Traveling with only a carry-on is my number one travel rule whether I’m traveling for work or for pleasure! I’ve been doing it for over a decade at this point so I’m basically a pro… Just looking at the amount of time and money it has saved me over the years is the reason I feel the need to share because it is one of those tricks that make my life easier.
I cannot tell you enough times how important it is to NOT rely on an airline to keep your belongings safe and untouched but I’ve also heard so many horror stories of arriving at your destination BAG-LESS. Stories like arriving at a conference with only your comfy flight clothes and arriving to your romantic getaway without any of your bikinis! Here is why you should travel with only a carry-on –
MONEY MONEY $$
Nowadays checking in a bag will cost AT LEAST $25 one way. Between you and your travel partner, to AND from your destination… that’s $100+ to check in a bag with probably more items than you actually need! That could easily be spent on a meal and personally, I’d rather have a yummy meal.
Peace of mind
This tip is GOLD, especially on layovers! I know I get separation anxiety when I have to leave my bag. You’ll always know exactly where your carry-on is and if you’re short on time for your connecting flight you can relax knowing it will be on the same flight. You’ll also have the flexibility of taking another route if the option arises.
Time
You all know I’m always trying to save time! If you didn’t check in a bag, you are able to grab your carry-on and start to enjoy your day once your flight lands. No need to spend extra time at the carousel anxiously awaiting to find your carry-on (if it even comes!!). Not enough people carry on so you beat all the lines – (ladies…) bathroom lines, taxi lines, customs line, etc.
Weight
Europe especially isn’t the easiest to travel around with a lot of bags. Rome is known for its beautiful cobblestone paths and many many stairs. Venice is a walking only city. Sometimes you find yourself walking a distance to get to where you’re going and weight is such an important aspect of that. Imagine if you’re traveling to more than one destination OR if you’re traveling during the hot summer or “holiday”. You do not want to be stuck hauling extra heavy baggage.
Plus, you’ll be so much more mobile with just a carry-on. There have been multiple times I’ve been too tight on time and I’m RUNNING full speed to jump on the last train and multiple times my AirBNB didn’t have an elevator. Make sure you can carry your own carry-on for a long distance (or have someone that can carry for you 😉 ).
Simplicity
You’ll quickly learn that packing exactly what you need will simplify your life and trust me it will take some time getting used to it. The first few times you pack only a carry-on, I’m sure you’ll get FOMO (fear of missing out) and feel like you’ve left so much behind. But when you don’t have extra clothes and items, you’re not spending extra time in the mornings figuring out what to wear and you will REALLY be able to maximize that extra time you have on your trip! Worst case if you leave something behind… SHOP! 🙂
NEXT – HOW do you PACK only a carry-on? Click HERE to read!
I loved your post! I think it’s so true that traveling with just a carry-on makes life so much easier!
My family and I have been carry on only travelers for years. There’s only been a few trips where we’ve had to check in a bag. Great post! Loved the photos!
Love this! I really hate having to pack a bag, I worry it will get lost or stolen and I always have to make sure I pack it the right way to avoid damages. I am going to check out your other post on how to pack a carry-on!
Such great reasons to use only a carry on. Sometimes I even opt for just a backpack. It feels so much more free the lighter you pack.
Hey there! I just found your blog and I absolutely love it! I was wondering if you could do a post about your clothing essentials when you travel? Thanks!
Absolutely! I’ll add it to my list. Thanks so much for the suggestion. Make sure you subscribe so you’ll get the post directly in your inbox when I create it!
I have learned over the years to travel light and you hit all the reasons why we should! Definitely number one, you can buy more to bring more back home (without having to ship it back)! 😀 Thanks for sharing!
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you ought to publish more about this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people dont speak about such issues. To the next! Many thanks!!