1.
Determine which carry-on luggage dimensions suit the airline you’re flying with since, of course, there’s no universal sizing standard 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 opting for the largest you can get away with, such as a roomy one.
travel-friendly backpack
That will fit beneath the seat ahead of you.
3.
Hey there: Make sure you pack your travel necessities apart in something that’s small yet unexpectedly roomy.
belt bag
For added convenience and efficient use of space in your carry-on and personal items—and to avoid rummaging through your backpack for your AirPods mid-flight—the strap is fully adjustable. You can wear it as a crossbody bag or cinch it around your waist. Plus, you might be amazed at just how much it can hold! And…
quite
akin to Lululemon’s waist pack and under
half
the price!
www.amazon.com
,
www.amazon.com
I’ve recently caved and purchased this bag, and now it’s become my default choice for all sorts of things like grocery trips as well as doctor’s visits! Next time I travel, I’ll definitely use it to carry my in-flight essentials such as my Kindle,
AirFly Bluetooth adapter,
earbuds, hand sanitiser, moisturizer, and lip balm.
ChinPaoShopping editor
Elizabeth Lilly
states, “I typically go with a Large or Extra-Large in clothes, but occasionally, waist bags aren’t quite right for me. This particular one,
I can verify that it sits comfortably around my waist with just a shirt, also accommodates my chest without additional clothing, and still fits well over multiple layers including a heavy coat.
The inner pouches are very convenient, and they proved to be spacious enough during my journey through Iceland. Do ensure though that you completely close the zipper as it extends quite low on both sides, which makes accessing the contents much easier.
Purchase it from Amazon for
$12.98
(available in 45 colors).
Promising review
I purchased this item for flying. Usually, I travel with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. This accessory was meant to store all my necessities and keep them within reach. It’s spacious enough to fit my smartphone, wallet, passport, hand sanitizer, and lip balm.
daisy rojas
4.
Compose a packing list well ahead of time, even before you pick up your first item. This applies whether it’s on a notepad or digitally.
prefilled notepad
Or simply use the Notes app on your phone, take some time to seriously consider everything you’ll need so you avoid panicking and end up trying to squeeze in 25 additional pairs of underwear and three sweaters at the last second.
5.
Look up the typical weather conditions for your destination before you go, allowing you to determine what to bring along. Do you require a thin jacket perhaps? Or maybe just a thick sweater? Does it tend to rain frequently during this season? With this information, you’ll be well-prepared.
6.
If rainfall is forecasted, fit in a stroll.
packable raincoat
So you can remain perfectly protected from the elements without leaving behind your preferred stylish items. It compresses into a small drawstring pouch. You could carry it in your handbag effortlessly.
on
The outing should remain dry.
7.
Or stash a
mini travel umbrella
Not only does this fit neatly 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, keeping everything else dry inside.
www.amazon.com
,
www.amazon.com
Promising review:
I purchased this affordable, compact umbrella for my fall journey to Edinburgh. It performed flawlessly! Despite the strong winds prevalent there, it occasionally inverted, but I easily flipped it back. The cover holder is particularly useful for neatly stowing it away when damp, thus protecting my belongings.
Lynn Thompson
Purchase it from Amazon for
$13.99+
(available in 11 colors).
8.
Hear out your mum and dad, and scrunch your outfits to conserve room. This technique has proven effective and simplifies locating specific pieces—without disrupting the entire contents of your luggage.
9.
Alternatively, consider these methods – your choice may vary based on what you’re packing. The “clown car” approach can help minimize creases!
10.
Make the most of your holiday time
and
Suitcases become so much easier when you pack your outfits per day! Say goodbye to digging through your luggage and disorganizing everything. If you plan to reuse an outfit later, simply keep it aside for now.
11.
Gradually make your clothing more *compressed* piece by piece within a collection.
packing cubes
— Organize them by day (similar to what’s shown above), clothing category, ~part of your journey~ (such as city, beach, weather conditions), etc.! Give into your inner Virgo and start packing.
12.
Or if you’re not as concerned with being organized but rather focused on maximizing space, squeeze all your items into one set of containers.
space-saver bags
Specifically created for travelers. Over-packing enthusiasts? This product is perfect for you. No need for a vacuum; simply insert your items and roll up to expel excess air through the built-in valves.
13.
Maximize your outfit potential with light, space-saving garments perfect for stacking.
slip dress
For instance, this item is a favorite among reviewers and can be spruced up for your most elegant dinner occasion. However, it can also be worn underneath a sweater, blouse, or t-shirt, transforming into an entirely different ensemble!
14.
Use the underutilized area (yes, we’re talking about the spaces between the metal bars!) for rolling up socks, underwear, swimwear, or other tiny garments to optimize storage space.
15.
Things can quickly become wrinkled in a compact carry-on, so keep your dress shirt collars crisp by threading your belt right within them. Your upcoming business trip is now safeguarded against crumpled necklines.
16.
Tuck tiny, collapsible objects into your hat, then position these items delicately along the rim inside your suitcase to prevent them from being squashed or misshapen. Since lugging a sunhat onto the airplane can be quite bothersome.
