8 Tips For traveling with a carry-on suitcase

Packing a carry-on for a trip can be a difficult task. I’ve crafted the perfect solutions to all your carry-on needs! These are the ways to help you travel with a carry-on bag only.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Read my full affiliate disclosure here.

1. The Suitcase

The number one way to get the most amount of things in your carry-on, is the suitcase itself. I’ve had many different suitcases, sizes and brands. There are a few things I look for when I pick out a suitcase:

Does the suitcase come in fun color? I want something that is not just a color everyone will have.
The measurements. Does it fit within the guidelines of a carry-on bag?
Does it come with a locking feature? I travel on a lot of public transit and I want it to be secure.
Do the wheels spin? Silly, but it makes such a difference when you’re walking a lot with your suitcase.
Does it have a hard outer shell? Will this be durable?

These are pretty standard for me when I look at any size suitcase. There is one suitcase that has passed all of these questions for me. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On checks all of my boxes. I love the suitcase! There are an array of fun colors, it’s the perfect size, it has built in locks, spinning wheels and a hard outer shell. I love all of my Samsonite suitcases and this carry-on size is no different.

You can purchase yours on Amazon: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on

2. Have An Organized Packing List

This may seem like something you don’t need to do, but I swear by it. I’ve been a chronic over-packer and having a detailed list is so helpful. This saves me time and space. You are in luck, I made one for you already (saving you even more time!). Download your free copy here: The Ultimate Packing Checklist.

Having everything in a checklist helps with my next tip.

3. Pack Only What You Need

I start my packing process long before departure. This helps me discard anything I truly don’t need to pack. Here’s how I do it.

I also have started taking pictures of the outfits I plan to wear to make sure everything goes together. I only bring clothes that can be interchangeable. For example, if I have a white skirt, that can be worn the entirety of my trip, I have multiple colorful tee-shirts that go with the skirt. I do that same process for any bottom I bring, as those are usually the most bulky item.

Don’t panic bring that extra shirt or those extra pants, you probably won’t wear it. Trust your itinerary and only bring what you will wear.

4. Invest in Packing Cubes

Another great way to save space and stay organized, packing cubes. Even better yet, compression packing cubes. I’ve tried a ton of options and finally found these from SOARSAIL on Amazon. They come in multiple fun colors and in 4 different sizes. These have been so helpful in packing for a carry-on only.

You can get yours here: 4 Piece Compression Packing Cubes

5. Bring along a Backpack

One of my favorite hacks, is to bring a backpack as your personal item. I also pack all of my essential items that I need accessible for the plane, Kindle, headphones, laptop, chargers. I like to include an extra outfit to change into after I get off the plane (depending on the trip).

I’ve tested a few backpacks, but the bag that stands the test of time, the Taygeer 35L Travel Backpack. I love the color options, the extra handle, and the pockets inside. I’m able to fit the essentials for the plane and some extras that didn’t fit in the carry-on.

Get your backpack from Amazon: Taygeer 35L Travel Backpack

Pro Tip: pack a small bag that can be easily taken out when you get to your plane seat that has all your quick essentials. This saves me the time that it takes to dig out my small electronics. I love using the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag. It’s compact and I can fir my kindle, small headphones, phone, small things like lip balm and hand sanitizer.

6. Essential Toiletries Only

Starting with my checklist, I go down the list and cross off anything that I don’t need for the duration of my tip. Since things like, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are typically found in a hotel bathroom, I don’t bring those along. I check my itinerary and plan ahead on things like hairstyles, or makeup in order to pack as little as possible.

I’ve also found the best toiletry bag that fits all of my bathroom essentials. Found on Amazon, the BAGSMART Toiletry Bag, fits everything I need and keeps it all in one spot. I love that it has a hanging feature so I can pack everything and can see all of my toiletries without having to rifle through the bag.

Get yours here: BAGSMART Toiletry Bag

Another toiletry tip, in order to make sure everything is under 3 ounces, purchase TSA approved containers. I love these from Quatish on Amazon, it comes with 20 different containers. They are really easy to fill and the squeeze bottle is very useful. This helps save room and organize your bag.

Get yours here: 20 Pack Travel Bottles for Toiletries

7. Bring only Essential shoes

I love shoes, I have dozens of pairs at home. But, when I’m packing only my carry-on bag, I tend to only pack one pair and wear the other. I tend to travel to walkable destinations so having 2 pairs of shoes in total can be tough, but doable. I have a pair of walking shoes, and a pair of sandals (for summer) that can also be worn for long walking days.

My two recommendations: The Adidas Samba and Birkenstock Arizona Sandal.

I adore these shoes. I wear them regularly when I’m not traveling, and. when I’m on a trip. These go with everything I own and are comfortable enough to walk 10 miles in. I swear by these shoes.

Get both on Amazon:

8. Wear Your Bulky Items

If you are heading on a trip in the cold months, this tip is for you. Wear your bulkiest items to the airport. I love my giant parka, but fitting that into the carry-on is impossible. I opt to wear it along with anything oversized I might wear on the trip. My general rule, if it takes up too much of a corner of a suitcase, it gets worn. If I’m flying though, I can’t wear my jeans or long pants so I pack them as best I can.

Final Thoughts

Packing a carry-on only for your trip is super doable! These 8 tips will help you on your next trip and beyond. Don’t forget to download your free packing checklist before you go.

If you’re a type A planner and packer, this post is for you: The Ultimate Packing List For a Type A Planner

8 Tips For traveling with a carry-on suitcase