Baggage-Avoidance Travel Necessities: Must-Haves for Packing a Compact Carry-On, Skipping Check-In
Pack smarter, not harder! Stop battling over overhead bin space and lost luggage with our top recommendations.
Ciera Velarde, BuzzFeed Staff
- Transform your packing nightmare into a breeze with these amazing packing cubes. This set includes an extra-large, large, medium, small cube, roomy shoe bag, and a laundry bag for dirty clothes!
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
💡Pro-tip: Customize these cubes with reusable labels for a personal touch!
Why we love them: These packing cubes are highly rated by fans on TikTok and Instagram, offering easier organization and more space in your suitcase. One satisfied user shared, "I can now pack more neatly and have more room for all the clothes I travel with."
✨Get six-piece set from Amazon for $22.99 (available in 13 colors).
- Go even smaller with compression packing cubes. This set saves even more space in your luggage and can be reused, plus you can even throw them in the wash if they get dirty.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love them: Ideal for long trips or backpacking, compression packing cubes help you take your essentials without sacrificing precious luggage space. One thrilled shopper wrote, "My daughter challenged me to travel her way with just a backpack on our recent five-day trip to Portugal. When I found these on Amazon, I thought they were just what I needed. I have cubes, but they don't compress. I was so impressed that I bought a set for my daughter and son-in-law."
✨Get a pack of four from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three colors and an eight-piece pack).
- OR try this set of traditional compression bags, which allow you to utilize every inch of space in your bag. These even come with a hand pump for travel!
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
💡Pro-tip: Use compression bags to flatten bulky items, like pillow or winter clothing.
Why we love them: Compression bags are perfect for space-conscious travelers who want to fit all their essentials into a carry-on or backpack. One delighted reviewer raved, "I have a memory foam pillow that I try to take on trips due to neck issues, so I purchased this product to see if it could flatten the pillow so I can also carry my clothes and the pillow in the same bag, carry-on size travel bag. The foam has been sitting in the vacuum pack for the last three days now and hasn't let any air into the package at all."
✨Get a pack of five from Amazon for $22.99 (available in four sizes).
- Keep all your devices charged on the go with this 3-in-1 foldable wireless charger. Charge your iPhone, AirPods, and smartwatch at once, even mid-flight!
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love them: This compact and foldable charger is perfect for keeping all your devices charged during long trips, whether on a bus, train, or airplane. One happy user enthused, "This is absolutely amazing! I use this to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers - I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines and all of the previous stand version chargers doesn't fit well in my bags or I am always worried I would break. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well and it is the best compact one you can find in the market. Love it and been using it for two months now and no issues!"
✨Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in nine colors).
- Easily fit all your vacation essentials in a Dagne Dover duffel bag, perfect for carry-on travel thanks to its compact size.
(Instagram link: www.instagram.com)
ℹ️BuzzFeed's Emma McAnaw says, "My Dagne Dover duffel fits soooooo much more than it seems (especially when you fight to the death to fit everything like I do), and it's a super easy carry-on! I just put it under the seat so I don't have to fight people to get the overhead bin space. Also, I've gotten away with bringing it for free on airlines that try to charge for carry-ons because it looks so small."
Why we love it: The Dagne Dover duffel is a stylish and roomy carry-on solution, ideal for packing all your holiday essentials without taking up too much overhead bin space.
✨Get it from Dagne Dover for $125 (available in five sizes and eight colors).
- NEW reMiNi's pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer lets you take your favorite scent on your trips without needing to pack the whole bottle.
✨Bonus: It's about the size of a lipstick!
Why we love it: This small and convenient perfume atomizer is perfect for travel, allowing you to bring your favorite scent on your journeys without taking up much space. One enthusiastic user gushed, "I can honestly say this is now my favorite ever...I love the larger screen. As you can see, it's about the size of my thumb and therefore takes up very little room. Plus! It's smaller than most rollerball travel fragrances you can pick up. This first one is working so well, that I just have the other three in storage. But if this one bites the dust this summer during travels, I'll be OK about digging into my stores to use one of the remaining three...especially at this price point."
✨Get a four-pack from Amazon for $8.99.
- NEW Upgrade your reading experience with a waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, perfect for beach reads and carry-ons.
(Promising Review: "I will start by saying this is my fifth Kindle, so I've been using Kindles for many years. I can honestly say this is now my favorite ever...")
Why we love it: The Kindle Paperwhite is an excellent choice for travelers who want to read comfortably even at the beach or pool without the glare issues of a traditional e-reader.
✨Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in three colors, two storage capacities, and with or without ads).
