I used to travel for a living, so when it comes to packing, let’s say I could win awards. I still travel frequently for pleasure, and one thing I refuse to do is check a bag. I’ve been to over 50 countries on planes of all sizes, and I always manage to fit everything I need in a single carry-on bag. From bulky ski coats and pants for Antarctica to 15 days’ worth of clothes for Jordan and Egypt to a sheepskin rug I once purchased in Patagonia, I’ve truly packed it all and then some–all without ever checking a bag.    

In fact, my friends say it’s my superpower and jokingly ask if they can pay me to pack for them. So what’s my secret? Over the years I’ve picked up a few packing hacks, and a lot of it comes down to having the right tools. Utilizing savvy travel products like compression packing cubes, three-in-one foldable chargers, and a roomy personal item bag goes a long way. Plus, I keep my packing list light by opting for do-it-all comfy sneakers, day-to-night dresses, and layerable basics. 

With the right products and tricks, you too can say buh-bye to checked baggage fees and standing around at the baggage carousel waiting for your luggage to arrive. Here are my 16 travel must-haves for packing a carry-on — starting from just $5.    

Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Set

Compression packing cubes have been a game changer for me when it comes to being able to fit everything I need in a small carry-on. I’ve used this Gonex set for over two years now and they’ve helped me fit two weeks of clothes into my carry-on for a trip to Egypt, 10 days of hiking and city clothes for Milan and the Dolomites, and more. Plus, they make organizing your suitcase that much easier. 

Iseyyox 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Apple Charging Station

One of my holy grail travel products, this handy little charger folds up to easily fit in a tech case or purse and only requires one outlet to charge three devices. Instead of packing separate bulky chargers for my iPhone, Apple AirPods, and Apple Watch, I just need this one portable charger to get the job done.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag With Hanging Hook

Not only does this genius toiletry bag make it a breeze to organize and pack everything from my toothbrush to my skincare products, but it folds in on itself to take up less space. Plus, gone are the days of worrying about not having enough sink space in a tiny hotel bathroom. Just hang the swivel hook from a towel rack or door hook and you’re good to go.

Did I mention the inside pockets are a waterproof TPU material? So, on the chance one of your toiletries spills, it won’t ruin the rest of your clothes in your bag and cleaning it up is as easy as wiping the pocket down with water. 

Brandless Travel Organizer

I’ve used this $15 organizer for over seven years now, and it’s never failed me. It has plenty of pockets both on the outside and inside for organizing all those little extras. I throw all my chargers, Apple AirPods, tissues, lip balm, medications, and more in here and then toss it right in my travel tote for easy access. 

Samsonite Lightweight Hardside Carry-on Luggage Spinner

No matter how well you pack your carry-on, if it doesn’t meet your aircraft’s size and weight requirements, they’re going to make you check it. And for some international airlines, that weight limit isn’t very high. That’s why I always make sure I have the lightest carry-on possible so I’m not starting with a suitcase that’s half the weight limit on its own.

I swear by my Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin U carry-on, which is one of the lightest suitcases on the market, coming in at just 4.4 pounds. But if you’re not quite ready to splurge on a Rimowa bag, this Samsonite suitcase is a great option that’s only 5 pounds, and Samsonite is one of Travel + Leisure editors’ favorite luggage brands for the best carry-ons.

Etronik Travel Bag With Shoes Compartment

Another trick for ditching checked luggage is to use a large personal item that still fits under your seat so you have as much packing room as possible. I love my Béis Weekend Travel Bag since I can fit an extra two or three days’ worth of clothes in it, plus it has pockets for laptops and other gadgets.

The separate shoe compartment is detachable, so I can choose to throw in an extra pair of shoes, or zip it off and make the bag smaller for a little extra leg room on my flight. This similar best-selling weekender bag on Amazon has all these same great features, and it’s a steal at just $25 right now. 

