A travel journalist who frequently travels with only a carry-on has shared her packing tips. She recommends choosing a lightweight yet roomy suitcase, such as the Monos Carry-On Plus, which weighs 3.5kg and fits in overhead bins. The Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag is another option, noted for its hybrid design and easy movement on different surfaces.
Packing cubes are described as essential for organisation and space-saving, with compression versions from Monos and Béis highlighted. The journalist organises cubes by category: bulky items, shirts, and underwear. She also uses a Chelsea Backpack from Antler as a personal item, which fits a camera, laptop, and in-flight essentials.
For clothing, she recommends multi-functional fabrics such as hemp tees, which are breathable and odour-resistant, and quick-drying leggings for running. Outerwear choices include a lightweight down gilet from Mountain Hardwear or a down jacket from Rab, which can be worn on the plane to save space. Shoes should be classic and neutral; she opts for white vegan leather sneakers from Veja worn on the plane, with lightweight gym trainers and waterproof sandals as backups.