Carry-ons Only Travel Tips
Traveling light? Many people enjoy the freedom of traveling with only a carry-on and one personal item.
Wonder how they do it?
Get tips from professionals who have mastered the art of packing only the most essential items for air travel and discover benefits beyond avoiding baggage claim.
Meet the Travellers
Liz Delia, a travel writer and co-founder of Zest for Latitudes, writes a blog dedicated to active, immersive travel.
With a passion for outdoor adventures, she explores destinations through hiking, swimming, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, focusing on how travel shapes perspective and fosters deeper cultural connections.
Liz travels nearly exclusively with carry-ons, stating, “Once you start, it’s hard to stop!”
Isheeta Borkar and her husband Shrey, known as the Travelicious Couple, are professionals by day, adventure seekers at heart, and world travellers. Based in Vancouver, Canada, they’re on a mission to experience the world while working full-time jobs remotely.
Through Shrey and Isheeta’s travel stories, curated itineraries, and practical tips, they aim to help you navigate the work and travel lifestyle in ways that suit you.
Isheeta shares, “When we travel for shorter periods of time, we definitely try not to have checked bags,” citing the rising costs involved with checking luggage as a driver for that decision.
Maria Forero is a Public Relations Director at INGAGE, where she leads strategic PR initiatives for clients across a variety of industries. As a remote professional, she combines her passion for public relations with her love of travel, working from destinations around the world. She is also the founder of Moda con Mars. When she’s not securing media opportunities for her clients, she’s traveling the globe sourcing vintage and secondhand treasures for her business.
Tanya Turner of The T Word on Travel is a seasoned travel expert, content creator, and SEO strategist, with over 20 years of firsthand experience exploring the world—from hidden-gem destinations to iconic bucket-list spots. She specializes in family travel and budget-friendly adventures, offering practical insights that help everyday travellers maximize their experiences without breaking the bank.
Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, provides valued customers with a vacation rental that makes them feel at home. His team handpicks the locations of each vacation rental property to ensure ample choices for everyone. Casago offers prime homes in picturesque, safe communities with options for every budget, ranging from charming villas to spacious condos and scenic beach houses.
Todd Stephenson is the co-founder of roofquotes.com, a technology-driven marketplace revolutionizing the roofing industry by providing homeowners with transparent, competitive quotes from vetted local contractors. With a strong focus on efficiency and cost savings, roofquotes.com empowers homeowners to make informed decisions while ensuring quality workmanship.
He writes, “I stick to a carry-on unless I’ve got gear or product samples to haul for a shoot or event. Most of my travel is fast-paced like meetings, quick campaigns, or site visits, so checking a bag just slows me down and gives me headaches.”
Sebastian Garrido, an experienced traveler and passionate writer, is a digital marketer for Vibe Adventures, an online travel agency promoting authentic and mind-broadening travel via awesome trips and inspiring content.
In addition to his career expertise, he is a fervent cinephile, photographer, journalist, food enthusiast, sports aficionado, and marketing specialist.
Sebastian quips, “I love to travel only with a carry-on.”
Most Compact, Yet Effective Suitcases For Traveling Light
Leaving your big suitcase behind at home doesn’t have to be as painful as you think.
Having robust carry-on luggage and a trusty, spacious personal item can go a long way to getting you through the airport and out the doors to your destination.
Check out these options to discover a range of brands that cover all the bases for traveling light.
Liz uses the Quince Expandable Small Carry-On Suitcase (22″ x 14.4″ x 9.8″), which expands by an extra inch when needed.
It features a compression system that lets you pack more efficiently, plus a large internal pocket, a zippered compartment, and a laundry bag.
“I love its sleek, minimalist design – it’s a high-quality dupe for pricier carry-ons without sacrificing function,” Liz beams.
Isheeta and Shrey use the Away Bigger Carry-On as their sturdy partner, noting that it’s built well, has a sleek design, and incredibly intuitive features. (No LV bags for the Travelicious Couple, thank you!).
“The interior compression system lets me pack more than you’d expect, and the hidden laundry bag keeps my worn clothes separated,” Isheeta confirms.
“I particularly appreciate the smooth 360° wheels that make even the longest airport walks feel effortless. The shell has held up impressively across dozens of international flights, despite my husband dropping it repeatedly. It’s compact enough for most overhead bins but roomy enough to handle trips of 2–3 weeks without issue.”
Maria uses the BÉIS Carry-On Roller, “because it fits an incredible amount while still meeting airline carry-on size restrictions. It’s durable and designed with smart compartments that make packing super efficient.”
