Light As A Feather: 5 Carry-Ons Under 5 Pounds

Looking for a light carry-on solution?

While weight isn’t often something that comes up on a traveler’s radar when shopping for luggage, it’s an important factor.

That’s doubly true when it comes to carry-on suitcases—and especially hard shells. Wheels and handles can add a deceptive amount of weight. Meanwhile, it’s easier to over-pack these items, leading to upcharges for overweight bags and even check-ins at the gate.

Buying a lightweight suitcase can help you avoid last-minute weight charges and uncomfortable journeys lugging around a hefty suitcase.

Still, lightweight carry-ons aren’t always worth your money. Just because a suitcase is lightweight, that doesn’t mean it’s expertly made. In fact, light-weight carry-on manufacturers need to place an even stronger emphasis on quality materials.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the best carry-ons under five pounds—without compromising on value, design, and functionality.

Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 / 3.7lbs

The Cosmolite Spinner 3.0 is a 20-inch hardshell suitcase that’s designed for international travel. Samsonite is a great brand with over a century of experience. That experience goes a long way when it comes to crafting lightweight, functional luggage.

Despite the small size and lightweight nature of the Cosmolite, it comes with all the standard features you need, including a zippered divider, cross-ribbons, and spinner wheels.

If you’re on the hunt for something that’s stunningly lightweight, start here. It’s the most high-quality lightweight option I’ve found.

Shop here

July Carry On Lite / 3.9lbs

Sleek, modern, and seriously lightweight, the July Carry On Lite is by far the chicest option on this list.

Cool factor aside, it’s also highly rated by its users. Along with its weight and design, buyers seem to be in love with the gliding, near-silent wheels. Some of its other features are noteworthy, too, like its aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell and its YKK zippers.

It’s also vegan-friendly in case you’re worried about that. (Is luggage not normally vegan?)

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Antler Soft Stripe Carry-on / 4.19lbs

At 32L, this is the smaller carry-on on the list—and also one of the lightest. Despite its small size, the suitcase doesn’t feel lacking. That’s thanks to a particularly deep compartment, along with its professional-grade wheels.

Though skimping on both weight and size, it’s a fairly robust piece of luggage that’s designed with recycled polyester and a premium interior lining.

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it Luggage Softside Carry-On / 4.85lbs

I’ve been waiting for the chance to cover it Luggage, a UK brand that places a strong emphasis on design. In the case of their softshell carry-on, that design translates into a lightweight yet durable piece of luggage.

Unlike other carry-ons under 5 pounds, the it Luggage Softside has two accessible exterior pockets that are great for on-the-go organization. And with a packing capacity of 35L, there’s not much of a space sacrifice here, either.

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Rimowa Essential Lite / 4.9lbs

Rimowa is by far the most expensive option on this list—but these pieces are made to last a lifetime. I mean that literally; it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

I also like its elevated features, including a double-mesh divider and a multi-wheel system for easier handling. If you’re on the hunt for a luxurious and lightweight option, there’s no better choice than Rimowa.

There are even two lightweight carry-on options to choose from.

Shop here

The Coldest & Warmest US Cities in September

September marks the start of autumn.

Whether or not the cozy season speaks to you, it’s a popular time for domestic travel.

With kids back in school and the summer heat lifted, horizons seem to open up. That’s especially true for excursions into nature, as the blistering sunshine is traded for cool breezes.

That being said, autumn looks different depending on where you live.

Honolulu and Juno, for example, are worlds apart. The same is true for cities in the continental US, from Miami to Seattle.

When September comes, some travelers might actually be looking to escape the cold already. In other cases, they might be looking to escape the last grip of summer heat. Others might simply be in search of sunshine before the winter tightens its hold on the northern hemisphere.

In other words, September is one of the last times that travelers can find that ‘perfect’ temperature that they’re looking for. At least, while staying in the continental US.

Want to take a closer look at the coldest & warmest US cities in September?

Here are the top five cities in both categories.

5 warmest US cities in September

Phoenix, Arizona

The average temperature in Phoenix in September hovers around 90°F. That temperature can spike up to 95°F during warmer days before lowering into the mid-60s at night.

If you’re on the hunt for dry heat and endless sunshine (more on this below), Arizona should be on your list. Just make sure to bring the sunblock.

Tucson, Arizona

Like Phoenix, Tucson’s average temperature in September hovers around 90°F. Overall, the city faces fewer high-heat days than its Arizona counterpart. Still, visitors can expect high summer temperatures.

