I Fit All My Travel Must-Haves in One Carry-On—These Are the Only Things I’d Pack Again
Photo Credit:@teairawalker
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but checking a bag isn’t a personality trait.
Once I realized I could travel lighter and smarter, there was no going back. I packed everything I needed—outfits, toiletries, even my little “just in case” extras—into one carry-on. No checked luggage. No waiting at baggage claim. No dragging a 50-pound suitcase across hotel lobby carpet that somehow feels like Velcro.
And the MVPs? These Amazon finds. They’re compact, clever, and they passed the real-life test: a 5-day trip with weather moodier than a toddler after nap time. From genius organizers to clothes that didn’t wrinkle the second I blinked at them, these are the things that made packing (and unpacking) feel like less of a chore.
If you’re tired of overthinking your suitcase, this list is where to start. No overpacking. No stress. Just stuff that works.
Need a full breakdown of what to pack? Bookmark my travel checklist—it’s free and actually helpful.
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What to Wear on a Long Flight (That Isn’t Just Leggings)
1. I touched something nasty in the airport bathroom.
Sanitizing wipes
$19.99
Mini liquid hand soap sheets
$7.99
Travel-size hand lotion
$3.99
Because: Nothing feels grosser than grabbing a sticky bathroom stall lock. These live in my front pocket—always.
2. I have a long layover and want to feel like a person.
Fresh pair of underwear
$21.99
Mini deodorant
$24
Travel toothbrush + toothpaste
$2.78
Lightweight t-shirt
$14.99
A mini freshen-up kit makes a layover feel less like purgatory and more like a pit stop.
3. Why are planes always freezing?
Warm fuzzy socks
$11.20
Zip-up hoodie
$32.99
Oversized scarf
$28.99
That thin airline blanket doesn’t cut it—and I’d rather freeze stylishly.
4. My feet are swelling and I need to breathe.
Compression socks
$26.99
Slide-on sandals
$49.90
Because: Swollen ankles and tight shoes? No thanks. A quick swap saves your circulation and your mood.
5. I want to land looking like I didn’t just sleep sitting up.
Under-eye patches
$22.00
Concealer stick
$28.00
Lip balm with color
$18.00
Mini hairbrush + tie
$6.99
Because: A 10-second touch-up goes a long way after a red-eye.
6. There’s no time to change before dinner.
Cute matching set
$49.99
Gold hoops
$14.99
Travel-size perfume spray
$15.00
Because: This combo took me from TSA to tapas with zero outfit changes.
7. The hotel mirror lighting is a disaster.
Compact LED mirror
$14.99
Mini makeup essentials
$9.99
Because: If the room lighting makes you look like a zombie, this mirror brings you back to life.
8. I don’t want to check a bag, but still need outfit options.
You can pack 2 neutral tops but this set comes in 3
$36.99
1 easy skirt
$33.99
1 pair of jeans
$25.99
1 comfy dress
$30.50
1 pair of everyday shoes
$38.99
Because: This mini capsule covered daytime walks, beach brunches, and last-minute plans.
9. I want to feel human on this 6-hour flight.
Sleep mask
$4.99
Travel pillow
$9.99
Face mist
$8.00
Sheet Mask
$19.00
10. I always forget this—and regret it every time.
Portable phone charger
$39.55
Phone stand
$39.99
Pill case (Advil, melatonin, allergy meds)
$5.97
Band-aids
$39.95
Because: These are never top of mind… until you desperately need them.
11. My swimsuit doesn’t arrive? I’m still swimming.
One-piece or bikini
$38.99
Sarong or cover-up
$49.99
Slide sandals
$28.59
Waterproof phone pouch
$30.00
Because: The pool waits for no one—and neither should you.
12. The hotel AC is practically decorative.
Breathable cotton pajamas
$29
Personal fan
$19.99
Because: Hot sleep = bad sleep. These saved me.
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