How I Conquered the Packing Light Challenge: 3 Weeks in New York with Carry-On Only
My recent three-week trip to New York was my shortest in years. Flying on budget airlines like Norwegian and Ryanair, which charge for checked bags, prompted my carry-on-only challenge. These fees aren't trivial—a 20kg suitcase costs £35 (US$56) on Ryanair and £26 (US$42) on Norwegian. Round-trip to NYC? Nearly $200 saved!
Choosing the Perfect Carry-On
Carry-on is free, so I aimed to fit three weeks' essentials into a 55cm x 40cm x 20cm suitcase. Start with the right bag: I prefer duffels but opted for a wheeled Samsonite from In Luggage, an online retailer offering affordable cabin bottles, straps, locks, and adapters from top brands.
Select based on destination—wheeled suits cities, but lightweight backpacks work for rough terrain like Peru's cobblestones. Normally, I use a daypack for camera gear, but strict one-bag rules led me to a foldable tote from Brooklyn Flea, stowed in my suitcase pocket for quick access to wallet and passport.
Plan Your Packing List
With my usual 65L backpack, I overpack freely. Carry-on forced discipline: I listed must-haves.
My essentials:
- 1 jacket
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 2 long-sleeved shirts
- 4 button-downs
- 1 sweater vest
- 1 short-sleeved shirt
- 1 hoodie
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Socks and underwear for 1 week
- 1 pair of boots
- Running gear (1 pair shoes, 2 pants, 2 shirts)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, makeup remover, deodorant, brush, DivaCup, contact lens case/solution, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lip gloss, ibuprofen)
- Electronics (iPod, laptop, Kindle, camera with lenses/batteries/filters, external drives, flash drives, SD cards, chargers)
- Documents (passport, wallet, cards, notebook, flight magazines)
Shorter than usual, but manageable. I wore bulky items like jacket, hoodie, jeans, and boots on the flight.
Pack Efficiently with Cubes
Packing cubes are game-changers—they save space and organize. One for underwear/socks, one for tops. Roll clothes inside for max capacity!
Use Travel-Sized Liquids
Comply with 100ml (3.4oz) liquid rules in a clear bag: mini makeup remover, mouthwash, toothpaste, contact solution.
Buy Essentials On-Site
Shampoo (Pantene, etc.), toothpaste, and hygiene items are global staples. As Rick Steves says, if locals manage without it, so can you.
Packing light is achievable, even for overpackers. Add a foldable duffel for souvenirs and check a bag home if needed.
Light packer or overpacker? Share your carry-on tips in the comments!
