Travelling with only a carry-on bag saves time at the airport, avoids lost luggage and makes moving between destinations much easier. It can seem impossible at first, but with a little planning, a week’s worth of clothes fits comfortably into a small bag.
Build around a colour palette
Choose two or three base colours that work together, such as navy, grey and white. When every item matches everything else, a handful of pieces can create many different outfits. One or two accent pieces, like a scarf or a bright shirt, add variety without taking up much space.
Pack for five days, not seven
Most accommodation offers laundry facilities, or you can wash a few items in the sink. Packing for five days and doing one quick wash halfway through dramatically reduces what you need to carry.
Wear your bulkiest items
Jackets, jumpers and heavier shoes take up a lot of room. Wear them on the plane instead of packing them. It might feel a little warm during boarding, but it frees up valuable space in your bag.
Roll, do not fold
Rolling clothes tends to save space and can reduce creasing for many fabrics. Packing cubes are also worth considering, as they keep items organised and compress clothing further.
Limit your shoes
Shoes are the biggest space wasters in any bag. Aim for two pairs at most, one comfortable pair for walking and one that works for evenings. Choose styles that match most of your outfits.
Decant your toiletries
Check the liquid limits for your airline and destination, then transfer toiletries into small travel bottles. Many basics can be bought on arrival if needed.
Once you have travelled light, it is hard to go back. The freedom of walking straight past the baggage carousel is well worth the effort.
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