How to Pack Hand Luggage Only: The Art of Travelling Light
- maxineweavers
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
✈️ How to Pack Hand Luggage Only: The Art of Travelling Light
I was lucky enough recently to go away on a last-minute trip to Spain—in classic last-minute dot com style! But there was a catch: hand baggage only.
My first thought? Help! 😱
I genuinely didn’t think I could do it. But believe it or not, I did—and even surprised myself!
So if you’re facing a trip where you can only bring a carry-on (or you’re just tired of checked baggage fees), here’s exactly how I packed smart and travelled light—without missing anything important.
🧳 1. Choose the Right Bag
The bag you choose makes a huge difference. It needs to meet your airline’s cabin size limits, but still give you enough room to work with.
Look for:
Lightweight, structured cabin bag (soft or hard shell)
Expandable sections if allowed
Multiple compartments
Easy-access outer pockets
A laptop sleeve (if needed)
🎒 Top Tip: Double-check your airline’s carry-on size and weight rules—they do vary!
👕 2. Plan Your Outfits Strategically
The secret to packing light? Pack smart. Choose your favourite colours—the ones you love wearing and that mix and match easily. This way, you can create several outfit combinations from just a few pieces. Think in layers and focus on versatile, wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
If you’re heading somewhere sunny or warm (like I was), you’re in luck—you won’t need bulky items, so you’ll have more space for lighter options. Lightweight dresses are ideal: they roll up beautifully, take up hardly any room, and can easily be dressed up or down. You might even be able to sneak in one or two extra without overfilling your bag!
👚 Pro tip: Roll your clothes to save space and reduce creases. Only pack items you genuinely love and enjoy wearing—they’ll get more use and make outfit planning easier!
🧥 Extra essentials for the plane and cooler evenings:
A denim jacket is perfect—great on the plane and ideal for chilly nights.
A pashmina or wrap is a game-changer: keeps you warm on the flight, works as a travel pillow, and looks beautiful draped over a dress in the evening.
A sarong is an absolute multitasker—great to lie on at the beach, wear as a skirt, or even tie up as a lightweight dress or cover-up.
🧴 3. Keep Toiletries Minimal
Carry-on rules mean all your liquids must be under 100ml and fit into a clear 1-litre bag. I downsized everything or swapped to solids where I could.
My essentials:
Mini shampoo & conditioner
Toothpaste + toothbrush
Deodorant
Moisturiser & SPF
Lip balm
Medication
A few makeup basics (concealer, mascara, lip tint)
💄 Tip: Keep makeup to the basics—you’ll likely need less than you think!
🧼 Hack: Use solid toiletries like shampoo bars, soap, and face cleansers to save space and avoid the liquid limit.
🛍️ Bonus tip: You can always pick up toiletries at the airport after security or buy what you need when you arrive. No need to pack everything “just in case.”
Carry-on rules mean all your liquids must be under 100ml and fit into a clear 1-litre bag. I downsized everything or swapped to solids where I could.
📦 4. Roll, Don’t Fold (And Use Packing Cubes!)
Rolling clothes really does save space—and reduces creasing. I used transparent plastic bags to separate bikinis and underwear, however you can use small packing cubes and slide socks into shoes.
Packing order:
Bottom: shoes + heavy items
Middle: rolled clothes
Top: lighter layers
Side/outer pockets: chargers, documents, snacks
🔌 5. Tech & Travel Essentials Only
Keep electronics and travel items to a minimum—no need to bring your whole home office!
What I brought:
Phone + charger
Power bank
Travel documents (passport, ID, boarding pass)
🪫 Pro tip: Charge all devices before you leave to avoid needing power on the go.
🧥 6. Wear It, Don’t Pack It
Make the most of your outfit on travel day by wearing your layers and bulky items. This is where you save serious suitcase space. Remembering that comfort is key!
I wore my trainers, jumpsuit and my denim jacket on board. I also threw on a pashmina, which doubled as a blanket on the plane.
Top tips:
Wear your bulkiest shoes (like trainers or boots)
Layer up with jackets, cardigans, or hoodies
Use jacket pockets to carry small extras like earbuds or snacks
Pack weather appropriate
💡 7. Bonus Tips That Helped Me
✅ Do a test pack before your trip—repack and adjust as needed.
✅ Leave space for purchases.
✅ Do laundry if you’re away for more than 5 days (I did a quick hand wash).
✅ Use a packing list app like PackPoint or Google Keep to avoid forgetting anything. Or just make an old-fashioned to-do list!
✅ Final Thoughts
Packing hand luggage only isn’t just possible—it’s liberating. No waiting at baggage claim. No lost luggage. No hauling massive suitcases up stairs or cobblestone streets.
It’s one of those things you think will be stressful, but once you try it, you won’t want to go back.
Have a trip coming up? Save this post, or share it with a friend who always overpacks! ✈️💼
Wishing you all a fantastic holiday. 💫✈️👙🛍️😎
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