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Here’s everything on T+L editors checklists for ditching checked luggage and traveling with a carry-on.

A hand packing the bagsmart compression packing cubes in a suitcase

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Ive visited over 35 countries and counting, which translates to countless flights.

Whenever possible, I use just a carry-on to save time, money, and stress.

Now, Im a self-proclaimed medium-maintenance gal.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

Credit: Amazon

I like having options.

Most important is selecting highly functional luggage.

Once youve selected your top-choice bag, pack it efficiently by usingpacking cubes(ideally ones thatcompress!)

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner across carpet

Credit: Travel + Leisure

However, not all carry-ons are created equal.

But where it really stood out in our testing was the addition of an integrated hardside front pocket.

Best Carry-on Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Sometimes, its better to go hands-free.

A person places the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner into an overhead compartment

How naive I was to assume that all my folded clothes would actually stay that way?

The variety in sizing is convenient and highly useful.

Its a necessity forbusiness trips, formal events, or for anyone traveling with high-end clothing.

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner around cones

After testing 22 top-rated options, we chose this as our top selection.

It can even fit inside a standard carry-on suitcase.

An internal pocket adds storage, too; we stashed a pair of flats inside for added versatility.

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner over stone pavers

The top carry handle is also a nice bonus.

The best part is they really can be purposed for any travel need.

A pill case can help prevent missed doses and this extremely affordable option is the best one weve tried.

A person hits the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner with a baseball bat

We swear by this four-piece silicone set with 100 percent leak-proof and TSA-approved bottles that are easy to fill.

They also include labels and have built-in suction cups for sticking to counters or shower shelves.

After robustly testing similar products, this clever carrier emerged as our top pick.

A person presses on the lock on the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Ive used it as a travel bag for shoes, as well.

In those cases, we cant recommend this ingenious add-on enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days worth of clothing can I fit into a carry-on?

A person secures the strap on clothing packed in the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

The answer to this question really depends on the bang out of carry-on you choose for your trip.

What am I not allowed to bring in a carry-on?

Trains, cruises, and airlines all have different rules for what they permit in carry-on luggage.

A person weighs the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Any containers that are larger are required to go inside checked baggage.

How do I determine whether to bring a carry-on or a checked bag on my trip?

Only you and your packing list can decide which piece of luggage is best for your trip.

A person places a travel pack into the pocket of the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Then see what fits and how much room is still left over.

She has visited 35 countries and often packs using just a carry-on suitcase.

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner across carpet

A person places the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner into an overhead compartment

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner around cones

A person wheels the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner over stone pavers

A person hits the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner with a baseball bat

A person presses on the lock on the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

A person secures the strap on clothing packed in the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

A person weighs the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

A person places a travel pack into the pocket of the Samsonite 21 Inch Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-on Spinner

Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

Credit: Carl Friedrik

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X suitcase in a hotel lobby

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X suitcase standing in a hotel lobby

The Carl Friedrik The Carry-on in an elevator

The packing process for Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A person placing a laptop inside the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A person adjusting the latch on the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on

A laptop packed inside the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A view of the charging ports on the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X suitcase in a hotel lobby

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X suitcase standing in a hotel lobby

The Carl Friedrik The Carry-on in an elevator

The packing process for Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A person placing a laptop inside the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A person adjusting the latch on the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on

A laptop packed inside the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on X

A view of the charging ports on the Carl Friedrik The Carry-on

Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Credit: Cotopaxi

A person wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person weighs the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person adjusts the waist strap on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places a water bottle into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person adjusts the straps on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person packs clothing into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person secures a strap on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places a laptop into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person opens the pocket on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack into an overhead compartment

A person wears the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person weighs the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person adjusts the waist strap on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places a water bottle into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person adjusts the straps on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person packs clothing into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person secures a strap on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places a laptop into the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person opens the pocket on the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack

A person places the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack into an overhead compartment

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Credit: Amazon

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Person packing clothing into zippered compartment of Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Person zipping packed Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Person rolling Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag around cones

Person throwing Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag off a counter

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag displayed in front of floral wallpaper

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Person packing clothing into zippered compartment of Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Person zipping packed Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag

Person rolling Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag around cones

Person throwing Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag off a counter

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag displayed in front of floral wallpaper

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes

Credit: Bagsmart

A person packing clothes in a bagsmart compression packing cubes

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hands zipping up the bagsmart compression packing cubes

A hand packing the bagsmart compression packing cubes in a suitcase

Hands holding a bagsmart compression packing cubes

A person packing clothes in a bagsmart compression packing cubes

Hands zipping up the bagsmart compression packing cubes

A hand packing the bagsmart compression packing cubes in a suitcase

Hands holding a bagsmart compression packing cubes

VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bags

Credit: Amazon

A person places a VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag of clothing into a suitcase

