How to travel with a carry-on only

First things first, you need a solid carry-on bag that fits airline size restrictions and works for your travel style. Look for something lightweight, durable, and with smart organization. For example, the Away Carry-On or the Osprey Porter 46 are great options—they’re both under 22 inches and have plenty of compartments for easy access. If you’re into backpacks, the Peak Design Travel Backpack is a real shift for its expandability and comfort. Don’t forget to check your airline’s size limits, though, because they can vary. A good rule of thumb is to stick to bags that are around 21-22 inches long. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person frantically repacking at the gate because your bag’s too big.

This might sound like a fashion blog tip, but hear me out—planning your outfits around a cohesive color scheme saves so much space. Stick to a neutral base like black, navy, or gray, and add a couple of accent colors for variety. For example, if you pack black pants, a gray sweater, and a white shirt, you can mix and match them with a few colorful scarves or accessories. I once traveled for two weeks in Europe with just three tops, two bottoms, and one dress, all in complementary colors. It worked like a charm! This way, you can create multiple outfits without overpacking. Plus, everything will coordinate, so you won’t have to stress about clashing pieces.

Packing cubes are a total real shift when you’re traveling with just a carry-on. They keep your bag organized, make it easy to find what you need, and maximize space. I like to use one cube for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and socks, and a smaller one for accessories or electronics. Brands like Eagle Creek or Amazon Basics make affordable, durable options. If you’re really tight on space, try compression cubes—they squeeze out extra air so you can fit more in. I’ve found that packing cubes also help me resist the urge to overpack because I can see exactly how much space I have left. No more digging through a jumbled mess to find your favorite shirt!

If you’re bringing a jacket, boots, or a chunky sweater, wear them on the plane instead of packing them. This frees up so much space in your carry-on. I always wear my bulkiest shoes when I travel—like my Doc Martens or hiking boots—and layer up with a hoodie or scarf if it’s chilly. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference. For example, if you’re traveling to a cold climate, wear your coat and layer a sweater underneath. You can always take layers off if you get too warm. Same goes for shoes—if you’re bringing boots, wear them on the plane and pack a pair of lightweight sneakers or sandals instead. Your back (and your bag) will thank you.

Toiletries can take up way more space than they should, so stick to the basics and decant everything into travel-sized containers. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule means you can only bring liquids under 3.4 ounces in a quart-sized bag, so plan accordingly. I like to use refillable silicone bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and I keep them in a clear, zip-top bag for easy security checks. If you’re staying in hotels or Airbnbs, you can often skip packing things like shampoo or soap altogether. And if you’re really tight on space, consider solid alternatives like bar soap, shampoo bars, or even a solid perfume. They’re compact, TSA-friendly, and last forever. Pro tip: if you forget something, you can usually buy it at your destination.

When you’re packing light, you want clothes that can do double duty and won’t wrinkle like crazy. Look for fabrics like merino wool, polyester blends, or rayon—these materials are lightweight, breathable, and resistant to wrinkles. For example, a merino wool sweater can be dressed up with a scarf or dressed down with jeans, and it won’t smell after a few wears. I also love packing clothes that can transition from day to night, like a black jumpsuit or a wrap dress. Avoid stiff fabrics like linen or cotton button-ups if you’re prone to wrinkles—they’ll look like you slept in them by the time you land. And if you do end up with a few wrinkles, hang your clothes in the bathroom while you shower—the steam will help smooth them out.

One of the biggest myths about traveling with a carry-on is that you can’t do laundry. But guess what? You totally can! If you’re traveling for more than a week, plan to do a load of laundry mid-trip. Many hotels and Airbnbs have laundry facilities, or you can use a local laundromat. I like to pack a small bag of laundry detergent sheets—they’re lightweight and take up almost no space. If you’re really in a pinch, you can hand-wash clothes in the sink with a bit of shampoo or soap. Hang them up to dry overnight, and they’ll be good to go by morning. Another trick is to pack quick-drying fabrics, like polyester or merino wool, so your clothes dry faster. Trust me, doing laundry on the road is way easier than lugging around two weeks’ worth of clothes.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to bring back a few souvenirs from your trip. That’s why it’s important to leave a little extra space in your carry-on for those treasures. I like to pack a foldable tote bag in my carry-on—it takes up almost no space and can be used as an extra bag on the way home. Another trick is to wear your bulkiest items (like a jacket or boots) on the return flight to free up space. If you’re really tight on space, consider shipping souvenirs home instead. I’ve done this with fragile items like ceramics or bottles of wine, and it’s saved me a ton of hassle. And if all else fails, just remember: you can always buy a cheap souvenir bag at your destination if you need to.