Travel Packing: 10 Tips for How to Pack for Travel Using Only Carry-On Luggage

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Traveling light with only a carry-on can seem challenging, but it is possible with these 10 smart packing tips.

Travel Packing: WHY You Should Only Pack Carry-On

Let’s start off first by discussing WHY you should only pack a carry-on bag.

Hassle

Checked bags can sometimes get lost or delayed, especially on connecting flights. With carry-on luggage, you keep your belongings with you the entire time. Even if you are on a smaller aircraft and they have to gate-check your bag, they take them directly down to put them in the underbody of your plane and then bring them back up to the jet bridge when you disembark the plane.

Similar to carrying a large purse, the bigger the bag, the more you tend to stuff into it. Carrying a smaller bag forces you to pack more efficiently, which will help you avoid overpacking things you don’t need, and dragging around a lot of extra stuff.

Traveling light means you can move around more easily, whether you’re catching a train or navigating crowded airports. You don’t have to worry about hauling around heavy suitcases.

Plus, one beneficial feature is having options. If flight delays happen, you have more options if your luggage is with you. If you have checked luggage, you normally will need to stay on the same flight as your luggage which limits your options.

Money

Many airlines charge for checked luggage, so you can avoid these additional fees by using a carry-on. The heavier the checked bag, the higher the cost.

Plus, if everyone has multiple large suitcases, you’ll have to rent a larger vehicle to haul everything around or take 2 Ride Shares (Uber/Lyft/Taxi) to fit everything.

Time

By carrying your luggage, you’ll skip waiting in line to check in your luggage before your flight and waiting on your luggage at baggage claim when you land. You’ll get to start your vacation while others are still waiting on their checked luggage at baggage claim.

Travel Packing: Carry-On Roller Bag Luggage

A great carry-on bag combines functionality, durability, and convenience.

Tip 1: Size Matters

Each airline has its own size restrictions, so you’ll want to confirm what is allowed with your purchased ticket. Different airlines have different rules, especially when traveling on international flights. Select a carry-on bag that fits within the airline’s size restrictions.

Overhead space does get filled up, so you might have to gate-check your bag if there is no room left to store your bag in the overhead bins. Unless specifically told that your bag is being checked to your destination at the gate, these gate-checked bags will be picked up on the jet bridge immediately upon getting off the airplane. There are also some aircraft with small overhead bins and you will have to gate-check your bag on those flights as well. This is not a big deal and no extra cost to you.

We have been very satisfied with our Tumi luggage. If you would like to check out the same one as shown on the right in the picture, click HERE. The carry-on bag on the left is no longer available as Chandler has had that roller bag for over 20 years.

Tip 2: What To Pack and Not Pack In Your Carry-On Roller Bag

Don’t pack the What-If’s: It’s tempting to pack for every potential situation, but remember that you can buy things if needed during your trip. Stick to what you’ll actually need, and leave room for souvenirs or unexpected items you might pick up along the way.

Shoes are an interesting topic. It’s easy to get carried away here, but shoes take up a lot of space, so keep that in mind when you are deciding what outfits to wear and how many shoes you NEED to take rather than WANT to take.

Stick to neutral colors that can easily be mixed and matched. Aim for items you can wear in multiple ways, like pants that allow the legs to be unzipped to transform into shorts. Stick to lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics as they reduce the overall weight of your bag as well as reduce the bulkiness that takes up space.

One area where Chandler and I disagree is on packing and whether rolling your clothes really does save space over folding. We do agree on rolling your socks and putting those in your shoes, but it’s up to you whether you fold or roll. Rolling might help with wrinkles, but again, that’s not confirmed either.

Tip 3: What To Wear On The Plane

If you’re bringing a jacket or hiking boots that take up a lot of space, wear them on the plane. This leaves more room in your bag for other essentials and saves you from packing extra layers.

Tip 4: Don’t Over Pack

It’s tempting to pack for every potential situation, but remember that you can buy things if needed during your trip. Stick to what you’ll actually need, and leave room for souvenirs or unexpected items you might pick up along the way.

You can also check to see if the facilities have laundry facilities.

Travel Packing: Back Pack

A backpack is an important part of the carry-on experience. Whether you are traveling for work or for play a good backpack can help keep you organized.

Tip 5: Type Matters

Find a backpack that has the option on the back that allows you to slip this over the handle of your carry-on bag. This holds the backpack in place, so when walking through the airport it doesn’t keep slipping off.

Multiple compartments also help you keep things organized. Ours has a cushioned compartment for the computer that also cushions your back when you are wearing the backpack. A side compartment for your water bottle is helpful. A small compartment for tip money is also helpful so you aren’t rummaging through your bag when you need to give your driver a tip.

Tip 6: What To Put In Your Back Pack

Tumi has a wonderful selection of backpacks that you can check out here, but there are a lot of awesome backpacks available to choose from.

Tip 7: Extra Things That Might Prove Useful

• Cash for tipping.
• Lightweight backpack for when you get to your destination.
• Extra credit card
• Small snacks so you don’t have to purchase the expensive ones in the airport.
• Drink packs to spruce up water. (Emergen-C or Propel)

Travel Packing: Toiletry Kit

Tip 8: Versatility Matters

A clear opening is very handy so you can easily display your liquids when going through the security checkpoint.

Tip 9: Use Travel Size Bottles

Per TSA requirements, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

I transfer my hair and skin products to travel-size bottles if I can’t buy my products in travel sizes. Only take what you believe you will need for the time gone.

Tip 10: Don’t Over Pack

We stay at Hilton properties, and they supply a nice shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, blow dryer, and clothes iron in each room. Don’t bring those extra items unless you have a specific reason for needing them. Plus, unless you are hiking in a remote location, you can always purchase anything you have accidentally forgotten.

Conclusion: Travel Packing Can Be Easy When You Follow These 10 Tips

By following these 10 tips, you’ll be able to pack efficiently and travel light with only a carry-on. Not only will you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim, but you’ll also have a smoother, more enjoyable trip! Happy travels! 🌍✈️