If there’s one thing that directly affects my freedom when traveling, it’s the weight of the suitcase. So, a few years ago I learned to travel with just one hand luggage.
This is advantageous for a few reasons:
I don’t have to pay extra to check my bag, which means I get cheaper flight tickets. If you make domestic flights in Europe, for example, you will see that the trip will be cheaper with the possibility of choosing low-cost airlines.
Also, if you plan to include more than one city or country in your itinerary, imagine being in a comes and goes with lots of bags? Imagine taking the metro, get on the bus, get off again, and pray to don’t be late. If you aren’t lucky, your energies will go away.
Another benefit of traveling with only one cabin bag is that you are not at risk of your bag being lost or ending up in a place quite different from your final destination.
And when you go to historic cities? Don’t think that will be easy to take heavy suitcases along stone streets!
Well, now that you know the main advantages of traveling with a single handbag, here are some tips to be able to organize yours without suffering:
1 – Calculate clothes for a week
Regardless of how long your trip will be, take clothes for a week. If your adventure lasts longer, it is very likely that you will find ways to wash clothes. Most hostels and hotels around the world offer laundry service or you can find them around the city.
In the worst case, you can do as I did: wash your clothes in the bath or in the bathroom sink. It is not the most comfortable way, but I guarantee it will be worth it. Do the test.
2 – Choose a versatile bag
I love the backpacks because they fit easily into the templates used by airline companies check if your bag fits the stipulated measures for hand luggage.
Precisely because they are malleable, backpacks are easy to take with you on trains, buses, or flight cabins.
Make sure it has compartments to help you share clean and dirty clothes, electronic devices, medicines, and everything else you need.
3 – Don’t forget the essential
Most people think it’s difficult to pack a compact suitcase because they are always wondering what they might need in the middle of the trip.
This is certainly your brain sabotaging you, looking for the over security that is not needed during the trip.
4 – Be aware of the city’s climate and culture
Of course, it is not possible to predict all the climatic variations that will happen in a city while you are passing through it. But it is possible to have an idea of what awaits you, especially if you go to places where the seasons are well defined.
It means there is no reason to take coats for a trip to visit beaches cities in Brazil, nor why to take bikinis for the Polish winter.
But pen attention to your schedule. In Hungary, for example, there are thermal pools that work even in winter. Here is a winter trip for which you may need a bikini.
5 – Bet on the accessories
Although this seems like a fashion tip, in fact, the idea here is to show you practicality when thinking about the suitcase.
Scarves, glasses, bracelets, and necklaces are lightweight, do not take up space, and can completely change the style of an outfit. Something that goes for men and women.
Then try to assemble a suitcase with clothes matching other clothes. And, when in doubt, leave the highlight of the look for a nice accessory. You will look beautiful in the photo and will still come back healthy because you have not carried 300kg of luggage on your back.