Travelling light is something of an art of living. No more overstuffed suitcases, luggage that weighs a ton and the anxiety of getting lost at the airport. But is it really possible to travel with just one carry-on bag? The answer is yes!
To avoid taking too much or too little, here are some simple and practical tips for choosing, organizing and optimizing your cabin baggage.
Check airline rules
Before you even start packing, it’s crucial to know the airline’s rules. Each airline has its own restrictions on the size and weight of cabin baggage.
- Standard dimensions: In general, airlines allow carry-on baggage measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm. However, low-cost airlines (such as Ryanair and Wizz Air) may impose smaller sizes, especially for low-cost tickets.
- Authorized weight: The weight varies between 7 and 10 kg depending on the airline, but some airlines, in Asia for example, limit the weight to 5 kg. So it’s essential to weigh your bag before checking in!
- Extra bag: Some airlines allow a small extra bag (handbag, backpack). Check this rule to optimize your space.
➜ Tip: If you’re close to the weight or height limit, use a multi-pocket jacket or XXL fanny pack to carry small items like a charger or passport.
Choosing the right cabin baggage
Travelling with cabin baggage only means choosing the right type of bag or suitcase for your needs.
Rigid suitcase: Ideal for urban or business travel, this protects fragile objects. Its rigid structure guarantees orderly storage, but it may be less flexible if overloaded.
Soft backpack: Perfect for road trips and itinerant travel. Flexible and easy to compress, it offers greater comfort for long days of transport, especially when walking long distances.
Expandable luggage: Expandable backpacks and suitcases allow you to adjust their capacity according to your needs. For example, a backpack can start at 20-25L and expand to 40-45L, while an expandable suitcase can start at 30-35L and reach 45-55L when opened. An excellent option if you plan to add extra items, such as shoes or a laptop.
Important criteria for choosing luggage :
- Lightness: Opt for lightweight luggage to avoid wasting the weight allowance.
- Convenient opening: an easy-to-open system allows you to retrieve your belongings quickly.
- Compressible format: Ideal for adjusting the size of your luggage to suit your needs.
➜ Tip: Choose a model with several outside pockets to keep essentials close at hand, such as your passport or a charger.
Stick to the essentials
One of the biggest pitfalls of packing is trying to pack too much. To travel light and avoid clutter, focus on the essentials.
Clothes: the rule of 3
For a multi-day trip, the rule of 3 is a good starting point for limiting clutter while still having the essentials. This translates into:
- 3 tops: opt for versatile T-shirts or shirts that can be layered or worn in different ways.
- 3 bottoms: pants, a skirt and shorts (depending on the season) may be enough to adapt to different contexts.
- 3 pairs of underwear: you can do a quick wash if you need to, or buy some on the spot if you’re short of clean linen.
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton or synthetics, which are easy to wash and dry quickly. This not only makes for lighter travel, but also means you don’t have to worry too much about keeping your belongings clean during the trip.
A practical tip is to carry bulky items of clothing (such as a jacket or hiking boots) to free up space in your cabin baggage.
Optimize your toiletry kit
The toiletry bag is often one of the biggest culprits of clutter. Here’s how to make it more compact:
- Liquids: Limit them to 100 ml containers, and opt for refillable bottles to reduce volume.
- Solid cosmetics: solid shampoo, soap, solid toothpaste… These alternatives are lightweight and environmentally friendly.
- Multifunctional products: A skincare oil can be used as a day cream, make-up remover and moisturizer.
➜ Tip: Prepare a travel-size detergent to reduce the amount of clothes you need to take with you.
Don’t forget the essentials
In addition to clothes and toiletries, there are a few essentials that deserve to be included in your cabin baggage. Here are a few items you shouldn’t forget:
- Universal adapter: A must for charging your devices wherever you are.
- External battery: Perfect for preventing your devices from running out of battery while traveling.
- Foldable bag: Lightweight and practical for transporting purchases or personal belongings without cluttering up your luggage.
By applying these tips and selecting your belongings wisely, you’ll not only be able to travel lighter, but also more serenely, with the assurance of having everything you need and nothing superfluous.
Optimizing space: smart storage
One of the secrets to traveling well with carry-on luggage is knowing how to optimize the space available. Strategic packing can make all the difference in preventing your belongings from being crushed or running out of space. Here are a few practical tips to help you pack efficiently:
- Use storage bags: Storage bags, whether compressible or not, are an ideal solution for maximizing space in your luggage. Compressible models reduce the volume of your clothes by eliminating air, which can save you considerable space. They are particularly useful for bulky garments such as sweaters or jackets. Other, non-compressible storage bags keep your belongings organized without taking up too much space.
- The rolling technique: Rather than folding your clothes, consider rolling them. This method not only avoids wrinkles, but also saves a lot of space. By rolling your T-shirts, pants or dresses, you create small rolls that fit perfectly into the corners of your luggage. What’s more, this method distributes weight more evenly and makes your belongings more accessible, as they won’t shift during transport.
- Prioritize organization: When using storage bags, separate your belongings by category: underwear, seasonal clothing, accessories, etc. This allows you to quickly find what you need without rummaging through everything. This allows you to quickly find what you need without rummaging through everything. Using travel pouches or organizers for your cables, chargers or small items is also a great way to keep things tidy and save time at checkpoints.
By combining storage bags and rolling, you maximize every inch of your luggage while keeping your belongings organized.
Travelling with cabin baggage doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips for choosing the right baggage, organizing your belongings and optimizing space, you’ll be ready to travel light and organized. You’ll see that, when traveling, less is often more!
So, are you ready to take off in complete peace of mind with your optimized cabin baggage?
