Yes, you really can pack for 10 days in a carry-on. Our family has done it for trips throughout Europe, cruises and family vacations, and after years of traveling this way, I actually prefer a carry-on to a full-size suitcase.

The secret isn’t packing 10 completely different outfits. It’s packing clothes that work together, wearing your bulkiest items on the plane, limiting shoes and planning to do laundry once during the trip.

For a typical 10-day trip, I pack about five tops, three bottoms, one dress or nicer outfit, two pairs of shoes, layers, underwear and a small toiletry kit. Everything fits into a standard carry-on with the help of packing cubes.

Here’s exactly how I do it.

Why would you want to pack only a carry on for 10 days?

When the airlines decided to make checking a bag an expensive proposition, we learned how to use carry on bags to save money. When you are traveling as a family of 5 the price to check bags becomes  a much bigger expense and we wanted to use our money to do fun things, not to pay for larger bags.

The funny thing is I don’t miss traveling with a large suitcase. Minimalist packing makes the whole journey easier.

I can say that using carry ons has made traveling easier in the long run. No more large suitcases to shove into a small trunk or lug to your hotel or stuff into the tiniest hotel room. No more waiting for luggage at the airport. Travel with a carry on has made travel a sleeker and easier proposition.

I have found that I don’t need as much “stuff” with me on vacation.

In fact, the only time we ever take a large suitcase is when we go on a road trip and it is easy to put all the kids clothes in one huge suitcase.

Check Your Airline’s Carry-On Rules First

Before you start packing, check the carry-on allowance for every airline on your itinerary. There isn’t one universal carry-on size, and international and low-cost airlines can have very different size and weight restrictions.

This is especially important if you’re combining airlines. Your bag might qualify as a carry-on for your flight to Europe but be too large or heavy for a low-cost airline you’re taking once you get there.

Also check whether your fare actually includes a carry-on. Some basic fares include only a smaller personal item.

How to Pack 10 Days of Clothes in a Carry-On

The biggest mistake is trying to pack a completely different outfit for every day. Instead, pack a small group of clothes that can be mixed and matched.

I usually start with three bottoms and about five tops that work together. Add a dress or nicer outfit if the trip requires one, one or two layering pieces and enough underwear and socks to get you through until laundry day.

Wear your bulkiest shoes, pants and jacket on the plane. Pack only one additional pair of shoes if possible.

For a 10-day trip, plan to do laundry once. That one decision is what makes packing lightly dramatically easier. Efficient laundry tips for travelers can help streamline this process. Consider choosing quick-dry fabrics and packing a small amount of detergent for handwashing. Additionally, look for accommodations that offer laundry facilities to make your trip even more convenient.

What carry on bag is the best for a 10 day trip?

We each have our favorite carry on bag and depending on the airline we fly we may choose a different bag.  This has been our favorite carry on lately, it is well made, but not exhorbitant in price and it rolls really, really well. The interior is roomy and well thought out.

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If you want a premium carry on suitcase that you can use for decades I really recommend the Briggs and Riley carry on. It comes with a lifetime guarantee that includes damage done by an airline, something that is rare among luggage makers.

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Best packing cubes for a carry on

If you have watched the video at the beginning of the post you will know that I used to think packing cubes were lame. I thought it was an extra that people who never travelled bought to feel like they were professional travelers.

I changed my tune when I was gifted some and tried them on a weekend trip to Saratoga Springs. Packing cubes are the best!! Especially when you aren’t staying in one location for the duration of the trip. You can always find your pants, always find your underwear, always find your bathing suits, because they are in an assigned packing cube. You can even unpack the cubes into dressers at each location and then throw them back in right before you leave. Easy peasy.

I am not a neat person by nature, I think that gene was left out in utero. But I love that the packing cubes make me appear neat and keeps my suitcase from vomiting out its contents all over the hotel room. My husband who was given extra neat genes, loves them for the same reason.

I don’t know if one is better than another, but I know that cute packing cubes make me happy, and my boys like boring, plain ones.

Here are some fun options:

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or you can get compression bags if you are carrying bulky sweaters, just be careful about not going over any weight limits!

These ones are really amazing! They compress down to almost nothing.

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Tips and tricks to make packing a carry on easy

Leak proof shampoo and lotion

I pack all of my lotion, shampoo and conditioner in small leak proof bottles. That way I never worry about it spilling all over my clothes. I keep the bottles in the zip up bag they come with to give me complete peace of mind.

I have even carried baby food in them for when my kids were little as they are food safe!

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You will have to pull these out for security screening, so keep them toward the top of your carry on or place them in an outside zipper pocket and after screening move them to the interior.

Storing shoes

I always wear my bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack what ever is thinnest and lightest. (Although you don’t see it on the video, I grabbed some sandals and slipped them into the outside pocket of my carry on.) If you want to protect your clothes from them, you can slide them in a plastic bag, or buy a specific carrying bag. (Some packing cube kits come with a shoe bag.)

If you want to buy a reusable bag (why not be green if we can?) I like these, because they are pretty.

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Dirty clothes bag 

This is another must pack for me because it helps me stay a bit more organized. (Also not shown on the video because it was packed in my underwear packing cube.) I like the kind that fold up to be a tiny square but open to be big enough to fit all of my clothes.

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It is useful for each family member to have one, especially if you are moving from hotel to hotel. It keeps dirty and clean separate and it makes it easy to grab all the dirty clothes if you are headed to a laundromat.

I bought a few at TJmax for my boy last year. They were on clearance so they have sayings like “dirty knickers” and “hot mama”. They laugh hysterically every time we pull them out!!

 

Packing for kids

Packing a carry on for the kids is much the same as for an adult. You don’t have to overpack just beause you are traveling with kids. They will be doing most of the things you are doing and should be fine with some entertainment packed in their personal item.  The only thing I would add is extra underwear, a few layering pieces and a few travel games.

 

Packing in a Carry On FAQ

Can You Put Wet Wipes in a Carry-On?

Yes. Wet wipes can be packed in your carry-on luggage and don’t need to go into your liquids bag. They’re particularly useful to keep somewhere easy to reach during a flight for wiping hands, tray tables or spills.

Can You Pack for 10 Days in a Carry-On?

Yes. We have traveled for 10 days with only carry-on luggage many times. The trick is to pack clothes that mix and match, limit yourself to two pairs of shoes and plan to do laundry once during your trip.

How Many Outfits Should I Pack for a 10-Day Trip?

You don’t need 10 separate outfits. I generally pack about five tops and three bottoms that can be worn in different combinations, plus a nicer outfit if I need one. Layers and accessories can make the same basic clothes work for different days.

Can You Pack for a Week in a Carry-On?

Absolutely. If you can pack for 10 days in a carry-on, a five- to seven-day trip is even easier. For shorter trips, you may be able to skip doing laundry and simply adjust the number of tops, underwear and socks you bring.

What Should I Pack in My Personal Item?

I use my personal item for the things I want access to during the flight or don’t want separated from me: medications, electronics, chargers, travel documents, valuables, a snack and anything else I’ll need before reaching the hotel.

Is it possible to pack only a carry on for 10 days in Europe?

Not only is it possible, we have done it multiple times. In the video above, it shows me packing for Italy in a carry on. I took exactly what was on the video to Italy for 10 days. In addition, I packed a backpack so I could have things on hand easily.

When you are thinking of carry on travel, you need to make sure you are book in an Airbnb with a washing machine, or access to a laundromat. Aside from that you need to have a really good packing list and you stick to it!

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Last update on 2026-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API