Traveling with just a carry-on is a popular method among many travelers. Not only does it make going from location to location easier, it also helps you avoid those pesky airline fees!

Interested in traveling with a carry-on? Here’s what you need to know!

Make a List

Traveling with just a carry-on is liberating, but it can also be stressful. Because you’re limited in what you can carry, it’s important to take only the necessities.

Unfortunately, this can make it easy to forget or overlook certain items. If you plan on traveling with just a carry-on, making a list will help you figure out what to pack and what to leave at home.

When making your list, it’s best to start a few weeks before your actual trip. As time goes by, you’ll think of new things to bring along and realize that certain things you can live without.

Don’t Pack Toiletries

I know, I know… you just can’t live without your organic vegan face wash. Luckily, you don’t have to!

It can be tempting to pack all of your toiletries while traveling, but if you’re only traveling with a carry-on this can limit your options. TSA liquid restrictions mean that you can only bring so much of a liquid onto the plane with you.

Instead, save yourself the room and headache and simply purchase your toiletries when you get to where you’re going. Chances are you’ll be able to find the exact product, or some variation of it, at the supermarket. As an added bonus, this gives you an opportunity to do some shopping in a new place!

Think Small

It can be tempting to bring all of the amenities you’re used to from home. However, this can quickly weigh you down and take up valuable space in your carry-on. 

Instead, take stock of what it is you can’t live without and then downsize it. Do you love to read? Consider downloading Amazon Kindle on your phone and reading off of that. Can’t stand to live without your premium water flosser? Regular floss works just as well and it’s way more compact!

This is especially effective if you’re only doing short-term travel. Living without your usual luxuries is a lot easier when you only have to do it for a little while.
Did you find these tips and tricks helpful? Check out my full-length guide to learn everything you need to know, from TSA restrictions to packing tips, about traveling with just a carry-on. 🙂