18 Carry on Packing Tips from a Frequent Traveler

I was once that overpacked traveler. My overstuffed checked bag This would be a running gag amongst my family and close friends. Claire is here with her 75-pound luggage for a 5-day trip. It wasn’t until I lost my bag on a business trip to the Caribbean that I was left with only a swimsuit for three days. And, after one too many baggage claim heart attacks after that—and a growing awareness of just how much airlines were charging to haul my overstuffed suitcase—I made a quiet vow: I’d become a carry-on-only traveler. 

After 50 countries, I have mastered the art of packing (without sacrificing my style). Here are my top packing hacks to keep my suitcase lighter, my clothes in great shape, my wallet happy, and my sanity.

Compression packing Cubes

You can’t use packing cubes What will you be doing in 2025? These are not jokes. Bagsmart compression cubes They have literally saved my life in the past few months. The cubes are not only super compact (even when they’re stuffed full), but also hold a surprising number of clothes. The large cube can fit up to six knitted shirts. The medium cube holds around 11 shirts. And the small cube is able to hold four sports bras, some matching leggings, and about four sports shirts. The shoe bag can fit two pairs of shoes, and not just soft foldable shoes.

Travel Toiletry Bottles

I never poured or packed my toiletries at home. These travel-sized shampoos and conditioners are getting more expensive in today’s economy. Instead, these reusable toiletry bottles They are both practical and beautiful. Each one holds enough shampoo, conditioners, lotions, shaving creams, and other hair products to last a 10 day trip. Plus, a carry bag is included to keep any mess contained. 

Electronics Organizer

I will be the first (my husband is a close second), to admit that I am not the most organized person in the world. When it comes to packing lighter (read: fitting in two weeks worth of clothes for two different climates into one carry-on), however, you have to become more organized. Enter this electronics organizerIt costs less than $10, and it actually works on my ADHD brain.

It has seven compartments. There are three for computer cords and phone chargers. Two fit charging blocks or a wireless Apple Mouse. And smaller ones can fit everything from earbuds all the way to phone blocks. Since I started using it, I have only lost one cord.

Matching Set

I’m obsessed with matching sets. I almost always wear matching sets, whether I’m chasing my 6-year-old child around the playground or running to the gate. this cute set from Amazon. You can’t beat the price—at $39, it comes to about $20 per item.

I don’t feel ashamed to admit I have them in all the colors available and I mix each one to suit my mood. For the airport, I wear black and white sneakers with grey to the grocery store. Tan is for the park. It’s also super stretchy and soft (a Skims-like fabric, in my opinion), which makes me feel confident even as I sprint through the terminals. 

The wrinkle-release spray

You need an alternative when you are living out of your suitcase and traveling in places that don’t have irons. Think hostels, cruises, and Airbnbs. This is why I love it Downy Wrinkle-release Spray that gets rid of creases—meaning I can happily pack lightweight linen outfits on my travels without needing to carry a portable steamer.

You just spray the product on the fabric and pull it quickly. Most (if no all) wrinkles are removed. Bonus? It adds a fresh scent and helps remove odors too—a game changer when you’re wearing garments multiple times between washes (another key to packing carry-on-only). 

Carry-on suitcase

I have more than 15 suitcases of different sizes, styles and materials. My new favorite, after testing them all as a travel reporter, is this Quince Carry-on. It is simple and without frills but has held up the best of any I own.

It’s in my bag evergreen hue. but I would like to add this soft blue to my repertoire, especially with some business trips coming up. The bag is large enough to hold a full week of clothing, has 360-degree rotating wheels that make it easy to maneuver, and includes Quince’s renowned 365-day returns policy.

Magnetic Power Bank

My devices are never fully charged when I travel. I’ve spent You can also find out more about the way to get in touch with us. After spending too many hours in the airport trying to find an outlet, it was finally time to invest fully. compact power bank. Anker produces some of the most innovative products in the industry. this magnetic charger There is no exception.

It’s multi-purpose design is great: you can use it to charge your phone at night by putting it on a stand and snapping it to the phone, or fold it down to power your phone cordlessly while exploring. You can plug in another device via the USB port to get twice the charge from a single bank. This charger is available in a variety of colors such as lavender, sage, and baby. 

Reusable water bottle

As with my suitcases, I have way more water bottles that I need. As a writer always on the go, I constantly found myself testing new designs and styles that fall short of doing what I need them to do—keep drinks cold and not leak. After some doom-scrolling on TikTok I found the BrüMate Era 40 oz Tumbler and fell in love with these aesthetic bottles that are more than just pretty—they’re 100 percent leak-free. They also keep drinks cool for up to 24 hours and come in a variety of colors. I currently have the rose taupe, neon pink and mist in my collection. It’s important to pack a water bottle that is compact because they take up a lot of space. Works well

Body Wipes 

This one kind of goes without explanation, because sometimes…people stink, especially after 40+ hours of travel. I have added a few things to help avoid any unpleasant smells. Yuni body wipes I always pack these in my carry-on for long-haul flights because they are compact and very effective. The wipes can be easily slipped into a bag or carry-on and are incredibly refreshing thanks to ingredients like peppermint, neem and citrus oils. The wipes cost a little more than the standard ones (about $15 for a 12-pack), but they’re worth it because of the natural ingredients and the company’s commitment to sustainability. 

