How to pack a carry-on for international flights ✈️ Handluggage only | Minimalist travel hacks

I am traveling full-time and have spent the last six months as a digital nomad in South America and Brazil - and now it's time to take the long flight back to Europe.
But the long haul flight is not the end of it: we have to take a bus to the airport, change planes three times, spend a night in a hotel, take a train... In total, we will be on the road for six days before arriving at our final destination.
In today's video, I'll talk about my (pre)flight routine and how I pack for a long haul flight. And I'll also talk about how I prepare for the other parts of my trip.
I only travel with carry-on luggage and I do not check luggage, so I always have to rearrange my stuff in my two bags (my backpack and my personal item).
And since I am a big fan of minimal travel, I barely have enough clothes to get me through those days.
Needless to say, it always takes some planning.
I have divided this video into three parts: In the beginning, I'll talk about my upcoming travel days. Then I'll talk about how I prepare for international air travel. After that, I'll show you how I fit my stuff in my carry-on luggage to make the trip as easy as possible.
➡️ Products I use:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. #commissionsearned
Nitro Weekender Backpack
Eagle Creek Wayfarer Messenger (Personal item)
Peak Design Packing Cubes: amzn.to/3tA9MR4
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry bag: amzn.to/49bSiuH
Fjällräven Kanken Wallet: amzn.to/3Fo7pTQ
Osprey Document Zip Wallet
Reisenthel MiniMaxi grocery bag: amzn.to/4034Jor
- Timestamps -
00:00 Introduction
00:51 My upcoming trip
01:39 Prepare for the trip
04:30 Repacking my things in my carry-on luggage
19:13 More Minimalist Travel videos
- Other videos -
My tech for remote work: • What’s in my tech trav...
24 days in a carry-on bag: • 24 Days in a Carry-On ...
Subtitles and Translations, Subtítulos y Traducciones Legendas e Traduções Untertitel und Übersetzungen by (Fiverr Affiliate Link):www.fiverr.com/share/4Y0e1k

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Many airlines only accept 1 bag of 7 to 8 kg packed with no separate personal item... makes it even more challenging.....❤

[@amandamurdoch3587]

You just changed my life. I did not know my glasses case folded up! I had to go and check. Thank you.

[@TheKayleeanna]

I really enjoy your videos. I just came back from a 2 week, 5 city trip in Portugal & Spain with only an international carry-on and a personal item. I learnt so much from you about minimizing toiletries that made it possible. THANK YOU! 😀

[@MaggiFuchs]

Oh, thank you - that comment means a lot to me! Glad I could help. :) All the best from Spain (that’s where I currently am - Portugal is next).

[@kryssygee4814]

A back pack!! All in a back pack with space to spare!!! Fantastic!!! You are really teaching us the WAY !!!

[@colleenc5008]

Your videos are excellent. They are so informative and include your process and rationale for why pack what you do. Thank you, and safe travels back home!

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks Colleen, I really appreciate your nice feedback! ♥️

[@kathrynhelm4176]

Hi Maggie, I just found your wonderful channel. You are so delightful to watch and I love how you clearly showed and explained your process of packing. I am 74 years old and still like to travel…even with my mobility issues. Unfortunately, I can no longer travel light like you…getting old comes with a lot of “necessaries”. 🤣. I will enjoy watching some of your back episodes. Safe and happy travels.❤️🇺🇸

[@savannahbanks]

I am 75 and my husband can’t travel with me any more… so I’m packing lighter than ever! In Australia 7kgs is all you’re allowed for carry on but now I’m aiming at 4! Xxxx

[@Gravelsis]

I am traveling a lot and love your videos and tips. Leaving to a work trip tonight by plane including gala dinner, desert team building etc. lots of different outfits needed and already reduced my stuff 3 times. I am now going to repack with your advice in mind. 😂 game changer: have lots of pouches available. 😄

[@timepi437]

I pack toiletries into separate pouches this way- what I need in my seat, what I need in plane bathroom, what I need in shower, what I need after shower.

[@PatrickPray]

Your channel is fantastic, lots of very practical advice. I travel a lot, but I still learned something from this video! Thanks!

[@MaggiFuchs]

Great to hear!