Thankfully, Tucson is sheltered by mountains, which offers visitors hiking trails to explore nature. Keep in mind that most people hike during the early morning or late evening to avoid high temperatures.

Riverside, California

Riverside doesn’t get quite as much attention as other Californian hotspots, but it’s a top-tier choice for travelers looking for heat in September.

Best of all, this inland location is a short drive from Los Angeles—not that locals would be experiencing a much cooler September. Like Tucson, Riverside is home to extensive hiking trails.

Sacramento, California

As a former resident of Sacramento, I can assure you that it’s still very warm in September. Like other inland and arid spots, it’s known for its dry heat and cool nights. Temperatures hover around 86°F on average throughout the month, but drop down into the 60s most nights.

Dallas, Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas, including temperatures. Along with Austin, Dallas is known for its lengthy summer—which extends into September.

However, it’s average temperature for the month is much lower than others on this list at around 85°F, making it a great escape for those who want to sample barbecue, listen to country music, and head to a rodeo in a never-ending summer.

5 coldest US cities in September

Billings, Montana

Billings is one of the top stops on the way to Yellowstone National Park. Given its location near the Rocky Mountains, Billings is an ideal stop for those who want to explore the rugged wilderness and escape the heat.

In September, temperatures average around 65°F. Plus, it’s one of the best locations int he Rockies to soak up fall foliage.

San Francisco, California

California residents have the best of both worlds. Those exhausted by the heat in Riverside and Sacramento need only drive a few hours north to San Francisco, one of the coolest and foggiest places in the US.

If you’re looking to explore an urban wonderland without breaking a sweat, then San Fran should be on your list. Temperatures average around 65°F in September.

Portland, Oregon

Not too far north from San Francisco, you can find another cool September escape. Following the summer, Portland’s temperatures swiftly drop.

In September, this quirky city averages a temperature of 67°F. It’s a great choice for those who want to balance outdoors activities with a great urban experience.

Seattle, Washington

In terms of cool temperatures, visitors can expect averages around 64°F in Seattle during September. Just keep in mind that these temperatures will likely feel lower thanks to humidity and moisture levels. And don’t forget to bing your umbrella. And a poncho. And rainboots.

Detroit, Michigan

Thanks to its location near the Great Lakes, Detroit has one of the US’s harshest winter seasons. But that’s not a problem in September.

During this month, temperatures hover around the mid-60s. This provides the perfect window to soak up the autumn displays around Michigan while exploring nature. Just make sure to do so before October’s cold front hits.

Best Indian Summer Spots in the US

The United States has an extra season—one that many call Indian Summer.

Indian Summer is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave of warm weather returns after the coolness of autumn descends. September and October are prime times to soak up these brisk-but-warm days.

They offer the perfect time for hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors. The air is crisp and fragrant, the trees alight with the colors of fall.

But some regions in the US experience even more Indian Summer than others.

Can you pick out the best Indian Summer spots? Bonus points if you know why we call it Indian Summer to begin with. Let’s explore.

Why is it called Indian Summer?

This term was first used in an essay from the late 1700s by a French colonist. In his essay, the writer described the dry and warm days that come after the start of autumn, coining the term. However, it’s not actually unique to the United States.

Indian Summer, as we know it thanks to an essay from the late 1700s, occurs around the North Hemisphere. In Poland, it’s called Old Women’s Summer. In Irish, it’s Little Autumn of the Geese. In Spain, it’s St. Martin’s Summer.

The American Meteorological Society usually dubs these days halcyon days, which is derived from Greek Mythology. My personal favorite, however, is the Russian term Velvet Season. It captures the feel of those magical fall days.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect atmosphere to soak up Velvet Season, here’s where to go.

Best Indian Summer spots

New England

This shouldn’t come as a shocker.

New England regularly lands at the top of the list when it comes to the best autumn locations in the US. Its towering and mature forests transform into a kaleidoscope of warm colors at the start of September.

Best of all, cottages and other rural rentals dot the countryside of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. These make it easy for travelers to get out into nature and under the red-orange canopies. Aside from forested rentals, New England is also home to dozens of great autumn festivals, pumpkin patches, and hay rides.

Mid-Atlantic

The Midwest, Rockies, and West Coast aren’t short on stunning fall displays.

