What to Pack In Your Carry-On Bag for Smooth Spring Break Travel, According to TikTok

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After such a long and dreary winter, we're more than looking forward to getting away this spring.

But between airlines losing luggage, long waits for picking up checked bags and general travel woes plaguing our airlines this past year, it might be time to simplify your spring break journeys this season by packing all of your belongings in a carry-on. 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 a carry-on. 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 traveling starts with a great suitcase, so we've included our favorite carry-on bags to shop.

Below, we've rounded up the best products to shop on Amazon to help you skip the dreaded check-in line, 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 shop, best Amazon luggage sales and our favorite Dagne Dover bags to snag on sale.

Best Packing Essentials for Spring 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. 

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized. 

$25

If you're a chronic over-packer or trying to fit a week's worth of clothing into a carry-on, compress your clothes even further with vacuum-sealable bags.

$17$16

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

$10

To save space in your luggage, this travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place — plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall for easy access to your toiletries. 

$56

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

$13$12

On the off chance you become separated from your luggage, keep an AirTag in your carry-on for security.

$29

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

$11

Best Travel Accessories for Spring 2023

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

Even if your plane doesn't have outlets, you'll be able to keep your phone charged with this portable power bank.

$22

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

$30$17

Kick your feet up and relax during your flight with this ergonomic memory foam footrest that hangs from your tray table.

$30$25

Transport yourself to the tropics with this hydrating and affordable coconut hand cream.

$8

Stop overpaying for bottled water at the airport and switch to a reusable one instead. This water bottle is smaller than a deck of cards when collapsed for easy storage. Keep it empty while checking in through security, then fill it up before boarding.

$22

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

$50

Get a premium listening experience with Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling to actively block external noise. The stylish Beats Studio 3 have Apple's W1 chip, which makes them pair perfectly with Apple devices. They also have an impressive battery life up to 40 hours in low-power mode.

$350$250

These foil patches from Wander Beauty give tired eyes a refresh while visibly brightening, hydrating and reducing the appearance of dark circles.

$26

Finally, give yourself the opportunity to freshen up during a flight with a travel toothbrush and mini toothpaste — you'll be glad you did.

$11$9

Air travel is all about feeling cozy while looking fly. This varsity-inspired dress designed by creative director Melody Ehsani fits the bill. 

$60

Best Travel Entertainment for Spring 2023

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. 

$18

Based on people traveling just like you, The White Lotus explores the dysfunctional lives of wealthy guests staying at an upscale resort. Each day reveals something new about each character, played by an all-star cast including Jennifer Coolidge and Aubrey Plaza. Winning multiple awards this year from Golden Globes to Emmys to Critic's Choice Awards, this outstanding series is one you won't want to miss. It's available to stream on HBO Max. 

STARTING AT $10/MONTH

Haven't had the time to watch the movie that's been sweeping awards season all year? Everything Everywhere All at Once has won numerous awards since its release in March 2022 — including the 2023 Best Picture Oscar — and you'll understand why when you watch it for yourself. It's available through Showtime, so you can stream it directly through their app or stream it with Showtime add-ons if you have Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+ or Hulu. You can also buy the movie through Amazon or Apple TV+. 

$20
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
$20
APPLE TV+

The latest Amazon Prime Video mini-series finds inspiration from the book Daisy Jones & the Six written by author Taylor Jenkins Reid. The story centers around the a fictional band in the '70s that becomes a global sensation. 

$23
PLANS START AT $9/MONTH
AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

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

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

$10

Best Carry-On Suitcases for Spring 2023

The Carry-On
Away Travel

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.

$275

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

$190$134

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

$89

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

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.

$120$114
WITH COUPON

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