Flying with a large checked bag today is not only very expensive but also a hassle. Lugging a checked bag, carry on and your personal bag is quite a challenge when navigating a busy airport. Not to mention lost time when on vacation.

You’ll have to arrive at the airport at least 90-120 minutes early if you’re bringing a checked bag. Most cutoff times are 45 minutes before your flight.

You’ll also be waiting for your luggage at the baggage carousels when you land for 20-60 minutes. And sometimes if your unlucky your bag could be lost! Millions of bags every year are mishandled. That means they could be loaded on the wrong plane, damaged or lost forever. This can be a terrible start for your trip.

So, I made this simple guide to show you how to pack everything you need in only a basic carry-on and personal item!

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WHY TRAVELING WITH A CARRY ON ONLY IS BETTER

Cheaper – Most airline will let you bring a carry-on free with your ticket. Some airlines might charge a small fee though so check before your book.

Easier – It’s so much easier to navigate the airport with only one small suitcase. It’s also easier to pack and go when you’re coming back home from your trip.

Save Time – When you bring fewer items with you, you’ll get to enjoy your trip more and not waste hours packing up all your stuff. You’ll also make it out of the airport much faster and may choose to spend your extra time at a local cafe relaxing while you enjoy the change of scenery.

Enjoy Your Time – Your hotel room will be less crowded up with random items if you pack lightly and you get to really enjoy a peaceful getaway.

It’s not the outfits you wear or the souvenirs you get that make an incredible vacation. It’s the amazing experiences you get to be a part of. Those memories are the reason I love to travel. And I get to do that more often when I travel lightly and I know you can too!

PICK YOUR CARRY-ON AND PERSONAL ITEM WISELY

Make sure to maximize your limited luggage space by picking the perfect bags. Every airline has their own carry-on size and sometimes weight requirements so be sure to check their website before your fly to make sure you won’t have any surprises on travel day.

A Carry-on can usually be up to 22″ Long x 14″ Wide x 9″ Deep.

A Personal item is usually allowed to be 18″ Long x 14″ Wide x 8″ Deep.

Your personal item can be a large tote bag, backpack, small suitcase or briefcase as long as it meets the airline requirements and fits totally under the seat in front of you. I usually recommend a soft backpack so it can be squished under the seat more reliably than a rigid suitcase.

TOP PICK LARGE BACKPACK

This 17″ Laptop Backpack is perfect for travel. It has tons of space! It’s great for business trips or just a girl’s weekend getaway. Bonus! It’s also water resistant just in case it gets rainy.

You can carry it as a backpack or use the strap on the back and wheel it along on top of your carry-on luggage.

It zips up so nothing will topple out of your bag on the plane and has multiple pockets to keep things organized.

HOW TO PACK 1-WEEK INTO 1 CARRY-ON

If you can pack one week of clothes and necessities into one carry-on, you can last for not only 1 week but 2-weeks or even months! I don’t mind having to do one load of laundry per week while on vacation because let’s be real… I’d have to do laundry more than once a week at home any with my family of 4!

You don’t have to sacrifice your style either though! One of my best travel tips is having a great capsule wardrobe you love. Clothes take up a lot of suitcase real-estate so by choosing your outfits wisely you can save tons of space, wear the clothes you love and look fabulous in all your travel pictures!

And no, you won’t have to buy a whole new set of clothes. I bet you already have everything in your closet right now you just need a little bit of inspiration! This is what you’ll need for one or more weeks of travel and only do laundry once per week.

Check out this post to learn what to pack in what bag when you fly.

CLOTHING

• 1-3 Pairs of shoes – A super comfy pair of sneakers is always a must! Then it depends on what activities you have planned. You might need a pair of hiking boots, sandals, fancy heels, summery wedge heels or a cute low-cut boot. Whatever your bulkiest shoe is, wear them on flight day to save precious space.