- NEW Simplify your toiletries routine with a set of six Cadence containers. These containers eliminate the need for single-use travel-sized plastics, and they're made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
(See Cadence containers in action on TikTok: here)
Why we love them: These Cadence containers offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to carry your beauty products, making packing lighter and more organized. One satisfied user shared, "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three daysworth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day."
✨Get a set of six from Cadence for $76 (originally $84; available in nine colors and with label customization).
- A jewelry organizer keeps your necklaces, bracelets, and rings tangle-free and neatly tucked away.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This compact and affordable jewelry organizer is a must-have for travelers who want to keep their beautiful accessories safe and wrinkle-free during trips. One reviewer exclaimed, "I never knew a jewelry organizer would be so useful! I absolutely love this organizer and think everyone should have one!!!"
✨Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in two sizes and nine colors and patterns).
- Stay cozy on your travels with a travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This versatile blanket-pillow provides warmth and comfort during chilly flights and can be conveniently clipped onto your backpack or carry-on bag.
✨Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in six colors).
- Protect your eyes from the sun with a stylish sun visor that rolls up compactly.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This wide-brimmed sun visor is perfect for travelers who want to protect their eyes and face from the harsh sunlight. Its adjustable, foldable design makes it easy to pack in any bag.
✨Get it from Amazon for $19.79 (available in 14 colors).
- Transform your toiletry bag game with this roomy, zippered hanging toiletry bag.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This elegant and functional toiletry bag offers plenty of space for all your travel essentials, and its clear zipper compartments make it easy to find what you need without rummaging through.
✨Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in seven colors).
- Tackle laundry on the go with these laundry soap sheets.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love them: These compact and eco-friendly laundry soap sheets are a lifesaver for travelers who need to clean clothes during their trips. They're convenient for hotel stays and camping trips.
✨Get it from Amazon for $11.71 (also available in a hand soap version).
- Stay fresh on your travels with a solid shampoo bar.
(Instagram link: www.instagram.com)
Why we love it: These plastic-free shampoo bars are compact, sustainable, and suitable for any travel bag. Plus, they're made with natural ingredients!
✨Get it from Amazon for $12 (available in 10 scents).
- Travel in style with a Beis backpack.
Why we love it: The Beis backpack is the ultimate travel companion, with roomy compartments, multiple zippers, a laptop sleeve, and a seamless design that complements any outfit. Its spacious layout can fit all your essentials and still fit under the seat in front of you.
✨Get it from Beis Travel for $88 (also available in beige).
- Simplify your makeup routine with an Alleyoop Pen Pal.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jasmin Sandal's verdict: "I didn't realize I'd ever use a makeup product in my 20s that had the ability to transport me back to something I used in sixth grade, but here we are; and here I am using a multitool pen...for my face. I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it's a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touch-ups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m."
Why we love it: The Alleyoop Pen Pal is a compact and versatile makeup tool that allows you to pack light while still looking polished.
✨Get it from Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).
- Customize your makeup routine with a stackable Subtl Beauty makeup kit.
Why we love them: These stackable makeup solutions offer a convenient and versatile way to organize your essentials and pack light. Plus, they're customizable to your preferences and skin tone!
✨Get a customizable starter stack from Subtl Beauty for $60 (or build your own stack from scratch here).
- Stay organized with a TSA-approved transparent organizer.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This transparent organizer makes it easy to see all your travel-sized toiletries and keeps them neatly arranged in your bag. Its compact design and handle make it convenient to carry.
✨Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 10 colors).
- Stay dry and frizz-free with a Hairbrella waterproof rain hat.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This stylish and waterproof rain hat offers protection from the elements while keeping your hair looking great. Plus, its visor keeps water out of your face.
✨Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).
- Carry multiple pairs of shoes without fear of soiling your clothes with a shoe bag.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This roomy shoe bag keeps your shoes separate from your clothes, preventing any unwanted smells or dirt from transferring to your luggage. Many reviewers have successfully fit up to five pairs of shoes inside!
✨Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors and patterns).
- Keep your medications organized with a sturdy pill organizer.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This eight-compartment pill organizer is perfect for traveling with all your necessary medications and vitamins. It comes with labels for easy organization.
✨Get a three-pack from Amazon for $7.99.
- Never run out of sun protection with a compact Gillette razor.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This portable razor makes it easy to keep up with your grooming routine while traveling, with a sleek, protective case to ensure safety in your bag.
✨Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
- Power up on the go with a lightweight, water-resistant Neutrogena SPF 50 stick sunscreen.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This solid, compact sunscreen provides essential SPF protection, allowing you to carry it along without worrying about spills or leaks during security checks.
