I’ve Been Traveling With Just a Carry-On for Over 10 Years, and These Are My Packing Hacks Under $50

With family scattered across Canada, Italy, India, and Australia, international travel has become an integral part of my lifestyle. While my go-to airplane snacks and favorite in-flight entertainment remains unchanged, my approach to packing has undergone a transformation now that I only travel with carry-on luggage. I just spent a month abroad with loved ones for the holidays, and I’m still delighting in the memory of how good it felt to bypass the baggage carousel and head straight for customs—one less hurdle between me and the cherished faces waiting for me.

As both a minimalist and seasoned shopping editor, I’m discerning in how I pack only the most essential items for my suitcase. Prioritizing versatile travel clothing, smart tech, and (most importantly) a set of compression packing cubes, I’ve mastered the art of packing light while still leaving space to do some shopping on my travels—even in the winter, when packing involves chunky sweaters and winter coats. In fact, I’m planning a trip this very (cold) month to Portland’s famous The Docent’s Collection—a luxe hotel alternative well-situated in the heart of the city’s rich historic district. Below, I’ve compiled a selection of my favorite winter travel essentials that will be coming with me—affordable options all under $50—available on Amazon, perfect for navigating trips of any length with ease and efficiency.

Amazon Editor-Loved 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 been a game changer for me because they don’t just organize my clothes; they have a compression zipper that flattens all my plush sweaters, making the most of the limited space my small suitcase offers. Thanks to these, I was able to pack two winter coats, seven thick sweaters, and more.

Amazon Essentials Button-Down Shirt
This versatile button-down became my go-to travel staple this whole year, no matter the season. Whether dressed up with a pair of sleek trousers, casually thrown over a T-shirt, or even used as a cover-up over a bathing suit, the 100 percent cotton shirt is breathable and wrinkle-resistant, making it ideal for long flights and days spent exploring new cities. I own it in pink, blue, and white.

Sabani Portable Charger With Cables
Long layovers and lengthy sightseeing sessions are no match for this compact powerhouse. The Sabani portable charger comes with built-in cables to keep all my devices powered up through endless hours of travel. It’s sleek, lightweight, and has a charging capacity that can last me an entire day of use. I never had to sacrifice a photo op or navigation app for a low battery.

The Drop Grayson Drop-Shoulder Turtleneck Sweater
This turtleneck sweater was the perfect balance of warmth and chic vibes. With its soft, cozy knit and relaxed drop-shoulder silhouette, it elevated my casual travel outfits while still feeling comfortable on long flights or chilly evenings abroad. I paired it with fleece pants (more on those below!) for travel days, and then with a little skirt and knee-high boots for nights out.

Lanyani RFID Crossbody Wristlet Purse
Traveling through crowded airports or bustling city streets, I always felt secure with this compact RFID crossbody wristlet. Not only did it keep my credit cards and passport safe from digital theft, but its minimalist design also meant I could slip it into my jacket pocket when I didn’t need it, giving me peace of mind while keeping my hands free to explore.

Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized Coat
This oversized fleece coat was my ultimate comfort companion during chilly travels. Its plush, teddy bear texture made it feel like wearing a blanket while still maintaining a stylish silhouette. The best part? It’s surprisingly lightweight for such a cozy piece, and its neutral tone made it easy to pair with virtually everything in my wardrobe. I loved cozying up with it on my long-haul flight.

Baleaf Fleece-Lined Pants
These fleece-lined pants were an unexpected travel MVP I acquired right before my trip. Soft and stretchy, they offered both warmth and flexibility, whether I was hiking through the Italian mountains side 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 look one evening.

Farmacy Best-Sellers Skin Care Set
When I’m on the go, my dry skin gets extremely parched. That’s where Farmacy’s skincare set stepped in. Its collection of best-sellers (which are also some of my favorite products) kept my skin hydrated with honey-infused formulas that managed to make my skin feel dewy while looking lightweight. The comprehensive set included everything I needed to cleanse and hydrate my skin (and lips!) every morning and night—including on flights.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo Conditioner Travel Set
I shudder to think about the prospect of borrowing my brother’s three-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, so I always pack my own hair products when I’m traveling to see family. This Oribe shampoo and conditioner have been my go-to travel hair products for many years, and I always keep them on-hand to keep my dry, fine, and curly hair looking shiny while feeling hydrated.