However, they don’t quite match up to the mid-Atlantic region. This area includes states like New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Similar to New England, they’re home to mature and sprawling forests that are home to sweet Indian Summer days.

They’re also speckled with adorable and charming small towns. That small-town charm is often at the forefront of autumn magic, including Indian Summer.

Best of all, mid-Atlantic states are a bit easier for travelers to explore, as metropolises like New York City, Jersey City, Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania provide easy routes between rural points.

Appalachia

The Rocky Mountains take the lion’s share of attention when it comes to US mountain ranges.

But the Rockies aren’t nearly as moody or transcendental as the Appalachian ranges of the Smokies, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Cumberland Forests. Though they don’t see the same frigid temperatures as farther north, Indian Summer is a treasured time period here.

States like North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee are home to thousands of miles of hiking trails. What makes Appalachia great for those chasing autumn dreams is its more moderate cold spells and its vast range of national parks, hiking trails, and scenic country roads.

Best Airbnbs in Montreal

Montreal is a city of unique intersections.

As the capital of Quebec, it’s an important political and cultural hub where the French-Canadian lifestyle comes into clear focus.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

All at once, Montreal is romantic, lovely, and historical, while also being home to diehard Habs fans and leagues of poutine lovers. From its architecture to its festivals to its fashion sense, the city is both non-pretentious and bold.

Here’s a pretty way to summarize the cool-chic nature of Montreal: It’s the birthplace of the world-famous Cirque de Soleil. It also hosts the world’s largest jazz festival (sorry, New Orleans).

Whether sipping hot chocolate at lovely cafes or slamming poutine after a late night, Montreal offers a European-style air without losing touch with its homegrown roots.

The best part? Montreal is deceptively affordable.

To get the most out of your trip, you’re going to want to stay close to the action. Below, you find the best Airbnbs in Montreal, including lux, historical, and budget picks.

Best luxury rental: Pristine Penthouse

Exposed brick, stately fireplaces, and wrought-iron spiral staircases that lead onto patios—need I say more? On top of its unique features, this beautiful penthouse has an industrial design that somehow feels warm thanks to its décor.

While I’m wholly sold on the design and atmosphere of this penthouse, it also has a wonderful location that’s only ten minutes from downtown and Old Port. Its open floor plan also makes it a great choice for families or friend groups that plan on spending a lot of time together at their home away from home.

Book here

Best location: Plaza10

This sleek and bright apartment has all the basics you’d want from a hotel stay. I mean that literally, as this apartment is fully serviced.

(Never heard of these types of stays? They’re called apart-hotels. I’ve stayed at them before—they’re great.)

Solid amenities and features aside, this rental is located right in the heart of La Petite Patrie—which is arguably Montreal’s coolest district. Restaurants, bars, and shops abound in this area, giving you direct access to the hippest streets and nightlife in the city.

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Best for staying on foot: The Urban Chalet

Along with La Petite Patrie, visitors also love to visit Montreal’s Central Plateau neighborhood. The Urban Chalet places you smack in the center of its eclectic and energetic streets.

No need to drive or even step foot into a taxi. Along with plenty of pedestrian fare, the Central Plateau area is also surrounded by metro stations.

The rental also offers all the kitchen basics, including options for making coffee, and a few resources for parents, including a crib with bedsheets. But my favorite feature has to be the balconies—there are two for visitors to choose from when they want to people-watch or unwind.

Book here

Best historical rental: Sonder Lambert

Sonder Lambert looks like a dream. The interior brings to mind the vast lofts common to New York City’s Soho neighborhood—and even the exterior, too.

The building dates back to 1874 with a newly restored (and original) stone façade. Even the streets are still cobbled, offering a unique look into Montreal’s Old City.

I’m fully sold on the apartment’s location and its textural, earthy design. But I’m also a fan of the rental’s super-fast Wi-Fi, which makes this option great for those who need to get some work done… or even take a few international video calls.

Book here

Best budget option: Entire Home

This charming home is surprisingly cheap at less than $100 per night. On top of that, it’s highly rated by guests with a sterling 5.0 rating.

Along with a sunroom-dining area, the apartment comes with a fantastic backyard that’s fit for grilling and dining. There’s even a colorful mural from a local artist.

Despite the rental’s affordability, it’s located by a metro station that heads straight into Old Montreal, Little Italy, and other popular spots. But you might not need want to venture out, as the Plaza Saint-Hubert area is already home to popular shops and cafes.

