Carry On Travel
I'll just say it: Checking a bag sucks! First off, it means waiting in line, and second, it means waiting at the baggage carousel when you arrive. And third, it could mean waiting at the lost baggage department when you realize your suitcase isn't on that carousel. But there's one way to avoid all that—travel with just a carry-on.
And while it might sound crazy to some, becoming a carry-on-only flyer is very doable...
Pick Your Bag
Not all carry-on bags are created equal. First off (as you might know), not all airlines have the same size requirements when it comes to allowable carry-on bags—especially if we're talking those budget airlines that offer cheaper fares but charge a fortune for bags beyond that allowable carry-on limit. So, look at who you'll be flying with for all portions of your trip and measure and select accordingly.
Viacheslav Yakobchuk, Adobe Stock
Hard Or Soft Top
So, you know how big it can be, but the next question is: Do you go with hard top luggage or a soft top suitcase? And while many people's initial reaction to this question is hard top—I tend to lean soft. There are a few reasons, but mostly it's because soft tops give you a smidge of leeway with the ability to squish it into a tight overhead compartment.
That Personal Item
This one is huge! No, not huge in size, but in its value to your journey to becoming a carry-on-only traveler. Along with your carry-on suitcase, airlines also allow you one personal item. This one also has specific size restrictions—but we're generally talking a backpack, messenger bag, briefcase. Basically, a smaller bag that has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
That Personal Item
Besides the obvious things like your laptop, tablet, books, and some snacks, maximizing your personal item could also mean putting your toiletries bag in there, along with—depending on space—a few extra clothes that didn't fit in your carry-on bag.
The best use of this personal item space will be up to you, but do use it.
What Do You Really Need To Pack?
Humans love options, and for many of us, that is doubly true when it comes to our clothes. Depending on everything from the weather to our mood, we like having choices of what to wear. And you know what? That's fine when we're at home and have our closet and drawers to store it all. But when we're going on a trip, we need to change that mindset.
What Do You Really Need To Pack?
I'll admit this is hard to do the first few times, but when you've gone on a few trips and realized that you only actually wore about half the clothes you brought, it becomes easier to focus on the items you are actually going to need and wear.
What Do You Really Need To Pack?
There is all kinds of good advice out there—from selecting neutral colors, to picking items that can be worn in different ways and that work in various situations (casual and fancy, day and night, etc). Also, what's the weather predicted to be like at your destination? If it's going to be warm then maybe you don't need five sweaters. One will do. If you know you're going to be wearing shorts 80% of the time, then don't pack four pairs of long pants. Select your one or two favorites. You get the idea.
333 Rule
Have you heard of the 333 rule? Well, basically it's a challenge to select three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes and create as many different outfit combinations as you can with just those items.
333 Rule
Not only is this a way to begin taking a minimalist view of our overflowing closets and constant consumer need to buy more, but if you can do it at home, it will give you more confidence to pack less when you travel.
Roll
You might've heard people talk about how rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space...well, it's true. Fold once then roll into a tight tube-shape and you'll see how much more you can fit in your suitcase.
Compression Bags
Maybe you've seen them advertised and wondered if they actually worked. Well, I can tell you from personal experience that they do work. The see-through bags come with a vacuum to suck out the air or there are some that just require you to roll and push it out. I prefer the latter because it means I don't have to travel with the little vacuum.
I also like to use them for the bigger items like sweatshirts and pants, things that don't roll as easily.
Packing Cubes
These don't get as compact as those space saver/compression bags—but packing cubes are a neat way to organize your clothing items and they do still save space.
Shoes And Pockets
If you can travel with only one pair of shoes, that is obviously the best option. But I understand that it isn't an option for everyone. So, if you have to have an extra pair in your luggage, then you might as well use the space to its fullest. Put some socks or smaller items in your shoes (or even pockets of your clothes). Every bit of space you can save matters.
Reduce The Liquids
Is your toiletries bag overflowing with little bottles of liquids? Well, like you did with your clothes, now's the time to decide what products you actually need and which can stay home. Can you use the stuff (shampoo, soap, etc) provided by the hotels? Do you need five different perfume choices?
Tabs And Bars
There are shampoo and conditioner bars that you could substitute for liquids. There are also these things called toothpaste tabs that are eco- and travel-friendly and can help downsize and lighten up that toiletries kit.
I've even been known to pack a regular toothbrush rather than my larger electric one to save space. Also, that way if I lose it, I don't care, whereas leaving my electric toothbrush in the hotel would be a real drag.
Wear The Bulky Stuff
Remember the episode of Friends when Joey put on all of Chandler's clothes at the same time? I'm not saying do that. But (as an example) wearing your bulky zip-up on the plane, rather than packing it, will save some space (and you can just take it off in the airport if it's too warm).
If you're going somewhere warm and are bringing mostly shorts and just one or two pairs of long pants—it might sound obvious, but definitely wear one of the pairs of pants on the plane.
You get the idea...
Climate Change
One of the hardest packing decisions happens when you're going from a very cold climate to a warm one. So, what do you do with that big winter coat (and those winter boots) that you wear to the airport?
Climate Change
You could try stuffing your coat in your personal item bag, but those things take up a ton of space and you aren't going to need it where you're going. So...leave it in the car! When you park at the airport, or when your friend drops you off—leave your coat and boots in the car. Sure, you might be cold getting from the car into the airport, but that's a small price to pay. Also, another reason to wear your bulky item rather than pack it.
You Can Do Laundry
Remember, many hotels have laundry service and many Airbnbs have washers and dryers. Personally, I'll do a few things by hand and hang-dry them in the bathroom (or on the balcony in warm climates). But regardless—the point is that you can clean clothes if need be.
Sharing Is Caring
And finally, here's one for if you're traveling with someone who is a little better at minimizing their items and happens to have a little extra space in their luggage. Maybe—if you ask really nicely—they can make room for that one extra item you aren't able to leave at home.
But remember, the whole goal here is to get to the point where your packing is so thoughtful and on point that you won't need to look elsewhere for extra space.
So, Do You Think You Can Do It?
Does this sound impossible or is becoming a carry-on traveler feasible for you? Let us know in the comments (and any other tips you might have to make it even easier).
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