There’s long been a secret of professional travelers: they travel with just a carry-on. With airline regulations tightening and the costs of checked luggage going up, you might be thinking about giving it a try. And while most people believe that it seems impossible to travel with a carry-on, it’s actually quite doable, even if you’re traveling for a week or more. 

In this post, we’re going to share some of our best tips for packing the ultimate carry-on. Think of it as you beginner’s guide to being a professional traveler. You can use these tips for everything from an overnight trip to a solid week.

The Gear

First things first, you need the right gear. That means having a good quality piece of luggage. The most important aspect to consider is that it fits the carry-on regulations and the overhead bin. It’s also a good idea to have luggage that can expand and is easy (and comfortable) for you to carry. 

That means having a good quality piece of luggage. The most important thing to consider is that it fits the carry-on regulations and the overhead bin. It’s also a good idea to have luggage that can expand and is easy (and comfortable) for you to carry. 

Another part of that is having a good tote for your carry-on liquids. You’ll need a way to carry any of these in a way that will comply with the TSA. You can save a bit of space by leaving things like soap or shampoo behind too. Hotels will typically provide these for you, so you don’t need to pack your own.

Clothes

Once you have your gear set, you can focus on your clothes. Most people tend to overpack. You’ve likely done this yourself when you’ve gotten home and realized there were a couple of items you never even wore. 

One great way to overcome overpacking is to try to stay within one color scheme. If you pack clothes that all coordinate with navy blue, or black, or gray, then you can bring one set of everything. Add in a few tee shirts or a scarf with a pop of color to brighten up your outfit.

When you have your clothes set, make three piles. One pile is the yes pile, another is the no, and the final pile is the maybe pile. If you’re a bit unsure, leave it in the maybe pile at first. Then, see how much room you have in your bag to fit some of those maybes.

On the Plane

Planes are typically a bit on the cold side, temperature wise. This is great because it gives you some bonus space when it comes to packing. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane. If you are going to a tropical spot and want to bring a ‘just in case’ pair of jeans or sweatshirt, wear these on the flight. This saves you a ton of space in your luggage. Do your same with your biggest pair of shoes too.

These are a few of our best tips for packing the ultimate carry-on. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a carry-on pro in no time!