Team Carry On | Long Haul Flights

Are you team carry on or not? As a frequent traveller both long and short haul, I have acquired some serious packing skills. Over the last few years of long haul trips around the world, I have learned how to pack only essentials that I actually need. It took a lot of trial and error to finally reach a place where I can pack for any long haul flight.

Do you want to join team carry on? If you’re curious as to whether this is something you can do then read on. It isn’t rocket science but does take a lot of practice until you reach the desired state. I went through stages of packing items that I never even touched throughout the trip and were not necessary essential items.

One of the beautiful things about being team carry on is that you can save money on flights. British Airways is one of such airlines that offers cheaper hand luggage only fares. I have been able to save money thanks to being able to jam-pack essential items in hand luggage.

Team Carry On – simple tips to follow

Being able to pack two weeks worth of clothes for a long haul flight doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. One of the biggest things I learned when I joined Team Carry On was to think about the destination and the departure. This is one of the major tips I can give someone new to hand luggage only travel.

Think about your destination, is it somewhere warm or is it a cold destination. Also, think about what kind of holiday you will be enjoying, is it an active one or a slow one. When you’ve answered these two questions, you will then know what essential items to pack.

If your trip was a more active trip where you will spend lots of time outdoors exploring then packing becomes easy. For this trip, I would look to pack, trainers, workout shorts and leggings. I would also look to pack a few dresses and shorts as its something that I love to wear.

For my departure port which is London, the weather is often unpredictable so I would look to wear winter worthy clothes. These are items that during my holiday will not be used and I will plan to wear them on my return.

If your trip is more slow and relaxed with less activity then I would look to pack bikinis and other swimwear. Again because I love wearing shorts and dresses, these are items that I would take on this trip with me. I would also pack comfortable shoes that are appropriate for my trip.

Another tip that I want to share involves knowing what will be available at your accommodation and what you should bring. Towels and some toiletries are often provided at hotels and some apartments but I would look to take miniature versions where necessary.

If your hotel provides straighteners and blowdryers, it makes more sense not to pack this and saves you space in your luggage. But before you make the assumption that your hotel or chosen accommodation should provide certain items, it pays to check with them beforehand.

Reasons to join Team Carry On

One of the biggest reasons I joined Team Carry On was the simplicity of travel and affordability too. There are many reasons why cabin luggage only is the only way forward. Other reasons include;

• Less hassle at the airport
• No checked-in baggage so no waiting.
• Ease of transportation

The only downside to hand luggage only is that you are limited on liquids you can carry. But for me, this is not a limitation but rather a simplified way of travelling and aids my pursuit of a clutter-free life.

Cabin Only Long Haul Essentials

My recent adventures to the USA reaffirmed my love for packing only cabin essentials for my trips. I also surprised myself in that I could back for a 2-week vacation in only my carryon luggage and handbag. It might sound weird but my essentials for a long haul are similar to those in my weekend stash.

 I never travel anywhere without these items, these are almost always in my carry on baggage. The only difference between weekend stash and long haul essentials are the clothes.

• Toiletries – though makeup is not high on the list, I do pack eyebrow makeup. I pack mouthcare items, cleansers, serum and moisturiser, haircare items (if necessary) and lip care items.
• Change of clothes – I always pack skin jeans, white or black top or jumper, sleepwear, undies, bras and socks.
• Clothes – depends on the weather at the destination but often its 4 x shorts or trousers, 4 x tops (mixture or tees and long sleeves), 2 x outerwear (cardigan and jacket/coat), sleepwear, undies, bras and socks.
• Snacks – I am a snacker and always have a chocolate bar, fruits and anything I can take past security
• Entertainment – we are all different, I am a blogger so I always have my laptop and movies downloaded on it. Music is something I always have on my phone and for this, I always carry a portable charger to stay juiced.
• Books – I rarely read books except when I am on a plane. Sometimes I get tired of watching movies and listening to songs, reading a good book helps pass the time.

Travelling with only carry on luggage for a long haul flight can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. I know people say its better to overpack than under-pack but I disagree, it’s better to pack items that you will actually need and use.

Have you ever travelled long haul with only hang luggage? Is it something you would aspire to or is it too daunting to even consider? P.S. it is different for those travelling with kids, Zena has some lovely tips for families travelling abroad.