Packing for a week with carry-on only

Travelling with only a cabin bag means no waiting at the carousel, no lost luggage and an easier time on trains and stairs. A week is very achievable, and so is longer if you can do laundry once. The trick is less about the list and more about a few rules.

Check your airline's limits first

Cabin bag sizes and weights differ between airlines, and some fares include only a small under-seat bag. Check the allowance for your exact fare before you choose a bag, and measure the bag including wheels and handles.

Five rules that do most of the work

1. Pick a colour scheme. Choose clothes that all go with each other — two or three neutral colours plus one accent. Every top works with every bottom, so fewer items make more outfits.
2. Pack for five days, not seven. Plan to wash a few things midway, in a sink or a laundrette.
3. Wear the bulkiest items. Heavy shoes, jacket and jumper go on your body for the flight.
4. Choose fabrics that dry fast and don't crease easily. Merino wool and synthetic blends work well for tops and socks.
5. Leave room. A bag packed to the zip has no space for anything you buy.

A one-week list

Adjust for climate and plans.

Clothes

• 4–5 tops
• 2 pairs of trousers, or 1 trousers and 1 skirt or shorts
• 1 warmer layer (jumper or fleece)
• 1 light waterproof jacket
• 5–6 sets of underwear and socks
• Sleepwear
• 1 smarter outfit, if you'll need it
• Swimwear, if relevant

Shoes

• 1 comfortable pair for walking, worn on the plane
• 1 lighter pair (sandals or smart shoes), only if needed

Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant, sunscreen
• Any medicines, in original packaging, with a copy of prescriptions
• Small travel sizes of everything else, or buy at the destination

Tech

• Phone and charger
• Plug adapter for the destination
• Power bank (always in the cabin, never in checked luggage)
• Headphones

Documents and money

• Passport or ID, plus any visa or travel authorisation
• Tickets and booking confirmations, on your phone and printed if unsure of signal
• Payment cards (at least two, kept separately) and a little local cash
• Travel insurance details

Liquids

Many airports still limit liquids in cabin bags to containers of 100 ml (about 3.4 oz) in one small clear bag, though some airports with newer scanners have relaxed this. Check the rules for every airport you'll fly from on the trip, including the return — and pack as if the strictest rule applies. Solid toiletries (shampoo bars, solid deodorant) avoid the issue entirely.

Packing the bag

• Roll soft clothes; fold structured ones.
• Use packing cubes or bags to group clothes, underwear and tech.
• Put liquids and electronics where you can reach them quickly at security.
• Keep a small day bag inside or as your personal item for the trip itself.

Before you leave

Lay everything out, then remove a third of it. You will not miss it.

Elio Travels keeps a checklist for every trip, so this list — adjusted for where you're going — is ready to tick off the night before.