Want to save money by carrying only carry-on baggage on your next trip? Fenwick Sue Shields womenswear buyer shares her packing secrets
With the arrival of summer and the looming cost-of-living crisis, savvy travelers are opting to save money on airfare by carrying only carry-on baggage during the holidays. Packing carry-on baggage can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
Fenwick Womenswear Buyer Sue Shields explains how, with a little planning and some helpful tips, you can easily pack all the items you need for your trip using just your carry-on baggage!
Must-Have Items to Pack
A must-have for a trip is a garment ironer, and although most hotel rooms have irons, ironers are more suitable for the delicate clothes we carry on vacation. If you don’t have enough space in your carry-on suitcase, another way is to hang your clothes in the bathroom while showering and let the steam help eliminate any creases.
“Packaging cubes will help organize the space more efficiently so you can hold more”
If you’re planning to use your suitcase when traveling, packing cubes will help organize your space more efficiently and allow you to pack more stuff in your suitcase. Alternatively, organize your clothes by clothing and pack them into separate bags. This not only helps you when unpacking at your destination, but also prevents you from overpacking.
Organize Your Carry-On Baggage
The packing tip I recommend to everyone is to pack a large suitcase or a small backpack, roll it up, don’t fold it. The best way to save space, prevent wrinkling and pack faster. To roll up your clothes, simply lay them flat, fold your sleeves inward, and roll them as tight as possible from bottom to top.
Clothes that are rolled up are more space-saving than folded
For more delicate garments such as silk or satin dresses, or any garments with fragile decorations, do not roll them up when wrapping, but use tissue paper to minimize creases and prevent tripping. To do this, lay the item flat, place a thin piece of paper in the middle, and fold it up. After folding, lay the clothes flat on the rolled clothes.
Shoes are tricky because they take up a lot of space inside the case, especially if you’re only carrying hand luggage. Always place your shoes near the wheels at the bottom of your suitcase so that you don’t damage other items when your suitcase stands upright, and also try to place bulky clothes between your shoes to hold them in place and prevent any damage.
Choose the Carry-On Bag That Best Suits Your Trip
Depending on the size of the baggage that the airline allows you to take on board, there are three main types of carry-on baggage to choose from.
Valise
Suitcases are the easiest to handle, the most durable, and easier to pack for most people. Trolley cases are available in a variety of sizes, allowing different airlines to have different carry-on baggage allowances. The disadvantage of the suitcase is that it usually cannot be carried around under the seat, as the wheels and handle add extra length and width.
Duffel Bags
A perfect combination of suitcases and backpacks, duffel bags are lightweight, usually made of nylon or canvas, and offer wheeled options for added convenience around airports. The disadvantage of duffel bags is that the weight of the duffel bag can become an issue when carried from A to B unless you are carrying light luggage or have a duffel bag on wheels.
Backpack
A backpack is a convenient, safe, and durable option for carry-on baggage. They are easy to carry on your back and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are the best options for short trips or with an under-seat carry-on baggage allowance.