The less I pack, the more freedom I feel. I move faster, stress less, and spend more time enjoying the trip instead of managing my stuff.
From long weekends in Europe to months hopping across Southeast Asia, I’ve learned that the art of traveling light isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about strategy.
At first, I overpacked like everyone else. I thought I needed “just in case” outfits, multiple pairs of shoes, and even a hairdryer once (yes, really). But after sprinting through airports with aching shoulders and wasting precious time digging through clutter, I changed my approach.
Now, I can fit everything I need in a carry-on and still feel put together. And you know what? The things I don’t pack are just as important as what I do.
Let’s look at the items seasoned carry-on travelers never bother with.
1. Multiple pairs of shoes
Do you really need sneakers, flats, sandals, boots, and heels? Probably not.
Experienced carry-on travelers know that shoes eat up both space and weight. Instead, they stick to two versatile pairs: one comfortable walking shoe and one option that works for slightly nicer occasions.
I learned this lesson in Italy. I packed three pairs of shoes, thinking I’d want “options.” In reality, I wore the same sneakers every day—and the dress shoes I carried around for two weeks never left my bag.
That’s when I realized: fewer shoes, more freedom.
2. Full-sized toiletries
Hotels provide the basics, and almost every city sells shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. Lugging full bottles is unnecessary and risky—one broken lid and suddenly your clothes smell like lavender conditioner for the rest of the trip.
If you really do need to bring toiletries, stick to travel-sized versions or switch to solids—like bar shampoo or solid deodorant.
Trust me, your bag (and your sanity) will thank you.
3. Bulky jackets and sweaters
Unless you’re traveling to the Arctic, leave the oversized coat behind.
On a trip through Japan in spring, I packed a giant coat thinking it would be cold. I wore it once and resented it every other day. Meanwhile, my friend layered a lightweight jacket over sweaters and looked far more comfortable.
Now, if I am going somewhere cold, I bring specially designed base layers instead of bulky outerwear (I'm a big fan of Uniqlo HeatTech).
Trust me, thin, packable layers adapt to changing climates—and they don’t hog precious carry-on space.
4. Heavy books
I love reading while traveling. There’s something about curling up with a book on a long train ride or getting lost in a story while sitting in a café abroad.
But carrying multiple physical books? Not anymore.
Early on in my travels, I used to pack at least two or three. I thought of them as comfort items—like if I didn’t have choices, I might get bored.
The reality? They weighed me down and took up precious space. More often than not, I’d barely finish one before heading home.
These days, I use a Kindle or simply download books onto my phone. That way, I can carry an entire library without adding a single extra pound to my bag. It also means I don’t have to stress about finishing a book mid-trip—I can just download another in minutes.
And it’s not just the physical weight. A heavy, overstuffed bag full of books you might not even read adds mental clutter too. Every time you open your bag and see them, you’re reminded of what you “should” read, which can feel more like pressure than pleasure.
Keeping it light—both physically and mentally—makes travel simpler. One slim e-reader, or even just a couple of downloaded books on your phone, is all you need to feed your love of reading while leaving room for what actually matters: experiences.
5. Extra “just in case” outfits
We’ve all done it: packed that dress “just in case,” or that shirt we might wear if the mood strikes. The truth? Those clothes rarely see the light of day.
When I backpacked across Southeast Asia, I realized I was wearing the same three outfits over and over. The extras stayed crumpled at the bottom of my bag until I gave them away.
The trick is to pack items that mix and match. Stick to a simple color palette, and you’ll feel like you have more options than you actually do.
6. Expensive jewelry and accessories
Sure, it’s tempting to bring a statement necklace or fancy watch. But frequent carry-on travelers know that jewelry is easy to lose and makes you a target for theft.
On a bus ride in South America, I met a woman who had her favorite necklace stolen right off her neck. She told me it ruined her trip because she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Since then, I’ve never brought anything I’d be devastated to lose.
A simple pair of earrings or a watch is enough. Leave the rest at home.
7. Specialty gadgets
Portable steamer? Travel iron? Electric kettle? Forget it.
I once packed a travel-sized coffee maker because I couldn’t imagine going without my morning cup. It took up half my bag, and I only used it once. These days, I trust that I’ll find coffee (and I always do).
The reality is that most gadgets you think you’ll “need” are more hassle than they’re worth. Hotels, Airbnbs, and cafes usually have you covered.
Final thoughts
Traveling light with just a carry-on is more than a packing trick—it’s a mindset. It forces you to ask: Do I really need this?
Over the years, I’ve found that the less I pack, the more freedom I feel. I move faster, stress less, and spend more time enjoying the trip instead of managing my stuff.
So next time you’re tempted to throw that extra pair of shoes or “just in case” outfit into your bag, pause. Remember that true freedom doesn’t come from what you bring—it comes from what you choose to leave behind.
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