The Expert Guide to Packing
According to the CEO of U.S. Luggage, and 32 things travel editors and pros never leave home without
Despite this newsletter’s name, I’m not a Carry On Evangelist. I see you, I understand why you feel this way, and — after a near-miss flight in the chaotic Rome airport, saved only by the grace of not checking a bag — I mostly stick to a carry-on. (And try to make my kids, too, their clothing is tiny.) But it’s of course not possible for every trip. I have, however, packed a carry on for a 10-day vacation all over Italy in the winter and a weeklong reporting trip to Norway (also in winter, filled with outdoor activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling that required a snow suit and a bajillion layers.)
I find carrying on is usually possible with a few secret weapons, including a set of compression bags, a mix-and-match uniform, and the Briggs & Riley expandable bag I bought in 2005 — similar to the Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Spinner. (Although this new version has four spinner wheels for even easier sailing through the airport.) My bag has been through everything in 20 (20!) years of traveling, and it still looks perfect and works like a charm.
Whatever your luggage preferences are, though, it’s still helpful to learn the art of savvy packing. For some insider recommendations, I asked Richard Krulik, CEO of U.S. Luggage, the parent company of Briggs & Riley. With decades at the helm of the premium luggage company known for its lifetime guarantee, Krulik has mastered the art of efficient packing. Read on for his top tips for making the most of your suitcase space, whether you're Team Carry-On or Team Checked Luggage.
Follow this golden ratio
If you’re going to stick to a carry on, be strategic about your wardrobe, says Krulik. “A simple method to follow is the 3:1 method – three tops for every bottom.” (I also use this method, and try to stick to either a black or navy blue color scheme so I can cut down on extra pairs of shoes.)
Space saving tips
There are also a few ways to save space in your luggage, says Krulik, including packing socks and other small items within shoes, and rolling clothes instead of folding. “Rolling your clothes is one of the easiest ways to save space and help you pack more,” he says. On the other hand, he adds, “folding prevents wrinkles and makes moving items around in your suitcase easier.”
Use compression cubes
“Compression packing cubes are a must-have for carry-on only travelers,” he says. “These not only keep your items organized, but the compression helps you fit even more items.” (I enthusiastically second this. Before Briggs & Riley introduced their sturdy three-piece cube set — made from recycled bottles! — I had a set of plastic compression bags that I could roll to force out every last drop of air. They were great for squeezing more space, but less great for keeping things organized. The B&R version does both.)
Tips for packing souvenirs
Krulik suggests two different models that can both do one wildly useful trick. “Briggs & Riley’s Baseline and Sympatico carry-ons feature our patented one-touch compression-expansion technology,” he notes. Expand the bag for packing and compress back down to its original size, so travelers can “fit more items without sacrificing the carry-on size.” He recommends packing the bag without the expansion, so you can check the bag on the way home — with plenty of room saved for souvenirs.
Speaking of souvenirs, Krulik says fragile souvenirs should be wrapped in clothing or packed securely between softer items “to ensure they aren’t tossed around in the luggage while in transit,” he says. (And save that expander option for the return trip!) I’ve used pants and sweaters to wrap everything from bottles of olive oil and wine to serums from the Parisian pharmacy.
Consider a matching under seat duffel
It might also be worth considering a matching underseat bag or duffle, he says, designed to fit under the seat of the plane. “This takes away the guesswork from hoping that your backpack will be deemed ‘personal’ and can be a little easier to access smaller items like a phone or wallet.”
What to bring, according to people who travel a lot.
Beauty + wellness
A good lip mask for the plane
Tower 28 acne spray, “a lifesaver on the plane, and they have a travel size,” according to my cousin, a sommelier who grew up in Italy and travels back often.
My friend Becca’s job often takes her to places like Norway (and Antartica!), and she says Aquaphor is a must. There’s a portable lip version that’s great for chapped lips and skin, even in non-frozen locales.
Kate McLeod mini body lotion bars. They’re super hydrating and don’t accidentally leak in your luggage.
Under eye patches and face masks (If I had Chrissy Teigen money I’d buy these, I used them one time long before I spent all my money on children and they made my skin feel like a dewy tween.)
A gua sha, says travel publicist Fran
Sunscreen! Supergoop minis are my favorite
Compact Anker; Airtag; Anker Power Strip
Tech
The mother of all charging bricks, and/or this more compact version
An Anker travel adapter for European plugs
This power strip, plus the adapter and an extra cord to set up a charging station.
Apple Airtags, for quelling all anxiety about if your bag made the connection
Airalo eSim card. If your cell phone plan charges $10/day abroad, buy one of these instead. Prices range depending on the country you’re visiting/length of time/data, but start around $5 for 7 days. (I’ve been using eSim cards for years, comment or email me if you have questions.)
Water + coffee
My friend Amelia always packs a collapsable tea kettle, “because not all hotel coffee machines are created equal.” (When I asked her if she also brings instant coffee, she said no, she also always brings an Aeropress lol)
A ceramic water bottle (I got one of these in Australia and it’s the perfect size and weight.)
For sleeping
The softest pajamas (that also don’t take up much space in your bag)
An eye mask, because “you never know what the hotel lighting/curtain situation is gonna be like,” says social media editor Sam. (I like this one!)
A light scarf, which can be a blanket on the plane and doubles as a shawl or a hair covering, says Jen, Edible Philly publisher and owner of the cutest boutique in Philly’s Italian Market: Salt & Vinegar.
Turtl neck pillow, also for snoozing on the plane. (A travel editor told me she doesn’t fly without this so I bought one and it really does make sleeping in coach easier.)
Bags
Kusshi makeup bags (and bottle protectors) because the genius snap-in organizers are washable
A day pack like this or this is a must. I throw one in my carry on, they’re made of thin fabric and fold down easily — they work for outings in the city, beach, everywhere.
I also pack a sling bag like this one or this one for easy access to my passport, phone, charger, etc.
A baggu tote, “takes up nearly no space, is great for everything from shopping to a wet suit” according to travel writer and ice cream maker Jacqueline. (Agreed! I stuff one in my sling bag for shopping souvenirs or at farmers markets, etc.)
A mesh laundry bag for keeping all our dirty laundry separate. (My friend Lee, the genius behind the Explain Boston to Me podcast and practically a professional family traveler, also always packs one.)
Etc.
Empty Ziplocs, says my friend and travel writer Adam, “in case of pre-check in emergencies and to steal cookies from the lounge.” (lol)
A compact umbrella
Plastic shower caps, says Sonal, who hoards them from hotels and use them for everything when traveling.
A tennis ball, says Dan, which can be used as a foam roll (for sore muscles), a dryer ball, and anything else you’re creative enough to think of
Post-it’s, a removable activity for toddlers, according to Gillian (so smart!)
Small notebooks like this or this, and a good pen for jotting down impressions and ideas on the go/journaling romantically in a cafe alone
That Anker travel adapter paired with their power strip is the move for international travel.
these are great recs! I need to invest in a travel tea kettle, I had no idea something like that existed. I love to wind down with a cup of tea in the evenings at the hotel.