A carry-on bag is absolutely enough for a 10-day trip, provided you utilize strategic packing techniques and versatile clothing choices. The "5-4-3-2-1 rule" is a classic strategy: pack five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and one accessory (like a hat or jacket). By choosing a cohesive color palette where every item can be mixed and matched, you multiply your outfit options without adding bulk. In 2026, many travelers also rely on compression packing cubes to save space and lightweight "tech" fabrics that resist wrinkles and dry quickly if you need to do a quick "sink wash" halfway through the trip. Additionally, wearing your bulkiest items (like boots or a heavy coat) on the plane keeps them out of your suitcase. For a 10-day journey, the key is to pack for roughly 5 days and plan for one laundry session or simply re-wear versatile items like jeans or cardigans, allowing you to bypass the baggage carousel and move more freely through your destination.