Latest news with #carryon
CBS News
4 hours ago
- CBS News
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem says TSA may change rules about liquids on flights
Air travelers may soon see another change when passing through security checkpoints at airports, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggesting there may be changes to current TSA restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags. The potential change in policies around carrying liquids on flights comes after Noem on July 8 said passengers at airports no longer have to remove their shoes during regular TSA security checks. That change went into effect immediately. Speaking at a conference hosted Wednesday by publication The Hill, Noem said she's questioning "everything TSA does" and spoke of possible changes to the amount of liquids travelers can tote in their carry-on baggage. Under current TSA guidance, travelers can carry liquids in travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in their carry-on bag. "The liquids, I'm questioning. So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be," Noem said. "We have put in place in TSA a multilayered screening process that allows us to change some of how we do security and screening so it's still as safe." She gave no details about precisely what those changes might be or how quickly travelers could expect to see them. Travelers generally must empty or throw away their water bottles before going through a TSA checkpoint, or else pack containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in their checked baggage. There are exceptions for medications and baby formula. The TSA has been exploring the liquids issue for years, former TSA Administrator John Pistole told CBS News' Kris Van Cleave earlier this month. The TSA has been installing new computed tomography, or CT, checkpoint scanners at airports, which generates a 3-D image of a bag's content and which can automatically detect other potential security hazards. The rules for liquids on flights were a response to a 2006 incident in which authorities foiled a plot to used liquid explosives smuggled aboard carry-on luggage to blow up planes. Ever since the guidelines were adopted, TSA checkpoints have been the scene of travelers quickly guzzling water, digging through luggage to find and discard a too-large tube of hair gel, and chucking jars of everything from jam to coffee that didn't meet the size requirement. The regulations also triggered myriad discussions — sometimes arguments — over what constitutes a liquid. Yogurt? Peanut butter? Jam and jelly? All are currently restricted to containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces as detailed on an extensive list that TSA maintains on its website titled "What can I bring?" Noem also laid out her vision for the future of airport travel during the talk Wednesday. "Hopefully, the future of an airport, where I'm looking to go is that you walk in the door with your carry-on suitcase, you walk through a scanner and go right to your plane," she said. "It takes you one minute."
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Forbes
The Best Weekender Bags For Men, Tested By Our Team Of Editors
Whether you travel once a month or once a year, having a versatile weekender bag on hand that could easily fit into the overhead bin on a plane or train is essential. Our editors spent several weeks researching and testing the top contenders to find the very best weekender bags for men that are worth your money. After extensive testing, the Mark & Graham Canvas and Leather Weekender earned the top spot on our list thanks to its classic design made from durable cotton canvas. Away's The Weekender also earned high marks thanks to its multiple interior and exterior pockets that will keep you organized on your next trip. The best weekender bags for men are spacious, easy to carry and compact enough to fit in a plane's ... More overhead bin. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS When shopping for a new weekender bag, dimensions and capacity are undoubtedly two of the most important considerations to keep in mind. If you're packing for an overnight, a smaller weekender bag like the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender will do the trick; for an extended stay, opt for a larger bag like the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. 'The ideal weekender should be spacious enough to fit clothing, toiletries and a few extras for two to three days, but compact enough to comply with carry-on restrictions for most airlines,' says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. Ahead, the best weekender bags for men in 2025. Our Top Recommendations Most Organized Weekender Bag For Men: Away The Weekender Best Large Weekender Bag For Men: Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L Best Compact Weekender Bag For Men: Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender Best Affordable Weekender Bag For Men: Béis The Weekender Best Structured Weekender Bag For Men: Antler Icon Overnight Bag Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 31 x 10.5 x 17.5 | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Materials: Canvas, leather | Colors: 5 total, including Army Green and Navy Best for: Stylish appearance Personalization options Spacious main compartment Skip if: You want a bag with more pockets Mark & Graham's canvas and leather weekender bag earned the top spot on our list thanks to its stylish design, high-quality materials and spacious interior. It comes in two sizes, but we recommend the larger size for weekend trips, as the main compartment holds enough for trips lasting up to three or four days (depending on your packing style). The spacious main compartment features one zippered pocket, which helps store a passport and other important items, and there's also an exterior pocket. 