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How to travel with just hand luggage!
Travelling with just hand or carry-on luggage is an increasingly popular trend among travellers. It offers convenience, saves money and allows for more flexibility. Here’s a friendly guide on how to master the art of travelling light and making the most out of your hand luggage.
Choose the right bag:
The foundation of travelling with just hand luggage is selecting the right bag. Here are some key points to consider:
- Size: Airlines have specific size restrictions for carry-on bags, Ryanair has the smallest at 40x20x25. Make sure your bag meets the requirements of your airline including any weight restrictions to avoid extra fees or the need to check in your bag.
- Compartments: A bag with multiple compartments helps in organizing your belongings efficiently.
- Durability: Choose a bag made of sturdy materials that can withstand the rigors of travel.
- Weight: A lightweight bag maximizes the amount of stuff you can pack without exceeding weight limits.
Plan Your Wardrobe Smartly:
Packing light doesn’t mean compromising on style. With a little planning, you can have versatile outfits for every occasion.
- Stick to a Color Scheme: Choose neutral colors that mix and match easily. This allows you to create multiple outfits from a few pieces.
- Layering: Layering is key for adjusting to different temperatures. Think lightweight sweaters, jackets and scarves.
- Multi-Purpose Items: Pack clothing that serves multiple purposes, like a dress that can be casual during the day and dressed up at night.
- Limit Shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space. Stick to two pairs – one for walking and one for more formal occasions. Wear the bulkier pair during travel to save space in your bag.
Optimize Your Toiletries:
Toiletries can quickly eat up space and weight in your carry-on. Here’s how to keep them in check:
- Travel-Sized Containers: Use travel-sized bottles for your liquids and gels.
- Minimalist Approach: Only pack the essentials. Most hotels provide basic toiletries and you can always buy what you need at your destination.
- Solid Alternatives: Opt for solid toiletries like bar soap, shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets. These not only save space but also reduce the risk of spills.
MENS:
Deodorant: The Black Stuff – (Black Stout is my Husband’s favourite)
Soap:
Shampoo: Arista shampoo bar
WOMENS:
Use Packing Aids:
Packing aids can be a game-changer for maximizing space and keeping your bag organized.
- Packing Cubes: These help compartmentalise your items, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything –
- Compression Bags: Great for reducing the volume of clothes. Be cautious with weight, as it’s easy to overpack with these.
- Laundry Bag: A lightweight laundry bag keeps dirty clothes separate from clean ones, maintaining hygiene and organization.
Pack Electronics Wisely:
Electronics are often essential, but they can be heavy and bulky. Here’s how to manage them:
- Multi-Functional Devices: Choose devices that serve multiple purposes, like a tablet that can be used as a laptop.
- Charge Efficiently: Bring a universal adapter and consider a multi-port USB charger to reduce the number of cables and chargers.
- E-Books: Instead of carrying multiple books, load an e-reader with your reading material.
- Kindle Paperwhite: now with a 6.8″ display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life and 20% faster page turns compared to the previous generation.
- Purpose-built for reading: with a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
- More books in more places: store thousands of titles, then take them all with you. A single charge via USB-C lasts weeks, not hours.
- Easy on the eyes: now with adjustable warm light to change screen shade from white to amber.
- Waterproof (IPX8), so you’re free to read and relax at the beach, by the pool or in the bath. Your Kindle has been tested to withstand accidental immersion.
- Purchase Kindle Paperwhite and get 3 months Kindle Unlimited for free. Explore millions of books, thousands of audiobooks and selected magazine subscriptions with Kindle Unlimited and read anywhere anytime.
- Go hands free: pair with an Audible subscription and Bluetooth headphones or speakers to listen to your story.
Be Mindful of Airline Regulations:
Different airlines have different rules regarding carry-on luggage. Always check the specific airline’s policy before you pack. Here are some general tips:
- Weight Limits: While many airlines have size restrictions, some also impose weight limits. Make sure your bag is within the allowed weight.
- Personal Item: In addition to your carry-on, most airlines allow a personal item like a backpack, purse, or laptop bag. Use this wisely to carry items you might need during the flight, like a book, snacks, or a light jacket.
Stay Organized:
Keeping your bag organised not only helps with packing but also makes your travel experience smoother. Here are some organization tips:
- Lists: Create a packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything essential.
- Daily Essentials: Pack items you’ll need during the flight and immediately upon arrival at the top or in an easily accessible pocket.
- Secure Valuables: Keep important documents, money and electronics in a secure, easily accessible part of your bag.
Clothing Hacks:
- Wear Bulky Items: If you’re traveling with a bulky jacket or heavy shoes, wear them during your flight to save space in your bag.
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Stuff Shoes: Utilize the space inside your shoes by stuffing them with socks, underwear, or small items.
Essential Travel Items:
There are a few items that, although small, can make a big difference:
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential. A collapsible or lightweight bottle can be refilled after passing through security.
- Travel Pillow: For long flights, a compact, inflatable travel pillow can make a big difference in comfort.
- Snacks: Bring some non-perishable snacks to keep you energized without relying on airport food.
Learn to Do Laundry:
When traveling with limited clothing, doing laundry becomes essential. Here’s how to handle it:
- Pack Detergent: Bring a small amount of laundry detergent. You can use it to wash clothes in a sink or bathtub – I like to use these sheets from The Lab Co.
- Quick-Dry Fabrics: Choose clothing made from quick-dry fabrics. They can be washed in the evening and be ready to wear the next morning.
- Local Services: Check if your accommodation offers laundry services or locate nearby laundromats.
Stay Minimalist:
The essence of traveling with just hand luggage is embracing a minimalist mindset:
- Needs Over Wants: Focus on what you truly need rather than what you might want.
- One-In, One-Out Rule: For every new item you consider bringing, take one out.
- Digital Over Physical: Whenever possible, choose digital alternatives over physical items (e.g., maps, books, boarding passes).
Enjoy the Benefits:
Traveling light offers numerous benefits that enhance your overall travel experience:
- Less Stress: No waiting for checked bags, no risk of lost luggage and less to carry around.
- Save Money: Avoid checked baggage fees and potential additional charges.
- Flexibility: Easier to navigate different types of transportation, whether it’s a crowded bus or a small boat.
- Speed: You can move faster through airports and cities without the burden of heavy luggage.
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