Best packing list: carry-on only

Start with the bag, not the clothes. Choose a soft-sided 40–45 L pack or roller that matches the smallest airline you will fly, and check that airline's cabin size and weight limit on your booking first. Soft bags compress into sizers and squeeze into full overhead bins; hard shells do not. Then pack in this order.

1. Lay out everything you think you need on a bed. 2. Remove one third of it. 3. Group by category: clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, medication, misc. 4. Pack the heaviest items closest to your back (for a backpack) or at the bottom (for a roller). 5. Roll soft clothing, fold structured items flat. 6. Put anything you need during the flight in the personal item, not the main bag.

Use packing cubes for clothing and a small pouch for cables. Cubes are not essential, but they stop the bag turning into a pile after the first hotel night and make repacking in two minutes possible. A dry bag or compression sack is worth the space if you will hand-wash clothing.

Clothing for a week in a temperate climate: 4–5 tops (mix short and long sleeve), 2 bottoms (one pair of trousers or jeans, one lighter), 1 warm mid-layer (fleece or light down), 1 rain shell, 7 underwear, 7 socks, 1 pair of pyjamas or a T-shirt to sleep in, 1 hat, 1 pair of sunglasses, 1 belt. Add a swimsuit if there is any chance of water, and one smarter top if you plan to eat somewhere with a dress code.

Shoes: wear the heaviest pair on travel days and pack one lighter pair. Two pairs total is the usual limit; a third only if one is a specialist item such as sandals for a beach trip.

Toiletries: solid shampoo and soap bars avoid the liquid rules entirely. For liquids, decant into containers of 100 ml or less and put them in one clear 1 L bag, and check your departure airport's current rule first, as some airports now allow more. Toothbrush, razor, deodorant (solid is easier), sunscreen bought at the destination, any prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Electronics: phone, charger, universal adapter, power bank (cabin only), earbuds or headphones, one charging cable per device plus a spare, and a small e-reader if you read a lot. A plug adapter with USB ports replaces several chargers.

Documents: passport, visa or entry paperwork, travel insurance policy number, copies of both stored offline on your phone and in your email, one physical card for emergencies, and a printed address of your first night's accommodation for immigration forms.

Misc: a reusable water bottle (empty through security), a small padlock, a few zip bags, a laundry line or a sink plug, a small first-aid kit with plasters and painkillers, and a foldable tote for groceries or laundry.

A carry-on-only setup costs less than most travellers expect if you already own a suitable bag. The main costs are the bag itself, a set of packing cubes, and solid toiletries. If you buy everything new, budget roughly USD 120–350 (2026 estimate) for a mid-range 40 L bag, cubes, a laundry kit and travel-size toiletries. Using what you own brings the cost close to zero.

The saving is on the flight: many low-cost carriers charge a fee per checked bag each way on short-haul routes, and more on long-haul. Checked bag fees vary widely by airline, route and fare, so price yours on the booking before deciding. Carry-on also removes the wait at the carousel, which can run 20–45 minutes at large airports (check).

Packing time: about an hour the first time you build the list, then 20–30 minutes once you have a routine. Laundry on the road takes 15 minutes of hand-washing plus overnight drying, or about 60–90 minutes at a laundrette (2026 estimate).

Liquids: at many airports the 100 ml rule applies to the container, not the amount left in it, so a 200 ml bottle with 50 ml inside is still not allowed. One clear 1 L bag per person is the common standard, but rules vary by airport and some now allow larger or multiple bags. Follow the signs at your departure airport and check before you fly (check).

Batteries: power banks, spare lithium batteries and e-cigarettes generally must travel in the cabin and are banned from checked bags on most carriers, but limits vary by battery size and by airline. Larger power banks have watt-hour caps. Check your airline's rule and your aviation authority's guidance before you buy a big one (check).

Sharp objects: scissors with blades over a set length, pocket knives and some tools are not allowed in the cabin. Rules differ by country; if in doubt, put it in a checked bag or leave it at home.

Medication: carry prescription medicine in the cabin in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some countries restrict certain medicines, including common painkillers and ADHD medication; check the destination's rules before you fly (check).

Food and powders: some countries restrict bringing in food, and a few airports screen powders separately. Declare anything you are unsure about.

Basic economy fares: some tickets allow only a personal item, not a full carry-on. Check the fare rules before you pack, because the gate fee for an oversized bag is often higher than the online price.

Carry-on only wins on cost, time and flexibility: no bag fee on most fares, no carousel wait, and you can change flights or take a train without moving luggage. It loses on capacity and on what you can bring: no large liquids, no trekking poles, no pocket knife, no bulky sports gear.

One checked bag wins when you need specialist equipment, when you are staying in one place, or when you are travelling with children and need more supplies. It also wins on long trips where you would rather not do laundry every few days.

A middle path works for many travellers: carry-on only on the outbound leg, and check a bag on the way home if you have bought things. Many airlines sell a one-way checked bag at check-in.

The questions below cover the short answer, who the list suits, and the cost and time involved. If your trip is a specific climate or activity, the cold-weather, beach and hiking lists go deeper.