1.
Determine which carry-on suitcase dimensions fit with the airline you’re flying since, of course, there isn’t a universal sizing rule among airlines. Fortunately for us,
Amazon
Has a simple guide to make buying your suitcase more straightforward — simply choose by airline!
2.
And make sure to fill your handbag, and pick your “carry-on personal item” wisely — essentially go for the largest option available, such as a roomy one.
travel-friendly backpack
That will fit beneath the seat in front of you.
3.
Hey there: Make sure you pack your in-flight necessities individually into a small yet unexpectedly roomy bag.
belt bag
for a bit of extra convenience and space-saving in your carry-on and personal item — and so you don’t have to dig through your backpack for your AirPods halfway through the flight. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you’ll be surprised how much it holds, too! And….it’s
quite
Similar to Lululemon’s waist pack but priced lower.
half
the price!
www.amazon.com
,
www.amazon.com
I gave in and bought this last year, and it’s my go-to bag for everything from grocery runs to appointments! And on all my airplane trips, I use it for my in-flight essentials: my Kindle,
AirFly Bluetooth adapter,
earbuds, hand sanitiser, moisturizer, and lip balm.
ChinPaoShopping editor
Elizabeth Lilly
states, “My clothing size is typically L/XL, and I often find that waist bags don’t fit me properly. However, with this particular one,
I can verify that it sits comfortably around my waist with just a shirt on, covers my chest nicely without additional clothing, as well as fitting easily over a heavy coat along with multiple layers underneath.
The inner pockets are very convenient, and they proved to be spacious enough during my journey through Iceland. Do ensure though that you fully close the zipper since it extends quite low on both sides, which makes accessing the contents much easier.
Purchase it from Amazon for
$12.98
(available in 43 colors).
Promising review
I purchased this item for use during flights. Usually, I travel with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This accessory was bought specifically to store my necessities and keep them within easy reach. It’s spacious enough to accommodate my smartphone, wallet, passport, hand sanitiser, and lip balm.
daisy rojas
4.
Draft a packing checklist well ahead of time, even before you start picking up anything. Regardless of whether it’s on a convenient
prefilled notepad
or just on the Notes app of your phone, spend some time really thinking about everything you need so you don’t panic and try to shove in 25 pairs of extra undies and three sweatshirts at the last minute.
5.
Review the typical weather conditions at your destination before you go to help determine what items should be included in your luggage.
not
To pack. Do you require a lightweight jacket? Or just a thick sweater? Does it typically rain around this season? With this information, you’ll be well-prepared.
6.
If rain is forecasted, fit in a stroll.
packable raincoat
So you can remain comfortably dry without needing to part with your beloved, stylish items. It compresses into a small drawstring pouch. You can carry it in your handbag as well.
on
The outing should remain dry.
7.
Or stash a
mini travel umbrella
Not only does this fit snugly into your carry-on due to its compact design, but it also includes a convenient carrying case. This means you can easily slip it into your handbag once the rain has stopped, ensuring your belongings stay dry.
www.amazon.com
,
www.amazon.com
It features UPF50 material, making it perfect for accompanying you as your very own portable shade solution during sunny days.
Purchase it from Amazon for
$13.99
(available in 11 colors).
Promising review:
Great for trips. I purchased this to easily pack into my backpack or suitcase whenever I’m traveling. I didn’t want an umbrella that took up too much space. It was just right—small yet offers sufficient protection during wet weather.
Deb
8.
Hear out your mum and dad, and scrunch your outfits to conserve room. This technique has been proven effective and simplifies locating specific pieces—without disrupting the entire contents of your luggage.
9.
Alternatively, consider these methods – based on what you’re packing, you may prefer to change things up. The “clown car” approach aids in minimizing creases!
10.
Gradually make your clothing more compact piece by piece within a collection.
packing cubes
— arrange them by day (similar to what’s shown above), sort by clothing type, ~section of your journey~ (such as city/beach/weather conditions), and so forth! Let your inner Virgo take over and start packing. This way, you’ll manage to pack much more efficiently for your trip.
and
back.
