We’ve been traveling full time since 2019 and we haven’t checked a single bag in years. Not once.
We’ve flown across continents, changed climates, moved between countries every few weeks, and still manage to pack everything we need in a carry-on. If you think you can’t travel with just a carry-on, we’re here to tell you that you absolutely can.
Carry on only travel is not just about packing less. It’s about making your entire trip easier. No lost luggage. No waiting at baggage claim. No dragging a 50-pound suitcase up three flights of stairs in a European apartment with no elevator. You breeze through the airport, save money on baggage fees, and always have what you need right with you.
After visiting over 90 countries and living out of a carry-on for more than seven years, we’ve tested everything. Here’s exactly how we pack light, smart, and efficiently for any trip.
Pick a Color Palette
This tip alone changes everything. And it applies equally to men and women.
When you only bring clothes in 2 or 3 main colors, everything goes together.
That means you can mix and match your tops and bottoms instead of needing a separate outfit for each day.
Lisa usually picks black, white, and one accent color.
Matt sticks to navy and black. We each pack about five tops and three bottoms, but because everything works together, it feels like more. It also makes getting dressed every day a lot easier.
The Right Pair of Jeans
One of those three bottoms are a pair of jeans.
Jeans are bulky and heavy, so traveling with just one pair is essential.
You want a pair that looks polished enough for dinner out. But they need to be comfortable enough for walking tours, or long plane or train rides since we wear them on travel days to keep them out of our carry on.
We each carry one pair of jeans that hits that sweet spot. They go with everything, don’t wrinkle easily, and hold up well after multiple wears.
A good pair of jeans can take you from day to night without taking up extra space in your bag.
Use Packing Cubes
We resisted packing cubes at first. They seemed like a gimmick.
But once we tried them, we never went back.
They don’t just keep you organized. They compress your clothes and save a surprising amount of space.
Some people say you should roll your clothes first, then zip the cube shut. But we find it better to tightly fold our clothes then put them in packing cubes. It make finding items easier when unpacking.
With packing cubes, everything fits better and stays neat. And is easy to grab when we need it. It’s one of our favorite carry on only travel tools.
Layer Instead of Packing Heavy
You don’t need bulky sweaters or heavy jackets.
We’ve traveled through snow, wind, and cold with just a few smart layers.
Our go-to packing list includes a base layer t-shirt, a long sleeve top, an ultralight puffer jacket, and a scarf.
That combo gets us through chilly mornings, mountain towns, and even Northern Europe in spring.
Thin layers keep you warm without taking up space in your bag.
Limit Yourself to Three Pairs of Shoes
Shoes are the biggest space-waster in most suitcases.
We each bring three pairs and that’s it.
One sturdy pair for walking all day. One that’s a little nicer but still comfortable for evenings out. And one pair of sandals or flip-flops for the beach or hotel.
We wear the bulkiest pair on travel days.
That keeps our bags lighter and leaves room for the things we actually use every day.
Click here to see the exact 3 pairs of shoes Lisa travels with.
Don’t Pack “Just in Case” Items
If we had a dollar for every time we packed something we might need and never used, we’d have bought a round-the-world ticket by now.
It’s easy to fall into the “what if” mindset. What if it rains nonstop? What if there’s a fancy event? What if we suddenly need hiking gear?
If it’s not something we use regularly at home, we don’t bring it.
We skip backup handbags, full-size beauty tools, and random gadgets.
If we really need something, we can buy it on the road.
Choose the Right Fabrics
When every inch of space counts, fabric matters.
We look for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant clothes made from jersey, rayon, or soft knits.
These materials pack small, dry quickly, and don’t need ironing.
Lisa’s favorite travel dress has gone to five continents and still looks good.
Matt has a button-up shirt that folds down to the size of a sock but never looks wrinkled.
These are the kinds of clothes that make carry on only travel work.
Why It’s Worth It
Traveling carry-on only saves time, money, and stress.
We never worry about lost luggage. We skip long lines and walk straight out of the airport.
We’ve walked miles through train stations and cobblestone streets without once wishing we had more stuff. It forces you to be intentional, and that simplicity makes travel more enjoyable.
You don’t need more space. You just need smarter choices. And once you try it, you’ll never want to check a bag again.
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