The Best Carry-On Luggage Essentials to Pack for Smooth Holiday Travel This Year, According to TikTok

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Save yourself from the headache of checked luggage by following these TikTok travel hacks.

Everyone can use some good rest and relaxation, and we're more than looking forward to getting away for a stress-free holiday travel this year.

But between airlines losing luggage, long waits for picking up checked baggage and general travel woes plaguing our airlines this past year, it might be time to simplify your holiday travel this season by packing all of your belongings in a carry-on bag. Not sure how you'll fit a week's worth or more of essentials into a TSA-approved 22x14-inch suitcase? TikTok is here to help. 

The video-sharing app is chock full of travel hacks for condensing your clothing and other must-haves into your carry-on luggage. Convenient and affordable products such as packing cubes, refillable toiletry bottles and shoe bags make it easier than ever to pack small. We've also found plenty of little luxuries for making even the longest flights bearable: compact neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones and packable footrests, to name a few. And of course, smooth holiday travel starts with a great suitcase, so we've included our favorite carry-ons to shop.

Below, we've rounded up the best travel products to shop on Amazon and around the web to help you skip the dreaded check-in line and avoid bag fees, from vacuum-sealed travel bags to the internet's favorite carry-on suitcases. For even more travel hacks, check out the best luggage deals to shopAmazon luggage sales and our favorite Calpak's luggage to snag on sale.

Best Packing Essentials for 2023

It's not really about the luggage, it's about how you pack your luggage that makes the difference. We've found all kinds of nifty packing gear that will have you more organized and more streamlined than ever. 

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel
Amazon

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized, especially for carry-on luggage. 

$25 $13

Shop Now

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles
Amazon

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Bring your favorite products on board with you using these carry on-approved silicone bottles.

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper
Amazon

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

These zippered bags keep your dirty shoes from touching the rest of your luggage.

$11 $7

Shop Now

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag
CALPAK

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

$56 $45

Shop Now

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

Travel Sunglasses Organizer
Amazon

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

There is finally a solution to keeping your sunglasses from breaking in your travel bags. This sunglasses organizer can store up to 5 pairs for your next trip.

$20 $14

Shop Now

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags
Amazon

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Separate your dirty laundry from your clean clothes with this two-pack of waterproof laundry bags.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag
Amazon

Apple AirTag

Keep an AirTag in your carry-on for security just in case you become separated from your luggage. 

$29 $27

Shop Now

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case
Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more safe and secure with this jewelry travel case from Dagne Dover.

Best Travel Accessories for 2023

Now that you're packed your carry-on, here's everything you'll want nearby to make your day of travel go as smoothly as possible.

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods
Amazon

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Whether traveling for work or play, many flyers use wireless headphones these days — meaning there's no way to plug in to listen when they want to watch the in-flight entertainment on the built-in screen. The AirFly connects via Bluetooth with preferred wireless headphones, including the popular AirPods, and plugs into the screen for seamless listening.

iWALK Mini Portable Charger for iPhone

iWALK Mini Portable Charger for iPhone
Amazon

iWALK Mini Portable Charger for iPhone

Keep phones alive throughout the day with the help of this compact mini phone charger.

$26 $20

with coupon

Shop Now

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
Amazon

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

Get some shut-eye in style with a classic sleeping mask complete with cozy contoured cushions.

$30 $22

Shop Now

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest
Amazon

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

$34 $30

Shop Now

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Amazon

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple's premium headphones offer crystal-clear clarity with a lightweight rubber headband, spacious and comfortable earcups, and excellent noise cancellation.

$549 $480

Shop Now

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands
Amazon

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Dry skin can happen anywhere, including in the air. Appropriately named Cloud Creme, this hydrating lotion from Jergens is the perfect size for airplane travel.

$9 $8

Shop Now

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
lululemon

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This TikTok-approved belt bag is perfect for anyone on the go. It keeps essentials such as keys, wallet, passport, plane ticket and phone handy.

Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Travel Pillow
Trtl

Trtl Travel Pillow

Avoid waking up with dreaded neck pain when you use this top-rated travel pillow that's easy to slip in your personal item.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks
Wander Beauty

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

These foil patches from Wander Beauty give tired eyes a refresh with hydrating ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch
Amazon

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

Fight those dark circles and fine lines with these COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel eye patches with its hydrating, plumping and brightening formula.

$28 $24

Shop Now

Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece

Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece
Nike

Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece

Sweats with a matching hoodie in case it gets cold on the plane is a trendy and ultra-comfy outfit choice. We love this set from Nike that has 16 different colors you can mix and match.

$70

Sweatpants

Shop Now

$75

1/2-Zip Crop Sweatshirt

Shop Now

Best Travel Entertainment for 2023

If you're in for a long flight, you'll need some on-board entertainment. Here our are top choices.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
Amazon

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

For a smooth flight, keep your kids entertained with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet. This product includes a 1+ year subscription to Amazon Kids+, so your little ones can stay engaged with the content they love.

$200 $140

Shop Now

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard
Amazon

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

Before we suggest awesome shows and films for your trip, we recommend securing this iPad protector on your tablet that will black out your screen to those sitting next to you. 

'Barbie' Movie on Prime Video

'Barbie' Movie on Prime Video
Warner Bros. Studios

'Barbie' Movie on Prime Video

“Thanks to Barbie, all problems of feminism have been solved.” Pop the popcorn and celebrate with a Barbie movie night when you stream this film. 

Rent/$25 or Buy/$30

Watch Now

The Bear

The Bear
Hulu

The Bear

A fine-dining chef (heavy on the fine), played by Golden Globe-winner Jeremy Allen White, returns home to run his family's sandwich shop in Chicago in The Bear. Watch as his upscale dining experience shakes up the old restaurant. The first two seasons are streaming now on Hulu. 

 

 

Plans starting at $8/Month

Free One-Month Trial

Watch on Hulu

'Peter Pan & Wendy'

'Peter Pan & Wendy'
Disney

'Peter Pan & Wendy'

For a movie the whole family can enjoy, embark on a magical adventure back to the enchanted island of Neverland. Peter Pan & Wendy is now streaming on Disney+.

Starting at $10/month

Watch Now

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game
Amazon

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

The classic board game Scrabble has been miniaturized and modified to be the ideal trip companion. All you need is a travel buddy or some kiddos to play along with you. 

$40 $29

Shop Now

The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book

The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book
Amazon

The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book

Sudoku, crosswords, trivia and more will keep you entertained for hours with this adult activity book. 

Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2023 

Now that you have all your other essentials, it's time to get a carry-on suitcase that ideal for your specific needs. Here are some of the best carry-on luggage options from around the web.

Away The Carry-On

Away The Carry-On
Away

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry On

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry On
Amazon

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry On

With over 5,000 positive reviews, this lightweight carry-on will ease your overpacking worries.

$190 $120

Shop Now

VGCUB Carry on Backpack

VGCUB Carry on Backpack
Amazon

VGCUB Carry on Backpack

This carry-on back pack is loved by TikTok travelers for its many compartments and ability to fit everything you need. Best feature? You can take it on board as your personal item.

$40 $25

Shop Now

Beis The Weekender

Beis The Weekender
Beis

Beis The Weekender

The Beis Weekender Bag features a dedicated lower compartment designed for shoe storage, alongside a generous main compartment and a convenient trolley strap that allows you to easily attach it to your carry-on luggage, making it the perfect travel accessory for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"
Walmart

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

The internet-famous suitcase features 360-degree rotating wheels, an inner lining pocket and elastic straps for keeping clothes in place.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
Amazon

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170 $144

Shop Now

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage
Amazon

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

$140 $70

Shop Now

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