11.
Or if you’re less concerned with structure and more focused on maximizing room, squeeze all your items into one compact area.
space-saver bags
Specifically made for travelers. Over-packers will love these! There’s no need for vacuums; simply insert your items and roll up the bag to expel excess air via the valves.
12.
Concerned about creased clothing due to the vacuum bags? No issue at all if you include even the tiniest items as well.
mini steam iron
known to man. It’s dual voltage and comes with a travel bag, so it’s easy-peasy to keep in your roller bag, so you never leave it behind!
Amazon,
www.amazon.com
Purchase it from Amazon for
$24.99
.
Promising review:
I absolutely love this small iron/steamer; it performs exceptionally well! Perfect for international travel thanks to its dual voltage feature. Its compact size and lightweight design make it truly fantastic.
can fit into your suitcase without using up too much room.
It makes an excellent travel iron… but I’m sure I’ll discover fantastic ways to use it around the house as well.
It turns out to be better than most irons because you can concentrate on smaller areas at once…the outcomes are neat and sharp.
“And navigating through the tricky sections between buttons, among others, becomes quite simple! It heats up well and delivers the appropriate level of steam.” —
Go to a convent.
13.
Utilize otherwise underused areas (yes, we’re talking about the spaces between those metal bars!) by stuffing them with rolled-up underwear, swimsuits, or other tiny garments to make the most of your storage space.
14.
And take full advantage of light, compact clothing that’s perfect for layering.
slip dress
For instance, this piece is a favorite among reviewers and can elevate any ensemble for your most elegant dinner occasion. However, it can also be worn underneath a sweater, shirt, or T-shirt, transforming into an entirely different look!
15.
Things can quickly become wrinkled in a compact carry-on, so keep your dress shirt collars sharp by threading your belt right through the loops near the top. This way, your upcoming business journey will be free from crumpled necklines.
16.
Make the most of your holiday time
and
Suitcase Space) by organizing your outfits per day! This avoids the hassle of digging through your luggage and disorganizing everything. If you plan to reuse an outfit, keep it aside temporarily.
17.
If your trip is going to last for some time, pack a spare set of
compact laundry detergent packets
So, for washing clothes that you plan to reuse during your stay at the hotel, you can simply use the bathroom sink. A single packet is enough for multiple items, allowing you to reduce the number of undergarments you might overpack out of worry before departing.
18.
Keep in mind all the filthy clothes you’ll amass ahead of time so that all your meticulous folding doesn’t go to waste. segregate your smelly socks into
space-saving laundry bag
created to assist you in *condensing* your grimy clothing into a smaller package, keeping them hidden from view until you return home…and at last,unpacking can commence.
19.
Tuck tiny, collapsible objects into your hat, then position these items gently along the rim inside your suitcase to prevent them from being squashed or warped. After all, lugging a sunhat onto the airplane is quite bothersome.
20.
Or try a *genius*
magnetic hat clip
that attaches securely around your bag strap,
luggage tag
, zippered loop, or somewhere convenient so you can hang your sun hat from the side of your bag as you make your way through the airport. Much better than using valuable space inside your bag — or having to carry it when your hands are already FULL enough, thank you very much.
21.
Don’t waste an ounce of space—stuff those tiny essentials like socks and underwear into your footwear. Heading someplace cold? Include thermal leggings or perhaps your hair straightener.
curling iron
using boots to conserve room
and
assist in retaining your boots’ form.
22.
Turn one side of the bra cup inside out into the other cup, then tuck the straps and band within that cup for a space-saving pack job that keeps your bras looking good.
23.
Put together a compact capsule wardrobe for your pack; opt for a single color scheme with some additional highlight hues, allowing you to get the best use out of only a select number of essential items.
24.
