Carry-on Packing Guide
Ten days in one bag. The rules, the tricks, and the specific items that make it possible.
Travelling with only carry-on for a week or more is a habit, not a talent. Once you set up your bag and packing rules, it becomes the default that saves you time at every airport.
Pick the right bag
A 40 to 45 litre bag with a rigid shape sizes to most international carry-on limits. Rolling versus backpack is personal - rolling wins on flat surfaces, backpack wins on cobblestones and staircases.
Test-fit against your airline's sizer at home. Some Ryanair 55 x 40 x 20 bags actually measure 56 x 41 - the airport sizer will reject them.
The rule of five
For a 10 day trip, pack 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 5 pairs of socks and underwear, one warm layer, one waterproof, one pair of comfortable shoes plus what you wear.
Wash mid-trip. Almost every hotel has a sink and every city has a laundromat. Merino wool travel-friendly clothing dries overnight.
Toiletries and liquids
Buy a Muji or GoToob set of 100 ml silicone bottles once. Fill from your normal shampoo and moisturiser at home. Solid options - shampoo bars, solid deodorant, toothpaste tabs - avoid the liquids rule entirely.
Electronics and cables
A universal adapter with USB-C is worth every penny. Bring one 30W GaN charger that handles laptop, phone, and headphones.
Keep chargers in a small pouch so security doesn't scatter them across a tray.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a coat on the plane in addition to my bag?
Yes, coats and jackets are not counted as personal items on most airlines.
What about shoes?
Wear your bulkiest pair on the plane. Pack no more than two additional pairs for a 10 day trip.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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