34 Super-organized tips on packing a carry on (+ travel packing checklist)

Ah, the joy of travel! The world beckons with its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the promise of delicious new experiences. But for the organized traveler, the anticipation can be tinged with a touch of packing anxiety. We’ve all been there, staring at a half-empty suitcase or an overflowing one with clothes we might wear, toiletries we may need, and a nagging fear of forgotten essentials.

Have you ever experienced the last-minute dash to the airport beauty shop for essentials that could have quickly been brought from home (guilty as charged!)?

Fear not, my lovely anxious traveler! Over the past two decades of globetrotting adventures, I’ve become a self-proclaimed carry-on connoisseur. Twenty years of cramming weekend getaways, two-week adventures, and even a month into a single, manageable suitcase have honed my packing skills to a fine art.

You heard that right: one month and a single carry-on suitcase (plus a little backpack)! Now, before you envision me living out of a backpack and sporting the same outfit for the entire trip (trust me, I’ve had those fashion faux pas, too!), let me assure you, packing light doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort.

In fact, it’s an art form that allows you to easily navigate bustling airports, avoid those pesky baggage fees, and arrive at your destination feeling like a jet-setting sophisticate, not a pack mule.

In this article, I’ll spill the tea (or should I say, the packing peanuts?) on my tried-and-true carry-on packing tips.

We’ll delve into the secrets of space-saving strategies, the magic of multifunctional clothing, and the art of travel-sized toiletries that won’t get confiscated at security (and save you precious vacation dollars). After all, who wants to waste precious exploring time searching for a forgotten moisturizer?

So, grab your favorite travel mug, settle in, and get ready to transform from a packing procrastinator into a carry-on champion. Together, we’ll conquer the art of packing light, maximize suitcase space, and ensure your next adventure is as stress-free as stylish!

How early should you start packing for a trip?

While last-minute dashes to the store were once a pre-trip ritual, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: pack a week in advance! This allows for a crucial pre-departure wardrobe inspection.

Imagine, my lovely anxious traveler, the peace of mind of knowing you have everything you need. No frantic searches, no heart-stopping discoveries of missing essentials the night before! A week’s buffer gives you ample time to replace anything forgotten, ensuring you embark on your journey with a calm spirit and a perfectly packed carry-on.

But worry not, my travel treasures! My downloadable 42-page guide to planning a trip and free packing checklists will equip you to conquer the packing process with the same efficiency, transforming you from an anxious assembler to a pro packer in no time!

What is a Travel Packing Checklist?

Ah, the travel packing checklist, a glorious invention that deserves a place of honor in every adventurer’s arsenal! Imagine, my lovely anxious traveler, the blissful sigh of relief as you tick off each item, knowing you’ve curated the perfect travel capsule. No more frantic rummaging through drawers, desperately searching for that elusive scarf you swear you packed.

My well-crafted checklists are the key to unlocking a stress-free vacation. They ensure you bring everything you need without succumbing to the urge to stuff your entire wardrobe into your suitcase. Think of them as a magic map, guiding you through packing and ensuring you arrive at your destination prepared for any adventure.

And the beauty of it all? These trusty checklists can evolve with you, becoming a living document that grows richer with each travel experience. Add the essentials you discover on each journey, transforming it into a personalized roadmap to packing bliss. (which is why I left some space at the bottom for each of them, so you can personalize them).

So ditch the last-minute, frantic scrambling and embrace the serenity of the travel checklist, my friend. It’s your gateway to a perfectly-packed adventure!

Do you want all my checklists for free? Easy, click the button below to receive them all in your inbox!

What is the 311 rule when on a plane?

This is a fundamental rule to follow if you don’t want to see all your cosmetics end up in the bin. The 311 rule refers to how many liquids you are allowed to bring in a carry-on bag on a plane:

• 3: 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller containers of gel or liquid (you can bring a bigger container only inside a checked bag)
• 1: 1 stands for the quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag where to keep all your 3.4 ounces/100-ml or smaller liquid containers
• 1: 1 stand for only 1 bag of liquids is allowed for travelers.  

