I Haven’t Checked a Bag in 10 Years — Here, My 14 Sure-fire Travel Essentials to Get Everything in a Carry-on (2024)

I travel twice a month covering destinations that inspire readers and those planning vacations. In order to efficiently move through airports, take Ubers, and lug everything on my own, I’ve had to master the art of packing light. But as a chronic overpacker in my former days, this didn’t come easy. However, once I started embracing the carry-on-only lifestyle, I would never go back. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve checked a bag — regardless of where I’m going or how long the trip is.

In addition to quality luggage pieces (I swear by my Gregory Quadro 22-Inch Hardcase Carry-On and always bring Calpak’s Luka Duffel as my personal carry-on tote to fit extra clothes and accessories), successful carry-on-only traveling involves strategic packing. When planning which clothes to bring, I think in terms of outfits and try to incorporate versatile capsule wardrobe items that match with several things (layers are also key). Lastly, compression packing cubes work wonders — as do my 14 travel essentials that always make my packing list so I never have to check a bag.

These go-to items include packing aids, versatile clothing and accessories, and more to help me maximize every inch of suitcase space without going over the limit. Even better, they start at $10 at Amazon.

Cambond Compression Packing Cubes

Compression organizers are game-changers. Not only do they flatten your items so you can pack more in your suitcase, but they also aid in organizing your outfits; you can pack your clothes according to style, color, or category. Cambond’s sturdy nylon packing cubes have a double zipper for easy access and hassle-free compressing. They’re also water-resistant, which means that they'll protect your items from any potential leaks or spills. I also like that they’re lightweight; the last thing you want to do is add weight to your carry-on.

They’re sold in sets with various sizing options, and are available in 45 colors. This item is a favorite among shoppers because of how effective the compression is for packing. And, according to one Amazon reviewer, they helped them travel to Europe for "a week with only a backpack and a carry-on."

Anrabess Romper With Pockets

I always pack a romper because it saves space and maximizes your outfit potential. This super cute one from Amazon-loved brand Anrabess is made with a comfy polyester-rayon-spandex blend to ensure comfort and stretch. You can play with the neckline and wear it several ways — crewneck style, off-the-shoulder, or Bardot-style. The tie-front drawstring at the waist accentuates your silhouette, offering a flattering fit.

The fabric is thick so it’s not see-through. It makes the perfect loungewear item and is versatile enough to wear to the beach, picnics, by the pool, and even out running errands. Pair it with a nice pair of sandals or heels and it’s the perfect outfit for dinner. I’m a huge fan of pockets, and the romper has two side pockets for holding lightweight (but essential) items such as lipstick or cash.

M.M. LaFleur Moreland Jacket

A seasonless suit is a no-brainer when I head out for work trips. Even if you’re traveling for pleasure, sporting a blazer and a pair of trousers creates an instantly sophisticated look. M.M. LaFleur’s Origami Tech collection is specifically designed to be your ultimate travel companion; the Moreland Jacket and matching Colby pants are wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable.

The set can be worn together or separately; the jacket matches well with a good, old pair of jeans on sightseeing days or leggings when you’re catching a flight. You can also wear it over a dress or blouse-skirt combo for polished lunch or dinner looks. To get the same workwear-inspired travel outfit for less, you can grab Amazon’s best-selling blazer for $58.

Amazhiyu Button-Down Midi Dress With Pockets and Belt

Pack a dress that does everything, one that you can wear during the day and do double duty at night. While I’m obsessed with the celeb-favorite Jenni Kayne Day Dress, at a whopping $395, a girl’s got to budget. That’s why, when I found this linen button down dress at Amazon, I couldn’t wait to try it on. It features a sleeveless, collar design with side slits and a removable self-tie belt to give it shape; it’s very flattering and accommodates all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, I use my favorite woven belt (I'll go into more detail about it later) instead, which instantly creates a different vacation look without requiring additional clothing items.

It’s a great travel piece for spring because it’s made of 100 percent linen, which is known for being a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric. There are two side pockets for stashing essentials, a feature that reviewers praised. One shopper wrote, "I absolutely love this dress. The pockets are really big, which is great. Everything about this dress is quality, and I stayed cool in the summer heat." Another noted that the pockets "are flat and don't stick out" when they have stuff in them.

Lightbird Foldable Summer Straw Bucket Beach Hat

This packable straw hat is the best travel hack. There have been many times where I’ve wanted to bring a stylish hat, but ended up not doing so because it takes up too much real estate in my luggage. That's no longer a worry with this stylish bucket hat that folds down for easy packing. It also easily adjusts to fit almost everyone with a cinch drawstring lining on the inside.

It’s a hot travel accessory because not only does it keep you safe from the sun’s rays, it also keeps you cool and looking stylish. Plus, you can use it to spice up your vacation outfits, giving the already-worn looks a fresh feel.

Vermouth Beauty In The Nude Flight of Five Crayons

When traveling, I always bring these cleverly packaged Vermouth lip crayons, which are sustainably sourced and free of plastics and chemicals. Each "flight" features a color palette of five crayons in various hues, giving you multiple lipstick options without taking up precious toiletry bag space.

What's more, these long-lasting and hydrating crayons can be worn dabbed on your cheeks like blush or swiped across your eyelids in place of eyeshadow, further helping you cut down on beauty products and freeing up room for other trip essentials in your toiletry bag and carry-on.

