If you’ve ever tried to travel with just a carry-on, you know it can feel overwhelming — like you’ll have to sacrifice comfort or risk leaving something important behind.
After years of traveling carry-on only, I’ve found that the difference between a stressful trip and an easy one often comes down to small, thoughtful decisions you make before and during your travels.
Here are 13 little details I always consider to make my carry-on trips seamless and stress-free.
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1. Choose the Right Carry-On Bag
Start with a bag that works for your travel style and the airlines you fly most.
Soft-sided bags offer more flexibility for fitting in overhead bins, even when you’re close to the size limit.
I also prefer a top-opening zipper, which makes it much easier to grab something without fully opening the bag.
And for maneuverability in airports, four spinner wheels are a must — they glide through crowds without the “speed wobble” you get from two wheels.
Currently, I like these soft-sided bags:
- Ultra lightweight
- Light and budget-friendly
- Yes, it’s 2 wheels, but it also has backpack straps and holds a lot
- Made by Samsonite, great bag. Watch my full video review here!
Bric’s X-Travel Spinner Carry-on
- One of my most tested bags, it’s gone everywhere with me and fits every time
2. Check the Handle Compatibility
Your carry-on’s handle should work seamlessly with your personal item’s trolley sleeve.
If it’s too wide or an awkward shape, it’ll slow you down when boarding or deplaning.
This is one of those small details you don’t notice until you’re juggling bags in a crowded aisle.
3. Pair It With the Perfect Personal Item
Your personal item is your carry-on’s best friend — it can almost double your packing capacity.
Look for one that fits under the seat, has smart internal organization, and can ride securely on top of your roller bag so you never have to carry it separately.
My two favorite personal item bags (right now):
Nomad Lane Bento Bag (shown in pink): bag info here
Away Everywhere Bag (shown in salt white): see details here
4. Look for a Smart Front Pocket
A quick-access pocket at the top of your carry-on is invaluable, especially if you’re seated in the bulkhead row where there’s no underseat storage.
You can stash small essentials like snacks, chargers, or a book for easy mid-flight access without digging through your main bag.
5. Swap Liquids for Solids
The easiest way to free up space in your liquids bag is to replace them entirely.
Swap liquid shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, and even moisturizer for solid versions.
They’re lighter, TSA-friendly, and take up less space.
Lately I’ve been loving the Kitsch solid shampoo + conditioner bars. You can try a sampler set here!
6. Use Multi-Tasking Products
Look for products that do double (or triple) duty.
A tinted moisturizer with SPF combines hydration, sun protection, and light coverage.
A makeup multi-stick can work as eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. I like this one by e.l.f
These small swaps add up to a much smaller toiletries kit.
7. Decide What to Buy There
Not everything needs to be packed. Make a quick list of items you could easily buy at your destination.
For example, I often skip packing contact lens solution if I know I can grab some at the airport or a corner shop when I arrive.
Tip: always consider what you could go a day without it in case you can’t find it right away.
8. Streamline Liquids for Security
Pack your liquids so they’re easy to remove at security.
If you’re using a top-opening bag, place the liquids pouch right at the top.
With a clamshell suitcase, keep them in your personal item for quick access.
Once through security, I store mine in my carry-on to keep them away from electronics.
9. Plan a Smart Shoe Strategy
Shoes take up more space than almost anything else in your bag.
Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane, and pack one versatile pair that can work for both day and evening.
I also bring thin, lightweight slides or slippers for the flight — ideally something I’ll also wear during the trip.
Here are some of my favorite shoe combinations for travel.
10. Limit Clothes to the “Magic Number”
Nine to twelve clothing items is my sweet spot for building the perfect travel capsule wardrobe.
It’s enough for outfit variety, but compact enough to fit in a standard carry-on.
Stick to versatile fabrics like merino wool that can be worn multiple times without washing.
11. Follow the “3-Ways” Rule
Every clothing item should work in at least three different outfits.
My black travel dress (pictured below) comes with me everywhere.
In this post I show you how I can make 7 different outfits with it!
A lacey camisole, for example, can be worn with a blazer, layered under a sweater, dressed up with a skirt, or worn casually with shorts.
A pashmina can be a flight blanket, an outfit layer, or a modesty cover in religious sites.
12. Pack a Multi-Use Day Bag
I use a sling bag for my tech gear during travel days, then empty it at the hotel so it can double as a lightweight sightseeing bag.
This one item saves me from packing an extra purse or backpack.
13. Reclaim Legroom Mid-Flight
If you’re tall (or just want more space), push your underseat bag behind your legs after takeoff.
It frees up room to stretch without needing to move your belongings out of reach.
Final Tip: Use My 5-Minute Packing Audit
To make this process even easier, I’ve created a quick carry-on-friendly checklist that walks you through the easiest swaps and changes that make the biggest difference.
You can download it free here and use it before your next trip to pack lighter, more organized, and stress-free.
More Travel Outfit Posts:
The 3x3x3 Packing Method for Travel: How I Made 30 Outfits from 9 Pieces
How to Pack for a 2-Week Trip in a Carry-On: The 54321 Method
Have You Tried the 3-Ways Rule? It’s The Easiest Hack for Carry-On Travel
54 ChatGPT Prompts to Build the Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe (to pack less)