April 29, 2026, 8:24 am | Read time: 4 minutes

If you’re used to taking a lot with you, switching to carry-on travel might seem difficult at first. From my experience, I can say that my travels have become much simpler without a large suitcase. Not only do you save time at baggage drop-off and pick-up, but you also have less to carry and more space in the hotel room. Traveling with carry-on has become my absolute game changer for shorter trips. Here’s my list of things I never pack again.

“Just-in-case Clothing”

The bulkiest items packed in masses are clothes. Of course, you need a small selection and should match your travel wardrobe to planned activities and the weather. Still, I used to take everything five times over because you have to be prepared for all scenarios. No, you don’t. In most cases, I return with mostly unworn clothes and regret packing so much. That’s why hiking boots are no longer packed for beach vacations, and rain jackets are left behind in bright sunshine. In an absolute emergency, you’ll surely find a nearby store to equip you for sudden weather or activity changes.

Thick Travel Guides

Before every big trip, a corresponding travel guide appears from somewhere. Either friends and family see it as the perfect gift, or you subconsciously feel obliged to buy one. In principle, it’s not wrong to get inspiration for the upcoming trip. For a first taste, a travel guide can be useful. However, I believe that the real insider tips aren’t found in these overly heavy booklets. And you don’t need it on vacation either, especially not in our digital world. Whether it’s restaurants, hotels, sights, or hidden beaches–if you don’t find them directly in the browser, then on Instagram, TikTok, and the like. If you really want to try traveling with only carry-on, you should say goodbye to your travel guide and make better use of the internet’s possibilities. You really only buy a travel guide for peace of mind, right?

“Mini-Everything”

Hairdryers, shower gel, body lotion, often even steamers or ironing boards are almost always available in hotels or Airbnbs. So, all of this can be left at home with a clear conscience. Yes, you’d like to have your beloved hairdryer or special shampoo with you, but it’s not necessary. Such products only take up unnecessary space that could be used for more important things. Also, in most airports, you can only take liquids of up to 100 ml per container in carry-on luggage. So, you might as well leave it at home. I now only take the most necessary toiletries with me. This way, you don’t even get stressed about decanting everything into travel sizes. And the next drugstore is surely not too far away if something important is needed.

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Travel Pharmacy

Lastly, I no longer take a heavy, bulky travel pharmacy on vacation. I always have a pack of acetaminophen or ibuprofen with me, and the rest stays at home. Of course, it depends on which country you’re traveling to and what activities are planned. Some might take a few other things. If you’re dependent on certain medications, you must pack them. My tip: don’t take whole packages, just individual blister packs and put them in a small bag. This way, you can save space and still have everything important together.

From Now On, Only Carry-On

Of course, there are things that shouldn’t be missing on any trip. If I’m unsure, it helps me to ask myself before the trip, “Have I used this in the last seven days?” If not, it usually stays at home.

Besides the necessary clothes and toiletries, I have must-haves that I don’t want to miss. For me, it’s my journal, my laptop, and a good book. The most important items must, of course, come along. But it’s worth limiting yourself to three or four truly essential things and packing the rest smartly.