How many pairs of shoes should I take on holiday? 

Imagine, my darling, skipping onto the plane in your breezy sandals, toes already wiggling in anticipation of balmy breezes and sun-kissed sands. But wait! What if the in-flight air conditioning plays a mischievous game? Tuck a pair of cozy socks into your handbag, a delightful little surprise for your feet should they crave extra warmth.

Now, when it comes to shoes for your tropical haven, let’s keep things light and airy. Pack a single pair of trusty flip-flops for the beach—their minimalist design practically begs to be tucked away in the corner of your suitcase.

There’s no need for a bulky beach sandal; explore the charming streets in the same comfy sandals you wore on the plane. After all, flat sandals are a space-saving dream—nestle them snugly at the bottom of your carry-on.

And for those glamorous evenings, resist the urge to pack hefty heels. Plenty of stylish, lightweight options won’t weigh you down (literally or figuratively!). Think delicate wedges or chic flats that will elevate your look without sacrificing precious space in your luggage. Remember, darling, it’s all about striking the perfect balance between fashion and function!

If you leave a cold place to go to a warm one, wear sneakers so you can feel comfortable, and they won’t take up space in your luggage because you will wear them while traveling.

If traveling to a winter spot, only bring two pairs of shoes. One pair is for exploring during the day (that you will wear while traveling), and one is more elegant for the evening.

Essential Carry-On Packing Tips & Hacks That Will Change the Way You Travel

1. Choose the right travel bag/suitcase for your travel:

Choosing the right travel bag is essential because it depends on what kind of travel you are planning. I never travel without my anti-theft backpack because I love having all the essentials while on a plane and leaving anything else inside my carry-on luggage.

Shop a very elegant carry-on suitcase.

2. Pack all your plane travel essential items inside a handbag or backpack:

It depends on your airline policy, but most airlines allow you to have your carry-on luggage (like a trolley) to place in the overhead bin and a smaller handbag or backpack to keep under your seat. 

Pack all your flight essentials in the bag under your seat so you can easily access anything you need at any time. 

This way, you will avoid taking your luggage down from the overhead bin and opening it up in the middle of the aisle in front of everyone (with people having to pass through going to the toilet).

Shop my favorite anti-theft backpack.

Pssst! Not sure what to pack inside your handbag for a plane trip? Check out my list of 34 Flight essentials you need to pack.  

3. Check if you are allowed to bring on the plane a handbag:

Many airlines allow you to carry a carry-on trolley bag and a backpack; therefore, you have more space to keep all the flight essentials you should always bring. 

4. Always have a packing guide checklist ready for every occasion:

It can be for a weekend, one week on a beach spot, exploring a city, etc. If you have your packing lists ready, it will be much easier for you when it is time to start to pack.

Heads up! Are you looking for some helpful packing lists? I’ve got you covered!  I wrote many packing lists for every occasion, so you will never forget anything at home. Get all my free downloadable packing lists.

5. Buy good packing cubes:

Packing cubes are room savers. You need to buy some good ones (avoid the cheap ones you find that will last only a couple of travels as I did at the beginning).

I bought these packing cubes for my travels. They are the best way to pack more than you hope. You can sit on them (as I do) to squeeze everything and close them. They save so much space inside my carry-on that, in this way, I have more room for the souvenirs (mostly food usually) I always buy while exploring a new country.

After buying them, you won’t be able to travel without them. They are available in the UK and the US; click my link below for information and prices.

Shop my favorite packing cubes set.

6. Pack a travel steamer:

A good travel steamer is perfect if you cannot get an iron. Wrinkled clothes are not very nice to see, especially if you have dinner in a nice restaurant or want to look impeccable in your travel pictures and videos. 

A Mini Travel Steamer is a perfect option for ironed clothes. Unfortunately, your clothes will always get wrinkled inside your luggage, not only because you squeeze them inside your new packing cubes.

