Among the many reasons we have learned to pack light is to avoid long lines and waits at the baggage claim and the heart stopping potential of your luggage getting lost. Even then we are finding more and more airlines insisting that we check our carry on luggage, often due to a full flight with restricted overhead space.
I used to think that it was the result of more passengers, like us, taking only one suitcase. It turns out I was wrong. Checked luggage is still common but due to the rising additional costs charged by airlines, and passengers are limiting what they check as well and substituting that with carry on sized luggage.
Before departing check the size and weight restrictions of carry on luggage with your airline. If you are taking a different airline on your return be sure to check them as well. There are considerable variations. I am much more comfortable checking my luggage on the way home as it would not ruin my vacation were to get lost, however annoying.
Personal items are allowed in excess of the carry on suitcase. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it’s considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and such. There also different rules when you are flying with small children so be sure to check those as well.
With many airlines deplorable track record of losing luggage, you may be able to salvage the first few days of your vacation by packing the following essentials in your carry on luggage.
- Travel documents and Identification. This will include your passport, driver’s licence, health card and any other documents you are required or feel comfortable bringing. It is also important to have copies of all these documents and ID kept in another location in case they are stolen or lost.
- All Medications. Whether these are prescription or over the counter, you should have a list of what you are on and the daily dosage. This will also help in the case of an emergency hospital visit. Although over the counter drugs can be easily replaced doing so requires knowing the language or brand in a foreign country. It is also good to carry a day or two of your prescriptions with you on excursions in case your return is delayed.
- A reserve of cash and all credit and debit cards. Separate these between your travel partners, and have each person carry cash in a couple of different locations. Money belts, wallets and even your shoe is a way to manage the risk by separation of the whole. Consider having each person carry a different credit card so if one is lost or stolen you still have another to continue your travels. Have the numbers to report a lost or stolen card or report fraudulent activities handy.
- Wallet and valuables. Your wallet can contain some of your identification and cash or credit and debit cards but as noted above they should be separated. Also if you are carrying a wallet put it in a purse or pocket that has a secure closure to prevent pickpockets.
- A change of clothes / additional shoes.This is very dependent on the size of your carry on. Consider packing light sandals and wearing heavier walking shoes. If you are going to a warm destination pack a t-shirt and shorts and a bathing suit in your carry on. Wear your heavier clothes as well, as long as they are loose and comfortable for the flight. A sweater or jacket can double as a neck pillow.
- All toiletries.Like over the counter medication you can buy shampoo and toothpaste in another country but you need to know where and how to find what you want of there is a language barrier. It can also be considerably more expensive than your favourite Walmart brand. The down side to this is you are limited to fluid sizes of 100ml maximum so be realistic about how much and what you really need.
- Electronics. This includes your laptop or tablet, charge cords, ear buds and more. It also assumes your phone will be on your person and not packed away. We usually carry rechargeable power packs to keep our phone full when doing excursions. I would also consider voltage adapters in this category.
Packing light and right requires a fair amount of trial and error to find the system that works for you. Hopefully this list will get you started on the right path.