10 tips to successfully travel with only a carry-on

1. Believe it really is possible to get by with only a carry-on bag

Remember you can most often buy things at your destination if you forget something or need something unexpected.

With the exception of the few times I’ve moved to another country, I aim to fit everything in my same check-in sized bag. Yes, even if I’m going away for a couple weeks.

Throughout the years, my preferences have fluctuated between carrying a compact backpack and a wheeled, carry-on size case.

I mostly choose a backpack these days because I like to be able to be able to get around on steps and uneven, cobblestoned walkways. But there are times when I wish it had wheels, so I understand!

Because I rarely check a bag when I’m flying, I am also freed up for more efficient airport check-ins and arrivals. It makes getting from the airport to your destination so much easier too.

It also means I avoid the risk of losing a bag in transport. I only pack what I can manage throughout the journey. And, because I am going to certainly buy something along the way, I need to start out with a bit of wiggle room and free space.

The bottom line? If you can try to cut back a little, cut back a little. Don’t torture yourself, but remember you do have to carry all this with you!

Unless you are truly going to the middle of absolutely NOWHERE, you can get that “worse case scenario” item at location if and when you need it.

For great packing list guidelines and checklist, find the link to my Packing Light Checklist at the end of this article. It will help!

2. Consider the weight of the actual bag

Wheels, bulky material and inefficient bag layout all play a part to keep your bag and burden light in your travels. Do consider investing in a high quality, lightweight carry-on and, consider the additional challenge of using only a carry-on to avoid the fear, hassle (and major inconvenience) of loosing your checked luggage.

For over a decade, my bag of choice has been my Osprey Porter Travel Pack with the smaller Osprey DayLite bag that works great when I’m bopping around on day trips.

Essentially, I’m able to get away for a few days or a few weeks with just those two bags.

Repeat after me: you CAN get by with only what fits in a carry-on bag.

3. Don’t be vain

Could you go without a hair straightener, a hairdryer, all the makeup and every cute outfit? Could you go without the bulky perfume bottle, the drawer of hair products or a bucket of jewelry and moisturizers?

I really think you can get by without some of your “must-have” things.

Go a step further and get your hair cut (or grow it out) to a low maintenance style pre-departure. Or, let your hair grow out in the months before a trip so you can wear it pulled back.

This will save you precious time as well! Think about your routine and consider what you can simplify. All the miles I’ve logged traveling has actually resulted in simplifying my routine at home as well. See? Traveling can change your life!

What is the easiest way for you to do you?

Do that. Obviously, you know you better than anyone.

If you can cut back on your hairspray for a week to lighten your load for your trip, great. If you will be miserable without it, bring it. But I really do encourage you to bring essentials and not all items for every “what if” scenario.

Other countries have stores too!

4. Don’t make the shoe mistake

There are so many shoes in your closet, but you really don’t need them all on your trip. It depends a lot on where you are headed and what you are doing, but if you can pull off just bringing one pair, you will love yourself for that.

If you can just bring one pair of shoes that you can dress up or down and can also be comfortable to walk many miles in, that’s great. If you’ll be in a warm climate, add good quality sandals that you can walk comfortably in.

I challenge you to not bring more than one pair of shoes and one pair of sandals at the absolutely maximum.

5. Do you really need it for this trip?

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask: “does it spark joy?” And then add this: “will it still spark joy if I have to carry it around for the next two weeks?”

I bet you don’t need five books after all.

You probably don’t actually need a towel. There’s a good chance you don’t need shampoo depending on where you are staying. You can always buy things in-country if you really need it. Remember, you can do laundry.

You can even bring a tiny bottle of laundry detergent and do some laundry in the sink when necessary. This is also why it’s smart to bring clothing that can dry quickly.

If you can’t convincingly tell yourself you need an item, consider leaving it at home. Remember you have to carry your things around for the duration of your trip.

Your future self will thank you for every ounce of suitcase weight you shed!

6. Focus on solids, darks, wrinkle-free and multi-use items

Solid, dark colors and wrinkle-free materials are your friend! For color, bring a scarf that doubles as a blanket or wrap and that could be bunched up to use as a cushion for your head on a long bus ride.

Think layers. Be willing to wear the same thing twice. Bring clothes you are comfortable in.

You will hide stains and you can also pull off wearing the same clothes more than once when they are less distinct. Also, it’s best to avoid shirts with messages on them that broadcast your views on the world.

7. If losing it will ruin you, don’t bring it!

I don’t care where you are going, you might have something stolen and you might lose something. It’s simple. If you won’t be okay without the thing and you don’t need that thing, keep the thing at home.

I bring inexpensive jewelry and a minimal amount of it. I believe in wearing good quality shoes, but those are mostly on my feet, so harder to lose! I might bring a book I plan to leave behind.

Otherwise, I don’t bring items of value beyond my phone and a very light laptop if needed.

8. The three L’s: Laundry, Layers and Less

Plan to do laundry. Sometimes, plan to do laundry in the sink in a hotel room. Bring materials like cotton that will dry fast because it’s not a given that you will have access to a a dryer.

Pack with layers in mind! Don’t bring something that can only be worn one time for one purpose.

Less for the win! Don’t bring enough toothpaste to last six months if you’ll be gone for six days.

9. Remember to wear your weight

It’s not just about working through a packing checklist so you can beat the system and get by without paying to check a bag. I’m also advocating that you will actually be happiest if you can figure out how to bring less.

Saying that, a simple pro-tip is to remember to wear the heavier things in transit. Yes, that will make your bag lighter to avoid airline fees, but it will also mean less you have to carry in your bag and less to worry about losing. If you have two pairs of shoes, wear the ones that are heavier on your journey days.

10. Packing list and tips for getting by with only a carry-on

Okay, okay, you’ve heard me out. You know a little behind the scenes of why I pack the way the way I pack.

Maybe you think I’m a too extreme, or even a little crazy. However, I really do believe that you’ll enjoy having less to drag around on your trip.

I’ve had an airline lose my suitcase. I’ve also had a change of travel plans and an extra 12 hours to walk around a cool city — with my suitcase in hand. It’s just better to have less.

I would love to hear your own tips for packing light and avoiding unnecessary baggage for lower stress and easier travel.

At last, here is my Packing Light Checklist to help you get your own suitcase in order!

More from Laura Is Going Places

Obviously traveling can be pricey. However, if you dream of taking a trip sometime in the next few years, but can’t afford it quite yet, watch for my post about how you can start preparing for future travel. In addition, I want to add here that travel does not have to break the bank.

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