These Expert Tools Eliminate The 6 Most Common Carry-On Luggage Problems

How many times have you bought a new carry-on bag that claimed to “have it all,” only to discover that it’s too small, too large, or simply too wrong for your travel needs? The struggle is real, and so is the vast and confusing marketplace of luggage organizer tools. Fortunately, the experts at AAA have curated these six solutions to solve every imaginable carry-on dilemma.
   

   
CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 1: WHEN PACKING CUBES MINGLE CLEAN CLOTHES WITH DIRTY ONES
Packing cubes ease the stress of sorting through luggage at the airport and hotel. But although they’ve long been a travel essential, many popular brands lack a means for separating shoes and dirty laundry from clean items in your bag.
   
The solution: This set of Biaggi Zipcubes includes a convenient drawstring bag for an extra (and extra hygienic!) level of organization. Made from water- and tear-resistant nylon with breathable mesh, they keep clean clothes tidy and odor-free every step of the journey.
   

  
CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 2: WHEN TINY HOTEL BATHROOMS CRAMP YOUR STYLE
Traveling with toiletries has always presented unique challenges. First, there’s the stress (and all-too-frequent spills) as you navigate security checkpoints. Then you’re faced with the challenge of getting ready in notoriously small cruise and hotel bathrooms.

The solution: These woes are old news, thanks to the essential Compact Hanging Toiletry Kit from Travelon. With multiple generous compartments and thick elastic loops, it keeps toiletries perfectly secure to prevent spills. What’s more, the whole shebang hangs conveniently from any door, for total visibility without sacrificing precious counter space.
  

   
CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 3: WHEN JEWELRY BECOMES A TANGLED METAL MESS
Anyone who’s attempted to unravel a knot of tangled necklaces knows it can be a fool’s errand. Good luck making your dinner reservation on time without the assistance of a magnifying glass and tweezers…
  
The solution: With efficient zippered compartmentalization, the Weekender Jewelry Case keeps all your favorite baubles and treasures neatly separated and ready to showcase. Its smart design also separates jewelry from clothing—no more snagged sweaters!
  
CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 4: WHEN YOU’RE LITERALLY JUST SPINNING YOUR WHEELS
Nothing screams “tourist” like grunting down cobblestone streets or racing through a busy airport with a clunky, squeaky wheeled carry-on. The only thing worse is the smooth, unbothered business travelers gliding past you with zero apparent effort. What’s their secret?
   
The solution: Maneuverability is the name of the game, and this Softside Carry-On Spinner Luggage from the Ricardo Beverly Hills Malibu Bay 3.0 collection is up to the task. It boasts smooth, agile, any-direction handling, as well as faux-leather accents and abrasion-resistant coating that exude casual confidence.

CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 5: WHEN PESKY ELEMENTS INFILTRATE YOUR UNMENTIONABLES
Deciding what to pack and what to leave out is a travel challenge all its own. But certain stowaways don’t need an invitation. Yes, we’re talking about moths, bedbugs, and other critters that love nothing more than damp, mildewy clothing in a carelessly stuffed carry-on.

The solution: Enter the vacuum-seal technology we’ve relied on for years—except this version is for your clothes. Ziploc Space Bags store your clothes flat and lock out odor and wetness as you move from place to place, so you won’t find any nasty surprise guests at your destination.
   

   
CARRY-ON CHALLENGE 6: WHEN THE ITINERARY CALLS FOR QUICK PACKING AND UNPACKING
Ah, those multi-destination trips where you spend half your time hastily throwing clothes in your carry-on, only to do it all again in reverse at the next stop on your journey.
  
The solution: The expandable Stow-N-Go Hanging Luggage Shelves system from Kitcheniva acts like a portable closet, letting you transfer and hang all your carry-on in a single motion. Plus, it saves up to 30% of space, so you’ll be able to pack even more variety for the whirlwind.