Packing it all in - travelling without checking in luggage.

After my previous post Should I check in luggage?, I have received many feedback that it is impossible to fit everything into a small carry-on bag without having to sacrifice basic needs.

So, can you really travel without checking in any luggage?

Yes, of course you can! You just need to be smart with your packing.

First, a good carry-on bag is key. Most bags sacrifice functionality for style. I have seen many fancy looking bags with compartments for laptops/toiletries, but the reality is that these compartments take up both weight and precious space and the end effect is that you simply cannot pack as much as you ought to be able to.

Bags with hard cases or rounded edges may look good but are not the most practical bags around. What you want is a bag with a big cavernous space, soft case with ample space. These are my two favourite carry-on bags. In addition, I always carry a fold-up bag which transforms into a big bag if I need to extra luggage space. This gives me the option to check in this bag on my return trip if need be. It is less troublesome to deal with delayed luggage when you are in your home country rather than in your vacation destination.

An empty cavernous space to help you pack it all in

Ward off the temptation to pack everything you think you can carry! Seriously, you probably will not be reading much of that latest John Grisham’s novel on your vacation. A good magazine and one good guide book is enough. Alternatively, you can just photocopy essential pages out of your guide book for reference. Minimise the electronics you bring as well. A small netbook is perfect for accessing your emails and checking quick information. The true road warrior would be able to leave his netbook at home and work from his smartphone.

With the liquid restriction that TSA has imposed, you do not have to give up your skin care regime or bath without soap just because you hand-carry your luggage. I have taken to packing solid shampoo and soap bars when I travel. Contrary to popular belief, soap bars are not drying for the skin. There are many good brands of soap and shampoo bars that contain shea butter and do not dry out your skin.

You will be surprised to learn that there is a huge range of soaps, shampoos conditioners and even facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer in solid form is available. Lush and Burt’s Bee are a few of the more popular brands. Switching to bar saves you space, weight and most importantly, a small bar of soap lasts an incredibly long time.

My Solid Shampoo and Bath Soap

I understand that many ladies have a particular beauty regime and have to adhere strictly by it. This does not mean that you have to carry the full-size bottle of your facial product all over the world. Most leading cosmetic brands have travel friendly sizes. Also, ask your beautician for sample packs and you might be surprise at how freely they give them out sometimes. Facial sheet masks are also a good way to perk up a travel-weary face. There is no point carrying creams n liquids worth of facial product only to have your luggage lost – you won’t be able to use them anyway!

My stash of sample packs

Next, clothes. Multiple purpose is key. Pack clothes that are versatile and don’t wrinkle. Pants that can be transform into shorts, shirts that you can wear in both formal and casual places. Clothes that are lightweight and dry quickly are great. Pack clothes of neutral colours to maximize your wardrobe options. Personally, I love the Royal Robbin range of clothes. They are functional and look good.

Packing clothes into your luggage is a science in itself. Folding your clothes and stacking them on top of each other is not the most efficient way to pack. Rolling your clothes saves you a lot of space but also increases creases. I have read with much interest from Judith Gilford’s book that bundling is the new way to pack these days. I have yet to try the bundling technique myself but you can learn more about it here.

Remember, it is possible to travel without checking in any luggage.

Your Travel Beacon,
Cindy