49 Items For Traveling Carry-On Only This Summer

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17 hours ago

A spacious backpack that'll fit under the seat in front of you and help you make the most of the "personal item" you're allowed along with your carry-on roller bag. This one is TikTok- and reviewer-famous for holding TONS of stuff, zipping completely open (like a suitcase!) for easy packing, and helping keep travelers organized. With some smart folding, you could pack for a week with just this, according to some reviewers!
A Trtl travel pillow, a must for your upcoming multi-hour flights this summer, so you're actually rested when you get to your destination. Why waste precious carry-on space with bulky neck pillows when reviewers like this better?! It folds up thin and compact, and when you're ready to use, just wrap it around your neck — underneath the soft fleece is an internal support structure designed to keep your head in a comfy position for sleeping upright.
Or a neck pillow you can stuff with clothing — clearly invented by a sneaky genius — to help you get some bonus outfits that don't fit in your suitcase past the gate agent whose eyes are *peeled* for people bringing on extra items. This is also a great way to keep your airplane sweatshirt or a change of clothes for when you land handy!
A handy prefilled notepad so you can create a curated packing list even before you take a single item out. Using this as a guide can be helpful so you don't panic the morning you leave and try to shove in 25 pairs of extra undies and three sweatshirts at the last minute (is this just me??). Not forgetting anything and not overpacking — that's a win-win!
A travel belt perfect for securing your weekender, tote, or duffel to your roller bag when you're not getting rid of luggage at check-in — especially for anything that doesn't have that convenient pass-through strap built in. Save your shoulder, free up that hand, and make sure your bag doesn't come tumbling off, even when you're rushing between gates to make that tight connection.
A compact and collapsible water bottle, because it's incredibly easy to get dehydrated on a long-haul flight — especially when traveling during a heat wave — and airport water is shockingly expensive! You can keep it handy in an outer pocket of your carry-on bag or backpack so you can fill it with ease, without losing precious space.
An AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so you don't need to pack (or, ew pay for) bulky old corded headphones on your next flight that don't even work with your phone and that you won't even use for the rest of your trip — wouldn't you rather use your AirPods or fancy Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones anyway? And the bonus is it's way easier to get up to pee or let your neighbor by without dealing with unplugging headphones or tangled cords!
A compact but surprisingly spacious belt bag for a bit of extra convenience and space-saving in your carry-on and personal item — and so you don't have to dig through your backpack for your AirPods halfway through the flight. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it crossbody *or* around your waist, and you'll be surprised how much it holds! It's ideal for using on the trip itself too, so you can keep your hands free for your fan or water bottle as you rack up those thousands of steps.
A super-concentrated soap perfect for when you're flying to a camping destination or going on a backpacking trip (at two ounces, it's a TSA-approved size!). You can use this effective all-purpose soap on your hands, body, hair, clothes, dishes, gear, and more (you just need a few drops)!
A *truly teensy* mini white noise machine if you have trouble sleeping when in hotels or unfamiliar places. This palm-sized one is very carry-on (or even purse-/backpack-) friendly, too! It has 15 different nonlooping sounds (including white noise, fan, rain, and more), the charge lasts for days at a time, and it can — quite literally — fit in your pocket.
A three-pack of travel pill organizers, each with eight compartments (six small, two large) so you can bring all of your meds and vitamins with you — without wasting space on a bunch of bulky bottles. Idk about you, but I need that space for all the Tums I need for those vacay meals...especially so I can fit in that extra gelato.
A hands-free portable phone charger with cords *built right in* (both USB-C and Lightning) so you can replenish that drained battery on the go without carrying something super bulky around (it's super slim!) or needing to remember a separate cord (the easiest thing to leave behind!).
And a 3-in-1 foldable magnetic wireless charging station so you can charge your iPhone, Apple watch, and AirPods all at once, without wasting space on bulky chargers or dealing with tons of cords. You're lucky to find *one* outlet at the gate, let alone three. Now you stay fully charged, so you can listen to all your tunes mid-flight and land with enough juice to access that Notes App list of the best local spots for matcha — and start tracking those many, many vacation steps on your smart watch.
A portable handheld fan for a compact option to keep things cool when traveling in hot weather, whether you're going somewhere you're going to be walking a ton in 90+–degree weather, or just in case you're sitting on the tarmac for ages and ages. But that's! not! all! It also has a built-in flashlight *and* phone charger so you and your phone can stay refreshed when traveling all day
A hardshell carry-on suitcase with a *trunk*-style top opening instead of the classic clamshell, so you can access what's inside your suitcase without taking twice as much space. Raise your hand if you've found it impossible to balance your open suitcase on a flimsy luggage rack in a cramped European hotel room. 🙋‍♀️ Plus, the single opening is also good for fitting deeper packing cubes or bulky items so you can maximize your carry-on space!
And a set of packing cubes to help you fit *more* in whatever back or backpack you're trying to squeeze everything into. The individual compression cubes mean you do *not* have to sit on your carry-on roller to get it closed. And you can even organize them by day, clothing type, ~segment of your trip~ (like city/beach/weather), etc.
