How I Survive on Just a Carry-On (Without Looking Like a Scrub)
The name of the game here, people, is Quality over Quantity.
You don't need to limit your outfit options; you just need to limit the actual number of clothes you pack. Does that make sense? It’s all about strategy, fabrics, and a little bit of discipline. If I can learn to live out of a single rolling bag for weeks at a time, so can you.
Here is exactly how I do it.
1. Invest in the Right Fabrics (Seriously)
Purchase clothing items with a high percentage of Merino Wool. Why? Because merino wool doesn’t hold moisture, it wicks away heat, it dries lightning-fast, and it doesn’t stink. This means you can wear that shirt more than once without clearing out a room.
Next, buy clothing you could hike a mountain in or wear to dinner. I’m serious. Think "high-tech fashion" brands like Lululemon, Athleta, Vuori, Sweaty Betty, or Alo. They pride themselves on tech fabrics that move with you, wick moisture, offer UV protection, and have hidden vents—all while looking cute enough for a nice meal. You get the function of hiking gear without looking like you're lost on the Appalachian Trail.
2. Embrace the "Pro-Traveler" Laundry Life
Remember that point about fabrics? It matters because you are going to do laundry on the road.
My husband and I have literally become pros at washing our clothes while we travel. Don’t knock it till you try it! When you pack the right materials—Merino wool, lightweight cotton, linen—everything dries super fast. I have proudly hung my clothes out to dry on balconies all over the world.
3. Packing Cubes are Non-Negotiable
Packing cubes will change your life.
Any packing cube will do, but keep quality in mind—you do not want to explode a cheap zipper halfway through your trip. Read the Amazon reviews before you buy. I use compression cubes, and it honestly becomes a game for me. How much can I shove in there and still get it to zip? I’m impressed by the physics of it every single time.
4. The Two-Shoe Rule
Shoes were a hard lesson for me to learn. Ugh. But after you lug a massive checked bag over European cobblestone streets, heavy fashion shoes suddenly lose their appeal.
Now, you get two pairs max. One goes on your feet for travel day, and the other must collapse enough to fit easily into your carry-on. My go-to combo is a solid pair of sneakers (trainers) and a pair of packable sandals or canvas loafers. That’s it.
5. Never Skip the First-Aid Kit
I ALWAYS bring a first-aid kit, especially since I travel solo a lot. It’s the exact same pre-packed pouch on every single trip. Here’s my survival list:
Band-Aids: The good ones, not the cheap plastic ones that fall off in five minutes.
Stomach Defense: Ginger chews AND travel-size Dramamine. (Insert link: Read my Athens blog if you want to know why...), plus a travel pack of TUMS.
Tools: Tweezers, nail clippers, hair ties, and a small pair of scissors.
Meds: Travel packs of Tylenol, Mucinex, and ZzzQuil.
Anxiety Chasers: Two packs of chamomile lavender tea.
With this setup, I can handle the start of almost any common illness without having to play Russian roulette at a foreign pharmacia.
6. The Airport Strategy: Wear Your Layers
This is how your favorite bulky sweater, hoodie, or cardigan makes the cut: You wear it on the plane. Not only does it save massive amounts of space in your bag, but plane cabins are notoriously freezing. If you get hot, you can roll it up to use as a pillow or a blanket.
One final pro-tip: Your personal item (backpack or purse) should ALWAYS contain a backup pair of underwear, socks, and your toothbrush. Sometimes a gate agent will force you to check your carry-on at a crowded flight, and god forbid that bag gets lost (See my Finland luggage disaster blog), you won't have to wear the same underwear for two days in a row.
