When I talk about why we Travel With Just One Carry-on each, I also share that traveling with so little once seemed an impossible proposition. I like being prepared for anything. And as an organizer and champion list maker, I’d jot down everything I thought might be useful, and then drag it along. Only to find that we never used most of it!
Still, I find a complete packing list can make one-bag travel work better. It helps ensure that we don’t forget anything, but also keeps us from over-packing. Which, by the way, experts say is the number one travel mistake!
Packing List
Clothing & Laundry:
CLOTHING:
This includes the clothes you will be wearing when you leave. Pack only what you need and wash things as you go. So don’t forget to pack some laundry supplies!
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| 2-4 bottoms | Pants, shorts, or skirts; in neutral colors |
| 4-6 tops | In colors that make up a capsule wardrobe |
| 1 jacket or cardigan | For formal occasions + 1 neck tie or 1-2 scarves |
| 1 coat or jacket | + travel umbrella ? |
| 1 pashmina or shawl | Doubles as lightweight throw or swimsuit cover |
| 1 swimsuit | Or thermal underwear (depending on season) |
| 2 pairs of shoes | Choose shoes that double as slippers |
| 3 pairs of socks | 1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 clean + 1 pr. pantyhose |
| 3 underwear | 1 to wear, 1 to wash, 1 clean + bras and slip |
| 1-2 sets pajamas | Or use a sweatsuits or a swimsuit coverup |
| 1 belt | Use as emergency tourniquet or suitcase handle |
| Hat, gloves, scarf | For wind, rain, sun, cold, heat |
| 2 bandanas | Use as scarf, headband, hair tie, washcloth, etc. |
| 2 handkerchiefs | Use as a washcloth or emergency sanitary pad |
Laundry Supplies
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Bar of Laundry soap or soap nuts | No liquids to spill or get through customs |
| Sink stopper (see above) | Flat, lightweight, works on any sink |
| Laundry bag | For keeping dirty clothes separate |
| Travel clothesline | Buy one here or make your own No clothespins needed! |
Tools & Repairs
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Phone | Use for: GPS, weather app, light, compass, mirror, calculator, notepad, agenda, alarm clock |
| Door lock | A travel door lock, for hotels, on trains, etc. |
| Whistle | For calling taxis, self-defense, or emergencies |
| Luggage locks | Use in luggage compartments, on public transport, etc. |
| Caribiner clips | Uses: clip things to bags, keep bags together, for carrying things |
| Sewing kit | Thread braid, buttons, needles/threader |
| Eyeglass kit | Screwdriver (max. allowed 7 inches) |
| Shoe laces | Uses: ties, carry cords, make-shift suitcase handle |
| Tool kit | Safety pins, rubber bands, twist ties, binder clips, cord/twine (Uses: zipper pulls, fasteners, bookmarks, tying pant legs closed) |
Documents & etc.
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| ID documents | Passports, visas, IDs, driving license + security carrying pouch |
| Travel documents | Tickets, reservations, vaccinations |
| Office documents | Tablet or laptop + charger/adapter + E-books |
| Misc. documents | Plus an SD card or computer key with extra copies |
Toiletries
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Soap + shampoo | Both in bars (no liquids) |
| Deodorant | Stick or chrystal (no liquids) |
| Toothbrush + powder | No liquids |
| Dental floss + needle | Use for: thread, shoe laces, clothesline |
| Hand/face cream + lip balm | For dry skin on airplane |
| Comb/brush + mirror | Mirror = emergency reflector |
| Nail clipper + file + razor | Extra uses: thread snipper, sweater shaver |
| 1 towel | Peshtemals: compact, lightweight, but huge! |
| Bandanas (from clothing) | Uses: wash cloth, shower cap, hair towel |
| Hair dryer | Travel-size, dual voltage |
Travel Aids
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Daypack | Small & flat for easy packing |
| Travel pillow | Inflatible |
| Travel blanket | Lightweight viscose |
| Bandana | Uses: sleep mask, seat cover, window shade |
| Sleep mask + ear buds | Or use bandana as a sleep mask |
| Reading material | Small, lightweight |
| Mini playing cards | Less than 1 x 2.5 inches (2.5 x 6.35 cm) |
Health & 1st Aid
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Prescription meds | Plus their prescriptions + medical documents |
| Over-counter meds | Headache, fever, intestinal/tummy, nausea, etc. |
| 1st aid supplies | Bandaids, Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Tissues |
| Bandana | Use as: bandage, ice pack, tourniquet, face mask |
| Woman’s sanitary supplies | Enough for trip; buy more later |
| 3rd world sanitation | See suggestions from Onebag.com |
Food & Drink
Pack or buy foods that you can carry onboard. Choose foods that keep well, don’t crumble, and boost energy! (TSA currently allows foods on board; any liquids must follow their 3-1-1 rule.)
| ITEMS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| From home | Granola or candy bars |
| Buy at airport | Cheese, bagels, fruit, sandwiches |
| Empty water bottle | You can fill it after airport checkpoints |
| Bandana (from clothing) | Use as napkin or placemat |
This list may seem unnecessarily long, but trust me, it all fits into one small carry-on bag. And it ensures that we always have everything we need, and are well prepared for emergencies!
And now, I wish you a Buon Viaggio!
Travel light. Overpacking is the #1 travel mistake.
📷 Image credits: clothing; jeans; bandanas; drink; others are mine
Signora Sheila 
11 responses to “One-Bag Travel: Packing List”
Thank you for sharing your list, Sheila. Love the idea of taking a pashmina, for its versatility–plus it’s lightweight!
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Thanks, Nancy! This list, most of which I learned from onebag.com, has helped me so much! And I count a pashmina as one of my three must-have travel aids, along with a peshtemal towel, and a bandana or two! They are all so versatile!!
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Incredibly helpful, ridiculously easy when it’s broken down like this. I’ve traveled with children who choose options, which always adds to luggage. I love this simplicity! Thanks, my friend.
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Thank you, Dayle. This list has proven a life-saver for us more than once! I guess it’s a carry-over from my old Girl Scout days, lol! Hope it helps you as well!
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Impressive list Sheila and a great jumping off point! I’d have to figure out the makeup piece😉
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I gave up wearing up years ago. So that saves me some space in luggage, and time every day too! :)
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I bet! Though I don’t wear much at all.
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What a great list!
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Thanks Cynthia, we find it super useful!
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What a great post, Sheila! I’m bookmarking this one and referring to it when we plan our next overseas excursion!! Thank you; thank you! <3 <3
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Great! But it’s also useful for non overseas travel. I generally store a lot of the little items in our suitcases so they’re also ready! Hope it helps you Lynn!
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