Ever travelled hand luggage only for more than a weekend? Read how I do it and I promise you’ll be converted.
One of the blogs on my ‘ideas list’ is Backpack vs. Suitcase. It’s been on the list for months, untouched. I thought that I was uninspired, but I think the real reason I’ve never written it is because from me there is no contest.
I am team backpack.
And more specifically: Team HAND LUGGAGE ONLY.
There’s nothing better than arriving in a new place with your bag on your back, hands free to read directions, climb unexpected stairs, navigate busy public transport and wander cobbled streets.
The idea of dragging a heavy box on wheels around is my idea of a nightmare.
Recently, I took travelling with a backpack to the next level, when I went to China for two weeks, hand luggage only.
It was the BEST. DECISION. EVER.
I stayed in five hotels in two weeks, took three trains and endless buses and metros. All of which would have been considerably more challenging with a full-size back back or suitcase.
I realise that travelling hand luggage only isn’t everybody’s strength, but let me share some tips and tricks to perhaps encourage you to try it out in the future.
Clothes
Pack outfits that can be worn interchangeably.
- This takes a bit of forward thinking but for a two week trip I packed 4-5 pairs of shorts and six or seven tops, all that could be worn with each other which meant I had a variety of outfits.
- I also packed my favourite jumpsuit which I can also wear as shorts.
- If you’re heading somewhere hot you won’t need trousers, but be sure to invest in some fashionable travelling pants. Yes they maybe cliche, But they’re comfy AF, take up no space and dry really quickly if you need to wash them mid-trip. There are also super useful when visiting countries that may require you to cover up in certain places such as temples or the Vatican City.
- Use stuff bags or packing cubes.
- Personally I use dry bags as I find them the most flexible however I have heard great things about packing cubes.
- In your stuff bags categorise the clothes, so that you can access what you need quickly without tearing up everything.
- For example, pack all of your tops & T-shirts in one and your shorts or trousers in another.
Toiletries
Think about how many toiletries you really need.
- When I really thought about it I realised that taking large bottles of everything wasn’t necessary.
- Unless you’re travelling to Mars (congratulations) it’s likely that you can source most of the toiletries you need in the country should you run out.
- You will also be given some at your accommodation depending on where you stay.
- Check if everywhere you’re staying has towels provided. And if so do you really need one?
- If you don’t plan on going to the beach during your trip probably not.
- If you need a towel, invest in a micro-towel. They dry fast and take up barely any space.
- A perfect towel replacement is a large beach throw.. which has a 3rd function of sarong!
Shoes
How many pairs of shoes do you REALLY need?
- For my trip to China I took only one pair of trainers and one pair of flip-flops.
- If you’re visiting cold or wet destination it;s harder, but during the summer months one pair of shoes should really be enough.
- I don’t usually go out at night so didn’t need any fancy shoes, but to in most places the flip-flops would get you by anyway.
Gadgets
Minimise the gadgets.
- Think about what technology you’re taking and if you really really need it.
- For my trip to China I packed my GoPro and used my phone as my camera as my large DSLR would have taken up half my backpack.
- I brought my small notepad style laptop as I knew I wanted to write on the long train journeys but decided that I would edit my pictures on my proper machine when I got home again.
- Aside from that the only objects I brought were
- Chargers
- Collapsible tripod and selfie stick
- A power adapter
- My Fitbit, (which I wear on my wrist, because did you even climb the mountain if you didn’t count the steps?)
And that’s it!
Once I’ve packed Clothes, toiletries, shoes & gadgets there’s nothing else I need.
Some people may wish to take a book, however I knew I would choose to write over read. (Kindles don’t take up that much space should you be a bookworm.)
The key message throughout is always to ask yourself:
Do I REALLY need this? And, if I leave it home, can I buy it there or live without it if my situation changes?
And there you have it, 2 weeks of travelling hand luggage only, with a backpack that even Ryan Air allows on board!
