I’m not a firm believer in many travel “rules” but there is one that I adhere to for every single trip that I take: carry-on bags only. This style of travel packing has been a game-changer for me since I don’t waste money on a checked bag and I don’t waste time at the airport. However, mastering the art of packing efficiently can be a challenge. I'm sharing my tried-and-true tips and strategies to help you pack smarter and travel farther with just your carry-on.

Know the Carry-On Size Restrictions
Familiarize yourself with the carry-on restrictions of your airline. Check the maximum dimensions and weight allowed for any personal items and carry-on bags. This is especially important if you’re traveling on a budget airline (think Spirit, Frontier, RyanAir, easyJet). It is also worth noting that many these budget airlines sometimes only include a free personal item with their basic economy tickets, meaning you can only bring a bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. Save yourself money (and a headache!) and read the fine print before and after you book your ticket.
Make a Packing List
This seems like a no-brainer, but how else are you going to fit all the things you need and make sure something important doesn’t get left behind? Create a detailed packing list tailored to your travel destination, duration of trip, and the style of your trip (e.g., your clothes would be very different backpacking in South America versus Greek Island hopping). Start your list with essentials like your passport, money, clothing, toiletries, and electronics, and then prioritize additional items based on their necessity. A packing list will ensure you don't forget anything important and will prevent overpacking. If you need a customizable template to get your list started, look no further: https://economicexpeditions.gumroad.com/l/packing-list-freebie. 👀
Bring Your Favorite (Versatile) Clothes
To make your life easier, opt for clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits and stick to a color palette that can be easily coordinated. I’m a big fan of wearing neutrals (blacks, grays, and browns) because they go with nearly everything else that I own. I’m especially fond of a monochrome black look because it hides my inevitable coffee spills or dirt smudges. That said, it’s most important to pack clothes that you feel comfortable in and that you enjoy wearing!
Utilize Packing Cubes (Or Compression Sacks)
The travel community is not in complete consensus about the benefit of packing cubes. In my not-so-professional opinion, packing cubes have been an absolute game-changer when it comes to maximizing space and staying organized. They allow you to categorize your items into different cubes, such as tops, bottoms, accessories, and undergarments — this way, you can easily find what you need without unpacking your entire bag. However, some find it annoying to fight with the packing cubes over and over again, especially if you’re on a trip where you need to repack your bag frequently. Those who aren’t on #TeamPackingCube tend to prefer compression sacks. Compression sacks essentially allow you to throw a bunch of items into a bag, push all of the air out, and have a compact bag that is easily packed away.When using these different packing tools, also experiment with different packing techniques to find what works best for you. Rolling clothes can save space and minimize wrinkles, while folding items neatly can help maintain their shape. Mix and match techniques based on the type of clothing and available space. A combination of these approaches should help you save some of that precious space in your carry-on.
Minimize Toiletries Where Possible
I know this tip doesn’t work for everyone because we all have different skincare/medication/hair product needs. When traveling with a carry-on, you have to remember the 3-1-1 rule for toiletries: you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item (source: TSA). Everyone (myself included) rushes to Target to purchase the cute, teeny travel-sized toiletries, but I recommend investing in reusable travel containers to reduce waste and bring your favorite products that aren’t sold in travel-sized versions. I have also switched to non-liquid products where possible (e.g., powder-based deodorants and shampoo bars are not subjected to the 3-1-1 rule). If you feel like you don’t have enough space for your liquids, buy certain products at your destination. Unless you’re traveling to some incredibly remote location, you will more than likely be able to find a local grocery store or pharmacy to purchase things like toothpaste, soap, etc. Prioritize the items you cannot find elsewhere — like medications, your favorite shampoo, etc.
Wear a Strategic Airplane Outfit
The airport is not the place to be worried about securing that modeling contract. Make sure your airplane fit is comfortable, especially if you’re going on a long-haul flight, but this is an opportunity to free up space in your bag by wearing some of your bulkier items. When planning my airport outfit, I prioritize layered tops to adjust to whatever temperature the plane will be, super comfortable bottoms like leggings or joggers, and my bulkiest pair of shoes (usually boots or sneakers). I always wear a jacket on top of my outfit while boarding the plane and then I use it as a pillow or blanket during the flight.
Leave Room for Souvenirs
If you plan to bring back souvenirs or shop during your trip, leave some space in your carry-on for those items. Alternatively, pack a foldable duffel bag or tote as a backup for additional items on your return journey. This is something I’m really trying to prioritize for future trips because I usually only make it back home with some handmade bracelets, a few postcards, and a bag of coffee if I’m extremely lucky.
Practice Makes Perfect
To those who are new to carry-on only packing, it can be really helpful to lay out all of the things you want to bring on your trip and do a practice packing run to see what you can actually fit in your bag. This type of shakedown helps you determine which items are necessary and which items you can make peace with leaving behind. This is another example of how having a packing list can make your life easier. Eventually you’ll become a pro and you’ll have your packing system down pat. You won’t even need me, anymore!

Remember, adapt based on your specific travel needs and destination requirements. If you have an upcoming trip, feel free to use this customizable packing list to start brainstorming what you should bring with you. Happy packing. ✌️

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