. Earplugs are important too.
-I peel and stick the labels from pill bottles onto a small vertical snack bag for carrying meds.
-Solid bar shampoo is good for travel with just a carry on. Cut it in half if it is more than you’ll need. You can get your hair very clean with baking soda (in water) for shampoo and vinegar and water 1:4 for rinse. They are cheap, easily available and non-toxic.
-I don’t drink caffeine so I carry decaf black tea bags or rooibos tea tags. Decaf coffee too if I have room.
– could go on and on but that’s it for now.
We’ve traveled in Europe for as long as 3-1/2 weeks with just carry-on luggage. As others have pointed out, the first priority is getting the right bag. I pack two or three pairs of black knit pants and however many tops I can fit in (depends on the season). Minimal toiletries, and four or five sets of underwear. I wear the bulkiest things on the plane, and I wear a coat with lots and lots of pockets, all stuffed with small stuff. If a laundry is conveniently available, I use it, and if not I wash things out in the sink. Shampoo works fine, so no need to bring detergent. I’ve found not having to deal with checked luggage significantly reduces the miserability index of flying.
I love to travel so i always like to get some suggestions. I save old ready to dispose pjs, socks, tshirts , etc to use when i travel internationally. I also use samples & disposable cosmetics/ toiletries. I use carry on & travel light. I wash clothes in the sink.
#7Continents #113Countries I ONLY pack #CarryOn – good comments here. I never use packing cubes or compression bags. I fold, don’t roll. Concentrate on packing light. Clean underwear is all I really care about. I pack my oldest and leave it behind after it’s been worn. I’m never concerned if I wear the same black or khaki pants 4-6 times and rotate tops.
No need to buy compression bags or cubes. Only gallon size ziplock bags. Roll your garments. Several underwear or one shirt or one sleepwear, etc will fit in each bag. Place the rolled garment(s) in the bag, then close it up except for a half-inch. Press down firmly to squeeze out all air, being ready to pinch closed that last half-inch of the ziplock. Everything stays clean, dry, organized, in tiny space. It works great, and ziplock bags weigh nothing.
I turn clothes inside out that I don’t plan to wear again on my trip. When I get home my laundry is ready for the washer.
Brooks walking shoes, for men, come in brown colours, black and white. They look formal and provide walking comfort. Excellent combinations for my travels…cheers…
1 Luggage… I try to use the lightest bag I can find with rollers (4-5lbs). Still ISO perfection on this.
2 Fold… I have long used the Marie Kondo fold (I thought I invented it), which is something between a fold and a roll… clothes are “filed” so you can see everything at once. If you want to unpack, you can easily transfer to drawers and back again.
3 Wrinkles… A travel size Downy wrinkle release plus spray, tide stick, small lint roller (plus shower steam) not only help smooth most fabrics, but can also be used to refresh clothes for an extra wear or two without washing.
4 Possibilities… Make sure your personal item can fully zip and be secured closed, just in case you want to check something extra on the way home. You can always carry a shopping bag on the plane…
The Marie Kondo fold has been a game changer for me for travel. It’s neat, takes less space and it’s awesome to easily see what I have. I used to roll, but like this much better. I use what I take better and don’t take extra.
Love the Marie Kondo fold–at home and in my carry on!
What exactly is the Marie Kondo fold/roll file system? Thanks
My situation is different because I backpack on Camino trails in Europe– so I aim for my carry- on (backpack) to be 12 lbs. Or less, plus my DLSR camera and water (filled after my flight). I use turkey baster bags for separating cold weather gear, underwear and day wear, and sandals. Toiletries and meds in ziplock bags. I can’t bring old clothes to give away because I’d have to carry too much to start. Because my clothes dry quickly, I wash things in the wash basin nightly. This is for 4-6 week trips.
You can recycle the light weight plastic bags from the cleaners. Roll or fold your clothes in the bags to prevent clothes from wrinkles. I stuff bagged underwear and socks inside my shoes. I always pack an extra pair of prescription glasses. Ginger chews or candies are a must for calming an upset stomach. Try using a small fanny pack for easy to get to items (tickets, ID, cash) they do not consider this a personal carry on item.
Instead of expensive compression bags or cubes, use jumbo ziplocks and squeeze all the air out. You can then use one for wet bathing suits or whatever. And if security insist on going through your case, these are easy to repack and, since they are transparent, they don’t have to empty them out. Use this for checked suitcase too.
We travel a lot both domestic and overseas. We almost never check luggage as it is too costly for us. So everything goes into the carryons thanks to compression bags, small toiletries, minimal clothing (easy wash, quick dry fabrics), and my personal bag holds extras along with my purse. The personal bag also has a sleeve that allows me to slide it over the carryon handle. My husband has sleep apnea so that bag does not count as a personal bag and also holds some extras. The article has some good advice and I recommend it for travelers. PS, the carryon rule is what we stick to regardless of the trip length.
I just don’t understand why people leave old clothing for hotel staff. I would feel insulted. It probably ends up in another country’s garbage anyhow.
I beg to differ. After seeing extreme poverty in India, I gave the majority of my clothing ( bought specifically for the trip at discount shops) to the underprivileged. I plan on doing same on my next trip to Africa.
We did the same in India and Africa. Poverty is so bad in those countries. They were very appreciative.
