Top Space-saving Travel Essentials
Don’t judge, but I’ve been traveling for 30-plus years and have checked a bag on nearly every trip. (Surprisingly, my luggage has only gone missing once.) I didn’t want to lug my suitcase through a busy airport or wedge it into a cramped bathroom stall. At 5-foot-1, the idea of hoisting a heavy bag into the overhead bin made me sweat. And perhaps most honestly, I packed for every possible “what if” scenario that could crop up on my trip.
It wasn’t until I started flying more regularly that I realized I needed to seriously rethink my packing habits. Waiting at baggage claim felt like wasted time, and I couldn’t ignore the fact that I was wearing only half of what I packed. That’s when I decided it was time to become a carry-on-only traveler. Since then, I’ve flown dozens of times with just my 22-inch carry-on suitcase, and I truly don’t miss checking a bag.
Getting here took some strategy, though. I’m more intentional about what I bring, planning my outfits ahead of time and sticking to versatile pieces I can mix and match and rewear throughout my itinerary. I also invested in space-saving packing essentials, like compression packing cubes, multi-use clothing, packable totes, and compact tech, that completely changed the way I pack. Here’s how I started packing smarter and the 13 essentials that made going carry-on-only possible.
The Packing System
Right off the bat, I swapped my rigid hardside luggage for an expandable softside suitcase that lets me pack a little more while still adhering to airline size restrictions. The Away Softside Carry-on is now my go-to. Its flexible fabric compresses easily and offers more “give” than my old hardshell suitcases, which makes fitting everything inside far less stressful. It’s also lighter, giving me a bit more weight allowance for my essentials, and the exterior pockets make it easy to grab items mid-travel. It even comes with a built-in compression system with two zippered pockets that help keep everything organized while in transit. And because it’s no longer subjected to the rough handling of checked baggage, the fabric and wheels have stayed pristine.
Compression packing cubes are, hands down, the most important accessory in my carry-on-only routine. They save suitcase space and keep everything organized so I’m not digging through a pile of clothes at my destination. I like to separate everything by category: pants and dresses in one cube, tops in another, socks and underwear in a third, and smaller items like swimsuits and cover-ups in their own. It keeps my suitcase neat and makes it easy to find exactly what I’m looking for.
I swear by this six-piece set from Bagail because it includes cubes in various sizes and features a mesh panel, so I can clearly see what’s inside before unzipping each one. If I’m heading on a cold-weather trip that requires bulkier sweaters and layers, I use these vacuum storage bags to really condense everything down. I especially like this set because the bags roll to compress, so there’s no need to pack a pump.
The Everyday Essentials
I’ve heard enough travel horror stories to know that an anti-theft crossbody bag is crucial for a smooth trip. The Crissy Crossbody from Arden Cove checks every security box while still being compact yet surprisingly spacious, which means I don’t have to pack multiple purses to rotate throughout my trip. Measuring 8.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 6.5 inches, it features two roomy compartments that hold far more than you’d expect.
The main pocket fits a sunglasses case, water bottle, Kindle, packable tote, and other small essentials, while the front pocket has a built-in wallet plus room for a phone and passport. Beyond its smart, compact design, it’s packed with anti-theft features in a sleek, stylish silhouette, so it works just as well for sightseeing as it does for dinner. The waterproof nylon exterior includes slash-resistant lining and straps, locking clasps to secure valuables, and RFID-blocking technology to help ward off pickpockets.
I’m always prepared to shop on trips, so this packable Baggu tote practically lives in my purse—just in case. The standard Baggu holds up to three grocery bags’ worth of items, yet folds down into a flat, five-inch pouch that fits in the palm of my hand. It’s the definition of a multi-use travel essential: I use it for shopping, as a beach or pool bag, and even as an overflow carryall on the flight home if I picked up one too many souvenirs. Instead of packing multiple totes, this one compact bag does it all.
The Travel Uniform
Clothing has always been my biggest packing struggle. I think through every possible scenario: What if it rains? What if we end up somewhere dressier than planned? What if I spend more time outside? What if it’s warmer or colder than I expected? Those “what ifs” have led to overweight baggage fees and a stack of unworn clothes at the end of more than one trip.
