Packing for Winter Travel Using Only a Carry-On

Frequent travelers love to use carry-on luggage to reduce travel costs, save time at airports, make more room in a car and travel lighter. Discover tips and tricks to use when going carry-on-only this winter.

Plan Your Outfits Ahead

This time of year, especially if you have to run between hot subway cars and cooler airport terminals, it feels like you almost need to pack for two or more climates. But how do you do that with just a carry-on? The answer: layering! Winter travel outfits should be all about layers you can put on and take off as needed. Try to pack one week’s worth of pieces you can mix and match to make the outfits you need.

Pick the Right Bag

Packing to travel with only a carry-on can seem daunting without the right bag. You’ll need something roomy enough for your outfits but small enough to fit into the overhead bin of an airplane. It’s smart to check the carry-on restrictions for your favorite airlines if you’ll be flying often, since carry-on sizing isn’t standardized. It’s also important to consider the types of trips you’ll be taking when you look for a suitcase. Traveling for business? A wheeled carry-on might be just the trick to make the transition from airport to taxi to hotel seamless. Traveling for fun? A backpack with lots of pockets could be exactly what you need to get around on slippery European cobblestones.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items on Travel Days

The number one tip for carry-on travel during winter: wear your bulkiest items on travel days! It might be a recipe for some interesting outfit combinations, but you’ll free-up an impressive amount of space in your small suitcase by wearing your coat. Plus, you can typically lay it over your stowed luggage once you reach your airplane seat or pack-up the car.

Our final tip? Book your room using Best Western Rewards this holiday season to receive our lowest rate at locations worldwide – guaranteed.