How I Packed for Six Months Abroad with Just a Carry-On

The Decision: Why I Ditched the Checked Bag

When I told people I was leaving for six months with only a carry-on, the reactions ranged from impressed to horrified.

“Where will you put your shoes?”

“What about your skincare routine?”

“Do you own pants that small?”

I get it. I used to be a chronic over-packer. For a weekend trip, I’d bring “just in case” outfits, extra heels, and maybe even a hat I’d wear once. My luggage always weighed more than I did.

But this time, I wanted something different. I wanted freedom. I wanted to skip the carousel crowds at baggage claim, avoid the dread of lost luggage, and be able to step onto a bus or train without dragging 25 kilos behind me. I wanted the simplicity of knowing that everything I needed could be carried on my back and rolled at my side.

That’s how I decided: one carry-on suitcase, one small backpack, six months of travel.

Step One: Choosing the Right Bag

The bag was everything. Too big, and I’d end up overpacking. Too small, and I’d resent myself within a week.

After weeks of research (and more than one YouTube rabbit hole), I settled on a lightweight, hard-shell carry-on with:

• 360° spinner wheels (my back thanked me every cobblestone street later).
• A compression zipper to maximize space.
• A water-resistant shell, because rainy arrival days are inevitable.

To go with it, I carried a slim backpack as my “personal item.” That held my laptop, passport, a book, snacks, and everything I’d need mid-flight.

The bag set the rules: if it didn’t fit, it didn’t come.

Step Two: The Packing Mindset

Packing light isn’t about the bag; it’s about the mindset. I had to break up with my “what if” mentality. No more “what if there’s a fancy dinner?” or “what if I want five different workout outfits?”

My new rule was simple:

If I couldn’t wear it at least three different ways, it didn’t cut.

That one rule saved me from packing three extra pairs of shoes and five “fun” tops I’d probably wear once.

Step Three: The Clothing List

After rounds of trial and error, here’s what made the final cut:

Tops:

• 4 neutral t-shirts (black, white, grey, beige)
• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 lightweight sweater
• 1 cardigan

Bottoms:

2 pairs of jeans

• 1 pair of lightweight trousers
• 1 pair of leggings (doubles as sleepwear or workout wear)
• 1 skirt

Outerwear:

• 1 waterproof jacket
• 1 lightweight blazer (perfect for client calls, dinners, or dressing up)

Shoes:

• 1 pair of sneakers (worn almost daily)
• 1 pair of flats (lightweight, easy to pack)
• 1 pair of sandals

Other essentials:

• 1 swimsuit
• 1 scarf (multi-use: scarf, shawl, beach wrap, blanket on flights)

Everything was in neutral colors. That way, every top matched every bottom, and accessories added variety without taking up space.

Step Four: Toiletries & Tech

Toiletries: I ditched bulky bottles for travel-friendly options.

• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars
• Soap sheets
• Refillable travel-size bottles for skincare
• One small zippered pouch that fit my entire routine

Tech essentials:

• Laptop + charger
• Phone + charger
• Universal travel adapter
• Compact camera
• Portable power bank

This setup kept me connected without weighing me down.

Step Five: The Packing Method

The real game-changer? Rolling + packing cubes.

Each cube had a category: tops, bottoms, and underwear/swimwear. Rolling clothes made them compact and easy to spot.

Why it worked:

• No digging for one t-shirt at the bottom.
• Repacking took minutes, not hours.
• Maximized space while keeping things organized.

It’s not glamorous, but it saved me sanity in airports and hostels alike.

The Reality Check

Here’s the surprising truth: I didn’t miss the “extras” at all.

• I bought a cheap sweater from a local market when the weather turned cold.
• I wore the same sneakers almost every day, and it was fine.
• With just a few neutral pieces, I managed to look put-together for dinners, Zoom calls, and sightseeing alike.

Instead of feeling deprived, I felt light. Free.

What I Gained By Packing Less

Freedom: Moving from airports to buses to cobblestones was easy. No heavy bags, no sore shoulders.

Flexibility: With only a carry-on, I could take cheaper budget flights that restricted checked bags.

Peace of Mind: My belongings were always with me, so I never had any lost luggage horror stories.

Focus on Experiences: When you’re not weighed down by stuff, you pay more attention to the world around you.

Lessons I Learned Along the Way

1. Neutral is powerful. A black blazer can make jeans look professional. A white t-shirt works on beaches and in meetings.
2. Locals have what you need. When it got colder than expected, I bought a sweater in a market. Cheaper, and more authentic, than packing one I didn’t need 90% of the time.
3. Shoes are the trap. Three pairs were more than enough. Anything else would’ve just been dead weight.
4. “Just in case” is the enemy. If I caught myself saying those words, the item stayed home.
5. Every item should earn its space. A scarf that doubled as a shawl, blanket, and cover-up was worth more than a dress I’d wear once.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Even after six months, I realized there were tweaks I’d make:

• I didn’t need both jeans. One pair plus trousers would’ve been enough.
• I wished I’d packed a pair of lightweight slip-ons for hostel bathrooms and quick errands.
• A reusable shopping tote would’ve been handy (and eco-friendly).

Packing light is an art, and I’m still learning.

Final Thoughts

Traveling six months with just a carry-on wasn’t about deprivation. It was about clarity.

I discovered that I needed far less than I thought. With less clutter, I had more freedom to focus on what mattered: new friendships, unexpected adventures, the markets and mountains, and moments that defined each destination.

Minimalism isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about making room for experiences, for connection, for the stories I’ll tell long after the clothes have worn out.

And now, when I look back on that little carry-on, I don’t think of what I left behind. I think of everything I made space for.

Because sometimes, carrying less is the only way to live more.