I’ve Been Traveling with Only a Carry-On for Over 10 Years—Here Are My Best Packing Tips Under $50

With family spread out across Canada, Italy, India, and Australia, international travel is now a key part of my life. While my favorite airplane snacks and in-flight entertainment stay the same, my packing strategy has completely changed since switching to just carry-on luggage. I spent a month abroad visiting loved ones during the holidays and can’t stop reminiscing about how amazing it felt to skip the baggage claim and head straight to customs—one less delay between me and the smiling faces waiting for me.

As a minimalist and experienced shopping editor, I’m very selective about what I pack, only bringing along the essentials. I focus on versatile clothing, practical tech, and (crucially) a set of compression packing cubes. I’ve perfected the art of light packing while still leaving room for a little shopping, even in winter when bulky sweaters and coats are required. This month, I’m off to Portland to stay at The Docent’s Collection, a chic hotel alternative nestled in the historic district. Below, I’ve listed my top winter travel picks—all under $50 on Amazon—that will help make any trip easier and more efficient.

Amazon Editor's Favorite Carry-On Essentials

• Bagail Compression Packing Cubes Set, $19 (was $27)
• Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt, $20 (was $23)
• Sabani Portable Charger With Cables, $32 (was $36)
• The Drop Grayson Drop-Shoulder Turtleneck Sweater, $36 (was $41)
• Lanyani RFID Crossbody Wristlet Purse, $23
• Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized Coat, $45 (was $62)
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Pants, $39
• Farmacy Bestsellers Skin Care Set, $40
• Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo Conditioner Travel Set, $43

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes Set

These packing cubes have completely transformed the way I pack. Not only do they organize my clothes, but their compression zipper also flattens bulky sweaters, maximizing the limited space in my small suitcase. Thanks to them, I managed to pack two winter coats, seven thick sweaters, and more.

Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt

This versatile button-down has been my travel essential all year round, no matter the season. Whether paired with sleek trousers, casually worn over a T-shirt, or even used as a beach cover-up, the 100% cotton fabric is breathable and resistant to wrinkles, making it perfect for long flights and city explorations. I have it in pink, blue, and white.

Sabani Portable Charger With Cables

This compact powerhouse is perfect for long layovers and extensive sightseeing days. The Sabani portable charger comes with built-in cables to ensure all my devices stay powered during endless hours of travel. It’s sleek, lightweight, and boasts a charging capacity that lasts an entire day. I never had to worry about missing a photo opportunity or losing access to my navigation apps due to a low battery.

The Drop Grayson Drop-Shoulder Turtleneck Sweater

This turtleneck sweater strikes the perfect balance between warmth and style. Its soft, cozy knit and relaxed drop-shoulder design elevated my casual travel looks while keeping me comfortable during long flights or cool evenings abroad. I wore it with fleece pants (more on those soon!) for travel days, and then paired it with a skirt and knee-high boots for evening outings.

Lanyani RFID Crossbody Wristlet Purse

When navigating through busy airports or lively city streets, I always felt at ease with this compact RFID crossbody wristlet. It not only protected my credit cards and passport from digital theft but its sleek design also allowed me to slip it into my jacket pocket when not in use, giving me peace of mind while keeping my hands free for exploring.

Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized Coat

This oversized fleece coat became my ultimate comfort companion during chilly travels. Its soft, teddy bear-like texture made it feel like wearing a blanket, while still maintaining a fashionable silhouette. The best part? It’s surprisingly lightweight for such a cozy piece, and its neutral shade made it easy to pair with nearly everything in my wardrobe. I loved wrapping myself in it during my long-haul flight.

Baleaf Fleece-Lined Pants

These fleece-lined pants were an unexpected travel hero I picked up just before my trip. Soft, stretchy, and warm, they provided the perfect combination of comfort and flexibility, whether I was hiking through the Italian mountains or catching a red-eye flight. I even dressed them up with ankle boots, a turtleneck, and a blazer for an effortlessly chic holiday party outfit one evening.

Farmacy Best-Sellers Skin Care Set

When I’m traveling, my dry skin becomes incredibly parched. That’s where Farmacy’s skincare set saved the day. Featuring a collection of best-sellers (some of my personal favorites), this set kept my skin hydrated with honey-infused formulas that left my skin feeling dewy while remaining lightweight. It included everything I needed to cleanse and hydrate my skin (and lips!) morning and night—even during flights.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo Conditioner Travel Set

The thought of using my brother’s three-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner always makes me cringe, so I make sure to pack my own hair products when I visit family. This Oribe shampoo and conditioner duo has been my go-to for years, and I always carry them with me to keep my dry, fine, and curly hair looking shiny and feeling hydrated.