Written By: RANDI BERGMAN

Anyone who’s experienced the simultaneous blessed/stressed feelings associated with travel in recent years will understand the importance of keeping things simple: Fiascos at baggage claim are best to be avoided, and so, opting for carry-on only is the way to go. Being able to Marie Kondo your favourite essentials can often prove a challenge (personally speaking, I’ve had to use my body weight to close my suitcase more times than I’d care to admit), so we’ve provided the ultimate guide to what to pack in a carry on, from multitasking footwear to effortless skincare. Travel light, travel smart, and let maximalism play out virtually in the number of pictures that land on your phone instead.

 A carry-on that fits it all.

Planning to go carry-on is all well and good, but when you’re maxed out at three outfits, it’s not going to work. I took Away’s The Bigger Carry-On on a two-week trip to Italy that included multiple bougie wedding events and copious amounts of shopping and it held up excellently. It’s deeper than most carry-on luggage, but still fits up top in the main cabin on always every plane I’ve flown on (on teeny tiny ones, you’ll need to gate-check). Plus, it comes with a charger for when you’re killing time on your phone at the airport Starbucks.

Tiny, multitasking beauty products.

The 100mL/3oz liquids rule still reigns supreme (why!), so instead of forsaking your essentials, shrink ‘em down and get creative. This summer, I switched up my sunscreen style with House of Joseon’s Rice + Probiotic 50+SPF organic face sunscreen because its incredibly lightweight and nongreasy format allowed me to skip moisturizer. I kept the brand’s Matte Sun Stick in my purse for reapplication throughout the day alongside the travel size of Vacation’s Super Spritz face mist which I also used on my body for extra protection. Another clever, albeit funny, way to combine products is by using a fragrant deodorant like Salt + Stone’s Santal & Vetiver aluminum-free deodorant which smells so amazing I’ve started skipping perfume. 

High comfort, high style shoes.

The only and best thing I’ve ever purchased after seeing it on TikTok is this viral pair of strappy, super comfortable Teva sandals which double as supportive, all-day walking shoes and something that The Row would make (if you squint) for nighttime. For business-y trips, Maguire’s Italy-made Napoli loafers are great for looking stylish while you’re pounding the pavement. They’re perfect with jeans and a blazer, or with a mini skirt (with or without socks) for cocktail hour.

The essentials.

It wouldn’t be a trip to the airport without a last-minute panic about whether you’ve got all the most important bits. Make it impossible to forget your passport with this personalized Graphic Image case. Grab a super-long cashmere throw for the airplane (I love this one by Bleusalt). And, of course, don’t forget your Stimmie toothpicks to ward against all the rapini you’re about to get stuck between your teeth in Italy.   

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