The carry-on packing list
How to pack for a week or more in one bag, and what to leave at home.
Traveling with only a carry-on means no waiting at baggage claim and no lost luggage. It works for most trips once you stop packing for every possible day.
Pack for five days, not fifteen
Past about five days, the answer is laundry, not more clothes. Plan to wash once or twice: a sink, a small detergent sheet, and an overnight hang is enough for most things.
- 4 to 5 tops that all work with each other
- 1 to 3 pants, shorts, or skirts
- One more set of underwear and socks than tops
- One warm layer and one light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes, already broken in, worn on the plane
Liquids and toiletries
Many airports limit the size of liquid containers in carry-on bags, and the rules differ by country and change over time. Check the rules for the airports you are flying from before you pack. Solid versions of shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen avoid most of the problem.
Keep these on you
- Passport or ID, and booking confirmations saved offline
- Medications, with a few days extra
- Phone, charger, and a power bank
- Anything you could not replace at your destination
Check your bag before you go
Airlines publish their own size and weight limits, and they are not all the same. Measure your bag against the strictest airline on your itinerary.
Put it into practice
The planner's packing list sizes these quantities to your trip's length, weather, and laundry access.