Minimalist Packing: How to Go Carry-On Only

Packing carry-on-only is life-changing. Not only does it save time and money, but it also gives you more flexibility and freedom during your trip.

When you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you don’t have to worry about checking your luggage or waiting at baggage claim. Plus, you won’t have to pay any extra fees for checked bags and can put that money toward other experiences.

But with traveling light comes packing smart. As someone that has spent years doing that, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on what to pack in a carry-on so that you can travel like a pro.

The Best Carry-On Bags (and Accessories)

When it comes to travel, one of the best investments you can make is buying a solid carry-on bag. Not only will it hold all your essentials and accompany you on your adventures, but it will also save you time, money and stress in the long run.

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a carry-on bag. First, it should fit within the airline’s size restrictions for such luggage. This typically means dimensions of around 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller.

Second, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a suitcase or a backpack. A backpack can be a good choice if you’re going to be traversing rugged terrain and prefer to be hands-free. On the other hand, a suitcase is easier for organizing your belongings and comes with wheels, making it less physically demanding to carry.

Depending on the type of trip I’m going on, I might pick one or the other — or take both! In an ideal situation, I’d have a carry-on suitcase with wheels and a backpack as my personal item.

Here are my top picks for both, plus some other suggestions:

Carry-on suitcase

Remember how I mentioned that investing in a good carry-on is important? This is it. I love the Monos Classic Carry-On because it’s lightweight and extremely durable, and has plenty of room for all my essentials. It also has built-in TSA-approved combination locks and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Backpacks

• Nordace Siena Backpack: This is on the smaller side but is a great option for digital nomads, as it has a charging port, laptop compartment, and anti-theft pocket.
• Pakt Travel Backpack: If you need more space, this backpack might be perfect for you. It comes with a main compartment that divides into two sections, making it easy to organize your items using packing cubes.
• Baggallini: Sturdy, plentiful pockets and built-in RFID blocking technology make the lockable Baggallini a traveler’s dream! I adore this bag and use it all the time.

Travel purses

In addition to your luggage and backpack, you’re probably going to want a purse for your everyday activities. A good one should be able to hold your most important items, like your passport, wallet, and phone — and most importantly, keep them safe. I’ve tested a lot of purses during my 10+ years of traversing the world, and have compiled 14 of the best travel purses for women here.

Anti-theft bags

During all my years as a solo female traveler, I’ve almost always felt pretty safe. But everyone has a story of that one friend who was pickpocketed, and it’s a good reminder to be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are. One of the best ways to prevent theft is by using an anti-theft bag.

There are many types of anti-theft purses on the market, but among my personal favorites are the ones from Pacsafe. Not only do they use cut-resistant materials and anti-theft technology, the CX Convertible Crossbody is expandable and super stylish.

If you’re going to be on the road long-term, then having a bag like this will help you feel more secure and give you peace of mind while exploring new places.

Packing Cubes

If you’re taking only a carry-on, you’re going to need to stay organized. Packing cubes are my favorite way to do this, because they keep everything separated and easy to find. This set is my go-to, because they are super thin and lightweight, meaning they won’t take up any extra space or weigh you down. 

Toiletries

• SPF: A travel-sized sunscreen is an absolute must no matter where your adventures take you! My favorite is this one from Biore, which is scent-free, non-greasy, and consistently rated as one of the best by beauty experts.
• Lip balm: No one likes chapped lips, especially when traveling. Make sure to pack a good lip balm with SPF for protection.
• Toothpaste (under 100mL), toothbrush, floss
• Whatever deodorant you prefer — I love this one
• Hairbrush
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers

As far as makeup goes, I recommend bringing only the essentials. For me, this looks like one small eyeshadow palette, bronzer, blush, and eyeliner — or go natural!

Electronics

• A powerbank for those long days or unexpected instances when you can’t find an outlet.
• Noise-cancelling headphones are worth the investment for drowning out noisy neighbors or when you just need some peace and quiet.
• A laptop if you are a digital nomad like me, but if it’s not necessary, try to disconnect and enjoy your trip without constantly checking emails and work-related tasks.
• A camera for capturing memories, whether it’s a DSLR or just your phone’s camera. Check out this post for my favorite camera equipment recommendations.
• A dongle – in case you want to connect your wireless headphones to the airplane’s entertainment system.
• A Kindle: If you like to read, this is a must-have. Traveling with a carry-on means keeping things light, so leave your books (paperback or not) at home!
• A travel adapter, so you can keep your devices charged no matter where you go.
• An electronics organizer keeps all your cables neat and tangle-free.
• AirTags are essential for keeping track of your belongings while on the road. I put mine on the inside of my luggage, so if it goes missing, I can track its location on my iPhone.

