My best friend when I am traveling is a little, slightly worn out, black Samsonite carry on suitcase. His name is Sammy. I know, I’m so original, right? Although he looks just like any other ordinary luggage item, this precious suitcase of mine is the perfect carry on size. I have taken him on every US airline as well as on budget airlines abroad, such as Ryanair and Easyjet, without a single incident. Sammy has been my travel companion ever since I studied abroad in Spain. He’s hung out with me on the white sands of Barcelona beaches, came with me through the breathtaking sites of Croatia, and he’s held my (somewhat unsteady) hands through my different beer tastings in Belgium. He clearly has my heart.
As you can clearly see, the obsession with carry on luggage is real. Here are all the best reasons for you to start obsessing with me:
It is so damn convenient
There is nothing worse than traveling with so many bags that even getting from your uber to the check in counter seems like the biggest challenge in the world. I am a firm believer that you should never pack anything that you can’t lift or handle yourself.
It saves you time
You don’t have to spend over an hour waiting in that stupid line at American Airlines just to check in your overweight bag. You can just take your mobile boarding pass and your cute little carry on and go directly to the security line. When you get off the plane all you have to do is collect your belongings and you can head straight for the exit. No more needing to wait in line at baggage claim when all you really want to do is go out and explore the beautiful new city you just arrived at or head straight to your bed if you’re returning home. This will get you wherever you want to go so much faster.
It saves you money
Baggage fees are evil and full of pesky rules that just result in you paying even more. You will save all of those fees when you stick with traveling in a carry on. You’ll really notice the savings when you have multiple flights on your trip, especially if any of them are budget airlines (these tend to tack on exorbitant baggage fees. Make sure you read their luggage guidelines before traveling!)
It minimizes the chance of losing your luggage
Having an airline lose your luggage is the absolute worst especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations. It causes you undue stress and it is incredibly inconvenient. I shudder at the thought. If you carry your luggage onto the plane, you don’t have to worry about this and it’s nice to know that all of your stuff is conveniently right above your head, safely tucked away.
It prevents over-packing
If you were hyperventilating the whole way through this post with desperate thoughts such as: “will I have enough clothes? How can I possibly fit everything in a carry on?” going through your mind then take a deep breath and take a huge swig of wine. You will be just fine. In fact, you’ll be better than fine. You won’t over pack and end up wasting space on needless items. One time Sammy and I went on a month long trip and we were absolutely fine. The world didn’t stop and I didn’t run out of things to wear. If you happen to find yourself traveling for a month, the key is to do laundry periodically and to pack clothing that layers well. Still have no idea how you’ll manage this? Here is a packing list to get you on the right track and just to brighten your day.
So there you have it! Traveling in a carry on is much easier than traveling with a bigger bag or multiple bags. You’ll have one less thing to worry about on your next trip. If you are a notorious bag checker, give carry on a whirl and watch your life change. Sammy and I are in it for the long haul
14 Comments
I have always traveled with just a carryon! It makes life so so so much easier.
Right?? I can’t go back now. I’m obsessed with my carry on
I lost a checked back traveling from JFK to Chicago O’Hare and that feeling of panic alone gets me to pack only carry-ons for every trip. I’ve done carry-ons only for the last 2 years. Ah, how lovely it makes travel!
Losing a checked bag is the absolute worst! Glad you made the switch over to the good side 🙂
Totally agree! I try to always bring a carry on to force myself to pack light and so I know where everything is at all times 🙂
Glad you’re a fellow carry on lover! I will never go back.
I’m so with you! I never check bags (unless I’m travelling for work and someone else is paying, haha) – it’s so much more convenient!! I don’t even own a bag bigger than carry on size. 😉
Exactly! I just hate the extra time it takes to wait for a bag #impatient
I always have and always will only travel with a carry on. It’s just so much easier, and I actually end up using everything I bring.
Same! It makes you plan out your outfits better!
I have literally just been uploading photos to my blog of my hand luggage only holiday wardrobe! 😂 once I started travelling without checking baggage I never looked back, it makes life so much easier!
It really does! Ooh I’ll have to check out your hand luggage pics!
Yes to the carry on baggage always, until I had kids, I have to take everything extra, whether it is packaged food for kids or their milk as I prefer to be all prepared if they do not like the food or sick or those extra diapers. All your points sound so good and realistic and nice pictures as always 🙂
That makes sense!! I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