Go to your airline's website to determine what their current carry-on luggage regulations are in terms of size, weight and contents. Don't be caught having to check your luggage when you don't want to, or having to throw out items that don't meet regulations.
Plan out what clothes you will absolutely need for your trip. Consider what can be mixed and matched, washed or worn again. Depending on the weather, try to choose lightweight fabrics that are easy to fold and don't wrinkle easily. Pack lightweight shoes.
Choose toiletries that are necessities to pack. If you can easily and affordably purchase some toiletries once you arrive at your destination, forgo them in your luggage. Stick to toiletry travel sizes that are acceptable according to airline and security regulations. Place them in a clear plastic, re-sealable bag that is the current airline regulation size. This bag should be easily removable from your carry on for security checks.
If there are large, bulky or non-regulation items that you must bring with you, consider either checking your luggage, or the alternative of boxing items and shipping them ahead of time to your destination. Shipping avoids the long wait for checked luggage, and the chance that the airline will lose, misplace or damage your luggage.
