How to choose your luggage and pack a carry-on efficiently

My first image of a successful trip: opening your suitcase at the hotel and finding everything in its place, without having had to sit on it to close it. After helping dozens of travelers, a city weekend, a hike, a month backpacking, I keep coming back to the same two decisions: choosing the right suitcase, and packing the carry-on well, since it's the one bag that stays with you no matter what.

In this article, I'm sharing my practical recommendations: hard-shell or soft-shell, why there's no such thing as a "universal" carry-on size, the folding techniques that genuinely save space, what should stay in the cabin, and how to adjust your list depending on the trip.

Choosing your checked luggage: shell, wheels, and size

Choosing checked luggage comes down to three factors: shell, wheels, and size. Hard-shell better protects fragile items and holds up against rain or rough handling. Soft-shell compresses, is lighter when empty, and stores more easily. There's no universal answer, it depends on what you're carrying.

Hard-shell: ideal for fragile items, rain, or multiple connections.
360° wheels, easier to maneuver in airports, versus fixed wheels, more stable on rough ground.
Size follows duration: cabin-only for a weekend, medium (65-75L) for one to two weeks, large beyond that.

The carry-on: the only rule that actually matters

This is where I see the most mistakes: there's no such thing as a "standard" carry-on size. You'll often see 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 7 to 10 kg quoted, but those are just benchmarks, every airline sets its own limits, sometimes by fare class. The only reliable approach: check your airline's policy before packing, and measure your bag, including handles and wheels.

Packing techniques that actually save space

Once you've chosen your suitcase, how you pack it changes everything. Here are the techniques I recommend most often.

Roll clothes instead of folding: less space, fewer wrinkles.
Use packing cubes: they organize the suitcase and let you compress the contents.
Wear bulky items on travel day: coat, boots, hiking shoes.

What should always travel with you in the carry-on

Checked luggage can, rarely, be delayed or lost. Certain things should therefore always stay in your carry-on, whatever else you're checking.

Essential medications, ideally with a copy of the prescription.
One full change of clothes, including underwear.
Valuables and important documents: passport, tickets, insurance, reservations.

Packing differently depending on the type of trip

There's no such thing as a "perfect" packing list, it all depends on your destination and activities. The right gear depends on your specific itinerary, the actual climate, and the day-by-day activities, details we work out together for a tailor-made trip.

Beach: swimwear, sun protection, lightweight quick-dry fabrics, one light evening outfit.
City and culture: easy-to-layer pieces, comfortable walking shoes, one dressier outfit.
Active or outdoor: technical layers suited to actual ground conditions.

Traveling light means traveling better

If I had to sum it up: most travelers pack "just in case" and end up hauling things they never use, when most destinations offer a laundry service or a shop if something's genuinely missing. Traveling light is almost always more comfortable, and the right suitcase always depends on the specific trip, climate, length, pace, activities, one of the details we fine-tune together for your tailor-made itinerary.