# Packing for a guided tour: carry-on only or checked bag?

**URL:** <https://community.tourradar.com/t/packing-for-a-guided-tour-carry-on-only-or-checked-bag/46511>\
**Category:** Trip Planning Tips\
**Created:** [May 27, 2026, 6:35am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/packing-for-a-guided-tour-carry-on-only-or-checked-bag/46511 "2026-05-27T06:35:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![alexis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@alexis](https://community.tourradar.com/u/alexis)\
**Post date:** [May 27, 2026, 6:35am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/packing-for-a-guided-tour-carry-on-only-or-checked-bag/46511/1 "2026-05-27T06:35:15Z")

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I’ve seen some experienced tour travelers swear by carry-on only even for 2 week tours. How is that possible? Between the nice dinner outfit, hiking shoes, layers for different climates, and toiletries, I can barely fit a week into a full size suitcase.

For those who’ve done carry-on only on a guided tour: what was your strategy? And is there laundry service at the hotels or a way to wash clothes during the tour? The tour notes say max 20kg checked but honestly I’d rather not deal with luggage at airports if I can avoid it.

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**Author:** ![WhisperingPines](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/community.tourradar.com/whisperingpines/32/9663_2.png) [@WhisperingPines](https://community.tourradar.com/u/WhisperingPines)\
**Post date:** [May 28, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/packing-for-a-guided-tour-carry-on-only-or-checked-bag/46511/2 "2026-05-28T21:08:35Z")

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I’ve done it both ways- once with a full checked bag and more times with just a carry on and personal item. I found not having the big bag felt easier, but I did miss having a few things.

Packing tips- get the compression cubes! Stuff your shoes with basic items, and be strategic about what you need NEED.