Clothing

The clothes you pack in your carry-on will vary depending on your destination and the climate. Wherever you’re heading, I recommend taking a week’s worth of clothing (even if you’re away for a month!). Because you’re working with a limited amount of space, stick to basics and neutrals that can be mixed and matched.

In selecting fabrics, prioritize quick-drying materials, or go for natural fabrics like cotton. And don’t overlook wool — it’s not just for winter! Wool is super versatile, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold. Plus, it’s wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for travel. Unbound Merino makes great key pieces.

Here’s a basic packing list to get you started:

Carry-On Starter Packing List

• 2-3 pairs of versatile bottoms (a combination of jeans, leggings, or shorts)
• 4-5 tops (short-sleeve tops or T-shirts)
• 1-2 dresses (ideally they can be dressed up or down)
• 1 pajama
• 4-5 pairs of socks
• A couple of sports bras, and enough undies for a week
• 1 travel jacket or cardigan
• 1 lightweight, waterproof windbreaker
• 1 lightweight scarf for layering or cover-ups
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 packable hat, like a beanie or baseball hat
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops

Feel free to adjust this based on your own preferences and needs. The ultimate goal is to pack smart and efficiently, so you have enough options without overpacking.

Reusable Water Bottle

Bringing a reusable water bottle is a must! It comes in handy when you need to fill up at airports or on the go, and it helps reduce plastic waste. I love Stanley water bottles, because they keep your drink cold for long periods of time, but if I’m going places where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, I like to also bring a Lifestraw. Lifestraws filter out bacteria, parasites, sand, and dirt, ensuring that you have access to clean drinking water no matter where you are in the world.

Snacks

If you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll want to bring snacks! I always pack some for a few reasons.

The first is that I don’t know what the food options will be like at the airport terminal, so having a back-up snack ensures I won’t go hungry. The second is that snacks can be quite expensive at airports, so bringing your own will save you money in the long run.

Also, when arriving at a new destination, it might be a while before you can access food, so having some snacks on hand will keep you fueled until you can find a meal.

Here are my favorite easy travel snacks to throw into your carry-on bag:

• Fruit like apples and oranges are the best choice, because they won’t get squished in your bag
• Trail mix or nuts like cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts
• Protein bars or energy bars for a quick and filling snack
• Granola bars are healthy and satisfying
• Dried fruit like raisins, apricots, and cranberries

Whatever snacks you end up bringing, be sure to pick ones that can stay at room temperature for long periods of time without going bad, and ones that aren’t too soft or messy (or smelly).

Comfort Items

• Neck pillow – A neck pillow can be a lifesaver and help you catch some much-needed rest on those long-haul flights where you can never seem to get comfortable. This memory-foam pillow will mold to your neck for maximum support, and the material keeps you cool too.
• Eye mask – Another essential item for catching some rest on a flight is an eye mask. It blocks out any light and can help you sleep better. Plus, it’s compact and easy to pack.
• Compression socks – Sitting for extended periods of time on long flights can do a number on your circulation, so wearing compression socks can help prevent swelling and discomfort.
• NUUN electrolyte tablets – Did you know that your body loses moisture faster when flying? It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re on the road (or in the air), especially if you’re heading to tropical destinations. I like to have a packet of Nuun electrolyte tablets with me, so that I can prevent dehydration. You can just pop them into your water bottle, where they will add flavor and electrolytes to keep you hydrated. This is also great for combatting jet lag and keeping you feeling energized during long flights.
• Microfiber towel – Whether you’re headed to the beach or staying in a budget hotel with limited towels, having a travel towel can be a lifesaver. Not only are they compact and lightweight, but they also dry quickly, preventing any musty smells from damp towels in your luggage.
• Waterproof phone pouch – If you’re heading to a tropical destination or plan to do any underwater activities, a waterproof phone pouch will protect your phone and allow you to take pictures or videos without worrying about dropping your phone in the water. It’s also great for keeping other small items dry, like cash, credit cards, and room keys.

Carry-On Packing Tips

After years of traveling all over the world and many times packing only a carry-on bag, here are my best tips:

• Plan to do laundry on the go: I know you probably don’t feel like doing chores on the road, but if you’re going to travel carry-on-only, you’re going to have to do laundry. Aim to pack a week’s worth of clothing and take advantage of local laundry options. 
• Avoid packing items “just in case”: It’s tempting to pack for every possible situation, but this often leads to overpacking. Truthfully, if you did forget to pack something, you can likely find it at your destination. 
• Wear your heaviest items on travel days: Your bulkiest items shouldn’t take up precious suitcase space. The trick is to wear items like sweaters and tennis shoes, and tuck lightweight and more compact items like sandals into your bag.

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There you have it: everything you need to pack light and travel carry-on-only! I hope this list helps you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed for your next trip, no matter your destination.