I cannot remember the last time I checked in a piece of luggage. Whether it’s a weekend in Abu Dhabi, a week in Belgium or two weeks in Japan, it’s carry-on luggage only for me.
The benefits are brilliant: no anxious carousel waiting, no lost baggage horror stories, no lugging heavy cases up narrow stairs. But whilst packing light for a short break is easy enough, a fortnight can feel daunting.
Here’s how I do it, every single time.
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Quick Summary
Pack for 2 weeks in carry-on by:
- Creating a capsule wardrobe (5 tops, 3 bottoms, 2-3 shoes)
- Using packing cubes to maximise space
- Planning for one laundry session mid-trip
- Buying anything you forget at your destination
- Choosing luggage under 56x45x25cm and 23kg
Why Pack Light? The Benefits
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about why this matters.
- Time savings: You’ll breeze through airports whilst others queue at check-in and baggage claim.
- Money savings: Most airlines charge £25-50 each way for checked bags. That’s £50-100 you could spend on experiences.
- Freedom: Navigating cobblestones, switching hotels and hopping on a last-minute train are all infinitely easier with one bag. You’re nimble. You’re in control.
- Peace of mind: Your stuff is always with you. No wondering if your suitcase made the connection.
And honestly? Packing light means thinking less about your wardrobe and more about where you’re going. That’s the real win.
Check Your Airline’s Cabin Baggage Rules First
This sounds obvious, but it’s critical. Cabin baggage allowances vary wildly.
For example, Ryanair allows one personal bag (40x20x25cm max) that must fit under the seat. British Airways allows a cabin bag up to 56x45x25cm and 23kg. That’s a massive difference.
Check your airline before you even choose your luggage. Also, look at whether you’re allowed an additional personal item like a laptop bag or handbag—that extra space can be gold.
Invest in Proper Carry-On Luggage
Buy the best luggage you can afford. I learnt this the hard way after years of cheap backpacks that fell apart or uncomfortable bags that wrecked my shoulders.
I rotate between two pieces:
For most trips (75% of the time): Osprey Fairview Wheels 36. It’s a wheeled backpack that converts into a traditional backpack when needed. Lightweight, rugged, brilliantly designed.
For city breaks: LEVEL8 Pro Carry-On suitcase. Stylish hard-shell that complies with most airline requirements and has excellent capacity.
Good luggage lasts for years. It’s an investment that pays off every single trip.
Exclusive discount: Use code theflashpacker10 on the official website for 10% off LEVEL8 luggage.
The Capsule Wardrobe: Your Secret Weapon
After countless packing disasters, I finally cracked it: build a capsule wardrobe where everything coordinates.
The golden rule: Every top should work with every bottom.
Stick to neutral colours as your base (black, navy, grey, beige) then add one or two colourful pieces to keep things interesting. For women, scarves and jewellery transform outfits without taking up space.
Nobody notices if you wear the same jeans three times. Nobody cares. I promise.
My typical 2-week wardrobe:
- 5 tops (mix of short and long sleeves)
- 3 bottoms (typically: jeans, trousers/skirt, leggings or shorts)
- 2-3 pairs of shoes maximum
- 1 jacket or cardigan
- 1 lightweight waterproof layer
Everything mixes and matches. You can create 15+ different outfits from this.
Plan for Laundry (Seriously)
If you’re away for more than a week, embrace the washing machine.
When booking accommodation on Booking.com, tick the “Washing Machine” filter under Room Facilities. Apartments and some hotels have machines guests can use.
Alternatively, scout out launderettes using Google Maps before you go. They’re usually cheap, and you’ll meet locals.
Fun fact. I once stayed in a hotel in Himeji, Japan where you could check the status of your load of washing on the screen of your room TV.
Bring a few laundry sheets or a small amount of detergent. Quick sink washes work too for emergencies.
Use Packing Cubes (They Actually Work)
Packing cubes are everywhere for a reason: they genuinely save space and keep you organised.
Get ones with see-through mesh so you can identify contents easily. They add almost no weight but let you lift organised bundles straight out of your bag.
I use different cubes for categories: one for tops, one for bottoms, one for underwear and swimwear. It makes repacking at each hotel so much quicker.
Solve the shoe Problem
Footwear is one of my biggest packing headaches, but one of the most important things to get right when you travel with only carry-on luggage. Be ruthless.
For warm weather:
- Trainers that match everything
- Lightweight sandals
- Flip-flops (optional, if you’re going to the beach)
For cold weather:
- Trainers
- Boots or comfortable walking shoes
That’s it. Two pairs, three maximum.
I swear by Skechers trainers (lightweight, comfortable immediately) and Teva sandals (virtually weightless with proper support).
Wear your bulkiest pair on travel days to save suitcase space.
Rationalise toiletries Ruthlessly
You don’t need your entire bathroom cabinet.
Buy travel-sized products or decant your favourites into smaller containers. Get a good quality quart-sized clear pouch for airport security (I’ve used the same Muji Ziploc bag for years).
My toiletry essentials:
- Face wash and moisturiser (decanted)
- Sunscreen (buy large bottle at duty-free or destination)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Minimal makeup
- Small hairbrush
If your skincare routine has six steps, consider trimming it for the trip.
As a pharmacist, I’ve refined my travel medicine kit down to a small sturdy pouch with just the essentials: painkillers, antihistamines, plasters, hand sanitiser.
Buy What You Need at Your Destination
Here’s the truth that sets you free: you can buy almost anything when you arrive.
Forgot shampoo? There’ll be a shop. Need a warmer jacket than you packed? You can get one. Worried you might need a raincoat? Buy one there if the weather turns.
Visiting supermarkets whilst travelling is brilliant—you get a feel for local life and prices. I love it.
Stop packing for the “what ifs”. Pack for what you’ll actually need.
Be Airport Security Ready
Make security staff’s lives easier (and speed up your own journey).
Before you join the queue, make sure your electronics and toiletry bag are easy to access. Be ready to remove jacket, belt, watch and shoes if required.
Security requirements vary by country, but if you’re prepared with the basics, you’ll sail through.
Consider Train Travel Instead
Take airport security out of the equation by travelling by train.
From the great railway journeys of the world like the Glacier Express and Flam Railway, to maxing out an Interrail Pass and Japan Rail Pass, I am a massive advocate of train travel.
Not only is rail travel usually more comfortable – and sometimes quicker point-to-point – but there are also few luggage restrictions. Plus, the views are infinitely better.
Digital Books Save Serious Space
I resisted for years, but becoming a Kindle convert changed my packing game.
My Kindle Paperwhite – also a fabulous present for the frequent flier in your life – weighs in at around 200g and takes up minimal space in my luggage. As a more mature traveller, the ability to adjust the font size and the screen’s backlight is a Godsend.
Physical books are lovely but they’re heavy. Choose one or the other.
My Final Thought on Travelling Light
Packing light isn’t just about fitting everything into cabin baggage dimensions.
It’s about freedom. Less stuff means less to worry about, less to track, less to slow you down. It means saying yes to spontaneous opportunities because you’re not weighed down.
A lighter bag means a lighter mindset.
And surely that’s what travel should be about?
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.