Yep, it happened: I’ve become the person that loves to travel with a carry-on only. And yes, you guessed: years ago, I was the person that would see traveling with a carry-on only as an impossible mission. But, over the years and after giving myself some opportunities to try, I caught myself preferring the convenience over the hassle of checking a bag. Yeah, there are some occasions that I would still check a back – if I’m visiting my family, for example (because I always bring gifts) or if I’m traveling to a place where I know I will be shopping more. Other than that, I will stick to the carry-on + personal item combo. And, of course, there are some packing tips and products that will help you in that mission. I will share my favorite hacks today – and hey, even if you are not planning to ditch the checked back any time sooner, I’m sure these tips can help you to keep your bag more organized!
1. Packing cubes
I’ve seen some people on social media talking about packing cubes – but I never cared enough. Honestly, I think I never understood the hype. Until my sister, who has been using this system for a while, convinced me I should buy a set, especially because she knew I had a lot of upcoming trips. Since they are not super expensive, I decided to give it a chance. And when I started to pack, I’ve quickly become obsessed. Besides the organization aspect – I use one cube for intimates, another one for tops, another one for bottoms, etc, – they make the clothing fit better in your carry-on or luggage. And the most important aspect: it keeps your bag organized on the go, cause you take what you need from the packing cube and you put it back. Seriously, I don’t know why it took me so long to buy these things. Another tip: make sure to get the ones with a compression system – a double ziper that allows you to squeeze out air and save more space.
2. Silicon refillable bottles
Listen, I need my cosmetics when I travel – and the silicon refillable bottles are convenient and feature a leakproof design that ensures your liquids stay safely contained during transit. I use not only for shampoo and conditioner, but also for face cleanser, sunscreen, etc. Let’s face it: packing full-size products take space and weight from your luggage. Plus, when you are traveling with a carry-on only there are restrictions on liquids.
3. Multiple cosmetics bags
Here’s the deal: if you have a lot of cosmetics to pack, it will be probably easier to pack multiple small bags instead of a big one that will be impossible to accommodate in your carry-on. So I use one bag for makeup, another one for skincare, another one for hair care and so on. The sizes vary, but you get the point.
4. Use alternative formulas like stick and powder
Speaking of cosmetics, I also love to pack products with stick and powder formulas. Think about stick deodorants, hair wax, face balm and foundation. And dry shampoo with a powder formula. There’s no risk of leaking and you don’t have to deal with the liquid limitations for carry-on. Check some products below:
5. Get more space to pack with a smart backpack
When you travel, you usually can bring a carry-on and a personal item – that fits under the seat in front of you. If you choose your item wisely, you can not only optimize your organization and increase your space significantly. I highly recommend bringing a smart backpack with you. I personally love this one from Knack bags, because it’s sturdy, and there are a lot of pockets! In my last trip, I was able to pack a sneaker, a toiletry bag, a neck pillow, a hair dryer and a camera.
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For a budget-friendly option, I recommend this viral one from Amazon, with two main pockets, a laptop compartment x 2 (fit for a 13” tablet and 14” laptop respectively), and many other pockets for different purposes, a separate shoe compartment can help you carry and keep your shoes better in your travel bag and It can be easily attached to your carry-on.
6. Bring a Belt Bag for easy access to phone and documents
Ok, so you know the drill: when we are traveling, there are some things that we need easy and quick access to: phone, wallet, documents, lip balm, airpods, glasses… And a belt bag can be a life savior! Plus, I can put it inside my backpack if I need to. Highly recommend the one from lululemon – that also features an external pocket. For a budget-friendly option, check this one from Amazon.
And that’s a wrap! Check my video below to see my packing action and please let me know your tips and tricks!
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Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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