100k+ Delta Miles Later, I've Finally Figured Out the Secret to Flying With Just a Carry-On

I've now had this suitcase for about four years, and it truly does come everywhere with me. Even in those rare occasions where I do check a bag, I fly with this one too, just to protect any particularly special or high-value items. Something about the hard-shell exterior makes me feel like my prized possessions are safe from damage, and I like to use the locking system, which is simple to use and gives me more peace of mind. It's pretty, too.

This is another aluminum hard-shell carry-on suitcase that I highly recommend, especially if you want to spend a little less but still want high-quality luggage that will protect your belongings throughout your travel experiences. It has a compression system built in on the inside to help you fit more, plus, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers.

Frequent flyers, trust me, this is the only bag you should purchase for your travels. What makes the Andiamo bag so perfect for running through airports and busy city streets alike is its multiple strap options, magnetic closure, and interior zip pockets. You can carry it as a top handle, a shoulder bag, and a crossbody without having to attach and detach anything. It's roomy, so you don't have to keep any essentials at home or in your hotel room, and the magnetic closure ensures that no one can go digging inside your purse. The zip pockets inside add an extra layer of security for things like your wallet and passport.

Ever been annoyed with yourself for shopping too much on a trip and having to spend way too much on another piece of luggage that you don't even need just to get everything home? Here's your solution. I have had this expandable Longchamp bag since high school, when I bought it in the airport at CDG in Paris, and it's still going strong. I use the small version on the way to my destination as my "personal item," and if I shop at all, I can easily unzip it to reveal the large version, which I can check. Voila! Problem solved.

This bag doesn't just come with me on trips. It comes with me every day to the gym, to work, and to every preview, presentation, dinner, and party I attend for work. It's basically glued to my side, and makes getting ready on the go so easy. When it's closed, it's somehow so compact, a miracle when you're trying to fit it into an already stuffed tote bag.

Two words: Packing cubes! I don't know what I did before I discovered packing cubes. They make packing a lot of stuff, which I've never figured out how to not do, possible when you're just traveling with a carry-on suitcase. Personally, I use three in my carry-on, one large one that takes up one whole side that I put my actual clothes in, one medium one for workout clothes and undergarments, and then a final smaller one for any medication, vitamins, protein bars, Tylenol, etc.

The best thing about this passport cover is that you can get it stamped at local Louis Vuitton stores on all your trips. It's not the most practical item on this list, but it is fun (and very chic).

The soundproofing on these Bose headphones is next level, and allows me to relax on long-haul flights without loud plane noises keeping me up all night. They also stay charged forever and don't give me a headache like other over-ear headphones do.

I tag all my bags, even if I'm not checking them. Again, it just gives me peace of mind.

Don't risk breaking your laptop during travel, especially when you have to take it in and out during security. This padded laptop case is a game changer, and it luckily doesn't take up a ton of space in your bag.

Last but certainly not least is a water bottle. I cannot spend another $8 on a bottle of Smart Water at the airport—I refuse. Instead, I bring this refillable option with me everywhere, often asking a restaurant at the airport to give me some ice to keep my water cold throughout the flight. Bonus points if I remember to pack a Liquid I.V. for the trip.