Why Go Carry-On Only?
Travelling with only a carry-on bag is one of the best upgrades you can make to your travel experience. No checked baggage fees, no waiting at the carousel, no risk of lost luggage, and the freedom to move quickly through airports. Once you master it, you'll rarely want to check a bag again.
Choose the Right Bag
Your bag is the foundation of this approach. Look for:
- Size compliance: Most airlines allow carry-ons up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but this varies — check your specific airline before buying.
- Structure: A semi-structured bag holds its shape and packs more efficiently than a soft duffel.
- Accessibility: Front-loading or clamshell bags are easier to pack and unpack than top-loaders.
- Weight: A lighter empty bag gives you more weight allowance for your contents.
The Core Packing Strategy: The Capsule Wardrobe
The biggest challenge is clothing. The solution is a capsule wardrobe — a small set of versatile, mix-and-match pieces that work across multiple outfits.
For a 7–10 Day Trip, Consider:
- 3–4 tops in neutral or complementary colors
- 2 bottoms (one casual, one dressier if needed)
- 1 versatile outer layer (a light jacket or cardigan)
- 4–5 pairs of underwear and socks
- 2 pairs of shoes maximum (wear the bulkier pair on the plane)
Choose fabrics that resist wrinkles and dry quickly (merino wool and synthetic blends are popular for this reason). Plan to do laundry mid-trip — most accommodations offer laundry access, and travel detergent packets take almost no space.
Toiletries: The TSA-Friendly Approach
For liquid restrictions in hand luggage (typically 100ml per container, all fitting in one 1-litre clear bag):
- Buy travel-sized versions of your essentials, or decant into reusable travel bottles.
- Switch to solid toiletries where possible — solid shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and solid sunscreen have no liquid restrictions and last longer.
- Skip bulky items you can buy at your destination — large bottles of shampoo, for example, aren't worth the space.
Tech and Accessories
| Item | Pack It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Universal power adapter | Yes | One adapter covers most destinations |
| Portable charger/power bank | Yes | Keep in carry-on, not checked luggage |
| Laptop/tablet | If needed | Use a bag with a dedicated sleeve |
| Full camera kit | Reconsider | Modern phone cameras are highly capable |
| Multiple devices | Limit | Each device takes weight and space |
Packing Techniques That Actually Work
- Rolling vs. folding: Rolling generally saves space and reduces wrinkles for casual wear. Fold structured items like blazers.
- Packing cubes: These compress clothing, keep categories organized, and make it easy to unpack at your accommodation.
- Wear your bulkiest items: Boots, chunky sweaters, and heavy jackets should be on your body, not in your bag.
- Use every space: Stuff socks inside shoes; place flat items (documents, tablets) against the back panel.
What to Leave Behind
This list might sting, but these are common overpacking offenders:
- "Just in case" outfits you rarely wear even at home
- Full-size toiletries and multiple backup products
- Heavy books (use an e-reader or phone)
- More than one or two accessories
- Anything you can easily and cheaply buy at your destination
Final Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you zip up: lay everything out and ask for each item — Will I genuinely use this, or am I packing it out of habit or anxiety? If you're uncertain, leave it. You can almost always manage without it, and the freedom of a lighter bag is always worth it.