The Best Luggage & Packing Organizers For Your Weekend Getaway

Packing light for a weekend getaway? Here are some ideas for carry-on luggage, packing cubes, and other travel organizers to help keep your stuff tidy. Plus a FREE printable packing list so you don’t forget anything at home!

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Love to travel but hate the stress of packing? I feel your pain! I used to hate the thought of packing and it was always the #1 thing I dreaded right before a trip.

Especially with all of the fees and restrictions when it comes to checked in luggage these days. RIP Southwest’s 2 free checked bags policy 😢

Over the years, I’ve gotten so much better at packing for weekend getaways. Especially once I moved to New York and had to fly back to Pittsburgh once a month. And, honestly – once you get the hang of it, it’s actually not all that bad!

In this post, I’m sharing all of my favorite luggage & packing organizers for a weekend getaway. These have saved me sooo much time, money, and stress while traveling!

Download the Free Packing Checklist!

The following post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

The Best Carry-On Luggage

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Choosing what type of luggage to take on a weekend getaway is probably one of the most important considerations when planning a trip. The best option is going to depend on your trip – how long you’re going for, if you’re flying or driving, how much stuff you have, etc.

If you’re taking a flight, I highly recommend going with some sort of carry-on luggage especially as more and more airlines are starting to charge for checked luggage.

Plus, with carry on luggage you won’t have to worry about your stuff getting lost or stolen!

Here are some of my favorite choices for carry-on luggage:

Roller Bags & Suitcases

It’s a classic. Plus, it can fit a lot of stuff and is easy to carry around the airport – especially the ones with 360 degree wheels.

I highly recommend getting a hard-shell carry on suitcase to help protect your stuff.

I’ve owned the Samsonite hard-shell roller bag for 5 years and it’s still in excellent condition even after countless trips around the world. It’s reasonably priced and compact for overhead bins.

My favorite part is that it’s expandable & can fit a crazy amount of stuff!

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Backpacks

Backpacks are another great choice for carry-on luggage. I usually tend to make this my “personal item” because it can fit a lot of things, perfect for carrying laptops, and it fits under the airplane seat.

Backpacks are also great for hiking and outdoor adventures. Opt for one with multiple compartments and adjustable straps for comfort.

The AmazonBasics laptop backpack is similar to the backpack I typically use. I love that it has a lot of compartments to accommodate a variety of items.

Messenger Bags

I like to use a messenger bag as my carry-on or personal item when I’m going for a work or business trip. It fits comfortably over the shoulder or as a crossbody for easy carrying throughout the airport.

Plus, it easily fits under the airplane seat so you don’t have to worry about squeezing it into overhead cabin space.

This messenger bag from Amazon is made of water-resistant material, has a comfortable strap, and has multiple pockets to store items

Duffel Bags & Weekender Bags

Duffel bags and weekender bags are perfect for day trips and weekend getaways!

My go-to duffel bag is the Adidas Court Lite Duffel Bag because it is compact and fits all my essentials for a weekend trip. It also fits easily under the airplane seat, so I don’t have to worry about stuffing it in a crowded overhead bin.

A stylish weekender bag such as this one from Amazon will also fit a lot of items. I’ve never used one but my friend brings it to every weekend trip we go on. I’m always shocked at how much it can hold!

The product links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

The Best Packing Organizers

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Keeping yourself organized when packing is SO important to make sure you don’t forget anything at home. Been there, done that – and it’s not fun!

Luckily, there are so many different tools and gadgets to help you keep your stuff organized & tidy. Here are some of my favorite ones!

🧳 Don’t forget to grab the FREE printable packing checklist before your next trip!

Packing Cubes

If you’re an organization nut like me, you need to try packing cubes for your next trip! These are a game-changer.

They keep your clothes organized, maximize space, and make unpacking a breeze. I like to use one for tops, another for bottoms, and one for undergarments. Try out this 8-piece packing cube set that is affordable and comes in a variety of different colors.

Travel Document Organizers

Keep all your important documents stashed away in one place with this Travel Passport Wallet Organizer. It holds not only your passport but also boarding passes, cash, travel cards, tickets, etc.

You could also use a folder or pouch, but I like this sleek case that fits into my carry-on luggage and zips up easily so that nothing falls out.

Charger Cord Organizer

I’m notorious for getting all of my charging cords tangled up while traveling. This Electronics Organizer Travel Case has been a total game-changer for me! You can easily separate and keep all of your cables & cords organized in one place for easy use. Plus, they won’t get lost as easily!

Toiletries Bag

Pack toiletries in a clear, TSA-approved bag in your carry-on luggage. Essentials include:

• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Mini first-aid kit (including bandages, pain relievers, and allergy medications)
• Reusable razor and travel-size shaving cream

🧳 Don’t forget to grab the FREE printable packing checklist before your next trip!

Travel Tips

• Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Stick to neutral colors and layer for varying weather
  
  
• Roll your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles (this one has been a game-changer for me!)
  
  
• Use a checklist to avoid forgetting important items. Click here to get my free printable packing checklist!
  
  
• Research airline restrictions ahead of time for baggage size, weight limits, and prohibited items to avoid surprises at the airport
  
  
• Pack important documents, medications, chargers, and electronics in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed or gets lost
  
  
• If traveling internationally, a universal adapter can save you from compatibility issues with outlets
  
  
• Keep digital copies of your passport, travel documents, travel insurance, and itinerary accessible online in case of loss or theft
  
  
• Airport food can be pricey! Bring snacks like granola bars, nuts, popcorn that are nonperishable. Bring an empty water bottle to refill post-security to stay hydrated
  
  
• Check forecasts and pack accordingly. Bring layers for unpredictable weather and waterproof gear for rainy destinations
  
  
• Pack a first-aid kit that includes basics like bandages, pain relievers, allergy medications, and any prescription medications
  
  
• Save offline maps, translation tools, and transportation apps for ease of navigation without Wi-Fi
  
  
• Use luggage tags with your contact info and tie a unique ribbon or marker to make them easy to spot
  
  
• Don’t overpack! Save space or bring a foldable bag for items you purchase during your trip
  
  
• For carry-ons, ensure liquids are in 3.4-ounce containers or smaller, placed in a single quart-sized zip-top bag
  
  
• Confirm reservations for flights, accommodations, and activities before you leave (I always go old-school and print out paper copies just in case!)
  
  
• Keep a list of local emergency numbers, your country’s embassy, and contacts for family or friends
  
  
• Bring items like a neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask, and entertainment to make flights more comfortable
  
  
• Wrap fragile items in clothing for extra padding
  
  
• Things may not always go as planned—keep an open mind and a sense of adventure!
  
  

Download the Free Travel Packing Checklist!

What are your go-to travel essentials? Share your must-haves in the comments below!