Solo travel is one of the most liberating experiences in the world. You can make your own schedule, you don’t have to worry if your travel partner is having a good time or not and you can indulge your every whim without judgement.
Packing efficiently for a solo trip can be harder than you expect. But, sometimes adding hold baggage can cost as much as the flight itself. As a result, more and more people are scaling down and taking hand luggage only, which makes sense if you’re only going away for a short trip. There’s no need to weigh yourself down with unnecessary items – and there is no better feeling than being able to stroll off the plane and head straight to the taxi queue, luggage in hand, while everyone else stares anxiously at the luggage carousel.
With ever increasing airline baggage restrictions (you should check with your airline before you fly), one of the more challenging aspects of travelling solo can be trying to narrow down exactly what you need. If you don’t have anybody to share a baggage allowance with, it can be tricky to scale down your wardrobe options and travelling with hand luggage only – presents its own set of problems thanks to the liquid restrictions and that little 20cm x 20cm transparent resealable bag. It’s not just about packing less, it’s about packing smarter and thinking strategically.
It’s important to remember that you will be completely responsible for your own luggage, with nobody to help you carry it up five flights of stairs, look after it while you go to the bathroom or hoist it into the overhead locker – that is why it is crucial to travel as small and light as possible. Here are some packing tips to get you organised for your next short trip.