We have traveled around the world with nothing else but a carry-on luggage. They say only one bag is allowed, but then announce that you get to carry a computer, purse, small tote or briefcase too, which practically brings the number to 2. Just make sure you follow the cabin luggage restrictions.
Different airlines have different rules about cabin luggage dimensions and weight, but the most common cabin size luggage is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. If you want to know a specific airline’s accepted cabin luggage size, you better check their website or give them a call. We have never had any problems with our backpacks. My carry-on bag is actually 2 bags: Eagle Creek Explorer with a bigger part which is basically just a big sack, and a smaller daypack which can be attached on the bigger one. I had my travel wardrobe in the big one and everything else in the small one, and that worked out fine. The bags were separated when flying and attached together when walking for longer distances. I also like to have the big bag on my back and the smaller one on my chest.
Traveling with cabin luggage only takes some planning when you first start doing it, but it is definitely possible and even recommended. Nowadays we are quite used to it and try to do it whenever we travel.
Here are the 8 reasons for traveling with lightweight luggage:
1. You will have to think carefully what to take with you.
One of the hardest things to do when preparing for a longer trip is to choose what to take and what to leave at home. One good rule is to pile everything you think you will need on your bed and then get rid of half of the things on the pile. You really don’t need that much while out there.
2. The luggage is easy to travel with.
You might be ok with a huge suitcase on an organized beach holiday and it might even be totally necessary on honeymoon cruises or other fancy locations, but long-term traveling and having to carry your luggage around yourself is a completely different case. Imagine dragging your huge 40-pound bag behind you on some narrow cobblestone streets while trying to find the hostel, or having to sleep with the bag in your bed in a small train cabin on a train in Russia. Believe me, the smaller and lighter your bag is, the better. If you need help finding a space for your bag or lifting your luggage, cabin crew will help you.
3. You save a lot of time.
Departure: Most airlines let you check yourself in online or using the self check-in machines at the airport. If you don’t have any check-in luggage with you, you will avoid queuing to the check-in counter and can walk directly to the security check.
Arrival: It is a great feeling when you walk directly out of the airport or to your connecting flight without having to wait for your luggage to arrive and perhaps getting it checked in again. That can save you a lot of time, which can be a real life-saver if you have a tight schedule.
4. You save some money.
Many airlines have started to charge 10-15 dollars per checked-in suitcase. Every cent counts!
5. You will not lose your luggage.
You will not have to stand waiting for your luggage and get disappointed when all the other passengers have left and you are still standing there empty-handed. This is important especially on your way to your travel destination. Who would want to end up to their honeymoon location with nothing else to wear than the clothes they travelled in! The airline or your holiday insurance would most likely pay for getting some new clothes of course, but it is all off your holiday time. Would you rather relax at the pool or go out to buy new socks? In some instances there is no time to go shopping, like how it can be when you land to your port of call just before your cruise ship is about to depart!
6. Nobody else will touch your belongings.
Every now and then things unfortunately get stolen from your checked in suitcase, and in some rare cases people mix their suitcases and go home with a wrong bag. It is recommended to keep your valuables with you all the time.
7. A well-organized luggage is a joy.
When you want to fit a lot of stuff into a small luggage, the best way to do it is to keep everything organized. That is a real benefit when backpacking. Clutter can drain you mentally especially if you travel for a longer period of time. Having to look for everything and pack and unpack your bag all the time gets on your nerves quite fast! Get yourself some packing cubes. They make it easy to keep your things in order. Always know where to look from for a specific thing and last but not least, they free you from plastic bags many people use for packing.
8. You won’t buy unnecessary things.
When traveling, we often end up buying things we don’t need at all. Having limited storage space will stop you from going on a shopping spree, which is one way to practice eco friendly travel. I do collect some souvenirs, but they fit into my small souvenir shelf and are not bigger than an inch. I have enough things as it is. The experiences you collect on your world trip are the best souvenirs you can have. Don’t forget to bring your camera! However, if you really fall in love with something, you can always think about buying it and sending it home via mail.
Written by astrid
Topics: Packing