Traveling with only a carry-on has a lot of pros. You can save money on baggage fees, skip the wait at baggage claim, avoid lost luggage drama, and move easily through airports, buses, trains, cobblestone streets, and tiny hotel elevators.

However, packing for a 10-day trip in a carry-on might sound impossible. But it’s 100 percent doable – and liberating! This summer, I traveled through Spain and France for 14 days with just a carry-on. And yes, I still had room for local treats on the way home!

Here’s what helped me to feel organized without sacrificing comfort, style or options.

Step 1: Start With the Right Bag

Choose a lightweight, durable, airline-approved carry-on (typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller).

Soft-shell bags are more flexible; hard-shells offer better protection. Bonus points if it has compression straps or expandable space.

Step 2: Stick to a Capsule Wardrobe

You don‘t need 10 separate outfits for 10 days! Think mix and match. Here’s the 5-4-3-2-1 formula:

5 tops
4 bottoms
3 pairs of shoes
2 dresses or layers – depending on what you need and the weather
Plus 1 of each accessory – like a bag, belt, sunglasses, and a small jewelry set

For example, if you are creating your travel capsule for warm weather, you may want to include the following pieces in your formula:

Tanks, T-shirts, lightweight tees, linen top, lightweight button-down
Two pairs of comfortable shorts, a short- or mid-length skirt, loose cotton or linen pants
Sneakers, sandals, flats, or flip-flops
Breezy day dress, elegant midi or maxi evening dress
Pick the accessories that pair best with the shoes you’re taking with you. It can be a crossbody bag or small backpack, belt, sunglasses, a small jewelry set, hat, scarf- you name it!

Choose a color palette. Go with neutrals with 1–2 accent colors so everything mixes and matches. Think navy, white, black, beige, olive — they all mix easily.

Lay everything out before packing and remove at least 1 outfit — you won’t need it. Skip “just in case” items – they’re trip killers! Remember: you’re traveling, not moving in. Less stuff means more freedom.

Step 3: Roll, Don’t Fold

Rolling your clothes saves space, reduces wrinkles, and makes everything visible.

Packing cubes can also save space and keep your bag organized. Try this layout:

One cube for clothes
One for undergarments/ sleepwear
One for accessories or toiletries
Don‘t forget to use every inch. For example, shoes are great hiding spots for socks or chargers!

Step 4: Plan to Wash

Worried about running out of clean clothes? Don’t be! Pack light, do laundry once. You can always use laundry service at the hotel or on the cruise ship.

A tip: bring a small packet of travel detergent and wash items in the sink. This lets you pack fewer underwear, socks, and tops.

Step 5: Minimize Toiletries

Only 100ml / 3.4 oz containers are allowed in your carry-on — and they all need to fit in one clear quart-sized bag.

Use refillable travel-size containers for:

Shampoo/ conditioner
Moisturizer or sunscreen
Body wash
Facial cleanser
Also pack:
A solid deodorant or bar soap
A comb or brush
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Razor (manual, not electric)

Pro Tip no1: Use a ziplock bag or a waterproof pouch — leaks happen.

Pro Tip no2: Most accommodations have soap/ shampoo — don’t overpack backups.

Step 6: Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Always wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane. It saves space and keeps you warm during flights.

Example plane outfit:

Sneakers or boots
Jeans or leggings
T-shirt + hoodie or jacket
Scarf (doubles as a blanket)

Layer up on travel day and peel off once you're on board.

Step 7: Maximize Your Personal Item

Your personal item is your second bag of gold. Use a backpack or tote that fits under the seat and pack:

Travel docs + passport
Wallet, phone, charger, power bank
A book, Kindle, or tablet
Snacks
A reusable water bottle (empty through security)
Travel pillow + sleep mask for long flights
A foldable tote bag for souvenirs or laundry

Travel Light, Live Large

Packing light isn’t about sacrificing comfort — it’s about traveling smarter. You’ll move quicker, stress less, and still have everything you need. Plus, you’ll never again be that person dragging an overstuffed suitcase up a hill in Dubrovnik or Lisbon. Go ahead — plan that 10-day trip with confidence.

Bon voyage! And may your carry-on always zip closed on the first try!