Fjallraven Women's Kanken Hip Pack

I’m a huge fan of Fjallraven travel bags because of their timeless designs and practicality. Made with 100 percent vinylon fabric, this hip pack is durable and water-resistant, and is the only bag that you need to pack. It works whether you’re hitting the streets for a day of window shopping, the trails for hiking, or the strip for dinner. It’s just small enough that it also works as a wallet within a bigger bag or purse, if that's more your vibe (and you need the extra carry-on space). I like wearing it as a crossbody, though some fans wear it as a fanny pack.

Versatility aside, this bag really shines because of its roominess. One shopper wrote, "I was worried at first because it looks very small, but it has three compartments [and a] lot of room."

Everlane Day Ballet Flats

Everlane's Day Ballet Flats are easy to pack and don’t take up a lot of space. They can be worn with a casual outfit or dressed up for a nice dinner. Because of their adaptability, you’ll always find them on my packing list. While I own several pairs of the brand’s flats, these are my favorite because they’re chic and comfortable. I especially like the sweet little bow on top.

The soft, buttery leather molds to your feet, so they get more comfortable with wear. They’re great travel shoes because they’re stylish when paired with denim, leggings, dresses, pants, and even shorts. What's more, the outsoles are made of rubber, which keeps you from slipping on smooth or wet surfaces.

SeptCity Woven Rattan Wide-Stretch Straw Belt

It's time to give my favorite belt its flowers. A belt changes everything, and I love getting creative and refreshing an outfit with this trendy belt. It converts one outfit into another one, requiring you to pack less — a.k.a. why it's a must on my packing list. Its rattan fabric adds an elegant touch to my favorite outfits, and I love to wear it with skirts, dresses, over cardigans, and even tunics (one of my favorite looks is pairing it with this Trovata shift or PrettyGarden’s floral frock).

It has a sturdy wooden buckle and measures 41.3 inches in length and 1.8 inches wide, but still offers you a little wiggle room with its stretchy design. The belt is also available in beige and cream, which are both neutral colors that work with most outfit palettes.

Acelitt Short-Sleeve V-Neck Button-Front Belted Jumpsuit

Similar to rompers, jumpsuits streamline the amount of clothes that you need to pack, offering you extra room so you don’t have to overpack and check your bags. This elegant version from Amazon-favorite brand Acelitt is ready for any situation; just add a sweater, blazer, or jacket on top to change it up. It’s comfortable, trendy, and super flattering, and the fabric is soft and stretchy so you can sport it on the plane, around town, and out to dinner without needing an outfit change.

One traveler wrote, "I love this jumpsuit so much that I have it in blue and black, [and I'm] ordering the olive green next. It's super easy to dress up or down [and] fits true to size. I always get compliments on it. It's great to travel with as well."

Mammut Runbold Light Pants

Mammut’s Runbold Light Pants are multi-functional for me. I wear them while running, hiking, and lounging, and they're lightweight and breathable material makes them perfect for spring’s transitional temperatures (you can even wear them well into the summer). The elastic waistband offers comfort for all activities, and you can convert to three-quarter-length pants to change up their look when your itinerary calls for it.

The two slit side pockets have zippers, which are ideal for hiking and traveling. They’re super easy to pack and water-repellent, so if the forecast warns of a slight drizzle, you’ll be okay.

Everlane’s Cotton Modern Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a wardrobe staple, and I especially like to pack one for spring travel because it is well-suited for the variable weather. If you’re like me and have been fan-crushing on Jennifer Aniston’s wardrobe on "The Morning Show," then you’re going to fall for Everlane’s Cotton Trench Coat, which is half the price of other brand names and has a classic silhouette, with a belt to cinch at the waistline — and is fully-lined and water-resistant.

But, if $268 is too much for your travel wardrobe budget, I also spotted various, under-$100 versions at Amazon. Give the Farktop Double-Breasted Oversized Long Trench Coat (on sale for $80) or the Tanming Notch Lapel Double- Breasted Pea Coat-style Trench (which is on sale for $60) a look.

M.M. LaFleur Merritt Jardigan

The Merritt Jardigan is an investment that I’m glad I made. A cross between a tailored jacket and a cardigan, with a tie-front belt that accentuates your figure, it works wonders for elevating your ensemble, and can be worn from your desk to the airport to dinner. Wrinkle-resistant, stretchy, and long enough to cover your assets, I’ve worn it on the way to Pilates class, at the airport, and for numerous dinners. Plus, the fabric is season-less, which makes it great for any time of the year.

You can achieve the same elegant, quiet luxury wardrobe vibes with the Anrabess Open Front Cardigan Jacket, which is an Amazon-favorite outerwear piece that's just $50.

Feisedy Polarized Vintage Sunglasses Jackie O Cat-Eye Sunglasses

I stopped shelling out hundreds of dollars for brand-name glasses because they can easily get damaged or lost, especially when traveling. These elegant sunglasses give off a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look at a compelling price, and they're incredibly versatile with their classic black, cat-eye silhouette that can be worn with any outfit for any occasion.

Not only are they light and comfortable, they’re polarized and offer 100 percent UV protection from the sun. The lenses are scratch-resistant, which enhance their durability. Singing the sunnies' praises, one shopper said, "They're better than my expensive, name-brand sunglasses. I can see better while traveling. I will take them with me on any of my trips without being afraid to lose them… not [a] scratch yet."

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