If you’re travelling abroad with a hand luggage only, you’re either going away for a few days or you’re using an airline that doesn’t provide free baggage allowance. 

Whether you’re taking a trip that will last a few days or 2 weeks, bringing only a hand luggage can actually save you a lot of time and money. It might seem a little difficult to go away for a few weeks with only a hand luggage, but you just need to know how to properly pack for your trip.

How To Pack A Hand Luggage Only

First of all, check the airlines hand luggage policy to see what you can and can’t bring. Make sure the liquids you take are 100ml or under and avoid bringing sharp objects.

• Use the right hand luggage

Use the biggest possible hand luggage that is light and comfortable to use. Try using a soft case hand luggage as this will give you the opportunity to maximise every given space. 

• Plan your outfits properly

Choose clothes that you can easily pair with other clothes as this will give you more outfits. For example, if you take 3 different tops that can match 3 different jeans, this will give you 9 different outfits already. Also, try to pack only 1 pair of shoes that is appropriate for the weather and matches your outfits.

• Only bring what you need

Don’t forget that wherever you go, you can always wash your clothes. So, avoid bringing an unnecessary amount of underwear or socks. You only really need to bring about 3-4. Even that amount can last months, as long as you keep washing them.

• Wear your heaviest clothing

It’s never a good idea to pack the bulky items when you’re limited on space. Always wear your heavy clothing, whether that’s a jumper or jacket, and just take them off when you need to.

• Roll, don’t fold your clothes

You’ll find that rolling clothes creates more space and also prevents wrinkles and creases. You can also use the KonMari method to pack your hand luggage.

• Keep your items organised

Small pouches or packing cubes are a great way to save space and keep your items organised. You can use the small pouches and smaller packing cubes for wires, gadgets and other necessities. The larger packing cubes are better for clothes, shoes and even dirty clothing.

• Use travel bottles and containers

Since you’re limited to only 100ml or 3.04oz in a hand luggage, you can either purchase travel essentials or make use of travel sized containers and fill them up with essentials you already have.

If you need a reliable laundry service whilst travelling, Laundryheap is available to clean your clothes in some cities in the following locations: UK, Ireland, Netherlands and the UAE.