I Traveled for 6 Months with Just a Carry-On, and These Were My Space-Savings Essentials

From December 2022 until May 2023, I lived out of my carry-on 40-liter Osprey backpack while traveling through Europe and Asia, and I learned all about maximizing space. 

Whether you’re a chronic over-packer or trying to save money on checked luggage fees, Amazon has travel products that will help you save space and stay organized no matter how long you’re away. I unpacked and repacked my bag countless times and carried it with me on dozens of planes, trains, buses, and boats, so I dwindled my packing list to the bare necessities and dropped weight along the way. These travel essentials made the cut every time.

Shop the seven space-saving travel picks that changed how I pack, all under $30.

My Top Space-Saving Travel Essentials

• Bagail Compression Packing Cubes, $20 (orig. $27)
• Hydraway Collapsible Water Bottle, $35
• Meisee Nylon Crescent Crossbody Bag, $15
• 4Monster Quick Dry Travel Towel, $12
• Tessan Universal Power Adaptor, $20 (orig. $21)
• Vonpri Travel Toiletry Bottles, $8
• Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer, $16

Bagail Compression Packing Cubes

The product that makes the biggest difference in maximizing space in my carry-on and keeping my clothing organized is a set of packing cubes. This pick from Bagail goes the extra mile by compressing clothes, which saves up to 60 percent of luggage space, according to the brand. It comes with four cubes in different sizes, and they’re all water resistant, so items inside will stay safe even if toiletries leak mid-flight. 

“I packed enough for 10 days, with room to spare,” one shopper shared, adding that “the cubes work like magic.” More than 10,000 Amazon shoppers purchased this travel essential in the past month, and now they’re 25 percent off. 

Meisee Nylon Crescent Crossbody Bag

This bag went everywhere with me on my trip and kept my most important items like my phone, passport, room key, and credit cards accessible. Its flexible fabric allows it to fold into an even more compact size, so you can shove it in your bag when needed, while its crossbody strap keeps it secure on the go.

It’s also surprisingly spacious and has two interior pockets for smaller items. I even prefer this purse over my Lululemon belt bag, and right now, it’s a fraction of the price at just $12. 

Hydraway Collapsible Water Bottle

Hydration is necessary for long-haul flights, sunny beach days, and sightseeing adventures, but bringing my bulky insulator water bottle along just wasn’t in the cards. Instead, I picked up this Hydraway water bottle that collapses into a compact disk —  it takes up less space than a deck of cards in my carry-on. 

When you’re ready to use it, it transforms into a 25-ounce bottle with a flip-top straw, a leak-proof lid, and a convenient carrying handle. 

Keep scrolling to shop more life-changing travel products at Amazon, including toiletry bottles, a travel adaptor, and more. 

4Monster Quick Dry Travel Towel

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor

Vonpri Travel Toiletry Bottles, Pack of 4

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organizer