17.
Or try a *genius*
magnetic hat clip
that attaches directly to your bag strap,
luggage tag
, use a zipper pull or any clip to conveniently hang your sun hat from the side of your bag when walking through the airport. Much more practical than wasting space inside your bag—especially since your hands are already full enough, thank you very much.
18.
Don’t waste an ounce of space—stuff your luggage with tiny essentials like socks and undergarments. Heading someplace cold? Include leggings or perhaps your hair straightener.
curling iron
using boots to conserve room
and
assist in retaining your boots’ form.
19.
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 that keeps your bras in good shape.
20.
Put together a compact capsule wardrobe for your pack; opt for a single color scheme along with a couple of highlight shades, allowing you to get the best use out of only a select number of essential items.
21.
If your trip is going to last for some time, pack a convenient travel kit.
compact laundry detergent packets
So you can effortlessly clean garments for reuse directly in the hotel bathroom (or utilize a cruise’s washing machine, naturally).
22.
Keep in mind all the dirty clothes you’ll amass ahead of time so your meticulous folding doesn’t go to waste. Set aside your smelly socks in a separate section.
space-saving laundry bag
created to assist you in *condensing* your grimy clothing into a small pouch, keeping them hidden from view until you return…and at last,unpacking.
23.
Roll up a compact and
collapsible water bottle
Because it’s extremely easy to become dehydrated during a long-haul flight, and airport water can be costly! You can store it conveniently in an exterior pocket of your carry-on bag or backpack, making it simple to refill without sacrificing valuable space.
24.
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 oversized containers.
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
$7.97
.
Promising review:
“I absolutely adore these products! Given my significant ADHD, I often forget my medication when camping, hiking, or simply being out for long stretches. These items make it considerably simpler for me to store them in my backpack and feel delighted upon rediscovering them later. The labeling is excellent; they’re sturdy too, eliminating those moments where I come across unidentifiable loose pills at the bottom of my bag. Strongly recommended.”
Eliza
25.
Choose your most important pieces of jewelry and store them securely in a genuinely
Mini (and elegant) jewelry box
Like this elegant velvet piece. It will make you feel completely accessorized without taking up extra room or adding weight to your bag with bulkier items.
26.
Each bit of space 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 folds into a slim and compact shape, and once you’re set to use it, simply drape it around your neck — beneath the soft fleece lies an internal frame that ensures your head stays comfortably positioned for sleep even when sitting upright.
27.
Journeying with just a carry-on plus a (ahem enormous backpack) as your personal item alongside a coat can become quite cumbersome, particularly when going through airport security. Keep your money, boarding pass, passport, credit cards, and so forth stored safely.
travel wallet
That makes it incredibly simple to view all details instantly. Just throw it in your carry-on once you’ve passed through security!
28.
Choose a suitably sized set of
TSA-friendly travel bottles
You have the option to fill (and top off) with your preferred items when travel sizes aren’t available — all without using much space. You just can’t go without your must-have skincare and haircare essentials, even when traveling lightly!
29.
Include a simple, spill-proof barrier for your grooming items to prevent major mishaps upon arrival; simply place a tiny piece of plastic wrap over the opening and secure with the lid.
30.
And by the way, your go-to skincare label
might
make a
travel-friendly skincare set
You can store this in your suitcase for trips and getaways — then you’ll NEVER lose track of it (or take up unnecessary space).
31.
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 suitcase (a costly disaster). This option is incredibly easy to refill, making you want to carry it around in your bag for an impromptu scent boost even when you’re at home daily!
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 fantastic! For those who are passionate about fragrances, these are essential! Just remove the spray top from your preferred cologne or perfume, attach this at the tip, press down several times, and voila — take your favourite scent with you anywhere!
Based on your daily usage, a complete atomizer typically lasts between one and two weeks.
.” —
V.O.A.
32.
If struggling with minimalism in your beauty routine while traveling proves difficult, then this solution is unbeatable.
hanging toiletry bag
to ensure you can travel with all your beauty items
cannot stand to abandon
It’s so much simpler — and morecompact. Additionally, there’s no need to unload onto the hotel bathroom counter — simply unroll and hang it up, and all your items will be easy to see at a glance!
www.amazon.com
I purchased this for a recent journey, and I was really surprised by how much I managed to pack into it—it compresses down to an impressively compact size when zipped up! I opted for the “medium” size, which turned out to be quite spacious, particularly if you’re aiming to fit everything into a carry-on suitcase.
Promising review:
Are you serious? Look at how much this can hold! It fits full shampoo bottles, facial cleansers, and even a hairbrush…
All 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 sturdy. The hook at the top is EXTREMELY SECURELY attached, being doubly stitched onto the top panel and resembling seat belt material in strength. Additionally, I’m fond of the extra compartments and mesh pocketing inside. I’d definitely endorse this product!
mahea_c
Purchase it from Amazon for
$19.99+
(offered in two sizes and five color options).
33.
Switch out your usual hot tools for one
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.
34.
