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What is going on with travel lately? It seems that there are endless stories of lost luggage, and, today, we’re going to ensure that doesn’t ever happen to you, friend! I’m going to show you some travel hacks and items that will make packing a carry on an easy and manageable way to travel.

Let’s start with overall packing. I suggest a rolling carry-on suitcase with a small weekender bag as your personal item. {I am providing some of these items linked below.} We’re going to put everything we might need on the plane ride in our personal item, everything else in our carry on, and any super bulky items we will wear on the plane. Something else I do that makes the plane ride easier is packing a small pouch of essentials that I can put in the seat back pocket as soon as I sit down. Some examples of things I put in there are charging cords, sanitizing wipes, gum, earbuds, lotion, chapstick, and any medicine I might need for motion sickness or sleep.

Links to nice options for luggage and weekender bags.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are my top, #1, must-have for travel. They are a great way to organize your clothes and maximize your space. They can be used to separate your clothes by type or outfit or day or family member. I use them when traveling alone to separate my outfits into day and night. I also use them when traveling as a family with my clothes in the larger cube and my kids’ clothes in the smaller ones separated by day. It is the most headache free way I have found to travel.

They also make it easy to find what you're looking for without having to dig through your entire suitcase. Wether you are at the airport needing to change or wanting to go out right when you arrive at your destination… BOOM! Pull out the packing cube you need and you’re good to go! No rifling through all your clothes to locate a specific item, no wrinkling up your clothes as they shift to make way, and no giving yourself a black eye because you’re digging in your suitcase and it falls forward with the handle smacking your face. (You might be thinking, “that’s oddly specific,” but GUILTY!)

These are my absolute favorite packing cubes because they are breathable and also can be compressed to save room. Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can help you save space and prevent wrinkles. Start with your heaviest items and roll them tightly, then fill in the gaps with lighter items.

Shoe Bags

Next item you will need is shoe bags. I bought them because I didn’t want the germs from the bottom of my shoes all over my clothes and toiletries, but I quickly found they also make organization easier. I like these.

Toiletry Bottles

If you want to bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and face wash with you, then I love these toiletry bottles. They are squeezable so they’re easier to use than the previous plastic bottles I’ve used. They are TSA approved and I like to keep them filled all the time so they’re easy to grab for quick packing.

Phone Charging Bank

Finally, is there anything more inconvenient during travels than stressing about your phone dying and searching for an outlet? You need a power bank that is small and easy to pop into a small pouch for when you need to charge on the go! Click here for my favorite.

Just to show you it can be done, here is an example of how I packed everything I need on a carry on with plenty of room to spare.

What I packed in my carry-on for 4 days in Europe

(and I had plenty of room leftover for souvenirs)

**What’s in my carry-on**

6 tops
4 pants
1 dress
2 jackets (blazer and leather)
1 pair of booties
1 pair of heels
Pajamas, bras, underwear, socks
Makeup

**What’s in my personal item**

Toiletries and medications
Universal outlet
Wallet with all travel documents
Sunglasses
Travel Pillow
Pouch with airplane necessities

**What bulky items I wore on the trip**

Tennis shoes
Khaki trench coat

Traveling with a carry-on suitcase can simplify your travel experience and help you avoid the stress and hassle of checking bags. By choosing the right suitcase, planning your outfits, using packing cubes, rolling your clothes, and wearing your bulkiest items, you can make the most of your limited packing space and enjoy your trip without worrying about your luggage. Happy travels!

Never Lose Your Luggage Again (Hacks for Packing a Carry-On)