The Carry-on Challenge: How to Pack Everything You Need in One Bag
Over my 15 years of travel—yes, 15 years of countless flights, endless destinations, and oh-so-many airport mishaps—one thing I've learned is that traveling light isn't just a skill; it's an art. Mastering it has been my golden ticket to traveling stress-free and enjoying the adventure, not the hassle that comes with lugging a mountain of bags.
I wasn’t always a packing minimalist. There was a time when I couldn’t leave without half my wardrobe, every beauty product I owned, and (embarrassingly) three pairs of shoes for a weekend trip. But after wrestling with bulky suitcases in crowded train stations and paying more than I’d like to admit in checked baggage fees, I’ve seen the light. Traveling light is freedom, plain and simple.
I want to share with you what’s worked for me after years of trial and error—and plenty of overpacking disasters. Follow along, and by the end, you’ll feel ready to conquer your own packing!
Choose the Perfect Luggage for Your Needs
According to Market.us, 76% of U.S. consumers consider luggage size and dimensions the most critical factors when buying new luggage, followed closely by weight and durability. And honestly? I couldn’t agree more. Choosing the right bag is just as important as what goes inside it. Over time, I’ve realized that the right luggage makes all the difference between a seamless trip and one where you’re struggling to zip your suitcase moments before boarding.
1. Size and Weight Are Everything
Years ago, I upgraded to a well-designed carry-on suitcase, and honestly, it felt like a downsize. I’ll admit, it was hard to part ways with the luxury of “options.” But limiting myself to carry-on size forced me to be intentional. Trust me, it made things so much easier—no waiting at baggage claims, no wrestling huge cases through narrow streets in Italy. I recommend lightweight carry-on bags that fit major airline dimensions. Smaller bags = fewer impulse items. It’s that simple!
2. Prioritize Durability
If I could go back in time, I would not have gone cheap on my first suitcase. I've had my fair share of snapped handles and broken wheels mid-trip (nightmare fuel, right?). A durable bag is your travel BFF. Look for reinforced zippers, a sturdy frame, and water-resistant fabric. My current bag has lasted six years and counting—it’s the MVP of my travel game.
3. Versatility Wins Every Time
Ever tried a convertible backpack? Game-changer! Mine has detachable compartments and can expand if I pick up a few souvenirs. Bonus points for quick-access pockets for passports or snacks—because you will get hungry while waiting at security.
Simplify Wardrobe Planning
Raise your hand if you've overpacked clothes you never wore! Same. Learning to pack a minimalist yet versatile wardrobe has been a revelation, and I finally feel like I’ve cracked the code.
1. Multi-Purpose Clothing for the Win
Every item I pack has to earn its spot. A lightweight scarf? It’s my in-flight comfort, a beach sarong, and sometimes even a makeshift picnic blanket. I’ve also got a trusty dress that works with sandals for day trips but can be spruced up with a necklace for a dinner out. Versatility = packing superpower.
2. Stick to a Palette (It’s More Fun Than You Think)
Once I started building travel wardrobes around neutral tones, I had so much less stress deciding what to wear. Bringing basics in black, beige, or white gave me endless mix-and-match options, and I’d pick a few standout colorful pieces to jazz it up. My “palette packing” approach saves time and so much luggage space!
3. Comfort First, Always
The first time I underestimated the importance of comfy shoes, I ended up hobbling through cobblestone streets in Paris after just one day. Learn from my mistakes—prioritize breathable fabrics and shoes that you can walk in all day (bonus if they’re stylish and supportive).
Reimagine Your Toiletry Bag
Toiletries used to be my Achilles' heel. I couldn’t travel without my full skincare lineup, which, when combined with makeup, took up half my carry-on. Now, I’m all about streamlining.
1. Invest in Travel-Sized Solutions
I’m obsessed with reusable travel bottles. Instead of hauling full-sized products, I decant just what I need. (Tip for skincare lovers like me—double up these bottles by filling halfway; it’s plenty!) Plus, it ensures you stay within those pesky airline liquid rules.
