Traveling with Carry-On Only: The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List – Everything You Need!
- Anna & Tom
- May 5
- 6 min read
Traveling with just carry-on luggage can save you a lot of time and, more importantly, money. You can book the cheapest fares with airlines and won't have to wait forever for your luggage after landing. Of course, traveling light requires careful planning, but once you get used to it, you'll never want to travel any other way!
In this blog post, we'll share our ultimate carry-on packing list, show you what really matters when packing, and what absolutely needs to go into your carry-on!
You'll find quick and easy tips and tricks for traveling with just a carry-on and saving a lot of money. Plus, we’ll share our best advice on how to find affordable accommodations and how to park cheaply at the airport.
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1. Packing Your Carry-On: Tips in Advance
Here are a few tips to help you pack lighter and avoid additional baggage fees:
Pack only the essentials: Focus on clothing and items you will actually need and use on your trip.
Choose versatile clothing pieces that can be combined into different outfits. A plain top, for example, can be dressed up with accessories.
Go for lightweight fabrics that don’t take up too much space in your bag. Materials like nylon are often a good choice.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This way, you save space and also avoid wrinkles.
Invest in a good travel bag, a backpack that helps you stay organized, or a carry-on suitcase with wheels. This makes transporting your luggage easier and keeps things tidy when you're on the go.
By following these tips, you should be able to fit everything you need into your carry-on without a problem and save valuable time on your next trip – no more long waits at baggage claim or checking in luggage!
2. How to Pack Step-by-Step
Traveling light has many benefits – it’s cheaper, simpler, and faster. But what exactly should you pack when you only have a carry-on?
Start with the essentials: A few interchangeable clothing pieces that can be worn in different combinations.
Pack important toiletries like toothpaste and shampoo – in travel-size containers!
Consider a sweater for cool evenings or a small umbrella for unexpected rain.
Don’t forget travel documents and any necessary medication.
3. Important Carry-On Rules You Should Know
Before you start packing, here are a few facts about carry-on regulations and carry-on sizes you definitely should stick to:
Weight: max. 8 kg
Size of the baggage: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels)
Number of baggage pieces: most airlines allow you to bring one carry-on item and one small personal item onboard – it’s best to check beforehand.
Liquids: 1-liter bag with liquids packed in containers of max. 100ml each
With most airlines, you’re also allowed to bring another small item with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 10 cm (e.g., a small handbag) onto the plane.
Items you may not take into the cabin:
Gas and gas canisters, gasoline lighters, spray cans
Sharp objects (including pocket knives, nail scissors, pointed nail files, knitting needles if longer than 6 cm)
Razor blades without plastic casing
Items that could be used as weapons, such as ski and trekking poles or even ice skates
Stun guns, pepper spray
If you stick to our clear packing list and follow our advice, you'll have everything you need with you without having to book expensive additional luggage!
...by the way, here’s a selection of great carry-on suitcases!*
4. Carry-On Packing List
Clothing (adjust depending on your destination)
1–2 pairs of jeans or pants (alternative: leggings)
1 skirt or dress
1 pair of shorts
3–4 tops (including T-shirts)
1 cardigan or jacket
1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
5 pairs of socks/underwear
1 swimsuit or swimming trunks
Pajamas
Toiletries & Hygiene Items
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Razor
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Optional: Makeup
Tech
Smartphone
Laptop
Chargers
Camera equipment if needed
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses (optional depending on the destination)
Travel-size sunscreen* (optional depending on the destination)
Travel-size mosquito spray* (for tropical destinations – better safe than sorry!)
Hat or scarf (optional depending on the destination)
(Reusable) earplugs* (so you can sleep peacefully)
Tip: Test Audible free for 30 days* and listen to audiobooks on your trip or journey! |
These Items Shouldn’t Be Missing from Your Carry-On
Refillable water bottle* (so you always stay hydrated on the go!)
Small snack for in-between (e.g., banana, protein bar, or sandwich)
Important documents in a document folder*
Mastercard
Cash (it’s always good to have some money for emergencies)
Useful Packing Aids for Your Carry-On
Packing cubes* can help you stay organized and save space.
Bag for liquids*: All liquids in your carry-on must be stored in a transparent bag.We like to take our own cosmetics and decant them into travel-size bottles. You can find a bag including travel bottles here*.
5. Security: Find Your (Carry-On) Luggage Again
You probably still remember the old luggage tags where you wrote your name and address in case your luggage got lost. Today, it's super easy with a QR code* you stick on your luggage that just needs to be scanned. The advantage is that your name and address aren’t publicly visible, and you can be contacted anonymously.
You can also use the QR code stickers* for all sorts of other valuables (like your AirPods*, etc.).
6. How to Find a Cheap Hotel
If you’re traveling with only carry-on, you save money on flights, which you can either invest in a “better” hotel – or save even more.
Compare prices online: Use hotel booking sites, search engines, and apps to compare different hotel offers. Popular options include Booking.com*or Expedia*.
Book early: Booking early allows you to benefit from early-bird discounts and cheaper prices.
Flexible travel dates: If possible, travel outside of peak seasons or on weekdays when prices are often lower.
Use loyalty programs: Some booking platforms offer loyalty programs or reward points that you can use for future bookings (e.g., Expedia*).
Subscribe to newsletters and apps: Get exclusive offers and discounts.
Use vouchers and promo codes: Look for discount codes online or on voucher sites to reduce the booking price.
Book refundable rates: Choose rates that can be canceled free of charge if your plans change.
Hotel packages: Some hotels offer packages that combine accommodation with other services such as breakfast, spa treatments, or tours, which can be cheaper than booking these services individually.
Alternative accommodations: Consider guesthouses, vacation rentals, or bed-and-breakfasts, which are often cheaper than big hotel chains.
Cashback programs: Some websites and credit cards offer cashback or rewards for hotel bookings.
Public transport: Consider staying a little further away from the city center and using public transport to get to the main attractions.However, for us, this is usually the last option because we prefer to stay right where the action is on vacation.
From our point of view, traveling with carry-on only is not just more convenient (no more waiting at baggage claim!), but also a great way to save money.Most airlines charge extra for checked luggage, and if you travel light, you can completely avoid these costs.And honestly: how many clothes do we really need?
No matter where your next vacation takes you, with our packing list, you'll be perfectly prepared. So leave that heavy suitcase behind and enjoy the freedom of traveling light!
You want more insights into our travel adventures? Then feel free to check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_ !If you have any questions about our routes, you’re always welcome to contact us through these channels!
*This post contains affiliate links. There are no additional costs for you if you make a purchase through our links, but you’ll be rewarding us for our work and helping to ensure that we can continue publishing articles regularly on this blog! :-)
