I'm a Professional Packer-and These Are My 12 Cardinal Rules for Making Everything Fit in a Carry-on

"Even when I'm technically packing lightly (no checked bags here), I still want to be able to bring as much as I can, which is where a quality carry-on can work wonders. I'm a forever fan of the Away Bigger Carry-on, as it's the only carry-on suitcase that continues to impress me with its capacity and durability. It's designed to maximize packing space, so on the trips when I'm just limited to a single suitcase, I can rest assured I can fit everything I need."

"If there's a time and a place to use compression packing cubes, it's when you're going carry-on-only and packing lots of layers or thicker fabrics. Not only do these packing cubes from BAGSMART aid in organization, but the compression technology works wonders to cut down on bulk. Less bulk equals more available suitcase real estate-so yes, you might be able to squeeze in another pair of jeans or two."

Taking a month-long travel break provided time to organize closets, reassess luggage choices, and refine packing strategies. Upcoming trips to St. Kitts, Tanzania, Switzerland, and Jackson Hole create a busy season of carry-on travel requiring efficient pre-departure routines. Prioritize investing in a high-quality carry-on to maximize capacity and durability. Use compression packing cubes to reduce bulk and organize layers or thicker fabrics when traveling carry-on-only. Select a roomy personal item to hold additional essentials and increase overall on-board capacity. These fundamentals enable more efficient packing and the ability to fit more items without checked luggage.

Read at Travel + Leisure