Why do it?
“Freedom,” says Wanderlust’s editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes, who co-founded this magazine after returning from a trip around South America with just hand luggage. “You are more mobile with one piece of luggage,” she advises, “and it allows you to focus more on the reason you’re travelling: the experience.”
It also ensures there’s no need to hang around the baggage carousel when you arrive, meaning you can start your trip faster. It’s safer, too, allowing you to keep your bags close when travelling on public transport, like buses, while others have to stow their’s underneath or at the front.
“Carrying just hand luggage makes it simpler to travel from place to place,” adds Susan Walsh, author of Pack Light! Start You Solo Adventure Right. “Heavy hold luggage weighs you down. Managing just one bag saves your body a lot of strain.”
How many clothes do you really need?
While you can never be completely sure of the weather or the situations you might find yourself in, many people overcompensate to avoid being left short. But you don’t have to. “You only really need one change of clothing,” says Lyn. “Throw in a warm and squashable top, such as a hoody, and a spare pair of underwear and socks, so, if some become wet, you have a dry pair waiting.”
You can also likely source a launderette in most places you go, but whenever that isn’t possible, either pack or buy laundry soap, so you can take advantage of your hotel room’s sink when necessary. But it’s not all about limiting how much clothing you bring.
“Versatility is key,” explains Hitha Palepu, author of How To Pack. “Pack clothes you can wear in multiple situations, whether for day-to-day travel or going out for an evening.”
Footwear is also key. You only really need two pairs of shoes: walking shoes and sandals/flip flops (three if you have smarter evening activities). To save valuable room in your bag, wear the chunkiest shoes on the flight and ensure your remaining footwear takes up minimal space.
Read more > How to master the art of travelling with hand luggage only
