Carry-on only: how to travel without paying baggage fees

A.S.Adventure employee Yahti regularly heads off on city breaks with nothing but a backpack. “Packing my backpack is like playing a game of Tetris. I challenge myself to take as little as possible while making the very best use of every inch of space in my backpack. Two weeks before I leave, I start gathering everything on my packing list. Then I rearrange and repack until everything fits perfectly.”

“Travelling with carry-on luggage only isn’t just a smart choice, it also makes your trip far more relaxing. You’ll avoid stress, save time and enjoy more freedom while you're away. “It may take a little extra planning, but the benefits are more than worth it.”

•    More affordable: “You won’t be charged extra fees for checked baggage. You'll notice the difference in your wallet straight away, especially when flying with low-cost airlines where every kilogram comes at a price.”

•    Faster: “There's no need to check in at the desk and, once you've landed, you leave the airport immediately. No waiting at the baggage carousel, no wasted time.”

•    More reliable: “There's no risk of your suitcase ending up in the wrong country. Everything you need stays within easy reach.”

•    More comfortable: “No dragging heavy suitcases up flights of stairs, over cobbled streets or through narrow hotel corridors. A well-chosen backpack is comfortable to carry, even while exploring a city on foot.”

“Packing efficiently is the key to travelling comfortably with carry-on luggage only. These tips will help you make the most of the space in your backpack without compromising on comfort or style.”

“Your backpack is your most important travel companion, so choose one that's both sturdy and lightweight. A 25 to 40-litre model is usually ideal as carry-on luggage and forces you to take only the essentials. Look for a practical layout and good ergonomics, such as adjustable shoulder straps and, if needed, a hip belt.”

“Choose clothing that's easy to mix and match. For example, a pair of leggings that you can wear during the day for a walk, and in the evening with a different top or jumper. The more versatile your outfit, the less you'll need to pack.”

“Got warm or bulky clothing? Wear it. Putting on your thickest fleece, jacket or jeans for the flight frees up valuable space in your backpack. Extra layers can be tied around your waist or carried over your arm – perfect for chilly airports and air conditioning on board.”

“Shoes take up a lot of space, so stick to just two pairs. Wear your bulkiest pair – usually trainers or hiking shoes – while travelling. A lightweight pair of sandals or flip-flops tucked into a side pocket of your backpack is all you need as a second option. Avoid wearing open-toed shoes on the plane, as cabins can often feel quite cool.”

“A small bottle of laundry detergent – such as Sea to Summit’s Multiwash – makes it easy to do a quick hand wash while you're away. That means you can pack less clothing. Choose quick-drying fabrics and wash your clothes in the evening so they're fresh and ready to wear again by morning.”

“Stuffing everything into a backpack can leave your clothing looking a little creased. A compact wrinkle-release spray quickly freshens up your outfits and smooths out wrinkles, so you'll always look your best. Perfect for those holiday photos!”

“Packing cubes make it easy to stay organised while making the most of every bit of space. Use larger cubes for trousers, dresses and jumpers, and smaller ones for underwear, socks and electronics.”

“A tote bag weighs next to nothing and always comes in handy. Use it as a beach bag, shopping bag or laundry bag for dirty clothes. It’s also perfect for short outings when you’d rather leave your backpack behind.”

“Flip-flops, a cap or even your water bottle can be clipped to the outside of your backpack with a carabiner. This saves space inside your bag while keeping essential items within easy reach. Useful in warm weather or on active adventures.”

“Store all your liquids – such as toothpaste, shampoo and sunscreen – in a clear pouch at the top of your bag. That way, you won’t have to rummage through your luggage at airport security. Choose travel-sized containers of no more than 100 ml. Small, refillable bottles are ideal for bringing your favourite shampoo, body wash or lotion. Label them clearly to avoid any confusion.”

“Place the items you’ll want during your journey – such as a sleep mask, sunglasses, a book or earplugs – in a separate compartment. That way, you won’t need to unzip your backpack every time you need something.”

“A compact bum bag is ideal for your passport, phone, wallet and boarding pass. Everything stays easily accessible, even when passing through airport security. Leave a little space in your backpack so you can stow your bum bag inside if you’re only allowed one carry-on.”