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Embrace the Freedom: Traveling Light with Carry-On Only Luggage

Are you tired of lugging around heavy suitcases, dealing with lost luggage, and witnessing the insane post-flight rush to the baggage carousel? It might be time to consider the liberating benefits of traveling with carry-on only luggage. Not only does it streamline your journey, but it also opens up a world of possibilities for efficient, stress-free travel.

Did you know I’ve travelled with carry-on only luggage for the past two years on both domestic and international trips.  From city breaks, to beach holidays and from two weeks in WA to ten days in the heat of India.  Below are my tips on how to make this work for you and why it’s my favourite way to travel!!

1. Speed Through the Airport: With carry-on only luggage, you can skip the check-in lines and head straight to security. No more wasting time at baggage drop-offs or waiting at that carousel at your destination. You’ll be out of the airport and on to your adventures in no time!

2. Avoid Baggage Fees: Airlines are notorious for charging hefty fees for checked baggage. By traveling light, you not only save money but also avoid the hassle of navigating through airline policies and potential extra costs.  Did you know that you can sometimes get cheaper fares by not having a checked bag?

3. Experience True Mobility: Imagine effortlessly navigating through crowded streets of Rome, hopping on and off public transportation in London, or even climbing stairs without the burden of a heavy suitcase in Paris. With just 7 kgs, you’ll have the freedom to explore your destination without being held back.  Believe me, I’ve done Europe with a massive/heavy suitcase and it’s NOT fun!

4. Master the Art of Minimalism: Traveling with a limited amount of luggage forces you to be selective and creative with your packing. You’ll learn to prioritize essentials and discover versatile clothing options. This skill will not only simplify your travels but also make your everyday life more efficient.

5. Focus on Experiences, Not Possessions: When you’re unburdened by excess baggage, you can immerse yourself in your surroundings and fully engage with the culture. Say goodbye to the stress of guarding your belongings and hello to the joy of being present in the moment.  You really don’t need all of those “just in case” bits and pieces.  And you won’t remember that you couldn’t straighten your hair, but you will remember what a pain it is to navigate a subway or the stairs of that hotel or apartment in Europe with a suitcase.

6. Embrace Flexibility: No more worrying about missed connections or lost luggage. With everything you need in one compact bag, you have the flexibility to adapt to changing plans or take spontaneous detours without any added stress.  Talk about stress, those baggage carousels and the will it, won’t it come out waiting game you play when you arrive in your destination.

How I make it happen with just 7 kgs:

1. Choose the Right Bag: Opt for a lightweight, durable carry-on bag that adheres to airline size restrictions. Look for one with multiple compartments to help you stay organized. I suggest a backpack, I had an over the shoulder/duffle style for the first few trips and it became cumbersome during any of the walking (airports, train station to hotel) I was doing.
2. Pack Smart: Prioritize versatile, mix-and-match clothing items. Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics and roll your clothes to save space. Don’t forget to pack essentials like toiletries in travel-sized containers.  I also use packing cells to separate clothes for easy finding.  Gone are the days of pulling all of my backpack apart to find that t-shirt I wanted which was in the bottom of the bag!
3. Limit Footwear: Shoes can be bulky and heavy. Aim for one pair of comfortable walking shoes and a versatile pair that can be dressed up or down. Wear the heaviest pair during travel to save space.
4. Utilize Technology: Replace heavy books with an e-reader, and consider using a digital camera or your smartphone for photography to save on weight.
5. Streamline Toiletries: Stick to the basics and consider purchasing travel-sized toiletries or using solid alternatives like shampoo bars and soap.  Much like the hair straightener, perhaps you might consider leaving the makeup behind and embracing your dewy clean faced self while adventuring the world?  If not, there are always samples you can take of your favourite products which are all small enough to adhere to the airline volume requirements!
6. Wear Layers During Travel: Wear your bulkiest clothing items, like a jacket or sweater, during your flight. This maximizes space in your bag and keeps you warm on the plane.  A lot of airlines I’ve flown on lately don’t have blankets, so this is a great value add if you’re a cold fish like I am 😊
7. Plan to Do Laundry: If your trip is longer, plan to do laundry either at your accommodation or at a local laundromat. This allows you to pack fewer clothing items.  If you’re travelling in SE Asia, you can get your laundry done for a bargain.  I had mine done a few times in India and it was super cheap! This is an easy hack for locations where you are hot and may not get multiple wears out of your clothes.

By avoiding the baggage carousel where people seem to lose their manners, not only do you reclaim precious time but you also maintain your peace of mind. Embracing the carry-on only lifestyle can revolutionize the way you travel. Say goodbye to heavy bags and hello to a world of boundless exploration!

Feel free to give me a call or shoot me an email if you want to chat about how you can make this happen:
[email protected]
0414607657

#TravelLight #CarryOnOnly #AdventureAwaits #NoMoreBaggageCarousels