Traveling light has always been my preference, especially when I’m off to Asia or any place with summer weather. Over many trips, I’ve honed my packing routine to fit everything I need into just a carry-on, even for trips that last over three months.
Here are my go-to tips for keeping it minimal, practical, and stress-free. Keep in mind that these tips might not work for every trip, but they’ve served me well in warmer climates.
1. Pick Your Clothes Wisely
When space is limited, every item in your carry-on needs to pull its weight—literally.
For example, I once had a tank top that weighed the same as three of my regular shirts.
Oversized tees might be comfy and cute, but they can take up three times the space of a regular Uniqlo tee.
I love Uniqlo tees because they’re versatile enough for both daytime wear and working out. They’re lightweight, and you can pack several in the space that one oversized tee would take up.
For staying cool under the sun, linen pants and button-down shirts are my go-to. They’re breathable and cover you up from the sun without making you overheat. It also is breezy, and creates shade so it tends to be a lot cooler than wearing a tank top and shorts. While jeans and sweaters are great for the airport, they’re often useless in hot climates, so I leave them behind.
2. Expect to Do Laundry Every 10 Days
When you’re traveling for months at a time, you’re not packing months’ worth of clothes—you’re packing for about one to two weeks. Most of the Airbnbs I stay in come with laundry facilities, or there’s a laundromat nearby. I usually pack enough clothes to last me 10-12 days, then do laundry. This way, I keep my carry-on light and manageable.
3. Find Solid Alternatives for Liquid Products
Packing liquids can be a hassle with airport security, so I’ve switched to solid alternatives wherever possible. Think little paper soaps, solid shampoo bars, makeup remover balms, deodorant sticks, and sunscreen sticks. These save space and reduce the risk of spills in your bag.
4. Minimal Makeup and Hair Routine
When it comes to makeup, less is more. I love using Merit products because they’re super creamy and easy to apply with just your fingertips—no brushes needed.
Lash extensions are a game-changer, too, since they cut down on the need for mascara (and avoid mascara running down your face in hot climates).
Learning how to curl your hair with a straightener is another space-saving hack—it’s like having two tools in one. I also carry a mini bottle of hair oil since Airbnb shampoo and conditioner are often not the best quality.
5. Multi-Purpose Items
Whenever possible, I pack items that serve more than one purpose. For example, I bring a single USB-C wire and use adapters to convert it to lightning or other needed connections. When it comes to clothing, my Uniqlo tees make another appearance—they’re great for regular wear and can double as workout shirts.
6. Shoes
Shoes are some of the bulkiest and heaviest items to pack, so I limit myself to three pairs: one pair of sandals, one pair of sneakers (especially if I plan to work out), and one pair of “nice” walkable shoes.
Tevas are my favorite because they’re super comfortable, even for long walks. I’ve logged 15-20K steps in NYC without breaking them in, and my feet were perfectly fine. They’re versatile enough for hiking, beach days, and city strolls—a great all-around option.
7. Do Not Pack Jackets or Jeans
I know it might be tempting, but leave the jackets and jeans at home. While you might be a little cold on the plane, it’s worth it for the extra weight and space you’ll save. If you think you’ll be chilly, pack a light button-down to layer over your outfit instead.
8. Expect to Be Uncomfortable 3% of the Time
Traveling light means you might not have the perfect outfit for every situation. Heavy rain, unexpected cold, or an event that requires something fancier than what you packed might make you uncomfortable for a short time. But trust me, you’ll forget about it after a day, so don’t feel like you need to pack for every possible scenario.
9. Get Light Bags
For your personal item, the Longchamp Le Pliage in Large is a game-changer. It’s lightweight, spacious, and folds up easily when you’re not using it.
As for your carry-on, I prefer an expandable backpack from Amazon instead of a hardshell roller. It’s easier to walk around with, especially if your Airbnb is far from public transportation. Plus, it’s expandable and squishable for airlines that are strict about bag size.
Another bonus: a backpack can double as your everyday bag or for mini day trips during your longer travels.
10. Don’t Bring a Water Bottle
I know it sounds practical, but a reusable water bottle is heavy and bulky. In many countries where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, you’ll end up buying single-use bottles anyway, so it’s not worth the extra weight in your bag.
Traveling with just a carry-on for an extended period might seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and the right mindset, it’s totally doable. I hope these tips help make your next trip a little lighter and a lot more enjoyable!
