Packing for a month in just a carry-on sounds impossible (I need my things!) —until you realize it’s totally doable (and life-changing). No checked bag fees, no waiting at baggage claim, no anxiety of will my bag make it on the plane and to the next city, no lugging around a massive suitcase. Just the freedom to move easily from place to place, whether you’re backpacking through Europe, slow-traveling in Southeast Asia, or flying across country.
Here’s how to make it happen.
Choose the Right Carry-On Bag
Your bag is your foundation. It needs to be spacious yet compact, lightweight but durable. Here’s what to look for:
- Size Matters: Check airline carry-on restrictions (22” x 14” x 9” is a safe bet for most).
- Backpack vs. Suitcase: A travel backpack (like the Osprey Farpoint 40) is great for flexibility, while a rolling carry-on (like the Away Bigger Carry-On) keeps things structured.
- Expandable Features: Some bags offer compression zippers to squeeze in extra space when needed.
Pro Tip: Soft-shell bags are more forgiving when stuffing overhead bins, while hard-shells offer better protection.
Packing Cubes: Your Secret Weapon
Packing cubes aren’t just for organization—they compress your clothes and maximize space. Choose a variety of sizes:
- Large cubes for bulkier items like jeans and sweaters.
- Medium cubes for tops and dresses.
- Small cubes for socks, underwear, and accessories.
- Compression cubes to shrink things even further (Check out my Eagle Creek review).
Pro Tip: Color-code or label cubes by category so you can grab what you need without rummaging through everything.
The 3-1-1 Rule for Toiletries
The TSA’s (annoying) 3-1-1 rule means all liquids must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, stored in one quart-sized bag per person.
To maximize space, go solid whenever possible:
- Solid shampoo & conditioner bars (like Ethique)
- Bar soap instead of body wash
- Stick deodorant over liquid roll-ons
- Toothpaste tablets instead of a tube
Pro Tip: Refill travel-sized bottles from larger containers instead of constantly rebuying minis.
The “10-5-3” Rule for Clothes
I wouldn’t call myself a clotheshorse, but when it comes to packing, I suddenly feel like I need to bring every outfit I’ve ever loved—just in case. What if there’s a surprise gala? What if I spill coffee on everything? And yet, when I get home, I realize I wore the same four outfits on repeat and just lugged around a bunch of extra weight for no reason.
Save yourself the hassle (and the backache). A minimalist wardrobe keeps you stylish without overpacking. Stick to 10 tops, 5 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes, adjusting for climate:
- Tops: 5 t-shirts/tanks, 2 long sleeves, 2 dressier tops, 1 jacket/cardigan
- Bottoms: 2 pairs of pants, 2 shorts/skirts, 1 leggings/yoga pants
- Shoes: 1 walking shoe, 1 sandal/flat, 1 specialty (boots/running shoes as needed)
Pro Tip: Pick a color palette where everything mixes and matches. Neutrals + 1-2 accent colors work best.
Layering is Key
In 2018, I packed up Beast and set off for three months through Europe and New Zealand. When I left New England in August, it was a sweltering 95°F—but my first stop was Iceland, where the temps were anything but. By the time I returned in late November, I had experienced everything from summer heat to autumn chills and winter frosts. The key to staying comfortable? Layers.
Rather than packing bulky sweaters and coats, I relied on a smart layering system—rotating between five t-shirts, two long-sleeve quarter zips, a fleece, and my raincoat, adjusting depending on the climate. In Iceland, I wore all four at once to stay warm at Gullfoss Falls!
To keep your luggage light while staying prepared for any weather, opt for versatile layers you can stack:
- Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirts/tanks (great for both warm and cold climates)
- Mid-layer: A lightweight sweater or fleece
- Outer layer: A packable down jacket or rain shell
Pro Tip: Wear your heaviest layers on travel days to save luggage space.
Laundry Hacks for Long-Term Travel
Between layering and rotating outfits, you’ll need to do laundry at some point (plus, who wants to carry around dirty, smelly clothes in a “relatively” clean carry-on?). The good news? You don’t need a laundromat—just a few simple tools.
What to Pack for Easy Laundry on the Go:
- Travel-sized detergent or laundry sheets (like Earth Breeze) – Lightweight and mess-free.
- A sink stopper – A must-have for washing clothes in hotel sinks.
- A travel laundry line for washing on the go.
- Clothespins & safety pins – Keep your laundry from blowing away or pin damp items to your bag while on the move.
Quick-Dry Clothing is a Game-Changer
- Choose merino wool or synthetic fabrics—they dry fast and resist odors.
- Wash a few pieces at night, and they’ll be ready by morning.
Pro Tip: Many hotels, Airbnbs, and even some hostels have laundry facilities. Plan a mid-trip wash day to refresh your wardrobe and reset your packing system!
The Best Travel Accessories to Save Space
These small items make a BIG difference:
- Microfiber travel towel: Dries fast, packs small, and doubles as a blanket.
- Reusable shopping bag: Handy for groceries, laundry, or extra carry-on space.
- Foldable water bottle: Saves space when empty, keeps you hydrated.
- Universal travel adapter: One adapter covers all your international needs.
- E-Reader or Kindle: Replace heavy books with one lightweight device.
Pro Tip: Pack a lightweight tote or foldable backpack for day trips and overflow items.
Digital Nomad? Don’t Forget Tech Gear
If you have my dream job of working remotely from anywhere or creating content, you’ll need a tech-friendly packing list:
- Laptop/tablet with a lightweight case
- Noise-canceling headphones (great for flights and co-working spaces)
- Portable charger/power bank
- External hard drive or extra cloud storage for photos
- SIM card or eSIM for affordable international data (Airalo and Holafly are great options)
Pro Tip: Use cord organizers to keep chargers, adapters, and accessories from becoming a tangled mess.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a month in a carry-on is all about strategy and smart choices. With the right gear and a solid plan, you can travel light without giving up comfort or style. Plus, once you experience the freedom of carry-on-only travel, you’ll find you won’t miss those baggage and carousels and you’ll never want to go back!
Have a go-to packing hack that’s saved you space? Share it in the comments—I’d love to feature the best ones in an upcoming post!
Leave a Reply