To Carry On Only or Not?

Why is being able to do Carry On Only such a big deal and why should I care?

I think the answer to that is, you do what’s right for you…period.  But for the rest of us, being able to do Carry On Only packing method is actually quite liberating and you feel that you’ve accomplished something. I am a size 18 and the fact that I could make it work makes me so happy. Whatever size you are, it makes a lot of sense in today’s travel times especially with flight cancellations, delays and having to pay for even one checked bag.

Why Carry On Only Makes Sense to Me

• All of my items are with me so there is no possibility of lost luggage.

• No time spent waiting at the luggage carousel, I can grab my bag and go.

• No additional baggage fees which it seems today they are charging for absolutely everything.

• It forces you to pack light, no more overpacking and bringing items you never use or wear.

• Having less items to deal with whether you unpack or not, it just less stressful, to me anyway.

• It’s easier to have less luggage so you can handle it all yourself, less struggling with all the bags.

Now I understand how freeing it can be to just drop off that luggage and only have a small purse to worry about as you travel through the airport and then board your plane. I have done that for many years so I truly do understand why checking your bag can feel great. But, if your luggage gets lost, what then?  If you’ve ever had your luggage misplaced or completely lost, that can really put a serious damper on your entire trip. All those great items you packed, your favorite clothes, your favorite shoes, gone forever. And if you’re like me, I want to bring those items that I love so I’d be very upset if the airline lost them!  Even having your bag delayed because they found it but will not have it until “tomorrow”. That usually will turn into days and most of us have our trips packed with things to do…waiting around for your luggage to arrive or not having any clothes to wear just doesn’t work. I don’t know about you but I do not want to spend my vacation shopping for new clothes because I have to!

Am I Packing Wrong by Not Doing Carry On Only?

There is absolutely nothing wrong if you don’t want to do Carry On Only. I have packed my bags and handed them over at the airline counter plenty of times.  On my last trip to see the Northern Lights, I packed a BIG bag because it was my first cold weather destination and I was quite honestly really worried of being freezing!  It was a BIG mistake to take everything I did. Why?  My luggage was so big and bulky that I could barely handle it myself. It was a roller suitcase BUT trying to roll over snow doesn’t really work!  I also found that I wore the same things over and over so I ended up with half a suitcase worth of items that I never touched. I could have easily downsized but I was nervous of being cold and not having enough layers. Now that I’ve done it, I can see where I could have packed differently.  The big suitcase took up so much room and was a nightmare to have to

Ask Yourself These Questions

Ask yourself these questions and they should make you think about how you pack for your next trip:

• Last time I traveled, did I struggle getting around with my luggage in the airport, train, taxi, street, etc?

• When they lost my luggage, how did it affect my mood?  My trip? What did I miss out of because of it?

• When traveling alone, could I take all of my luggage with me into the bathroom, for example. Or did I have to ask a stranger to watch my things?

• How much money did I have to spend to check my luggage last time, or will have to on my next trip?

• How many of the items in my suitcase did I wear over and over again?

• How many of the items in my suitcase did I not wear?

Just like all of the choices you make in life, it’s what works for YOU. It’s just like fashion, if somebody says that this it the “must wear” trend, if it doesn’t work for you, then it’s not useful at all.  If for example, crop tops are in, there is no way in hell I am going to wear a crop top so it doesn’t work for me.  Make sense?  You choose what works for you, you choose what’s comfortable for you, you make sure you’re happy!

If this is something you want to try, then go for it!  It has made a big change in my life and how I travel.  Try it or not, up to you!

If you always check your luggage, whether by choice or because you have to, make sure to read these Checked Luggage Tips. Happy travels!