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Carry-on-Only with Kids
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items If you're looking to save some money or travel with a little more freedom, I'm here to cheer you on and let you know you absolutely can travel carry-on only, even with kids.
I've traveled almost exclusively with carry-on only or personal item only luggage with three kids all over the United States and I can tell you it's not as bad as you think.
Check out all my best recommendations for luggage, packing gear, and strategies to make carry-on only an easier experience.
I've traveled almost exclusively with carry-on only or personal item only luggage with three kids all over the United States and I can tell you it's not as bad as you think.
Check out all my best recommendations for luggage, packing gear, and strategies to make carry-on only an easier experience.
Sections
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Pick the Right Bag
Packing Basics
Packing Strategy
Pick the Right Bag
The kind of bag you pick really depends on your specific needs. Here are some of my top recommendations to get started on the right foot.
We were given this for Christmas one year as part of a set and it gets used all the time. I love the hard case that protects everything inside. It's super durable and easy to roll around.
LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage
I met the owner of Tobiq, Mel, at a travel conference and got to see these bags up close, in-person. And they are amazing. I am big on organizing by either person or day in a shared bag, and the compartments make it a no-brainer.
It's machine washable, has theft-deterent zippers, and may be one of the cutest bags aroud. Functional and fashionable? Yes, please.
Also, Mel was genuine and passionate and a mom who knows what it's like traveling with kids. And it shows in the product.
It's machine washable, has theft-deterent zippers, and may be one of the cutest bags aroud. Functional and fashionable? Yes, please.
Also, Mel was genuine and passionate and a mom who knows what it's like traveling with kids. And it shows in the product.
Tobiq Compartment Bags
When I traveled to Europe for four weeks in 2013, I bought a carry-on-sized backpack from the company e-bags. They have since been bought by Samsonite and this is Samsonite's updated version of the bag. I loved being able to navigate around Europe wi...
Samsonite Mother Lode Travel Backpack
I'm just an overall huge fan of Cotopaxi, and this 35 L backpack is built like a piece of luggage, but can be easily carried on your back for easy movement. And it fits *most* carry-on luggage minimums. It has a special pocket for your laptop, separa...
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L (Del Dia)
Packing Basics
Having the right gear makes all the difference when you are tight on space. Notice that this list is not very long. That's on purpose. You honestly don't need a ton of gear to be successful.
I bring this bag with me every time we travel. Whether it's a solo trip, a weekend getaway, the whole family, or camping, it fits in both my carry-on bags and even a personal item bag just fine and holds so much. And the ability to hang it pretty muc...
BAGSMART The Space Saver Toiletry Bag
I pack this every time I travel. If we're traveling for more than five days with carry-on only, I .like to plan at least one laundry day. And even if I've planned perfectly, it's always nice to know we can do a quick load or even wash in the sink if ...
Eco Laundry Detergent Sheets - Travel Friendly
I may be slightly obsessed with packing cubes. Depending on the trip length and if you're moving to a variety of destinations, I either choose to pack by the day, where each kid's outfit for the day is all in one cube, or if we are staying put, I lik...
BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes
Packing Strategy
Have a plan on how to pack, what to pack, and when to pack.
A handy article that gives the carry-on size limits for 64 different airlines. Of course please check with the actual airline before leaving on a trip.
Carry-On Luggage Size Chart for 64 Major Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes]
A detailed guide with strategy, customizable packing lists, and all the very best tips for packing with only a carry-on piece of luggage.
Carry-On Confident
Start your trip out on the right foot by using this travel to-do list template so you can get all of those things on your list that are running around in your mind down on paper and checked off.
Travel To Do List (Free!)