Travel Light: Abroad With A Carry-On

Travelling with just a carry-on bag is a great way to save time and money. It's also a skill that can be learned and perfected over time.

- Choose the right bag: Opt for a lightweight bag that meets airline size requirements and has multiple compartments.

- Read up on restrictions: Familiarize yourself with the weight and size limits of your airline, as well as the rules regarding personal items.

- Make the most of your personal item: Bring a backpack or large tote that can fit under the seat in front of you and utilise this extra space.

- Have a packing strategy: Pack only what you need, choose solid-coloured clothing that can be mixed and matched, and roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.

- Wear your bulkiest items: Put on your heaviest and bulkiest clothing and shoes to free up space in your carry-on bag.

- Be selective with footwear: Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes and choose styles that are comfortable and versatile.

- Keep toiletries to a minimum: Only bring the essentials and opt for solid alternatives or travel-sized containers to save space.

- Do your laundry: Plan to wash your clothes during your trip to reduce the amount of clothing you need to pack.

Choose the right bag

Choosing the right bag for your trip is crucial. You want to make sure it's the right size, fits your travel style, and is durable enough to withstand the journey. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect carry-on bag for your next adventure:

• Size and Weight: The ideal size for a carry-on bag is typically around 22" x 9" x 14" or less. This will ensure it fits in the overhead compartments of most airlines. Keep in mind that some budget airlines, like easyJet or Ryanair, have stricter rules, so always check the luggage allowance of all the airlines you'll be travelling with. The weight of the bag is also important, especially if you plan to lift it into overhead compartments or carry it for long periods. Lighter bags are generally more convenient and easier to manoeuvre. Soft bags tend to be lighter than hard-shell cases.
• Wheels: You'll need to decide between two or four wheels. Two-wheeled bags tend to be lighter, but four-wheeled spinners are easier to manoeuvre and can be rolled alongside you. If you opt for two wheels, make sure they're recessed into the bag to protect them from damage and save packing space.
• Handles: Look for a bag with a sturdy, retractable handle. Test it out to make sure it's long enough for your height and locks securely in place. Some bags have double handles, which some travellers prefer for sturdiness, but a single handle reduces weight.
• Expandability: If you plan to shop or bring back souvenirs, an expandable bag can be handy. However, keep in mind that expanding your bag may cause it to exceed carry-on size limits, and you may have to check it in.
• Durability: Opt for a bag made from durable materials that can withstand the rigours of travel. For soft bags, look for high-denier, ballistic, or Cordura nylon, which is strong and lightweight. For hard-shell cases, polycarbonate and polypropylene are excellent choices as they are lightweight yet sturdy. Check the zippers and wheels to ensure they are durable and won't break easily.
• Security: Consider a bag with security features like built-in locks or the ability to add a padlock. Look for sturdy zippers that won't break easily, and avoid bags with exterior pockets that are easy targets for thieves.
• Organisation: Choose a bag with pockets and compartments to help you stay organised. Some bags have dedicated laptop and tablet compartments, while others have exterior pockets for easy access to frequently used items. Packing cubes can also help keep your belongings organised and maximise space.
• Style: Finally, consider the style and colour of your bag. Bright colours or unique patterns can help your bag stand out on the luggage carousel. Soft bags offer more variety in terms of style and colour, while hard-shell cases often have a more modern, minimalist look.

Read up on the restrictions

When travelling with just a carry-on bag, it is important to be aware of the rules and restrictions for international flights. Weight and size restrictions vary across airlines, so it is best to check with the specific airline about weight restrictions before booking a ticket. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage weighing up to 15 pounds, but some airlines have different policies. For example, United Airlines permits luggage weighing up to 70 pounds for business class and premium club flyers, while British Airways has a carry-on weight limit of 50 pounds.

Each airline tends to have its own restrictions related to the dimensions of carry-ons. On many airlines, especially those based in Europe, your carry-on should be under 21 x 15 x 9 inches. However, size restrictions can vary depending on the airline and the travel class of your ticket. The number of carry-ons allowed also differs per airline, with some allowing one bag and a personal item, and others allowing two bags. It is recommended to check the airline's website or call their customer service to identify any luggage restrictions.