✨Get it from Amazon for $9.58.
- Protect and carry your contact lenses with a teensy, travel-friendly case.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This travel-friendly case keeps your contact lenses and solution safe and easily accessible during your journeys.
✨Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (available in three colors).
- Shield your hair from the elements with a Hairbrella waterproof, satin-lined hat.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This fashionable and practical hat offers protection from rain, humidity, and sun, keeping your hair frizz-free.
✨Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).
- Store your wet or sandy items in a mesh bag for easy cleaning.
(Amazon link: www.amazon.com)
Why we love it: This mesh bag offers an easy-to-clean, lightweight solution for carrying wet or sandy items from the beach, pool, or bath.
✨Get it from Amazon for $10.99.
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Finding the best packing solutions for carry-on luggage involves exploring various tools like packing cubes, compression packing cubes, compression bags, and innovative items like travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillows. Here are the best sources to find more information on these:
Best Sources for Information
- Travel Blogs and Reviews
- Websites like The Independent, Travel + Leisure, and Good Morning America provide reviews and recommendations on the best travel gear, including packing cubes and other packing solutions.
- Online Retailers
- Visit websites like Target for a range of travel essentials, including compression cubes and pillow cubes.
- Amazon often features sales and customer reviews on travel items like packing cubes and compression bags.
- Specialized Brands
- Look at brands like Briggs & Riley, known for their high-quality luggage and packing accessories.
Products to Consider
- Packing Cubes: These are essential for organizing clothes and other travel items. Brands like Thule and Patagonia offer high-quality options.
- Compression Packing Cubes: Ideal for maximizing space in carry-on luggage by compressing clothes.
- Compression Bags: Useful for storing bulky items like winter clothing without taking up too much space.
- Travel-Friendly Blanket-Slash-Pillows: These are versatile accessories that can serve as both pillows and blankets during travel.
- Jewelry Organizer: Perfect for protecting and organizing necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
- Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travel, this compact adapter fits in a front pocket and accepts plugs from more than 150 countries.
- Eye Contact Lens Kit: This small kit includes everything you need for contact care during your travels, from cases to solution.
- Raincoat: A lightweight, waterproof raincoat helps you stay dry during unexpected showers.
- Shoe Bag: Useful for keeping your shoes separate from your clothes to prevent smells and dirt from transferring.
- Pill Organizer: This compact storage solution helps you keep track of your medications and vitamins during your travels.
- Solid Sunscreen Stick: great for taking on trips in your carry-on, as it reduces spills and leaks.
- Material and Durability: Opt for products made from durable materials to ensure they last longer.
- Size and Fit: Ensure the items fit well in your carry-on luggage and provide the desired amount of space.
- Features and Customization: Look for additional features like interior pockets or mesh sections for visibility.
- Sustainability: Consider products made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, whenever possible.
- Compactness: Compact size is essential for travel-friendly items that can be easily packed and carried.
- Brand Reputation: Research brands with good reviews and positive customer experiences.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Choose products that offer the best value for their features and quality.
- Versatility: Opt for items that serve multiple purposes or can be customized to your specific needs.
By following these guidelines, you'll find the perfect packing solutions for your next carry-on adventure.
- The Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen stick could be the perfect addition to your carry-on essentials, especially if you're concerned about sun protection during travel.
- Keep all your beauty products organized and eco-friendly with a set of Cadence containers. These containers eliminate the need for single-use travel-sized plastics and are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
- Tired of dealing with tangled jewelry? A jewelry organizer keeps your necklaces, bracelets, and rings neatly tucked away, making it easier to travel with your favorite accessories.
- A pair of AirPods can make your travel entertainment all the more enjoyable, offering a convenient, wireless listening experience for movies, music, or podcasts.
- To personalize your packing cubes, consider customizing them with reusable labels for a unique touch that can help you identify your belongings easily.
- For flexibility in managing your finances, you might want to apply for a credit line before your next trip. This can help you navigate unexpected expenses during your travels more comfortably.
- If you prefer a traditional form of compression, check out compression bags, which allow you to flatten bulky items like pillows or winter clothing, maximizing the space in your bag.
- To keep your devices charged on the go, consider investing in a 3-in-1 foldable wireless charger that can charge your iPhone, AirPods, and smartwatch at once.
- A Dagne Dover duffel bag is a perfect, compact solution for carry-on travel, offering plenty of space for your essentials while fitting easily under the seat in front of you.
- If you're looking for a small and convenient way to carry your favorite fragrance on your travels, consider reMiNi's pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer.