Fold into a small and neat roll.
collapsible water bottle
Because it’s super simple to become dehydrated during a lengthy flight, and airport water tends to be pricey! You can store it conveniently in an exterior pocket of your carry-on or backpack, making it easy to refill without sacrificing valuable space.
25.
Decant your daily meds and vitamins, plus your just-in-case Advil and Tums, into compact
travel pill organizers
, featuring eight sections (six small and two large) allowing you to carry all your medications — eliminating the need for multiple big bottles taking up extra space.
www.amazon.com
They include blank label stickers as well, allowing you to mark which pills go into each section.
Purchase the trio from Amazon for
$6.97
.
Promising review:
I absolutely adore these products! Given my significant ADHD, I often forget my medication when I’m out camping, hiking, or simply spending long hours outside the house. Having these items makes it considerably simpler for me to store them in my backpack and feel delighted upon discovering them later. The labels are fantastic; everything feels robust, and now I never come across random pills with unclear origins at the bottom of my bag anymore. Strongly recommended!
Eliza
26.
Choose your most important pieces of jewelry and store them securely in a genuinely
Mini (and elegant) jewelry box
Like this beautiful velvet piece. It will make you feel completely accessorized without taking up extra room or adding weight to your bag with bulky items.
27.
Each bit of area is valuable, so you can’t afford a large neck pillow. However, there’s no reason to fret since this is where the
Trtl pillow
It collapses into a slim, portable shape and when you’re prepared to use it, simply drape it around your neck — beneath the plush fleece lies an inner frame that ensures your head stays comfortably positioned for dozing off even when sitting upright.
28.
Journeying with just a carry-on plus a (ahem oversized backpack) as your personal item along with an extra layer like a jacket can become quite cumbersome, particularly when navigating airport security checkpoints. Keep your money, boarding pass, passport, credit cards, et cetera, safely stored inside something secure.
travel wallet
That makes it incredibly simple to view all details instantly. Just throw it in your carry-on once you’ve cleared security!
29.
Choose a suitably sized set of
TSA-friendly travel bottles
You can top up (and replenish) with your preferred items when travel sizes aren’t available — without hogging all of your luggage space. You just can’t do without your must-have skincare and haircare essentials, even when trying to pack minimally!
30.
Include a simple, spill-proof barrier for your grooming essentials to prevent major mishaps upon arrival; simply place a little piece of plastic wrap over the container’s mouth and secure the lid above it.
31.
And by the way, your go-to skincare brand (such as
Cosrx
or
E.l.f.
might
Create a travel-sized skincare kit that fits neatly into your suitcase for getaways and short trips—this way, you’ll never leave without it (or take up unnecessary space).
32.
Exchange your large signature fragrance bottle for a compact, refillable one.
travel perfume atomizer
So you can save space AND avoid the risk of perfume leaking all over your luggage (a costly disaster). This option is incredibly easy to refill, making you want to keep it in your bag for an impromptu scent boost whenever you’re at home during your daily routine as well!
www.amazon.com
Purchase a four-pack from Amazon for
$7.99
(available in six sets).
Promising review:
Why didn’t I discover these earlier? They’re amazing! For those who are passionate about fragrances, these are essential! Just remove the spray top from your favourite cologne or perfume, attach this at the nozzle, press down a few times, and voila — you’ve got your preferred scent portable!
Based on your daily usage, a complete atomizer typically lasts between one to two weeks.
.” —
V.O.A.
33.
If packing minimalistically for your beauty essentials proves challenging, nothing beats this option.
hanging toiletry bag
to ensure you can travel with all your beauty items
unable to stand leaving behind
It’s *so* much simpler — and more compact. Additionally, there’s no need to set up on the hotel bathroom counter; simply unroll and hang it, allowing you to see everything clearly at once!
www.amazon.com
The first time I packed it, I was genuinely amazed at how much it could hold—it zips up to be unexpectedly compact! I purchased the medium size, which turned out to be sufficiently large for my requirements, particularly when fitting everything into a carry-on suitcase.
