Overpacking is the number one travel mistake. Lugging a heavy suitcase through cobblestone streets, paying baggage fees, and waiting at carousels — it all adds stress to your trip. This guide will show you how to pack everything you need into a carry-on, travel lighter, and enjoy the freedom that comes with it.
The Golden Rule: Pack Half of What You Think You Need
Most travellers pack for every possible scenario — a formal dinner that never happens, three pairs of shoes for a beach holiday, a full-size hairdryer. The result is a bag that weighs 20kg and costs £50 in fees.
The golden rule is simple: lay out everything you plan to pack, then put half of it back. You will almost certainly not miss what you left behind. Clothes can be washed. Toiletries can be bought. Experiences cannot be replaced by having the perfect outfit.
Build a Capsule Travel Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile pieces that all work together. For a 7–10 day trip, aim for:
- •3 tops (mix of casual and smart-casual)
- •2 bottoms (trousers/jeans + shorts or a skirt)
- •1 lightweight layer (cardigan, hoodie, or packable jacket)
- •1 smart outfit (if needed — combine existing pieces where possible)
- •3–4 pairs of underwear and socks
- •2 pairs of shoes maximum (walking shoes + one versatile pair)
Choose neutral colours that mix and match easily — navy, grey, white, and khaki work for almost every destination and occasion.
Master the Art of Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are the single best investment for organised travel. They compress your clothes, keep categories separate, and make unpacking at your hotel instant.
How to use them: Use one cube per category — tops, bottoms, underwear/socks, and one for anything you might need mid-flight. Roll clothes rather than folding to save space and reduce creasing.
Compression cubes go one step further — they have a second zip that squeezes out air, reducing volume by up to 60%. Ideal for bulky items like fleeces and jumpers.
Toiletries: The 100ml Rule and Beyond
If you're flying carry-on only, all liquids must be under 100ml and fit in a single 1-litre clear bag. Here's how to make it work:
- •Buy solid toiletries — shampoo bars, solid conditioner, and solid sunscreen take up no liquid allowance and last longer
- •Decant products into small reusable bottles (available for under £5 on Amazon)
- •Remember that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash — you may not need to bring them at all
- •Toothpaste tablets are a game-changer for carry-on travel
For longer trips or checked luggage, a hanging toiletry bag keeps everything accessible and prevents leaks from spreading.
Tech and Cables: The Minimalist Approach
Tech is where bags get heavy fast. Be ruthless:
- •One universal travel adapter covers most destinations — check it works for your specific countries
- •A multi-port USB charger means one plug charges your phone, tablet, and earbuds simultaneously
- •Cable ties or a small pouch keep cables from tangling
- •Consider whether you really need a laptop — a tablet with a keyboard cover does 90% of what most travellers need
- •Download offline maps, playlists, and shows before you leave — saves data and works without Wi-Fi
Documents and Money: What to Carry and How
Keep your most important documents in your carry-on, never in checked luggage:
- •Passport (and a photo of it stored in cloud storage)
- •Travel insurance documents (printed and digital)
- •Booking confirmations for flights, hotels, and transfers
- •Emergency contact numbers written on paper (not just in your phone)
For money, use a combination of a travel debit card (Wise or Starling are excellent for fee-free spending abroad) and a small amount of local cash for markets, taxis, and small vendors.
The Carry-On Only Challenge
Flying carry-on only is a superpower. You save money on baggage fees, skip the check-in queue, go straight through security, and walk off the plane straight to your destination.
Most airlines allow a cabin bag of 55x40x20cm and a personal item (laptop bag or small backpack). Pack your heaviest items in your personal item and wear your bulkiest clothes on the plane.
Recommended carry-on bags: The Osprey Farpoint 40 and the Away Carry-On are both excellent. For a personal item, a 20-litre daypack doubles as your bag for day trips.
