If you are traveling with a carry on and are not checking luggage, you want to be as organized as possible. These super tips will help you have all your essentials and save money from checked bag expenses.
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Traveling with a carry-on only can be a liberating and an efficient way to explore the world. It simplifies your journey by eliminating check in luggage, reducing wait times at baggage claim, and minimizing the risk of lost or delayed bags. Coming from a fellow travel lover, these are super tips for traveling with a carry on only.
You are going to learn about the tips that every traveler should know for saving space and being organized in their carry on. In addition, you will save money and pack lighter with a carry on only. After reading this you will be ready to pack your carry on for that upcoming trip.
This post is all about travel tips for traveling with a carry on.
Super Tips for Traveling with a Carry On Only
1. Make a List
First up is making a travel packing checklist. A travel packing checklist is vital when it comes to travel organization for every tip. You want to ensure you have everything you need and do not overpack. A list will put you at ease prior to vacation. There are likely a million thoughts in your mind while thinking about prepping for vacation. In addition, you could ensure you get all the items you need ahead of time. It is not fun scrambling for last minute items right before a trip. Make a list and check it twice, you will glad you did. You do not want to be that person that forgot everything you need. When it comes to traveling our needs are our wants. 😉
If you need a free customizable PDF ultimate packing checklist to stay organized or need it for a carry on only, add your email below at the end of the post. The PDF is customizable for your personal travel needs.
For the ultimate travel packing checklist, check out this related post:Â Ultimate travel packing list | What to pack for vacation list
2. Keep toiletries at 3.4 fluid oz. and below
Next up is keeping those toiletry items at the TSA standard of 3.4 fl oz. and below. For carry-on luggage TSA has regulations that liquids must be 3.4 fluid ounces and below. The best way to have all your liquids in compliance is to keep them in reusable containers. Unless you have travel size items already, the reusable will come in handy. Sometimes your favorite shampoo does not come in the travel size but these containers will ensure you could refill for every trip. In addition, they come with labels for great travel organization. If you need some containers an Amazon link is below.
For more travel organization tips related to packing toiletries, check out this post:Â 7 Smart Strategies on how to pack toiletries for air travel
3. Packing Cubes
Next up is packing cubes. If you have been following my prior posts, you know by now that I am obsessed with packing cubes. They truly are a game changer. They not only keep you organized, but they look so adorable in your suitcase. If you love organization, they will be your best friend. You will find that packing cubes help you not overpack. The reason for this is because you know exactly what you are packing (especially because you have your travel packing list handy 😉 ).
Categories:
Place the items you are bringing into categories. This is where your PDF list comes in handy. For example, you could put bathing suits in one packing cube and shirts in another. Or you could utilize the packing cubes by outfits for each day of your trip. For example, place two outfits in one packing cube, etc. No matter how you want to categorize, these cubes keep you super organized. If you are in need of packing cubes and want your suitcase to look like the one below, an Amazon link is below!
4. Give yourself enough airport time
Additional/enough airport time is a must with a carry on. The reason for this is that you have to allow TSA to check the carry-on. Sometimes the carry-on item could get flagged and is subject to search. This could happen for various reasons. For example, if the luggage is overstuff it could get flagged. If the TSA line is long, this could easily tack on an additional 15-20 minutes. In addition, depending on the carry-on you are bringing, this could cause you to walk slower through the airport. It is always beneficial to allot more time than you think. The recommendation is 2 hours prior to your flight time for domestic and 4 hours for international travel. Better to be the early bird. 😀
5. Choose your carry-on wisely
Next up is the actual luggage you choose. Why is this so important? You want to ensure you get the maximum space and also do not compromise your travel organization. For example, if you are going on a weekend trip and/or a light packer, a backpack could be ideal. Backpacks are all different sizes so you could find a larger one with organization compartments.
If you are one of those remote/hybrid workers, these travel bags have a laptop compartment. You could keep your laptop tucked away and safe from any liquids or anything else in your luggage. There are airlines that allow for the wheel luggage suitcases. If you really want to maximize you could bring both the wheel luggage and one of the options below.
Another option is a Travel duffel bag. These travel bags are perfect for a weekend away. Additionally, they are the appropriate carry-on/personal item size. If you are in need to a Travel Duffel bag or backpack, a couple Amazon links are below.
6. Check the airlines baggage policy
Every airline is different regarding their baggage policy. Ensure prior to you purchasing your tickets, you buy a ticket that suits your needs. Some airlines allow a personal item only. If you pack organized and on the light side for a trip, it is possible to have a personal item only! The links above are the personal item size for major airlines at the time of this post. This could literally save you hundreds. If you travel often this could save you thousands a year in bag fees. Your wallet will thank you and you will have more money for food and all that fun stuff while traveling.
7. Pack your luggage by categories
Categories are your friend. In addition to the packing cubes, you still need everything in categories. This will keep you well organized and help in not overpacking. Some travel duffel bags have a shoe section on the bottom so your shoes stay separate from the rest of your belongings. Hair styling tools should go in their own area and toiletries. Staying organized will ensure you know exactly where all your stuff is at all times. No more digging through your bag. Also, if you love organization or new travel accessories, it will make you happy. 😀
8. Limit shoes
Ladies, I know it is difficult, you want to bring your entire closet. But please limit the shoes if you are taking a carry-on only. Shoes take up so much space and weight! In addition, coming from a shoe lover, you will likely not wear all of them. Unless you are one to change your shoes several times a day, I promise you will not wear them. Unless you KNOW you will wear multiple different outfits a day and love all your shoes equally, eliminate a few pairs while traveling. Keep your luggage light and make more room for toiletries and clothes. You do not want to compromise that hair or makeup because you took up so much space with shoes. You will be glad you did! 🙂
9. Layering is your friend
Lastly, is layering. Layering clothes is a must for traveling with a carry on only. What this means is bringing clothes that could be versatile. For example, a nice cardigan could be paired with a dress or a pair of jeans. In addition, if you are traveling somewhere the weather could be unpredictable, you will stay warm. The layering allows for you to be able to limit the clothes you bring. The cardigan or jean jacket could be worn with multiple outfits and you will still look stylish. There are so many options nowadays for every type of trip and outfit. Also, you could get something light that will not make your luggage heavy since you could be literally holding it through the airport.
These tips for traveling with a carry on will not only keep you organized while traveling but you will save money! The fees for checked bags (and even carry on sometimes) are a lot. However, the links for the luggage in this post the personal item approved size for airports at the time of this post.
Happy and safe travels! xx
This post was all about tips for traveling with a carry on only.Â
If you want to stay organized for your next trip and need the ultimate travel packing checklist, enter your email at the bottom for a FREE PDF travel packing checklist template. It is customizable to fit your travel needs and you could reuse it for every trip.
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