Reading Time: 6 minThese days, checking a bag can cost you both time and money, with fees often starting at $35 and rising quickly from there. Add in the hassle of waiting at baggage claim (or worse, dealing with a lost suitcase), and it’s no wonder why bringing only a carry on bag is more appealing.
Packing light enough to travel with just a carry-on is easier, faster, and way cheaper. And with the right gear, it's very doable. It’s how my family travels, even on two-week trips (except when we’re bringing skis!), thanks to a few smart products that make staying organized and efficient a breeze. Here are 16 of my favorite items to help you pack light and skip the checked bags — and the fees.
I discovered packing cubes a few years ago, and they've truly been a game changer. Whether I'm going out of town, either for a night or a two-week vacation, they're my number one must-have packing tool.
I've used many packing cubes over the years, and my absolute favorites are the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes. They're incredibly inexpensive, hold up over the years, and come in multiple sizes. Each member of my family has their own set in a different color.
But if you're really pressed for space, opt for compression packing cubes instead. BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes will compress your clothes as well, letting you fit even more into your carry-on bag.
You can take your packing to the next level with Space Saver Roll-Up Compression Packing Bags. These bags offer an airtight way to pack your clothes, and are extremely easy to use, with no extra contraption needed.
I'm personally a fan of these compression bags for larger items. I can even use them to get all my family's sweatshirts into one bag.
For a longer trip, these Spacesaver Vacuum Storage Bags make it easy to fit everything into a carry-on. Just use the included hand pump to remove excess air, and save up to 80% more space in your luggage.
With its trolly strap design, the Mossio Shoe Bag can slide right onto your luggage handle to save space within your suitcase.
This shoe bag can hold up to three pairs of shoes or sandals, ensuring that your dirty shoes don't touch your clean clothes.
Pack more efficiently with the Grand Fusion Stow-N-Go Portable Hanging Travel Shelves. This three-tiered shelf helps you organize your clothes before your trip, and gives you easy access to everything once you arrive. No need to live out of your suitcase.
Plus, when packed, the shelves compress to save space and make room for more in your luggage.
No need to take multiple large pill bottles with you. Instead, just take the ones you need — in an organized fashion. This 8 compartment travel pill organizer will consolidate all of your meds, and fits into the palm of your hand.
A collapsible water bottle has become one of my favorite travel finds. It’s also the one item people always ask about — and then rush to grab for themselves.
The leakproof 17-ounce HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle can collapse down to a mere 1.5-inch profile, ensuring it takes up hardly any space in your carry on.
If coffee is part of your morning or late afternoon routine, you may want to bring an on-the-go coffee mug. Fortunately, there's a solution other than the bulky mug that you typically use at home.
The STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup provides the perfect travel solution for both hot and cold drinks. Collapsing down to close to nothing, this silicone cup is incredibly compact, and also features a straw and a leakproof design.
Heading somewhere you’ll need a towel? Skip the bulky ones and go with a packable option instead. The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is super compact, quick-drying, and comes with its own carrying bag.
We used these exact towels on our family trip to Croatia last summer, where we spent most of our time on a catamaran. They were super absorbent and dried fast. (And yes, we managed the whole trip with just carry-ons!)
Save space in your luggage by keeping all of your cables organized in one compact space. The FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch is a large organizer that comes in a variety of colors, and it's made from waterproof and shockproof material. It's also a helpful addition for the travel neat freak.
Put your large travel toiletry containers aside and pack just what need. These leakproof silicon travel bottles are TSA-approved and let you bring your everyday essentials, such as shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, and even Advil, all in your carry-on luggage.
Wash your clothes on the go — whether in the sink or bathtub — so you can pack less. The Enyur Laundry Sheets offers a liquidless option with 32 individual sheets in a small plastic container.
Just pull out a sheet when you want to wash a few items, and the sheet will dissolve in either hot or cold water. These sheets can even be used in a regular washing machine as well.
Travel can sometimes mean bringing back a little more than you brought with you. But there's no need to bring a larger suitcase for the "just in case."
Instead, throw the Foldie Foldable Travel Tote in your carry-on, and pack it at the end of your trip if you need it. (Which is exactly what I did on my recent trip to Japan). At just 18”x14"x8”, it counts as a personal item, fitting under the seat in front of you for your flight home.
One of the best ways to maximize your packing space is with a travel backpack. The Osprey Daylite 44L Travel Pack is a great option, offering an ergonomic design, organization pockets, a laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, multiple grab handles, trolly handle pass through, and much more.
The Osprey also features a suitcase-style interior for easy packing, along with internal tie-down straps, and a mesh pocket.
And finally, if you're at maximum capacity in your carry on, you can "trick" the airline's agents by hiding more clothes in the TUBE Travel Pillow. This double-purpose item is designed so you can roll up your clothes and stuff them inside it. It can then also be used as your traditional travel pillow on the plane.
