If you’ve travelled in the past two years, you’d know that lost luggage is an all too real possibility. For many, the trauma of a lost bag has offered food for thought, so much so that we are witnessing a redirection towards a more ‘minimalist mindset’ – and a resurgence of the ‘carry-on only’ travel trend.
What to expect when travelling ‘carry-on only’
Let’s be honest: embracing the ‘carry-on only’ philosophy is a smart travel decision. For some, it’s liberating. However, If you’re a ‘first-timer’, there are a few things you can expect and should consider before opting to travel with just a carry-on.
Expect to wait less. Travelling with just a carry-on means you can bypass the queues at baggage check-in and luggage carousels, transforming your Airport Passenger Experience (PAX) to becoming highly streamlined.
Carry-on travel is, of course, not a total hack to the PAX, and you should expect that you’ll spend longer at mandatory security checkpoints, given all your belongings are on your person and your bags will be considerably larger than most.
The trick is to be organised – packing cubes will become your best friend, and as long as you have stayed in accordance with the general guidelines, there should be minimal fuss.
This does, however, mean that the responsibility of your luggage making it to your destination lies entirely with you. Be organised and stay alert to avoid any mishaps.
Expect an easier holiday experience as you remove the physical strains of managing heavy luggage. You will allow yourself more freedom to explore and an increased efficiency getting from point A to point B; as you navigate bustling airports, foreign train terminals, bus interchanges and ferry ports.
Expect to compromise. Choosing to travel ‘carry-on only’ demands additional planning and a highly stringent approach to packing (particularly concerning toiletries, fluids and clothing); what do you need, and what’s getting cut? It also means that once you reach your destination, you’ll have fewer available clean clothes, and you can expect you’ll be taking some extra trips to the local laundromat.
Pro tips for ‘Carry-on only’
‘Carry-on-only’ Travel, by design, should be simple. And when done well, it is! But that doesn’t mean you can hurriedly stuff your bag and expect your experience to go swimmingly. Here are some pro tips for mastering this form of travel:
Soap Bars
These are a genius hack to their liquid counterparts, as they serve exactly the same purpose but won’t raise any security alarm bells (remember, 100ml rule). Easy to contain, no spills, and you’re still holding onto those personal comforts, for which you shouldn’t need to compromise on.
Wear your heaviest clothing on route
It might sound (and even look) a little silly, but wearing your heaviest clothing items on your flight is a great way to avoid going over your carry-on limit. It’s important to remember that everything you pack ahead of time should be done within the remit of ‘Smart Travelwear’. Prioritise items that are versatile and multifunctional.
Portable chargers and powerbanks
Ensuring your multipurpose tech items are available for when you need them certifies a smooth travel experience – and, more importantly, a safe one. Today’s portable chargers and power banks deliver on the name – they’re ‘powerful’, built to suit multiple devices and ensure your gadgets last the long haul. Keep these close; and, remember to charge them.
Get a durable and flexible Luggage Piece
Carry-on luggage can take multiple forms, each designed to serve a different purpose (and destination).
But, you must always ensure that the dimensions (both size and weight) of your luggage piece meet the carry-on allowances if flying. Budget Airlines have the strictest baggage regulations and requirements, so these are a great point of reference. While you are entitled to overhead storage during flights – these aren’t always guaranteed. If you get caught in the rat race, you want to have the assurance that, in the worst case, your luggage can fit comfortably stowed beneath your seat.
Think about the destination. Where are you going to, what is your itinerary? Carry-on luggage that is equally functional and durable means a ‘stress less’ experience.
If you’re taking a short, domestic trip – or perhaps heading for a relaxing weekend getaway, the latest Fjällräven; Kånken Weekender is a must.
The beauty and utility of bags like the Kånken Weekender lie not only in their generous capacity but also in their versatility as a carry-on. You can wear it your way from point A to point B – either as a comfortable backpack, a chic crossbody bag, or a classic hand-carry using sturdy handles. Whichever style suits your journey, Fjällräven products always manage to adapt effortlessly.
If you’re travelling or backpacking for long periods, you want to be looking at hike packs around the 35L mark. Keep an eye on specs, but generally speaking, anything bigger than this is unlikely to fit. There are a plethora of hike packs available, and we always recommend trying them on and testing them out first. You’ll be surprised to know that some will be more comfortable and convenient than others. This is harder to assess online, so head in-store for the bigger bags.
Usually, with a carry-on, you still get a personal bag, too. So this is when we like to use something with multiple compartments to ensure things don’t get lost along the way. The perfect example is the famous Känken (or bonus points for being extra sustainable if you’re using the Samlaren Kanken, which is made from leftover fabric scraps).
Choosing to travel ‘Carry-on-only’ is revolutionising how we move about the world. It’s cost-effective, easy to manage, and means you can focus on what it is that you are seeking: adventure, freedom to explore, and maximum relaxation. Be organised, remain stringent and focused while you are packing, and be prepared to invest in a good-quality luggage piece if you wish to experience the benefits of a ‘minimalist travel mindset’ to the fullest.
