Update: Travelling to the other side of the world for a month with only carry-on

Travelling with carry-on luggage isn’t easy but it can be done!

It seems this is a popular topic!

I’ve had so many interactions on my first post where I asked the question, Can I travel for a month with only carry-on luggage? with encouraging words, suggestions and support – it’s been great, so thanks to everyone who has joined in with their two cents worth.

My packing update

This is an update on my packing progress. We leave next week, so once we’re settled I’ll provide a further update and my final verdict. I’ve been told that once I do this I won’t ever go back to taking checked-in luggage.

FYI – you might need to have a look at the original post for this one to make sense.

Can I travel to the other side of the world for a month’s holiday with only carry-on luggage?

The main points are:

• We’re travelling from Australia to England (to Cheddar a rural countryside area) for a month to see our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter who we haven’t seen since January 2020 due to covid restrictions.
• We have a cottage booked for the whole month.
• We’re not travelling anywhere else.
• My daughter lives nearby and we can use her washing machine – this is a big point.
• It’s summer there – so much warmer than here where it’s mid-winter. They’ve actually had a few HOT days lately!!
• I have a decent baggage allowance in my ticket but am concerned at the amount of lost luggage that’s been happening around the world. I don’t want to arrive without my stuff!
• I’m keen to challenge myself to see if I can pack all I need for a month in under 7kg for the ease and simplicity.
• To live minimally and simplify my wardrobe while I’m away – I’ve basically created my own capsule wardrobe.
• I have lots of mix and match outfits as can be seen from my list and think I have covered all bases.
• I’m not too proud to visit opp shops or go shopping on the High Street if I desperately need something when I get there or borrow things from my daughter.
• I plan to shop for major toiletries like shampoo/conditioner, moisturiser, hair products etc once I arrive, saving space.

Carry-on luggage Singapore Air

As we are travelling with Singapore Air I went to their website to check my allowances. And I was pleasantly surprised. This should be a first port of call for anyone thinking of only taking carry-on as it clarifies the airline’s requirements for you.

I’m allowed up to 7kg- sum of length, width and height of each piece should not exceed 115cm. My bag gets a tick!

Additional items allowed on board

You may carry ONE of these items with you on our flights, free of charge, in addition to your cabin baggage allowance (subject to country restrictions, where applicable):

• Ladies’ handbag*
• Camera / Camera bag*
• Document bag*
• Overcoat
• Umbrella
• Laptop / Notebook in bag*
• Infant’s amenities and food for consumption on board. The total weight of these items should not exceed 6kg
• A walking stick, a pair of crutches and/or other prosthetic devices, if you are dependent on them
• A small amount of duty free goods (where permitted)

* The maximum dimensions for these bags are 40x30x10cm each. If your item exceeds the total dimension of 80cm (the length, width and height combined), it will be counted as part of your standard cabin baggage allowance. You will then be required to check in either your cabin bag or the additional item.

So on top of my 7kg bag, I will also be taking a soft backpack as a handbag which will hold medications, glasses, purse, passport, phone, travel documents, diary, pen, headphones, small iPad, tissues, hand sanitiser, masks etc. It weighs approx 2kg.

Making lists

I’ve been making lots of lists, updating my notes and doing lots of research – it’s been all consuming but so interesting and fun!

I’ve also amended my clothing list since my first post. Reading other blogs, travel advice, news items and apps I’ve discovered so much! It can be done and so many people are taking only carry-on for all sorts of reasons, I’m feeling much more confident now.

I’ve invested in ziplock bags, instead of compression bags, and they have worked a treat (plus they’re much cheaper). I fold the items, squeeze out all the air and seal the bag. It makes a flat neat package and helps me keep things organised. I have also rolled some items and both these methods have helped a great deal.

I’ve also made a mind map graphic- now you know I’m getting serious!

My packing list

• RipSkirt wrap-skirts x 2 (blue & red spot)
• short denim skirt
• shorts x 2 (navy and denim)
• black stretch jeans – (wearing on plane)
• red oversized jumper – (wearing on plane)
• denim 7/8 length jeans
• Jade exercise jumper
• underwear and socks x 5
• padded cycling pants – floral
• pink wind jacket (very light)
• red RipSkirt sun hoody (very, very light)
• white RipSkirt sun hoody
• t-shirts x 5 – white, navy and coral
• printed tops x 2 – bold colours
• long sleeve cotton shirt – yellow/white stripe (wearing on plane)
• leggings x 2 – grey full length and black 3/4 length
• pyjamas/nightie
• 3 dresses – bright red/orange colour, blue spot and navy (added recently due to hot weather)
• swimmers
• white sneakers (wear on the plane)
• thongs
• orange sandals
• chargers, battery packs, travel phone in pouch
• basic toiletries and makeup in clear plastic pouches

As you can see my clothing list is quite adequate for a simple holiday visiting family and friends. Going to the pub, playing at the park, bike riding and walks in the local countryside are all covered in my choice of outfits. I’ve used a basic colour palette of denim/navy, with tops of white, navy and bright prints and random pops of colour. This suits me just fine as I love colour!

My plane outfit is now black jeans, cotton shirt, red sloppy joe, white sneakers – all the heaviest things but still comfy for the long haul flights. I decided not to take my denim jacket but might try to fit in a light cardigan.

The Mathematician has changed his tune somewhat and has offered me space in his bag (he’s up to 13kg so far) if I need it, but you know what, I’m thinking I’m going to be fine on my own.

Another story popped up in a friend’s newsletter this week (thanks Jan from Retiring Not Shy) it was an article by Geraldine Doogue – Pining for that long-awaited European holiday? Her thoughts really resonated with me,

I personally saw two whole planeloads of baggage just sitting in a baggage area, like forgotten spectres – their owners … who knows where?

Trial Packs and weigh-ins

My bag weights approximately 1.5kg empty, it’s a soft bag with with wheels and is very easy to use. We bought these bags while travelling in England about 4 years ago, they meet all the conditions for carry on for flights in UK and Europe.

My first trial pack was just over 6kg and I had a lot still to put in so I changed a few things around, for example my plane outfit now comprises the heaviest items and I used the ziplock bags to sort things out.

My 2nd trial pack came in at 6.9kg – just under the 7kg limit – and everything was included!

I think I can I can actually do it!

It’s a liberating feeling.

Thanks for all the interest, I’ve been amused by some of the comments especially ones where I’ve ‘astonished’ people or it’s been pointed out that I may just be a bit stubborn!

Not long until we leave!

Deb 🙂

NOTE: I had a minor medical emergency over the weekend with a trip to the Emergency room of the local hospital then to the nearest regional A&E department. I was treated in such a caring compassionate way by everyone and am on the mend. Fancy seeing an ophthalmologist on a Sunday from the public health system, I had no idea that could happen, but thankfully it did! He also assured me that I would be fine to travel which made me smile for the first time in a few days, I’ve been so worried. Hopefully all will be well by the time I get on the plane and we’re taking all precautions we can to stay safe in the meantime.

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