2. Multi-Use Magic
I’ve fallen in love with a tinted moisturizer that doubles as my makeup base and SPF. And my shampoo doubles as a body wash in a pinch! By cutting down on single-use items, I’ve saved so much space and hassle.
3. Marie Kondo Your Routine
Less is always more on vacation. I used to pack “just in case” products, but now, I strip my routine to the non-negotiables. For beach vacations, I focus on sunscreen, a good cleanser, and a hydrating lip balm. For city trips? Mascara and a tiny perfume spritz kit do the trick.
Packing Hacks I Swear By
Packing is no longer a dreaded chore because I’ve learned how to do it efficiently. These techniques have changed my life—and my luggage!
1. Roll, Don’t Fold
This one’s a game-changer. Rolling clothes instead of folding saves so much space and keeps wrinkles at bay. I roll everything—tees, dresses, even jeans. It’s so satisfying to see how much fits this way!
2. Packing Cubes = Sanity Savers
For years, I dismissed packing cubes as unnecessary, but oh boy, was I wrong. They keep my belongings organized to perfection. I’ll pack tops in one, bottoms in another, and smaller items, like socks, in a separate cube. Everything’s easy to find, and unpacking is a breeze.
3. Leave No Space Empty
I tuck socks in shoes, roll belts, and use every gap. Once, I even squeezed a paperback book into the side pocket of my suitcase. It all adds up and makes a big difference.
Travel-Friendly Tech Tips
Tech can quickly weigh you down if you’re not careful. I’ve gone from traveling with every gadget I owned to fitting it all into one slim pouch.
1. Essentials Only
I debated bringing my DSLR camera on a recent trip to Thailand but decided against it. My phone’s camera was more than enough, and it saved me the stress of carrying and protecting extra gear. Stick with a phone, charger, and maybe an e-reader—and you’re set!
2. Gadgets That Do Double Duty
A multi-port USB charger is worth every penny—it’s compact and charges my phone, tablet, and headphones all at once. Fewer cords = fewer headaches.
3. Stay Organized
To avoid rummaging through my bag for chargers, I pack them in a designated case. It keeps them tidy and prevents damage. My rule? If it doesn’t fit in the pouch, it stays home.
Laundry Is Your Secret Weapon
Being open to doing a little laundry while traveling completely transformed my approach to packing. You’d be surprised how easy—and refreshing—it can be!
1. Handwashing Essentials Are Your Friend
I always pack a mini detergent bottle and collapsible laundry line. Washing a couple of items in the sink takes ten minutes and stretches my wardrobe. I once did this nightly for a 10-day trip in Japan with just seven outfits!
2. Take Advantage of Hotel Services
Sometimes splurging on a laundry service is worth it, especially for longer trips. Coming back to fresh clothes partway through my Italy travels felt like hitting “refresh” on my suitcase.
3. Research Laundromats Beforehand
For budget-friendly options, I plan ahead and scope out laundromats near my stay. It frees me from the urge to overpack, knowing clean clothes are just a short detour away.
Daily Wisdom:
- The “Carry-On” Rule: Challenge yourself to limit all your items to one carry-on for your next trip. You’ll discover just how liberating light travel can be!
- Two-Hour Wardrobe Check: Lay out everything you’re planning to bring and walk away for two hours. Return and cut your selection by at least 20%. Chances are, you’ll thank yourself later.
- Test Your Limits: Try packing a capsule wardrobe for your next trip. Pick 10 mix-and-match items and see how many outfits you can create.
- Set a Souvenir Strategy: Make room in your bag for keepsakes by packing less—or adopt my rule of “one in, one out”: for every new item brought back, leave something behind.
- Packing Rituals: Make packing a meditative process. Set a timer, play music, and treat it as a moment to visualize your upcoming adventure.
Less Baggage, More Freedom!
Packing light isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset shift. By ditching the excess weight, you’re opening yourself up to more freedom, more mobility, and more adventure. Suddenly, it’s not about the things you’re carrying but the memories you’re creating. Trust me, this way of traveling is completely worth it. Your next adventure awaits—with just one bag.
