The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List: Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without

If packing were an Olympic sport, I feel like I’d have a solid shot at getting on the medal stand!

I spend way too much time planning my packing lists, but it soothes the slightly OCD part of me that wants to make sure I have everything I need, but will only travel in a carry-on because the idea of losing my luggage sends me into a panic.

As a strictly carry-on person (truly – I went on my three week honeymoon in a carry-on), here are travel essentials I never leave home without!

My Go-To Carry-On Packing Essentials

Away Bigger Carry on Flex

There is a reason you see this bag everywhere. I’ve done the research and this bag has the largest interior volume of any carry-on available and worth the investment. When you expand it – it’s technically no longer carry-on compliant – but so far I’ve gotten away with it ; ).
Pro tip: Never expand your bag at the beginning of your trip – it gives you space if you buy anything + everything somehow expands when you travel so you will need more space on the way home!

Papier D’Armenie Sheets

These beautiful smelling papers can be pulled out of the book and placed between your clothes. Every time you open your suitcase, you’ll have a gentle waft of loveliness rather than the weird smell that accompanies a bag that has traveled on a plane.  I also put these in all my drawers.

Everlane Day Glove Flats

The biggest challenge with packing in a carry-on is shoes! These pack super flat and are comfortable enough to wear for a day of sightseeing or on the plane.

Dagne Dover Toiletry Organizer (Small)

My favorite toiletry organizer! Everything stands upright, and it’s compact enough to help me resist bringing too much product on my trip. Honestly, how much of a product can you use in two weeks? Very little! I collect travel-size items plus small containers, and I could last a full month in this small toiletry bag.

Vacuum Travel Bag

I bring this empty at the bottom of my bag and then use it for laundry during my trip.  My biggest issue with laundry on a trip is that unfolded dirty clothes take up more space + they make the whole bag smell if they aren’t separated. This vacuum bag compresses the laundry + segregates it from the rest of my clothes.

Scarves & A Warm Shawl

Scarves take up very little space but can give you lots of outfit looks even when you’ve packed very little clothing.  It helps me pack less because even a small scarf can add a totally different look/color/vibe to an outfit.  I also always pack a warm shawl that doubles as a blanket in my carry-on tote.

I’m just scratching the surface of the products and strategies I use to pack light and travel comfortably.

If this kind of content is helpful, let me know! I’d love to share more of what actually works after years of carry-on-only travel.

All my love,
Vanessa

P.S. If you loved this guide, check out my Winter Survival Guide.