How To Travel With Just A Carry-On Luggage — Packing Tips & Travel Essentials You Need
Maybe you want to save on baggage charges if you’re flying with a low-cost carrier, or you just want to save time waiting for checked luggage to appear at the baggage carousel. Whatever it is, travelling with just a carry-on luggage can be way more convenient. While it can sound like a daunting task for some (we’re looking at you, overpackers), it’s not impossible.
Ahead, we tell what you need to pack to travel with just a carry-on luggage. From items that help you pack all your travel essentials more efficiently to space-saving packing hacks, these are handy tips you need if you're planning to travel without checking in any luggage.
#1: Use compression packing cubes to save luggage space
First things first: Compression packing cubes are different from regular packing cubes. Regular ones are bags that merely help you organise your clothes in your suitcase. Compression packing cubes, however, come with double zippers — the second one further shrinks and compacts your clothes into a compact, tight bundle to free up more luggage space. After trying out a few brands, I’ve since learnt (the hard way) that you get what you pay for. Nope, that entire set that cost less than $15 never even made it out of my house — the zippers came apart while I was packing. So take it from me: Buy compression packing cubes that have sturdy zippers and good reviews, like these.
Compression packing cubes do require a little bit of strategy when it comes to packing. Pro tip: for more efficient packing and compressing, fold clothes to the size of the packing cube and fill each bag to only about 80 per cent full so it can compress comfortably. Once you’ve figured this out, you’ll see that these are a godsend for eking out extra luggage space. Plus, they’re mostly lightweight and don’t add to the overall weight of the bag.
#2: Portable vacuum and vacuum bags for puffy jackets
If you’re taking a puffer jacket on your trip, vacuum seal bags are a must-have. While compression packing cubes do a good job at compressing regular clothes, nothing quite makes a puffy jacket or coat quite compact as a vacuuming the air out of one of these giant ziplock bags. Of course, these work too on regular, non-puffy clothes. The only downside to vacuum bags is the extra time and effort needed to extract the air out of the bag, either manually, with a vacuum cleaner or a portable vacuum like the Vac Pack Go set (below).
12 Compression Bags for Travel (pump/vacuum not included), $25.82. Buy here
#3: Take advantage of airlines’ personal item allowance
In addition to a cabin luggage, most airlines also allow an extra personal item, whether it’s a handbag or extra duffel bag. Which is why it’s handy to have a foldable duffel bag stashed away in your suitcase these don’t take up much space. Perfect if you end up shopping more than you’d expected on your trip. Expandable weekender bags also work as a personal item bag — these usually come with multiple compartments so you stay organised, and can be expanded to accommodate more stuff when needed.
2-Pack Foldable Travel Duffel Bag, $21.75. Shop here
Need even more space for more shopping? Some TikTokers have taken to buying stuffable travel pillows that you can fill with clothes. It may work as an unconventional hack, but no word on how comfy these actually are as travel pillows.
#4: Reduce the amount of tech accessories you pack
Forget about packing a multitude of bulky chargers and cables. Multi-use compact and flat charging stations are your best friend. Not only can you skip the hassle of unravellig cables, by taking just one charger, you also free up more space in your luggage.
#5: Use eco-friendly toiletries
Travellers are permitted to carry liquids, aerosols or gels of up to 100ml (total not exceeding one litre) in their hand luggage, so you’ll have to transfer your skincare and beauty products and toiletries into travel-sized containers. Alternatively, opt for non-fluid toiletries instead, such as bar shampoos and soaps, or even toothpaste tablets. Not only do you skip the hassle of taking out your bag of fluids at security checks in the airport, you don’t have to worry about leaks as well.
READ MORE: We Tried Some Of The Best Natural Deodorants That Eliminate Body Odour
#6: Choose the correct carry-on suitcase.
Airlines impose a weight limit for cabin luggage, so you want to find a cabin luggage that’s as lightweight as possible. Better yet, one that is expandable — and still complies with airline baggage requirements and fits in the overhead compartment of the plane.
Our favourite is this Samsonite Proxis Spinner 55cm ($780; available here). This 2.2kg cabin-sized suitcase has a capacity of 38l but expands up to 44l. Having used it on a couple of trips, both on its own and alongside a large suitcase, we can attest that its top-quality double wheels make rolling this beaut around on your travels smooth like butter.
But if you’d rather not splurge on a cabin-sized suitcase, you'll be delighted to know that Samsonite’s annual Trade-In campaign is back. Get 30 per cent off Samsonite Myton and Magnum Eco collections in-store when you trade in any pre-loved luggage (of any brand, size or condition). Offer valid from Mar 14 to Apr 28. Materials from donated suitcases will be recycled and be used to make travel memorabilia.
#7: Plan your outfits strategically.
Pack clothes of the same colour palette or stick to basic or neutral colours. This allows you to easily mix and match your clothes for more outfit combinations. It also pays to wear your heaviest and bulkiest footwear and clothes on the flight, to lighten the load in your luggage.
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