How to Pack a Carry-On Like Someone Who Travels Often

Check your airline's exact dimensions before buying anything. 'Cabin approved' does not mean 'approved for YOUR airline.' A soft-sided bag with compression straps is more flexible than a hard shell.

Four spinner wheels beat two inline in the airport. But inline wheels are more durable on cobblestones. If you travel to old European cities, go inline.

Roll, do not fold. Tightly rolled clothes take less space, wrinkle less, and let you see everything at a glance. Underwear and socks go inside shoes.

Packing cubes are not a gimmick. They compress clothes, keep categories separate, and make repacking in five minutes actually possible.

Two trousers (one worn), four tops, one mid-layer, one outer layer. Everything should work together. Stick to 2-3 neutrals plus one accent. Shoes: bulkiest pair worn, trainers or flats packed.

Toiletries: solids beat liquids. Solid shampoo, soap, and sunscreen do not count toward your liquid allowance and cannot leak.