With airlines increasing the cost of baggage plus the hassles of checking in and the chance of your bag being lost, carry on is the way to go.
I used to think that for long trips you cannot survive with just a carry on, not without compromising on style, but I was wrong. We traveled to Europe for 2 weeks with a carry on each. It was so convenient to just have small carry on bags when constantly moving from one place to other and it kept us organized as well.
So without further ado, lets see our little hacks and tips on how to travel light with a carry on.
Know the airline luggage policy
The first and foremost thing is to know the airline policy regarding the size and weight of your luggage. While there is no weight limit for carry on, most airlines have a size limit that measures 9″x 14″x 22” (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm) including wheels and handles. In addition to your carry on, most airlines allow a personal item which may include a laptop bag or handbag or small backpack as long as it fit under the seat. While most airline has same restrictions regarding dimension, but make sure to check your airline for any restrictions.
Invest in good quality carry on
A good quality carry on makes all the difference when travelling for long/short trips. If you are planning to buy a new one we would suggest to get a four wheeled spinner which is much more practical and easy to carry than standard 2 wheel versions. We bought a Samsonite hard case carry on luggage, but everyone has different opinion regarding choice of brand or style. Do your research before you invest in the right cabin luggage that is easily maneuverable, light weight and can hold all important things that you need for the trip.
Roll your clothes don’t fold
Rolling your clothes rather than folding will optimize the space in your bag and keep your clothes wrinkle free. However, rolling technique doesn’t work for bulky items like sweaters or jackets which end up taking more space when folded.
Get yourself air compression packing bags or packing cubes
This was the life savior for me. I didn’t know about air compression bag up until recently when I had to pack for my Europe trip. The air compression bag frees up lot of space but tend to wrinkle clothes, while packing cubes keeps your clothes more organized and wrinkle free. I used packing cubes for my husband’s luggage as his clothes were more prone to wrinkles and for me I used compression bag as I had more stuff to pack.
Pack versatile clothes
When you plan on traveling light, you cannot carry your whole closet with you; you have to plan ahead and choose pieces of clothing which you can re-wear or mix and match. Pack outfits that can be layered so that you don’t have to carry your bulky jackets. Choose solid color which can go with multiple outfits. Wear your bulkiest piece of jacket and shoes during your flight to save space in your bag.
Keep your toiletry to a minimum
As airlines have restrictions on the amount of liquids allowed in the cabin, its reasonable to carry only the bare necessities on the flight. Please check TSA guidelines here.
Things you cannot take in your carry on
Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100 ml): You can take toiletries or other liquids in containers limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These items must be packed in a one quart sized zip top clear bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not must be packed in checked baggage.
Sharp Objects: Sharp objects that aren’t allowed includes box cutters, knives (except for plastic or round bladed butter knives), scissors more than 4 inches from the pivot point, pocket knife, razor type blades, Swiss army knife.
Other items include sporting goods, guns and firearms, tools, self-defense items, explosive /flammable materials, and other dangerous items.
Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the latest restrictions.
Time for some more tips!
Remember that with compression bag you can fit more items and therefore it will increase the weight of your luggage.
Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag, but you have to declare these items at checkpoint before inspection.
If your hotel or Airbnb doesn’t have iron and your clothes are wrinkled, just hang in your clothes in the bathroom while you shower to steam iron your clothes.
Opt for solid version of Shampoo, body wash, deodorant which is a great alternatives to liquid toiletries.
Don’t forget to pack some first aid supplies like band aids,wipes, pain reliever, some indigestion tablets or whatever is your essential requirements, do check TSA guidelines related to medications.
Carry some extra bags, you never know when you will need them to pack your dirty laundry or if you are like me who always end up doing some shopping.
Do check with the country you will be flying to for their policies before packing.
Don’t forget to carry universal travel adapter.
Don’t over-pack! If you left something, you can always buy it at your destination.
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