Hand luggage allowances on flights can be pretty limited these days, especially on such budget airlines as Ryanair and easyJet. It’s important to really streamline the packing process to make sure you only take the essentials and pack wisely. Holidaymakers also need to think carefully about what they pack their belongings in. Many people might simply choose a small suitcase to carry their hand luggage in.
However, opting for a suitcase as hand luggage could be making life more difficult for you.
Kai Feller is the co-founder of online local services marketplace Bark.com which launched a professional holiday packing service this summer.
Feller’s top tip for packing hand luggage is to go for a backpack as your baggage of choice.
“I always pack light whenever I travel – it can be a real pain to lug a heavy suitcase around, especially when you’re in a hurry,” he told Express.co.uk.
“My top tip when travelling with hand luggage is to take a backpack, rather than a suitcase on wheels.
“You can avoid lugging an awkward case up and down the stairs, and it makes everything much quicker and more efficient.”
The size of a rucksack is also less likely to be noticed by airline staff at the gates and they can be more easily squashed into baggage sizers should its measurements be queried.
If you really do prefer travelling with a suitcase, however, make sure it is ultra-lightweight so it’s easier to carry and will allow you to pack more.
Before you even begin packing, however, Feller recommends starting by creating a thorough checklist and ticking each item off as you pack.
It’s also worth using vacuum compression bags – save space and avoid creasing by rolling clothes and placing them in the bags.
“If you’re looking to travel light and avoid baggage fees,” advises Feller, “pack a capsule wardrobe into your carry on.
“Choose a limited collection of colours and styles that work together for any situation and layer your outfits.”
There are items you can do without though – and getting rid of any unnecessary extras is key.
“Lose your ‘just in case’ items – if you can buy it while you’re away, it doesn’t need to go in your bag,” said Feller.
Large tubs and bottles of toiletries should be avoided as they can take up lots of space.
“Swap bulky shampoo bottles and tubs of moisturiser in favour of travel minis or scrap them altogether and buy your cosmetics when you reach your destination.”
It’s not always necessary to splurge on expensive miniatures, though, you can fashion your own.
“Instead of buying travel-size toiletries, use smaller 10ml, 25ml or 50ml containers and decant the exact amount of product you’ll need for your trip,” said car rental website Alamo.
“This is particularly useful for makeup products such as foundation or concealer. You definitely won’t need full sizes for the average vacation.”
