WHAT ACTUALLY GOES IN MY CARRY-ON

*Carry-on and personal-item rules vary by airline and ticket type, so I always check the size, weight, and baggage allowance for my specific flight before packing.

There was a time in my life when I thought every trip required one giant suitcase, a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, AND a purse. It didn’t really matter where I was going or how long I was going to be gone—I packed like I might need absolutely everything I owned.

It took me a few years—and probably a few too many trips dragging luggage through airports, train stations, and down cobblestone streets—to realize this is not a very practical way to travel.

These days, I mostly travel with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, with my purse tucked inside the backpack. It’s easier to manage, especially when I’m moving from place to place, and it keeps me within the one carry-on/one personal-item rules on the airlines that allow both.

That doesn’t mean I refuse to check a bag. For Iceland, I took a medium checked suitcase because I had a parka, snow boots, and what I apparently believed was the appropriate amount of thermal clothing for an expedition to the North Pole. Could I have worn the bulky stuff on the plane and made everything else fit into a carry-on? Probably, but I knew I’d be bringing things home and wanted the extra room.

Then I got to Iceland and discovered I only needed about half the thermal clothes I packed. In hindsight, there’s a pretty good chance I could have done Iceland with just a carry-on.

Every trip teaches me something. Iceland taught me I do not need that many thermals.

 ðŸ§³ WHAT GOES IN MY CARRY-ON SUITCASE

  • 5 tops
  • 4 bottoms 
  • 1-2 cardigans
  • 1 packable puffer jacket
  • up to 3 pairs of shoes
  • 2-3 scarves
  • 1 belt
  • 1 swimsuit
  • 1 nicer outfit, depending on your plans
  • laundry detergent sheets

NOTE: Of everything listed above, I wear my bulkiest/heaviest clothes and shoes on the plane to save as much suitcase space as possible. A scarf doesn't take up suitcase space if you're wearing it!

🎒 WHAT ACTUALLY GOES IN MY BACKPACK

Apparently it takes a lot of little things to travel light.

  • IN MY PURSE
    • passport
    • boarding passes
    • credit cards, cash and health insurance cards
    • keys
    • any valuables such as expensive jewelry
    • documents
  • IN A SMALL ZIPPERED POUCH
    • hand sanitizer wipes
    • lip balm
    • tissues
    • earplugs
    • eye mask
    • disposable toothbrush
  • IN A SEPARATE POCKET OF BACKPACK OR ANOTHER ZIPPERED POUCH
    • prescription medications in original/labeled containers
    • over-the-counter meds I may need
    • small first aid kit
    • eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution
  •  LIQUIDS

    • TSA compliant quart-size bag for liquids (3.4 oz/100 mL or less per container)

  • ELECTRONICS ALL TOGETHER:
    • laptop
    • camera
    • smartphone 
    • headphones (if not taking earbuds)
    • adapter and/or converter
    • IN MY ELECTRONICS ORGANIZER
      • portable charger and charging cords
      • wired earbuds and/or wireless earbuds
  • JUST IN CASE MY CARRY-ON DOESN'T ARRIVE WITH ME
    • one extra change of clothes
    • light jacket or sweater
  • FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
    • book
    • magazine
    • pen & small notepad
  • A FEW RANDOM BUT USEFUL THINGS
    • snacks
    • reusable water bottle

NOTE: I keep my electronics, power bank, and spare batteries with me. Always check current TSA and airline rules for batteries before flying.

👛 YES, MY PURSE IS IN THERE TOO

Some airlines are pretty serious about the one carry-on and one personal item rule, which is exactly why my purse travels inside my backpack.

I once watched someone at the gate with a tiny crossbody bag—seriously, maybe 4" × 6"—and they were still told it counted as an additional item and had to put it inside one of their other bags. That was all I needed to see.  Now my purse goes straight into my backpack before I get to the gate. Once I arrive, I pull it back out and use it while I’m exploring.

I don’t make the airline rules, and every airline and ticket can be different. I’m just telling you what I’ve seen and why I pack the way I do—because I’d rather rearrange my bags at home than do it in front of everyone at the boarding gate.

I'm still not what I'd call a minimalist packer. Three pairs of shoes are probably enough evidence of that. I've gotten much better, though. If I can get where I'm going with a carry-on suitcase and one backpack instead of hauling half my closet with me, I'll call that progress.

Been There. Packed too much. Learned eventually. Loved That.

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