There are also places to donate just like st home. AND, you can ask the staff if it’s ok before you just leave things behind. For example in Mexico I brought my clothes to a laundry and gave the reception the ticket [since I was short on time]. I always leave behind clean clothes. Using a local service laundry also supports the locals. And, finally, in a pinch, you can always just not pick it up and the laundry can use, sell, or donate the clothes.
You are so right. It’s based on an assumption that the hotel staff want or need them. Besides, it’s rude. The staff accept the items usually to avoid offending the one giving and to keep their jobs.
I think it’s fine as long as people don’t think it makes up for not leaving a generous tip.
Over 60 years of travelling, first with my parents and now with my partner and various friends – never used packing cubes or compression bags, I use large department store plastic bags, different size ziplock baggies and the roll method. All clothes in one large store bag, undies rolled inside the clothes or in a gallon ziplock. Liquid toiletries in a quart ziplock. Chargers in a quart ziplock. Toiletry kit for non liquids. I also have an iPad, sometimes a digital camera and various chargers – those go in their own backpack compartments. That may sound like a lot of stuff, but I’ve never felt the need for packing cubes as I think they just add more layers and more places where I would need to look for things. I can pack everything for a two-week trip in a carry-on compliant backpack. As for what to take, I agree with the article – layers, mix and match, items that can be worn more than once, fewer toiletries when staying in hotels, wear heavier items on the plane, etc.
My essential packing tip: check a bag. Packing cubes allow for easy access to all items at one’s destination while keeping an unpacked suitcase organized.
I usually do on the way back from a trip. But I have had my luggage lag behind enough times that I don’t always want to worry about it catching up with me.
Great advice! I use all these tips except one (rolling clothes – just don’t have the patience for that). I have traveled the last 14 years internationally for 2 to 6 weeks with only a rolling bag (eBags 21”x14”x9”) and a small backpack. If you use the layering trick and pack clothes for 7-10 days, you are ready for a trip 2 to 3 times that long. “Bundling” (per Jennifer T) works if you stay in one place, but it seems you’d have to unpack & repack everything daily if you move around frequently. Packing cubes (or zip locks or the zip bags that bed linens come in) are like having a chest of drawers in your bag. One for tops, one for bottoms, one for all my underwear, small ones for makeup / lotions / electronics / meds. Scarves, flip flops and other small items go in the spaces between the frame at the bottom/back of the rolling bag. Backpack items: phone/iPad; earbuds, chargers, plug adapter and headlamp (a trip essential) in a small zip bag; my small crossbody purse containing my passport, money and credit cards etc.; meds, snacks, reading material; small water bottle to be filled after going through security.
2 wheels vs. 4 wheeled bags: I just returned from an 2 week trip across France with a friend. She had a 4 wheel bag, mine has 2, they each had the same maximum dimensions. I easily had 10% more space in mine, since the space between the 2 wheels was available packing space. On hers, that space was air outside the bag. I used that space on the way over for gifts for friends, then on the way back for clothes & items which I bought during the trip.
I love the bundle method if I am traveling somewhere and staying put for a few days. Upon arrival I remove the bundle and hang all of the items up. When coming home, I quickly bundle with less care taken for wrinkles. One of my favorite packing websites, OneBag, holds that “pressure on a crease equals a wrinkle”.
However, if I am going to be on the move, such as for a week long Ireland tour, I prefer to roll. I can leave items in my carry on intact, only removing an item or two daily. At night I remove what I’m wearing the next day, roll the dirty stuff, and only need to add rolled nightclothes and toiletries bag in the morning. It makes for much quicker packing, especially if we need to be ready early. I’ve also found that when I roll some items such as long pants or long sleeved shirts, it helps to wrap a scarf, tank, or some other small stretchy item around the larger one to keep it tight. I’ve even used wide rubber bands or hair ties to secure the rolled items, depending on what they are.
A wheeled bag with zippered expansion makes sense to me, as we always accumulate a few items while traveling. In addition, packing later on a trip is just never quite as efficient as when we set forth, so a little expansion needs to be considered just for that too. If offered free of charge, we tend to check bags on the way home if we suspect the expanded version is too large.
When we travel we pack 2 empty garbage bags so when we take off our dirty clothes they get “refolded” and back into one suitcase. This way the dirty clothes do not touch the clean and can be dumped in the hamper when home. Extra ziplock bags are always hand for odds and end. Another thing we do is bring along a plastic clothesline and some clothes pins to hang and dry our clothes in the hotel room. We also bring small travel fans too keep our rooms cool at night.
Rolling works for me because the dense packing allows more to fit in the suitcase. But what about on the way home when I’m carrying dirty laundry? The clothes now take up more space because they’re not as densely packed as they were when they were rolled. I learned this the hard way on a trip hope from London a few years ago. The only thing that saved me was that I had the amenity kit bag that I got on the plane on the way over. It was perfect for the overflow of dirty clothes.
Some good tips in the article and even better ones in the comments.
One thing to watch out for: United airlines has started offering fares that DON’T ALLOW a carry on. It’s called ‘Economy Basic’ and you have to read the restrictions. It is only supposed to allow for a personal item. But when we went to check in, my husband was able to take his sizeable backpack, but I had to pay $30 to check smaller one because I also had my knitting bag. Grr.