I don’t know, can I travel from Australia to England for a month with only carry-on?
My daughters laugh out loud, my family look at me askance, my friends try to hide their smirks and my husband tells me to think ‘seriously’ about what I’m proposing (in his teacher voice no less).
Little do they know that their reactions, instead of putting me off the ‘challenge’ I’ve been pondering, actually spur me on and I become determined to at least give it a try.
Yes I know that carry-on luggage is only 7kgs, I know I’m limited with the liquids I can carry and I know it’s not an easy thing to do. I will not be spoilt for choice in my clothing options while away from home, but I really don’t mind. In fact I’m keen to have limited choices of clothing, it makes life easier sometimes.
Usually this is my suitcase plus a carry-on bag with essentials for the flight. Before I bought this orange suitcase, I travelled with a backpack weighing approx. 15kgs but about 10 years ago when I was travelling solo from Australia to UK I decided to move to a bag with wheels, due to some drama! You can read about some of the drama here – Kindness to a stranger on Mother’s Day
Have you ever been the last one standing at the luggage carousel hoping that your bag is just delayed and then finally giving up to go looking for the relevant office to give the details of your bag so it can be sent onto you in a few day’s time? I’ve been that person and it’s not much fun!
Lately I’ve heard horror stories of bags going missing, as airlines aren’t coping too well with the increase in travel. I’m quite keen to try something different.
Our Travel Plans
We leave in a few week’s time, driving three hours from home to Canberra, bus to Sydney, then fly from Sydney to Heathrow (London) via Singapore, for a total of four weeks. Unlike previous trips to England we are only visiting our daughter and her family, for little Dottie’s 3rd birthday, staying in a cottage in the village and not going anywhere else apart from locally. We aren’t hiring a car (at this stage), we will use our daughter’s bike or maybe hire ebikes for longer rides and everything we need is within walking distance. Going out will involve visiting friends or going to the pub.
Lists, lists and more lists
So far I’ve made some notes and they look like this:
- buy shampoo and toiletries when I arrive
- wash every few days
- mix and match outfits
- it’s late summer there (so warmer than being at home where it’s still winter)
- borrow things from Melanie – eg. coat/jumpers if needed
- shoes? wear white sneakers on plane and take pair of sandals (maybe thongs)
- layers
- scarf/buff
- exercise gear
- makeup – don’t need much
- chargers – iPhone, iPad, computer
- headphones, eye mask
- nothing that needs excessive ironing
I’ve made a clothing list as I’ve read in other posts, and I’ve chosen a colour theme but some suggest choosing a neutral colour – NOPE not me! I have a range of colours and outfits that will all go with each other. I’ve thought about the weather and think I have most contingencies covered and if not I can borrow from my daughter! Last time I was with her I bought some wellington boots and left them there so I know I have an extra pair of ‘shoes’ if required.
- light wrap-skirts x 2
- shorts x 1
- jeans x 1
- sloppy joe (jumper) x 1
- underwear and socks x 4
- cycling pants
- wind jacket (very light)
- tshirts x 3
- leggings x 1
- pyjamas
- dress (wear on plane with denim jacket and scarf)
- wear sneakers on the plane and take a pair or orange sandals
I’m also known as a savvy shopper (my words) whenever I travel and I will need to buy gifts for my grandchildren back in Aus, so I may think about posting things home or checking my bag in on the final leg. The challenge would have been completed by then. The Mathematician has already said I can’t put anything in his bags if I go ahead with this hair-brained scheme – tell me what you really think!
My Canadian friends Sue and Dave at Travel Tales of Life, have posted here about travelling for a month only with carry-on and I remember thinking as I read their post years ago, I couldn’t do that!
But what if I can?
What do you think? Can I do it? Is it worth trying?
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve managed to do something like this.
Not long until we leave now!
Deb 🙂
Note: My update post is here – see how I am going with my challenge!!
