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I’ve written before about my journey from compulsive over-packer to a carry-on only international traveler. If you often end up with an overweight suitcase, frantically transferring things from one bag to another at the airport, this post is for you. First, I’ll explain how to approach packing for carry-on only travel and then I’ll provide a full one-week packing list for vacation.
I changed my whole approach toward packing almost a decade ago (read this post for guidance on how to do that). Instead of trying to maximize how much an airline will allow me to bring onboard, I travel internationally with just a carry-on suitcase and a light backpack. I always loved traveling, but ever since that change it’s been even more fun and stress-free.
How does traveling with just a carry-on make your vacation easier? Well, here’s a brief list:
- No baggage fees / cheaper airfare. Airlines have changed pricing in recent years so you can choose from multiple fares. The cheapest one generally does not include checked luggage. Frequent international travel can actually be in your budget if you cut down on all the stuff you lug with you.
- Your bags are lighter and easier to move with. This is especially important when you’re visiting multiple destinations in one trip – on and off planes, in and out of taxis and hotels, etc. You’ll be surprised by how adventurous you feel once you’re not weighed down by a heavy suitcase.
- You keep everything you need with you the entire trip. There’s no chance of an airline losing your luggage.
- The limited space discourages you from buying a lot of souvenirs that will eventually become clutter. If you’re minimalist or committed to being frugal – as you likely are if you found my site – that’s a big plus.
- It’s easier to find your stuff when you need it. When I used to pack as much as possible, I often couldn’t even find the specific item I wanted when I wanted it. I’d end up throwing everything out of my suitcase and littering the hotel room with all my stuff while I searched.
How to Approach Carry-On Only Travel
I’ve written about how to approach travel the minimalist way in a previous post, so definitely check that out if you want some more comprehensive advice. But let’s quickly go through some key points that will help you implement the carry-on only packing list for vacation below.
- Don’t focus on packing “techniques.” A lot of conventional packing tips will tell you how to specially roll clothes and stuff things inside your shoes in order to save space. The problem with that is your bag is going to be incredibly heavy and each time you repack it you’ll have to go through the same elaborate process. It’s better to simply pack less.
- Use a roller carry-on and one backpack. That way the backpack can be by your feet on a plane with easy access to things like hand sanitizer, lip balm, your phone, etc.
- Think in outfits, not pieces. When packing clothes, don’t focus on packing, for example, 7 tops, 4 four bottoms, and 2 pairs of shoes. Instead, plan outfits for each day of the trip (or each event) – including shoes and any accessories. You’ll find that many outfits can reuse the same shoes, accessories, etc. And you’ll naturally end up creating a vacation capsule wardrobe. Taking the piece-by-piece approach will lead you to bringing extra items that don’t match anything else in your suitcase.
- Think about each activity you’ll do on your itinerary, and write it down if possible. Building on the last tip, this allows you to realistically analyze exactly what clothes you need rather than just guessing at what might be useful. For example, if on one day you’re hiking in the morning and going out to dinner in the evening, you need 2 different outfits that day.
- Write a list. Even if you’re not normally a list-maker, it’s worth it to jot down a packing list before you start packing your suitcase. This allows you to think through what you need, and delete anything you don’t, before you get started. Start with the list below, but you’ll need to add or delete things according to your own lifestyle. I’ve done this in a Word doc, breaking things into categories, using bullets for each item, and striking through things that I already packed. And I’ve more recently started using Excel sheets which allows me to easily add numbers for each item and literally check off a box when an item is packed. You can even create separate tabs for each category (clothes, toiletries, etc.). The numbered rows in Excel also highlight just how much you’re packing and can help you keep it in check.
What to Pack: One-Week Vacation Packing List
Clothes
- At least 7 outfits
- Example: 7 tops and 4 bottoms
- For women, it’s even better to pack sundresses, as they’re just one piece
- 1 pair of shoes: If possible, go with the ones you wear to the airport. Alternatively, wear larger running or hiking shoes to the airport and pack your flip flops in your bag.
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 3-4 sets of sleep clothes
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 hat
- Choose from the following, if applicable to you:
- Socks: I recommend only bringing socks for cold destinations or if you plan on activities like hiking. For a beach vacation, skip these and just wear sandals.
