Budget Travel: Carry-On Only

Note: the following is not intended as professional travel advice. Always do your own research to stay up-to-date.

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 this, the third article in our Budget Travel series, we’ll be introducing you to the savings you can make when you travel with carry-on-only luggage. Once you realise how this can dramatically cut costs, you may want to quit your check-in case forever! Read on.

Cha-ching

Budget airlines are budget for a reason – and the number one reason is they won’t carry your check-in luggage unless you pay them a hefty supplement. On international flights, that supplement varies between airlines, and can be anything from $150 to a whopping $250 per flight leg for a 20kg bag. Multiply it by 4 (or more, by the time you take shorter hauls where check-in luggage can be just as costly) and you can soon see why travelling with carry-on-only cuts your costs.

But wait – there’s more you need to know! You may be booking with budget airlines, and you may be opting for carry-on-only, but ‘carry-on’ can mean different things to different providers. When travelling with carry-on luggage only, always check just what weight and dimensions are permitted, because each airline has its own rules. Weights can vary from 4-10kg of carry-on, while dimensions usually take into consideration the size of the overhead lockers in which they’ll be stored (and this can vary between aircraft). What’s more, some super-budget airlines (though they are few in number) even charge for carry-on, permitting only one or two free items such as a handbag or a small item that will fit under a seat. Carry-on-only is a genuine saver – as long as you read the fine print before you book.

Skip the taxi

As soon as you step out of the airport, you’re at the mercy of public transport providers. And let’s face it, busy, laden buses are not a happy place for those hauling 25kg behind them, or wearing it on their back. Which is why the first thing laden travellers do when they need to get from A to B is hail a taxi or an Uber. Travelling light, with just a 7kg back pack, enables you to board the cheapest transport with ease. Whether it’s a motorised tuk-tuk, a bus, or an Uber motor scooter, the world is your oyster! 

Lock and leave – at a price

‘Left luggage’ comes at a price. When check-out comes around and you still have a whole day to go sight-seeing before you catch your next ride, you’ll need to leave that hefty travel bag somewhere. Whether it’s at a railway station or a bus stop, left luggage lockers are pricey – and you’ll pay according to the size of your luggage. With a day pack, you can choose the smallest locker available, share a locker with fellow carry-on-only companions, or just carry your bag with you. Hey presto, another saving is made!

Lost luggage

There’s little more gloomy when travelling, than watching the luggage carousel and discovering your checked-in bag isn’t on it! You waste precious time hunting it down, and precious savings purchasing replacement items (because travel insurance doesn’t always cut-in when you need it most! In fact, some travel insurance will only pay out when you and your luggage have been separated for a specified time). With check-in-only luggage, you can wave goodbye to the baggage carousel, and head out the door of the airport with all your belongings on your back!

Easy-peasie packing!

Pack a suitcase, and you’ll seldom come home with all your belongings – for the simple reason there’s too many to keep track of! When you travel with carry-on-only luggage, every item takes on a significance of its own. You value what you have, appreciate its versatility and usefulness, and never lose track of it. What’s more, you pack it in minutes which means you’re first out of your accommodation in the morning, and first to reach sights and attractions. All of which gives you the best value for your entry fee.

If carry-on-only luggage is starting to appeal to you, watch out for our next budget travel article, when we learn tips and tricks for making your carry-on-only luggage allocation go further!