8 Benefits of Traveling with only a Carry-On

More Money In Your Pockets, Not The Airlines

The fee for a checked bag for many airlines than can range from $25 if you pay while purchasing your ticket, to $90 if you’re caught at the gate. This fee can be higher than what you spent on the ticket, especially if you’re traveling with a budget airline. And don’t let your luggage be overweight, they really start having a field day with unethical fees that doesn’t make any sense. Save those valuable dollars and use it towards an unforgettable excursion or mouth watering dinner.

More TIme exploring, less time fidgeting

After sitting on an airplane for hours and going through immigration, the last thing I want to do is spend more time with the aviation crew waiting for my luggage to roll around the belt. Even worse, running a little behind schedule and running into an unexpectedly long to check luggage before a flight. By all means I try to avoid both. The airport is simply a passageway to new destinations, our goal is to quickly start exploring that destination, not get trapped in the gateway.

No lost, damaged or gasps Stolen luggage

One of my worst fears (I know many of you can relate) is the airline losing my luggage. 98% of the items that I own have deep sentimental value. Peace of mind is knowing that your luggage is with you, this will also keep your anxiety at ease. Sure, airlines may reimburse you, but that is up to a certain amount and some items are simply irreplaceable.

Have you seen they why the luggage’s are just dashed on the plane with zero remorse. Imagine being on a trip for a few days and having to use a suitcase with a broken wheel because no one cared for your luggage like you do. I’d have a whole attitude trying to move around a heavy checked bag whose wheel need to be amputated.

Easy to maneuver

We’ve all seen beautiful videos and pictures of people in Europe for the summer. One thing to note is the cobblestone streets, hills, and stairs plastered through most countries. I couldn’t imagine having maneuver more than 50 pounds through those obstacles. The less/lighter items that you have, the less strain you’d have. Unless you have a personal butler, then let’s chat. I’m trying to get on your level!

Weight

I don’t know about y’all but I am ready for my real rich girl chapter. The chapter where the airline attendee comes to my house to pick up my luggage and I don’t see it again until I arrive at my luxury hotel okur! Until then, since I am the one doing all the leg work I don’t want ANY added weight or stress of a huge suitcase hitting my hip as I try to lift it on to platforms. The plus side is that your biceps will be elite!

The Less, the Merrier

This is my favorite reason behind traveling with carry-on. There are less belongings to keep track of! It’s painful to know that you forgot your favorite shoes in a closet in Cabo. When packing with just a carry-on everything fits perfect like a puzzle, any missing slots will garner suspicion, like a student who isn’t in their assigned seat. Where are they?

Theives Beare!

As a dark skin Black woman who travels solo often, safety is a priority. My skin is already a target, I don’t need my luggage to add more drama. Manhandling a huge suitcase is an easy way to be identify as a tourist and a target for theft. Keep me in mind that thieves are skilled low-lives who prey on the vulnerable. No matter how alert you are, you’re competing with someone who does this often for a living.

Can fit In most Spaces

When embarking on a multi-city trip, you learn that less is best! As someone who takes public Transportation globally, I love that my carryon can fit on a bus, train, or boat with ease and not affect other passengers.

If you’re staying in a hostel (we don’t travel shame on this blog), or storing your luggage at a hold facility most lockers are designed to fit a backpack or carryon. Your personal items will be more secured that your suitcase just chilling out in the open.

Pro Tip:

If you’re doing a multi city trip and you’ll be returning to the city that you departed from, you can ask to hotel to hold you checked luggage and put the items that you need in a personal bag. This way you won’t have to carry unnecessary things that you won’t use.

I love this Longchamp expandable pliage for this reason. It’s compact and foldable, making it small and flat to fit in your suitcase. Purchase it here!