The miniature versions of essentials for travel aren’t limited to just beauty products—should you struggle with sleep in new environments like hotel rooms or strange places, a genuinely tiny
mini white noise machine
Sure thing! This compact device is incredibly portable; you could easily slip it into your bag or even stow it away in a handbag or backpack. With 15 distinct non-repeating sound options such as white noise, fan hums, rainfall, and others, plus a battery life that spans multiple days, it’s practically pocket-sized.
www.amazon.com
Before my recent trip, I purchased this small device—and I must say, I’m smitten with it. It offers three distinct fan noise levels, but I usually stick to setting one for background white noise. This gadget significantly improved my sleep quality during stays in hotels and even when sharing space with someone who snores loudly. Throughout an entire fortnight journey, using it nightly for about eight hours each time, I needed to recharge it just twice. Additionally, you have the option of choosing from various automatic shut-off timers according to your preference.
Purchase it from Amazon for
$15.98
(offered in 11 colours, along with two-packs and sets that include a travel case)
Promising review:
I must admit I had my doubts about this sound system. I thought, how could such a small circular device generate substantial volume? But let me assure you, it delivers!
I was amazed when, after charging it and turning it on, such an enormous sound emanated from the device!
I love the sound of the fan the most. Before purchasing, I checked many reviews which were mostly quite favorable… so I knew I had to give it a shot since I can’t sleep without my nightly big noise maker at home. However, that device is rather large… and I required something more compact for trips. Another great feature of this small wonder is that it’s rechargeable! There’s no need for an electrical socket unless you’re plugging it in to charge. The instructions were somewhat basic—let’s put it that way—but anyone with commonsense will quickly understand how it operates. Go ahead and purchase it! It’s particularly handy when traveling.
T. Bellati
35.
Place your footwear near the wheels and position smaller items towards the handle. This way, when your luggage is standing up and being pulled, the shoes will not squash or crease your garments.
36.
Pack your chunkiest footwear for the flight, assuming that’s a pair of
chunky sneakers
, ankle boots, etc. — this will help maximize your suitcase space, ensuring comfort during the extended flight — particularly if you opt for some stylish options.
compression socks
.
37.
Don’t forget an
AirFly Pro wireless transmitter
So you don’t have to pack (or, yuck
pay for
) those clunky old wired headphones for your upcoming flight, which won’t even connect to your smartphone — wouldn’t you prefer using your AirPods or some high-tech Bluetooth noise-cancelling ones instead? Plus, it’s much simpler to stand up to go to the bathroom or allow your seatmate through without having to deal with detaching headphones or untangling wires!
Amazon,
www.amazon.com
This product includes a USB-C charging cable, a carrying case, a keychain attachment, a quick-start guide, and an instruction manual. Whenever I travel, I bring it along—it’s fantastic! Remember to charge it beforehand though. In my experience, pairing the headphones with your gadget is simplest when done from home—simply connect them to your PC or another audio device to verify everything functions correctly, then proceed to pair them up!
Observe one TikTok user utilizing it alongside their AirPod Pro headphones.
here
.
Promising review:
I’ve had my wireless Bose earbuds for some time now, but I still disliked using a different pair whenever I needed to watch something on the plane’s seat-back screen.
I tested numerous models to link the system with my Bluetooth headphones, but only when I found this particular model did it exceed all expectations!
It integrates effortlessly with my headset, offering exceptionally clear and dependable sound quality, and
It removes the hassle of needing to handle multiple headsets!
Thank you!!!” —
Ryan Malloy
Purchase it from Amazon for
$34.97+
(offered in three designs and three hues)
38.
Stow a
3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging hub
Ideal for travel, allowing you to power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, eliminating the hassle of multiple large chargers and an array of cables.
One reviewer
compares this budget-friendly marvel, priced at less than $40, to the nearly $150 Mophie charger and states that it performs equally well while also being more aesthetically pleasing!
www.amazon.com
,
www.amazon.com
Promising review: ”
This is my
new favorite travel gadget!
Extremely small and stylish, hasn’t caused me any problems when powering up my iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, plus it works reliably every time.
This charger has done away with at least two extra cables, and I greatly value not needing to juggle different chargers when I’m getting ready for trips.
The indicator light on the watch pad can be toggled on or off, allowing me to place it on my nightstand without worrying about a glaring green beam disrupting my sleep. Its conspicuousness makes it less likely to forget when repacking before leaving a hotel, possibly ranking as the next best thing. All things considered, this product offers excellent value for its price and serves as an exceptional aid for maintaining organization whilst traveling.” —
Cassandra
Purchase it from Amazon for
$19.99+
(available in two colors).
39.
Big vacation reader? Leave the heavy, bulky books at home and bring HUNDREDS (or even THOUSANDS) of books with you in one little device — a
Kindle
!
40.
Include a
fold-up duffel
On outings where you’re certain you’ll return with additional items, simply load up your bag before heading home and claim it as your “personal item” — I promise not to breathe a word.
41.
If you’re journeying with children, change to a
super-compact stroller
This should weigh less than 12 pounds and be small enough to stow in an overhead compartment or under a seat, since every dollar matters during family getaways.
The reviews have been shortened and/or clarified for brevity and understanding.