• 5-7 Shirts – This is one of the most critical items in your capsule wardrobe. Pick at least one all black bodysuit, t-shirt or sweater (weather depending). This shirt will literally go with everything and look amazing and stylish! Pick a few simple plain colors and 1 or 2 statement pieces. Always bring 1 long sleeved shirt just in case the weather gets cold you can layer this with a light jacket or 2 to keep warm.

• 3-5 Pants – After picking your favorite shirts pair them together with pants that will go with most or all of your shirts. You can easily dress down a nice blouse for a day out or dress up a simple t-shirt with a sleek pair of slacks. Get creative with your closet here when pair items! I was shocked that I was able to make dozens of adorable outfits with what I already had!

• 1-2 Shorts – Same with the shorts, dress up or dress down the shirts you picked to make dozens of cute combinations.

• 1-2 Skirts – I used to never wear skirts until recently and now I love them! Their very easy to pair with lots of shirts and look super cute.

• 1-3 Dresses – If you like to wear dresses try to find ones in your closet that are compatible with a t-shirt as a top. This simple hack can give you 2 or 3 extra outfit options while also having a simple stylish dress for nights out.

• 1-2 Light Jackets – This could also be a cardigan. Pick one that goes well with all your outfits. You might consider bringing a waterproof rain jacket here instead of an umbrella. I get a little excessive here and usually bring 3 or sometimes even 4 lol but I know that’s overkill.

• 1 Heavy Coat – This depends on the weather you’re excepting but may not be necessary.

• 2-3 Bras – I usually only need 2 options but make sure your bra is compatible with all of the outfits you picked out. I like my removable straps bra because I can easily make it backless or razor back friendly.

• 7 Undies – Make sure to bring a white pair if you dare to travel with your beloved white jeans!

• 3-7 Socks – This depends on how often you plan to wear your sneakers or sandals. I love my heels and sandals so I usually only bring 2 or 3

• 1-3 Pairs of Pajamas – I don’t mind wearing pajamas more than one day so I just bring 2 pairs.

• 1-3 Pairs of Workout Clothes – I’m not big on working out but I do love my active wear or in my case lounge wear lol. I love wearing these at the end of the day when I might be at the hotel but not quite ready for bed. I can make a run to the vending machine for candy or order a pizza without having to stay in my jeans all day long.

• 1-2 Swimsuits – It’s so nice to have 2 swimsuits if you have room for them because putting on a freezing cold swimsuit the next day is not fun at all.

Pro Tip

Pack your cloths in travel space bags to save tons of space!

ACCESSORIES

Small purse – You can use your personal item bag as your purse but if you’re like me and only need a small handbag on the day-to-day pack along a lightweight purse for you trip days and save the large bag for travel days.

Jewlery – A girls gotta have her bling y’all. I have to limit myself here or I’d end up bringing my whole collection! Try to pick accessories you either love the most and can’t live without or are easily matched with multiple outfits and other accessories.

Belts – This an easy accessory item to really level up your wardrobe game. Do not roll up and pack your belts… this wastes a lot more space than necessary. By packing belts along the outside perimeter of your suitcase they won’t get creased or damaged and don’t take up hardly any space.

Hats – Packing hats for travel can be tricky. I recommend wearing your hat on the plane, so you don’t have to risk smashing it in your bag. But if you get creative you can totally pack a hat in your carry-on.

Scarfs – This is another easily packable and stylish accessory.

Sunglasses – If you plan on bringing more than one pair of sunglasses on your trip, consider packing them in a case so they don’t get scratched or damaged inside your carry-on.

TOILETRIES/PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

3-1-1 bag – This may be the most dreaded part of for most women. I know it is for me lol. But you can do this ladies!

What is a 3-1-1 bag? This is the TSA rule that every liquid, gel and/or aerosol item must be smaller than 3.4oz, all items must fit in a 1-quart clear bag and only 1 bag per person.

Most of this bag is items like your makeup, haircare products, toothpaste, and deodorant if it’s not the stick kind.

White Noise – Most hotels don’t have fans, so if your used to sleeping with the hum of a fan or some background noise you may want to consider downloading an app before you go so you can get good rest.

