The Case for Going Carry-On Only
Travelling with just a carry-on bag is one of the most liberating changes you can make to the way you travel. No checked bag fees, no waiting at carousels, no risk of lost luggage, and the freedom to move quickly between destinations. Once you master it, going back to checked bags feels needlessly complicated.
Choosing the Right Bag
Your bag choice matters more than most packing guides admit. You need something that fits within airline carry-on dimensions (most international airlines allow around 55 x 40 x 20 cm, but check your specific airline), is structured enough to maximise usable space, and is comfortable to carry.
- Backpack vs. roller: Backpacks are better for cobblestones, stairs, and public transit. Rollers suit business travel and flat surfaces.
- Hard shell vs. soft shell: Soft shells are more flexible and can be compressed into overhead bins; hard shells protect fragile items better.
- External pockets: Multiple external pockets dramatically improve organisation and access speed at security.
The Core Packing Framework
The key principle is building a capsule wardrobe: a small set of versatile pieces that mix, match, and layer effectively.
Clothing Formula (1–2 weeks)
| Category | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts / tops | 3–4 | Neutral colours that work with everything |
| Bottoms (trousers/skirts) | 2 | One casual, one smarter |
| Underwear | 5–7 | Merino wool dries fast and resists odour |
| Socks | 4–5 pairs | Merino wool again for the same reasons |
| Mid-layer | 1 | A fleece or light down jacket packs small |
| Rain layer | 1 | Lightweight packable waterproof |
| Shoes | 2 pairs | Wear the bulkiest pair on the plane |
Toiletries: The Biggest Space Waster
Most people overpack toiletries dramatically. Strategies that actually work:
- Use solid toiletries: Shampoo bars, solid conditioner, and bar soap remove liquid weight and eliminate leakage risk.
- Buy on arrival: Deodorant, sunscreen, and basic toiletries are available almost everywhere in the world.
- Decant into small containers: If you need specific products, transfer them into reusable 30–50ml bottles.
- One-product solutions: A quality multi-use product (like a 2-in-1 shampoo or a tinted moisturiser with SPF) cuts items without cutting comfort.
Electronics and Cables
Electronics are dense and heavy. Be ruthless:
- Laptop OR tablet — rarely both, unless work demands it
- One universal travel adapter
- A small power bank for day trips
- Consolidate cables — many devices now use USB-C, so a multi-port charger reduces cable count significantly
Doing Laundry on the Road
The mental shift that makes carry-on travel possible long-term is accepting that you will do laundry. Options include:
- Sink washing with a small travel soap bar and a packable clothesline
- Laundromats (common globally and inexpensive)
- Hotel laundry service for longer stays
With merino wool basics, you can hand wash a shirt and it's dry by morning in most climates.
What Not to Bring
- "Just in case" items that add weight without reliable use
- Full-size books (use an e-reader)
- Towels (most accommodation provides them; a microfibre travel towel covers you when they don't)
- Duplicate items — you don't need three pairs of sunglasses
Carry-on travel isn't about deprivation. It's about clarity. When you're not managing luggage, you're fully present for the journey.