Okay, here we go, let me tell you about my recent packing adventure.
So, I had this trip coming up, and I really didn’t want to check in any bags. The idea was to travel light with only a carry-on. I had heard about this “55 40” rule, which basically means your carry-on bag should be no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Sounds simple, right? Well, not exactly.
First off, finding a bag that fits these exact dimensions was a bit of a hunt. I went to several stores, measuring bags with a tape measure, much to the amusement of the sales staff. Finally, I found one that was just right, maybe even a little smaller, which I figured was a good thing. The key here was to make sure that it will perfectly fit, because I want to make sure to follow the rules.
Then came the packing. I’ve always been an over-packer, always sure that I’ll need ten different outfits for a three-day trip. But this time, I was determined to be smart about it. I laid out everything I thought I needed, and wow, it was a lot. I started by picking out items that could serve more than one purpose. Like, a scarf that could be a shawl, a blanket, or even a makeshift pillow. You know, multi-purpose stuff.
I remembered reading somewhere that rolling your clothes is better than folding them. I’m not sure who came up with that idea, but it’s genius! I rolled up my shirts, pants, and even my underwear, and they fit like a charm. And it really did seem to prevent wrinkles, or at least, that’s what I tell myself.
- Rolled up my t-shirts. They fit snugly and didn’t take up much space.
- Jeans were a bit bulky, but rolling them up worked wonders.
- Even managed to roll up my socks and stuff them into my shoes.
I also had to be super selective with my toiletries. No full-sized bottles of anything. I got those little travel-sized bottles and filled them up with my shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. It felt a bit like playing with a dollhouse, but hey, it worked.
Shoes were a challenge. I decided to wear my bulkiest pair on the plane and packed only one other pair, which was a pair of versatile sneakers that go with almost everything. This was tough, but it had to be done.
In the end, I managed to fit everything into that tiny bag. I even had a little room to spare, which was a pleasant surprise. I weighed the bag, and it was well under the airline’s weight limit. Phew! This is important because I definitely don’t want to exceed the weight limit.
Traveling with just a carry-on was liberating. I zipped through the airport, no waiting at the baggage carousel. It felt great to be so mobile and unencumbered. It’s definitely a different way to travel, and I think I might be a convert. It’s amazing how little we really need when we travel. Or maybe, it’s amazing how much we can fit into a small space when we put our minds to it!
The Takeaway
If you’re thinking of trying the carry-on only life, I say go for it. Just be prepared to make some tough choices and get creative with your packing. And remember, rolling is the way to go! It’s a bit of a challenge, but it’s totally worth it. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
