Traveling with carry-on luggage is an exercise in freedom. During my travels through more than 60 countries, I learned that excess physical baggage often translates into excess worry, frustration, and higher expenses.
When we decide to explore the world, the goal should be immersion in the culture and connection with people, not managing heavy belongings.
The choice to travel light with only carry-on baggage It’s not just a logistical issue, but also a lifestyle decision. By carrying less, you gain the flexibility to change plans, save money on shipping fees, and contribute to the environment and sustainability.
Ultimately, less weight means lower fuel consumption, cheaper tickets, a smaller carbon footprint, and more money in your pocket to travel more and better.
In this guide, I will share the method I developed for condensing two weeks of adventures into a single carry-on bag.
The secret lies not in magic, but in intelligent choice and strategic organization of your…carry-on baggage.
For more details see Travel. Everything you need to know to travel more and better.
The philosophy behind single carry-on luggage.
Before putting the first piece of clothing in your suitcase, you need to change your mindset.
Ask yourself if you really need a particular item or if you’re just taking it as a precaution. Fear of the unexpected is the biggest cause of heavy packing.
However, experience shows that we can find almost everything we need at the destination, which also boosts the local economy.
Studies and fare comparisons indicate that traveling with only carry-on baggage can represent a reduction in…20% a 40%in the total cost of airfare.
On my 10-day trip from the Netherlands to Albania and Montenegro, I only took one piece of hand luggage (backpack).Deuter Air Lite 30L only paid €120.00 round trip.
Traveling only with carry-on baggage. It allows you to move easily between airports and public transportation. Furthermore, your belongings are more secure because they will always be with you.
This autonomy is invaluable for those seeking an authentic experience. Therefore, view the limited space as an invitation to creativity.
Choosing the right carry-on luggage for your trip.
The first practical step is to select the appropriate equipment. Yourcarry-on baggageIt must be durable, lightweight, and meet airline standard size requirements.
Personally, I prefer backpacks because they make it easier to access the contents and are easy to carry in any situation.
I really like Deuter and Thule backpacks. I use a Deuter Air Lite 30L backpack that weighs only 900 grams.
Also, because it is flexible, it can be adapted to any changes in company measurements.
I always buy abroad because it’s cheaper, but those who haven’t traveled yet can find many options in Brazil.
However, if you prefer wheeled suitcases, always check the weight of the empty suitcase. The best ones weigh around 3 kilos.
A suitcase that is already heavy when empty will consume a significant portion of your baggage allowance. Therefore, materials like polycarbonate or nylon are excellent options because they combine durability and lightness, essential for good baggage handling.carry-on baggage.
How to choose the perfect luggage for your travels.
Pay attention to airline measures and restrictions. [insert link]
Clothing and organization strategies
The golden rule for clothing is versatility. All pieces should coordinate with each other. Therefore, choose a neutral color palette. For a two-week trip, you don’t need clothes for fourteen days. You need clothes for a week, which will be washed during the trip.
Furthermore, how you store your clothes is crucial. Rolling clothes compresses the fabric and prevents wrinkles. However, the best invention is luggage organizers. These cubes compartmentalize your belongings.carry-on baggageallowing you to separate items by category.
What to pack in your carry-on luggage.
Ideally, plan for a week; if you’re staying for more than two weeks, consider doing laundry.
Today, all cities have the option of quick laundromats, and with the advent of Airbnb, many accommodations have laundry facilities.
I really like using the 1-2-3-4-5-6 ratio when packing:
1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants, 4 shirts/t-shirts, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 sets of underwear.
If you have anything special planned, just add it to your suitcase. This list fits in your carry-on bag, along with your toiletries.
Essential electronics and documents
In a connected world, we tend to carry many devices. However, for a real connection with the destination, digital minimalism is welcome. A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient for most travelers.
If you need to work, consider whether a lightweight tablet might replace a heavy laptop. I use a tablet with an external keyboard and mouse, weighing 0.481 kilograms, to access applications and the internet instead of my computer, which weighs 1.68 kilograms.
Regarding documents, keep digital copies (on your computer and in the cloud) and physical copies of passports, reservations, etc.
Bring only your passport and essential cards with you.
Slim document organizers, which can be worn under clothing, ensure security and easy access.
This way, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that even in the event of physical loss, your information is protected.
Personal hygiene products
Liquid restrictions on flights are strict. However, this is an excellent opportunity to adopt sustainable practices in your…hand luggage.Replace liquid shampoos and soaps with bar versions. They last longer and eliminate disposable plastic.
For items that need to be liquid, use reusable silicone bottles. Take only the essentials.
In this way, yournecessaryIt will be compact and environmentally friendly, in line with a mindset of preserving the places we visit.
As you close your suitcase, you’ll feel the satisfaction of having everything you need. The world outside awaits you, and now you’re ready to explore it with lightness and freedom.
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