One of the questions we get asked most often is, “How do you travel so much without checking a bag?”
The truth is, it took us some time to work the kinks out.
Carry-on only has become our favorite way to travel. It saves us time at the airport and eliminates baggage fees. By using our tips and tricks, carry-on only travel may just become second nature to you as well.
Our method of packing works for us, but there are so many different ways to do it. It all starts with packing smarter, not just packing less.
1.) Know the TSA Liquid Rules
Before you start tossing toiletries into your bag, remember flight/TSA liquid rules.
- Liquids, gels, creams and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller.
- All the above containers must fit into one clear quart sized bag.
- Each traveler gets one liquids bag in many countries.
- Remember, this rule can include your toothpaste, sunscreen, and even hand sanitizer.
- Buy travel sized products or refill reusable travel containers. These are the ones we use: (paid links)
- If you only need the TSA toiletry bag: (paid links)
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2.) Compression Bags Are a Game Changer
If you haven’t discovered compression bags yet, you are missing out!
These simple bags allow you to remove excess air from your clothing, reducing the amount of space your clothes take up in your suitcase. No vacuum needed, many travel compression bags simply roll up to push the air out.
Compression bags also help keep everything organized. You can separate outfits, dirty laundry, and accessories so you aren’t digging through your suitcase looking for one item.
Here a couple options that we use: (paid links)
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3.) Plan Outfits Ahead of Time
The biggest mistake travelers make is packing for every possible scenario. Instead, choose a few colors and pack pieces that mix and match. Items that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Tip: If you are going somewhere a little chilly, a jean jacket and a light scarf allows you to wear the same shirt more than once!
4.) Doing Laundry On Longer Trips
We occasionally do laundry half way through a trip. We plan accordingly by booking hotels with laundry rooms for guests to use.
These laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets are easy to pack. We just tuck a few (not the whole pack) into Ziploc bags. (paid links)
5.) Wear your Heaviest/Bulkiest Items on the Plane
When traveling, we wear our bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane. This frees up valuable space in the carry-on and keeps us prepared for chilly airport terminals and planes.
6.) Leave Room for Souvenirs
This is one lesson we have learned the hard way! You are probably bringing something extra home with you. Whether it is a local snack, a handmade craft, or that irresistible cheesy souvenir you swore you weren’t buying, leaving a little extra space in your bag makes the trip home easier.
7.) Bring a backpack as a personal item (if you don’t mind putting something by your feet during the flight)
While Darci opts for no personal item under the seat in front to stay comfortable with leg room, Ashleigh swears by bringing a backpack. However, make sure the backpack is small enough that you won’t be tempted to overfill.
It still needs to fit under the seat in front of you! You can put your toiletry bag, laptop, chargers, snacks, medications, camera, souvenirs, and anything else you can think of! It is nice to have items available during the flight and some extra space for things you pick up along the way.
Here are some backpacks we have used for years and brought with us around the world: (paid links)
Travel should be about the experiences, not hauling luggage around. With a little planning, a few TSA friendly toiletries, and some compression bags, a carry-on bag can carry you a long way.
And honestly, once you master carry-on only travel, it’s hard to go back!