I’ve been traveling with a backpack and a carry-on only pretty much my entire life, and friends always tease me for my “Mary Poppins bags” – LOL.
I started sharing my carry-on packing hacks on IG years ago (see my “packing 1” and “Packing 2” highlights), and nothing makes me happier than hearing you’ve tried it and succeeded too! In 2019, after spending 3 weeks between Italy and France, including beach, city, countryside, hot springs, and mountain days, plus a wedding in Normandy (!!), I wrote all my tips on my Italian website.
This summer I even traveled for seven weeks with carry-on only between Italy & the Maldives. I returned to NYC only for a week before heading to Utah for 5 days, and left again for an 11-night Mediterranean cruise (plus 2 extra nights in Barcelona and Milan).
Because I’m constantly on the go, it’s crucial for me to be extremely organized (I’ll confess: being a Virgo helps 🙈). Over the years, I’ve built my own carry-on only packing list for international travel that’s down to the dot. I honestly LOVE the entire packing process: choosing carefully what to bring, optimizing space with smart essentials, and “playing Tetris” so everything fits, without compromising a thing.
If you love big suitcases, I totally get it (and I hope you’ll still find some value here), however, if your goal is to travel light and make every trip easier, these packing hacks are about to be your game-changer 😎
Disclosure: While I may receive a small commission if you buy through the links on VivereNewYork, I only share products I genuinely love and brands I trust. [Learn more about our editorial guidelines.] Thank you for supporting my work, it means a lot to me!!!
Hack #1: Packing Cubes for Carry-On Travel. They Are Non-Negotiable
If there’s one thing that completely changed my travel life, it’s packing cubes. Not just any cubes (trust me, I’ve tried SO MANY!!!), the Miami Carry-On packing cubes are the best. I’ve been using them for over 10 years, and they perfectly fit into any carry-on. They’re tall enough to hold all my clothes folded as books, not stacks.
Most people pile clothes one on top of the other and waste space. My trick is to fold each item and line it up vertically, like books on a shelf. You’ll instantly gain more room, and you can see every single piece at a glance.
The best part is that you’ll never have to “unpack” (unless you’re spending more than 2 nights in the same place and want to hang your dresses). Slide the cube straight from you luggage into a hotel drawer, and voilà: closet ready in 2 seconds. For short stays, I’ll even fold worn clothes back into the cubes, keeping clean and dirty separate. Only underwear and socks always go into a separate laundry bag, and I honestly hand wash them during my stay when I can.
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never travel without packing cubes again.
Hack #2: Carry-On That Lasts
When it comes to the best carry-on luggage for women, I’ve tested so many brands. My latest obsession is the Elle Luxe Journey. Elegant with a retro design, it has a convenient handle at the bottom that makes it super easy to lift – perfect for security checks or placing it in the overhead bin. It’s sturdy yet lightweight, and I’m obsessed with its chic neutral beige color. Super stylish, just as you’d expect from Elle Magazine!
The carry-on isn’t sold separately, so you’ll need to buy the full 3-piece set to get it. However, the price is a steal at around $230 for all three luggages! It doesn’t come with a built-in lock, so you’ll need to buy one separately. I use the Miami Carry-On lock and totally recommend it (I love it so much I even use it at the gym!)
Other favorite brands are Miami Carryon and Heys America. Whatever luggage you choose, make sure it’s lightweight, hard shell, and has great spinner wheels.
Hack #3: The Expandable Travel Backpack I Swear By
The Knack Bags Carry-on Backpack has been my constant travel partner for years now. This is hands down the best expandable backpack for travel. It’s the one bag that always comes with me alongside my carry-on, and sometimes, for short weekend trips, it’s the only bag I need.
Here’s why I love it:
- Expandable design: Most of the time, I keep it compact. But when I need extra space, I unzip the expandable part and it transforms into a full carry-on backpack. I can even slide my packing cubes inside!
- Super Roomy: Even when compact, it fits so much and still keeps everything organized!
- Smart organization: Every item has its place!
– Main compartment for my camera and drones. Inside this section, there are separate pockets where I keep all my chargers, cables, and my DJI Osmo Pocket – everything neat, secure, and easy to find.
– Expandable side for one extra outfit, pajamas, and underwear (just in case).
– Anti-theft pocket for wallet, passport, and business cards.
– Separate compartments for sunglasses and laptop.
– Bottom compartment for toiletries and travel essentials.
This backpack is compact and super roomy… basically my “Mary Poppins” bag 2.0. Organized, expandable, and reliable, it’s the piece I trust to carry my essentials and my gear wherever I go.
Hack #4: The Sustainable Tote That Does It All
My go-to travel tote is the Rothy’s Lightweight Tote, and it’s one of my must-haves for so many reasons.
Super sturdy and incredibly spacious (I often use it for all my photography gear – camera, lenses, tripod, drone… plus outfit changes!!!), it also has a strap meant for keys. I clip my phone to it instead, so it’s always easy to find and I feel secure, especially on the NYC subway.
It’s water-resistant, WASHABLE (mine is white with blue stripes and, even after daily use for over a year, it still looks like new!), and the best part is that it’s made entirely from recycled plastic bottles pulled from the ocean 🥹.
Lightweight, versatile, eco-friendly, stylish and sustainable!!! Trust me, this is one of those pieces you NEED in your life… you’ll thank me later.
