I’m a notorious over-packer when I have a large luggage allowance…but when I’m restricted to carry on only, I’m pretty great at planning outfits to make the most of the small weight and space. Recently American Tourister got in touch and asked me to test out their very stylish new Wavebreaker cabin case (gifted), which has the most gorgeous velvet detailing, so I thought it was time to put it to the test with my recent trip to Turkey, and tell you all how I travel with just hand-luggage!
My tips and what I pack are what works best for me, obviously you might want to adapt them depending on the type of clothing you tend to pack. Also I only travel with just hand luggage for a weekend or 3 nights maximum, any longer than that and I purchase additional luggage or fly with an airline that gives you free hold baggage.
As well as my suitcase, I also take my small backpack, or if I’m flying Easyjet who don’t allow a second ‘personal’ item, I use this handbag and put it inside my cabin suitcase as it’s so lightweight and folds down to practically nothing. I had the best time in Turkey at Hillside Beach Club, and can’t wait to tell you all about it! But until then, without further ado, here are my top tips for packing hand-luggage only!
As well as my suitcase, I also take my small backpack, or if I’m flying Easyjet who don’t allow a second ‘personal’ item, I use this handbag and put it inside my cabin suitcase as it’s so lightweight and folds down to practically nothing. I had the best time in Turkey at Hillside Beach Club, and can’t wait to tell you all about it! But until then, without further ado, here are my top tips for packing hand-luggage only!
1. Choose a carry-on case that fits within limits
The last thing you want is turning up at the airport only to find your hand-luggage case doesn’t actually fit in the baggage measurer, and being forced to pay to put it in the hold! Thankfully my American Tourister Wavebreaker fits within every airline’s hand-luggage restrictions, measuring in at 55x40x20cm, which includes the handles, wheels, bottom glides, side pockets and other external parts. I’ve included the Wavebreaker as well as similar carry-on suitcases that fit within the guidelines below.
2. Mix and match clothes
I mix and match my clothes a lot when I’m travelling carry on only. I always travel in my black jeans as they’re heavy, and then I can wear them during the day and for nights out to bars and clubs as well. For example by day I might wear black jeans with a t-shirt or jumper, and then by night I can wear them with a cute silky top.
3. Be strict with toiletries
I have *a lot* of toiletries in my bathroom and bedroom, but when I travel I’m really strict with myself about what I take. I just take the bare essentials and then if I ever forget anything or really need something I didn’t bring with me, I just buy it at the airport or destination! Also make sure you don’t pack shampoo, soap, or body wash – every hotel gives them to you for free so why take your own and use up vital space and weight? I do always take my own conditioner though as hotel conditioners are never good enough for my hair type, but I buy it at the airport once I’m past security so it doesn’t count as a restricted liquid!
4. Wear your heaviest clothing on the plane
Always wear your heaviest clothing on the plane. I tend to travel in black jeans, and then wear a plain white t-shirt and light jumper with them on the plane. I also almost always take a coat or light jacket, a scarf, and then I wear trainers or boots depending on the weather and time of year at my destination.
5. Don’t take your laptop
Do you really need your laptop just for 2-3 days? No. The work can wait, put your out of office on and leave it at home and make the most of being somewhere different! If you really have to answer emails, use your phone.
6. Dresses over shorts and skirts
Ladies, always opt for dresses over shorts and skirts as they’re lighter and take up less space. If it’s winter take a good pair of black tights/stockings with you. I find it so much easier to travel with just hand-luggage if I just take lots of light floaty dresses that hardly weigh anything.
7. Don’t pack anything ‘just in case’
I’m always guilty of doing this when I have 30kg to play with, but with just 7kg when I’m travelling hand luggage only, I’m very strict with what I take. Never take anything ‘just in case’. Check the weather forecast for your destination before you travel and plan your outfits in advance.
8. You don’t need to take every camera lens you own
I tend to leave my DSLR at home if I’m only going on a short trip, and instead I have my nifty little Lumix GF8, which is less than half the weight of my wide angle Nikon lens alone!
9. Don’t take your whole make-up collection
You don’t need every item of make-up you own. I stick to the bare minimum; concealer, foundation, pencil eyeliner, liquid eyeliner, my small travel Smashbox eyeshadow palette, mascara, powder, and blusher. Leave the primer, highlighter, Naked palette, and contouring kit behind, you really don’t need them for such a short trip!
10. Choose to pack light clothing and layers
Avoid packing multiple different pairs of jeans, and multiple jackets etc. Stick to a classic and simple ‘capsule’ travel wardrobe so you look stylish but without having to pack loads of heavy clothing.
*This post is not sponsored, but contains a gifted item.
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of SEO at Havas Media Group by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