Tanya likes to travel with the Monos Carry-On Plus. She indicates, “The dimensions are slightly larger than a traditional carry-on suit case: 23″ × 15″ × 9.5”. It also has a larger capacity than usual at 35L, which suits my needs perfectly.
“The Monos website says it should be sufficient for a 3-7 day trip, but I’ve definitely managed much longer than 7 days with it.
“I love that there is compression straps on one side to really squeeze as much as you can in. I’ve traveled on several budget airlines with it, and have had no issues at all.”
Steve says, “It has always been my goal to travel with just a carry-on, so I would say that I’ve mastered it! I actually have a few different carry-on suitcases, and I pick the best one to use depending on how much I have to pack.”
Todd remarks, “I use the Away Bigger Carry-On. It’s 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches and fits in most overhead bins, even on smaller regional jets like the ones flying out of Nashville. The compression system inside makes it easy to pack tight. One side zips shut, which keeps everything locked down even when I have to pop it open in a tight space.
“I’ve used this thing hard through layovers, cobblestones, quick turnarounds, and the wheels still roll smooth. It’s tough without being clunky, which matters when I’m moving fast.”
Sebastian shares, “I travel with a McCarthy carry-on suitcase, which is 34.5cm x 23.5cm, it has all the compartments a normal carry-on suitcase has. It is normal but it works wonders for me because it it just the right amount of space that is permitted and I never pay for documentation.”
Survey Says
Luggage Forward is a provider of global door-to-door white glove luggage delivery and a leading budget-friendly luggage shipping service that allows travellers to ship their bags directly to their destination.
From a general population survey commissioned in February 2025, Audrey Kohout, co-CEO of Luggage Forward, presents the following insights for your consideration:
30.5% of Americans travel with a carry-on/personal item, while 40.2% occasionally check a bag, and 29.2% always check a bag.
For those who stick with carry-on only, reasons why include:
- 42.1% confirm it’s because checked bags are too expensive
- 42.1% also confirm it’s because checked bags are time-consuming
- 41.8% believe it’s never necessary
- 38.6% are concerned about lost/delayed luggage
- 29.3% feel the bags are too difficult to manage
Another interesting finding is that of those surveyed, 57.5% of the general population of America believe they overpack for their trips.
This is based on a survey launched in February 2025 for the general population of America, with 1,019 respondents.
Tips for Maximizing Storage in Your Personal Item
Given how important it is to many Americans to travel lightly, it is no surprise that personal items allowed on the plane in addition to your carry-on have become like a second suitcase.
Inexperienced travellers may bring a small purse or open-faced bag that doesn’t zip up, but those who have been through the gauntlet of traveling lightly have learned to be strategic with the size of their personal item and its compartments.
Liz cites of backpacks, “This is the carry-on traveler’s not-so-secret weapon! I use a backpack to stow high-value items like my laptop, wallet, and passport, along with a change of clothes, medications, snacks, and (on long-haul flights) my toiletry bag so everything I might need in-flight is easily accessible.”
Isheeta and Shrey rely heavily on backpacks, too, and use them to pack a lot of their belongings.
Isheeta shares, “Since we have our day jobs and side gigs, we carry two laptops each and an iPad. Those themselves take some space. On some trips, we like to carry our drone as well!
“My husband has started using a bag from Vessi, and swears by it. However, I use the Nomatic Navigator Backpack (Expandable 24L to 34L). It’s a brilliantly designed bag with compartments for all our gear, clothes, toiletries, and even a water bottle holder (a rare find in minimalist designs).
Typically, Isheeta packs the following into her backpack:
Electronics: two laptops, an iPad, charging cables, a universal adapter, noise-canceling earbuds, and sometimes a compact travel router.
Essentials: Passport, wallet, travel documents, snacks, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and a foldable tote for grocery runs or spontaneous hikes.
Clothing: One change of clothes and sometimes a packable down jacket in case of cooler weather.
Toiletries: These go on top to be pulled out easily at airport security.
This setup lets me bring a surprising amount onboard while still following airline rules.
Maria will use a backpack sometimes, especially when she needs to pack light and maximize space.
She says, “When I backpacked through Europe, I used the Mother Lode Travel Backpack by eBags (now owned by Samsonite). Their Mother Lode Jr. version even fits as a personal item on low-cost airlines. It’s great for storage!”
Tanya, notes, “I travel with a tote bag (also Monos) in addition to the carry-on. The tote fits over the handle of the case so that you don’t have to physically carry it. I store electronics, books, snacks, and airplane comfort items in this tote.”
Steve also advocates for backpacks, stating, “A backpack is always my second bag – I can fit tons in there as well. I store my liquids, electronics, and anything else I may have to take out when going through security in my backpack to make things easier and to allow myself easy access to those items when on the plane.”
