From Someone Who Would Know: How To Pack In Only a Carry-On, No Matter Your Trip Length

While I prefer a backpack for short trips, this hardside carry-on is a go-to for any airline travel. The four wheels roll smoothly and effortlessly through airports and on sidewalks, the outside doesn’t get dinged or scratched easily, and it’s overall an attractive piece of luggage. My favorite part about this Monos piece? The compression straps on the inside stretch vertically instead of horizontally, allowing you to really squish your belongings down when you’re bringing home souvenirs or new clothing.

It’s a backpack, it’s a duffle, it’s…Baboon to the Moon? I hadn’t heard of this brand until its Instagram ads assaulted my feed, and I’m so glad the algorithm brought us together. This convertible bag is waterproof, roomy, and so easy to carry. It has three interior pockets, an interior key lanyard, an outside zipper pocket, and opens up fully (similarly to a suitcase) making packing a breeze. It’s also small enough to stuff under a budget airline seat as a personal item, which I may or may not have done several times. 

I can confirm that squishing items down does indeed make them take up less space. I’ve never been a fan of rolling clothing (I know, packing blasphemy), so instead I fold and squeeze my belongings into a compressible packing cube. The idea is similar to vacuum seal bags: They flatten clothing and remove any air pockets that may be sneakily hiding between stacked clothing items. Simply fold your clothes however you’d like, place them in the cube, and zip it shut. Everything inside will be compressed into a tidy cube, which takes up way less space than loose clothing. I love this set from Peak Design because they’re easy to open and can be expanded if you need some extra wiggle room. 

For the times you’re stuck balancing a bag on top of a roller board or just need some extra help, whip out this travel belt. It has an elastic band that slides over your suitcase handle to keep it in place, and you can wrap it around whatever you choose to place atop your luggage and secure it so it won’t fall off. I’ve used it to secure everything from my dog’s carrier to my reusable water bottle to my bag, and I always keep it in my bag for “just in case” situations. 

I love the idea of a purse, but I can’t be bothered with anything that requires constant readjusting or strap changes. Instead, I opt for this nylon fanny pack that folds down easily to stow away in a suitcase; is lightweight on my shoulder; and is big enough to hold my wallet, keys, phone, a reusable shopping bag, and a small book, which is everything I need for a day out.

I’m all about hydration while I’m traveling, but buying a bottled drink at the airport? Absolutely not. I always have my reusable water bottle on me no matter where I go, but especially while traveling because it’s dehydrating running from security to your gate and then sitting on a dry plane. Instead of buying more bottles when I want to boost my electrolytes (or just sip some flavor), I carry these tiny hydration multiplier packets. All I have to do is fill up my bottle, add a packet of this powder, shake it up, and feel refreshed. 

In all honesty, I leave most of my toiletries at home if I’ll be staying in a hotel or Airbnb. I’m not too particular about my shampoo and body wash, so whatever is available will do. My skincare, however, must always come with me. I opt for silicone travel bottles instead of plastic because they’re easier to squish into tight spaces in my bag, but they’re also easier to squeeze every last drop of product out of. 

I’ve condensed my makeup collection over the years, and now I don’t travel with more than what will fit in a teeny bag. I used to use a pencil pouch, but I’ve since upgraded to this small organizer from Dagne Dover. It has plenty of pockets to keep everything in place (looking at you hair ties and bobby pins), and I love that it has a hook for hanging on a towel rod, too. It’s perfect for the essentials like mascara, concealer, and lipstick, but I can also fit in travel-sized face wash and moisturizer, a couple blending brushes, and even my toothbrush and toothpaste. 

I don’t wear a ton of accessories, but I am a self-proclaimed earring girly. I have a total of 15 ear piercings, so I tend to pack a variety of posts, dangles, and hoops to mix things up while I’m on the road. This leather case from Quince is small enough to fit into a backpack or purse, but it also tucks away neatly in my suitcase for longer trips. The top portion of the case has spots for chain necklaces and bracelets, and the bottom has compartments for stud earrings, rings, and hoops to prevent tangles. 

Never, ever will you catch me with bare feet in a hotel room or while walking through airport security. Because of this, I make sure I have at least one pair of shoes I can easily slip on and off throughout a trip. These clogs are easily stepped in and out of, so I can wear them out and about and as slippers in my hotel room. When I’m passing through TSA, I wear socks with these bad boys so that I can kick them off faster than you can say “TSA Pre-Check.”

Organizing your pills into a daily pill case saves so much space in your bag compared to bringing bottles, and it keeps you on track while you’re out and about. I tend to forget to take my meds when my routine changes, so having this labeled container ensures that I don’t accidentally double-up when I can’t remember what I’ve already taken.

Take it from someone who has suffered the loss of many perfume samples and bottles: It will shatter, and your bag will smell like whatever scent you were toting for months to come. After learning my lesson, I switched to a solid cologne instead of liquid, which is easier to travel with and easier to apply in my opinion. Simply rub the solid formula on your fingers to soften it, and dab it on your skin. 

My most precious cargo is definitely my pup, Olive. She comes with me everywhere I go, including the train, bus, and car. We haven’t tackled the skies yet, but I’m sure we will someday. I usually carry her through crowded bus stops and train stations in this tote by Wild One, which she loves. It has a padded bottom for her to sit on, plenty of pockets to keep me organized, and there’s a built-in leash to keep Olive from trying any escape moves. This tote is not airline approved, though, so keep that in mind if you plan on flying.