Are you thinking of an overseas holiday but don’t know how to manage it on a limited budget? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In our last article in this series, we discussed the benefits of travelling with carry-on luggage only. Now, let us introduce you to 8 tips for making your carry-on luggage allocation go further!
Tip 1: Choose your bag with care
When you’re travelling with only carry-on luggage, every gram counts. That’s why it pays to source the lightest weight, yet most durable, bag you can find. This is the one time when you shouldn’t try to save your holiday dollars, so remember just how much you’re saving by not travelling with checked-in luggage, and make a wise choice, even if it’s on the costly side!
Tip 2: Do your homework first
If you’re travelling with carry-on luggage only, it’s likely you’re a budget traveller, travelling with budget airlines – all of which have their own carry-on luggage rules. For instance, some airlines will allow you to carry 7kg of luggage, others will extend it to 8 or even 10kgs. If you’re travelling on several budget airlines, pack the smallest weight allocation only.
Tip 3: Size matters
Regardless of the permitted weight of carry-on luggage, individual airlines also have their own regulations regarding the dimensions of carry-on luggage. So, once again, do your homework before you leave, and take a carry-on bag that complies with the regulations of the most restrictive airline. Note: while you may possibly be excused for carrying a few more grams in your carry-on than you are technically permitted, it’s unlikely an airline will accept a bag beyond its required dimensions.
Tip 4: Wear it and bear it
When travelling with carry-on luggage only, wear your heaviest pair of shoes and items of clothing, and layer on the latter. You may feel a little uncomfortable while you’re boarding, but as soon as you’re in your seat, you can remove your outer layers and pop them in your bag.
Tip 5: Pocket pack to the rescue
Your carry-on bag may be tightly packed, making it difficult to access items during your flight. So part of the contents of your bag should always be a foldaway carry-bag or day pack – the sort that weighs just a few grams and which takes up only a few centimetres of space (we recommend this 72g 20-litre day pack). Once you’re in your seat, take out your foldable bag and pop into it everything you’ll need for your plane journey. The rest can stay in your pack and go into the overhead locker.
Tip 6: Fill your pockets
When boarding your plane, make sure the clothing you’re wearing has plenty of pockets, and pack them to the max with your heaviest items – because they won’t count toward your luggage allocation. Heavy items may include adaptors, phone and charger, book or digital reader, toiletries, footwear, makeup, shaver, and wallet. Most airlines also won’t object to you wearing a slim waistband-pouch, but to be on the safe side, wear it at the back, and under a shirt or jacket.
Tip 7: Be prepared
Budget airlines are getting ever more restrictive about the amount of carry-on luggage you’re permitted to take free. In some cases, the only free item you’re permitted is an under-seat one, the size of a laptop. However, you can usually purchase, for a reasonable cost, up to 10kg of carry-on. That’s why, if you’re travelling as a couple, carry a very light-weight bag to accommodate a collective 10kg (in the correct dimensions) of your combined luggage. The rest can go under your seats.
Tip 8: Blister-packs be gone
Many medications come in bulky blister packs. Where it’s safe to do so (check this with your GP and pharmacist), remove medication from its blister packs and store it, along with the original instructions it came with, in a small, airtight container. Label the container using the original label. This will reduce the bulk. Note: if you have any concerns you may be questioned, by border authorities, about the origin or nature of medication not in its original packaging, don’t take the risk!
Paring down your carry-on luggage and finding inventive ways to reduce its dimensions, can become addictive! Enjoy the challenge, and reap the rewards!