Does Todd use a backpack? He’s quick to confirm, “Always. I use the Bellroy Transit Backpack Plus. It’s slim but opens up wide enough to carry a backup outfit, tech pouch, laptop, and sometimes even a pair of sneakers if I’m squeezing it.
“The layout makes it easy to pull stuff out without unpacking the whole thing. I always keep a hoodie in there too, it doubles as a pillow on overnight flights or long delays.”
Sebastian notes, “I use my Herschel backpack as my personal item and I use it to store heavier things. For example, books, a tablet, and also jackets, and even one time I put some sneakers over there.”
Toiletry Tips and Keeping to 100mL Per Bottle
Modern travel requires limited liquids in carry-on luggage, creating a new segment within the travel industry for ‘travel size’ or ‘TSA Approved’ clear containers.
What do our travel experts bring with them?
Liz confides, “I rely on HumanGear GoToobs. They’re leakproof, come in different sizes, and have soft, squeezable silicone bodies that make them easy to use (and clean). I’ve gone through a lot of travel containers over the years, and these are the only ones I truly trust.
“I use different colors for different products and keep a note in my phone so I don’t mix them up.”
Isheeta also relies on a set of GoToob+ TSA-approved bottles, which she refills from larger containers left behind in storage or purchases again when needed.
She writes, “I use solid alternatives wherever possible, like bar shampoo and soap. This minimizes my liquid load, cuts down on weight, and makes airport security much smoother.
“For liquids, I store everything in a transparent, zippered pouch that fits neatly into my backpack’s top pocket, which speeds up TSA screening. Especially when we are running late for a flight!”
Maria skips the liquid hassle altogether by packing bar shampoo and conditioner. She acknowledges, “It saves space, eliminates worries about TSA liquid limits, and is better for the environment too.”
Tanya reveals, “I take reusable/refillable toiletries with me (shampoo, conditioner, body wash). You can buy a nice color-coded silicon set from Amazon.
“I do take makeup and face cream with me, but the makeup is all power or cream-based and I’ve never been questioned on it at security. Sample perfume bottles are the perfect carry-on item!”
Steve relates, “For my liquids, I do have travel-sized containers that I will reuse, and I think I got those from Walmart years ago.
“Sometimes, if I know I will use up the entirety of a product by the end of the trip, I will actually just buy that product in its travel-sized packaging so that I can discard it before the plane ride back, which also makes packing that much easier.”
Todd uses Matador FlatPak bottles for liquids, commenting, “They’re super light and collapse down when empty. I don’t label them, just use colored caps to tell them apart.
“For the rest, I stick to travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, contact solution, just everything fits into a single clear TSA pouch so I’m never fumbling at security. If I’m staying longer than a few days, I’ll refill or grab what I need when I land.”
Sebastian has a small bathroom bag where he fits everything under the limit, relaying, “In Mexico, you can go to multiple drug stores and ask for a travel kit and they sell you everything with the 100ml characteristics that way I have everything I need- I just buy a new item whenever I need one.”
Items Most Purchased After Landing
You can only pack so much with you when you travel light. No matter how well you prepare, there is always something at your destination that could be picked up for fun or sought after due to a real need.
Liz notes, “I often purchase things like lotion, sunscreen, or shampoo once I reach my destination. It’s rarely more expensive than back home, and browsing local pharmacies or supermarkets is a small joy of travel for me.
“Sometimes you discover new products that become trip favorites! A few years ago, I found a sunscreen in Austria that I loved – so much that I purchased a couple of extra bottles before I headed back home.”
Isheeta and Shrey tend to stick to what they’ve packed. However, and very rarely, the couple plans to make purchases on the ground at their destination.
Isheeta confirms, “I usually buy full-sized toiletries when I know I’ll be staying somewhere longer than 2 weeks. If I’m heading somewhere cold, I might purchase thicker clothing locally (like gloves or an extra hoodie), then donate it when I leave.”
Cost-wise, these purchases usually range from $10–30 depending on the location and item Isheeta is looking at.
She reveals, “It’s a small price to pay for avoiding checked baggage stress and keeping our packing tight and efficient. Since we also travel in trains in Europe and very low cost airlines, we save ourselves considerable hassle with this.”
For whatever reason, Maria always seems to forget medicine. She notes, “I usually end up buying basics like ibuprofen, Tums, or Dramamine, which doesn’t set me back too much, depending on the pharmacy.”
The only thing Tanya finds herself purchasing while away is a large bottle of dry-shampoo.
She says, “Purchasing an airplane sized one at home often costs as much as a full size bottle, so I leave this purchase for abroad. This one item normally sets me back less than $5.”