Book here

Best modern rental: 409 with Mountain Views

I’m not usually a fan of hyper-modern design, but this apartment sticks the landing. The construction includes French Doors made of glass that create a modular but breathable feel.

Its minimalist approach is clutterless, which draws attention to the windows and the view of Montreal’s surrounding mountains.

It feels larger than life and removed from the city—but it’s actually located right in the heart of the Plateau district. And despite its emphasis on clean, modern design, the apartment is located in a building that’s well over a century old.

Book here

Van Life: What Is It Actually Like to Live in a Van?

Van life is taking outdoor adventures to new heights.

In case you’ve missed out on the trend, the main benefit of van life is that it offers Americans the chance to live minimally, on the road, and with total freedom.

The van life movement was born partly from the lockdown period, which helped spur interest in other things like digital nomadism and living outside of cities.

Van life, similar to RVing, gives people the power of mobility. Compared to RVs, vans are a bit more rugged-ready, affordable, and customizable—with trade-offs related to space and convenience, of course.

Though I haven’t lived full-time in a van, I’ve spent stints living inside one; first in Australia in 2013 and then in Portugal in 2022. The van in Australia was pretty barebones—no water storage, no electricity. Just a tent strapped to the roof and a small kitchen setup.

My stint of van life in Portugal was a lot more comfortable. Its owners had customized the van to add water storage, a small sink, a comfortable bed, and even shelves. The modular storage was also helpful and intuitive.

Thanks to that setup, I could have stayed for a while comfortably.

It’s made me wonder about modern van life, especially for those who have a solid setup and a year or two of experience under their belts. What sorts of concessions are full-timers making? What sorts of comforts do they still have access to?

Let’s take a closer look at the basics of van life according to full-timers.

Sleeping

A person’s sleep is only as good as their mattress.

Most people living full-time in a van invest in a great mattress topper or mattress. Most people create slats that extend their bed at night, meaning space isn’t an issue for customized vans.

Instead, other factors like ventilation and insulation will go a long way in guaranteeing a good night’s rest.

Then there’s finding a good place to park. This can be a tough challenge for those heading into cities or towns. In remote places, the challenge might revolve around finding flat ground suitable for parking.

Then there are knocks in the night. One full-timer mentioned that finding parking in the wrong spot (like a parking lot or residential street) can lead to expected wake-ups from security at any hour of the night. Sometimes, they’re required to move their vans in the middle of the night.

Cooking

Cooking in a van is a lot simpler than you might think. Most sinks include slats that transform them into flat counter space.

And most electrical setups—especially those running on solar power—generate enough energy to keep a mini-fridge and its mini-freezer cold.

I’ve seen a few top-tier vans that also have electrical burners. However, most full-timers use propane tanks and portable stove-tops—which enable people to grill steaks next to rushing rivers or pop popcorn with views of the Grand Canyon.

The catch here is restocking on food and supplies. Most full-timers need to wander back into civilization to fill up their caches at least once every two weeks.

Washing & cleaning

Water is limited in vans. Even full-timers who have larger tanks or rain catchment solutions must be mindful of their water usage.

From sinks to showers to cleaning up little messes along the way, I imagine this is one of the tougher parts of living in a van.

Water filters are a good solution, as these can turn any potable source into fresher and healthier drinking water. But even with water filters, most full-timers head to a water source to refill their tanks at least once a week.

And what about bathing? Great vans might have showers, but starter vans probably won’t. In these cases, full-timers rely on rivers, creeks, camping sites, friendly neighbors, and more. The same goes for bathrooms.

In terms of water, I think the real catch is laundry.

Washing dishes and keeping yourself clean is one thing—but there’s no workaround for a sweaty t-shirt that’s already been re-used. The fine print here: If you live in a van, you probably spend a good amount of time planning out what comes next.

Driving

Driving should be the easy part, right? Well, not always.

Before setting off, most people spend a good amount of time perfecting their van’s layout and load. Overloading the van can degrade the vehicle and make driving dangerous on country roads.

Similarly, everything in storage needs to be strapped down, locked tight, and stuck in place.

Planning

Let’s circle back to the demands of planning.

The greatest benefit of living in a van full-time is the freedom of the open road. But that also requires some organization, including looking at gas prices, choosing specific routes, and paying for parking.

But the most important factor that I’ve seen mentioned time and time again is repairs.

