The carry-on-only traveller moves faster, cheaper and calmer. The trick is a repeatable system so you're not reinventing your packing list every trip.

The essentials, always in your bag

  • Passport / ID, boarding pass, and a backup photo of both on your phone.
  • Cards, some local cash, and a spare card kept separately.
  • Phone, charger, and a power bank.
  • Any medication — in your carry-on, never checked.
  • A change of clothes and toothbrush (in case of delays).

Clothes: the rule of 3s

For a short trip: 3 tops, 2 bottoms, enough underwear for the trip plus one, one layer, one pair of versatile shoes on your feet. Pick a single colour palette so everything mixes.

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Roll, don't fold

Rolling clothes saves space and reduces creases. Packing cubes make it even tighter.

Liquids: the 100ml rule

  • Containers of 100ml or less, in one clear resealable bag.
  • Buy toiletries at your destination if it's a longer trip.
  • Solid alternatives (bar soap, solid deodorant) don't count as liquids.
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Don't pack these in hand luggage

Full-size liquids, sharp objects, and anything you'd hate to lose to a security bin. When unsure, check the airline's list.

Build your list

Generate a custom list with the Packing-List Generator — it adjusts to trip length, climate and type.

Checklist

  • Documents + phone backups
  • Cards, cash, spare card stored separately
  • Chargers + power bank
  • Medication in carry-on
  • Liquids under 100ml in a clear bag
  • Clothes in one colour palette, rolled