13 Travel Essentials To Make Carry-On Only Packing A Breeze

First and foremost, arguably the most important first step to packing carry-on only is to find a carry-on suitcase large enough for all of your belongings. The Beis carry-on roller is the bag I personally use and recommend. This hardshell suitcase comes fully equipped with a built-in TSA-approved lock, built-in luggage scale, as well as a clamshell interior that has compression straps on one side and a zipped half on the other. Furthermore, it comes with a snap-in compression flap and two laundry bags coined by Beis as “dirt bags.” Technically, the Beis carry-on roller is too big to legally carry on, coming in at 22.8″ x 15.7″ x 9.8″ dimensions, making it possibly the largest carry-on bag on the market. The legal carry-on dimensions in the USA is 22″ x 14″ x 9.” However, I have never had any issues carrying on my Beis carry-on roller.

Secondly, to pack carry-on only, a large personal item bag is key. Many people don’t realize this, but you can actually use a large full-size backpack as your personal item in addition to your carry-on suitcase. Whereas many people only use a purse or brief case, I’ve gotten away with using my massive 40-pound camera bag as my personal item on nearly every trip. As long as you can fit it under the seat in front of you, it counts as a personal item. (Disclaimer, some international airlines have personal item weight restrictions, such as those in Tahiti, so check your airline before packing.) I typically use my Besnfoto camera bag as my personal item; otherwise, I use my large Beis work tote or Beis backpack.

Packing cubes not only allow me to pack two weeks worth of outfits in a single carry-on suitcase, but they also keep all of my clothes perfectly organized throughout every trip. The Beis compression packing cubes are definitely the most durable packing cubes I own — currently my favorite. Although, I have used the Well Traveled packing cubes from Amazon as well, and I loved those too.

Packing a hanging toiletry bag is a game-changer for carry-on travelers. Here’s why. One, it packs easily because it can lay flat or fold up to fit in any crevasse of your carry on. Two, you can hang it up anywhere: hotel closet rod, hotel shower curtain rod, door knob, towel hook, hostel shower/bathroom door, airport bathroom door, you name it. Three, it has multiple compartments to hold all of your toiletries, makeup, makeup brushes, jewelry, hair accessories, etc. And four, the pockets are clear so you can always see all your tightly packed products. I have this hanging toiletry bag from Amazon, but it is always sold out. So, my next recommendation is this Bagsmart version.

Alternatively, if you travel light when it comes to toiletries, a dopp kit may be a better toiletry bag for you, as dopp kits take up even less space than hanging toiletry bags. The Beis dopp kit is the one I use and love. It has a separate bottom zipper compartment, which is perfect for keeping your makeup brushes separate and clean. My favorite feature, though, which is unique to any dopp kit I’ve ever seen, is that the interior has a durable waterproof pocket designed especially for your toothbrush. No more toothbrush caps or plastic baggies filling your suitcase!

Neck pillows are often stocky, bulky and near impossible to stuff inside your carry-on or personal item. The Trtl neck pillow, on the contrary, folds flatter than most neck pillows while providing even more neck support. Even when my carry-on bags are full to the brim, I’m able to use the Trtl’s velcro wrap to wind the pillow around my personal item strap or luggage handle to easily travel with it through the airport.

Or, you could test out this new carry-on travel essential: a stuffable travel pillow. As the name suggests, this travel pillow comes flat and fluffs into a neck pillow when you pack it full of clothes. Although I haven’t personally tested this carry-on travel must-have for myself, I am very tempted as a chronic suitcase stuffer. What do you think? Is it genius or gimmicky?

Next, saving liquid space is an essential carry-on packing tip that needs to be addressed to make your carry-on packing easier. Instead of buying cheap plastic cosmetic jars for my travel liquids, I bought these Luo Bei Er glass cosmetic jars last year. Not only do they hold a sizable amount of product, but they’re also dishwasher safe. Whenever I need to reuse a jar with a new product, I just stick it in the dishwasher. This makes packing my liquids a breeze.

Moreover, another packing hack for carry-on luggage is to eliminate or substitute your liquid products with non-liquid products altogether. This natural non-liquid VENERATTI lotion bar is a perfect example. Flying dries out the skin, but a non-liquid lotion stick keeps your hands moisturized without taking up precious liquid space.

Similarly, replace your liquid sunscreen with a sunscreen stick to save more TSA liquid space. Even if you are checking your luggage, non-liquid products will prevent unwanted spills and keep all of your luggage mess-free. Bonus, because this sunscreen is tinted, you won’t have to pack foundation. I love that this Babo Botanicals tinted sunscreen is EWG certified, which means there are no harmful chemicals or toxins in this product.

Moreover, you can even substitute hair products for travel-friendly solid versions these days. For example, this Viori Native Essence shampoo bar eliminates the need for liquid shampoo, all while promoting sustainability and organic cosmetics. I used this exact shampoo bar and, while it’s certainly not as sudsy as liquid shampoo, I loved it so much that I used it at home too.

Likewise, the Viori Native Essence conditioner bar serves the same purposes as the shampoo bar. It replaces your typical liquid conditioner to minimize liquids. Like other Viori products, it’s made from all-natural ingredients, is paraben free, sulfate free, cruelty free, phthalate free, vegan and zero waste. Like I said, I have used both the Viori shampoo and conditioner bars on a daily basis.

Finally, this last travel essential for carry ons might be controversial, as it’s definitely overpriced and probably unnecessary. But, I still think it’s genius. The Beis Micro Weekender bag charm is no ordinary keychain. Not only is it adorable, but it’s actually large enough to fit other carry-on travel essentials, such as a hand sanitizer, earbuds, and a chapstick or lipgloss, making it both cute and practical. This way, you can attach other mini travel must-haves to the outside of your bag, making them easily accessible, and save room in your carry-on interior.