Two weeks, one bag, easy as pie

Planning to pack for a two-week journey in just a carry-on suitcase (plus a personal item)? Sounds daunting, but it’s entirely achievable. Our team of seasoned travel editors, writers, producers, and photographers are always on the move. We navigate airports, train stations, rental car desks, and hotel check-ins across the globe—from Mongolia to Madagascar, Montana to Maine. Whether traveling solo or with family, we’ve experienced it all.

After gathering numerous tips from the team, I compiled the best insights into a concise list you can trust. Here are Dinogo Planet’s 13 tried-and-true tips for effortless packing.

1. Create a packing list

Don’t start your packing until you jot down everything you think you’ll want or need. Enhance this by detailing an outfit (or outfits) for each day or evening of your trip.

Pro tip: Consider using the Notes app on your phone for this—it features handy checkboxes and can be reused.

2. Ask to borrow

Instead of buying (or stealing), ask to borrow. Don’t have the perfect suitcase for your journey? Reach out to friends and family for a loan. If you’re eyeing a new suitcase, wait for Prime Day or set alerts to catch sales on your ideal luggage.

Pro tip: CalPak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-on and Quince Carry-on Hard Shell are two carry-on options we recommend.

3. Coordinated outfits

Create a compact capsule wardrobe—ensure each top pairs well with every bottom. Pre-coordinating your pieces can significantly reduce your packing list.

Pro tip: Use a color palette for your capsule wardrobe with complementary shades like black, navy, white, and gray, and incorporate one or two vibrant items for flair.

4. Select your footwear

Shoes take up a lot of space, so choose wisely. Wear your heaviest pair and pack an additional pair for dressing up and a smaller pair for daily wear.

Pro tip: Utilize shoes for storing socks, cords, bottles, and more. If that’s unappealing, consider using plastic bags for these items.

5. Practice your outfits

Once your packing list is finalized and you've chosen your luggage, take everything out of your closet, drawers, and medicine cabinet to assess what you have. This will give you a realistic idea of how much you can actually fit in your bag.

Pro tip: Take photos of your outfits beforehand for quick and easy reference.

6. Invest in packing cubes

Our team swears by packing cubes, especially the compression ones that help you fit in just a bit more. Whether you roll or fold, they also keep your outfits organized.

Pro tip: These BAGAIL packing cubes are both compressible and budget-friendly.

Traveling with carry-on means using mini toiletry bottles. nadisja/Getty Images

7. Skip the lotions and potions

Bringing along sunscreen, shampoo, and other common toiletries takes up precious space that could be better used. Opt for smaller, reusable bottles for essentials you can’t live without, ensuring they fit in a standard plastic bag (see #13).

Pro tip: Purchase new skincare products from local pharmacies.

8. Pack it tight!

It may seem obvious, but always start by packing your largest essentials first. Then fill any remaining space with smaller items. Maximize every cubic centimeter of your suitcase. Roll socks and tuck them into shoes (use a ziplock bag first if that’s more comfortable). You can also store shoes in a tote bag that you'll use during your trip.

9. Wear your bulkier items—and any jewelry or accessories

Donning heavier items like sneakers, sweaters, and scarves on your flight can free up some space. Plus, you’ll channel Joey 'Could I be wearing any more clothes?' Tribbiani.

Pro tip: If rain is in the forecast, these rain jackets are incredibly effective!

10. Do your laundry

Be prepared to do some laundry, whether in a sink, at a local laundromat, or in your rental place. There's no need to bring detergent if you can easily find a market nearby.

Pro tip: Consider packing compostable laundry detergent sheets.

11. Load your device with books, shows, and maps

Download books, any series or movies you've been wanting to watch, your favorite playlist, and save maps for offline access. Take photos or screenshots of anything you'd like to remember during your trip.