Flat Iron/Curling Wand/Hair Dryer – I never ever go anywhere without a flat iron…. It’s a 100% essential item to me lol. My hair will stay straight for more days than it will hold a nice curl so I always pick my flat iron if I can only pick one thing to bring.

Body Care Products –

• Toothpaste – Toothbrush – Mouthwash – Floss
• Deodorant (choose a solid stick option so it will not have to go inside your 3-1-1 bag)
• Body Wash
• Perfume
• Lotion – Sunscreen
• Glasses/Contacts – Cases – Solution
• Pads – Tampons – Cup – Wash
• Nail File – Clippers – Tweezers

Hair Products –

• Shampoo – Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo
• Leave-in Conditioner
• Blow Dry Cream
• Heat Protectant Spray
• Detangler Spray
• Finishing/Hair Spray
• Brush – Hair Ties – Clips – Shower Cap – Night Cap – Silk Pillowcase

Makeup – Every lady has her own special and unique makeup routine. From minimal to goddess makeup queen. I tried to include all of the most common items, so you don’t forget anything important. If you travel frequently for work or leisure, I highly recommend a dedicated travel makeup kit, so you don’t have to pack up all your things every time and risk forgetting something important.

PRO TIP – Pack you makeup bag at least 1 week before travel and use it every day. If you forgot anything you will find out and can easily add it to your bag before you travel.

• Brushes – Blender – Cotton Rounds – Q-tips (I love swapping everyday things for planet friendly options. Check out these Reusable Makeup Remover Pads & Biodegradable Cotton & Bamboo Swabs)
• Primer – Foundation – Concealer – Finishing Mist/Powder
• Blush – Bronzer – Highlighter
• Mascara – Eyeshadow – Eyeliner
• Lashes – Lash Glue – Tweezers
• Brow Gel – Brow Pencil
• Lipstick – Lip Gloss – Lip Liner – Chapstick
• Makeup Remover – Cleanser – Toner – Eye Cream – Serums – Retinol- Moisturizer – Sunscreen

Remember any liquid or gel makeup products will have to be included in your 3-1-1 bag.

Try to bring small travel size bottles of everything. But keep in mind how much of that product you will actually need during your trip. You probably won’t need an entire 3.4oz bottle of makeup remover, a much smaller 1oz bottle will probably last your entire trip just fine.

You also don’t have to buy overpriced small bottles of products. Invest in a clear travel bag with a variety of bottles and refill as needed with the products you already have. This will save you lots of money and last for many years!

If you frequently use a makeup item I didn’t include on the list, please leave a comment down below and help out our traveler friends!

Misc.

Medicine –

• Pain reliver
• Allergy
• Heartburn
• Eye drops
• Sleep aid
• Vitamins
• Prescriptions

Neck Pillow – This is optional depending on how long you will be flying and what time of day your flight is. If your flight is over 4 hours you might consider a nice neck pillow so you can get some rest before you land.

Chargers – Don’t wait till the morning you’re leaving to unplug and pack your everyday charger. I have forgotten mine many times doing this. Instead get and extra set and have your things packed a week early. It will greatly reduce stress and you’ll be less likely to forget items.

Umbrella – Always check the weather a few days before travel. You may want to bring an umbrella or raincoat. Umbrella can also be used for shade too on hot sunny days.

Planner/Pen – I mostly use my phone planner but I do love my small calendar notebook to so I almost always bring it along.

Hand Wipes/Sanitizer– Millions of people are in and out of the airport from all over the world. Bring some sanitizer or wipes to keep germs at bay.

Water Bottle – Always stay well hydrated. There’s no better way to do that than to always have a water bottle with you. Best of all a reusable water bottle like this one so we can all help reduce unnecessary plastic waste and save money on crazy expensive bottled water at the airport.

Snacks – Sometimes the in-flight meal is not so great… Keep some flight friendly snacks in your bag so you won’t get hangry on your journey. Bring some water flavoring or energy powder to level up your water and encourage you to drink more.

Let me in the comments below what helped you the most! Safe travels!