Almost all full-timers have had their van go out of commission with a costly repair—which could happen in any city. That sometimes incurs high hotel fees in addition to repair costs.

While that shouldn’t be shocking to anyone who owns a vehicle, it’s still worth pointing out that these hiccups can make van life pricier than most think. Always plan to budget for maintenance and repairs, especially in the first few years.

The Top 3 Mystery Travel Companies

Mystery travel has been around for a while.

I first heard of this concept back in the early 2010s—when it was mentioned as a punch line for the future of travel.

I don’t remember where I read the line, but the gist was this: Travel has become so saturated with options that the only true frontier is a ‘mystery trip’ with an unknown destination and itinerary.

Whoever posited that notion was spot on, if slightly ahead of their time.

Over the last few years, mystery trips have gained popularity. They closely resemble the idea put forth over a decade ago.

To stoke a deeper sense of intrigue, excitement, and wanderlust, some travelers hand the reins over to experienced travel agencies that put together a trip for them.

Travelers just answer a few questions that lay out factors like their budget, group sizes, interests, phobias, and similarly important information.

After that, dates are solidified, flights are booked, and travelers pack their bags as best as they can with what information they have.

Who actually goes on mystery trips?

Mystery trips are sneaking into the mainstream more and more.

In 2023, Wizz Air launched a Mystery Trip social media campaign. A select group of adventurers paid a one-time fee to travel on an unknown adventure.

Wizz’s mystery trip saw passengers jet-set to Las Vegas where they were treated to a stay at the Flamingo. That sounds like a devilish trick to me since the Vegas Strip is at the very, very bottom of my bucket list.

But Wizz’s passengers seemed happy with the setup; unsurprisingly, most travelers were in their twenties. Full of energy. Undeterred by the things that they saw on the Strip.

Young and adventurous travelers are a great demographic for mystery trips—but that isn’t the only target market.

Most mystery trips rightfully come with a hefty price tag. Like any adventure, there’s a lot that goes into creating a great itinerary. And if you’re going on a mystery trip, you should be okay with investing more for a quality (and thorough) experience.

The coolest mystery trips I’ve seen offered are all squarely in the adventure and/or luxury travel spheres.

If you’re looking to venture out on a mystery trip, I’d suggest starting with one of the companies below. I would personally hand them thousands to ferry me away to unknown places.

Few & Far’s Unknown Experience

I already spent an entire article raving about how cool this trip looks.

But let me do a bit of summarizing—Few & Far is a luxury and sustainable travel company. Its founders have used their background in glamping and eco-friendly travel to roll out some of the coolest safari tours and remote, wilderness experiences I’ve ever seen.

Their goal is simple: Use eco-hospitality to not just protect fragile and gorgeous ecosystems, but actively support and improve these places. They do that through a robust community-led approach and cutting-edge sustainability practices.

The company offers an Unknown Experience that’s built on this ethos. If I’m handing total control to any travel company, Few & Far is my top selection by a long shot.

Pack Up + Go

Pack Up + Go is one of the very first companies to make mystery trips mainstream—which I think is helped by the website’s solid design. Their platform makes it easy to shop around for different types of mystery trips, which goes a long way in ensuring curious travelers that they’re experienced and legitimate.

Visitors can explore plane trips, road trips, and outdoor destinations. Trips include the basics of itinerary planning, lodgings, dinner reservations, and full-time traveler support.

Mystery trips can be as short as two nights or as long as ten. Depending on the program, solo strips can cost as little as $1,350—an affordable price point by any stretch.

That makes Pack Up + Go a solid choice for anyone who feels dissuaded by heftier bills. Additionally, I like that the platform offers plane-based travel or car-based travel. I’d probably start with a road trip as a first-time mystery tripper.

World Mystery Trips

World Mystery Trips is an international and far-reaching platform.

If you’re on the fence about whether a mystery trip is right for you, just visit the website—it’ll convince you pretty quickly with prompts like, ‘It’s time you put the thrill back into your vacations, don’t you think?’

Similar to Pack Up + Go, World Mystery Trips has a good decade of experience under its belt. It’s also a lot more geared toward international adventures, which can help travelers interested in cultural exchanges get even more out of their trip.

Uniquely, trips aren’t planned based on bookings.

Instead, travelers can sign up for a mystery trip. These opportunities are listed alongside the other trips offered by World Mystery Trips. (Even if unknown adventures aren’t your thing, the other offers look pretty cool!)