Are you tired of waiting at baggage claim, lugging heavy suitcases, and paying extra fees for checked bags? You’re not alone! Many travelers are discovering the freedom and convenience of traveling with just a Travel Carry On Bag. It might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re used to packing everything but the kitchen sink, but trust me, it’s absolutely achievable and incredibly liberating.
For years, I was also a chronic over-packer. The thought of limiting myself to a small carry on bag felt impossible. Like many, I believed I needed a vast wardrobe for even a short trip. However, after one too many travel mishaps involving lost luggage and strained shoulders, I decided to make a change. And let me tell you, it was the best travel decision I ever made.
Now, I rarely check a bag, no matter the length of my trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, a travel carry on bag and a personal item are all I need. This guide is designed to show you exactly how to do the same. Get ready to ditch the checked baggage stress and embrace the ease of carry on travel!
Choosing the Perfect Travel Carry On Bag
The foundation of successful carry on travel is selecting the right travel carry on bag. This isn’t just about picking any suitcase; it’s about finding a bag that maximizes space, meets airline regulations, and suits your travel style.
Size and Airline Regulations
Before you even start browsing bags, understand the carry-on size restrictions for the airlines you typically fly. While there are general guidelines, dimensions can vary slightly between airlines, especially budget carriers. The standard carry on luggage size for most major airlines in the US and internationally is around 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm). This measurement usually includes wheels and handles, so be precise when measuring your bag.
It’s crucial to check the specific airline’s website for their exact carry on bag size and weight limits before each trip. Budget airlines are notorious for stricter rules and fees for oversized bags. Don’t assume that because your bag was accepted on one airline, it will be fine on another. Being prepared will save you from unexpected gate-checking fees and travel day stress.
My first carry on bag was slightly larger than the recommended size, and I got away with it for a while. However, as I started flying more frequently with different airlines, especially budget ones, I realized the importance of sticking to the standard carry on size. Investing in a compliant bag is a worthwhile investment for hassle-free travel.
Features to Look For in a Carry On Bag
Beyond size, consider these features when choosing your travel carry on bag:
- Lightweight: Every pound counts when you’re trying to stay within weight limits and maneuver easily through airports. Look for bags made from lightweight yet durable materials.
- Durable Construction: Your carry on bag will be your constant companion, so it needs to withstand the rigors of travel. Check for sturdy zippers, reinforced handles, and durable fabric.
- Spinner Wheels: Four spinner wheels make navigating crowded airports and tight spaces a breeze. They allow for smooth 360-degree movement.
- Multiple Compartments and Pockets: Organization is key to packing efficiently in a carry on bag. Look for bags with interior compartments, zippered pockets, and even exterior pockets for easy access to essentials.
- Softside vs. Hardside: Softside bags offer more flexibility for squeezing into overhead bins and often have external pockets. Hardside bags provide more protection for fragile items but can be less forgiving if overpacked. Consider your packing style and typical travel needs when deciding.
Some travelers prefer hardside carry on bags for their durability, while others, like myself, lean towards softside bags for their flexibility and extra pockets. I’ve found that a softside bag with compression straps is ideal for maximizing space and fitting everything I need.
Recommended Carry On Bags
Here are a few highly-rated travel carry on bag options to consider:
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Carry-on Spinner
- Overview: Ultra lightweight, durable, and expandable four-wheel spinner carry-on.
- Size: 22″ x 14″ x 9″; Weight: 5.1 lbs.
- Why it’s great: This bag is known for being incredibly lightweight and spacious, making it perfect for maximizing your carry on luggage allowance.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner
- Overview: Lightweight, hardside, expandable four-wheel spinner carry-on.
- Size: 22.8″ x 14.8″ x 9.7″; Weight: 7.6 lbs.
- Why it’s great: If you prefer hardside protection and a sleek design, this Samsonite option is a great choice. It’s durable and expandable for extra packing space.
Travelpro Versapack Softside Expandable Carry-on Spinner
- Overview: Softside, expandable four-wheel spinner with external USB port and extra pockets.
- Size: 21.5″ x 14″ x 9″; Weight: 7.19 lbs.
- Why it’s great: This bag offers excellent organization with multiple compartments and pockets, plus the convenience of an external USB port for charging devices on the go.
Note: Prices and availability may vary. Please check retailer websites for the latest information.
Maximizing Your Personal Item for Carry On Travel
Don’t underestimate the power of your personal item! In addition to your travel carry on bag, airlines allow a personal item, which is typically a smaller bag like a backpack, tote, or laptop bag. This is your secret weapon for maximizing your carry on luggage capacity.
Personal Item Size and Guidelines
Personal item size restrictions are also airline-dependent, but generally, it should fit under the seat in front of you. A common size guideline is around 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm). Again, check your airline’s specific rules to avoid any surprises at the gate.
Think of your personal item as an extension of your carry on bag. Use it strategically to carry items that you need easy access to during your flight or items that might be bulky or heavy in your main carry on bag.
