I’m a big advocate for packing light, both metaphorically and physically. Both have benefits and travelling light, with hand luggage only, has been my saving grace at times.
Travelling with hand luggage is especially beneficial for solo travellers, as it streamlines the travel experience and gives more flexibility should travel plans change.
Size matters
The main things to bear in mind when choosing hand luggage are size and external dimensions, as the airline uses these factors to determine whether your luggage can accompany you on board. Therefore, it is essential to check your airline’s hand luggage restrictions.
As a rough guide, most airlines’ carry-on dimensions must not exceed 56x23x38cm.
What are the benefits of travelling with hand luggage only?
You can get to the airport later
By travelling with hand luggage only, your holiday starts with less stress. Not burdening yourself with a mammoth suitcase gives you more time to get to the airport, and this can be especially beneficial when you have an early morning flight.
As your luggage will accompany you on the plane, you don’t have to get to the airport three hours before the flight leaves to check in luggage or bag drop. Additionally, when you arrive, you can head straight to security, which has saved me when I’ve arrived at the airport late. I would have missed a few flights if I had been flying with checked luggage.
With the above being said, bear in mind that as some UK and EU destinations scrapped the 100ml limit for liquids carried in hand luggage only to soon reverse it, there are still restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take. There is currently no date for when these rules could be relaxed again.
The current rules mean containers must hold no more than 100ml and be able to fit in a quart-size transparent plastic bag. As the bag has to be sealed, further limiting how much liquids you can take, try doubling up their purpose. For example, aloe vera gel can be used for hair and skin, as can many oils.
Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot pass security even if the container is only part full.
Your luggage wont get lost
If you’ve ever experienced lost luggage, you’ll know what a nightmare it is. I’ve travelled all the way to the Caribbean and waited at the carousal for my luggage, only for it never to appear. It’s a stressful start to the holiday that nobody wants.
When travelling with hand luggage only, you can eliminate the possibility of your luggage not turning up.
You don’t have to wait for your suitcase at baggage reclaim
In addition to saving money, travelling with hand luggage only saves time at each end of the journey. You don’t have to wait around at the carousel for your luggage.
When you arrive excited at your destination, you want to get out and explore. The last thing you want to do is hang around forever waiting for your luggage. Additionally, when you return from your trip tired, all you want to do is get home. If you travel light, it’s easy to do so.
You don’t have to lug it around to various destinations
If you’re travelling solo, you want to carry as little as possible, especially if you’re a real traveller as opposed to holidaygoer. If you’re away for a while or staying at various locations, carrying a big heavy suitcase or multiple cases and bags won’t be fun.
Travelling with hand luggage only makes manoeuvring hassle-free, especially on public transport or when switching accommodations.
Travelling with hand luggage forces you to pack light and bring only the essentials, making your trip less bogged down and stress-free.
You pack purposefully
You don’t need as much stuff as you think. I’ve travelled with hand luggage only on numerous occasions and have still not used all I packed. When packing, be minimalistic – take half of the clothes you think are ‘needed’.
Leave some room in your case for shopping. You may want to buy clothes on the other side. Assuming you’re travelling to a hot destination, don’t take a beach towel as these take up room you can’t spare. Use the hotel’s towels for the beach or buy a cheap one when you’re there.
Wear your heaviest pair of shoes. I often wear trainers, and as planes can get chilly, wear your heaviest jacket so it won’t contribute to the weight of your suitcase.
With your trainers on, you’ll only need to pack a pair of flip-flops for the beach and a pair of dressier sandals for evenings.
It’s costs effective
Travelling with hand luggage only is often more cost-effective if you’re travelling with airlines that charge for checked bags. Therefore, the money you would have spent on checked luggage can go elsewhere on your trip.
Packing tips
Now, ladies, I know some of you will struggle with packing light, so here are a few ways to make things compact.
Roll
To save space in your case, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them. In addition to saving space, this technique also prevents creasing and makes it easier to see and access the clothes.
The roll method works particularly well for casual, light clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, trousers and underwear but less so for heavier items.
One of the benefits of rolling clothes is that they can be easily tucked into the empty corners of your suitcase, maximizing every inch of space. When you arrive at your destination, simply unroll your clothes, and most wrinkles will naturally fall out.
Cubes
Another way to maximise the space in your case is by using packing cubes.
Packing cubes are like mini suitcases inside your suitcase that help organise and compress clothing.
Packing cubes help you organise your belongings, maximise space, and keep everything tidy throughout your trip.
The best packing cubes are lightweight and thin, ensuring you won’t lose any much-needed space in your case.
Let it go!
It’s not just emotional baggage that can hold us back it can also be physical. Let that extra weight go and feel the freedom of travelling light.
