It can be done. I am living proof. I won’t lie though, it is not easy, especially when you start off with about 3kgs of camera equipment.
However, if you can make do with less, the rewards can be huge. From not wasting time at bag drop, to skipping the mind-numbing baggage claim process at the airport. Another other big win; never having the worry of losing your baggage! From the airport, you also have the ease of being able to quickly jump on cheaper transport options like local buses and trains while not having to worry about lugging around heavy suitcases.
Get in touch with us for even more tips and tricks to plan and manage your light-weight luggage trip!
1. Make sure your bag is light
I started out with a 2kg wheelie carry on that transformed into a backpack before realising that I was definitely going to need an extra kilo for my toiletries bag. That meant I switched to my trusty/still very cool, classic 22L Herschel Supply Co. backpack. The backpack of choice for every understated millennial hipster.
2. Create a cookie cutter or 'capsule' wardrobe
The limited luggage allowance can really put a damper on the amount of social media worthy outfits that you can pack but that just means you need to think more strategically about said outfits, and plan. Now, most people won’t agree with this strategy, but I decided to implement the cartoon character wardrobe tactic. What is this you ask? It is basically a Simpson’s wardrobe. Five of the same plain white t-shirts and two pairs of blue shorts. No, I am not joking.
3. Bikinis are better than undies
In addition to the five white tees and two sets of shorts, I packed two pairs of bikinis (they are quite small to pack), x1 pair Nike’s for hiking, x1 pair thongs, x1 pair of sandals for going out and toooo many undies. I ended up wearing bikinis most of the time, so if you’re someone who loves being in the water I’d recommend packing more bikinis than undies because you’ll end up living in them, plus, they’re easy enough to wash in the shower.
4. Hotel laundry is your new BFF
In many Asian countries, it can be quite cheap to get your clothing laundered. When packing, I figured that if I needed more clothes that I could buy them cheaply enough, but it turns out that having my hotel wash them was dirt cheap #punintended ;) Otherwise a good old shower scrub would’ve worked out just fine if needed.
5. Only attempt this in summer or warm destinations
It’s important to note that I did the two weeks I'm referring to on 7kgs (technically 7.6kgs) in Bali during summer, meaning that I didn’t have to pack any heavy jeans, bulk layers or thick jacket. This was integral to getting away with such a light backpack.
6. Don’t take shampoo or conditioner
Hotels have plenty of basic toiletries, leave yours at home.
7. Wear your heaviest shoes/jacket onto the plane
For me, these were my Converse high tops which are surprisingly heavy. So wear your bulky and heavy items on your flights, or at least to check in and board your flight, then pop what you don't need into the overhead locker.
Are you ready for your next easy breezy trip with only 7kg carry-on luggage? Check out our DEALS page to find out more about our latest flights, tours & more!
travel tips packing carry on luggage baggage youth adventure
