I'm a Professional Packer Who Hates Clutter-Here Are the Only 12 Travel Essentials I'm Keeping for 2026

"Various marketing campaigns may tempt you into thinking you need multiple carry-on bags, but most travelers only need one. When I'm not testing new brands, I heavily rely on my Away Bigger Carry-on-it's traveled with me from Alaska to Scotland-and have never had an issue fitting everything I need inside the relatively spacious piece of luggage. If you're looking for a more affordable version, Travel + Leisure editors recommend the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner, noting it's one of the best carry-ons of the year."

"Traveling gets a lot easier when you have a standard pre-departure procedure to follow, and part of that process should be packing your personal item bag. Look for one with multiple straps-so you can alternate between how you carry it, giving your hands or shoulders a break as needed-and one that can hold all of your in-flight essentials. The Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag or the Tumi Voyageur, both rated highly by T+L editors, will work for just about any trip you go on."

Planned 2026 travel includes Viennese coffee house visits, horseback riding in Mongolia, and exploring Norway's national parks. A deliberate gear purge aims to reduce travel accessories to one (or two) items per category, including suitcases, tote bags, and packing cubes. Core recommended luggage is a single reliable carry-on, with the Away Bigger Carry-on cited for durability and capacity and the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner offered as a budget alternative. A standardized personal-item bag with multiple straps and organized compartments eases pre-departure routines, with the Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable, Tumi Voyageur, and the budget Lovevook Weekender presented as suitable options. The emphasis remains on minimizing quantity while maximizing versatility.

Read at Travel + Leisure