20 Things You Need to Be a Carry-On Only Traveler
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I never check a bag. It only happened one time on a tiny airplane in Southeast Asia, and even then, it was still the size of a carry-on bag. I love having everything I need with me at all times, and it also helps me never overpack. It’s been crazy at airports lately, too, with lost luggage, and I just couldn’t handle that personally. Being a carry-on only traveler is an art, in my opinion, but so worth it.
After doing this for SO long, I have found a bunch of things that help make it easier (and some things I need to invest in!). Thankfully, it isn’t hard to get everything you need and at a low cost. Plus, you can use these over and over again, just switching it up for the type of trip you’re going to take. I’ve packed for big hiking and national parks trips, a trip to New York in winter, multiple international trips, etc. It has never failed. If it’s a bigger trip, I’ll also have a personal item with me to help, but you can do it too!
I almost always convert my friends to carry-on travelers, and they say it makes things so much easier not having a huge bag they have to lug around everywhere. If you’re an adventure traveler and someone who is always on the move, this is the way. So, I’ve compiled a list of things I love (and want) that make traveling in a carry-on bag more convenient and approachable. Some might be redundant, but everyone has different preferences depending on the type of trip or type of things you like to have with you:
1. Carry-On Backpack
This is my absolute #1 recommendation for being a carry-on traveler. I literally never travel without mine. Unfortunately, I’ve searched and searched Amazon for it, but my exact one isn’t being sold anymore. The concept is the same though. It is a bag that is considered carry-on size, so you can fit everything you need. The difference between these and regular backpacks is that these completely open up, like regular luggage. This way you can lay your bag flat as if you were opening a suitcase, and it makes everything SO much easier to find.
I literally HATE having to wheel around luggage or use a duffel bag that makes my arm feel like it’s losing circulation. Having a carry-on backpack just makes it so you have everything you need and you just put it on and go. Your hands are free to carry an additional personal item or snacks, or even so you can use your phone to figure out where you’re going and not lose hold of your bag. Anyway, there are so many options, but this one is similar to mine:
Amazon has tons of other options, just make sure it specifies that it is carry-on size. You can also make sure you get one that has a laptop compartment, sometimes a shoe compartment at the bottom, and mine even has a hidden pocket where it touches my back. When I say it is hidden, I mean I couldn’t even find my passport for a few months because I assumed I forgot it was there.
I’ve put another option below. I like this one because it comes in multiple colors and has tons of different compartments. Of course, it fits the carry-on size and fully opens up like you need:
Anyway, this is definitely a must-have. Mine has held up so well after taking it on every trip. Also, I’m not too good for budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier. I never pay for carry-on luggage and my backpack has passed for a personal item every single time. It’s the best of both worlds!
2. Reusable Toiletry Bottles/Containers
I don’t think I’ve ever bought travel-size toiletries. One, it’s just wasteful, and two, I like to use my normal products when I’m traveling. These little bottles are reusable and you can easily fill them up with all kinds of toiletry products. I bought mine forever ago, and they’re still going strong.
I like the ones below, because you have your squeeze bottles for shampoos and conditioners, you have spray bottles for hair spray or in my case, I have a face product that is a spray. I’ve also used the little containers for my toothpaste so I don’t have to buy a travel size. This one also has different sizes for maybe lotions, or face wash, etc:
Having it come in a little pouch is also great, because you know what you end up using will mostly fit in this one pouch. If something spills, it’s in plastic, so it won’t get on everything.
If you don’t need a ton of different bottles or sizes, you can also get these next bottles. They have multiple color options, so you can pick the right ones for you. This is good if you just need to add a couple of products in a reusable way:
3. Compression Packing Cubes
So this is something I don’t have already, but it’s on my list. Over the years, I’ve nailed down my packing style (roll, always), but this just immediately takes all that extra air away. Packing cubes are great for separating your items by type or by outfit.
If you’re packing in a carry-on bag, you’ll likely need all the extra space you can get. These compression bags have an extra zipper for really locking down your clothes and keeping them from unrolling or taking up extra space. They have multiple color options to choose from:
If you want a different style or another option, you can also opt for these:
There are a few more items that come in this set. It has one more packing cube, as well as a toiletry bag and drawstring bag. This is the only color, so if you’re picky about what everything looks like, you might go for a different set.
4. Clear Plastic Toiletry Bags in Multiple Sizes
I’ve mentioned toiletry bags in the previous 2 items, but I use a whole set of them. I have used mine for years, and I’m pretty sure I just got mine at Ross on a last-minute run for things before a trip. Having them be plastic is key, because if something spills, it doesn’t get on everything around it.
