If you’ve never heard of a capsule wardrobe, get on it. The idea is simple: pack a small selection of versatile, mix-and-match pieces, and suddenly you’ve got a ton of outfits without needing half your closet. Think basic tees, comfy jeans, leggings, and neutral tones that go with everything. A white t-shirt is basically a travel MVP—it works with jeans, skirts, shorts, funky pants, or even as PJs. And don’t sleep on sneakers—they’re comfy, stylish, and go with just about anything.

The best part? Capsule wardrobes mean you can cut down on clothes while still feeling like you have endless options. Just keep your laundry plans in mind. If you’re washing every week, you don’t need 12 outfits—pack enough to get you through until your next laundry day and you’re golden.

Packing smart = less stress, more freedom, and a carry on that won’t burst at the seams. You’ve got this!

Let’s talk about packing cubes—aka the MVPs of my travel game. If you haven’t discovered them yet, you’re in for a treat. These little lifesavers keep your bag ridiculously organized. Gone are the days of digging through your backpack like a raccoon just to find one sock hiding at the bottom. Instead, you’ve got neat little compartments for everything—tops in one cube, bottoms in another, and undies/accessories in a third.

Even better? Packing cubes help you stay in control of what you’re bringing. Think of them as your personal packing police. I’ve figured out exactly how many cubes fit perfectly in my bag—one for shirts, one for pants, one for undies, a toiletry bag, and a shoe bag. That’s it. If my tops cube is full, I know I need to stop tossing in extras. It forces me to pack smarter instead of “just in case” packing (you know what I’m talking about).

And if you want to really optimize, grab yourself some compression packing cubes. These things are sorcery. Pack them up, zip them closed, and then do up the extra compression zip to squish out all the air. Suddenly, you’ve got loads more room in your bag for souvenirs—or snacks, if you’re like me and can’t resist trying local treats.

Packing cubes also make unpacking at your destination a breeze. Need a fresh pair of socks? Just grab your underwear cube instead of turning your whole bag upside down. They’re especially handy for longer trips or when you’re moving between multiple locations. Everything stays in its place, and you’re not wasting precious travel time repacking every two days.

Packing toiletries for carry on travel can feel a bit like a game of Tetris—except the stakes are higher because TSA will confiscate anything over 100ml. So, rule number one: size matters. Keep liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no bigger than 100ml, and make sure they all fit in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag. Airlines don’t play around with this rule, and you don’t want to be the one chugging a full-size bottle of water shampoo at security.

Now, you’ve got options. You can buy travel-size versions of your favorite products (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) or invest in reusable travel containers and fill them with your usual stuff. Personally, I’m a fan of travel pouches. They’re lightweight, reusable, and perfect for squeezing out every last drop of product—unlike those rigid little bottles where half the shampoo clings to the sides. You’ll thank me when you’re not wrestling with a bottle in the middle of a hostel shower.

Pro tip: pack your liquids bag near the top of your carry on. You’ll need to pull it out for security, and trust me, nobody wants to be that person holding up the line while frantically digging through their bag. If you want to make things even easier, consider investing in a toiletry bag designed for travel. Many come with a clear, removable section for your liquids, so you can just unzip it and toss it in the tray. Amazon has tons of options that are affordable and super functional.

And don’t forget the dry stuff! Solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and even toothpaste tablets are absolute heroes for carry on travel. They don’t count as liquids, they last ages, and they won’t leak all over your bag. Plus, they’re way more eco-friendly, so it’s a win for the planet too.

Your personal item is like your secret travel weapon. It’s that little extra bag that sneaks in alongside your carry on and lets you bring a few more essentials on board. The key is to make it small, functional, and easy to carry. Think backpack, laptop bag, or crossbody purse—something you can comfortably manage alongside your main bag.

For me, it’s all about efficiency. I use an Osprey backpack with a detachable daypack. The 40L main bag holds my core gear, while the 15L daypack zips on as my personal item. They join together as one bag for easy airport navigation but can be separated when needed. It’s perfect for stashing the stuff I’ll need during the flight—headphones, snacks, passport, chargers, you name it.

If I’m not using the daypack, I’ll take a small crossbody bag instead. My Uniqlo crossbody is my go-to. It’s perfect for keeping travel essentials within reach—boarding pass, passport, phone, snacks, and even a book if I’m feeling ambitious about reading on the plane. Plus, it slides neatly under the seat in front of me, leaving all that glorious legroom free for stretching out.

Here’s a bonus hack: if you’ve got extra in-flight stuff that doesn’t fit in your personal item, pack it in a small tote or packing cube and place it right at the top of your carry on. Before boarding, pull it out and keep it with you for easy access during the flight. That way, you’re not holding up the boarding line digging through your bag while everyone else glares at you. Trust me, your fellow passengers will silently thank you—and so will the flight attendants.

Packing your carry on bag can feel like a high-stakes puzzle, but let me give you one golden rule: leave some extra space. I know it’s tough when you’re already working with limited room, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. No one ever looks back at their trip and says, “Wow, I really regret not cramming my bag to the absolute brim before I left home.”

First of all, you’ll probably forget to pack something. It happens to the best of us. Maybe it’s a toothbrush, maybe it’s socks, or maybe you’ll realize halfway through your trip that you desperately need a power adapter. Whatever it is, you’ll need space to stash that last-minute buy in your bag. And honestly, if it’s something like a cheap hairbrush you picked up because you forgot yours, ask yourself: do you really need to bring it back? Sure, you paid for it, but is it worth the extra weight or stress of squeezing it into your already-bursting bag? Probably not.

But the real MVP reason for leaving space? Souvenirs! I am that person who cannot resist a good souvenir. I don’t care if it’s a tacky fridge magnet or a beautifully hand-painted bowl from a local artisan—I want it all. These little treasures fill my home with memories of my adventures, and I always bring a few goodies back for family and friends too. While I try to be practical by sticking to small, packable items like postcards, patches, or keychains, I’ve definitely been known to splurge on bulkier souvenirs. Case in point: a framed travel map of New Zealand and some gorgeous hand-painted bowls from Turkey.

This is where leaving extra space saves the day. When I’m sitting at home, excitedly packing for a trip, it’s so tempting to fill every nook and cranny of my bag with “essentials.” But I’ve learned the hard way that future me will always want room for souvenirs. So, do yourself a solid: when you’re packing, hold back a little. Your future self—arms loaded with treasures and no idea how you’re going to make it all fit—will be endlessly grateful.