7 Tricks Jet-Setters Swear By When Traveling With Only a Carry-On

Whether you’re a regular jet-setter or take a trip once or twice a year, we can all agree that traveling with luggage can make for a bumpy takeoff and landing. And with the holidays right around the corner, the last thing on our wish list is dealing with checking in luggage and long lines.

Here at Style Salute, we are all about traveling light and simple. That said, we know it’s not easy for a girl to downsize from a large to a cabin size suitcase seems impossible for any girl. But, we’ve tested it, and we can assure you it only makes for a better traveling experience — and more often than not, we really don’t use half the things we pack. Whether you are going on a work day trip, a weekend getaway, or backpacking through Europe, being able to travel with only a carry on is a luxury, and many adventures ahead of us, we want to learn this life skill of packing light now.

Click through for seven tricks jet-setters swear by when traveling with only a carry-on.

Plan Before You Pack

CALPAK Ambeur 22-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On
CalPak CALPAK Ambeur 22-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On 135
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Under pressure we tend to throw whatever is in sight into our suitcase, leading to over packing and an overwhelming amount of clothing for just a weekend getaway. Instead, thoughtfully create a packing list before you start rummaging through your drawers. This will help you to only pack the most necessary items.

Delsey Châtelet Hard + four-wheel cabin suitcase 55cm
Delsey Delsey Châtelet Hard + four-wheel cabin suitcase 55cm 265
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Mix and Match

Porter Yoshida & Co. Shop Original Logo Luggage Tag in White
Co Porter Yoshida & Co. Shop Original Logo Luggage Tag in White 69
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As much as having options is nice, packing your entire wardrobe is a little ambitious. Instead pick your top choices, and then look to see which items best mix and match together. Also, pack a pair of shoes that can be dressed up or down so that shoes don’t take up half of your bag. People will be so impressed with your ability to wear a single style so many ways.

Gift Boutique Bags 1-2-3 Luggage Tag Box Set
Gift Boutique Bags 1-2-3 Luggage Tag Box Set 16
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Smythson - Panama Textured-leather Luggage Tag - Sky blue
Smythson Smythson – Panama Textured-leather Luggage Tag – Sky blue 115
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Roll and Fly

Sleep Mask - Blue by Earth Therapeutics
Earth Therapeutics Sleep Mask – Blue by Earth Therapeutics 10
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To maximize space, try rolling and compacting your clothes. You might have to iron your clothes after, but you will be so relieved when you have that extra pair of undies. There’s usually no weight limit for a carryon so roll away, girl.

Catherine & Jean - Alexis Eye Mask Pink Stripe
Catherine & Jean – Alexis Eye Mask Pink Stripe 26
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Elizabethw Silk Sleep Eye Mask
elizabeth W Elizabethw Silk Sleep Eye Mask “Floral Blush” 50
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Multi-Purpose Toiletries

Sensorpedic SensorPEDIC Majestic U-Neck Memory Foam Accessory Pillow
Sensorpedic Sensorpedic SensorPEDIC Majestic U-Neck Memory Foam Accessory Pillow 19.99
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This is when you realize why one-in-one shampoo and conditioners were invented. Try to find as many multi-purpose beauty products so that you won’t have to deal with multiple bottles and sprays. Just make sure all your toiletries are in a 3.4 ounce bottle or less, are in a single quart-sized bag, and are closed tightly so there’s no spillage. And if you forget things, don’t freak, most hotels and convenience stores will be stocked with the basics.

Bucky bucky Minnie Compact Round Neck Pillow in Damask
Bucky Bucky bucky Minnie Compact Round Neck Pillow in Damask 24.99
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Sensorgel Gel-Infused Memory Foam Travel U-Neck Pillow
Sensorgel Gel-Infused Memory Foam Travel U-Neck Pillow 50
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The Sky Is The Limit

Phone Charging Passport Holder -Multiple Variations with Upgraded Power Bank- RFID Blocking - Travel Wallet Compatible with All Phones - Travel Accessories (Blush)
Phone Charging Passport Holder -Multiple Variations with Upgraded Power Bank- RFID Blocking – Travel Wallet Compatible with All Phones – Travel Accessories (Blush) Phone Charging Passport Holder -Multiple Variations with Upgraded Power Bank- RFID Blocking – Travel Wallet Compatible with All Phones – Travel Accessories (Blush)
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While you have to stick to the parameter of your carryon, there are endless ways to creatively squeeze within these boundaries. Fill your socks with any fragile items, stuff your socks in your sneakers, place your jewelry pouch in your hat, and the ways to get creative with space continue. It will surprise you how many things you can stuff into all the little nooks and crannies.

AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case for Small Electronics and Accessories, Black
AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case for Small Electronics and Accessories, Black AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case for Small Electronics and Accessories, Black 11.49
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Zoppen Mulit-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet (Ver.4) Tri-fold Document Organizer Holder, Wine Red/Burgundy
Zoppen Mulit-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet (Ver.4) Tri-fold Document Organizer Holder, Wine Red/Burgundy Zoppen Mulit-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet (Ver.4) Tri-fold Document Organizer Holder, Wine Red/Burgundy 28
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Technology In Airplane Mode

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Book
Bobbi Brown Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Book 29.95
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Instead of lugging around a 500-page book, DVD, or magazine, download everything onto your preferred electronic device before you take off. Everything on one tablet, you won’t have to topple over your sleeping seatmates as you get up and down to search through your bag in the overhead bin. All entertainment will be at your reach.

Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers
Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers 23
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Hardball for Women: Winning at the Game of Business: Third Edition
Hardball for Women: Winning at the Game of Business: Third Edition 17
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Airplane Dress

Concept Zip Travel Tote With Leather Accents
Lacoste Concept Zip Travel Tote With Leather Accents 115
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The best thing is, there is no limit to the amount of clothing you can have on your person during the flight. Save space in your carry-on, and wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the plane. Don’t forget, most airlines let you bring a small personal item as well, so fill it up.