This post is all about reasons to only use a carry-on and backpack.
Before we start, I’d like to mention that the longest vacation I have ever gone on was about 2 weeks. This may contribute to why I am able to use only a carry-on and a backpack to survive my trips and not run out of space.
Let’s begin.
Are you a traveler that packs with backpacks? Carry-Ons? Bulky checked luggage? Or maybe even all three choices?
I’m here to convince you why a carry-on and a backpack are all you need.
When I go on vacation, I only ever pack a personal backpack and a carry-on.
Why?
Because that is what works for me. But obviously, there is more to it. Below I’ll give you 5 good reasons why a carry-on is all you need.
This post is all about reasons to only use a carry-on and backpack.
Disclaimer
I am not a packing guru. These tips work for me and may not work for you. This post is for informational purposes only and all contents on this site must be used at the reader’s own risk. I cannot guarantee that packing with a carry-on and a backpack is enough for you so do whatever works for you.
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Let’s begin.
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5 Reasons to Only Use a Carry-On + Backpack
1. It’s FREE!
Everyone loves free stuff. I don’t see why bringing on luggage for free wouldn’t be the same. Having a carry-on does that for you!
You also don’t have to worry about making sure you have a sufficient payment method to cover the luggage costs.
Having a checked bag isn’t too expensive but the $30+ that you put towards that checked luggage could’ve been saved and spent on delicious food. You don’t want to be eating on a budget in a foreign country.
Every dollar counts when you’re traveling! You can read about how I saved money for traveling here (Lol, when I post it).
2. You Don’t Have to Stand in Line
With how many people travel in airports every day, it is almost inevitable that there is a line to check your luggage.
You have to wait for people in front of you to get their luggage weighed, paid for, and sent away.
Even after the plane journey, with a carry-on, you already have it with you when you get off the plane. You don’t have to wait at the conveyor belt for your luggage.
You don’t have to stand around a bunch of strangers and wait for them to get theirs before you can get yours.
Sometimes, your checked luggage isn’t even on the conveyor belt which is the worst because you’ll have to go to customer service and figure out where your stuff is.
With a carry-on, you would probably be resting in your hotel by the time you got your checked luggage back.
3. It’s Accessible on the Plane
I’m not gonna lie, it bugs me when people get up and walk around to start fumbling with their carry-on.
It is most definitely inconvenient for the person they are standing over and that said person has a butt in their face.
But the main reason I love that it’s accessible on the plane is that you can keep watch of your own belongings and are almost 100% guaranteed that no one will go through your items and take anything.
When I was coming home from Germany about 5 years ago, my aunt packed a lot of German chocolate in her suitcase (that was checked luggage).
She came home to find half of it gone.
Whereas those of us who had carry-ons, with German chocolate packed within them, came home with our entire stock of it.
4. It Prevents You from Overpacking
Even with my carry-on, I still manage to overpack.
Before, even if I packed the amounts worth of clothes I needed for the trip, I packed more to make up for the “just in case” and “what if” scenarios.
But in reality, I can always just wash my clothes most of the time.
Now that I have traveled a couple of times, I try to fill up empty space if it’s available.
I also become more mindful of the types of clothes I bring. I bring thinner and lightweight clothes to fit in my carry-on.
Haven’t you read about how other people live out of their backpacks when they travel abroad for weeks or months at a time?
Most of my bulky clothes are worn while I’m on the plane such as a thick jacket and bulky shoes. The plane is cold anyway so the outfit is perfect.
If you’re really concerned about running out of clothes, I’m sure you have extra room in your backpack too. You can read about what I pack in my personal backpack here (Lol, when I post it).
5. It’s Less Stuff to Worry About
Since all you have is a carry-on and a backpack, you only have to worry about 2 things.
The backpack will be on your back at all times so really the only thing you need to worry about is making sure your carry-on is in your hands.
It’s so much easier!
Even outside of the airport such as in hotels or in cars or anywhere really, you have less stuff to worry about.
You also reduced the chances of leaving something behind.
I have a habit of leaving at least one item behind in a hotel or in a car.
I’ve left sunglasses in cars, my favorite pillows in hotels, and a lot of other precious items that I’ve never seen again.
I also have a habit of forgetting to pack and bring some items too but I’ve explained more about that in my How to Not to Leave Anything Behind blog.
Ending Note
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Are there any other packing methods besides the ones that I mentioned above?
I’m sure there are more reasons to choose a carry-on over checked luggage.
Or you might even have an opinion of why checked luggage is better.
I will be impressed if you can convince me why a carry-on isn’t the way to go. Have a good day!
This post is all about reasons to only use a carry-on and backpack.
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