Promising review:
Are you serious? Look at how much this can hold! Shampoo bottles, facial cleansers, hairbrush—everything fits!
All that I require or desire to carry fits into this single bag!
It’s incredibly adorable! It seems really well-made as well—the hardware comes with protective covers to prevent scratches, and the zippers feel quite robust. The hook at the top is EXTREMELY SECURELY attached, being doubly sewn onto the top panel and resembling seatbelt material in durability. Additionally, I appreciate the extra compartments and mesh pockets inside. I’d definitely endorse this product.”
mahea_c
Purchase it from Amazon for
$39.99+
(offered in two sizes and a palette of six colors)
34.
Switch out your usual hot tools for something different.
2-in-1 hair tool combining straightening and curling functionalities
So you just need to carry one tool regardless of your hairstyle preference. It also supports dual voltage for use during travels abroad.
35.
The miniature versions of essentials for travel aren’t limited to just skincare products. If you struggle with sleep when staying at hotels or in new environments, consider packing an exceptionally tiny
mini white noise machine
Sure thing! This compact device is super portable and easily fits into a handbag or backpack. With 15 distinct non-repeating sound options like white noise, fan hums, rainfall, and others, it offers versatility. The battery life is impressive, lasting multiple days on a single charge. Plus, you could practically slip it into your pocket due to its small size.
www.amazon.com
I purchased this small device prior to a journey last year—and I’m completely smitten with it. It operates on Fan Setting 1 out of three available levels, which provides just enough white noise for me to get better rest in hotels—sometimes even when near someone who snores loudly. During an extended vacation lasting two weeks, I utilized it nightly for about eight hours each time and needed to recharge it only twice! Additionally, should you desire, there are multiple automatic shut-off timers as well.
Purchase it from Amazon for
$18.99
(comes in 10 different colors, along with options for double packs and sets that include a travel case).
Promising review:
I had my doubts about this sound machine. I wondered how such a small circular device could generate significant noise. But let me assure you, it really does!
I was amazed when I charged it up and switched it on; the immense audio output from this device was incredible!
I find the fan sound to be the highlight. Before purchasing, I went through many reviews which were mostly favorable… so I knew I had to test it since I can’t sleep without my nightly white noise device at home (which is quite large)… but what I really wanted was something more compact for traveling. Another great feature of this small gadget is that it’s rechargeable! No need for an electrical outlet except when charging it. As for instructions, they were fairly straightforward—basically non-existent—but with some basic understanding, you’ll quickly get the hang of using it. Go ahead and purchase it! It’s perfect particularly for trips.
T. Bellati
36.
Place your shoes near the wheels and pack lighter items closer to the handle. This way, when your suitcase is standing up and being pulled, the footwear won’t squash or crease your garments.
37.
Wear your thickest footwear on the flight, be it a pair of
chunky sneakers
, ankle boots, etc. — this will help maximize your suitcase space while keeping you comfortable during the lengthy flight — particularly if you opt for some stylish options.
compression socks
.
38.
Instead of bringing a large sweater that you may not use multiple times, if you tend to feel chilly, bring a
blanket scarf
It will be easy to bring along in your carry-on as it’s designed to be light and compact for packing, yet provide significant warmth against the chilly environment inside airplanes, which can feel like a frozen desert.
39.
Heading for a big holiday read? Leave those thick, cumbersome books behind and pack HUNDREDS or even THOUSANDDs of titles on a single lightweight device—a
Kindle
!
40.
Include a
fold-up duffel
On outings where you’re certain you’ll return with extra items, simply load up your bag before heading home and claim it as your “personal item” — I promise not to say anything.
41.
If you’re heading out with children, change to a
super-compact stroller
That tips the scales at under 12 pounds and fits into an overhead compartment or beneath a seat, since every cent matters during family getaways.
Due to a spoiler alert: It doesn’t fit in the overhead bin.
