‘I travelled around the world for 22 days with carry-on only’

Like most working Australians, I get only a few weeks of holiday each year, so whenever I travel I’m often thinking of ways to maximise the stamps in my passport. This year I decided to take my first round-the-world trip with twelve stops in just 22 days – ditching the excess baggage for carry-on luggage only.

Whilst initially daunting, there are many benefits if you shed the extra kilos. First of all, it’s cheaper since most discount airlines now charge for checked baggage. And it’s also quicker to check-in and out of the airport since you’ll no longer need to bag-drop or wait for your suitcase to appear on the carousel. With limited luggage, you’ll have the added freedoms to move about crowded airports, manoeuvre through transport options and find it easier to check-in and out of hotels. You’ll also have an excuse not to buy souvenirs – use this as an opportunity to rid your house of dust-collecting trinkets.

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As it turns out, being a global traveller with carry-on only wasn’t an original idea – and for anyone looking to take on the challenge in a serious way, books like The Carry-On Traveller by Erin McNeaney (which I ironically learnt about during the round-the-world trip) can provide a comprehensive guide with all the tips, tricks and even lists of what to pack for both men and women.

For anyone looking to get started right away, here are my seven tips to travelling with carry-on only.

1. Buy purpose-made travel goods

An ultra-light durable case is a must, as they’re designed to maximise every centimetre of space. Compliment this with travel-sized Space Bags – they help keep you organised, and allow you to fit more in your case.

2. Cut out necessary bulk

Think about getting an inflatable travel pillow or buying the e-book edition of Lonely Planet or the latest New York Times bestseller for your holiday (the Kindle app is available on most smart devices). Also, beware of sun hats – they don’t travel well – so you’ll be wearing it on the plane or ruining a perfectly good hat.

3. Go travel-sized tech

You shouldn’t just reduce your liquids and gels, leave any bulky electronics at home, such as those large noise-cancelling headphones with their own case, full-sized laptops and the SLR with all the lenses.

4. Pack versatile outfits

Take clothes that work together in different combinations – ensuring that you have at least one semi-fancy outfit for venues with a dress-code. Shoes are space killers…so choose wisely.

5. For longer trips, plan to do laundry

Laundry services are available everywhere. Even better, you can often send it out for someone else to wash and neatly fold your clothes so they’re case-ready.

6. Don’t take stuff that’s available at your accommodation

Hotels come with toiletries and hair-dryers, so use them and don’t bring your own! They’ll also loan you umbrellas, bags and other such day-items, and most specialised equipment can be rented. And for god’s sake, do not bring your own pillow (this applies to all travel!).

7. Most things can be bought at your destination

Refrain from taking any ‘just in case’ items. Unless it’s highly specialised (e.g. medications), you will most likely be able to buy it from any major destination – especially if you’re staying in a resort.

Carry-on only isn’t for everyone or every trip, but there’s much to be gained by lightening your load. So I challenge you – get more out of your next vacation, and travel with less.

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