How to pack carry-on like a pro

Here’s how I finally mastered the art of travelling light.

I’ve made every rookie packing mistake there is. I’ve lugged an overstuffed suitcase up the subway steps in New York, I’ve sat on my bag in a Seoul airport bathroom to get the zip shut, and I’ve even had my luggage stolen in Lyon (you can read about that sad ordeal here ).

But over the years, and many, many packing regrets later, I’ve learned that travelling light is one of the greatest travel luxuries. Not the business-class lounge, not even a glass of fizz at take-off. The true luxury is walking straight past baggage claim like you own the place.

Here’s how I’ve learned to pack carry-on only and actually enjoy it.

Step 1: The mindset shift

Packing light isn’t just about space; it’s about mindset. When I finally committed to carry-on travel, I realised most of what I used to pack was “just in case" stuff. Just in case it rained. Just in case there was a fancy dinner. Just in case I peed my pants every single day for two weeks. Just in case I suddenly became the kind of person who wears heels on cobblestones. Spoiler: I’m not.

The golden rule? You don’t need to prepare for every possible version of the trip, just the one that’s most likely to happen. Once I let go of that “what if" anxiety, everything became lighter – literally.

Step 2: Choose your bag wisely

luggage — Choose a bag that works for your travel destination. (Image: Unsplash/Benjamin R.)

Your bag is your foundation, so pick one that works with you, not against you. I’m loyal to a hard case on four wheels – the kind that glides across airport floors like it’s on ice skates. But if you’re heading somewhere with cobblestones or stairs, a soft backpack might save your shoulders – and your sanity.

Step 3: Make your packing list ruthless

carryon packing list — Have a streamlined list of trusty wardrobe items. (Image: Unsplash/Sarah Brown)

I used to start with everything I wanted to bring and try to narrow it down. Now I start with nothing and justify every item. If it doesn’t work at least twice, it stays home.

For example, for a winter trip, here is what I’d bring:

One pair of jeans (they go with everything and can be dressed up or down).

A long sleeve merino tee (I am perpetually freezing on planes, and merino wool is temperature regulating – a literal lifesaver. This is my fave ).

Thermals that are lightweight to go under everything (and are breathable/quick drying so you can wash them in your hotel if you need, like these ).

Three shirts, two jumpers.

One dress that can do both day and night duty.

Two pairs of shoes: sneakers and boots.

A scarf (the Swiss Army knife of travel accessories).

Wool socks (I know I’m rambling on about wool, but it’s truly the GOAT – see what I did there – fabric for travelling light).

A coat that I will wear at all times to avoid overweight luggage.

If I’m heading somewhere warm, I swap these for one breathable set of linen, one dress, two tops, a light jacket and some sandals.

Toiletries get the same treatment. I decant everything into travel-size containers and skip the “what if I run out" panic. Unless you’re hiking in the outback, there will always be shops.

Step 4: Master the art of the roll

Ask 10 travellers how to pack and you’ll get 10 different methods – but rolling clothes genuinely works. It saves space, minimises creasing, and gives you that smug sense of order when you look at your perfectly lined-up rolls.

For bulkier items like coats, I wear them on the plane (you can always stuff them under the seat). And for small things – socks, underwear, swimwear – I tuck them inside shoes or the corners of the case. Every millimetre counts.

If you’re packing for longer than a week, packing cubes are a game-changer. They keep things contained and make mid-trip rummaging way less chaotic. Bonus: when you open your bag for airport security, it looks neat enough to impress even the most stoic customs officer.

Step 5: Build a travel uniform

packing light — Learning how to pack light is a useful travel hack. (Image: Getty Images/FreshSplash)

Now, I think of packing like creating a capsule wardrobe – neutral colours, pieces that mix and match, and materials that don’t wrinkle if you so much as look at them. My dream travel outfit formula: linen in summer, merino in winter. You can go from sightseeing to cocktails without missing a beat.

Step 6: Don’t fear laundry

The reason so many people overpack is that they don’t want to do laundry on the road. But honestly? Doing a quick wash mid-trip is far less annoying than lugging extra kilos of “just in case" clothing.

Most hotels have a guest laundry or same-day service, and a travel-size detergent sheet can turn any bathroom sink into a washing station. I’ve even been known to use the hotel hairdryer to speed-dry my socks (pro move, if a little noisy).

Step 7: The tech tangle

tech in carryon — Always try to stick to the essentials, even when it comes to gadgets. (Image: Unsplash/Anete Lusina)

Electronics can eat up space fast, so streamline your gadgets. I stick to my phone, laptop and portable light for photos. I won’t lie, a powerboard with USB-C and USB-A ports is a necessity for me and saves me from carrying a spaghetti tangle of cords, plus noise-cancelling headphones are my sanity saviour.

Oh, and a power bank. I never, ever forget a power bank – it’s the difference between arriving refreshed and arriving at five per cent battery with no idea how to get to your hotel.

Step 8: The “airport survival" zone

The best trick I’ve learned is to pack a small pouch that lives in the seat-back pocket: lip balm, hand sanitiser, pen, earplugs, face mist, a snack and a sleep mask. This way, you don’t need to rummage through your bag mid-flight like a raccoon looking for food.

Step 9: Leave a little space

There’s a special kind of heartbreak that comes from finding the perfect souvenir – then realising you have nowhere to put it. I always leave a small corner of my bag empty for a bottle of local wine, a handmade trinket, or, let’s be honest, a new piece of clothing I didn’t technically need but absolutely had to have.

Worst case, you wear your bulkiest outfit home. It’s practically a travel tradition.

Step 10: The carry-on mindset

Packing carry-on only isn’t just about convenience. It’s freedom. It’s the joy of breezing through airports, skipping luggage carousels, and knowing exactly where everything you own is – because it’s right there with you.

It’s also a quiet confidence boost. There’s something incredibly satisfying about realising you can live for two weeks with the same seven kilograms you used to take for a weekend.

So next time you’re tempted to bring that extra pair of “maybe" shoes or the second jacket “just in case", remember this: the less you carry, the more you can enjoy where you’re going.

Liked this? Pack with us for a wild Kimberley adventure.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.