Less is enough
Traveling without big suitcases has become increasingly popular among child-free travelers. It offers many benefits, including saving costs, reducing your carbon footprint, avoiding lost baggage, and enjoying a hassle-free travel experience. This article will explore these benefits and provide tips on traveling with hand luggage. We will also discuss the essential items to pack, including capsule wardrobe outfits, chargers, and underwear.
Saving Costs
Airlines’ Baggage Fees
Airlines charge for checked baggage, and the fees can add up quickly. Some airlines charge per bag, while others charge by weight. The prices can vary depending on the airline and the destination. For example, a budget airline in Europe may charge as much as $50 for a checked bag, while a full-service airline in the United States may charge $30. To avoid these fees, consider traveling without a big suitcase.
Travel Budget
Traveling with hand luggage can save you money on your travel budget. You can avoid the fees for checked baggage and save money on transportation costs. For example, traveling by train or bus, you may be charged extra for large bags. Traveling with nothing but a carry-on can save money and travel more budget-friendly.
Saving the Environment
Carbon Footprint
Checked baggage contributes to carbon emissions. The more luggage a plane carries, the more fuel it needs to burn, and the more carbon emissions it produces. By traveling lighter, you can reduce your carbon footprint. A study by the International Air Transport Association found that reducing the weight of checked baggage by one kilogram could save up to 3,000 tons of carbon emissions per year.
Sustainable Travel
It aligns with sustainable travel practices. It reduces waste and promotes responsible travel. Many airlines in Southeast Asia have implemented sustainable travel initiatives, such as using eco-friendly materials for their travel bags. You can support these initiatives and promote sustainable travel by traveling with just a small bag instead of massive luggage.
Avoiding Lost Baggage
Statistics on Lost Baggage
Baggage is lost or delayed more often than you may think. According to the SITA Baggage Report, 5.69 bags per thousand passengers were mishandled in 2019. This can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you are traveling for business or have essential items in your checked baggage. By traveling without checked in luggage, you can avoid the baggage carousel and reduce the risk of lost or delayed baggage.
Hassle-Free Travel
It can make travel less stressful. You can avoid the long lines at the baggage drop-off and pick-up, and you don’t have to worry about your luggage being lost or delayed. Hand luggage is also easier to maneuver through the airport, especially if you have a hand luggage trolley or a small suitcase with wheels.
Tips to pack and travel: Essential Items to Pack in your hand luggage
Unless your travelling to the end of the world, I want to reassure you that there are sores available to purchase whatever you forget. However, if you pack these travel musthaves, I promise you’ll be set.
Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
Packing a capsule wardrobe for travel can save you space and time. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that can be used to make many different outfits. For example, you can pack a pair of jeans, a dress, a t-shirt, and a sweater and create multiple outfits from these items. This can help you pack light and have enough outfits for your trip.
Don’t forget Clothing for Cold Weather.
If traveling to a cold destination, pack clothing in your luggage for cold weather. This includes a warm coat, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. You can also pack a thermal blanket and a pair of warm socks to stay cozy during your journey. Packing these items will ensure you stay warm and comfortable during your trip.
Chargers and Electronics
Packing chargers and electronics in your carry-on is essential, especially if you are traveling for business or need to stay connected. Pack a portable charger to ensure your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
Underwear and Toiletries
Packing underwear and toiletries is essential, especially if your checked baggage is lost or delayed. Pack enough underwear and toiletries for your trip, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and other basic toiletries. Try to avoid liquids and go for soap bars and other dense materials. And don’t forget to pack at least one towel. You can also use packing cubes to organize your items and save space in your hand luggage.
Don’t forget these are not allowed: razors, scissors, .. anything sharp.
Snacks
Packing snacks can help you save money and stay energized during your trip. Pack snacks that are easy to carry and won’t spoil during your journey, such as nuts, dried fruit, and energy bars. Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your travels. You can even fill your water bottle at many airports—a great budget tip to avoid buying overly expensive water bottles.
So, why again?
Traveling light offers many benefits, including saving costs, reducing your carbon footprint, avoiding lost baggage, and enjoying a hassle-free travel experience. You can travel stress-free by packing essentials such as capsule wardrobe outfits, chargers, and underwear. We encourage you to try traveling with a carry-on on your next trip and experience the benefits. Need more traveltips? Check them out here.