TRAVELING WITH HANDLUGGAGE ONLY - 6 TIPS TO MAKE THINGS EASIER

When you are reading this post (I am a pre-writing it a week ahead), I will be in Lisbon for an extended weekend trip! 

This city has been on my bucket list for such a long time and I am so excited to finally be here. I am even thinking about doing my semester abroad here, depending on how I like the city - so we'll see how that one goes. I booked my flight quite late  and I tried to keep it as cheap as possible. Meaning I'll have to travel with handluggage only. I love the convenience of not having to wait for your luggage at the airport, not having to check it in and worrying whether it will be lost or not, so that's okay. However, it comes with certain challenges - here is how to tackle them!



When I learned to roll up your clothes instead of folding them, the way I packed changed completely. Before trying it out for the first time, I was convinced it wouldn't make a big difference - but oh boy, it does!  Also, it prevents wrinkles which is always appreciated.


When I went on my solo trip to Spain last year, I experienced first hand how one of the girls I was sharing my room with was using packing cubes and she stuffed them to the max - she was able to fit everything she needed for a 5 day trip into 3 cubes! Mindblowing. Packing cubes are also great for dividing your t-shirts, underwear, trousers etc. 


Especially shoes and jackets can easily take away a lot of space in your luggage. Therefore, wear the heaviest and bulkiest items on the flight - it will save both space and weight. 


Whenever I pack for a trip which isn't about laying on the beach 24/7, I plan my outfits ahead. Like this, you won't put any unneccesary clothes in your luggage and you won't be in the situation of sitting on your hotel bed frantically trying to find some clothes that look good together. Deciding on a color scheme also helps, because you can be use that you can mix and match all of the pieces you brought.


Bags also take up a lot of space - why not make use out of it by storing your underwear, socks, makeup bag etc in them. Like this, the bags won't be damaged and you safe some space as well - win win!

When traveling with handluggage only, the biggest challenge are the liquids - in my opinion. Because a lot of things are not available in travel size, buy some mini travel liquid containers to store your shampoo, cleanser etc. in. You can get them off amazon for 8€ and they will probably safe your life. Also, store your liquids together in a clear bag and put them in your handbag for easy access during security check. 

Have you travelled with handluggage before and do you have some more tips on how to make it easier?