Eight Reasons to Pack JustACarryOn

Before I get too into this post, let me start off by saying, “Trust me you really don’t need it.” Overpacking for a vacation and needing to check bags will weigh you down so much more than you think. Here are the eight reasons I NEVER use a large bag and why I always pack with JustACarryOn.

1. 1. Time saved-when one decides to pack an oversized suitcase, one surrenders him/herself immediately to a loss of control. Rather than enjoying a cup of coffee at your dream destination with a gorgeous view, one now has to be at the airport instead to stand in line to get that bag checked. Wouldn’t you rather spend that time enjoying every minute you can of your hard-earned vacation?
   2. Flexibility- when one doesn’t have checked bags, airlines are much more amenable to putting one on a different flight if one is early or late to the gate. If they offer a voluntary bump certificate, the peace of mind that one’s luggage won’t be lost is priceless and makes the voucher a real bonus versus taking the voucher only to have $500 worth of lost luggage.
   3. One never has to worry about lost luggage. Do some research. Every year thousands of passengers are never reunited with their lost luggage. Before my reform, there were two occasions when my bags didn’t arrive at my destination with me. Luckily, they were on the next flight and delivered to me the next day. Once I started off vacation in Korea without my luggage. I didn’t have a hotel reservation so I couldn’t tell the airline where I was staying. After I got a room, the man who owned the hotel called the airline and told them how to get to his hotel. This was not an easy task because the man didn’t speak English so it took me forever to explain to him what I needed him to do. Secondly, there aren’t exact addresses there either yet more of a general description of the location. I have to admit, I was surprised my bag made it. I’ve heard so many stories of people who didn’t get their bags for days and ended up wearing casual clothes to weddings or being given clothes to get by in. That doesn’t have to happen. As a rule, I never separate from my bag.
   4. Exiting customs/immigration is a breeze especially on a layover. Many countries require that all bags are picked up at baggage claim before clearing customs and being rechecked. If one’s connection is tight, that will add a lot of stress to that layover. Additionally, if one is planning to go to town on a layover, waiting for luggage can easily take a half an hour. Lastly, when I arrive at my final destination, I basically cut to the front of the line of the 240+ people on the aircraft with me. This means I don’t stand in line at customs, ATM, or toilet. I also get first picks on taxis once I leave the terminal and I get to start enjoying my vacation sooner.
   5. More control-taxi drivers love to come up and take control of one’s bags. The help is often appreciated by a loaded down passenger. But at the point your bag is surrendered to that “helpful” taxi driver, you just lost your negotiating power for a good fare or the ability to choose a driver with whom you feel you can trust. You see in this scenario the driver chose you instead of you choosing the driver. I never want to give up that kind of control to strangers.
   6. Nothing stolen-on any bus ride, my bag will fit either under the seat in front of me or by my feet. On long bus rides where the bus makes stops along the way, unless you get off at every stop, you will have no way of knowing if someone took your bag. A friend of mine stored his bags under a bus in Brazil. When he arrived at his final destination, the bag with all his souvenirs had been taken. I would rather hold my bag on my lap for nine hours than risk that. One trick I thought of on my last trip to Africa is to buy two bus seats (if allowed). Use one for you and the other to put your bag if needed.
   7. Money-look how much money you can save by not paying to check bags! With my airline credit cards, I’m entitled to free bag checks, but I never take advantage of it. It’s not with the hassle to me.
   8. Rental cars-in Europe especially, a decent priced rental car will be small. Packing light will ensure all your bags fit in the car and are kept out of sight.

So how does one pair it down? First thing I pack are my essentials: passport, credit cards, cash, copies of all my documents, pens, extra passport photos, medication, camera, chargers, batteries, cell phone, sun glasses. Next I pack my toiletries: deodorant, comb, sunscreen, Q tips, floss, toothpaste, tooth brush, razor, moisturizer and minimal makeup. (I learned that I can get by with just lipstick, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, mascara, and blush). Keep these items in a ziplock bag on top of everything so they are accessible for security. I don’t pack soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Most hotels have these items. If they don’t, I just will skip a day of washing my hair. Next I pack something to keep me warm; usually a pair of leggings and a light t shirt fabric cover and a small airline blanket. I pack a bathing suit, something to sleep in, and three extra outfits. That’s it. Clothes can be worn more than once and washed out in the hotel sink and hung to dry. On long trips, I buy disposable underwear on Amazon and make space in my bag as I go. I don’t pack any extra shoes. I wear my Clarks comfort sandals and that’s it. Sure I have nicer things at home, but I can take a few days of frump because I don’t need to impress anyone. I pack no jewelry. Lastly I pack a bag that I can use as a day bag or to fill up if I buy more souvenirs than my main bag will hold. That bag attaches to my suitcase handle and neatly folds into itself. On trips where I take my own food, I pack it in this bag.

That’s it. The eight joys of going carry on only. Give it a try. I promise you that you really will be fine with minimal items you do not need all that extra stuff. Trust me!

~Bella