- 1-2 light outer layers (depending on the weather)
- Bras, if applicable
- Glasses, if you use them
- 1-2 bathing suits and a cover up, for beach vacations
- Jewelry: If you want to bring it, I recommend just a couple of pieces that you can re-wear every day of your trip.
- For cold climates: jacket, hat, gloves, scarf
Toiletries
(Buy minis of liquids or put in travel containers)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Face wash
- Face lotion
- Hair products (though hotels will have shampoo & conditioner)
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers/file
- Lip balm
- Tape – my travel bottles always explode open, so I tape them shut
- Add some of the following if relevant:
- Contacts & contact solution
- Hair ties
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair styling tools & products (but consider not using them on vacation and giving yourself a break from the routine!)
- Tweezers
- Makeup (just the basics)
- Makeup remover and cotton pads
- Razor
- Menstrual products (check your cycle vs. the dates of the trip. Don’t pack a ton you won’t need “just in case” – you can always buy them at your destination.)
Electronics
- Phone
- Charger
- Outlet adapters (if traveling internationally)
- Headphones / earbuds
Miscellaneous
- Wallet with just a few cards and your ID
- Your house key (Just the one! Leave the key ring at home.)
- Choose some from the following if relevant:
- Eye mask and ear plugs (only if you’re a very light sleeper)
- Face masks: This is a habit I picked up during the pandemic that has prevented post-vacation colds the past few years.
- Passport (if traveling internationally)
- 1 purse or wristlet
- Any medication or vitamins you regularly take (put exactly how many you need in a Ziplock bag, rather than bringing bottles). There are specific guidelines for this, but anecdotally, no one has ever in 20 years bothered me for packing them in a Ziplock bag.
What to Leave Home
There are things you may see on similar packing lists for vacation that I didn’t include in this one-week carry-on only vacation packing list. If you want to travel with just a carry on, you need to leave certain things at home. Here are the things I recommend against adding to your vacation packing list:
- First aid kit: depending on where you’re traveling, you can easily buy things in an emergency
- Sunscreen, bug spray, and other things you can easily buy at your destination
- A lot of jewelry: if bringing any at all, I recommend just a couple of versatile pieces
- Your full beauty routine: if you normally have an elaborate skincare, hair, and/or makeup routine involving a variety of tools and products, I recommend giving yourself a break from it while you’re on vacation. This experiment may teach you that you don’t actually need an elaborate skincare routine.
- Towels and basic toiletries that a hotel can provide: Unless you’re staying in a hostel, you can rely on your hotel or other accommodation.
- Books and e-readers: Many phones have excellent battery life these days, and you can easily read books on an e-reader app on your phone. A lot of planes for international flights have outlets at your seat, as well. You can check a site like SeatGuru to check yours before your trip.
- Laptop: this is not only heavy, but it’s likely to get damaged or stolen. I know the Americans reading this think they need to bring it in case they’re needed at work, but not having it is the perfect excuse to actually take a vacation.
- Notebook and pen: I often see this on packing list. It’s nice to think that you’ll be struck by inspiration to journal while on your adventure, but realistically you can use a notes app on your phone to jot anything important down.
- Tissues: This is another one on most lists, but unless you have a chronically runny nose, you can just grab some toilet paper or napkins in an emergency.
- Sewing kit: Even if you know how to sew on buttons and make basic repairs, the likelihood that you’ll actually need this within the one week of your vacation is slim.
- Laundry supplies: This is a must-have for a 6-month backpacking trip around Southeast Asia, but if you’re just going on vacation for a week, you don’t need to wash your clothes.
- Neck pillow: I only bring this for very long (think, 10-hour) flights. I often can’t sleep on a plane anyway, and the pillow is bulky and a little annoying to travel with.
What Do You Think?
Are you an experienced traveler? Is there anything you think I missed on this one-week carry-on only vacation packing list? I’d love to hear your tips for carry-on-only travel in the comments!
You May Also Like…
If you’re interested in traveling light, check out these posts for more info:
How to Travel Light Like a Minimalist
The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List for International Travel
How to Travel Light with Kids: What Do You Need to Travel with a Baby?