'This bag has a very understated but classic look that could fit anyone's aesthetic,' says our tester, who traveled with this bag on a weekend lake trip this summer. 'The canvas felt tough and sturdy, especially around the handle. The leather on the bottom proved durable as well.' Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | Capacity: 38 liters | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Materials: Nylon, leather | Colors: 5 total, including Jet Black and Coast Blue Best for: Clamshell opening for easy access to belongings Multiple zippered interior pockets Separate padded laptop pocket Skip if: You're looking for a lighter bag Away is an editor-approved brand known for its modern, streamlined luggage with excellent organizational features (we've reviewed the brand's most popular suitcases in our guides to the best luggage and best checked luggage ). The weekender bag offers many of the same organizational features as suitcases, like a clamshell opening with two separate compartments, an exterior padded laptop pocket and multiple handles. Our tester took this bag on a recent trip to Montréal, and it was more than spacious enough for a three-day stay: 'I was able to squeeze in two pairs of pants, four shirts, a blazer, a sweater and a toiletry bag, and I used its shoe compartment to store a pair of flats," she says. However, our tester notes that it feels a bit heavy, despite its nylon construction, so it's not ideal for travelers who will be carrying heavy equipment in it, such as cameras or tech. It would be great for a road trip, though. Bellroy Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Editor's note: We tested the 35-liter weekender bag, which was recently discontinued. We included product information below for the 45-liter version. Dimensions: 14.6 × 26 × 11.8 inches | Capacity: 45 liters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Slate Best for: Extra space for packing Sturdy, rolled-edge handles and polyester construction Internal Apple AirTag pocket Skip if: You want a bag with a separate laptop sleeve If you're looking for a larger weekender for trips that might turn into an extended stay, we highly recommend the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. Bellroy utilizes fabrics from recycled sources, including fishing nets and plastic bottles, resulting in a sturdy, textured polyester that withstands frequent use and rough handling. Despite its simple, uncluttered exterior, it's packed with helpful features, including a detachable, padded shoulder strap, luggage pass-through and an internal AirTag pouch. 'It also offers excellent organization—I especially liked the raised mesh pockets inside, which allowed me to secure items I didn't want squished, and the side-slip pockets made it easy to grab things on the go,' says our tester, who traveled with this bag on a three-day trip to Germany. 'Plus, this bag conveniently fits into a car trunk, overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.' Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 18.1 x 11 x 7.3 inches | Capacity: 24 liters | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Materials: Nubuck leather | Colors: 4 total, including Charcoal and Chocolate Best for: Comfortable handling thanks to the 1.5-inch-wide shoulder strap Luxe material and finishes Skip if: You're looking for a budget-friendly option Surface can reveal minor scratches, so this bag will need to be occasionally brushed Although this bag is more expensive than other options on our list, its luxurious materials and beautiful design are worth the investment. The nubuck leather exterior is brushed for a suede-like finish and will stand the test of time since it's made from the toughest part of the hide. The streamlined size is easy to haul in and out of a car, train, or plane, and it features a total of four pockets (three on the inside and one on the outside). 'This is a very compact bag, akin to a small gym bag, and it slipped effortlessly into the cramped overhead bin on my flight,' says our tester, who used this bag on a weekend trip from Michigan to New York City. 'Its material also stands out for its ruggedness. The surface takes on some minor scratches and imperfections, but I found these came right out with a little brushing.' Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 10 inches | Capacity: 49 liters | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Materials: Poly canvas, vegan leather | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Beige Best for: Budget-friendly price Easy access opening Separate bottom compartment for shoes Skip if: You're worried about lighter colors staining For travelers who want a quality weekender that doesn't compromise on quality, our tester gave this bag high marks for its durable outer canvas and plethora of easy-access pockets. 'The material withstood multiple subway rides and trips without any wear and tear," says our tester, who now uses this bag frequently. "I also appreciate the durable, hard outer shell of the footwear compartment.' The wire-frame top completely opens to make packing and unpacking a breeze, and there's a padded laptop pocket to keep your tech safe during transit. The zipper pocket in the back unzips to become a trolley sleeve, and the bottom compartment helps store shoes or toiletries that you might want to keep separate. Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16.3 x 11 x 5.9 inches | Capacity: 27 liters | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Materials: Recycled polyester | Colors: 1 total, including Best for: Lightweight construction Water-resistant exterior is easy to care for Structured shape for easy packing and unpacking Skip if: You want a padded shoulder strap Having a structured bag helps when it comes to packing and unpacking, as it stands up on its own and won't topple over in an airport or train station. This well-designed weekender is also extremely lightweight, so even when it's fully packed, it's easy to carry and transport. 