Tips for packing only hand luggage
I can’t remember the last time I flew with a big suitcase. Not even for a 2 week summer holiday in Ibiza. Ok yes, I’m a frugal traveller (aka cheapskate), I usually fly with a low-cost airline and I am NOT paying to check-in a bag.
But I honestly do prefer not having a big, heavy, annoying suitcase. I can nip around the airport with my small case or holdall and its much more convenient. There is a bit of an art to packing a small carry-on suitcase with everything you need so, it does require some planning. You can’t just chuck it all in at the last minute and away you go.
It will take a little bit of time and organisation to fit everything in. I know that some people find the idea of organised packing just another hassle that they would rather do without in the lead up to going on holiday. I will share with you my top 10 tips for packing only hand luggage, this is what I do, every time.
If you follow these simple steps, I promise you will be a hand luggage packing pro.
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How to travel with only hand luggage
The first thing is to invest in a good quality, reliable hand luggage bag. When I say hand luggage I mean a small, wheelie, carry-on case. It needs to fit into the plane’s overhead cabin storage and is about 55 x 40 x 20 cm in size like this American Tourister suitcase
However, always check the dimensions with your airline to see what size cabin bag they allow and make sure you stick to the rules to avoid any problems at the airport.
UPDATE Sept 2018: Ryan Air have announced that from 1st Nov 2018 ALL small wheelie bags (max 10kg) will need to be left at bag drop and a charge of £8-£25 applies depending on whether you book in advance or not. They will only allow a small carry on bag on board for free. For more info click here.
Due to this new rule I have started using a soft holdall bag for short 2-4 day trips. A bag that holds a lot of clothes and fits under the seat in front like this canvas tote bag
Why take only hand luggage on holiday
- You will not have to pay extra money to the low cost airlines for checked baggage
- You don’t have to queue at the airport desk to check your bags in
- You don’t have to worry about your bag being lost by the airline
- You won’t sit on a flight and realise that you packed something you now need into the big suitcase, which is in the aircraft luggage hold
- You won’t have to wait for your bags at the airport baggage carousel
- You can easily fit 4 x small cases all into the boot of a car
- Traveling from airport to your hotel by public transport is much easier with a small bag
- You don’t have to lug your big heavy case up to your hotel room
*RELATED post you may enjoy reading – How to survive a low cost airline flight
** Get our FREE printable Spain holiday packing list – It’s the perfect checklist for spending 7 days in Spain, it all fits into a carry on bag and includes an outfit planner!**
My 10 tips for successfully packing only hand luggage
1. Make sure your toiletries are 100ml
Or less and you have them packed into the little airport issued plastic bag. I usually grab a handful of these each time I fly so that I have some at home ready to go. This rule includes all liquids and gels. If you are traveling with a partner, friend or as a family don’t forget to spread your toiletries out so that you carry one bag each though airport scanning. Note you cannot use a little see-through vanity case, or that giant zip-lock bag from the kitchen drawer.
2. Think about what toiletries you really need
Plan in advance and only take the essentials. Invest in some small plastic travel bottles
3. Have an outfit plan
So that you are not trying to pack half of your wardrobe. I’m not trying to take the fun out of selecting your holiday outfits but why not chose what outfits you like best before you go on holiday. Quickly Google to see what the weather is going to be like and lay out all the possible outfit options on your bed. Choose just your favourites and you will find that you don’t pack as many clothes as normal.
4. Mix and match outfits
And this tip applies to guys as well. You really don’t need a different pair of shorts to go with every shirt. And ladies, you certainly don’t need a different pair of shoes to go with every dress. I’m not suggesting that you wear the same outfit every day, just pick out a few key pieces that can be paired with other outfits.
5. Roll all your clothes
Not only does it stop them from getting super creased it really helps to fit more into the bag. Fold each item of clothing in half, length ways then roll it really tight from one end. You will have lots of little neat, rolls of clothes that then need to be tightly packed together in the suitcase. It might be a little Tetris like as you work out which clothes fit next to each other, as jeans will be longer then vest tops but stick with it and make sure there are no gaps.
6. Use up all the space in the suitcase
By cramming socks and underwear into the corners. Stuff them inside your shoes and around bulkier items. If you have compartments inside your case, use them. Don’t fight the internal set-up of your bag or worry if there are lots of little pockets inside. Just take a moment to think about what item will fit where and pack everything in as tightly as you can. If you can, use this type of packing cubes
7. Wear your heaviest clothes to the airport
You will want to be comfortable on the flight so don’t turn up like the Michelin Man but try to wear your heaviest shoes, jumpers, jeans and any jackets. It will make a big difference not having to pack those items in your suitcase.
8. Don’t take unnecessary items
Like a hair dryer, if your hotel bathroom has one. Your hair straighteners, if it’s going to be so humid it’s a waste of time. Your running trainers, if let’s be honest you’re going to spend all week drinking cocktails. It only takes 10 minutes to think about what activities you are likely to be doing on holiday to see if you really need this stuff.
9. Carry 1 hand luggage bag only
Do not even try to test that tired, over-worked poor girl at the boarding gate. You have opted to take your small suitcase on as your carry-on, so you cannot take a handbag, backpack or laptop case. What I do to get around this restriction is buy something at the airport so I get a duty-free plastic carrier bag. This plastic bag is allowed as well as your little suitcase, so put in there your paper, water bottle, book, whatever items you might need on the flight.
10. Keep your valuables safe and handy
By popping them into a smaller bag, like a clutch purse or this travel wallet
*RELATED article – check out this article for more advice on How to keep your valuables safe when traveling
All the mentioned products are available from Amazon.co.uk…
I hope these tips help you next time you are packing for a holiday 🙂
Do you have any interesting or inventive ways you pack your luggage? If you do, let me know in the comments box below.
Other Seeking the Spanish Sun thoughts and travel advice posts you might like…
Why I think everyone should travel
How to be a good tourist
Tips for first time travel to Spain
How to avoid feeling homesick
We also have a handy printable that is FREE when you sign up to our mailing list and will help you get organised and pack effortlessly for your Spain holiday…
Plus check out our really helpful Spain travel guides and info…
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A weekend in Malaga
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What you need to know before visiting Barcelona
Exploring the city of Salamanca
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