10 Tips On How To Travel With Only A Carry On Bag

Do you want the freedom of travel with only a carry on bag?

Once you learn how to pack effectively, you can take only a cabin bag for a week or more, especially if you are staying in one place with the same weather temperature throughout. The warmer the place, the easier it is!

It’s very liberating to pack light and actually use everything in your bag, rather than finding you’ve dragged around double what you need. Here are the tips to follow to travel with only a carry on bag like a pro…

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1. Choose wisely if you want to travel with one bag only

You may already have the perfect carry-on but if you are looking to buy a new one, choose wisely. Some carry on bags are really heavy so waste precious kilos before you’ve put anything inside!

You want a sturdy but light bag as airlines really vary in their requirements. The objective is to be allowed to take your bag on board without paying extra fees (or having it taken off you last minute and stowed).

Check some airline weight and measurement requirements here but double check with your airline upon booking, as they can change frequently. A great carry-on is the Flymax which comes in various colours.

2. Double check the personal items allowance

The personal item allowance can be quite different for each airline, so do double check before you start packing.

Often airlines allow you to take a laptop bag and/or handbag on top of your cabin bag so ensure you max it out. You can load up your smaller bag so you have everything you need for the flight, while your main bag is stored in the overhead locker.

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3. Be strategic with your liquids

Most airlines restrict you to one little plastic bag with each liquid limited to 100ml. This means you have to be creative. Strip down to what you really need and decanter your full size items into small travel bottles. Or buy travel sized products.

You could even take a non-liquid version of products like a solid shampoo bar. Remember you will have basics like soap in a hotel or can buy things there.

You could even buy essential full size items like suntan cream at the airport when you’ve cleared security. But bear in mind you won’t be able to bring any full sized leftovers back.

4. Roll, squeeze and cram into every corner

Try rolling your items rather than folding them. This not only saves space but also means your clothes will be less creased. Take advantage of every gap and corner you can find.

Shove socks and light items into shoes and any crevices available. It feels a hassle to roll but it’s well worth it to pack more in. It’s a crucial step if you want to travel with only a carry on bag.

5. Pack for a few days, or a week at most

In fact it doesn’t really matter whether you are going away for two days or two weeks; you can fit everything into a cabin bag because you only need a few day’s worth of clothes.

For work trips, use the hotel laundry service or if travelling independently, find a cheap local laundry service around.

You could even hand wash a couple of items to keep you going. Try to pack light layers and clothes that dry fast.

6. Buy or borrow what you need once there

If you are visiting friends or family, you could always borrow bulkier items like towels or warmer, thicker clothing.

If the trip is going to extend and it gets colder, you could get a couple of things and pass them on to friends/family, donate or have them packed and sent on separately.

Hotels always have hairdryers and other things like an iron, if you ask at reception.

7. Limit your shoes

Shoes take up a lot of space and you will often find you don’t need more than two or three pairs.

You might need to take running shoes or comfy walking shoes, then sandals or flip-flops, and then maybe a smarter pair of shoes that pack well.

Wear your heaviest, bulkiest shoes to the airport (as well as the clothes that will take up the most room such as jeans and a jacket).

8. Go light and digital with your gadgets

Gone are the days of having to carry around multiple heavy books! Load up your Kindle or iPad/tablet reading application with enough to keep you entertained.

Go for light wireless headphones and other compact gadgets like a super small speaker if you know you need it. Just don’t forget your charging cables and adapter plug.

9. Share the load with others

If you are travelling with colleagues, friends or family, make sure you don’t duplicate on certain items and share the load. Someone can bring the gadgets while another brings the hair tools!

This works particularly well if you are travelling with a friend with similar style and needs. You can then swap accessories and share products.

10. Check the packed weight before you go and re-assess

You might be surprised by the weight of your bag after cramming everything in. It’s best to identify this in good time and not be surprised at the airport!

It’s also an opportunity to reassess if you’ve been strict enough with yourself or if you should be leaving out a couple more items. Challenge yourself to use less and manage without certain items while on a trip.

Final thoughts: travel with only a carry on bag!

If you’ve ever had an airline lose your luggage, you’ll want to travel with one bag only from that moment forth. Once you get to grips with techniques to travel light and keep things compact and cabin sized, travel becomes less stressful.

It’s great to have all your luggage with you at all times on the plane. And of course, you save so much time when you don’t need to check or wait for your luggage the other side!

Try travel with only a carry on bag and you’ll be so proud of yourself!

Read more on the benefits of travelling alone and alternative ways to travel if you’re on a budget.

If you can’t travel with one bag because you’ve got little ones to consider, then read up on travels with a baby or travels with a toddler to deal with those potentially challenging times!

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