Or if you're less worried about organization and more worried about having enough space, a set of space-saver bags specifically designed for travel. Over-packers? These are for you. No vacuum required; just pop in your stuff and roll to release the pesky extra air through the valves.
::Cough, me studying abroad, cough::Promising review: "My husband wanted me to take just a carry-on when we went to Paris and Switzerland last year. We were gone for 10 days and I had to pack dressy clothes, hiking clothes, clothes for the cold snowy mountains, and clothes for the warm May spring days touring Paris. I could NEVER have done it without these compression bags. I will always use these when I travel now. ALWAYS!!" —rmacGet a pack of 12 from Amazon for $9.99.
And a shoe bag capable of holding up to three(!) pairs of shoes, so you can have all the shoe variety you need — comfy sneakers and sandals for walking, plus a fancier pair for dinners out — without taking up too much room or (gag) getting bottom-of-shoe grime on all your items.
A pair of flexible ballet flats (they're a bestseller for a reason) if you need a super-comfy, non-sneaker option for dinners out, but you don't want to waste a ton of room on dressy shoes. Plus they're so compact, you'll still be able to shop for shoes at your destination and bring 'em home.
And slip-on quick-dry water shoes that pack pretty much flat and are ideal for coastal vacations you don't want to be barefoot for, especially when beaches tend to be rocky like in Italy or Greece.
A packable sun visor for extra sun protection while you're pounding the pavement or lounging poolside. Just roll it up compactly before packing — and don't fret; it'll still keep that chic shape when unrolled!
Or a *genius* magnetic hat clip that hooks right around your bag strap, luggage tag, zipper loop, or wherever to easily let your sun hat dangle from the side of your bag as you stroll your way through the airport. Way better than taking up space in your bag — or carrying it because your hands are full ENOUGH, thankyouverymuch.
A travel wallet that makes it super easy to see everything at a glance, because traveling with a carry-on and a (cough cough giant backpack) personal item can get unwieldy, especially at security. Store your cash, boarding pass, passport, credit cards, etc., in this, and then just toss it in your carry-on when you're through security!
A travel-friendly blanket-slash-pillow that packs neatly into a compact zipper pouch, because planes are *always* freezing, and it's hard to get precious shut-eye when you're cold! Don't waste space on cold-weather clothes on summertime travels; just pack this baby and you'll stay cozy during your in-flight movie marathon.
Looking for travel-friendly clothes? How about a popular slip dress so you can make the most out of lightweight, compact clothes that are ideal for layering. This dress, for example, is a reviewer fave and can be dressed up for your Fanciest Dinner, but also can be layered under a lightweight cardi, linen button-down, or tee and look like a whole new outfit!
Or a racerback cropped tank you're sure to wear almost every day while traveling — and beyond. Just ask the reviewers who want to buy it in every color! This reviewer-beloved top is sleek, stretchy, and double-lined (so it's not see-through!), making it the perfect basic to pair with jeans, trousers, and fancy skirts, and wear under sheer tops, blazers, and more.
And breezy drawstring linen-blend pants you can fold right up so you have an option when you want that trouser look, but the cool comfort of a lightweight, breathable fabric on warmer days. Plus, you won't really have to worry about wrinkles. These'll look equally cute paired with a tee, a button-down, or even your swimsuit!
And a silky satin midi skirt that'll roll up super small. It has a (hidden!) elasticized waist for all-day comfort, aka it's perfectly versatile for those occasions you want to be cute *and* not feel restricted — aka every day. This bb is so versatile, no one will know you're wearing the same thing every day on your trip!
A fast-drying microfiber travel towel that folds up into a teeeeeeny tiny case, perfect for beach or pool vacations, cruises, and water parks. Reviewers say it's *surprisingly* absorbent, too!
Individual laundry detergent packets for a quick wash in your hotel sink or bathtub on longer trips (or in a washing machine if you have access, like on a cruise!), or just in case you run out of undies. These are particularly great for beach trips where you want to wear the same swimsuit a couple of times!
Plus, a six-foot travel clothesline so you can dry your ~unmentionables~, swimsuits, and anything else you want to rewear far more easily, without trying to hang things precariously from every hook-like thing you can find in the teeny tiny hotel bathroom.
A space-saving laundry bag designed to help you *compress* those dirty clothes into a compact bag so they're out of sight, out of mind until you're home...and fiiiiiinally unpack. Summer travel means serious sweat, so you'll be glad to have a designated place for clothes you just can't wear again.
The teeniest mini steam iron known to man — it's dual voltage and comes with a travel bag, so it's easy-peasy to keep in your roller bag so you never leave it behind! Plus it won't take up much room, but will still ensure the clothes vacuum-sealed in your space-saving travel bags will still be wrinkle-free on your trip. Destination wedding on your cal before the summer ends? This is a must.
A mini (and gorge) jewelry case so you can select your most key pieces of jewelry and keep them safely stored. With the roomy but limited size, you'll feel fully accessorized without wasting space or weighing your bag down with heavy pieces.
A hanging toiletry bag to make traveling with all the beauty products you can't bear to leave behind *so* much easier — and compact! No need to unpack on the hotel bathroom counter — just unroll and hang, and you can see everything at a glance! You don't want to waste precious time in the morning digging for that sunscreen, anyway.
