Go-To Tips: How to Travel With Only a Carry-On Bag

Whether you’re traveling for business or vacation, airports and flying can be quite a process. Even seasoned travel veterans go to lengths to avoid any extra headaches when dealing with airports. One of the easiest ways to keep your air travel hassle-free is to downsize and fly with just one carry-on bag rather than checking your luggage. Sounds impossible? We’ve got your back with these travel tips.

Pack layers and outfits that can be mixed-and-matched. For your clothing, you’ll want to pack as few items as possible, but you also don’t want to be stuck wearing the same things every day. The easiest way to accomplish this is to pack a few basics with many layers that can be mixed-and-matched. For example, bring a pair of stylish sneakers that will be comfortable to walk around in all day but can also be worn with a sundress for a cute and comfortable daytime look. Or, pack a pair of black denim jeans that can be dressed up with heels for a night out or dressed down for a casual afternoon brunch. Include short- and long-sleeved tops that you can easily throw a flowy sweater over if it gets colder. You can also avoid packing extra (read: unnecessary) “just in case” items by checking the weather of where you will be traveling to ahead of time. Rain in the forecast? Throw a lightweight raincoat in your bag that can be worn over any outfit.

Plan on doing laundry. Though doing a load of laundry while on a business trip or vacation doesn’t sound fun, it can save you from ever having to pack “extra” clothes. If you’ll be traveling for 2 weeks, for example, and you do laundry once during your trip, you will only need to pack 1 week’s worth of clothing. Many larger hotels offer (or can suggest nearby) laundry services. If you are staying at an AirBnB or VRBO, look for one with a washer and dryer in the house or apartment. Staying with friends? Ask to do your laundry in their house or building, or seek recommendations for a nearby laundromat or dry cleaner.

Pack multi-purpose beauty products. By bringing products that can be used for multiple things, you can reduce the number of items you have to try and pack! For example, instead of packing individual bottles for your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, consider buying a travel-sized product that can do all three! Or, bring a bath and body oil that can be used as a facial moisturizer, body lotion, and leave-in hair treatment. (Don’t forget to pack all toiletries in transparent bags and limit any liquid soaps or gels you are taking with you to under 3.4 ounces/100ml.)

Purchase what you need once you arrive at your destination. You may also want to consider waiting until you arrive at your destination to pick up smaller items rather than trying to pack them. If you’ll be flying to a tropical paradise, wait until you arrive to pick up your sunscreen. You can also easily find many beauty products at local drugstores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Additionally, most hotels provide basic products for you such as soap, shampoo, and lotion. If you are renting an AirBnb or VBRO, consider calling ahead and asking your host if they keep your favorite item stocked.

Saving money is only one of the advantages to traveling light and not having to check a bag. You’ll never have to worry about the nightmare that is losing your luggage, nor will you have to waste time waiting at a baggage carousel after spending hours on an airplane!