Hack #5: The Tote Organizer with All my Essentials to Switch Bags in 2 Seconds
One of my favorite must-have travel accessories for women. I don’t know how I ever traveled without a tote organizer insert before! You know that black hole feeling when everything just disappears at the bottom of your bag? Gone.
With an organizer, everything has its place! I’ve also linked all my favorite essentials that I keep inside: wallet, business cards, press pass, power bank, AirPods, lip balm, keys, pen and small notebook, DJI Osmo Pocket 3, magnetic selfie mirror for my iPhone, tissues, Tide to Go pen, mini travel-size deodorant, insect repellent, Benadryl, inhaler (I’m asthmatic and allergic to dust and smoke), and of course, snacks 😎
The magic is how fast I can switch bags, in literally 2 seconds. I just lift out the organizer and drop it into any other bag, knowing I have everything with me all the time. Easy, smart, stress-free. Honestly, this is one of the best travel hacks that will change your life.
Hack #6: The Regular Tote Bag… New Yorker’s Essential!
I’ll always have a soft spot for a regular tote bag, the kind every New Yorker owns (and usually has a drawer full of). Simple, flat, and lightweight, it folds into nothing, yet carries everything.
I always pack one because they’re lifesavers on the road: groceries, laundry runs, farmer’s markets, beach days, even carrying home unexpected finds. I also keep it handy for last-minute Duty Free shopping 😅.
This is simply another hack I swear by. I always pack a classic tote together with my main travel tote. Sometimes, I even tuck the regular one inside the bigger one, so I always have it ready when I need extra space.
The beauty of a tote bag is that it takes zero space, yet gives you maximum flexibility. We love that classic, effortless New Yorker vibe!
Hack #7: The Foldable Backpack I Always Pack
Another thing I never leave behind is a foldable backpack. It packs down into a tiny pouch that takes up almost no space in my carry-on. Lightweight and practical, it’s perfect for any kind of day trip – beach, market, hiking trail, or even a last-minute grocery run.
Tiny to pack, huge in value, this backpack always saves the day.
Hack #8: Best Electronics for Creators I Never Travel Without
I’ve already linked some of these items in my tote organizer section, however these are my go-to electronics for travel bloggers and creators, and definitely deserves their own spotlight:
- Power Bank: A total life saver on long content days when I’m shooting non-stop.
- Multi-country adapter: Sleek, functional, and compatible with over 200 countries. One piece = endless freedom.
- DJI Osmo Pocket 3: My go-to creator tool. Compact, powerful, and always in my bag.
- Portable Hard Drive: Tiny and essential. My camera files are super high definition and eat space like crazy, so I always bring one. Every night, I back up all my content onto an external hard drive for peace of mind, just in case. (I actually have a dozen of these at home, lol.)
These little gadgets keep me connected, charged, and ready to create anywhere in the world.
Hack #9: Rent the Perfect Clothes for Each Destination
Traveling light doesn’t mean carrying less. Packing cubes help you save space without compromise.
Besides my key pieces that I wear everywhere, or favorite staples, I always love to add fresh outfits, especially on longer trips when I’m creating content. That’s why I’ve been renting clothes from Armoire Style for over a year and it’s become my favorite sustainable travel fashion hack!
✨Use this link for up to 60% off your first month, plus 2 free bonus Items, and get styled for your next trip without overspending.
Here’s how it works, and why I love it:
- Rent outfits that match the vibe of each location: You can even chat with a stylist (for free!) to brainstorm what to bring based on destinations, content shoots, and events.
- See real people wear it: Users share their photos on the site, so you can actually see how a piece looks on different body types and styles, not just models.
- Swap or keep any item you love: Return pieces for something fresh, or hold on to them as long as you want (I’ve been keeping a Yumi Kim dress since last November 🙈). And if you can’t let it go, you even have the option to buy it at a discounted price!
- Shipping & cleaning are covered: No laundry needed before sending things back. They take care of it!
- Flexible memberships: Starting at $89/month for 4 items, $129 for 7, or $249 for unlimited.
- Sustainability bonus: Renting means less waste, less impulse buying, and more use per piece. Feels good for the planet.
If you’ve ever wondered how to pack outfits for vacation without overbuying, this is it.
Hack #10: Cruise Essentials You’ll Thank Me For
Packing for a cruise has its own rules, and these are the little pieces that made ship life so much easier. Here’s my cruise packing list essentials:
- Seapass retractable holder: The easiest way to keep your SeaPass card with you at all times (no digging through your bag every time you need it!).
- Magnetic hooks: Cruise cabin walls are metal, so these are lifesavers for hanging hats, bags, lanyards, and wet swimsuits.
- Travel-size laundry kit: Perfect for washing underwear and swimsuits right in your cabin.
- Hanging Travel Toiletry: The smartest way to keep everything handy and organized in tight cabin bathrooms.
Small items that transform cruise life completely, making your cabin feel instantly more organized and stress-free.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Packing Light
Traveling light doesn’t mean giving up on style or comfort, it means giving up heavy bags and moving with ease from one destination to another, without waiting for checked luggage (or risking it getting lost!).
After more than 20 years of traveling with just a carry-on and a backpack, these packing tips have become my secret weapon. I truly hope they’ll become yours too. Please keep me posted, I’d LOVE to hear your feedback!
👉 Pack once: Organized, Stylish & Ready to Go!
