Let’s start with a truth bomb: If you need to sit on your suitcase to close it, you’ve already lost the carry-on game. Welcome to the darkly comedic world of carry-on-only travel for a 14-day journey. Whether you’re backpacking Bali or bougie-ing it through Europe, I’m here to help you pack like a minimalist ninja, not a luggage-loving amateur.

And yes—you can absolutely survive with a single carry-on. You just have to abandon everything society taught you about “options.”

Section 1: The Psychology of the Overpacker

Before we get to the checklist, let’s address the elephant in your Rimowa: your deep, pathological fear of not having the perfect outfit for every single scenario.

You know who you are.

You packed five pairs of heels for a beach trip. You packed a curling iron for a camping excursion. You packed eight pairs of black leggings—”just in case.”

Here’s the truth: If you pack like life is a fashion show, TSA will body-slam your dreams right at the gate.

Brutal Truth #1: No One Cares What You Wear

You’re in Lisbon, not London Fashion Week. Unless you’re an influencer with a ring light and a brand deal, no one’s tracking your outfit rotation.

Section 2: Choose the Right Carry-On (Your Suitcase Has to Work Harder Than You)

If your carry-on squeaks when you roll it, folds in on itself, or can’t pass the airline sizer test, you’re setting yourself up for failure and humiliation.

Pro Tip: Hard Shell, Expandable, Spinner Wheels

Invest in a high-quality carry-on. If you’re on a budget, Samsonite, Away, Monos, or even a sleek Amazon Basics. Look for:

• Lightweight frame (under 8 lbs)
• Compression panels or internal dividers
• TSA-approved locks
• A water-resistant exterior for when your dreams get rained on

And don’t even think about bringing that floppy duffel bag unless you enjoy pain and shoulder strain.

Section 3: The 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Formula That Will Save Your Sanity

I’ve tested dozens of packing methods, including KonMari, packing cubes, rolling, and folding. What works best? A formula so simple that even your overpacking aunt can remember it.

The Formula:

• 5 tops (neutral or complementary)
• 4 bottoms (yes, that includes leggings)
• 3 pairs of shoes (max)
• 2 dresses or jumpsuits (bonus if they’re wrinkle-resistant)
• 1 jacket (choose wisely, Padawan)

Add:

2–3 bras, 7 pairs of underwear, 2 sleep outfits, and 1 swimsuit

Boom. Done. You now have 30+ outfit combos without becoming a wrinkled pile of regret.

Brutal Truth #2: You’ll Wear the Same Thing Repeatedly

And you won’t die. Laundry exists. Use it. Embrace it. Or book a hotel with a washer/dryer and call it luxury laundering.

Section 4: Shoes Will Be Your Downfall

No single item will sabotage your carry-on like shoes.

Here’s the Rule:

If they can’t do double duty, they don’t make the cut.

Your Shoe Holy Trinity:

• Sneakers: Walkable and stylish. Bonus if they’re neutral.
• Sandals or Flats: Lightweight, go with everything, dress up or down.
• One “fun” pair: Heels, wedges, or boots if they fit. If not? They don’t go.

Humor Moment:

If you pack stilettos for a cobblestone city, don’t be surprised when the locals film your twisted ankle for TikTok.

Section 5: Toiletries—Let’s Get Savage

You’re not bringing your entire bathroom. You’re not Sephora. You are one person.

TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule Recap:

• 3.4 oz (100ml) containers
• 1 quart-sized clear zip bag
• 1 bag per person

This is not the time for your 15-step Korean skincare routine.

What to Pack:

• Multi-purpose products (hello, shampoo/conditioner/body wash in one)
• Travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, SPF
• Minimal makeup (BB cream, mascara, lip tint = done)
• Solid toiletries (Lush makes solid shampoo bars that won’t get confiscated)

Skip It:

• Full-size hairspray
• Giant perfume bottles
• Hot tools that require voltage converters from 1998

Section 6: Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane

Airport fashion influencers might hate this—but wear the heaviest stuff in transit.

Yes, you might sweat a little. No, you won’t regret it when your coat isn’t eating up 40% of your carry-on space.

Airport Uniform:

• Jacket or coat
• Heaviest shoes (usually sneakers or boots)
• Comfy layers (sweater over t-shirt)

This is not the moment for your “cute but complicated” outfit. You’re dressing for compression, not couture.

Section 7: Packing Cubes vs Compression Bags (Battle of the Organized Nerds)

Packing Cubes:

• Great for separating outfits and categories (tops, bottoms, underthings)
• Keep things organized
• Slightly more volume

Compression Bags:

• Remove air, create space
• Great for bulky items (jackets, jeans)
• Wrinkle-prone, sometimes annoying

Verdict:

Use both. Compression bags for the big stuff. Cubes for keeping your dignity.

Section 8: Don’t Forget These Life-Saving Essentials

Must-Haves:

• Power bank (because outlets are a lie)
• Universal adapter (travel rookie mistake #1)
• Collapsible tote or packable daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Earplugs + sleep mask (because someone will snore)

Pro Packing Item:

A lightweight, foldable laundry bag. It’s the unsung hero of every trip.

Section 9: Carry-On Weight Limits Are Not Suggestions

Some international airlines (looking at you, Ryanair, and AirAsia) will weigh your bag and your soul at check-in.

Ways to Beat the System:

• Use a backpack as your personal item and stuff it with heavy things
• Put chargers, books, toiletries, and your 18-pound skincare routine in there
• Smile like you’re carrying a purse full of feathers

Also: Stand tall when they look at your bag. Cowards get called out.

Section 10: Real Talk: Do You Actually Need That?

If you hesitate when packing something, that’s your answer. You don’t.

Ask yourself:

• Does it go with at least 3 other things?
• Will I wear this more than once?
• Will I actually work out while on vacation?

Be honest. That sports bra hasn’t seen action since 2023. Leave it behind.

Section 11: Final Checklist—The Only One You’ll Ever Need

✅ Passport

✅ Wallet (with travel insurance, ID, credit cards)

✅ Phone + charger + portable battery

✅ Clothing per the 5-4-3-2-1 method

✅ Toiletries (3-1-1 bag only)

✅ Medications

✅ Travel documents & confirmations

✅ Electronics (laptop, Kindle, AirPods)

✅ Reusable water bottle

✅ Snacks (protein bars save lives)

✅ Small umbrella or rain poncho

✅ Day bag or crossbody

If it’s not on this list, it’s not coming.

Section 12: The Carry-On Traveler’s Manifesto

Repeat after me:

“I am not my luggage. I do not need six sweaters. I will not panic-pack three pairs of shoes. I can do hard things. Like saying no to packing a hair straightener.”

Go Forth and Pack Less

So here’s the deal: If you want to impress people, pack heavy. But if you’re going to move through airports like a boss, skip the baggage claim drama and strut into your two-week vacation with grace and smug superiority—pack light.

Share this with your overpacking friend. (Yes, the one who brought four denim jackets to Cancun.)

Still tempted to sneak that third pair of wedges in? Tell me where you’re headed and I’ll judge your packing list like it’s my unpaid job. #PackOrLeaveIt