'I love its minimalist profile, not to mention its storage pockets,' says our tester. 'I especially appreciated how some of the inside pockets are mesh so you can easily see their contents, a really helpful feature if you're prone to losing important documents during travel. And while this is a small bag, I still managed to fit a whole weekend's worth of outfits—and a pair of shoes.' Other useful features include two water bottle pockets, a laptop sleeve and an adjustable shoulder strap. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage , including the best carry-on backpacks , the best underseat luggage and the best weekender bags . Katherine Louie , the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has worked on multiple tested travel product guides, including the best softside luggage and the best carry-on backpacks. , the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering travel and lifestyle topics. She has worked on multiple tested travel product guides, including the best softside luggage and the best carry-on backpacks. The travel section is overseen by Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, Astrid Taran , an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the best carry-on luggage and the best luggage . , an eight-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. Some of her recent work includes the and the . For this story, Louie gathered key insights and guidance from Ally Gibson , a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best weekender bags for men. Our travel editorial team evaluated ten different bags for this review. Our winners were evaluated based on their materials, dimensions, capacity, interior organization and durability. We researched all the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation and positive reviews, focusing on models with an average rating of at least four stars and a negligible number of concerning reviews, if any. Forbes Vetted editors and staffers tested our top six selections for several months. They provided detailed feedback on the bags, scoring each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed our final selections by focusing on the weekenders that scored higher than 3. The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team. When packing for a weekend trip, it's essential to find a bag that can withstand frequent handling, accommodate all your essentials and be compact enough to fit in a plane's overhead bin. Here are three key factors to consider before making a purchase. Capacity 'The ideal weekender should be spacious enough to fit clothing, toiletries, and a few extras for two to three days, but compact enough to comply with carry-on restrictions for most airlines,' says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. 'A capacity of 30 to 40 liters is generally ideal for a weekend's worth of clothing and gear.' However, consider how long you will be traveling and whether you might need extra space for bulky camera gear or oddly shaped items, such as a hair dryer. For a spacious bag that can accommodate more clothing, we recommend the Bellroy Classic Weekender 45L. Materials Weekender bags are available in a variety of materials, including leather, nylon and canvas. Canvas bags, such as the Mark & Graham Canvas And Leather Weekender, may show marks more easily, especially with lighter colors. Opt for darker hues like black, navy and dark olive instead. Nylon, polyester and leather bags (such as the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender and Away's The Weekender) are excellent choices that are both durable and easy to clean. 'If you prefer a classic style that ages beautifully, full-grain or top-grain leather is my favorite (though it's heavier),' says Gibson. She also recommends polyester for its lightweight construction and affordability. Extra Features Look for features that can make your overall travel experience more seamless, such as external pockets for quick-access items like your phone or wallet. 'One of the first things I look for is a removable padded shoulder strap, since it offers flexibility and comfort. I also appreciate a separate shoe compartment for keeping shoes or dirty laundry away from clean clothes,' says Gibson. She also recommends water-resistant linings or zippers, as well as a padded laptop sleeve, if you travel with electronics. 'Having a trolley sleeve is invaluable for slipping the bag over your suitcase handle, especially if you're like me and don't enjoy carrying heavy bags on your shoulder for extended periods.' Who Makes The Best Weekender Bag? After extensive research and testing, we recommend the Mark & Graham Canvas And Leather Weekender thanks to its durable materials, classic good looks and spacious main compartment. For an extra $15, you can personalize the bag (choose between laser engraving and embroidery), making it a great gift as well. What Type Of Bag Is Best For A Weekend Trip? 'Ultimately, the best weekender bag is one that matches your travel style, organizational needs and personal taste,' says Gibson. 'Investing in quality materials and thoughtful features is also a must if you want to ensure your bag lasts for years of adventures.' All the bags highlighted in this guide are well-suited for weekend trips, whether you prefer something ultra-compact, like the Carl Friedrik Compact Weekender, or an option with plenty of internal pockets to keep you organized (we recommend Away's The Weekender). What Is The Difference Between A Weekender And A Duffle Bag? Typically, weekender bags can fit enough clothing for a weekend trip (one to three days), whereas a duffle bag is slightly larger. Duffle bags usually have one large main compartment with little to no interior organization. However, both types of bags are soft-sided and feature carry handles or straps that enhance portability.