A perfectly sized set of TSA-friendly travel bottles you can fill (and refill) with your favorite products when they don't make travel size — without taking up tons of room. Can't skip your fave skin and hair products when you're away, even when packing light!
And btw, your favorite skincare brand (like Cosrx) might make a travel-friendly skincare set you can keep in your suitcase for trips and weekends away — then you'll NEVER forget it (or waste space).
Promising review: "I ordered these to try all these products. Loved them all so bought the larger size to keep these for travel. Just make sure you mist face with water before putting on the mucin it does make a difference!" —kelly heinnbockelGet the Cosrx snail mucin set (which includes Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser, Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Moisturizing Essence, Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream, and Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream) from Amazon for $22.90, and the Cerave set (which includes a foaming facial cleanser, a hydrating facial cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a rich moisturizer) from Amazon for $31.99.
A 4-in-1 Alleyoop Pen Pal perfect for anyone reeeeally tight on space. This baby jams in an eyeliner, lip liner, brow pencil, *and* highlighter in the size of a marker — how great is that?!
A compact detangling brush so you don't have to choose between packing space and having knotted hair. Especially if you're frequenting the pool or ocean, a good detangler is simply a *must* for summer trips.
Alleyoop's portable travel razor, which comes with not one but TWO three-blade razors, a moisturizing balm (that doubles as a shaving cream), and a water spray bottle — all in a small disc-like case. Plus you don't have to worry about shaving cream leaking in your suitcase!
Abib Airy SPF 50 Sunstick Smoothing Bar (Abib is a K-beauty brand, btw!) so you can make sure you're protecting yourself from the sun on your trip — without dealing with leaks in your luggage or greasy hands when reapplying. Plus this one's formulated with soothing ingredients. No white case or gross texture in sight, and reviewers even say it reapplies great over makeup!
I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder, which comes packaged in an easy-to-apply, perfect-for-travel powder puff applicator you just tap-tap-tap onto your hair. Just massage the ultra-fine powder into your roots (it's formulated with black ginseng and biotin btw!), and it'll quickly absorb excess oil, leaving you with volumized and refreshed-looking hair so you can spend your time sight-seeing rather than washing your hair yet again.
A pocket-sized, refillable travel perfume atomizer because you shouldn't have to decide between being signature scent–free on your trip and risking that perfume leaking allllll over your suitcase (an expensive nightmare). This one is so easy to refill, you'll end up popping it in your purse to get a fresh whiff in your everyday life, too.
A 2-in-1 straightener and curling iron so you only have to bring *one* tool, no matter how you want to wear your hair while traveling. It has dual voltage for international vacays, too. Just keep it in your suitcase between trips!
The newest Kindle Paperwhite, because WHO has extra room for *multiple books*?! Don't let your carry-on capacity limit your vacation reading; Kindles can hold thousands of books in a light, compact format. Plus it's WATERPROOF so you can enjoy your beach read on the beach! Or from the boat...or pool...or sitting on the edge of a gorgeous Roman fountain...
I've been using my Kindle Paperwhite (a previous generation) before bed for years — and after reading for a while, I turn down the brightness to a low level just slightly dimmer than I'd want — after a page or two, my brain goes "Nope!" and shuts off to sleep. AND it helps me not even start thinking the anxious or negative thoughts that *usually* keep me up at night. I recently got to upgrade to this new Kindle Paperwhite, and the warm light feature is a game-changer. And the page turns and responsiveness of this model are 20% faster — and I can really tell the difference compared to my old Kindle!Promising review: "I love this device. It's lightweight and easy to use. I wake up a lot in the middle of the night, and I like that I can read on this without waking up my partner. It also helps me to get to sleep since it's not a source of blue light like the phone. Super convenient to take anywhere and read any time." —Heather PennickPrice: $159.99+ (available in three colors and with or without screen ads)
A super-compact stroller that weighs less than 12 pounds and can fit in an overhead bin or even under a seat, because every penny counts when it comes to family vacations, and that includes checked luggage fees.
A packable raincoat so your cute summer dress can stay securely dry, and you don't have to worry about leaving your favorite fashionable pieces at home when rain is on the meteorological menu for your trip. This packs down into a *teensy* drawstring bag, so you can even keep it in your purse while actually on the trip if the forecast is unclear for the day!
Or a mini travel umbrella that not only is perfectly compact for the minimal space in your carry-on but also comes with a handy carrying case, so you can pop it right in your purse when the showers are (finally!) over without getting the rest of your stuff wet. It's also made of UPF50 fabric, so it's also great for carrying around your own personal shade when the sun is blazing!
A luggage drink caddy, because when you're living that carry-on-only life, you simply don't have an extra hand for your caffeine fix. Now you can bring your beveragino with you as you go to make sure your gate exists before you head to the lounge or to grab a bite (I can't be the only one who does that).
A fold-up duffel for trips when you KNOW you'll be bringing back more than you came with. Just pack your purse on the way back and count this as your "personal item" — I won't tell.
Because spoiler alert: This won't fit into the overhead compartment.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.