[@jackolantern7342]

Very cool way to organize according to what you'll need next (ex. chargers in with first set of clothes) You're definitely the Master of Pouches and Hidden Items 🙂

[@emmapeebles2784]

i just LOVE your videos - thank you for sharing and sorry you are sick! cheers for all of the great ideas!

[@sherryschumacher1881]

You are very organized - great video!

[@lauralee9041]

I hope you have a wonderful trip. You certainly are organized, I like that you have a plane pouch, I will certainly do the same and have a bedside pouch too. Great video, my next trip (from Canada to Australia) I plan carry on only and I am an over-packer so will re watch this again.

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks Laura! I also was an overpacker once. 😅 I hope you are going to have an awesome trip to Australia! Never been there, but it’s on the list.

[@vandaneves2381]

Great tips as always! Thanks from Portugal.

[@MaggiFuchs]

Muito obrigada Vanda! 🤗

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Very informative thanks❤

[@brazilianin5305]

Very helpful indeed. I learn something new today. Thanks for sharing and all the best!

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thank you, happy to hear that you like it! ♥️🐾

[@BibbyVelum1]

Hello Maggi, thanks for this and hope you are doing well & feeling good. I'm doing a long trip in August ( I never travel in summer,too hot & crowded) & Will use some of your tips. Cheers!

[@MaggiFuchs]

Hi Teresita! All is well here, I hope you are doing great too and enjoy your trip in August! :)

[@fruityeva]

Du scheinst so ein sympatischer Mensch zu sein! Grüße aus Bayern!😊✌

[@MaggiFuchs]

Ooooh, danke Eva! 🤗 Früh am Morgen bin ichs vermutlich nicht, aber sonst bemühe ich mich. 😅 Schöne Grüße!

[@singha6]

Really lovely videos with practical advice from having real experiences

[@MaggiFuchs]

Glad it was helpful! 🤗

[@tvomckay8933]

Thank you. Your video is so helpful. I learnt a lot.

[@MaggiFuchs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lynneeie5226]

You have some of the best packing videos! I am converting to solid toiletries as much as I can for our trip this summer. We do not travel that much, so videos like yours are very helpful. Especially in these times. I am glad you made it safely and hope you feel better soon! Best, Lynne

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks Lynne! I am so happy that you find my videos useful! 🤗 Have an awesome trip this summer. ☀️♥️

[@lynneeie5226]

@@MaggiFuchs 🥰 Thank you and happy travels to you too! ✨Lynnr

[@peggywoods4327]

I've been taking in all her advice also. I have been collecting solid toiletries, got the little soap pouches, treated myself to a new toiletries bag and a new travel pack (for my November trip). I go to Europe in 10 weeks (finally! ) and travel with a larger checked pack as I will be camping. But thanks to Maggie's videos I have tweaked my gear a bit. I also wear some of my larger things on the flight, so yeah I'm tromping through the airport in my Wellies 😄

[@MaggiFuchs]

@@peggywoods4327 I believe Wellies are perfect airplane shoes. You can easily get in and out without having to tie any shoelaces. 😂 Have an awesome trip in Europe! Sounds like you are planning quite an adventure.

[@lynneeie5226]

@@peggywoods4327 Sounds awesome! Have fun! 🎉😊

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I understand travel gear is usually made in black so it doesn’t look dirty, but I wish manufacturers would at least use lighter lining. We are using suitcases for our carry on but they are annoying because nothing is easily accessible unless you open it up. I miss the days of using a backpack as the personal bag. Two issues for me are my knitting project(s) and shoes. We do so manny different things on our trips-dress up shoes, hiking shoes, beach shoes, walk around all day shoes. Plus, like you, travelling from cold to hot areas and back. This time we will have a couple days in a city before leaving on a cruise so I can pick up more sunscreen and anything I forget. And the cost of getting a bag of laundry done is much cheaper than a checked bag!! I just love having a variety of clothes too because we do so many different things!

[@amandant]

Excited for the new travel update from you 😁😁

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks Kana! 🤗

[@Janaina2019]

Ótimo vídeo.