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person places clothing in the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag

A person removes the air from a VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag using an electric pump

A person holds the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag open

A person closes the seal on the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag

A person holds up the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag electric pump

The VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag after vacuum sealing clothing

A person places a VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag of clothing into a suitcase

A person places clothing in the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag

A person removes the air from a VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag using an electric pump

A person holds the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag open

A person closes the seal on the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag

A person holds up the VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag electric pump

The VMSTR Travel Vacuum Storage Bag after vacuum sealing clothing

Monos Garment Sleeve

Credit: Monos

The Monos Garment Sleeve hanging from a door

Credit: Travel + Leisure

An empty Monos Garment Sleeve

A close-up of a clothing item inside of the Monos Garment Sleeve

The Monos Garment Sleeve and other items on a bed

A close-up of a closed Monos Garment Sleeve

The Monos Garment Sleeve hanging from a door

An empty Monos Garment Sleeve

A close-up of a clothing item inside of the Monos Garment Sleeve

The Monos Garment Sleeve and other items on a bed

A close-up of a closed Monos Garment Sleeve

Away Large Toiletry Bag

Credit: Away

Person packing makeup in Away Large Toiletry Bag

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Away Large Toiletry Bag displayed with toiletries

Person packing makeup in Away Large Toiletry Bag

Away Large Toiletry Bag displayed with toiletries

Amazon 3D Zip Set - Electric Strawberries

Credit: Amazon

The Baggu 3D Zip Set sitting side-by-side on a white blanket

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A travel pouch from the Baggu 3D Zip Set lying horizontally on a white blanket

The Baggu 3D Zip Set in its packaging lying on a white blanket

A top-down view of a Baggu 3D Zip Set pouch inside a tote bag

The Baggu 3D Zip Set sitting side-by-side on a white blanket

A travel pouch from the Baggu 3D Zip Set lying horizontally on a white blanket

The Baggu 3D Zip Set in its packaging lying on a white blanket

A top-down view of a Baggu 3D Zip Set pouch inside a tote bag

Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Credit: Cuyana

Hands holding an opened Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hands holding an opened Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Hands holding a closed Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

A woman shoves the Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case off of a table during testing

A Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case sitting open on a white table

Hands holding an opened Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Hands holding an opened Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

Hands holding a closed Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case

A woman shoves the Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case off of a table during testing

A Cuyana Travel Jewelry Case sitting open on a white table

Amazon Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

Credit: Amazon

An open Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hand holds an open Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case filled with prescriptions

Hand holds a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case filled with prescriptions

Fingers hold a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

A hand holds a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

An open Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

Hand holds an open Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case filled with prescriptions

Hand holds a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case filled with prescriptions

Fingers hold a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

A hand holds a Zuihug 10-compartment Travel Pill Case

Amazon Bevegekos Small Carrying Tech Kit for Electronics and Accessories

Credit: Amazon

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag open with charging cords on a wooden surface

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag open on a wooden surface

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag on a wooden surface

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag open with charging cords on a wooden surface

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag open on a wooden surface

Bevegekos Small Cable Organizer Bag on a wooden surface

Amazon Stinky Bag Pro

Credit: Amazon

A Stnky Bag Pro hanging on a wall

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Laundry in a Stnky Bag Pro

Person holds a Stnky Bag Pro

A hand holds open a Stnky Bag Pro

A Stnky Bag Pro lying flat

A Stnky Bag Pro hanging on a wall

Laundry in a Stnky Bag Pro

Person holds a Stnky Bag Pro

A hand holds open a Stnky Bag Pro

A Stnky Bag Pro lying flat

Cincha Travel Belt

Credit: Amazon

A Cincha Travel Belt holds a tote bag

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A Cincha Travel Belt wrapped around a tote bag on top of a suitcase

A Cincha Travel Belt wrapped around a tote bag

Top-down view of a Cincha Travel Belt on a suitcase handle

A hand holds a Cincha Travel Belt inside a bag

A hand holds a Cincha Travel Belt

A Cincha Travel Belt holds a tote bag

A Cincha Travel Belt wrapped around a tote bag on top of a suitcase

A Cincha Travel Belt wrapped around a tote bag

Top-down view of a Cincha Travel Belt on a suitcase handle

A hand holds a Cincha Travel Belt inside a bag

A hand holds a Cincha Travel Belt

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup

Credit: Amazon

Cups inside of a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A travel mug and plastic cup in a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Top-down view of a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup holder attached to a suitcase

A Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder on top of a suitcase

Hands hold a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Cups inside of a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

A travel mug and plastic cup in a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

Top-down view of a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup holder attached to a suitcase

A Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder on top of a suitcase

Hands hold a Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder