Fortunately, machine-washable silk has hit the clothing market, making this fabric something you can wear every day (or multiple days in a row on a trip). Silk clothes pack down small, are lightweight, and can help dress up a travel outfit. I tested some of the most popular machine-washable silk clothes to find out if they’re worthy of a spot in your suitcase. 

How We Tested

I washed each item of clothing featured here according to the directions on the care label, which meant tossing them in my washing machine on a delicate clothing setting with cold water and hanging them to dry. Then, I wore each piece of clothing to evaluate how it looked, felt, and held up to long days on the road. 

Quince Washable Stretch Silk Midi Shirt Dr

Quince is probably the most popular brand for washable silk clothing, offering a large variety of different styles in the fabric. Quince’s silk pieces are all priced affordably and were the most inexpensive items that I tried. However, the luxe fabric looks like it should come with a much higher price tag. 

I tested the Washable Stretch Silk Midi Shirt Dress, a perfect travel dress. The adjustable tie waist gives you a custom fit, and the midi length is very flattering. I’ll be packing this dress for all my summer trips—it’s lightweight, and the side slits help with airflow, making it comfortable even on the hottest days.

The shirtdress design with real buttons makes this dress super versatile, so you can truly wear it for day or night. The silk fabric held up very well to washing, maintaining its soft feel. 

M.M.LaFleur Vicky Tank

M.M.LaFleur was launched to fill a hole in the women’s workwear market and offer stylish and easy-to-wear clothing, and the brand’s washable silk Vicky Tank definitely lives up to that promise. This tank top features a scoop neck that’s not too low and a relaxed silhouette that looks good tucked or untucked. My favorite feature of the Vicky Tank was the built-in snaps that keep bra snaps in place. 

This sleeveless shirt would be perfect to bring on a business trip. It looks great both under a blazer and worn on its own. 

The Vicky Tank held up very well from machine washing. The care instructions recommend giving the shirt a quick steam to bring back the classic, smooth feel of silk, but I achieved the same effect by hanging the tank in the bathroom while I showered. 

Everlane Washable Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt

Everlane’s Washable Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt deserves a permanent spot in your travel wardrobe because of its versatility. Wear it tucked in, untucked, buttoned, or unbuttoned as an extra layer—this classic button-down looks good no matter what. The relaxed fit makes this shirt more comfortable for long travel days, and the traditional point collar allows you to dress this top up as needed. 

The shirt is made from Everlane’s clean silk, which is dyed with bluesign-approved dyes and crafted in a LEED-certified factory. When washed on the delicate cycle and air dried, the shirt emerged looking and feeling as good as it did pre-wash. 

Fishers Finery Mulberry Silk Robe

If you’re staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel, a robe is an underrated piece of clothing to pack. I always bring along Fishers Finery’s Mulberry Silk Robe, which packs down extremely small. 

Made from 100 percent pure mulberry silk, the robe comes with a mesh wash bag that you can toss the robe in and wash on the delicate or hand wash cycle. I ran it through my machine in the bag on the delicate cycle, and the robe looked as good as if I had dry-cleaned it.

The robe is well-designed, with an inner modesty tie for extra security, an attached belt that won’t get lost, and pockets. 

Quince Washable Silk Pajama Shorts

Upgrade your travel sleepwear to washable silk, like Quince’s Washable Silk Pajama Shorts. These lightweight shorts will keep you cool in even the hottest hotel room, and the silk fabric is extra kind to skin, helping to keep you comfortable. They also pack down smaller than any other pair of pajamas I’ve ever had, which I love.

Quince recommends washing the silk pajama shorts inside out in a garment bag on a delicate or gentle cycle, which I did. They emerged unwrinkled and ready to wear.

Drowsy Eyelash Protecting Sleep Mask

Washable silk is excellent for more than just clothing—get your face in on the fun with Drowsy’s Eyelash Protecting Silk Sleep Eye Mask. Made from 22 Momme mulberry silk, this mask prevents skin creasing and hair breakage, so you can wake up looking (and feeling) well-rested. 

I tested the eye mask in a very bright hotel room that had blinds instead of blackout shades to see if it would block out the morning light. Drowsy’s mask provided a completely dark sleeping experience for me, even in the sunny room, thanks to its oversized design. The larger size also covers the ears, helping to muffle sounds, which is an added bonus. The mask has molded eyecups, so it didn’t put pressure on my eyes (like a flat eye mask does), allowing my eyes to move freely during REM sleep and preventing damage to my eyelashes. 

The eye mask held its shape after washing. (I followed the instructions, machine-washed it in cold water inside a delicates bag, and laid it flat to dry.)

The post The Best Machine Washable Silk Clothes for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The right packing strategy is key to a smooth journey, from navigating security regulations to ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected situations. We’ve compiled a list of seven important things every traveler should do when packing their carry-on. From keeping your liquids in compliance to making sure you can lift your bag, these tips will help you breeze through security, avoid unnecessary fees, and arrive at your destination with everything you need. 

Make Sure You Can Lift Your Bag

You’ve successfully managed to jam everything in your carry-on bag, and although you have to sit on it to close it, you can zip it shut. The real question is, can you lift your overstuffed suitcase into the overhead bin? 

Don’t expect to rely on a flight attendant to put your heavy bag in the overhead bin for you. Taylor Garland, spokeswoman for the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told the Washington Post that cabin crew members are trained never to lift bags because it could cause them an injury. 

Never pack a bag that’s heavier than what you can maneuver around the airport and into the overhead bin. 

Keep Your Liquids in Compliance

When you’re flying carry-on only, all your liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, which restricts these items to 3.4 ounces or less per container. All these liquids must be in a 1-quart size, clear plastic zip-top bag, and you can only have one bag per passenger.  

Remember that many things you may not classify as liquids (like peanut butter or makeup) are considered such by the TSA. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and leave it behind if you don’t want it confiscated at security. 

Check TSA’s What Can I Bring Tool

Many items are acceptable in checked baggage but are considered too dangerous to be allowed in the plane’s cabin, where they are accessible to passengers. 

If you’re unsure if an item is allowed in your carry-on, use the TSA’s handy What Can I Bring site, which lets you search to see if you can bring it in a carry-on or checked bag. 

You can find answers flying with everything from portable chargers (carry-on only) to baseball bats (checked bags only).

Weigh Your Bag

Although most major American airlines don’t specify a weight limit for carry-on bags, many international carriers do. These airlines have strict carry-on weight limits and will insist on weighing your bag when checking in. (Don’t think you can skip weighing your bag by checking in online—often, you’ll have to check in in person for international flights to make sure your passport/travel documents are in order.)

Carry-on weight limits vary by airline but are generally limited to 20 lbs or less. Make sure you weigh your carry-on after it’s packed to avoid getting caught out at the airline counter.

Prepare for Gate-Checking

Meeting the carry-on allowance doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be allowed to bring your bag aboard the plane. Overhead bin space is at a premium, and if you’re in a later boarding group, you may be forced to gate-check your bag.

When packing your carry-on, separate anything you wouldn’t want checked (such as valuables, travel documents, keys, medications, etc.) so that you can easily pull it out if your bag gets gate-checked. 

Separate Your In-Flight Essentials Into Your Personal Item

Packed your reading material, headphones, and snacks in your carry-on? That’s great until you have to hold up the boarding process while you dig it all out of your suitcase before you stash your bag in the overhead bin and take a seat.

Come prepared by putting everything you’ll need in-flight into a separate personal item, like a backpack or tote bag, that you can stash underneath your seat and have for easy access. 

Prepay for Your Carry-On

If you’re traveling on a budget airline and a carry-on bag is not included in your fare, don’t attempt to sneak one onboard. Budget airlines are very strict about measuring bags, and if you have to pay at the airport for a carry-on, you’ll generally pay a much higher price than if you had allocated a bag in advance. 
For example, Spirit Airlines charges $49 for a carry-on bag at the time of booking. If you wait and add a bag during check-in, the price goes up to $59. If you don’t pay for a carry-on until you get to the airport, it will cost you $79.

The post 7 Things You Should Always Do When Packing a Carry-On Bag appeared first on SmarterTravel.

This got me thinking: why is this happening? Planes know how many passengers will be on board, so shouldn’t they have enough room for everyone’s carry-on bag? I did a little research to find out why this happens, what airlines are doing to avoid this in the future, and how to avoid it happening to you. 

What Causes Airlines To Require Gate-Checking Carry-On Bags?

There are a few reasons why more and more, airlines are asking passengers to gate-check their bags. Some are because of what a passenger does, and others are because of the airline. 

1. Your Bag is Too Big 

If you have a ticket that only allows one personal sized item on your flight, but you bring a regular sized carry-on, the flight attendant will have you check your bag, and you’ll have to pay to check that bag. If you have a regular ticket with a regular carry-on sized bag included, but you have a giant, oversized carry-on, the same rule applies. And please, don’t be the person who tries to get a giant bag past the flight attendants. 

2. You have Too Many Bags

If you have the correct size bag, but you have two of them, the flight attendant likely will ask you to check one. The only people allowed to carry an extra bag on board are people with medical devices. Of course, this doesn’t include bags from the airport- although I have been on flights that make you consolidate everything, so you should be wary of purchasing too much at the airport if you can’t fit it into your carry-on. If you’re allowed a personal item and a carry-on, keep it to that, please. 

3. The Flight is Full

When I was forced to gate-check a bag, my main issue was they had a certain amount of passengers that they had room for. Why would an airplane not have enough space for every passenger to have a carry-on? While in the moment I was too annoyed that I’d have to check my bag to realize it is because now that most airlines require you to pay to check a bag, everyone is just taking a carry-on, and they likely are bigger than what you’d take when you were checking a suitcase. So between more people carrying on than before, and bigger bags, space fills up fast. A full flight means less room in the overhead bins. Often, airlines will ask passengers to volunteer to check their bags, and allow them to board earlier than their designated zone, or even get a seat closer to the front. When people volunteer before boarding starts, it speeds up the boarding process, and makes for happier passengers. However, some flights just don’t have enough room, so after a certain number of passengers have boarded, everyone has to check their bag. 

What Are Airlines Doing to Stop This? 

To me, the answer is simple: make checking a bag free again. Free checked bags means less carry-ons (or smaller ones, at least), making more room in the overhead bins. However, those fees are a bit too tempting for airlines to stop, despite record revenue numbers and growing profits. Instead, major airlines are improving overhead bin space to accommodate larger bags and higher volume of bags. 

Remy Milburn from United Airlines explained that “As part of United Next, United is equipping planes with larger overhead bins with enough space for one carry-on per person. Last year, the A321neo joined United’s fleet – this aircraft is equipped with larger overhead bins.”  He went on to explain that United has already started to expand their fleet with larger overhead bins,  becoming “the first airline to add new, larger overhead bins to Embraer E175 aircraft.” 

While Delta isn’t expanding the overhead bins, they are putting new doors on the overhead bins on their refurbished fleet. These new doors will allow for larger bags to easily fit, therefore, making more room for everyone’s bulging bags. 

Earlier this year, American announced plans to retrofit “its A319 and A320 aircraft beginning in 2025. The retrofit will refresh the interior with power at every seat, larger overhead bins and new seats with updated trim and finish.”

Even Southwest, which allows two free checked bags, is jumping on the bandwagon and redesigning their fleet to include larger overhead bins. 

How To Avoid Gate-Checking Your Bag

While it’s great to hear airlines are trying to remedy this issue, those airplanes aren’t going to be ready for another year or two, and not every plane will have the extra room. So what can you do to ensure you won’t have to check your bag upon boarding? 

Upgrade Your Seat

An easy yet expensive way is to upgrade your seat. It’s tempting to pick a seat that doesn’t come with an extra fee, but that will guarantee priority boarding and all the overhead storage you need for your carry-on. If you really hate checking your bag, that extra $100-300 for priority boarding, first class or business class might be worth it. 

Use Rewards and Credit Cards

Many frequent flyer programs and credit cards offer priority boarding as a perk. If you join the programs or get the credit cards, you’ll be able to board earlier. Keep in mind, some rewards programs offer earlier boarding once you hit a certain status or have a designated amount of points. 

Airline Credit Cards that offer priority boarding: 

This is by no means a complete list of credit cards that will get you priority boarding, but for some of the major domestic airlines. 

United: 

• United Business Card
• United Club Infinite Card
• United Explorer Card
• United Quest Card

American: 

• Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
• Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
• Citi / AAdvantage Business World Elite Mastercard
• AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard
• AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
• AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard

Delta: 

• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Southwest: 

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

JetBlue:

• JetBlue Business Card

Airline frequent flyer programs that offer priority boarding: 

Like the credit cards, this is not a complete list, just a list of some of the major domestic airlines.

Delta:

• SkyPriority
• SkyTeam Elite
• SkyTeam Elite Plus

American: 

• OneWorld Priority
• AAdvantage

United:

• MileagePlus Premier Statuses 

JetBlue:

• TrueBlue Members (when you reach 10 tiles)

Pack Small

Perhaps one of the most obvious answers is to just bring a personal sized bag with you when you fly. These bags must fit under the seat in front of you. You may think it is impossible to do, especially if you are heading anywhere for more than a night or two, but I promise you, it is possible. I once bought a super cheap ticket to the UK, and was able to pack everything I needed for four days in a tiny suitcase. I had just bought a house and the extra expense of checking a bag or bringing a larger carry-on was not in the cards. If you only have one bag and it will fit under the seat in front of you, you won’t be forced to gate-check it. Gate-checking is only for overhead bin bags. If you’re skeptical, read our guide on how to pack in just a personal-sized bag, which also recommends some of the best personal-sized bags for you to take on your next trip. 

Prepare for Your Trip

Stay informed, research the carry-on and personal size item requirements for the airline you are flying before you head to the airport. Look up what aircraft you will be flying, and research the overhead bin size. Smaller aircrafts are going to have less space (this was my problem, I was flying from Washington DC to Hartford Connecticut, and it was a small plane for a short flight). Staying informed and being prepared will help you make a better decision when it comes to what luggage you decide to bring. 

Fly An Airline with Free Checked Bags

One simple way to avoid having to gate check your bag is to fly Southwest, the only airline that has no baggage fees (unless you are checking more than two bags). An important thing to note is that if you do go with Southwest, you need to check in as early as possible, so you will get a decent boarding group and will still have plenty of room in the overhead bin for your carry-on. Even Southwest’s overhead bins can get full! 

Bottom Line

There are a few surefire ways to avoid having to gate check your carry-on bag: purchasing priority boarding, using a credit card or frequent flyer status, and only bringing a personal-sized bag. If none of these ways work for you, then you’re just going to have to take the risk that your flight won’t be full or that most of the other passengers won’t have a carry-on bag. 

The post How to Avoid Gate-Checking Your Carry-On Bag appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Think of your personal item as the place to store all your essentials and valuables. Unlike a carry-on suitcase, which may get gate-checked if the airline runs out of space in the overhead compartment, a personal item is always allowed on the plane if it can fit under the seat. 

Your personal item is where you should store anything you’ll need easy access to in-flight, along with anything you can’t live without on your trip (in case the rest of your luggage gets lost).

Follow this personal item packing checklist to ensure an easy and organized experience on your next flight.

Download Our Editable Personal Item Packing List

This handy half-sheet has everything you need to pack the perfect carry-on—download here.

The Best Personal Item Bags

A good personal item should be able to pull double duty at your destination, so I always choose a backpack I can reuse as a day bag.

I look for a backpack with a luggage sleeve so I can slip it over the handle of my carry-on and spare my shoulders when walking through the airport. Calpak’s Luka Laptop Backpack is the perfect size and has lots of compartments (including a padded one for travel tech) to keep everything organized. 

Other good personal item options include totes with zip-tops, small weekender bags, large purses, and laptop bags. Check with your airline before flying to confirm the personal item size policy. 

Personal Item Size by Airline

I’ve found that airlines rarely check the size of your personal item as long as it fits under the seat, but you should still be aware of each airline’s maximum personal item size dimensions.

Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines do not have specific measurements for personal item size requirements. Instead, they state that the bags must fit under the seat and be purses, backpacks, laptop bags, or similar-sized baggage. 

Personal Item Packing List

Your personal item should be packed with everything you need to be comfortable and entertained during the flight and anything you can’t travel without in case your bag gets lost. It’s also where you should stash anything you wouldn’t want to check, such as valuables, breakables, or items not allowed in checked baggage, like certain batteries. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post What to Pack in a Personal Item: The Ultimate Personal Item Packing List appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The key to succeeding at packing for a long weekend is keeping it minimal while still being prepared for every eventuality. Three-day weekends tend to fall during shoulder season (like Memorial Day weekend or Labor Day weekend) when the weather can change drastically over a day or two, so check the forecast when packing and bring lots of layers if needed.

Fortunately, our long weekend packing list covers all the bases, whether you’re headed to the beach or the mountains. Cross-reference our checklist as you pack, and you’ll be prepared for anything.

The Ultimate Long Weekend Packing Checklist

To simplify things, we’ve made the long weekend packing checklist into an editable PDF you can download or print. It’s editable so that you can customize it to your personal needs and specific vacation destination. You can also download the editable, mobile-friendly checklist here. 

Long Weekend Packing Tips

When packing for a long weekend trip, you’ll want to start by checking the weather forecast at your destination. Don’t forget to check the hourly temperature throughout the day to see if you need to bring a jacket for cooler evenings, for example. 

I find it helpful to plot out my packing by writing down my daily activities, the forecast, and the outfit I plan to wear. Here’s a sample long weekend packing list that I’ve used in the past:

Friday 

Afternoon: Drive to destination. (65 degrees and sunny.) Comfortable outfit for road trip. My go-to travel day outfit is Mott & Bow’s stretchy jeans, Smartwool’s Edgewood Boyfriend Crew Sweater, and Rothy’s The Braid Driver Shoes. 

Evening: Casual dinner. (55 degrees.) I would wear the same outfit as above but add a jacket as the temperature will be cooler.

Night: Pajamas.

Saturday 

Morning: Hike. (70 degrees at base, 60 degrees and windy at summit.) For hiking, I always pack the same outfit: Merrell Antora 3 Mid Waterproof Boots, Smartwool Hike Crew Socks, REI Co-op’s Swiftland Grid Running Tank Top, Patagonia Maipo Shorts, REI Co-op Merino Half-Zip Base Layer Top, and Patagonia Houdini Jacket. I’d also note here any accessories I need to bring, such as a backpack, hiking poles, water bottle, snacks, etc.

Afternoon: Beach and swimming. (75 degrees and sunny.) I’d pack a swimsuit, cover-up, towel, and sandals for this part of the day. 

Evening: Casual dinner. (55 degrees.) I would note in the packing list that I plan to re-wear the same jeans and shoes that I wore for the drive to my destination and that I’d also need to pack a casual sweater like this one from Smartwool for a fresh top.

Sunday

Morning: Casual brunch. (65 degrees and rainy.) I would note here that I plan to wear the same outfit for the morning and afternoon, which would include comfortable waterproof boots like Nisolo’s Dari Commuter Boot, Mott & Bow’s Fitted V-Neck Marcy Tee, the same jeans I wore earlier in the trip, and the same rain jacket I packed for hiking. I’d also add here that I want to bring a purse for the day, the Cleo Convertible Crossbody, and an umbrella due to the rainy forecast.

Afternoon: Walking around the city. (75 degrees and rainy.)

Evening: Dinner at an upscale restaurant. (65 degrees.) I’d plan to change for dinner, so I’d rewear the Nisolo Dari Commuter Boots with a long-sleeved dress and tights. 

Monday

Drive home. (75 degrees and sunny.) For the drive home, I’d pack a lightweight dress that I could pair with the Rothy’s Driver slip-ons I wore on the way up.

Like this strategy? Download our handy Long Weekend Packing Planner to lay out exactly what outfits you’ll need for every day of your trip.

The Best Bag for a Long Weekend Trip

When you have the space available, it’s tempting to keep adding “what if” items like an extra pair of shoes or that shirt you never wear at home. Before you know it, you’re weighed down with more luggage than you’ll realistically need.

I recommend choosing a small bag for a long weekend trip so that you can travel lightly. Although I like a rolling suitcase on longer trips, I prefer to use a backpack for three-day weekends as I don’t need to bring as much stuff and can be more nimble. The Continental Backpack from Roam fits just enough for a long weekend (even if I’m doing a variety of activities like in the sample itinerary outlined above). 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Though classified as carry-ons, the suitcases on our list offer ample space to fit everything you need for long trips while still meeting the size requirements for overhead bins on most flights. Want to see if the suitcase will adhere to your favorite airline’s carry-on allowance before buying? Check out our complete guide to carry-on bag sizes for each major airline.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

I’ve taken the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner on trips of up to two weeks (no laundry required). The suitcase is simply that spacious. If I need even more packing room at the end of a trip, the Freeform expands an additional inch with a zipper in the middle.

I love that this hardshell suitcase has two compression dividers with multiple zippered pockets to keep things organized. One of the pockets is even waterproof, making it a great place to stash a wet swimsuit that doesn’t have time to dry before my flight. The ingenious features don’t stop there—the suitcase’s interior conceals a hidden cord, allowing you to connect your portable power pack and charge your phone conveniently from the exterior.

Made out of a durable and lightweight Polypro material, this suitcase weighs just 6.5 lbs, making it one of the lightest options on our list.

Dimensions: 23” x 15” x 10” 

Roam Large Carry-On

Travel with ease and style using Roam’s Large Carry-On. This lightweight yet spacious piece is designed to accommodate all your travel essentials and then some. Its clever construction meets most major U.S. airlines’ carry-on size requirements while still offering plenty of interior packing space. 

Roam’s suitcase is more of a square shape than the typical carry-on rectangle, which I find makes it easier to pack. The included compression dividers work miracles, helping you to fit in even more than you might think. 

This suitcase can be completely customized, allowing you to pick the color of every aspect, from the wheels to the zipper. 

Dimensions: 22” x 16.25” x 9”

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex

If you tend to accumulate lots of souvenirs on every trip (or just can’t be bothered to neatly repack everything on your last day), Away’s The Bigger Carry-On Flex is the perfect carry-on suitcase for you. This large hardside suitcase is designed to offer you flexibility, with the ability to add extra space as needed. 

With its expandable capacity, The Bigger Carry-On Flex offers an additional 2.25″ of space when fully flexed, allowing you to seamlessly stow those last-minute items or souvenirs you couldn’t resist. However, be warned that expanding this suitcase will push it past the carry-on allowance of many major airlines—so you may have to check it if you fully expand it. 

Dimensions: 22.7″ x 14.7″ x 9.6″

Monos Carry-On Plus

The Carry-On Plus is the biggest carry-on suitcase in Monos’ line. This suitcase is designed to fit in the luggage sizers of most major U.S. airlines, but you might have to check it if you’re traveling on a small plane. 

Made of a highly durable polycarbonate shell, the Carry-On Plus resists dents and scratches to stay looking new after numerous journeys. Unsure if the Carry-On Plus will be the right size for you? Monos offers a 100-day trial for all of its luggage, so you can test it out and make sure you love it before committing. 

Dimensions: 23″ × 15″ × 9.5″

Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

The Essential 22” Expandable Carry-On is stalwart luggage brand Briggs & Riley’s largest carry-on option. The suitcase features a patented system allowing you to expand the bag by simply pulling a handle, bringing it from 9” to 11.5” wide. 

The suitcase’s interior is a well-organized haven, featuring an array of pockets and dividers that offer dedicated spaces for all your travel essentials. From chargers to shoes, you’ll find the perfect spot for every item, ensuring a clutter-free and streamlined experience.

One standout feature is the innovative handle design, which is mounted on the suitcase’s exterior. This ingenious solution eliminates the traditional interior handle bump, leaving the inside surface flat and smooth. No more struggling to pack around awkward protrusions, as this design allows for wrinkle-free packing, making the most of the available space.

Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 5 Largest Carry-On Suitcases appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Make a Tiered Packing List

If you’re like us, you can drive yourself crazy by double-checking everything you’ve packed to ensure you didn’t forget your cell phone charger or passport. Give yourself peace of mind by creating a tiered packing list in your notes app on your phone.

Divide everything you need to pack into two categories: essentials (anything that would ruin your trip if you forgot it, like your passport or credit card) and everything else (things that would be an inconvenience but not a trip-ender if you left it behind because you can go without it or buy it at your destination, like sweaters or toothpaste.)

Use the checkbox feature in the notes app to check off each item as you pack it. Tell yourself you’re only allowed to double-check the items in the “essentials” category, as you can easily see at a glance that you checked off and packed everything else. 

Create a Critical Info Document for Your Trip

Create a Google doc containing a detailed itinerary for your trip and share it with all your travel companions. This document should contain all the critical information that you will need so that you can access everything quickly. Be sure to save this doc offline in case you don’t have WiFi or cell service when you need it.

This doc should include:

• Flight numbers, flight times, airports, and confirmation codes
• Hotel check-in and check-out dates, confirmation numbers, reservation information, and payment information
• Rental car reservation details and phone number of rental car agency
• Confirmation numbers and contact details for any tours booked
• Directions to and from the airport to your hotel

Keep Your Toiletry Kit Ready

Make packing go much faster for your next trip by always keeping your toiletry kit packed and ready. Unlike your regular suitcase, your toiletry kit is likely stocked with mini items you only use for travel. After each trip, refresh your travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, etc., so that your kit is ready to go and simply be thrown in your carry-on the next time you travel. You’ll have one less thing to worry about packing for your next trip.

Download Key Apps Before You Leave

Before your next trip, research which apps you’ll need while traveling and download them beforehand. This way, you’ll have them preloaded and logged into and don’t need to worry about data usage or finding WiFi on the road.

We recommend downloading the following: 

• The apps of any airlines you’re flying on
• Local rideshare apps, like FREENOW in Europe or Alto in Dallas 
• WhatsApp for international trips

Screenshot All Your Important Documents 

If you’ve ever stood at the gate to your flight frantically swiping through your phone for a screenshot of your mobile ticket, this tip is for you. Screenshot any important documents or QR codes that you need (like tickets, confirmations, or directions), and save them to an easily accessible photo folder on your phone.

Now, crucial travel information that you need will be organized and easily accessible at a moment’s notice.

The post 5 Simple Ways to Make Travel Easier in 2024 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Tips for Packing in Only a Personal Item

I’m here to tell you that, yes, it is possible. Although not ideal, traveling with only a personal item can be a great way to take a cheap getaway for a few days. And if you’re into the minimalist lifestyle, you can stretch this out to week-long trips or longer. More and more airlines are selling super cheap flights that only include a personal item, hoping that most passengers will pay extra for bags and/or other ancillary fees. If you don’t want to pay any more than that low fare you were attracted to, use these tips to travel with only a personal item-sized bag.

What is a Personal Item?

­First of all, let’s be clear on what exactly a personal item is. The exact dimensions vary by airline, but are usually a maximum of around 18x14x8 inches and up to 22 lbs. Each airline and individual employees will vary on how strictly these limitations are adhered to. In general, think small backpacks, large purses, or small wheeled bags that will fit underneath the seat in front of you on an airplane.

The growing number of airlines that only include a small personal item in the lowest class base price include Allegiant, Flair Air, Frontier, Porter, Spirit, Sun Country, Swoop, and United. Read on to learn how to take advantage of these airlines’ cheap fares.

What to Bring When Packing in a Personal Item Only

­You’ll have to be extremely picky about what goes in your bag if you’re going to travel with only a personal item. There is no room to bring any items on a “just in case” basis. A general rule of thumb is to bring along a total of about three outfits, including what you decide to wear while traveling. Of course, this varies depending on how long your trip is and what other items might be more important to you.

It’s usually best to leave your laptop behind on such trips as the added weight may tip you over the scale and many of your computing needs can be done with a smartphone these days. A tablet or an e-reader can be a good alternative if you prefer to have a larger screen. That being said, it’s not very common for airlines to actually weigh your personal item, though some will insist.

Below, I’ve included a list of what I usually bring with me when packing just a personal item. The number of clothing items really depends on how lightweight your clothes are and how long you plan to travel. Remember to wear your bulkier items and a few layers on the plane.

What to Pack in Your Personal Item Bag

Clothing:

• 2 T-shirts
• 1 Pair of shorts
• 1-2 Pair of pants
• 1 Belt
• 1-2 dress shirt(s) or dress(es)
• 3-5 Pair of underwear/socks
• 1 Swimsuit
• 1 Hoodie
• 1 Lightweight waterproof jacket
• 1 hat
• 1 Pair of universal shoes
• 1 Pair of sandals or flip flops

Technology:

• Phone
• Tablet or Laptop (if necessary) with a protective sleeve
• Chargers for devices and portable USB charger
• Accessories (usb stick, cables, etc.)
• Universal power adapter
• Earbuds

Toiletries / Personal items:

Make sure your liquids are TSA compliant.

• Small reusable bottles filled with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and sunscreen
• Toothpaste
• Pocket laundry wash
• Toothbrush, shaver, comb, deodorant, medications, etc.

Travel Documents & Money:

• Passport / ID, itinerary, wallet, USD cash
• ATM card with no fees
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Miscellaneous Items:

• Travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Eye mask
• Carabiners
• Water bottle
• Padlock
• TSA luggage locks
• Keys
• Pen
• Bungee(s)
• Ziploc bags
• Drawstring bag

The key to traveling with only a personal item is that you should only bring one pair of shoes. For this reason, you’ll have to choose wisely on which pair to bring and make sure it is a versatile and comfortable shoe that can be used for daily touring and also look nice enough to wear for a night out on the town.

Of course, if you’re traveling for more than just a few days, you’ll have to find somewhere to do laundry. This is usually pretty cheap and the pocket laundry wash works well if you need to wash something quickly. If you need to travel for a formal event, wear your formal attire on the flight to save space in your bag and also so it does not wrinkle. You may even get noticed for an upgraded seat if you’re looking spiffy and the airline needs to upgrade any passengers in order to open up oversold Economy seats.

How to Pack Your Personal Item

After setting aside a few layers of your bulkier items to wear on the plane, it’s time to cram all other items in your small personal item bag. To save as much space as possible, roll your clothing and you can keep things more organized by placing your clothes in a drawstring bag or a reusable shopping bag before placing in your personal item sized bag. Do the same for your pair of sandals or flip flops so other items don’t get dirty or if space is of the essence, you can easily attach a pair of sandals to the outside of your bag with carabiners. A bungee cord can also be useful to strap bulkier items to your bag that you don’t want to wear if it’s too hot while traveling.

Some items such as heavy coats won’t fit in a personal item sized bag, so if you’re going to a colder climate, you’ll need to wear or carry these items on the plane outside of your bag. I also like to bring a small plastic shopping bag with snacks or purchase a to-go meal at the airport to bring onboard. If space in your personal item is tight, you can always place a few items in your snack bag and you’ll likely never have any issue boarding a plane this way.

Personal Item Bags to Fit Everything You Need

Choosing the right personal item bag is paramount to fit what you need for your trip. It’s a good idea to check the airline’s size requirements for specific limitations, though unless the bag looks overly large, I don’t think many gate agents size up these bags. There are plenty of options to choose from for personal item bags. A small backpack is ideal for organization as it usually includes many different compartments and also allows you to be hands-free when traveling. If you prefer wheeled bags, some are small enough to fit underneath an airplane seat. Another option is to go with a large tote bag, which can usually fit the most amount of items. Here are a few bags I recommend.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 15” Lightweight Carry-on Rolling Under Seat Bag

This bag fits underneath most airline seats and features several zippered organizational pockets. a retractable handle, inline wheels, and padded laptop sleeve.

Swiss Gear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

For travelers who prefer a backpack, this hyper-organized option from Swiss Gear contains a file folder, a laptop sleeve and tablet pocket, and RFID-protected organizer compartment.

Samsonite Large Wheeled Underseater

This lightweight suitcase from Samsonite weighs only 5.5 lbs, can be rolled via retractable handle and inline wheels or carried by the bag handles, and has plenty of exterior pockets to keep your essentials handy.

Leather Carry On Bag – Airplane Underseat Travel Duffel By RusticTown

Leather gives your luggage a timeless look. Arrive for your flight in style with this handmade weekender bag, which features break-resistant zippers.

Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack

Another great option for backpack lovers, this bag has all the great organizational options you expect in a travel backpack with additional anti-theft features.

Bag Wizard Laptop Tote Bag

This tote bag from Bag Wizard has a padded interior pocket for your laptop, plus loads of other pockets for ultimate organization. And it is super affordable, costing just over $30. 

Calpak Luka Duffel

This duffel fits the personal-sized dimensions and is super cute, making it a great choice for your personal item-only packing trip. It has a shoe compartment at the bottom, is lightweight, water resistant, and has loads of pockets. 

Béis Mini Weekender

The wide opening of this weekender makes packing a breeze. It features a laptop compartment, shoulder strap, pockets, and key ring. 

Nomad Carry-On Duffel

This duffel opens down the middle like a suitcase, making packing (and unpacking) insanely easy, allowing you to get to every corner to make the most of your space. 

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On

Believe it or not, there is a hard-back personal-item-sized suitcase out there! If you are worried about your items getting squashed, this mini carry-on from Calpack will give you peace of mind, all while not having to pay extra for a regular-sized carry-on bag. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This story was originally posted on Airfarewatchdog.com.

The post How to Pack in Just a Personal Item-Sized Bag appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These six tiny fitness gadgets take up hardly any space in your suitcase and will help you work out and recover more efficiently—so even if there’s no hotel gym, you won’t have any excuses not to get moving.

Theragun Mini

After a hard workout or a long flight crammed in coach, your muscles could use a little help with recovery. The tiny Theragun Mini packs in a powerful vibration that knocks out knots. This travel-sized Theragun is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the brand’s regular massage guns, so that you can take it anywhere. 

Download the Therabody app, and the Bluetooth-enabled massage gun can connect to a library of personalized wellness routines that take the guesswork out of using the device.

Jlab Audio JBuds Mini

Whether you’re hitting the hotel gym or going for a run, workouts are always better with music. 

The JBuds Mini are the smallest earbuds on the market, with a case that’s 50 percent smaller than other Bluetooth models. 

The JBuds’ Mini packable size doesn’t mean sacrificing battery power or performance—the case can provide up to 20 hours of charge, and the sound quality is crystal clear. We also love that the earbuds seamlessly switch between different types of hearing options, including a Be Aware Audio setting that’s designed to let in ambient noise for safety while you run or walk—something that’s key in an unfamiliar environment while traveling. 

Hyperice Venom Go

Get relaxing heat and soothing vibrations anywhere you need with Hyperice’s Venom Go wearable massager. The tiny device fits in the palm of your hand and can be affixed to any sore or tight spot on your body with reusable adhesive pads, allowing you to massage hard-to-reach spots like shoulders. 

Choose from nine combinations of heat and vibration levels—Venom Go’s vibration is even quiet enough that you could use it on a plane to relieve tight muscles.

Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Keep track of all your fitness goals with the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, a versatile GPS-enabled sports watch that can be used for everything from hiking to snorkeling. This rugged watch can last up to 300 hours without needing a charge.

Download maps and plan your route ahead of time—Suunto utilizes five different satellite systems, so you’ll be able to navigate through even the most remote environments. You can also use the watch to create your own custom workouts, like an interval run or cycle.

The 9 Peak Pro can monitor several fitness goals, including steps, calories, sleep, stress levels, etc.

Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are the most portable piece of fitness equipment that you can pack. The Fit Simplify set is an affordable option with five different resistance levels, an instruction guide with sample exercises, and a carrying bag. 

Use these to get in a great strength workout anywhere you travel—no bulky weights required. 

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Travel Mat

If the thought of lying on a hotel room floor to work out grosses you out, pack Gaiam’s Foldable Yoga Travel Mat. This thin mat folds into a 10-inch x 12-inch square that fits easily in your suitcase. 

The light padding and sticky texture make this mat essential for yoga or workouts on the road.

The post The 6 Best Travel Fitness Gadgets appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fortunately, you can pack a few small things to vastly improve your chances of sleeping well—even if you wind up in a bright and loud hotel room or are trying to catch some shut-eye on your overnight flight.

Dagsmejan Nattwell Sleep Tech Pajamas

Can’t get your hotel room to the perfect temperature at night? It won’t matter with Dagsmejan’s Nattwell Sleep Tech Pajamas. Made from Dagsmejan’s trademarked Nattwell fabric, these breathable pajamas are designed to help you regulate your body temperature and sleep better. 

The fabric is six times more breathable than cotton and are moisture-wicking to keep you dry even in the hottest environments.  

The Nattwell fabric is available in shorts for hot sleepers, and all the clothing in the line is tagless and constructed with flat seams for ultimate comfort. 

Cabeau Air TNE Pillow

Sleeping on a plane can feel like an impossible task. Most travel pillows simply don’t work, allowing your head to bob the minute you slip into slumber. Cabeau’s new Air TNE pillow solves this problem, closing the standard u-shaped loop with an adjustable chinstrap that provides 360-degree support and stops your head from slumping forward. 

The TNE is inflatable, allowing you to add just enough air to keep the neck supports at the perfect height and saving room in your carry-on.

Loop Quiet Earplugs

Noisy hotels, loud plane cabins, travel partners who snore—there’s a reason earplugs are one of the first things we always pack on a trip. Loop’s Quiet Earplugs feel like the first-class version of traditional bulky foam earplugs. Made from soft and flexible silicone, these sleek earplugs are comfortable even for side sleepers, and they’re discreet enough that you can wear them through the airport or on the plane without attracting attention.

We especially love the tiny carrying case the Loops come with, which helps keep them clean and protected during travel.

Lavender Sleep Spray

Several studies have shown that lavender can help with sleep quality, and it’s an inexpensive and drug-free way to relax and fall asleep faster while traveling. Spray this essential oil blend on your pillowcase the next time you travel to feel calmer and sleep better. It won’t stain your pillowcase; if nothing else, it will help cover up any musty hotel room odors.

Manta Sleep Eye Mask

If you’ve ever been woken up by annoyingly bright sunlight shining through hotel room curtains that don’t close completely, you know how essential an eye mask can be. We recommend Manta’s Sleep Eye Mask, which completely blocks out light.

The eye mask has lightweight foam cups that provide total blackness without putting pressure on your eyelids, allowing for the rapid eye movement that’s important for deep sleep. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 5 Things to Pack to Help You Sleep Better When Traveling appeared first on SmarterTravel.