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
I'm a Travel Writer and My Go-To Travel Backpack Costs Less Than $30
As a full-time food and travel writer, I'm constantly flying to different places all over the world -- in fact, I take at least 50 flights a year. Wherever I go, my highest priority is that I have a spacious carry-on bag that I can easily hoist into the overhead compartment -- something that's also versatile enough to accommodate all my travel essentials. It doesn't take a professional traveler to know that having just the right luggage is essential. However, because I fly so often, I've tried out just about every type of carry-on bag you can find. And I say this with complete sincerity: This Dinictis backpack is the single best carry-on bag I've ever owned. And right now it's available in both the black and light gray colors for just $29. I'll admit that other carry-on bags might look more stylish and come in a wider array of colors. But I have yet to find one that meets my needs for durability, efficiency and affordability better than this well-designed travel bag that's just $40 at full retail price and that often goes on sale for less. If you have travel plans coming up this summer, this is the carry-on you want to bring along, full stop. And don't worry about misplacing your backpack. Simply throw in an AirTag, especially when you can get a pack of them for a superlow price too. Read more: Traveling Soon? 5 Unique AirTag Locations for Peace of Mind When only a backpack will do To be clear, my backpacking days were over before they started. Without the means for serious travel before age 25, my life as a traveler didn't kick off in earnest until I was equipped solely with roller-bag sensibilities. As an [age redacted]-year-old, when I scheduled myself for a bus trip along the coast of Peru, with overnight stays in modest accommodations, suddenly a roller bag felt kind of … well, prissy. Roller bags are decidedly inconvenient on unpaved or nontiled surfaces; plus, it's just not a good look when the vibe is more low-brow than luxury. This wasn't a backpacking trip by any means but a backpack was definitely called for. One that could accommodate a week's worth of clothing, amenities and a laptop but still potentially fit in a locker. The Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack came into my life for this particular trip, exceeding my expectations. Since that Peruvian adventure, this bag has come with me on every single trip, no matter the occasion. A backpack that works like a suitcase It's a backpack that packs like a suitcase. Dinictis Many travel backpacks are spacious and compartmentalized but the Dinictis 40L Travel Backpack operates like a suitcase. It opens along three sides so you can flip it open like a suitcase and pack accordingly, with straps for holding your clothing in place. This makes finding what you need much easier than shoving your belongings from the top down like a typical backpack. A side handle even allows you to carry it like a suitcase. When full, it can easily hold up to 10kg, or 22 pounds, the weight restriction for carry-on baggage for many of the discount airlines. Because it's a backpack, nobody has ever asked to weigh it for compliance. It will always look lighter than it is. Store your laptop with confidence As a writer, I always travel with a laptop so I'm concerned with its portability as well as safety. That said, I hate having it pressed right up against my back, which can be stiff and, depending on where you're going, sweaty. The laptop sleeve on this model is ideally situated near the (sweat-free) front of the pack but isn't the most outward-facing compartment. Honestly, protected by a foam divider, the laptop feels hidden, even when packed to the gills. Outside pockets are a must A side handle is key for navigating public transportation. Dinictis I am team-soft-body, even in roller-bags, for two reasons. First, it's much easier to shove last-minute items into an already zipped suitcase without the clamshell action of a hard case, and second: outside pockets. Who can travel without these? (No, I really want to know…) This backpack has two outer pocket compartments for miscellany, arguably three when considering the extra space in front of the laptop sleeve -- and four if you include the handy water bottle holder. There are even compartments within the compartments. These are the sorts of details that separate the high-functioning from the holding-up-the-line travelers, in my opinion. Read more: Essential Items to Pack and Avoid in a Carry-On Bag to Breeze Through TSA Lines A personal item that can masquerade as checked luggage Safe laptop storage is crucial for a travel writer and this bag has a dedicated sleeve. Vaultz Many travel backpacks have an infrastructure that keeps them in a certain shape, even when empty. The Dinictis model has enough structure to keep its sides afloat while you pack it, but its essence is still as a lightweight, fabric backpack. If you've ever been asked to prove that your carry-on actually qualifies as carry-on, you will understand that "smushability" is an important factor. I have packed this backpack for a weekend away and brought it on board as a personal item. (I will fly Spirit Airlines but I will only do it while giving them as little of my money as possible.) It can totally fit under the seat in front of you when necessary. The beauty of this travel backpack is that it is also suitable as checked baggage, with heavy-duty fabric that can withstand the journey. The straps can be unclipped and tucked away and the body cinched by additional clips, for a tidy package that doesn't make you feel panicky when you watch it being whisked away on the baggage conveyor. I've had many trips where it leaves with me as carry-on and returns as checked luggage. Even in the lighter gray color, its durable material doesn't reveal that it has ever seen the tread of a baggage carousel. It was the function I didn't even know I needed but now I never travel without it for this purpose. Read more: Best Laptop Backpack for 2025 Dinictis Travel Backpack specs Exterior dimensions: 9.8 x 13.8 x 19.6 inches Storage capacity: 40 liters Weight: 2.49 pounds Pockets: 1 exterior water bottle pocket, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 padded interior laptop pocket Carrying handles: 1 top, 1 side Material: Polyester and nylon 4.7 average rating on Amazon You don't even need to take it from me. The 40L Travel Backpack has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon. As someone who reviews various products for a living, I know just how rare this kind of rating is. And now that it's still selling for only $29, this bag is a pretty safe bet. When will this deal expire? There's no way to know how long this Amazon Prime Day-holdover deal will last. However, prices on the various colors of this backpack seem to change day by day. We'd definitely recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don't want to miss out on your color of choice if it happens to be on sale.
