It doesn't matter where you're going or how long you'll be there: Almost anyone can pack in a carry-on bag. We mean it.
It may seem daunting, but just think of how many times you've packed a large suitcase only to come back from your two-week vacation with a third of your clothes and shoes untouched. You can do it – we believe in you. The whole Thrifty Traveler team, men and women, packs in a carry-on every time.
And the stakes are higher than ever as airlines are losing or mishandling checked bags at record rates – especially over in Europe. While it might be hard to squeeze what you need into just a carry-on bag the first time, that's much better than showing up to your destination only to find that your bag hasn't arrived. Sure, throwing an Apple AirTag in your checked bag can help … but avoiding checking luggage altogether is the only 100% bet you can make.
There are plenty of other reasons to skip the big luggage pack for your trip in a carry-on bag:
- It's almost always free to carry-on … while checked bags can cost $30 to $75 each way.
- Save time by not having to wait in line to drop off a bag or wait for it at baggage claim.
- It's easier to get around with smaller luggage in rental cars, on trains, or walking down the street.
Sounds great, right? But where do you start? The biggest hurdle for most travelers is the fear you won't have everything you need – and the certainty that a carry-on is out of the question.
But if you follow these tips, you'll be a freewheeling, carry-on packing pro in no time.
Get the Right Bag
First things first, you need a good carry-on bag.
We've highlighted some of our favorite carry-on bags, but our list is by no means exhaustive. There are plenty of great carry-on bags out there that will suit your needs.
Decide whether you want the lightweight bonus of a soft-sided bag or the extra protection of a harder polycarbonate or metallic carry on. Look for the extra features you want like a fold-out laundry bag, zippered compartments, and more.
Here are a few of our favorite options right now:
- We're all big fans of Away Carry-On Luggage, which start at $275 for a standard size
- Calpak makes a great, sleek, and high-quality carry-on like the Ambeur line starting at $195
- Want something soft-sided? Travelers swear by Travelpro gear, like this 20-inch carry on starting at $144
You'll want to keep the size in mind. Most major U.S. airlines require carry-on bags to be no larger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. Most carry-on bags you can buy today fit that bill – including some larger versions. Just keep in mind that some European airlines have slightly smaller requirements, and bigger carry-on bags may not fit in the overhead compartments of smaller regional jets in the U.S.
Check the Weather at Your Destination
Knowing what weather to expect can drastically cut down on the items you need to pack. Sunny skies, warm weather, and a super low chance of rain means you can leave your rain jacket and bulkier clothes at home. Pack one or two light sweaters or a thin jacket for cooler nights. If it is going to be rainy most days, leave the warm weather clothes at home.
By packing specifically for the weather ahead, you can cut down on the items you just won't need.
Pack for One Week at a Time
You're on the road for two weeks or more and you're convinced there's no way you can pack all the clothes you need into a carry-on bag. There's a solution for that.
It's called laundry.
Stay at an Airbnb for at least part of your stay and make sure it has a washer and dryer. Or take advantage of the wash and fold laundry at your hotel. Even if it's $10 or $20, you're still likely saving money on checked bag fees. Worst case scenario: Look to see if there's a laundromat near your hotel, then find somewhere to grab lunch or a drink while you wait for your laundry to finish.
Pack Versatile Clothing
Don't get caught up thinking you need different outfits for every day and evening of your trip. Most of the time, you probably won't end up going back to your hotel to change for dinner.
Do some research beforehand on restaurants and have an idea of the kind of places you'll want to eat at. If you have a fancier restaurant in mind, pack one nicer outfit for that evening. If you end up going to another nice restaurant you can always wash and wear that outfit again.
Pack tops and bottoms that are versatile and can be worn for most of the activities you choose to do. While it might be hard if you enjoy changing your outfit up and being fashionable, lean on small accessories to change up your outfits. For women, this might mean packing neutral colors for tops and sweaters and then packing a few scarfs and jewelry. They take up less space and can spice up that black shirt you might wear a few times.
Keep Your Clothes Fresh
The last thing you want to do is put your dirty clothes, wet swimsuit, or muddy shoes in with all of your clean clothes.
Use shoe bags to keep your shoes nice, but also separate the dirt from your clothes.
Waterproof bags like these are stylish and extremely useful. I use one for clean clean socks and underwear, and another for my dirty clothes. The extra pocket also comes in handy for a wet swimsuit.
Always bring along a Tide To-Go pen or Shout wipes for immediate use on stains. And if you use dryer sheets at home, throw one in your suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Pack Strategically
There are a couple of schools of thought on packing. Two of the top methods are rolling clothes and/or using packing cubes. I subscribe to the rolling method but others on our team are packing cube converts:
“I used to be a packing cubes hater, but I’ve recently come to the dark side and am never going back. I love having all my clothes neatly organized and easy to grab. I highly recommend spending a little extra for nice, light and breathable packing cubes like these from eBags for $29.99.”
Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes Onboard
Wear your jacket and a sweater on board. You can fold up your jacket and stick in the overhead bin. And you may want a sweater to be comfortable on your flight anyways.