Sometimes, Todd will pick a few things up after he lands, including, “sunscreen, maybe a cheap razor or a fresh tee if I didn’t pack one. I keep it minimal on purpose, and those extras usually cost me $15 tops. It’s worth it to not lug more stuff around.”
There have been a couple times where Sebastian needed to make purchases after landing, both to do with the elements, “I had to buy a cap because I did not bring one or a hat. And the other time I had to buy a giant jacket because the cold was unbearable.”
When Checking Luggage is a Must
Not all travel is the same. Sometimes, you need a larger suitcase and check in your luggage at Departures.
For seasoned travellers who are used to skipping baggage drop-off and claiming, occasions arise when checking a bag is definitely worth it, and an exception to their rule is made.
“I make exceptions for trips involving multiple climates or drastically different activities (say, skiing and the beach). It’s also something I consider when traveling for an extended period across seasons. A capsule wardrobe gets trickier in those scenarios.” – Liz
“Typically for long-term stays (over 2 months), special occasions like weddings (as Indian clothes are massive), or if we’re carrying gifts or items for friends and family.
When we moved to New Zealand for two months, we checked one large bag between the two of us to carry extra layers, some cooking utensils specific to us, and a few comforts from home. In general, if our trip is highly mobile (multiple cities), we avoid checked baggage like the plague.” – Isheeta
“I only consider checking a bag if I’m staying for a month or planning a shopping spree. Otherwise, I prefer to stick with my carry-on items to keep things simple.” – Maria
“My family and I check luggage if we’re planning on staying in one location for more than 10 days. This way we can take favorite snacks from home, along with games, and sporting equipment like snorkel sets.” – Tanya
“Only if I’ve got props, samples, or gear for a shoot. Back in the PupSocks days (previous company), we did a series of cross-state campaigns that needed full setups. No way to pack that in a carry-on. But if it’s just meetings or travel to check out supplier spots or rooftops for Roof Quotes, carry-on gets it done.” – Todd
“Only on trips that are more than 3 weeks, then I would need more stuff and I would check. But I hate checking luggage.” – Sebastian
Benefits of “Carry-on Only” Travel
What’s the allure of carry-on-only travel? What benefits are reaped in exchange for combining the skills of a professional organizer and minimalist? Plenty, I assure you.
Liz shares, “I love navigating new destinations on foot, and carry-on travel lets me move freely. No wrestling with oversized bags on public transport or across cobbled streets.
“Last summer, my family stayed in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It’s beautiful but filled with cobblestones, steps, and no vehicle access. Our apartment was on the fourth floor with a spiral staircase – no elevator.
“With just our carry-ons, it was easy to carry them when needed. Larger suitcases would’ve made the arrival a struggle.”
For Isheeta, the list is long, including:
Time savings: She skipped baggage claim and was often the first to leave the airport.
Peace of mind: No stress about lost or delayed bags. Isheeta and her husband have had enough bags delayed in the past, and it is sort of traumatic for them to think of it now.
Flexibility: Easier to make tight connections or switch flights last minute.
Mobility: Navigating public transport, cobbled streets, or walk-up apartments is much easier without a huge suitcase. The couple had to walk half a kilometer in Venice over bridges and narrow cobbled lanes filled with people to get to their Airbnb, noting, “If we were carrying our full-size suitcase, it would’ve been a disaster.”
Cost savings: No checked bag fees, which are especially important on budget airlines.
Isheeta recalls, “On a recent trip to Lima, our flight was unexpectedly delayed, and we were rebooked on another airline.
“Many travellers missed their connections or had to wait for their bags to be rerouted. But since we had everything with us, we breezed through customs and rebooked ourselves within 30 minutes, making it to our destination on time and without any stress.”
Maria shares, “Traveling with just a carry-on makes everything easier. There’s less to carry, no baggage claim delays, and no need to store large luggage before hotel check-in.
“It’s a huge advantage in cities with a lot of public transportation. For example, while traveling through Europe, I had to climb multiple metro station stairs, having only a carry-on made it manageable instead of miserable. When I stayed at an Airbnb without elevators, it would have been impossible to lug my checked bag.”
Traveling is just plain easier when you don’t have to lug a humongous suitcase.
Steve declares, “I am a big fan of using public transportation when I can, and that’s one reason why I prefer to just use carry-on luggage.
“When you are taking a packed bus or subway from the airport to your hotel, it’s a lot easier to manage one smaller suitcase and a backpack, rather than a large checked back, a carry-on, and potentially a third bag.”
