Be a travel pro! 10 simple hacks to travel with just hand luggage

Cut out the filler Lay out all your travel gear on the floor and ask yourself what delivers genuine value for the space it consumes.  If you think it might not get used, it probably won’t. Leave it at home.

Look for smart alternatives Forget about packing a big bulky towel. Instead, look for one of the modern travel towels that fold down to the size of your fist. That’s just one example. Seek out smart, small gear design.

Fold and roll This is one of the tried and tested methods for travelling. Folded clothes eat up too much space. Three rolled pairs of pants, for example, can fit into the same space as a single folded pair.

Pack your shoes smartly Shoes are a space-killer, so be smart about them. The most important thing you can do is to take the fewest pairs possible with you. Once your shoes are in your bag, stuff them with socks, underwear, or a belt to save space. 

Place everything in designated spots If you plan on travelling light it is important to invest in a compartmentalised backpack. These can hold everything from your wallets and passports to an umbrella and water bottles.

Use solid soaps It is easier to travel with solid soaps as compared to liquid ones. New age soaps range from body wash to shampoo to laundry detergents. Solid soaps are easier to pack, TSA-friendly, and will never leak in your bag.

Wear travel-smart clothing Buy smart clothing like shirts made out of modern materials that wick away sweat and are stain, odour, and wrinkle-resistant. Thus, you can wear them multiple times before washing.

Pack largest items first  If you pack your small things first, you’ll discover that there is no room left for the big essentials. Pack the biggest items into your travel backpack first, then fill in around them using progressively smaller items.

Avoid packing jeans Jeans take up more space than other bottoms. Thus, pack other bottoms like cotton pants while wearing a pair of your blue jeans that goes with everything. This way you can save space and have a pair of jeans with your favourite tops.

Limit to just one dressy outfit The idea of a capsule wardrobe is  that each item is good quality and basic. Dress up basic items like black a tee and slacks with accessories like a scarf and rings or a blazer.

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