No doubt about it, flying has gotten expensive. Airfare prices are up because of rising fuel costs. And the days of “luggage flies free” are now long gone. Airlines charge upwards of $50 for checked bags. As a result, many passengers are trying to save money by packing only a carry-on.
ABC News talked to travel experts to get their advice on how to pack light. They recommend rolling rather than folding your clothes. The rolling method helps tightly compress clothes, allowing you to fit more in your carry-on bag. To reduce wrinkles, the experts say to place silk items inside cotton clothes and then roll them together. However, you should fold bulky items like jeans and sweaters. For jackets and blazers, turn them inside out, fold them, and then place them across the top of everything else with a dry-clean bag in between.
When packing with only a carry-on, you want to maximize every bit of space. That’s why travel experts suggest you pack socks, charging cables, or other small items inside shoes. And be sure to wear your bulkiest pair of shoes on the plane, as they take up a lot of room in luggage.
Another way to save space is to downsize your toiletries and make-up, decanting them into smaller bottles and containers. This is also important because you must abide by the 3-1-1 rule for liquids when packing a carry-on bag.
The news report also promotes the so-called Sudoku method, which uses a capsule wardrobe. It calls for “laying out your favorite neutral clothing items in a three-by-three grid, including three tops, three bottoms, and three layering pieces that can be worn together in a variety of combinations.”
Do you try to avoid checking luggage when you fly? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and share your tips on how to travel with only a carry-on bag.