One of the smartest swaps I’ve made is traveling in a versatile matching set. This two-piece style includes a half-zip collared pullover and loose, straight-leg pants, and each piece easily stands on its own. Together, it looks polished and put-together, but separately, it gives me flexibility to mix and match with other items in my suitcase. It’s elevated enough to dress up when needed, but comfortable enough to lean casual, which means fewer “just in case” outfits taking up space.
If there’s one hero item for packing light in a carry-on, it’s a pair of black wide-leg trousers. They can just as easily be worn comfortably on a long-haul flight as they can exploring for hours on foot. And if you need to head straight from sightseeing to an elevated dinner reservation, they’re polished enough to dress up without a full outfit change.
While I love nothing more than a sturdy pair of jeans, these comfy, lightweight dress pants truly earn their spot in my suitcase. They’re stretchy, functional, and flattering, with a crisp, tailored look that instantly pulls everything together. Instead of packing multiple pairs of pants for different scenarios, this is the one pair I rely on again and again.
Along the same lines as a pair of black trousers, a crisp, long-sleeve button-down is another travel wardrobe staple of mine. It’s perfectly breathable and lightweight for all-day wear and can easily be worn straight into the evening. This workhorse item can be worn open with a tank underneath, buttoned up, tied in the front, layered over a dress, tucked into a skirt, and it can even double as a swimsuit cover-up in a pinch. The key is making sure it has a wrinkle-resistant design, like this style from Amazon, so you can ditch the steamer and wear it straight out of the suitcase.
Packing just one pair of everyday shoes is what freed up the most space in my suitcase. One solid, comfortable pair of walking sneakers is truly all you need for most trips. I’ve been wearing my Veja Campo sneakers for nearly six years, and they’ve never let me down. The leather design feels sleek and minimal, while subtle suede details add a light pop of contrast. They pair effortlessly with everything I pack, from my matching set and black trousers to dresses, skirts, and shorts. The elevated silhouette makes them appropriate for more polished settings, while still delivering the comfort I need for long days on my feet. Instead of packing multiple pairs, these are the only sneakers that earn a spot in my travel wardrobe.
Instead of packing a travel blanket or bulky extra layers, I opt for a large pashmina wrap. It rolls up nice and tight inside my personal item and can be pulled out the minute the cabin gets chilly. Once I land, it continues to prove its worth: draped over my shoulders at dinner, wrapped as a cozy scarf, or styled like a poncho for a more casual daytime look. It saves a surprising amount of space while offering a wide range of uses.
The Toiletry Reset
My toiletry bag overhaul played a huge part in my reformed overpacker status. I really streamlined what I bring on each and every trip—no more tossing in extras just because. The Dagne Dover Hunter Toiletry Bag is truly a bit of a Mary Poppins bag, fitting more than you’d expect without taking up much space in my carry-on.
Interior elastic loops and a mesh slip pocket keep bottles and smaller accessories secure, while the spacious 2-liter interior holds everything neatly in one place. Side snaps allow it to condense slightly, which helps maximize suitcase space. I even use the included mesh pouch to house my trimmed-down makeup must-haves so I can skip bringing a separate case. Does it have a built-in hanger? No. But its small footprint keeps everything contained, visible, and easy to access.
After overhauling my toiletry bag itself, I realized what goes inside matters just as much. Certain beauty and skincare essentials aren’t conducive to being poured into reusable bottles, but for the ones that are—like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and face wash—refillable silicone bottles save an enormous amount of space in a toiletry bag. I swear by this four-piece set with 3-ounce bottles that stay right at the TSA-approved liquids limit without sacrificing what I need for my trip. No more full-size toiletry bottles taking up precious suitcase space.
The Space-saving Swaps
Streamlining my tech also made a huge difference in packing light and saving space. I stopped bringing multiple power adapters and cords and started relying on a single all-in-one charging bank instead. Now, I use this one device to juice up my phone, headphones, and tablet without having to tote a separate tech organizer filled with cords and plugs. The built-in cables let me charge multiple devices at once, and it’s compact enough to fit right inside my crossbody bag while I’m out and about.
As much as I love a crisp paperback, travel days and long trips have a way of accelerating my reading pace. I can easily finish two or three books on a single trip. Instead of weighing down my carry-on with a stack of books, I bring my Kindle so I can stay on track with my reading goals without sacrificing precious suitcase space. It holds hundreds of books in one slim device, and—as I mentioned above—it fits right inside my crossbody, so I can bring it anywhere from the boarding gate to the beach.
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