Packing is one of those things that seems like a simple, last-minute task before you leave for your vacation or trip, but it’s so much more than that. How you pack can make your trip go by like a breeze, or it can end up an expensive, stressful mess. Most people would prefer the former option.

Packing right can even save you money on your trip. If you’re traveling with carry-on only, you can enjoy a cheaper, less expensive trip. So, how can you minimize your luggage and maximize your enjoyment?

The Benefits of Carry-On Only Travel

Okay, why should you try to travel with carry-on luggage only? First, we have to tackle the big issue, this isn’t possible for everyone. Depending on the kind of trip you’re going on, as well as who you’re going with, you might not be able to completely omit checked luggage. But it’s well worth a try.

Checking luggage costs money. True, if you’re checking a larger bag, you might have to pay extra for your seat, but it’s often much cheaper than if you were checking the luggage. You’re also less likely to have issues with weight, although you do have to check the size of your carry-on with the airline.

As well as saving money on the fare, you potentially save money in damages. Travel insurance does cover issues with checked luggage, but it’s still possible to find that your luggage either doesn’t make it to your destination or that it is damaged somehow. 

You also save a lot of time. Yes, you have to get your carry-on luggage through security, but as long as you follow the guidelines, you should still be able to get on the plane quickly. Even better, disembarking is as simple as walking off the plane and out of the airport, without having to wait around for your bags.

This method of travel encourages you to pack light and pack intelligently.

The Right Bag

One of the best tips to get the most out of your luggage is to use the right bag or suitcase. Not every bag is created equally, and some bags are specially designed for intelligent packing.

Ideally, your bag should keep your luggage safe and secure, while also having plenty of space for what you need. The best bags allow you to organize and compress your luggage. If you have electronic devices like laptops, you should also use a bag that is designed to keep these devices secure and away from everything else.

The right bag can make or break your trip, especially if you end up carrying it throughout your adventure. There’s a significant difference between a rugged and lightweight backpack and a mini-suitcase, and they are better suited for different kinds of trips. So, choose wisely.

Pack the Right Things

Ideally, you don’t want to under or overpack your luggage. Too much luggage weighs you down and takes up valuable space, but too little luggage can mean that you end up buying things on vacation and wasting money anyway.

Create a checklist to make sure you get everything you need and nothing you don’t need.

You should also consider the kinds of clothes you pack, even down to your underwear. You should take clothes suited for the weather and environment you’ll be visiting. You should also think about what kinds of clothes take up the most space. A heavy jumper will take up more space than a few tops and a light jumper, and the latter will keep you just as warm.

Pack Intelligently

Finally, you need to think about your packing technique. Again, some bags and suitcases are designed to help you with this, as they offer options to organize and compress your luggage, pushing as much air out of them as possible.

But it also comes down to some skill on your part.

Simply throwing clothes into a suitcase might save time, but it wastes so much space. A better option is to fold or even roll your clothing as much as possible. Rolling your clothes allows you to push out more air and they take up less space.

The important thing is to take the time you need to roll or fold your clothes as tightly and neatly as possible. Some people even use vacuum sealers to push out more air, allowing you to fit more into your bag.

If you’re smart, you can save money and cut out time, stress, and luggage from your journey.