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

"Before that self-imposed break-which, as a travel writer and founder of a packing list newsletter on Substack, didn't come easily-I was in the airport multiple times a month, flying both domestically and internationally on a near-weekly basis. While this time "off" gave me much-needed time at home, it also allowed me the mental and physical bandwidth to organize my closet, reevaluate my current luggage lineup, and nail down the packing tips for my upcoming trips."

"Before you even think about what you're packing, you have to figure out the luggage you'll be toting on board the airplane. Even when I'm technically traveling 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."

A month away from travel provided time to organize a closet, reevaluate luggage, and refine packing strategies. Upcoming destinations include St. Kitts, Tanzania, Switzerland, and Jackson Hole, creating a busy season of carry-on-only travel. The most important essentials emphasize choosing durable, spacious luggage and maximizing packing efficiency. A high-quality carry-on such as the Away Bigger Carry-on offers capacity and durability for single-suitcase trips. Compression packing cubes, like those from Bagsmart, combine organization with compression technology to reduce bulk and free up suitcase space for more items.

Read at Travel + Leisure