Traveling with carry-on only might be liberating until you have to pack. And ladies know better, right? But it is possible to travel light and still bring everything you need for your trip if you follow this carry-on only packing list for women. From picking the right women’s backpack to packing the essentials, here you’ll find everything you need to know for enjoying your carry-on-only adventure.

Why You Should Travel Carry-On Only & How to Do It

There’s nothing more exciting than the freedom traveling carry-on only gives you. It saves you a lot of money – you don’t have to spend extra fees for checked baggage, plus a lot of time – you go straight to the security check and then to your boarding gate. No more worries that the airline could lose your luggage. Your bag will be with you all the time and it will be easier for you to be in direct control of your belongings while moving smoothly from one destination to another. 

The best part about traveling carry-on only as a woman is that it gives you more confidence and peace of mind. Just think about it. All your belongings are next to you and completely safe. However, packing the right way is the key to any successful trip. Just keep reading to find out what to pack for your next adventure.

How to Choose the Right Carry-On Backpack for Women

The best carry-on backpack for women should have the right size to feel comfortable on your shoulders, fit within airline rules, and organize nicely all of your travel essentials. 

Safety is another essential thing to consider – the backpack should have features such as anti-theft pockets, RFID-blocking technology, or slash-proof construction to protect your valuables and give you some peace of mind. 

If you’re seeking the best carry-on backpack for women, there is no purpose the Nordace Siena II Smart Backpack cannot serve.  Besides making living out of your backpack easier through its smart features, it complements any travel outfit to any woman’s delight. It combines style with functionality as it is equipped with multiple pockets and compartments (including a dedicated slot for a laptop) to keep your items organized and easily accessible. And the best part? It takes safety seriously – it features a secret pocket, RFID-blocking card slots, and a magnetic zipper lock system. There’s no doubt this backpack can endure any adventure. 

The Carry-On Only Packing List for Women

Now that you know how to choose your backpack, let’s start packing for an exciting adventure!

Clothes

When packing your carry-on, less is more when it comes to clothing. However, you can still fit everything you might need for your trip if you choose versatile pieces and create outfits for each day or for different activities. You can also opt for Merino wool garments that are lightweight and odor-resistant which means you can wear them on repeat. 

• Pack pieces you can layer. 
• Keep your style, but check how locals at your destination dress to avoid looking like a tourist. 
• Choose high-quality, breathable materials that make you look and feel good. 

Shoes

When traveling only with a carry-on, cutting down on the number of shoes you want to bring with you is the best way to save some space. Opt for versatile and comfortable shoes that can work for different activities. Two pairs of shoes should be enough. Pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops if you’re visiting a sunny destination.

Toiletries

Staying fresh and following your skincare routine on-the-go is important for any lady’s comfort and well-being. And it is possible even when you embrace minimalist traveling, too. First things first, choose your toiletry bag wisely. Opt for a compact and smartly organized toiletry bag and pack all your liquid essentials in containers that are no larger than 100 milliliters/3.4 ounces. 

• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner 
• Body lotion
• Face wash 
• Shaving cream 
• Deodorant 
• Perfume
• Dry shampoo
• Hair spray
• Sunblock
• Toothpaste 
• Toothbrush
• Dental floss 
• Make-up 
• Make-up remover
• Hairbrush
• Nail polish 
• Nail polish remover
• Feminine hygiene products 

Gadgets

Traveling with only one bag might be challenging when it comes to packing your devices. However, if you choose a laptop backpack with a dedicated slot, it will be easier to transport it safely. A tech case is perfect for organizing your cables, chargers, and other accessories. Don’t forget your extra power bank – as a female traveler, keeping your phone fully charged all the time is a safety measure.

Jewelry

Accessories are a woman’s best friend but traveling with jewelry can be challenging depending on the destination. Try to avoid flashy accessories and keep them to a minimum, preferably on your body. However, if you want to bring more gems for different occasions, keep them organized in a small pouch or a jewelry travel case.

Travel Documents

Make sure you keep your ID, passport, travel insurance, boarding pass, credit cards and other documents safe and accessible only to you.

Tips For Traveling With A Carry-On Only

• Check the airline’s restrictions regarding the carry-on policy before embarking on your trip to avoid unnecessary fees and unpleasant situations. 
• Check the weather at your destination. Warm weather with low chances of rain means you can pack lighter and bring your SPF cream. Chilly weather with rainy conditions requires extra items such as an umbrella, a rain jacket, and even a hat. 

• Use compression packing cubes to easily organize your clothes and optimize your bag’s space. 

• Pack multipurpose items (e.g. scarf, international power adapter, versatile bag/backpack).

• Keep toiletries to a minimum and buy at destination if necessary. 

• Choose accommodation with a washing machine and refresh your clothes if you’re traveling carry-on only for the long term. 

• Wear the bulkiest items such as sweaters and heavy jackets. 

• Follow this list and get ready for take-off.