I use mine to separate different items. I use one for shower/toiletries, a smaller one for makeup, and an even smaller one for my toothbrush stuff. This helps keep everything clearly separated, so it’s easy to find. It also makes it so that everything isn’t in one, so I can pack them around the bag where they fit.
This one is a 12-piece set, which might be way too much for you. But, it’s always good to have extras if you have more stuff or maybe you’re traveling with a partner or family:
You can also just get a regular, 6-piece set. I believe I have a 6-piece set, and it’s about time to invest in some new ones. I literally use them on every trip, even when packing in a larger toiletry hanging case (item #18). These below are a great option for a smaller set, and they come in multiple colors:
5. Portable Clothes Steamer
If you have room, and your clothes are prone to wrinkles, you can always bring a mini steamer. I have tons of friends who use these, and my mom packed one on our trip to Greece. When wearing summer clothes, they are smaller (which means more space), but also more prone to getting wrinkled. These are super easy to use and it makes you feel like you aren’t compromising the quality of your clothes in order to pack in a carry on.
There are a few different options for size and style of steamer, but most are a pretty reasonable size if this is something you like. I love using a steamer, because it just feels like my clothes are brand new and ready to go. Here are a couple options for good portable steamers:
6. Wrinkle Release Spray
If you don’t have room, like me most of the time, I ALWAYS pack my wrinkle release spray. I use the Downy Wrinkle Release, but that’s because it’s always available in travel size at the store. Heck, I even use it at home if I’m in a crunch. It fits the liquid requirements for TSA, and it lasts a while for me. All you do is spray it on your clothes and smooth it out. It’s as easy as that.
This is such a good product for traveling when you can’t have a steamer, iron, or dryer. This easily fits into my bag, and I just throw it in my toiletry bag. Below is a link to a set of 3 of these. NOTE: You can also get them in the travel section at Target or Walmart for cheaper and just get one!! So definitely do that if you don’t want to spend a bunch, but I know sometimes it’s easy to just add to your cart with other stuff:
Again, I always get Downy, because it’s what is available usually at the store. If you’re a Bounce person, though, you can try a 3-pack of Bounce Wrinkle Release for cheaper than Downy. I don’t know about the quality of this one, but sometimes people have brand preferences, so I thought it was worth mentioning:
7. Portable Charger/Power Bank
Having a power bank or portable charger is a non-negotiable. When you’re traveling and using your phone for maps, flights, reservations, etc. it will drain your battery so fast. You never know when you might be in an area with no service or trying to navigate somewhere and you have 1% battery. My power bank has saved me more times than I care to admit, and if you rely on your phone, you should always have one. They come in different sizes, and while I have the second option below, I love that there is a smaller version here, and it comes in multiple colors:
Like I said, I have the one below. My mom actually got all of us one for Christmas, because she knows we need them. I’m definitely that person that lets their phone die too often, so this is a quick fix. The key is making sure it is charged!! It is useless unless you have it charged. These can easily fit in your carry-on bag, and they come in black or white:
If you’re really going remote, or you use your phone a lot, or you have other people who might need it, you can also get this 2-pack of power banks below. They come in multiple color options, and they have plugs for most types of devices. Definitely check before buying that it will fit the device you’re going to need to charge:
8. SD Card Reader to iPhone
I mentioned this in my Best Beginner Camera Equipment post, but this is such a genius product. If you carry a camera that uses an SD card, this is extremely useful. It’s so annoying when you take the best photos on your camera and you can’t get them on your phone right away. Or, if you don’t want to travel with a computer/iPad to import the pictures, this is your carry-on bag solution.
It is so small, and all you do is plug it in to your phone in the charging port and add the SD card. It will give you the option of which photos to import and you can quickly transfer them. I lost mine a little bit ago, so I’m about ready to buy another for Prime Day:
9. Mini Hair Brush
This seems so obvious, I know, but I swear I’m the only one who uses a travel-size hairbrush?? My regular hair brush just feels so big for traveling! I actually have the brush combo below. This way I basically am using the same hairbrush, just miniature, when I travel. Also, I can keep my hair brush in my travel bags so I never forget it. The picture makes it look like a set of 8, but you just get one set of 2 in one of those colors:
If you need a wet brush, this one comes in multiple color options, and it has great reviews. For people with thicker hair, I understand the need for a regular-sized hairbrush. I have super, super long hair, but it’s really thin, so a smaller size isn’t too difficult for me:
10. Q-tip Holder
Note: I know you aren’t supposed to use Q-tips in your ears, but I can’t help it. I am not encouraging anyone to start using them. They can cause damage and create problems in your ears.