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Frequent Flier, and These Are the 8 Packing Mistakes Wasting Space in Your Carry-on
I come from a family of avid travelers. My mom has been traveling for more than 40 years and has racked up at least 2,000 hotel stays, and my dad takes an average of four work trips a year to Europe. I've been taking regular trips—both domestic and international—for more than 20 years, and I never check my bags. Needless to say, I've become a pro at packing a carry-on. Whether it's for a weekend getaway or weeklong trip, I strictly travel with carry-on luggage to keep my belongings close and to avoid a checked-bag fee. So I've had a lot of practice, and there are eight mistakes I see many travelers make that lead to overstuffing their bags. Below, I've broken down what you should pack instead to avoid those mistakes, and to become a pro carry-on-only traveler, and you can find everything in Amazon's travel store for as little as $9. Before discovering these packing cubes, I would just roll my clothes into my carry-on. It helped save some space, but I also had to unpack my bag just to find a belt or vitamins. With compression packing cubes, you can organize your bag by outfit or article of clothing. Bagail's packing cube set comes with four different-sized bags that, when zipped, condense everything down to a more compact size. Save additional space by creating a capsule wardrobe of a few bottoms and tops that can be mixed and matched to create different travel outfits. Wrinkle release spray is my secret weapon for keeping vacation outfits looking smooth and fresh without a lot of work. Portable steamers and irons are bulky and require an outlet, time, and patience. Downy's wrinkle spray works in a matter of seconds: Just lay your clothing flat, spritz it with wrinkle release spray, and use your hands to smooth the material out. That way, you can spend less time on your clothes and more time exploring. A hanging toiletry bag, like this one from Bagsmart, won't require digging around to find your makeup and skincare products. Instead, the built-in hanger can be placed on a hook or over the door to help you get to your products easily. Plus, the clear pockets put your toiletries on display, so all you have to do is glance, grab, and apply. Hotels provide a mix of toiletries, like shampoo and conditioner, that'll help you conserve bag space. So, I only bring a small hair oil, like this shopper-loved formula by Verb. Not only does it help reduce frizz, but it protects my strands from heat, and I find it makes my hair softer and shinier. Storage space is limited in a carry-on, but that doesn't mean you can't still pack hair accessories. Hot tools are big and bulky, and most hotels provide some sort of blow dryer. These Luckybear hair rods can give you curls or a fresh blowout look overnight; Just roll your hair before bed and use the built-in clips to keep it in place. Packable rain jackets make it easy to bring an extra layer without taking up a lot of space in your bag. This style from Outdoor Ventures is water- and wind-proof to keep you dry and warm during rainy days. The jacket can fold down into a packable size you can store in your carry-on and still have space for a pair of shoes. When you pack pill bottles separately, they take up space, and you have to spend time digging around your carry-on to find each one. Pill organizers are small enough to fit in a personal item bag and keep all of your vitamins and medicine in one convenient spot. Betife's travel-friendly design has seven compartments to separate what you need by day of the week or type of pill, and it has side locks to keep everything secure. I used to throw my necklaces into a side mesh pocket inside my carry-on, but it always left my jewelry all knotted up. Fed up with wasting time unknotting necklaces, I started using a travel jewelry case, and it completely transformed my unpacking experience. This Bagsmart travel jewelry bag has a fabric that's flexible enough to bend and fold into your luggage. It also has a button closure to keep everything extra secure. My jewelry is now organized into separate pockets and hooks, which makes it easier to locate what piece I want to wear when I'm ready to go out. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
13 Things to Never Pack in a Carry-on for International Trips, and What to Bring Instead From $8
