Travel Light, Stress Less: Why Carry-On Luggage is the Way to Go

3 min read

Earlier this year, I traveled for two weeks through three different countries with nothing more than my KROSER hardside expandable carry-on and my Cotopaxi backpack. And you know what? It worked. I had everything I needed, I moved easily between trains and planes, and I never once wished I had packed more. That trip confirmed what I’d already started to believe: the less I bring, the less I stress.

There’s a freedom that comes with skipping the baggage claim line, gliding through airports, and walking city streets with only what you can comfortably carry. Packing light creates room — not just in your suitcase, but in your mind — for the real joy of travel.

I always aim to carry on. Not because I don’t like options (trust me, I do), but because every trip I take confirms that less is actually more.

Why Carry-On is Enough

Saves Time: Walk off the plane and straight into your adventure.
Easier to Move Around: Trains, buses, city sidewalks — all simpler with one bag.
Peace of Mind: Less to lose, less to juggle, more space to enjoy the details.

With the right bag, a carry-on is more than enough.

My Favorite Carry-On

If you asked me which carry-on I reach for most, it’s this one:

KROSER Hardside Expandable Carry-On — My personal favorite. It’s lightweight, dependable, and has just the right amount of space. I love that it expands when I need a little extra room and that it comes in multiple colors (because sometimes a pop of personality makes travel feel even more fun). For me, it’s the perfect balance of style, price, and practicality. I paired it with my Cotopaxi backpack on that two-week, three-country trip, and together they worked wonders.

Why I Travel with a Backpack Too

The other thing I never travel without is a good backpack. It doubles as my personal item on flights and keeps everything I want close at hand — snacks, a book, water, even a scarf to cozy up with on a train. I recently discovered Cotopaxi, and I’m so glad I did. On that same two-week trip, my Cotopaxi kept me organized and comfortable the whole way.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack — My go-to for shorter trips or when I’m trying to pack extra light. It opens like a suitcase but carries like a backpack, which makes travel so much simpler.
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack — A little more space for longer journeys, but still compact enough for overhead bins. Comfortable to carry, even when fully packed.
Cotopaxi Batac 24L — Lightweight and colorful, this one’s perfect as a personal item or a daypack once I’m there. Since no two bags are alike, it feels like carrying a piece of the adventure with me.

Other Worthy Carry-On Options

While the KROSER is my favorite, I also recommend these if you’re looking for something different:

Away Bigger Carry-On — A beautifully designed bag with smooth wheels, a durable shell, and a compression system that makes packing a breeze. The built-in battery is a lifesaver when outlets are scarce.
Samsonite Freeform Spinner — Lightweight and affordable, with just enough expandability for souvenirs.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On — The investment piece: incredibly durable, expandable, and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Packing with Intention

Traveling light isn’t about cramming everything into a small bag. It’s about choosing well — pieces that mix and match, shoes that serve more than one purpose, and fabrics that layer. The goal isn’t to pack less just for the sake of it; it’s to create more space for what matters.

Because if two weeks and three countries are possible with just a carry-on and a backpack, imagine how much freedom you’ll find when you travel light on your own adventures.

A quick note: I only share products I’ve personally used or would recommend to my closest friends. If you decide to purchase through the links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s one of the ways I’m able to keep creating guides and stories to help you travel more intentionally. Thank you for being here — your support means the world.