For me, I can’t stand my ears being wet after I shower. I mostly use these on the outer part of my ear, just to help keep them clean and dry after showering. I used to take little baggies with Q-tips in them, but it was just wasteful and annoying. A while back, I bought myself a travel-size case of them, and I have used it ever since. I have a huge box of Q-tips I keep at home, so I just refill it before trips, like these:
If you need some extra Q-tips plus the travel case, you can buy this option too:
11. Travel-Size First Aid Kit
You should always carry First Aid supplies!!! You really never know what might happen or when you might need a quick Band-Aid or Neosporin. If you don’t have room for this little box (trust me, it is very compact), then you can always transfer what you need into your toiletry bags. These boxes keep everything pretty safe, though, so it’s easy to just toss in your bag.
I have found that especially on my hiking trips, I always need Band-Aids. My feet and legs get cuts, so it’s always helpful to pack it all with you. I have this First Aid Kit, and it is the perfect size, but it really is just the basics:
If you need more than the bare minimum supplies, you can also get this pack below that has 80 pieces. It might be a little bit bigger than the one I have, but it will definitely last longer. It also doesn’t hurt to have refills or too much, rather than wishing you had more:
12. Reusable Makeup Wipes
I hate, hate, hate having to bring a bunch of makeup wipes on my trips. They either dry out or they’re too wet and leak, and again, they are wasteful. It is definitely a little difficult to bring a reusable makeup wipe/cloth, but it is far more sustainable and long-lasting. I recently made the switch to these, and they definitely hold up. Note: I don’t have either of the options below, because I was gifted some a while ago, but I love these:
Both of these are made from sustainable materials. The first one comes with a mesh bag so you can easily wash them. The second one has little travel cases, although the logistics might be a little difficult if they are wet. If choosing to include more sustainable options in your traveling is important to you, you’ll be able to figure it out. Just make sure you dry them out as best as possible before packing up, and put them in your plastic toiletry bags. This should prevent them from getting other things wet while you’re in transit:
13. Water Bottle
Flying makes you dehydrated – it’s just a fact. Even though I love a couple drinks at the bar before a flight, I always try to drink water before, during, and after. Having a good water bottle is always a must. I hate spending an insane amount of money for a water at a store in the airport, but I will do it if I don’t bring a water bottle. But, I recently got myself a tall and skinny water bottle and it fits perfect in the side pocked of my carry-on backpack.
I’ve included a few options here for good, sturdy water bottles that also keep your water staying fresh and cold. Hydro Flask is obviously a very popular brand, and it’s popular for a reason. Both have great reviews and if you have space to add them to your side pocket, these are great options. They come in multiple color and size options:
If you’re low on space, you can always get a collapsible water bottle like this one below. They are definitely more difficult to use, but I know they come in handy when hiking, fitting it into a purse, or when you don’t need water right away. This one comes in multiple color options, but read the reviews to see if it’s right for you:
14. 2-in-1 Curler/Straightener or Mini Curler or Straightener
I am not the kind of girl that can just let my hair air dry. It just looks crazy, and then I don’t feel my best all day. You may be the kind of person that can just get up and go, but I like to look good when I can, especially on trips, because it really does help make you feel better overall.
I have a super, super, super old 2-in-1 straightener and curler combo that I will hold onto until it dies. I think I literally got it in high school. Because it’s a thinner wand, it slides super easily into the side of my bag with my clothes. You can also get a travel-size version of this, which I have included here:
If you only need one or the other, you can also get a travel-size straightener, or a travel-size curler, which I’ve included below. These definitely have their limitations on thicker or longer hair, but they take up less space. Most of these come with a cooling bag so that you can pack it up, which is definitely handy. They aren’t going to be your perfect hair tools, but for going on a trip, they can get the job done and take up less space:
15. Perfume Travel-Size Refillable
I don’t really wear perfume, although I have a couple in my Amazon cart. When traveling, though, you’re not going to want to carry your full-size perfume bottle. These little refillable bottles are perfect for keeping you smelling great while on your trips. You can easily toss these in with your toiletries or throw it in your purse.
I know while traveling, you do a lot more activity than usual, so it feels like you just start smelling much more easily. I mean, no one smells great after a flight, really. So, this is a great solution to make you feel good. I’ve included both options. Some people might need all 6, but personally, I just don’t need that many and would opt for the set of 2:
16. Travel-Size Lotion/Moisturizer
I use both of these and pack them on every trip!! Like I said earlier, you get dehydrated from flying, and your skin can get SO dry. I bought a travel-size Aquaphor, and I love using it for my hands after a flight. My hands get so dry and cracked after flying, and it only takes a little bit to make them feel better. You can also use Aquaphor on your lips, which many people do, so if I can’t find my chapstick (which happens a lot) this is a great alternative. Aquaphor is expensive for a reason, it just works that well:
For my face, I use Paula’s Choice every single day, even at home. I love this moisturizer, because I also use the Paula’s Choice exfoliator, and I know it works well with my skin. Plus, it has SPF, so I feel like my skin is staying hydrated and protected. NOTE: everyone’s skin is different. While this works on MY skin, it may not be best for you. It is also an expensive moisturizer, trust me, I know. I am not usually one to spend a lot on skin products, but this is 100% worth it to me. I’m on my second bottle.