Mini Razor 

The full-sized razor is too big to be carried around. Instead, you can use this adorable mini Schick razor This razor is just as cute as it is useful. It’s great that the handle is easy to grip (for less cuts and nicks), and it has a moisturizing soap bar so you don’t need shaving cream. It’s safe enough to use on even the most sensitive areas of your body, such as your face, armpits, or private area.

Lace-up Sneakers

Carrie Bradshaw once said: “Give a woman the right shoes and you can make her conquer the world.” It’s hard to imagine a more accurate statement, especially in the case of travel shoes. I’m a girl approaching 40, and my feet have started to swell. Cheap sneakers from Target are not an option. When I have a long day of travel ahead, I need my Rothy’s lace-up sneakers.

Made from recycled bottles, these bendable, machine washable sneakers form to fit the mold of your feet, so each pair feels like it was made just for you. The sneakers are available in black, tan and white. This makes it easy to pair them with any outfit.

Long Cardigan

My comfort cardigan is always with me. While searching for the perfect cardigan, I looked at those that were available in multiple colors so I could mix and match them with my outfits. I also prioritized ones that were long enough to cover my booty and didn’t cost more than $100. This Old Navy long-line cardigan The answer is yes to all the questions (and more). This is made of viscose rayon and is ultra-soft. The versatile design allows you to pack it as the only top layer when traveling on cold airplanes or going out for dinner.

Stretchy Pants

Quince makes a comeback on the list of soft, comfortable, and versatile fabrics. stretch crepe pants. The style and fit were a little unsure at first, but after I tried them, I was instantly sold. The pants are lightweight, ultra-breathable, and feature a tie at the waist to add style. Also, the fabric has a wrinkle-resistant finish, which is a necessity for me, especially when I spend hours in an automobile or on a flight. The neutral colors allow you to mix and match with almost anything in your luggage.

Compression Socks

I’ve written about them Bombas Compression Socks There’s a good reason why they always end up on my must-have travel lists. These are truly the best compression socks On the market. You’ll feel that they are worth the money even if you pay $30 per pair. They still feel and look brand new after many years. Bombas also donates a pair of shoes for every pair sold, so you’ll feel good wearing them.

The long socks I use for travel, and the shorter socks I use for running are both socks I’d recommend. You won’t need to pack any other foot pain-saving items if you have these socks on hand—you’ll land without swelling and ready to get going.

Travel Wallet

As I am not very organized, (see above), I need something that is easy to pack and compact so that all of my items are kept together. You can easily organize your belongings with the Beis Travel Wallet, I can store everything I need inside it without needing any other organizer: it holds my passport, state ID, credit cards, cash, and more in an easy-to-throw-over-the-shoulder package. It’s light tan color goes with anything, so it can be worn as a crossbody bag if you are trying to travel more lightly. This wallet, which is currently on sale for only $35, is well worth the money. 

Tote with Hat Holder

A woman was carrying a bag on a flight from the United States to Mexico. this exact toteThen I thought “Wow! That looks expensive.” Imagine my surprise when I was told that it cost $25 and came from Amazon. I used my cute beach caps in my carry on or suitcase, and was constantly disappointed when the hats came out wrinkled.

Not only do this bag The bag has a separate holder outside to keep your hat in shape. You can also use it as a beach bag or a personal item. Consider it a combination of a beach bag, hat carrier and personal item. This will allow you to reduce the amount of bags and keep your hat looking great on the trip.

Noise-canceling headphones

These are not the only ones that can be used. Sony noise-canceling headphones The fact that I am married to an electronics nerd has taught me one thing: headphones are a must-have. Sony’s newest headphones, the WH1000XM5, boast the best noise cancellation technology available today.

The headphones have a great sound, intuitive touch control, hands-free call, a long battery life (up to 30 hours), and a new collapsible case for easy storage. I have the smoky pinkMy husband is suffering from the navy blue. After testing the Sony headphones on a recent trip with our 6-year-old, it’s safe for us to say that we are both Sony headphone converts. Simply wear them around your neck when boarding the plane—it’ll take up zero carry-on space and help you get some peace and quiet, blocking out the noise around you.

Multi-use Hair Dryer

When I travel (and have to go from a plane to drinks, dinner or other events), I still want to have options for my hair. This is a favorite of both my mom and me Dreame ultra-lightweight hair dryer The tool is compact and easy to store in small carryons. The tool is small, but it’s still a powerful competitor to much more expensive models. It offers five different styles and temperatures: cold, hot, warm, hot and cool cycle, instant cold air, and hot and cold cycle. What’s the bonus? It’s a bonus!

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