[@katebrix8060]

🌻🇩🇰 Ich mag deine Video’s sehr!!! Ich hoffe daß Du gut nach Hause kommst 🛫🛬 .. All the best to you 🤗 . Grüße aus Dänemark 🇩🇰

[@MaggiFuchs]

Danke Kate! ♥️ Ja, wir sind gut nach Hause gekommen. Viele Liebe Grüße an dich! 🤗

[@errydm]

Very nice video! I really did enjoy it. As a male, I only need 1/3 of what you have for a similar trip. I think you can still reduce everything (items, weight and volume) by approximately 20% to make life a bit easier while on a trip. Key factors are e.g. how much stuff you can REALLY leave at home, reduce the "just in case I need" items, use dual purpose items and choose lightweight, strong, water resistant bags and pouch. Also throw some technical / high performance clothes in the mix. And then your good to go. Keep up your great work! Liebe Gruesse aus Indonesien.🙂

[@katy8750]

great video! thank you

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thank you Katy! :)

[@yukisuperstylish]

Tirol is just beautiful I wish if I could live there 😢

[@jyothivasa1567]

What a beautiful smile you have

[@joeybunbury1796]

Your hair looks great

[@m31indap]

Hi! I really enjoy your videos. Your personality just shines through. Can you please tell me what kind of backpack you have? It looks really cool. Thanks

[@MaggiFuchs]

Hi Melinda! Thanks for the kind words! ♥️ The backpack is from Nitro, their Weekender bag.

[@MrJan3327]

you're always welcome to Brasil

[@MaggiFuchs]

Obrigada! Can’t wait to go back in a few days… ☀️

[@Rooftopanticsblog]

Hi Maggi, another great vid! Can I ask which packing cubes you use?

[@MaggiFuchs]

They are the Peak Design packing cube (size small). :-)

[@Mamame4]

Such a helpful video! What do you use as a purse at your destination?

[@MaggiFuchs]

Happy to hear you found it helpful. I usually use my personal item at the destination. I just released a video last week where I talk about my „quest“ to find the perfect personal item (which is ongoing), but there you can see which bag I am currently using. :)

[@cesterly4668]

Maggi thank you great videos..as airline pilot and pilot and longtiime passenger since 1955, I have to say do not wear flip flops on airplanes ever. Dangerous, not tactical if you had to run or exit plane quickly, too casual for airplane travel as well, could get feet fungus or other parasites from passengers who fly on planes all over the world (the airlines do not clean as they did 40 years ago unfortunately). Otherwise great job. Thank you.

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks for the great tip. I have never considered those points. But I usually don‘t wear my flipflops in a plane anyways, mainly because I get too cold. On this trip, I was changing at the airport, but I had a few hours trip until the airport at 40°C, so I wore my flipflops until I was there. But especially the security remark is excellent to know. It is so obvious, but yet, I have never thought about that.

[@JenHaycock]

Great video! Love your organization technique ❤️ What liter size back pack did you take with you?

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks Jennifer! That bag was a 42l bag (but I am not sure if that’s true because I could fit way less than in my old 38 l bag). Today I released a video about “My travel bag evolution”, there I talk more about why I chose which bag. :)

[@JenHaycock]

@@MaggiFuchs thank you. 🙏🏻 I will watch your new video shortly. Thank you for your inspiration.☺️

[@MaggiFuchs]

@@JenHaycock Just noticed that I made a very tragic typo in my first comment. It’s 38, not 30 😅

[@maureenmulligan5882]

Thank you for your very helpful videos. Can you please tell me how much your bag weighed? Flying Singapore Airlines or Emirates/Qantas to Europe has a maximum carry-on weight of 7kg! I am trying and often come in at 7-8 kg but the next European trip includes a cruise in Norway, in early October. A challenge but I will consider many of your ideas. Already I use bars for shampoo, conditioner, wash, deodorant and face cleanser....mini versions that pack in a small tin. Trail/hiking shoes are the main problem but I tend to wear them on the plane.

[@MaggiFuchs]

I am European, so my bag usually weighs around 7 kgs. :)

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Will try to wear aa much as I can inc thermal layer and heaviest shoes.. I never ever want to checkin again ...or get cold.. ensuring 1 bag weight of max 7 to 8 kg only...no extra personal item either..

[@karenwendt4058]

The flight I am taking from Chicago to Lyon, via Munich, says I can take two items (a carry on and a personal item) however, the total weight is just 8kg. I cannot seem to get down to that. I have tried multiple times and I hover around 20 pounds every time. I have no problem with the size limitations.

