Ok, only is not really accurate word here because I’ve had my moments and if there was checked luggage included in my ticket I used the opportunity to get more stuff.. but for that topic later!
Since I started travelling I’ve always loved carrying with me only carry-on luggage and the main reason was my anxiety. Yes, you’ve read right. The reasons I’ve listed below are just an amazing bonus to the relief that I won’t have huge luggage to think about on the top of my other worries.
My biggest accomplishment on that topic was when I went to Rome for 4 days with only a backpack. Have in mind I’m a photographer and an Instagram addicted girl who can’t miss having tons of photos taken for her profile. And if you have tons of photos you have to have tons of outfits for them. So it really was challenging. Despite that, I decided it will be way more comfortable for me to go with only carry-on luggage. Why? Keep reading and you will find out.
Saving money
This is the main bonus if you are on a budget – if you want to save some money off your trip not purchasing additional luggage is a great idea. If you are flying with a low-cost company the prices of checked luggage are crazy. Sometimes they can get more expensive than the ticket itself.
I’m bringing additional luggage with me only if it’s included in the ticket’s price.
Saving time
I remember the first time when I travelled with checked luggage – I had to wait to check-in because of it and after that when I landed I had to wait for more than an hour to get it. It was exhausting especially if the flight is long and especially because every time you have to wait a bit more you worry about if you will see it if it’s lost or if everything is ok inside. For that point in a minute.
Travelling with carry-on luggage only saves you time. Most of the cases you can check-in online and it won’t be necessary to wait on the long queue to give your checked luggage before the flight. And after you land you just go ahead with your tasks.
You don’t worry about the luggage
And as I mentioned above – when you land you have to wait for your checked luggage. Sometimes for hours. Most of the times when you wait and don’t see it you start to worry if it’s lost if it’s damaged. Some of the times your worries get real. And it really is lost. Or they really did damage it. And instead of you just enjoying your trip now you have to handle luggage problems and to miss precious moments from your trip.
You are way more mobile
You can go everywhere without worrying about how you will carry your luggage. Because it is small and mobile. You can fit it in a locker if necessary and you can keep on exploring the new place with no worries. I really can’t imagine going from the airport to anywhere else except the hotel with a couple of pieces of luggage. And if you are a woman by yourself or just with a couple of friends it gets even harder to move around.
And safer
Imagine seeing a person with a couple of pieces of luggage looking around as if he has no idea where he is. You right away know that he is a tourist. The perfect target for thieves. And with all of these pieces which one will you keep safe the most? Also if you have a trip with a bus or a ferry and have lots of luggage with you they make you leave part of it at the luggage compartment. And me particularly – I hate not seeing where is my stuff. So having everything with me is a huge relief. Another bonus is if you have to put it in a locker – in a hostel or at the bus station.. if you are with a suitcase you will have to lose some time getting only the most important stuff you have from the rest.
Easier not to lose anything
When you have only a couple of items with you it is way easier to keep track of them and to know if you forgot something somewhere. If you have 2 bags and a huge suitcase something might slip away and you won’t even notice it is missing until you need it. Or like my last trip to Bali – I was with a checked suitcase, a small one and still I was sure that I put a particular top in it. Searched everywhere and when I called home it turned out I forgot to take it with me. A lost time that I will never get back.
And these are my reasons to travel with a carry-on. what is your opinion on the subject? Do you prefer taking 2-3 suitcases with you to be sure you have everything or you like travelling like me – light and easy? Share your comment down below!
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What do you think?