If you've got boots or bigger shoes, wear them on the plane, too. But there's an even more important thing to keep in mind when packing shoes.
Cut Down on Shoes
If there's one way to save space, cutting down on the number of shoes you pack will do it.
Do you really need that enormous pair of boots or three pairs of high heels? Stick to versatile shoes and pack the minimum amount you will need. A smart pair of tennis shoes can work for hiking and the average night out. If you need a nicer pair of shoes, stick to one pair at most that can work with almost any outfit. Throw a pair of flip flops in if the weather and destination warrants it. And again, wear the bulkiest shoes on the plane to save space.
Repackage Your Toiletries
Stop packing full-size bottles of shampoo or body wash. They take up too much space and can't get through TSA.
Instead, bring small versions of your toiletries like toothpaste and deodorant. And when you can't find 3oz versions of your favorite products, use reusable bottles like GoToobs from Amazon to hold your shampoo, conditioner, lotion and more in. They’re made of soft silicone and won't crack as some other travel-size bottles will.
Focus on packing the invaluable toiletries that you can't leave home without – that specific conditioner brand, or any special creams or medications. Then rely on your accommodations for what you're not as picky about.
And remember: If something doesn't fit, you can buy most things you need at your destination. When heading to a beach destination, I rarely bring sunscreen but stop at a supermarket to buy some. Members of the team bring a small bottle of contact solution and then buy another, if need be. It adds some cost, but it's often cheaper than any checked bag fees you'd pay.
Thrifty Tip: Don't pack a hairdryer. Every hotel will have one in the room. Or when choosing an Airbnb, you can select ‘hairdryer' as one of your must-have amenities. As for flatirons or curling irons, you can buy small travel sizes, but I find it's easy to find a little extra room for one.
Maximize Your Personal Item
Finding the perfect personal item can be a game-changer for sticking with a carry-on bag. Think of it as a second carry-on bag, and that daunting task of packing everything you need will seem easier.
We're big fans of eBags Professional Slim Laptop backpacks because there's dedicated space for a laptop, tablet, electronics, and more. And even after all that, there's still space for a change of clothes and your toiletry bag. But no matter which bag you use, make sure it keeps you organized while giving you some extra space to pack what you need.
What should you pack in your personal item? I always start by thinking about what I will want to grab throughout the flight. For me, this includes a small bag with medicine such as antacids, Advil, and melatonin to sleep on the plane. Having your toiletries handy is also helpful on a long-haul flight. Noise canceling headphones, a battery pack, sleep mask, and a change of clothes might also be on your list.
Thrifty Tip: Pack a travel size package of wet wipes in your personal item. Sitting in a small seat for seven-plus hours on a plane isn't great to start with, imagine if it was super dirty. Give your seat and tray table a wipe down right away and you'll be more comfortable.
Give the Carry-On a Shot
This is really what it boils down to. You just need to try it.
Maybe you've been packing in 50-pound suitcases your entire life, no matter whether you're leaving for a few weeks or just a few days. It's convinced you that you need that enormous bag.
But the reality is that you'll fill whatever space you have, whether it's a small backpack, a carry-on, or a massive trunk. Use our strategies and you might just find out how much easier it is to travel with a carry-on.
Bottom Line
Once you join team carry on, you never go back.
We get it, it's daunting. If you're used to packing in huge checked bags, the prospect of downsizing to a 20-inch carry-on bag seems unreasonable – if not impossible. But with these tips, it can be done.
This is SO true!!
I worked for a company for a while that had me traveling every week, and their policy was no checked baggage (so we were never delayed by waiting for it to come off the plane). Packing smart in a carry-on & a backpack is my fav way to travel now!
Wondering, though, when traveling with a little one is checking a bag a better idea than wrangling a toddler, 3 carryons, 3 smaller backpacks/purses, a stroller and a car seat? I’d love to avoid the checked bag fees but has anyone been successful when traveling with little ones and not checking a bag?
I’m almost 6’ tall and decently built, so it’s a small challenge for me to squeeze all I need in a carry-on and a backpack, as L/XL shirts, 36+ pants/shorts, and shoes/flops size 11+ add heft really quickly. I’d say 4 out of 5 times I travel I make it work, though, and it’s a no-brainer if the trip is less than 4 days. If you’re below 6’ / 220 lbs and not traveling to an Arctic climate, this should be a breeze.
As someone who travels for work and leisure, I really had to start doing this. Brining a checked bag is usually not needed unless you are on a very long trip or going to an ethnic wedding. Otherwise mak we it work. Packing cubes are a life saver.
Packing cubes are great. Carryon only for over 30 years, no problem for even a 4 week trip, wash clothes in sink, roll in towel, then use in room hair blower to finish drying, works great. Pack all neutrals, 1 dress, 1 dress shoes, several scarfs to change looks, 2 slacks, 5 tops, 3 socks, 4 undies, 2 bras, 1 slip, 1 windbreaker plus what I’m wearing on the plane which includes a jacket. I roll clothes. I’m a size 3x and have no problems. Carryon is the way to go.