At some point, we all say, “I don’t mind paying more for better service,” unfortunately, that’s not how airline managers see it. Competition is based on price, and smaller seats, more passengers, and less luggage space offset this reduction in the flight cost.
Amid the legal dispute in which several airlines have been sanctioned for charging for hand luggage, the truth is that in many cases, we will be forced to travel with only one (small) piece of luggage. How can we travel lighter without missing anything?
Accessories for compact luggage
The first key is to pack using strategies to take much less clothing. But even then, a good part of the luggage’s volume and weight is not clothing but everything else: toiletries, electronic devices, chargers, and a host of things that (we think) are essential for the trip.
Here are some tips for selecting travel accessories without causing your suitcase to explode in the queue for boarding:
Packing cubes
They’re not precisely accessories, nor are they cubes. These rectangular bags, usually made of durable nylon, have two zippers: one to open them and put clothes in and another to compress the side of the bag, making the clothes take up less space.
They come in different sizes for different types of clothing, and not only do they save space for other things, but they also help you keep your clothes organized and accessible without completely breaking your suitcase.
Refillable bottles
If you’re going to a hotel, you’ll find soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and other products there, but if you can’t do it without your own, don’t bring large containers. Instead, use plastic travel bottles to carry small amounts of each item.
Remember that carry-on bags should have a capacity of 100 ml or less, but in many cases, you’ll need less than that amount.
Microfiber towel
Don’t pack a heavy, bulky cotton terry towel in your suitcase if you’re going somewhere with a beach. Microfiber towels are lightweight, compact, and dry quickly, making them perfect for travel.
Collapsible water bottle
Bottled water is expensive, and the packaging is highly polluting. A water bottle is an ideal travel companion, but metal ones occupy much space. Instead, you can find silicone bottles that fold up when empty, some shaped like bellows, saving space in your suitcase or backpack.
Inflatable travel pillow
A travel pillow can prevent stiff necks on long planes or train rides, but you’ll have to carry it around for the rest of the trip, even if you don’t use it. Inflatable models fold up and don’t take up space when not in use.
E-book reader
Vacations allow us time to read, but printed books are incompatible with small suitcases. Investing in an e-book reader such as Kindle, Kobo, or other models will allow you to travel with hundreds of books and have a similar experience to reading on paper since they have passive electronic ink screens.
Quick-drying underwear
Microfibre underwear is much lighter and more comfortable than cotton underwear. It is also breathable, and some brands offer antibacterial fabrics that prevent it from smelling bad. In addition, it is easier to wash and dry, for example, in a hotel room, without resorting to the laundry service.
Wireless earbuds
Wireless earbuds take up less space than over-ear headphones and eliminate the potential hassle of wires. Plus, some models offer noise cancellation that’s as effective or more effective than over-ear headphones thanks to silicone ear tips that seal the ear canal, which is especially helpful during long flights.
Foldable sunglasses
Sunglasses are one of the most essential accessories in summer, but carrying them in a suitcase or backpack requires space that we don’t always have. Different brands offer sunglasses that fold in half at the bridge and with temples that fold in half, so they can be carried in a compact package that fits in the palm of your hand.
Multi-cable charger
Instead of packing multiple chargers for your devices, carry a single charger with multiple USB outputs and a multi-cable with different types of connectors (USB-C, micro USB, lightning) that will allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Baggage Tracker
It won’t help you reduce the space in your suitcase, but these small tracking tags, such as AirTag, Tile, or Chipolo, can locate your keys, purse, backpack, suitcase, or dog if you lose sight of them, offering their location on your mobile phone.
Additional tips for traveling light
- Bring layers: Depending on the weather at your destination, you can wear several light layers instead of one heavy jacket in different combinations.
- Choose lightweight fabrics: Opt for clothes made of lightweight materials that don’t wrinkle easily. Synthetic fabrics have the advantage here.
- Minimize shoes: Shoes tend to take up a lot of space. Bring a pair of versatile, comfortable walking shoes and another pair of more formal shoes if necessary. Remember that you will be wearing one pair during the trip.
- Prioritize multifunctional devices: Choose gadgets that can serve multiple functions to reduce the number of devices you need to carry.