Veja Campo Leather Sneakers

One of the easiest ways to ensure more room in your bag is to cut down on the number of shoes you need to bring. A white sneaker is a classic, and I absolutely love my Veja Campos since they’re the perfect mix of casual and chic and can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses. These are also very comfy and didn’t give me any blisters when I walked over 50,000 steps in Italy. Plus, in T+L tests, they came out on top as our editors’ pick for the best white sneakers. 

Steve Madden Leather Sandals

Following the same rule as above, I can usually get away with packing just one pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals as my only shoes for most trips. Not only are these sandals flat enough that they take up very little carry-on space, but they also look fabulous with fancier dresses and bathing suits alike. Plus, they come in 25 colorways, from classic brown and black to raffia and pearl versions. You might even mistake these for this $800 designer sandal — but don’t worry, these are a fraction of the price.

SinZip 12-piece Zipper Nylon Mesh Pouch Set

I organize my swimwear at home by rolling each bathing suit up and putting it in one of these handy nylon zipper pouches and then line them all up in a drawer. For vacation, I just grab the one I want and throw it in my suitcase or beach bag, taking up very little space. It makes for easy organizing when heading to my destination, and for return trips, it helps keep any still-damp swimwear separate from other items in my bag while still letting it breathe to avoid any mustiness. 

Depoza Leak-proof Silicone Squeezable Travel Bottles Set

One of the easiest and most obvious space-saving packing hacks? Never pack full bottles or jars of your toiletries, skincare, or makeup. This ensures you won’t have to check a bag due to the size of your liquids and gives you much more space in your toiletry bag. This handy TSA-approved set of leakproof containers makes it a breeze to bring only the amount of shampoo or face cream you actually need.

FyGrip 16-pack Vacuum Storage Bags Set With Hand Pump

If you plan to travel for a month or more, or need to pack bulky items, vacuum-sealed bags are like a magic trick for packing. Those thick sweaters and ski jackets will flatten right out giving you tons of extra space. Plus, this set comes with a handy hand pump you can bring along so you can reseal all the bags for your trip home.

Yujunkeman Leather Hat Clip 

These simple leather hat clips have made it a breeze for me to pack wide-brim hats without needing to give up any space in my bags. Plus, it eliminates the need to roll or flatten your hats leaving them misshapen once you reach your destination. Just snap one onto your purse or roller bag handle.

Quince Washable Silk Slip Dress

This little black slip dress is my secret packing weapon. It takes up virtually no space and can be worn under a sweater or over a white tee with sneakers for a casual daytime look. Dress it up with heels and some jewelry and you’re ready for that fancy vacation dinner reservation. The fit of this specific dress I find to be very flattering, since it hugs in just slightly at the waist, giving you some shape while still being flowy and comfy.

Madewell Utility-Pocket Button-up Shirt

In general, a great tip for packing light is to invest in a solid travel capsule wardrobe made up of mix-and-match basics. And a classic white button-up is a good place to start since it can work for everything from work meetings for business travel to throwing over your bikini at the beach to keep the sun off your shoulders.

Coalatree Trailhead Pants

Another workhorse packing staple is a pair of wrinkle-free pants. I love this pair from Coalatree since they can be rolled to take up very little space, and the stain- and stink-proof fabricate that’s also sweat-wicking means you can wear these on repeat. They can also easily be dressed up or down for outdoor adventures or city strolls. I’ve worn them everywhere from visiting the pyramids in Egypt to museums in Copenhagen to hiking in the Italian Alps. For a cheaper option, Amazon shoppers say these travel pants are stylish and comfy, and wrinkles “fall right out.”        

Polecasa Extra-large Heavy-duty Laundry Bag

Pro tip: always check hotel websites or call ahead to see if laundry service is available (sometimes it’s even complimentary depending on where you stay). For longer trips especially, being able to do a load of laundry mid-way through your vacation will cut down on your packing needs significantly. I always pack a laundry bag with a drawstring so I can keep dirty clothes separate and ensure any dirty clothes smells are contained.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.