In my years as an Italian travel writer and frequent flier, I've come to learn the hard way that your international flight experience can be seriously impacted by what you pack. And with airlines increasing baggage fees to near astronomical levels, I've started traveling with only a carry-on suitcase and a personal item bag to cut down on unnecessary costs. Through trial and error, I've discovered the 13 things you should never pack in your carry-on suitcase for an international trip, as well as what you should definitely have on hand. Smart tech items like noise-canceling earphones, matching sets to streamline your wardrobe, and space-saving items such as compression packing cubes are all travel essentials that help me maximize my limited luggage real estate and comfort levels on even the longest of flights. The good news is that many of my favorite must-haves are currently on sale at Amazon, and they start at just $8. There's no doubt that vacuum seal bags are great at compressing clothing, but once compressed, the bags' material is rigid and hard to cram into a carry-on suitcase (not to mention they're notorious for adding extra weight). I prefer compression packing cubes, like this set from Gonex, not only for their compressing ability but also because of how squishy and flexible they are—their ripstop nylon material makes it easier for me to fit more into my carry-on suitcase. And, because they compress via a zipper, I don't need to carry around a hand pump or worry about finding a vacuum. I travel with a lot of tech, which means that I'm usually dragging behind too many cables and adaptors for my phone, portable chargers, camera batteries, and Amazon Fire Tablet. To keep everything organized in one easy-to-reach space, I use a cable organizer, like this one from Fyy. It's slim enough to fit into a carry-on or personal item, and has a slew of compartments, pockets, and pouches so you can quickly grab what you need when you need it. Best of all, it's racked up almost 17,000 five-star ratings and is currently just $8. I used to always carry a backpack as a personal item when I traveled, until I was gifted this weekender bag from Etronik. While I've now upgraded to the Béis Mini Weekender, I find weekender bags to be superior to backpacks in terms of on-the-go organization and storage capacity. The Etronik weekender, for example, comes with a bottom zippered shoe compartment, which is ideal for packing away clunky pairs of shoes or any other belongings that don't fit in your carry-on. It's also slim enough to fit beneath the seat in front of you, and features a handy USB-charging port so you can stay connected while on the go. In my eyes, traveling with open-toed shoes is a big no-no. Not only do they raise questions surrounding hygiene, as airports and airplanes are dirty, but they're also generally not the most comfortable footwear. To stay comfy while traveling, consider investing in a versatile and comfortable pair of sneakers, like these podiatrist-approved (and TikTok-famous) Dr. Scholl's Madison Lace Up Sneakers. Clean and sleek, they can be worn around to sightsee, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner. Investing in a versatile pair like this will also save you much-needed space in your suitcase, removing the need to pack too many pairs of shoes. I know, I know—wired earphones are a thing of the past, but they're still handed out on flights, and I tend to see more people than not who accept and use them to watch an in-flight movie. Wired earphones get in the way and don't necessarily provide the best audio quality, unlike these Apple AirPods Pro, which are wireless and noise-canceling. I pair them with this traveler-loved, pocket-sized Bluetooth audio transmitter, which lets me connect my AirPods to the airplane's seatback television. My AirPods help drone out the general cabin noise and the rumbling jet engines, letting me focus on my music, movie, or audiobook. Plus, the small charging case they come in can easily pack in a crossbody bag, or you can also invest in a traveling sleeve with a carabiner to hook them onto a bag strap. While these AirPods usually come with a heftier price tag, you can snag them right now for 40 percent off their original price. Large toiletry bags can take up a lot of unnecessary and valuable space in a carry-on suitcase. To save on precious luggage real estate and remove a stressor when passing through hectic security lines, consider this pack of two small, transparent toiletry bags from Packism. Spacious enough to fit your essentials, the toiletry bags have two very specific advantages: they're small enough to fit into a personal item such as a weekender bag so you don't have to worry about fishing them out of your suitcase ahead of security; and they're transparent, allowing airport workers to clearly see what you've packed, which can cut down on time spent passing through security checkpoints. Overall, they can help make your pre-flight experience a little smoother, which is all the more worth it when you consider that they're currently on sale for just $8. An open-top purse or tote bag, no matter how many features it may come with, isn't an ideal option to travel with because it increases the risk of your personal belongings falling out and getting lost. Uto's three-in-one crossbody bag is my go-to travel purse ever since I purchased it for a week-long road trip through Ireland. Although small, the bag boasts a slew of organizational options: three zippered compartments and a removable and zippered, chest-level