How to travel with carry-on only

Our guide to travelling with hand luggage only

Packing for a trip overseas can sometimes feel like you’re trying to fit your entire wardrobe into a shoebox, and no suitcase is ever big enough. But it doesn’t have to be this way – by learning how to travel with hand luggage only you can avoid the tight squeeze, the anxious wait by the carousel, and the heavy lug to your accommodation.

Especially with the way travel has changed in the wake of COVID-19, more and more people want to streamline their journey with carry-on luggage only. The trick is to travel with a carry-on suitcase and nothing else. Not only will this make your life easier in transit, it will simplify decisions when you’re on the road.

Here are our packing hacks for how to travel internationally or domestically with only a carry-on.

Advantages of travelling with hand luggage only

No matter where you are headed, knowing what you can carry on a plane will help make travelling much less stressful. After all, when you only have your hand luggage you can take control of your journey and not have to hang around waiting for your checked baggage to roll out.

Here are just a few of the pros of travelling with a carry-on bag:

• Travelling both domestically and especially internationally is cheaper.
  
• It’s a more eco-friendly way to travel.
• Travelling with carry-on only makes it easier to keep your belongings safe.
• It’s less stressful overall.
• Hand luggage only makes it quick and easy to get where you need to be.
• You can pack up and move to your next destination much faster.

7 tips to create the perfect carry-on only packing list

Now that you know the best reasons why you should travel lighter, how do you pack for a trip with only a carry-on bag? Here are seven simple steps to follow.

1. Choose the right luggage

If you are committed to travelling light, you’ll need to ensure you have the right tools for the job. The most important piece of equipment is the right size carry-on luggage. Take the time to research your options and invest in a high-quality material that will last for years.

Also think about the importance of mobility. If you decide to travel with carry-on only, your luggage might end up being quite heavy. Make sure the bag has good, sturdy wheels, an easy-to-unlock handle and is able to navigate a range of surfaces with ease.

2. Decide on your must-have items

Two words will make organising your carry-on only packing list much simpler: bare necessities. In addition to your clothes, that means things like sunnies, chargers and local currency. Unless you plan on going off the grid, it’s also essential you pack an adaptor for any overseas travel. These can be difficult to find once you leave the airport, so make sure you add it to your carry-on luggage.

Next, lay out all the clothes you want to take with you. If the pile looks overwhelming, visualise the activities you’ll be doing on your trip – whether it’s a cruise, hiking trail or urban getaway – then prioritise only what you need and what you can fit in your hand luggage. A good tip when it comes to minimalist packing is to choose items that can mix and match with others.

3. Roll out your clothing

When you are travelling with carry-on only, space is a valuable commodity. Tightly rolling up each item of clothing will help you maximise space while also preventing your clothes from creasing on the way there. Once you’ve rolled up your clothes, try packing in the following order:

• Heaviest items: Place your shoes as a pair on the base of your suitcase, alongside any heavy outerwear.
  
• Thick layers: Add the larger rolled up items like jumpers and jeans.
• Thin layers: Medium rolled items like shirts, skirts and shorts go in now.
• Travel essentials: On the final layer, pack items you might want quick access to on the plane or as soon as you land. Toiletries, chargers and local currency should be easy to grab when you are travelling with hand luggage only.

4. Cut down on toiletries

Most airports won’t allow you to take liquids of more than 100mL when travelling with carry-on only, so your toiletries should be minimalist. You can buy most of your go-to products in travel sizes, or alternatively buy some small refillable bottles and fill these instead.

Alongside the daily essentials in your toiletry bag – deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste – prioritise multipurpose items that you’ll make good use of while travelling with carry-on. For example, argan oil can be used as both a body moisturiser and hair conditioner.

5. Be strategic with footwear

Shoes are often the biggest culprit for taking up space in your carry-on luggage. Always lean towards more comfortable and versatile footwear that you know you can wear day after day without getting blisters. Also think about quantity – two to three pairs should do the trick for a two-week trip.

To maximise on space when you travel with carry-on only, stuff your footwear with socks and other small items – every nook and cranny counts when you are only taking hand luggage.

6. Wear more items on the plane

Layer up wherever possible! Put aside your coats, jackets and boots to wear on the plane. Not only will this free up valuable space when travelling with carry-on luggage only, it will also help keep your bag within the required weight restrictions. If the weather is warm, opt for wearing sneakers over sandals, and choose to wear long-sleeve shirts on the plane if you can. 

7. Read the rules

Many airlines have their own specific rules when it comes to restricted items for what you can carry on a plane, as well as weight limits if you are travelling with hand luggage only.

Do you research beforehand and find out exactly what their rules are for travellers who have carry-on luggage only. It’ll save you lots of stress and also help you figure out what you can and can’t pack.

Now you're ready to travel with carry-on only

You may also want to consider travel insurance to help protect your belongings. Did you know that Medibank travel insurance has options for cover for carry-on luggage and checked bags, as well as personal effects?^* Find out more.

Grab your passport and you’re set to go! Once you’ve mastered the art of packing your hand luggage, you’ll never look back thanks to the added convenience and ease. Travel safe and enjoy strolling past the luggage carousel when you land. Want to explore some popular travel destinations? Read on.