Packing for a trip always feels like a dance between art and science – and attempting to pack light complicates things even further. As a travel journalist, I often find myself on the road several times a month – sometimes for weeks at a time navigating various modes of transportation. This means being self-sufficient with my luggage is key. I also don’t want to be concerned about lost luggage when I travel, so I opt to go carry-on only whenever I can. My mantra while packing for any trip, whether it’s a domestic weekend getaway or a weeklong international adventure, is that every piece of gear has to be multi-functional to maximise space. Below, my tried-and-true tips for travelling light with only a carry-on.
Our best tips for packing light
Choose the right luggage
A key consideration for any trip is choosing the right suitcase to fit all your essentials without weighing you down. If you’re avoiding checked luggage, you want it to be lightweight yet roomy – expandable options are always helpful. My go-to is the Monos Carry-On Plus, a 3.5kg hard-shell suitcase sized to fit in overhead bins. The wheels have a 360-spin, making it a breeze to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and the side handle makes it easy to lift into the locker and in a rental car. The padded front compartment fits my 15-inch laptop, a scarf, and a book easily. The case comes with an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags that further help with packing and organisation.
Another smart lightweight luggage option is the Cotopaxi Allpa Roller Bag. The hybrid look of a hardcover back and adjustable softcover front brings the right amount of support and expandability of a traditional carry-on suitcase. It only has two wheels but when I saw how easily the bag moved on different surfaces, I was hooked. Cotopaxi’s fun and vibrant colours also make these suitcases easily identifiable among a sea of like-looking bags at the airport.
Next up: choosing a functional personal item. I paired my suitcase with the Chelsea Backpack from Antler (read our full review). As a professional photographer, I always travel with my gear and I find the Chelsea is spacious enough to pack my camera, an extra lens, and in-flight essentials: snacks, my portable phone charger, and my insulated water bottle. It even has a zipped, padded laptop area with a separate slip pocket for a tablet. The backpack’s trolley sleeve is a lifesaver, slipping onto my rolling suitcase and allowing me to keep one hand free. And I always pack my Roka Borough Shopper Tote Bag as an extra bag (for souvenirs or as a daypack for a quick hike). It folds down into a small pouch, making it both packable and functional.