At first, I only got a travel-size sent to me for free as a gift after buying other Paula’s Choice items. I loved it so much, I bought the 2oz version, and it has lasted me SO long, because I only use a small amount on my face every day. That’s why I think it justifies the cost. Anyway, if you are loyal to another brand or have different skin than fits these ingredients, definitely go that route. I’m just sharing something I love and use every day:
17. Kindle Unlimited App/Kindle or Libby
This isn’t really an item, unless you just are wanting to buy a Kindle. It’s more like telling you something I always make sure to do to keep me entertained on flights AND save money. I used to have a Kindle, but I personally only read on my phone now. I know it’s not as satisfying as having a book in your hands, but I don’t have to pack an extra item, and I can have as many books as I want.
If you have a library card, you can download the Libby app, and you can check out e-books, just as you would if you checked out books at the library. I love using this, because it is truly free, and they have almost all the books I would want. For popular books, you may have to put a hold on it and wait a while, but you’ll always be able to find something you can borrow immediately.
I recently decided to get Kindle Unlimited, too, because they have a deal where you could pay and get a few months for a super low cost as a starting fee. Kindle Unlimited has a lot more titles than Libby I’ve found, so for books I had on my list that I couldn’t get on Libby, this was great.
Both of these apps have it wear they are downloaded to your library, so you don’t need Wi-Fi and can read on the plane! I’m pretty sure as long as you open it before you lose service, you’ll be fine. I also occasionally use Apple Books, but you can only get so many free books, and you’ll have to pay for some. If you want a Kindle, they are super thin and don’t take up a ton of space, so I’ve included it here:
18. Hanging Toiletry Bag
If I’m taking both a carry-on bag and a personal item, sometimes I’ll have space to use my hanging toiletry bag. This is great because it’s all in one spot, and you can hang it up if you need to. They all usually come with different compartments so you can separate your toiletries by type or separate the liquids from other stuff. If you don’t want to get the little individual toiletry bags, this is my favorite thing to use. Mine always ends up being way too full. Here’s a great version you can buy and has multiple color options:
Okay, I don’t have one like this but I’m obsessed with how it has a bag at the bottom. This way you can easily grab stuff out and put it back in. You don’t have to unzip everything, and you can have stuff sitting up or just toss your makeup back in as you use it. It also has side pockets and zippered sections. It comes in multiple color options too:
19. Laundry Bag/Dryer Sheets
So I always use a leftover grocery or store plastic bag. I mean, if you know, you know, for my people who save all of their bags. BUT, I saw this and thought it sounded perfect for traveling. It shows a lot of people using it for like work clothes or gym clothes, but it actually is meant to prevent the smell getting out. That is genius.
Like I mentioned earlier, things just tend to stink while traveling, and being able to keep all of your dirty clothes separate is so key. Plus, these laundry bags are really compact before using so you won’t even have to try hard to fit it in with your stuff. This one is the STINKY bag, and it comes in 4 color options:
This one below is also great if you want a more affordable option, but it does look huge. I just don’t think I would need all that space, but if you’re traveling with a partner or someone or if you end up with all your clothes in it, I think it’s great. It come in a few color options and also zips up to stay compact before using:
I also always pack a couple dryer sheets in my bag to throw in with my dirty clothes. This just helps give it a fresher smell, although it’s not going to take it away. When you pack in a carry-on bag, literally everything is just together in one bag, so you have to do what you can.
20. Travel Shoe Bag
On that same topic, keeping shoes separate is a MUST. Again, I use a plastic grocery bag, but I NEED these. Reusable is the name of the game when traveling. If you think too hard about it, your shoes touch every type of ground surface. You definitely do not want all of that coming in contact with your clothes. When you’re packing in one bag, your shoes are likely in the same area as your clothes, so this is a great option for keeping it separate.
I’ve included a couple options with good reviews. I try to wear my most chunky shoes actually on the plane, but I still end up with another set of sneakers or sandals at the bottom of my carry-on backpack. These are flexible so they can fit in your bag without taking up a bunch of extra space:
For More:
To read more about Amazon recommendations for camping supplies, click here: The Ultimate Beginner’s Camping Supplies You Need to Get Started.
For more about the camera supplies I use on my trips and for my photography, click here: The Best Beginner Camera Equipment from Amazon.
To read more about my travel tips, click here: 5 Travel Planning Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Trip.