[@MaggiFuchs]

I don‘t know with which airline you fly with, but from my understanding, here in Europe I am not aware of a weight limit for a personal item (unless the airline clearly states that they have one, like Turkish Airline has 8 kgs for handluggage + 4 kgs for a personal item). They usually say handluggage (certain size, 8 kgs) plus one personal item (certain size, no weight stated), so I always assumed that it is not counted towards the limit. 😅 As I said, that‘s only my understanding not a definitive fact. But if my weight would ever be questioned at the airport (it has never been weighted), I would be ready to discuss that their requirements are not clear. 😂 Otherwise, to reduce weight, maybe there is something heavy you could put in your coat pockets or maybe something that you could purchase in Europe (like that larger bottle of sunscreen)?

[@karenwendt4058]

With all other United fares, each traveler can bring on board one carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge. • Maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels. • Maximum dimensions for your personal item, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). • Trial size liquids, gels and aerosol items (3.4 oz/100 ml or less) that fit in one, quart-size (1 liter), clear plastic zip-top bag are allowed beyond security. • Restrictions may vary for flights departing from non-U.S. airports.

[@mignonib]

What is the bag you're using for your personal bag here? It looks really great!

[@MaggiFuchs]

It’s a Eagle Creek Wayfinder messenger bag.

[@mignonib]

@@MaggiFuchs great, thank you!!

[@jessicaireland1947]

Do the full size ethique shampoo bars fit in the matador soap case?

[@MaggiFuchs]

Hi Jessica! I am really not sure, whenever I got a hold of Ethique, it was samples. However, the soap case is quite big, other solid shampoos fit without problem. And worst case you could always cut off a bit? 🤔 But maybe someone else knows?

[@cindywilkinson1610]

Instead of using a shower cap for my shoes, I use an emptied bread bag.

[@nivektek2681]

nice video..what is the brands of the bags please?where can i buy online or actual stores please?how many liters both bags please?

[@MaggiFuchs]

The big bag is a Nitro Weekender, 42 liters. The Eagle Creek one is calles Wayfinder Crossbody bag. I bought them both on Amazon in Germany.

[@nivektek2681]

@@MaggiFuchs thank you

[@samnickelson5318]

What is your personal item called and where did you get it, please?

[@MaggiFuchs]

It’s the Eagle Creek Wayfinder Crossbody Bag. I think I ordered it on Amazon, but i am not sure. :)

[@tangotangoh]

Cool. What's the total weight of the backpack filled up?

[@MaggiFuchs]

Usually my bag is around 7 kgs

[@tangotangoh]

Have learned lots from you, Maggi. Thanks for all the good tips. Always travel with 20" 4-wheel spinner and a personal carry-on.

[@sueskiing]

Why two iPads and pencils?

[@MaggiFuchs]

Personal preference, I guess. I don‘t own a computer anymore and use my iPads as my main devices. I talk about it a little bit more in my travel tech video. And since that video was released, I have upgraded to the newest iPad Mini and don‘t need to carry two pencils anymore. :-)

[@sueskiing]

@@MaggiFuchs I too have a iPad Air 2020 and the latest mini so can understand why you have both but for travelling I would only carry my mini, pencil and separate Logitech Keys To Go bluetooth keyboard another iPad would be far too heavy for me in my personal item bag! I shall watch that tech video, thanks for replying 😁

[@MaggiFuchs]

@Susan Beauchamp I agree, it’s heavy. But I travel full-time and I have to work, so unfortunately I have to make the best of it. I am already happy that I don’t really need a computer anymore to get my work done - that already saves me a lot of weight! :) But when I go on a shorter trip and I can leave my things somewhere for a few days, I usually just bring my iPad Mini and the keyboard.

[@11seconds26]

You can't keep the commercials😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😠😡😡😠😠😠😠😠😠😠😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😠😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@MaggiFuchs]

Thanks for pointing that out. I did not realize that KZbin automatically inserted that many ads into my video. But I found a way to change it. :)

[@saraiahhogendike664]

use an add blocker? works fine, especially with youtube, not good for creators maybe, but there are other ways to support more directly :-)