How to travel with only a carry-on bag

IMAGINE packing so light you can skip long check-ins and carousel waits, and still have everything you need. Yes, it is possible with these expert tips.

You'll never have to wait at the luggage carousel again. Picture: Thinkstock

IMAGINE packing so light that you can skip the long and inevitably painful check-in lines?

Walking through the airport would be a breeze with your single carry-on, and finding an overhead bin once on your plane would be blissfully simple.

Then, once you arrive, there would be no need to play the waiting game with the luggage carousel. Nope, you'd be on your way before the first checked bags even hit the belt.

Does this sound too good to be true? It doesn't have to be.

With a few tips and a little self-control, you can lighten your travel load to just one carry-on. Here's how:

Get a great bag

Whether you opt for a backpack, duffel bag or a small suitcase, your carry-on bag defines how much you can bring on board. You also want a bag that's easy to carry when you're rushing through terminals and easy to manoeuvre when you're trying to place it in an overhead bin or under your seat. Opt for a quality rectangular bag that's soft and lightweight. Also be mindful of your airline's size limit for carry-ons, which is often 22 inches x 14in x 9in (55cm x 35cm x 22cm).

Stop overpacking clothes

Do you really need that little black dress, the dry-clean only dress shirt or that third pair of shoes? Probably not. Chronic over-packers tend to stuff their bags with an outfit for every possible occasion, but if you're going to travel light, you'll need to learn to really scrutinise what makes it into your carry-on.

Start by packing clothes that you can easily mix and match for multiple wears, rather than a dress shirt that will only get one wear at most. If you can keep the shoes to the pair you're wearing, great. If not, limit your shoe wardrobe to two distinct pairs to cover most occasions (sneakers and dress shoes, flip-flops and flats, etc.).

Invest in compression bags

Ah, compression bags. They're every light traveller's best friend. These space saving bags can either be rolled up or vacuumed to suck out every last bit of air, leaving you with the most compact travel bag possible. Once you've narrowed down your wardrobe essentials, stick them into a compression bag to free up even more room in your carry-on.

Embrace technology

Don't waste precious carry-on space with bulky books or magazines. Instead, bring a gadget that acts as your e-reader and more. A Kindle or iPad not only lets you bring an immense collection of travel guides and trashy novels to read on the beach, but these tablets also offer access to email and internet, meaning you can leave your heavy laptop at home.

Don't pack what you can easily buy

If you're travelling for three weeks, do you really need to bring enough toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner for the entire trip? Or could you easily pack a day's supply and then buy said toiletries after you arrive? Packing these products not only takes up carry-on space, but it also weighs your bag down. Pack what you need for a day or two, then buy what you'll need for your stay after arriving.

Scrutinise everything

Before putting anything in your carry-on, ask yourself if you really need it or if you're packing it just in case. Stick with what you really need and you'll see your travel load lighten up immensely.

Read more travel news at Cheapflights.com.