With airlines charging more and more for checked luggage, many travelers wish to only take hand luggage on vacation. Certain destinations, like medieval cities of Europe, make it impossible for taxi to drop you off in front of you apartment or hotel. In such cases traveling light is a must, or you will be dragging your suitcase trough cobblestones instead of enjoying the views. Taking only hand luggage is also perfect for beach trips. Of course, any trip requiring a suit or nice dress needs more creative packing to prevent creases.

 

In this post we will go over the skills that will make packing a hand luggage for a short vacation a breeze.

Take the right bag.

Getting the right bag is half the battle. Get it wrong and it could cost you a small fortune at the check-in desk.

A quick tip for when airline staff are militantly checking sizes at check-in: put your bag upside down into the cage!!!!!! You should be able to get it in and out much more smoothly.

When choosing a bag to take, make sure it is the right size and weight.

Baggage limits vary per airline, so it’s important to check with the airline you’re flying with. It can vary depending on the route too. Be extra vigilant if you have connecting flights, or are travelling there and back with different airlines.

Some stores have luggage checkers which will tell you if your suitcase fits width allowances. Of course this is meant for luggage you’re buying, but if you’re feeling brazen (and organized), take your packed suitcase for an outing to check it fits.

Do remember to check the weight, too. Efficient packing means a denser, heavier case. Airlines do occasionally check the weight of your hand luggage.

Material, rather than a hard case. This means you should be able to stuff more into it as it has a little more give.

Has pockets on the front.

This ensures travel docs and liquids are easily accessible. You’re not usually allowed an extra handbag, so this means you don’t have to scrabble around while hordes of people tut behind you.

Most airlines allow you to take a duty-free bag on board too. So you can factor that in and carry water, books and toiletries in it.

COORDINATE AVAILABLE SPACE WITH PACKING CUBES

Packing cubes are versatile, lightweight bags that can be used to categorize different sections of your suitcase, and maximize the space you’re using for everything from toiletries, to socks and shoes. The best packing cubes should allow you to make more of your luggage capacity, without sacrificing your suitcase system, by segmenting everything into its own smaller, stackable bag. For instance, you can have one small packing cube full of medications, and a larger cube for holding your evening outfits.

Using packing cubes to compress your clothing allows you to maximize space without the stress of untidy and disorganized luggage. They’re the perfect solution for neatness-oriented packers, who like the convenience of knowing exactly where each item is in the case of a last minute scramble. With these nifty accessories, you can avoid loose items getting lost within the abyss of your suitcase, and you can even reduce the time it takes to pack up at an end of a trip by giving each day it’s very own cube.

 

Plan your wardrobe, day by day.

Preparation is key. I like to collect everything I think I want to take on vacation in the week leading up. I then do a massive, ruthless selection to get rid of excess stuff. I find it really helps to plan day by day what you’re going to wear, otherwise you almost always take more than you need. And of course, make sure you check the weather forecast to help plan.

Create a capsule wardrobe that you can easily mix and match from. And try to take items made from synthetic fibers – they pack more easily, are light, and will dry far quicker than cottons if you need to wash them while away.

If going to a hot country, take a little bit of soap, so you can wash and re-wear items. Do this along with the capsule wardrobe, and seven outfits can last even two weeks.

Plan a bulky on-board outfit.

For your on-board outfit, make sure it comprises your bulkiest, heaviest items. Yes, you might bake. But you can peel it off as soon as you get through the gate and onto the plane.

Use pockets to carry heavier items such as cameras, chargers, books and toiletries.

Sort your liquids.

I decant my shampoos and other liquids into empty plastic containers holding up to 3 oz. (100ml).  There are handy TSA approved cosmetic bags that you can by. Perfect for liquids!!!

There are also lots of non-liquid alternatives you can try out. Swap cleanser for face wipes, shampoo for a bar of shampoo, perfume for solid perfume, body wash for soap and deodorant for body wipes.

Do check the liquid limits allowed for your particular route. Some destinations consider contact lens solution, for example, a medical necessity and therefore allow you to take a full bottle. Ask with your airline if you’re not sure.

Above all, pack your liquids at the top so you can take them out easily for security.

 

Minimize air, maximize space.

 

Fill your boots! Fill your boots!On some trips I’ve also used roll pack bags. Stick your stuff in and roll them to remove the air – they take up far less room but be careful as they can quickly add weight to your bag.

And make sure you don’t get the ones that require a vacuum, otherwise you may become unstuck at the other end.

Pack your heaviest items at the bottom.

Pack heaviest items at the bottom, nearest the wheels. Fill shoes or any gaps with small items like scarves, chargers and underwear.

 

Roll, DON’T fold.

(This is for a purpose of squeezing as much as possible into carry-on, your clothes will wrinkle)
This is the killer technique when it comes to compact travelling and has revolutionized my packing! There are other techniques travelers champion but this my preferred method for cramming as much in as possible. I only use it for casual trips, where dressy clothing is not required.

Take each item of clothing, fold any sleeves in then roll as tightly as you can. With sheer, thin tops, I’ll bundle them together and then roll. Sounds easy, and it is, but you’ll be amazed at how much more you can fit in.
Any items that are slightly creased I hang in a steamy bathroom when I arrive.

Don’t forget to get a quality luggage. Without it, no matter how well you packed, your trip can end up being a disaster.

In the past, it seemed prudent to avoid spending a lot of money on luggage, since it was frequently lost, misplaced, or stolen. Now, high-tech luggage trackers can make that less of a worry, and airlines are losing bags a lot less often.
Saving on luggage by buying low quality is just not worth it anymore. Not when you’re 1,000 miles from home and the only things you have with you are in a flimsy container that is scraping its stuck wheel against historic cobblestone streets. It’s hard to take in the sights when you’re trying to ensure your belongings are still with you.
A sturdy suitcase is an investment in yourself and your travel experience.