Most rental apartments and hotels offer laundry services (at a charge), and sometimes, there is an iron in your room for you to use. But I honestly hate ironing, so a travel steamer is the best solution for me. It is fast and very easy to use.

I found this incredible Travel Duo steamer, one of the best inventions for looking flawless on vacation. Check it out by clicking the pink link below.

Shop my favorite Travel Duo steamer/iron.

7. Buy a travel beauty bag:

Having a travel beauty bag is very important. It doesn’t have to be one of those big ones that take up a lot of room (unless you have a lot of beauty products). It can be a small bag, possibly waterproof (just in case some liquids explode).

I highly recommend using as many solid beauty products as possible to avoid liquids that are not more than 100 ml at the airport. This will save room inside your luggage and a lot of weight. Also, make sure to download my free Beauty Bag Checklist, to never forget to pack anything so you will always look fabulous!

Shop my favorite cosmetic beauty bag.

8. Buy a refillable fragrance atomizer:

If you don’t have a tiny bottle to keep your fragrance, I highly recommend buying a refillable atomizer. It is a great option, and it can contain so much perfume in such a tiny space that you will have enough fragrance for more than two weeks.

A refillable fragrance atomizer is also an excellent way to carry your perfume in your handbag daily, not only when traveling. I have had mine for almost nine years, and it still works.

Shop my favorite refillable fragrance atomizer (mine is pink, obviously).

9. Have always your travel beauty bag ready:

I started to have my travel beauty bag ready a couple of years ago (because I was going somewhere at least once a month), and it was a great way to save time packing and always make sure to have everything I needed with me. 

I keep everything inside: toothbrush, toothpaste tablets, natural shampoo bars, conditioner bars, shower bars, natural solid deodorant, little containers with my usual face and night creams, travel pills (a bit of everything I might need), vitamins, and anything else I might want to take with me.

In this way, I will never forget anything because I refill it when I return from a trip.

10. Purchase some Travel Bottles for Toiletries Tsa Approved:

Travel Bottles for Toiletries Tsa Approved are an excellent way to take all those liquids you cannot imagine traveling without. Inside these little containers ( 3.4 fl oz/ 100 ml), you can add all the liquids we cannot turn into solids, like face tonic, liquid medicine, skin oils, etc.

Shop my favorite travel bottles for toiletries.

11. Put all your liquids in an airport-friendly plastic bag and follow the 3-1-1 rule:

This is very important: keep all your liquids inside a waterproof bag (the airport-friendly one) and keep it where it is easier to reach inside your handbag (most airlines allow you to carry a small suitcase and a little handbag/backpack). 

This way, when you get to the security check, it will be easier to take it out without opening your suitcase.

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Doing it in the Italian way by buying me a coffee ⤵️

12. Pack all your plane travel essentials in a handbag:

I wrote an article about the 34 Flight Essentials You Should Bring on a Plane, so you need to check it out to understand better what you need to carry.

Knowing what you need to have with you while traveling toward your holiday destination is essential. I advise always packing all these items so that as soon as you have to travel, they will be in a bag, ready to go.

13. Pack a scarf:

You can carry a scarf on a plane to protect yourself from the air conditioning or use it as a pillow. If evenings are fresh at your destination, it can keep you warm, or you might need it to cover your shoulders while visiting a religious building. I bought this very colorful pashmina in Marrakesh; I have never traveled without it since then. 

Shop a colorful 100% mulberry silk pashmina.

14. Pack some paper tissue:

I always carry pocket tissues because I suffer from hay fever and am slightly allergic to dust and pollution (I can sneeze for five minutes straight), so I often need to clean my nose. You might need some tissues when traveling, so always carry some in your bag.

15. Pack some waterproof slide lock bags:

Waterproof slide lock bags are a great idea if you want to pack some food from the breakfast buffet to take with you during the day or, as my friend Pamela always does, to keep the shells she finds on the beach. 