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Deb is a young-at-heart & active 60+ blogger/retiree, after being made redundant from her 22-year career managing education programs in a men’s correctional centre (jail). She now spends her time reading, blogging, riding her ebike and travelling. Deb was awarded a Bravery Award from the Queen when she was 17 after a tragic accident – a definite life changing moment! She is married with 3 grown-up daughters & has 4 grandchildren. You can read more of Deb’s story here
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Deb's World 
It’s absolutely doable, Debbie. We just did 2 and a half weeks in England with only carry on. I felt a little short of options once or twice and wished I had an extra jumper, but if you have your sister’s wardrobe to help you out and a washing machine it’s a piece of cake. Enjoy!
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Good luck 🍀🍀🍀, I hope you succeed in your challenge (I would not be able to do that)… 😄😄😄
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Ooops – I gave you the wrong url for the 100 day dress challenge post. Here is one of the post I wrote about the fabric dress. https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/2022/05/19/textile-waste-and-the-100-day-dress/
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Recently I discovered Wool& clothing range and how perfect it is for travelling. Fine merino wool so comfy and perfect for travel (even for this wool allergic person). Warm in cooler weather and cool in heat, quick drying, odour resistant and so light in the suitcase. I am currently doing a challenge to wear the dress for 100 consecutive days. https://forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com/?p=32660
I am on day 95!
Enjoy your trip!
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This is just what I needed to see – I’m not even going very far and I can’t figure out what to pack. I’m glad I came across your post.
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Thanks Amy and good luck with your packing!
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What a great question and challenge! I can’t wait to hear how you go. I guess you totally could do this if you buy some things when you arrive in the UK. Likewise you can buy some cheap but nice clothes in Primark etc and then donate to charity before you leave for home 😊
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Thanks, it seems to be working out! Yes charity shops are always worth a look if I get stuck.
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Interesting topic indeed!
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It’s been a very popular topic!
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You can do anything you put your mind do Deb and I know you’ve got this. We all pack way too much and yes I was the person on a flight from Rome to the UK one Christmas who waited and waited and waited at the carousel only to find that my bag had been damaged and didn’t leave Rome! I’m looking forward to you taking up the challenge and sharing the outcome. Be Bold! xx
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I love your confidence in me Sue, I have managed really well so far and it’s looking good for next week’s flight. Thanks for your support xx
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I know it’s been done by millions before. I just go away for the weekend and pack the car full including the kitchen zinc. I dread the day I fly overseas with just 7kgs and a handbag. Let us know the results and if you did manage with just 1 bag
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It’s do-able but takes planning. I take everything when we go in the car but flying is a whole different story. I’ve just posted an update to this one.
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When I travel, I buy toiletries when I arrive to the destination. I think it’s a fun way to try different beauty products :-P.
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This is in my plan too Julie, it’s a good way of shopping local and fun as you say, to try different things.
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Would totally pack the same way. Can be done, for sure (especially visiting family)! Have an amazing trip!!
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Thanks Jennifer, it’s coming around quickly now and I can’t wait to leave our winter weather behind!
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It can totally be done, especially if you’re willing to wear clothes more than one day between washings. I’ve done it myself with a two week trip without having to do laundry, and am now planning a 6 week trip European train tour using only my carry-on, doing laundry once every other week. I don’t really want to run the risk of the airline losing my luggage, nor do I want to be lugging anything larger on and off the train.
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Yes I agree Ryan, being able to wash regularly makes all the difference. I feeling confident I can do this and appreciate everyone’s thoughts. Good luck with your planning for your trip away!
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Hi Deb. I bet you can. You’re a clever gal, but I suspect one snag may yet get you. Getting gifts there and then trying to get them home with you. Perhaps a small change of plans would be to purchase an inexpensive piece of check-able luggage to bring those gifts back in. That way you can both travel with only your carry-on, but do something special for your gift recipients back home.
You’ll have a great time regardless.
Blessings.
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Yes gifts for the trip home do concern me and my love of shopping in new places but I can always just pack my bag up on the way home and check it in, so that’s a possibility.
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