Tanya also sees the great benefits of carry-ons when using public transportation, particularly when traveling in Europe or the UK, citing, “Oftentimes space on trains and busses is limited. It’s also really cumbersome to wrangle huge suitcases in large crowds.
“My family of four traveled to 13 cities through four European countries over Christmas and each had our own carry-on suitcase. Not only was it easy to carry these cases up apartment stairs to vacation rentals, or into hotels, but they doubled as seats on busy trains that had none available. Our teens had no problem managing their own cases and needed no assistance.”
Todd remembers, “Flying into Chicago once, weather delays has wrecked the schedule. Everyone’s luggage got sent to different airports. I walked off the plane, grabbed a car, and made it to a partner meeting without missing a beat. Other folks showed up late in rental clothes. That trip reminded me why I pack light.“
For Sebastian, traveling light is multifaceted. He confides, “It saves me money and I learned how to more effectively do a bag and that it never goes over the 10kg limit.
“I manage my suitcase space and have room for extra stuff I would want to buy or for any gifts.
“And it has proved advantageous in all my beach trips, and trips to the US (those that are not for more than 3 weeks) as I have saved a lot of money by not checking luggage.”
Fresh Carry-on Ideas
Maggie Gerth travels with the carry-on she designed, PROPS Luggage. The case has legs! As the story goes, Maggie found traveling with four kids to be difficult and thought a case that stood up by itself would be convenient as a little table in the airport and a luggage stand in the hotel. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all.
PROPS Luggage was the winner of the 2024 Best Luxury Travel Product from the Travel Goods Association (TGA). You can view past winners of TGA’s awards here.
Looking for an ergonomic backpack that’s lightweight and easy to wear?
Healthy Back Bags are tear-shaped bags that can be used for traveling and carry-on luggage. The Healthy Back Bag Company is based in the UK, focusing on both ergonomics and style.
Here is what some pleased owners of Healthy Back Bags on Trustpilot have to say:
Anne, Great Britain
The bag gives reassurance that contents are secure being able to wear it across the chest and also provides easy access for me. We travel a lot so the bag is practical for daytime use but still looks smart for going out. Quality is good and I can fit all the essentials in it.
Anne Marie, New Zealand
I love these bags as they are comfortable to wear, feel safe as it’s hard for a thief to snatch when the bag is across your body and they are practical for storing items in separate pockets. Perfect for travel. They are easy to scrub clean and dry. Very good quality, my first bag is 10 years old and still in good condition. I love the variety of colours available both neutral shades and brighter colours. I buy a new colour each year to go with my clothes. I have 8 bags now.
Pei Shan Lee, Japan
I bought my first Healthy Back Bag about a year ago at Haneda airport Japan, it sure is a bag that’s suitable for travel and daily use. I was totally attracted by its varieties of colors and capacity. I love it very much.
Paula Suckling, Canada
This is my second large bag. Great for travel, it has a lot of room, plenty of pockets and is very comfortable to wear over shoulder or cross-wise, very easy on the back and shoulders.
Airport Lounges
Saving the best for last, we couldn’t help but shine the light on some high-performing airport lounges for savvy travellers!
“I’m a big fan of airport lounges, especially on international trips. One of my favorites is the American Express Centurion Lounge. Their food, atmosphere, and calm vibes are always welcome. I recently had a flight disruption in Washington, DC, that required an extra overnight stay and an early rebooked flight. The Centurion Lounge at Reagan Airport made the experience so much smoother and less stressful.” – Liz
“We use Priority Pass quite often (Chase Sapphire Reserve gives me unlimited entries), and our favorite lounges so far have been in Seoul, Singapore (Changi Airport), and Istanbul. These lounges give us a quiet place to work, recharge our devices, enjoy proper meals, and even take showers during long layovers. It’s part of why we’re able to maintain a consistent and productive remote work schedule while traveling the world.” – Isheeta
“Thanks to my Capital One credit card’s Priority Pass membership, I can access lounges around the world. It’s a total game-changer, especially working remotely, offering free Wi-Fi and comfort to recharge between flights.” – Maria
“My favorite airport lounge is in the Calgary, Alberta airport. The Westjet Elevation Lounge has comfy seating, showers to freshen up, and food and top-shelf drinks delivered directly to your table after placing an order via QR code.” – Tanya
“I’m in and out of lounges all the time. Centurion Lounges are solid, Charlotte and Denver have been great. I use Priority Pass when I’m flying out of smaller airports. It’s less about the food and more about space to recharge, knock out a few emails, or jump on a call if needed.” – Todd
Rate and Review Your Favorite Lounges
Now’s the time to share your thoughts! Leave a review for the airport lounge you’ve been to most recently. We’d love to hear from you.