They will keep the food safe so that you won’t have any liquids or crumbs in your bag. Don’t forget you can wash these bags and reuse them for all your travels. You can easily use the freezer ones, but if you plan to add something bigger inside, like your wet swimsuit, I highly recommend purchasing something more significant and robust, like the Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag.

Shop the Lermede clear toiletry bag.

16. Pack a couple of biodegradable bags:

You may need some bags to keep your shoes inside your luggage. Even if you leave home with new shoes inside your suitcase, remember you will walk a lot in them, so they will surely be dirty when you return home. 

You don’t want to place your dirty shoes on your clothes. You can use biodegradable bags to store dirty laundry or souvenirs inside. Because they are bin bags, you can always use them for the rubbish bin when you return home.

Or you can purchase a travel packing cubes set like I did, which includes a shoe bag.

Shop my favorite travel packing cubes.

17. Reduce the number of your underwear to save room:

Don’t worry, I don’t mean you have to wear the same underwear for more than one day, you only have to wash them in the evening.

I always bring only three pairs of underwear (for the bottom, only tongues because they take very little space), and every day before having a shower, I wash them as soon as I remove them. I leave them on the radiator so they are dry the following day.

About bras (if you are a lady), I bring clothes where I can wear the same bra and take only two options, like one strapless bra and one standard. Unless you go to a scorching place where you will sweat every day, you don’t need to wash your bra every evening. 

18. Plan to wear some clothes more than once:

If you travel for two weeks, do you need a new outfit daily? If you need it, well, a carry-on suitcase won’t be enough for you, but if you can re-wear your clothes more than once as I do, trust me, you will save a lot of room.

19. Pack clothes that can match one another:

Packing bottom clothes with more tops is the best way to look different daily. Usually, I pack only two bottoms and some tops that can go well with both. Swapping some clothes is a good idea if you are traveling with a friend who wears the same size.

20. Reduce the number of shoes:

Like every woman, I love shoes, but I must bring only the necessary ones to travel light and avoid losing my travel bag. I advise wearing the biggest and heavier shoes when going to your destination to save room in your luggage. 

Bring a very comfortable pair of shoes to wear all day while exploring and another pair (more elegant if you prefer) to go out for dinner (or to dance). Also, wear your new shoes a couple of times at home to feel comfortable in them. It could ruin your holiday if your shoes would give you blisters.

Want to become a SUPER-ORGANIZED TRAVELER and fight TRAVEL ANXIETY? Check out my Travel Anxiety Tips Page, where you will find all the help, tips, tricks and guides to plan your next adventure in the most organized way!

21. Lay all your clothes on your bed before packing them:

Having all your clothes in one place allows you to check and decide what you need to bring if something is essential or something you can leave at home (trust me, you won’t need many clothes, so leave some of them in your wardrobe). 

I have never regretted leaving home something, but I have often regretted bringing too much. Especially when I started to travel without my mom helping me pack ( I was 18 and wanted to get the entire wardrobe with me). Remember that you can always buy some clothes when needed if something happens. 

I didn’t buy my desert trousers and a scarf for the evening before traveling to Morocco because I knew I would find something very colorful on the way, and I did (and I consider them a souvenir).

22. Learn how to play Tetris:

You have to master Tetris (do you know the game?). In this way, you can use every inch of your travel bag to take everything you cannot travel without.

23. Roll your Clothes:

Rolling your clothes is the best way to save room. Place them inside your packing cubes, one next to the other. This way, you can pack more in less space.

24. Pack all your medicine and vitamins:

Pack all your medicines without the boxes, but don’t forget to bring the leaflets (you never know; you might nee d them). If you are like me and take some vitamin pills every morning, buy a weekly travel pill organizer. Check my pill organizers.

If you are traveling for more than one week, like for a month, I advise you to buy some little plastic bags to keep inside your luggage. They will reduce the space they take daily.

