What if I run out of clean clothes?

Plan to do laundry once at the one-week mark. Most hotels or hostels offer laundry services, or you can use a sink with travel-sized detergent sheets.

Does my personal item count as part of the carry-on?

Usually no, but airlines have strict size limits for personal items (typically 18x14x8 inches). Put your electronics and liquids in the personal item to keep your main bag light.

How to pack for two weeks in a carry-on

Stick to a strict capsule wardrobe of 10 items that can be mixed and matched. Use compression cubes to squeeze air out of your clothes and wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on the plane to save space.

Select a color palette. Choose two base colors (like black and navy) and one accent color. Every top must match every bottom so you don't waste space on single-outfit items.
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. Pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of socks/underwear (and wash them in the sink), 2 pairs of shoes (one on your feet, one in the bag), and 1 accessory (a hat or scarf).
Use compression packing cubes. Fold your clothes flat or use the Ranger Roll method, then place them into compression cubes. Zip the compression zipper to reduce the volume of the cube by 30-40%.
Minimize toiletries. Do not pack full-sized bottles. Use 3-ounce silicone travel tubes or solid bars (shampoo, soap, deodorant) to bypass liquid restrictions and save space.
Wear your heavy gear. Wear your heaviest boots and your largest coat on the flight. This frees up the internal volume of your carry-on for gear that is harder to replace.

What if I run out of clean clothes?: Plan to do laundry once at the one-week mark. Most hotels or hostels offer laundry services, or you can use a sink with travel-sized detergent sheets.
Does my personal item count as part of the carry-on?: Usually no, but airlines have strict size limits for personal items (typically 18x14x8 inches). Put your electronics and liquids in the personal item to keep your main bag light.