Welcome to your go-to destination for all things packing and travel essentials! As a seasoned solo female travel blogger hailing from the U.S., I’ve traversed the globe, gathering invaluable insights and practical tips along the way.
This page is my curated collection of the best packing strategies and must-have travel items, honed from years of experience.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, you’ll find everything you need to pack smartly and travel efficiently.
Dive in and make your next journey your most seamless adventure yet!
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Airline Carry-On Luggage Dimensions
Here’s a list of the carry-on luggage dimensions allowed by some of the most popular airlines, as per the latest information for 2023:
US Airlines
- Allegiant Air: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55.9 cm x 35.6 cm x 22.9 cm)
- American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm)
- Delta Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm)
- Frontier Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 cm x 40.6 cm x 25.4 cm), with a weight limit of 35 lbs (15.9 kg)
- Hawaiian Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm), with a weight limit of 25 lbs (11.5 kg)
- Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
- Spirit Airlines: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm)
- Sun Country Airlines: 24 x 16 x 11 inches (61 x 41 x 28 cm), with a weight limit of 35 lbs (16 kg)
- United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- WestJet: 21 x 15 x 9 inches (53 x 38 x 23 cm)
European Airlines:
- Aer Lingus: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches (55 x 40 x 24 cm), with a weight limit of 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Air France: 21.5 x 14 x 10 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm), with a weight limit of 26 lbs (12 kg)
- British Airways: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm), with a weight limit of 51 lbs (23 kg)
- Lufthansa: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), with a weight limit of 18 lbs (8 kg)
- Ryanair: 21.5 x 15.5 x 8 inches (55 x 40 x 20 cm), with a weight limit of 22 lbs (10 kg)
Mini Packing Guide
As an experienced traveler, I understand the art of packing efficiently. This guide will help you pack smartly, ensuring you have everything you need without overloading your luggage.
1. Start with the Essentials
- Travel Documents: Passport, visas, ID, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.
- Money Management: Credit/debit cards, cash in local currency, and a money belt or secure pouch.
- Health and Safety: Prescriptions, basic first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, masks, and copies of important medical information.
2. Clothing: Mix and Match
- Basics: Neutral-colored clothing that can be mixed and matched.
- Layers: Depending on the climate, pack layers like t-shirts, a sweater, and a lightweight jacket.
- Specialty Items: Swimsuit, a formal outfit, or hiking gear if necessary.
- Undergarments and Socks: Enough for your trip or plan to do laundry.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for exploring.
3. Toiletries: Travel-Sized
- Basics: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner.
- Skin Care: Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: Pack according to your needs.
- Multi-purpose Products: Saves space and weight.
4. Tech Gear
- Phone and Charger: Plus an international adapter if needed.
- Camera: If you’re into photography, don’t forget extra batteries/memory cards.
- Entertainment: E-books, travel guides, music, or podcasts.
5. Smart Packing Tips
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes saves space and reduces wrinkles.
- Use Packing Cubes: Helps organize and compress clothing.
- Leave Some Space: For souvenirs or additional items you may acquire.
6. Security and Comfort
- Luggage Locks: TSA-approved locks for security.
- Travel Pillow and Eye Mask: For comfort during long flights or train rides.
- Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones: Essential for a good night’s sleep.
7. Final Check
- Cross-Check with Airline Policies: Make sure your carry-on meets airline requirements.
- Weather Check: Adjust your packing list based on the weather forecast.