Regarding liquids, many international airlines follow the 3-1-1 rule, which states that you can bring 3.4-ounce bottles of liquids or gels as long as they fit into one quart-size resealable bag. This includes items such as toothpaste, face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and other liquids. However, some airlines or destinations may have stricter liquid rules, potentially forbidding liquids of any size in carry-on luggage. It is important to check the guidelines of your airline and your destination regarding liquids.

When travelling internationally, it is important to verify whether your prescriptions are permitted in the country you are visiting. Medication laws vary across countries, and some medications that are readily available in the US may be illegal in other countries. Always keep your medication in your carry-on luggage, and ensure the bottles include all the original label information, including your name, your doctor's name, and the medication name. It is also recommended to bring a copy of your prescription and a few extra days' worth of medication in case of travel delays.

There are some items that are typically not allowed in carry-on luggage for international travel. Firearms and ammunition are almost universally prohibited. Meat and seafood products, as well as other consumable items that could pose a threat to public health, are also usually not allowed. Certain types of plants categorized as invasive species are typically restricted or banned. When returning to the US, customs may prohibit certain items such as dangerous toys, bush meat, absinthe, and illegal substances.

Make the most of your personal item

When it comes to travelling with just a carry-on bag, making the most of your personal item is essential. Most airlines will allow you to bring a small personal item in addition to your carry-on luggage, such as a backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase, which must fit under the seat in front of you. This is a great opportunity to bring extra items that won't fit in your carry-on, so make sure to maximise this space!

Firstly, it is important to choose the right personal item. Opt for the biggest backpack you can reasonably pass off as a personal item, making sure to double-check the dimensions with your airline. You can also bring a small purse or crossbody bag, but don't waste this opportunity by choosing something too small.

Secondly, make sure to fill your personal item with all the stuff you want to bring but couldn't fit into your carry-on. This could include an extra set of clothes, toiletries, valuables, electronics, and important documents. If you're bringing a laptop, this is a great place to store it, along with your passport, phone, and other valuables. You can also use this space for entertainment, such as books or card games to keep you amused during the flight.

Additionally, if you're bringing any liquids, make sure to follow the 3-1-1 rule. All liquid items need to be in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and fit into a 1-quart-sized bag. You can also opt for solid alternatives, such as solid shampoo bars, solid deodorant, and tooth powder.

Lastly, remember that your personal item should be comfortable to carry and fit easily under the seat in front of you. Soft, squashy bags tend to be more convenient than hard, wheeled suitcases, which often attract more attention from airline staff. So, choose a bag that is soft and squishy, and you'll be good to go!

Have a packing strategy

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy, it can be a breeze. Here are some tips to help you pack like a pro:

• Choose a colour scheme: Opt for neutral colours like black, white, grey, and denim that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This will not only save space but also give you a variety of looks to choose from.
• Plan your outfits: Decide on the number of tops and bottoms you want to pack and then work out how many different outfits you can create with them. This will ensure you don't pack more items than you need.
• Be selective with shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space, so limit yourself to two pairs—one comfortable pair for walking and one pair that can be dressed up or down. Wear the bulkier pair during travel to save space in your bag.
• Roll your clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them saves space and helps reduce wrinkles. Start by folding the item in half lengthwise, then roll it tightly from the bottom.
• Use compression bags: If you need more space, try using compression bags. They come in different materials like fabric or plastic and help compress your clothes to make them more compact.
• Pack small items in your shoes: Utilise the space in your shoes by filling them with small items like socks or underwear. This will help you maximise the space in your bag.
• Minimise toiletries: Only bring the essentials and opt for solid alternatives like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and solid deodorant. You can also leave behind basic items like shampoo and body wash, as most hotels provide them.

Wear your bulkiest items

When travelling with just a carry-on bag, it's important to maximise the space you have. One way to do this is to wear your bulkiest items on the plane. This could include your favourite cardigan and flip-flops, and even a puffer jacket and hiking boots. Yes, slip-on shoes are more convenient when going through security, but wearing your bulkiest items is a small price to pay for the extra packing space you gain.

If you're travelling to a colder climate, wearing your bulkiest items is especially important. Layer up where possible. You can always take off your puffer jacket once you're on the plane, if needs be. You could also tie sweaters or sweatshirts around your waist and wrap a scarf around your shoulders. Remember, you can always put heavy outerwear in the overhead bin once you're on the plane.

If you're worried about having to remove your jacket, belt, hat, and shoes at security, it might be a good idea to wear slip-on shoes and limit the number of accessories you're wearing.

Frequently asked questions