25. Pack some reusable cutleries:

Reusable cutlery can be very useful while traveling. You can use them to eat street food or save money for lunch while exploring and buying some food at the supermarket (where there is usually no cutlery available, or you have to buy a whole pack of 50 pieces). 

I recently purchased these reusable cutleries, and I am pleased about them.

26. Pack all your charger cables inside a little bag:

If you pack all your chargers inside a bag, they will be all together and easier to find. Check out some very pretty little waterproof travel bags. There are some Portable Travel Cable Organizer Bags (check it out in case you need them), but I don’t have many cables, so a little bag is enough for me.

27. Don’t forget your universal travel adaptor:

Don’t buy a plug adaptor for every country you want to visit; buy one universal to use everywhere. Universal adaptors are handy, so you won’t need to ask your accommodation to lend you one. 

Shop my favorite travel adaptor.

28. Pack a USB plug extender:

If you travel with your phone, one computer/tablet, a power bank, and a camera (as I am sure you all do), a USB plug extender can save you time and ensure all your gear is always fully charged. 

This is why I never travel without my USB travel adaptor. I want to ensure I can charge all my gear quickly.

Shop my favorite USB travel adaptor.

29. Leave some space in your travel bag for souvenirs:

I always buy souvenirs, mostly food (what can I do? I love food) and sometimes clothes. Magnets don’t count because they are tiny, but other items need space. 

So make sure to always have a bit of extra room inside your luggage. You never know which exceptional items you will find at your destination.

30. Pack some old clothes or clothes you are tired of:

Packing some old clothes you don’t use anymore can be a great way to help people in need. I did this a couple of times with my friend Pamela. Once, we went to Cape Verde on Sal Island and knew many poor people were there. 

So we decided to pack summer clothes we didn’t use anymore to wear for the last time during that holiday. In the end, we gave almost everything to charity.

31. Pack old underwear:

This is a way to make sure to have some extra room in your travel bag before going back home. If you have any old and not-good underwear you are already thinking of throwing away, take them on your next trip and throw them away before going home (this won’t release so much room in your luggage, but it is still something I sometimes do). 

32. Choose accommodation with a hairdryer:

Whether you are staying in an apartment or a hotel doesn’t matter. Make sure there is a hairdryer available in your room. Hairdryers are big, so why not leave yours at home and save some space in your luggage? That means more room for clothes or souvenirs.

If you cannot imagine drying your hair with a simple hotel hairdryer because you always want to have a perfect hairstyle (I feel you), a good and professional travel hairdryer might be precisely what you need.

Shop my favorite travel hair tools kit, dual voltage for the EU and America.

33. Pack a few days before departure:

A perfect packing checklist is the best way to pack everything you need. This can save your holiday and ensure you pack everything you need during your travel. You can easily download all my packing checklists and solve the problem.

After downloading all the packing checklists you need, or all of them, start to pack one week before departure. This way, you will still have time to buy whatever you are missing and avoid panicking, stressing, and getting anxious.

34. Don’t wait until the morning of departure to decide what to wear on the plane:

I usually prepare my clothes the evening before, so if I have (I always have) an early flight, I have to get up, dress up, and be ready to go to the airport without struggling in front of my wardrobe trying to decide what to wear.

Before you go…

And there you have it, my lovely anxious traveler! With these carry-on packing hacks tucked neatly into your repertoire, you’ll be a pro at maximizing space and minimizing stress.

Remember, darling, mastering the art of packing isn’t just about squeezing a few more souvenirs in; it’s about cultivating a sense of calm and control. When you know you’ve got everything you need to be tucked safely within your carry-on, you can truly surrender to the magic of your adventure.

If tackling your next trip’s wardrobe still sends shivers down your spine, fret no more! I’ve created a free 42-page downloadable guide with even more super-organized travel tips and tricks and downloadable packing checklists.

With this handy resource, you’ll be a packing pro in no time, conquering travel anxiety and waltzing into your next adventure with confidence and grace. Just head over to my website and download your free copy today. After all, a stress-free vacation is just a few clicks away!

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