My personal item is a medium-sized backpack that doubles as my laptop bag. I always pack essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, electronics, and valuable items in my personal item. This way, even if my carry on bag were to get gate-checked (which is rare but can happen), I would still have everything I need immediately.
Recommended Personal Items
Here are some top-rated personal item options that are both stylish and functional:
Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack
- Overview: Rugged backpack that is large enough for a long weekend. Can be carried as a suitcase or worn on your back.
- Size: 19″ x 12″ x 9″; Weight: 2.64 lbs.
- Why it’s great: This backpack is praised for its durability, organization, and comfortable carry. It’s a versatile personal item that can handle various travel styles.
NOMATIC 20L Travel Pack
- Overview: Perfect for everyday use and weekend trips. Features include expansion zipper, magnetic water bottle pockets, and anti-theft pockets.
- Size: 18.5″ x 12″ x 6″; Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Why it’s great: The NOMATIC pack is known for its sleek design and smart features like expandable storage and hidden pockets. It’s a great choice for tech-savvy travelers.
BANGE 28L Travel Backpack
- Overview: Budget-friendly option with multiple compartments, including a separate laptop compartment and wet pocket.
- Size: 18.5″ x 13″ x 7″; Weight: 2.56 lbs.
- Why it’s great: If you’re looking for an affordable yet functional personal item, the BANGE backpack is a solid option. It offers good storage and organization at a budget-friendly price point.
Note: Prices and availability may vary. Please check retailer websites for the latest information.
Packing Strategies for Carry On Only Travel
Once you have your travel carry on bag and personal item sorted, the real magic happens with your packing strategy. Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing essentials; it’s about being smart and intentional with what you bring.
The Packing Mindset: Less is More
The first step is adopting a “less is more” mindset. Resist the urge to pack “just in case” items. Instead, focus on versatile clothing and multi-purpose items. Think about your itinerary and pack only what you truly need for the activities you have planned.
Before any trip, I have a packing “heart-to-heart” with myself. I lay out everything I think I need, and then I ruthlessly edit. I ask myself: “Do I really need this?” “Can this item serve multiple purposes?” “Can I buy this at my destination if absolutely necessary?” This process helps me eliminate unnecessary items and stick to my carry on luggage limit.
Clothing Packing Tips
- Choose a Neutral Color Palette: Stick to a color scheme of 2-3 neutral colors (black, grey, navy, beige) for your clothing. This makes it easy to mix and match items to create multiple outfits from a limited wardrobe.
- Versatile Clothing Items: Pack clothing items that can be dressed up or down. Think versatile dresses, adaptable tops, and pants that can work for both day and evening.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them saves space and minimizes wrinkles. Roll items tightly and pack them snugly in your carry on bag.
Rolled clothes in a carry on suitcase
- Packing Cubes: Consider using packing cubes to further compress your clothes and keep your carry on bag organized. Cubes help separate clothing categories and make it easier to find items quickly.
- Limit Shoes: Shoes take up significant space in a carry on bag. Limit yourself to two pairs: comfortable walking shoes (which you’ll wear) and one versatile dressier pair that can work for evenings. Pack socks and small items inside your shoes to maximize space.
Toiletries and Liquids: The 3-1-1 Rule
Navigating toiletries with carry on luggage requires understanding the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule states that liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all placed in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.
To minimize liquids and maximize space, consider these strategies:
- Solid Toiletries: Switch to solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, solid soap, and toothpaste tabs. These eliminate liquid volume and are often more eco-friendly.
- Travel-Sized Containers: If you prefer liquid products, decant them into travel-sized containers (3.4 oz or less).
- Sample Sizes: Collect sample-sized toiletries from hotels or beauty stores for travel.
- Buy at Your Destination: For longer trips, consider buying full-sized toiletries at your destination to avoid packing large liquid containers.
Liquid beauty products to avoid in carry on
Other Space-Saving Tips
- Compression Bags: For bulky items like sweaters or jackets, use compression bags to reduce their volume significantly.
- Wear Bulky Items: Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing items, like jackets and sweaters, on the plane to save space in your carry on bag.
- Laundry on the Go: Utilize laundry services at your accommodation or pack travel-sized laundry detergent sheets to hand-wash clothes and re-wear items.
Enjoy the Freedom of Carry On Travel
Traveling with just a travel carry on bag is more than just a packing strategy; it’s a travel lifestyle. Once you experience the ease and freedom of carry on travel, you’ll likely never go back to checked baggage. You’ll save time, money, and stress, and you’ll move through airports and destinations with unmatched agility. So, embrace the challenge, pack smart, and enjoy the world, one carry on bag at a time!
Further Reading for Your Carry On Adventures:
- Don’t Leave Home Without These Vegan Travel Tips
- Must Book Vegan Travel and Tour Companies
- Vegan-Friendly Caribbean: Resort & Island Guide
- 23 Vegan Travel Snacks to Pack for Your Next Trip
- TrustedHousesitters Review: The Pros and Cons from a Pet Sitter