coin purse. In the bag, I can pack away my three passports, my wallet, a portable charger and its cable, my Apple AirPods Pro, my AirFly device, and multiple lip balms, hand sanitizers, and hand creams—with room to spare. It can easily survive the wear and tear of traveling long distances thanks to its water- and scratch-resistant synthetic-washed leather exterior, not to mention that it's pretty cute, too. The bag's budget-friendly price tag is just the cherry on top. I get it, pajamas are comfortable, but they're not the most stylish option to wear when traveling, nor are they ideal when you land at your destination—hailing a taxi in pajamas in some European countries can automatically mark you as a tourist, and increase the risk of being scammed and paying a higher price (in Italy, for example, taxi drivers will sometimes take a more circuitous route to rack up time and money on their meters if they suspect this). But that doesn't mean you have to forgo comfort on international flights. A matching set, like this one from Amazon, is a traveler-loved outfit that scores high in the style and comfort departments. But don't just take it from me—after all, this matching set, on sale for $38 and available in over 20 colors, has more than 2,000 five-star ratings from shoppers. While travel steamers can help remove the more stubborn wrinkles from your clothing, they take up precious space in a carry-on suitcase. That's where travel-sized wrinkle-release spray comes in. I use this small but mighty Bounce wrinkle-release spray to get any pesky lines and creases out of my clothes while I travel, and they have the added benefit of also eliminating static and musty odors. The 3-ounce, TSA-approved spray comes in a pack of three at Amazon, which is great for if you're traveling with friends or family. And for serious wrinkles, I usually spray my clothing and then hang them up in the bathroom when taking a hot shower and let the steam do the rest. Traveling by plane for extended periods of time can leave you feeling and looking like a dehydrated husk, which can also make it harder to fight jet lag. That's why staying hydrated is essential when up in the air. I always bring my stainless steel Hydro Flask water bottle with me when I travel, and fill it up at the airport fountains and when flying (some flight attendants will generously fill it up for me). The Stainless steel interior not only keeps your water cool, but it's also leakproof—and not to mention devoid of plastic. Next time you travel, skip the expensive airport plastic water bottles and help the environment by taking a stainless steel water bottle with you instead. Plus, the Hydro Flask 24-ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottle is just $40 in select colors. While I love the feeling of a good hardcover book in my hands, packing just one can take up a lot of space in a carry-on suitcase, not to mention the weight it adds. That's why I always travel with my best friend: an Amazon Fire Tablet. It's sleek and thin, so it can easily fit into my personal item, and it can store hundreds of books that I'll have access to on the go. Plus, I've noticed that if I'm only using my device to read, it can go days without needing a charge. It's a versatile device to have on that hand that'll keep you entertained while taking up very little space. Best of all, the Amazon Fire Tablet is a literal tablet—you can use it to play games like Solitaire, download a movie on the Netflix app, listen to music on the Spotify app, and even jump on a Zoom call without needing to bring your laptop. I always travel with a decent amount of rings, necklaces, and earrings so that I can properly accessorize my outfits. If you're anything like me, then you understand the need to have your jewelry packed away in one secure and organized space. This foldable travel jewelry case from Bagsmart is a less clunky option to traditional travel jewelry cases, which are usually quite boxy. Its rollable pouch-like design is also very compact, so it can easily fit in a personal belonging or even a crossbody bag. But don't let its small size fool you—it packs quite a punch when it comes to organization. It features three zippered compartments for larger earrings and necklaces, an earring panel that can hold seven pairs of earrings, and a long buckled band to store your rings, all of which can be yours for $16. Travel can already be a miserably uncomfortable affair, and there's no need to make it worse by wearing an underwire bra that digs into your skin with every twist and turn of your body. If you're looking for something that's comfortable but still supportive, look no further than this Calvin Klein seamless bralette. It's crafted with soft microfiber that's gentle on skin and is lightly lined with removable pads for a barely-there look. It's currently available in sizes XS to XL, and in neutral colors including black and beige, for $24. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
