Packing for one week in a carry-on was something I was apprehensive about before actually doing so. Now that I primarily pack carry-on only, I have my packing down to a science.
First, let me start by saying that I love clothes, dressing up, makeup, and shoes. Despite only having a carry-on, I am still able to fit all the things I want and need. My preference to travel carry-on only is multifactorial. First, the convenience of not waiting for checked baggage is amazing. Second, I’ve found keeping an overall more minimalist approach to travel suits me well. Lastly, after having baggage lost en route, you can’t beat the feeling of knowing where your belongings are at all times.
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My Favorite Baggage
Most airlines have a carry-on allowance so be sure to check that before packing. Typically, you’ll be allowed one carry-on and one personal item which is typically stowed underneath the seat in front of you. Be sure to check the baggage sizes and weight allowance carefully as well as size limitations that may vary from airline to airline.
For my carry-on suitcase, I have used the blue target carry-on for several years and it served me well! I recently upgraded to this Tumi bag and so far, have been super pleased. Tumi also has a very generous warranty program so be sure to register your baggage after purchase.
I go between a few different bags for my personal item depending on the type of trip and my mood. I use either my Longchamp Le Pliage, my Louis Vuitton Totally MM (I love the two outer side pockets for travel), or my trusty Herschel backpack. What I love about the Longchamp bag is that it can hold a lot and it also serves as a nice overnight bag. When traveling, I sometimes will take day trips or quick overnights to visit a new city, and having this versatile bag comes in handy.
Since I travel several times per month I leave my personal items packed with my essentials. I find this is much easier than packing and unpacking. If you don’t travel quite as much, you can use our packing list below to ensure you don’t leave anything important behind.
No matter which of the bags listed above I am carrying, I can fit all of my essential items. In addition to my essentials, I still have room for my laptop and/or iPad, sunglass case, and a small purse.
Essentials
I have linked to some of my favorite products that I use both at home and while traveling. My essentials include:
- My makeup bag
- Eye shadow pallete
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
- Bobby pins/hair ties
- Q-tips
- Bandaids/Compeed blister patches
- Cream blush (I love Cheeks Out blushes by Fenty Beauty)
- Powder blush
- Travel-size blush brush
- Eye shadow brushes
- Eyebrow brush
- Translucent powder
- Venus ComfortGlide Razor (no shaving cream needed!)
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Eyeliner
- My liquids bag
- Electronics pouch
- Phone charger
- Portable phone charger
- AirPods
- Apple Watch/AirPods combo charger
- International adapters
- Miscellaneous
- Vitamins/medicine
- Tissues
- Pen
My Standard 7-Day Packing List
When it comes to my carry-on suitcase, I have an affordable suitcase from Target. I also swear by these packing cubes which help me to stay organized and save tons of room in my carry-on.
Since I work from a standard packing list whenever I’m traveling for up to a week, I just adapt it based on the weather at my destination and my mood.
- 3-4 dresses
- 2 pairs of pants
- 4 tops
- 2 sets of workout clothes including sports bra, leggings, and top (I will wash these in the sink using sink suds if there is not a washing machine)
- 2 jackets/blazer/hooded sweatshirt
- Socks/undergarments
- Running shoes/sandals
- Travel yoga mat
- Swimsuit
Download our free printable packing checklist by clicking the button below!
Carry-on Packing List
Here is what I packed for a week in Paris in May. You’ll notice I tend to pack neutral colors as I feel these staples make it easy to mix and match.
- Flared jeans
- Dark jeans
- Black leather leggings (worn onto the plane)
- Black tank
- White tank
- Black short-sleeved shirt
- White short-sleeved shirt
- Pink tank
- Slip dress
- Pleated midi skirt
- Black midi dress
- Jean shirt
- Black Blazer
- Jean jacket (worn onto the plane)
- Scarves/Accessories
- 2 leggings/sports bras/tops
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Running shoes/sandals
- Euro hair straightener
- Umbrella
- Travel yoga mat
Personal Item
- Toiletries bag/makeup bag/medicine
- Charging cords pouch
- iPad
- Hairbrush
Purse (packed in personal item)
- Sunglasses
- Passport/id/global entry
- Wallet
Be sure to check out Courtney’s post on Successful Travel with Diabetes for her detailed diabetes supplies list.
Packing Cubes
Additionally, I like to roll my clothes before placing them in my packing cubes. I use one of the large and medium-sized cubes for my clothes and the small cube for my undergarments. This set also comes with a shoe bag that is large enough to fit 2-3 pairs. In the photo shown below, my shirts are rolled with the pants to make organization and outfit choices that much easier.
What I Wear to Fly
I tend to wear a combination of stretchy jeans or leather leggings (cute yet comfy), a jean jacket, a simple white or grey t-shirt, and tan or black booties. I also like to take a pair of fuzzy socks for long flights, they are cozy yet don’t take up much room in your personal item.
So, there you have it! That’s how I manage to pack for a week in just a carry-on without sacrificing my favorite pieces! Be sure to download our free printable packing checklist above to be sure you have everything you need for your next adventure!