Foreign Travel with Only Carry-On

April 5, 2018 thisihavefound@gmail.com 2,810 Comments

We all get those tempting last minute deals for cheap tickets to lands far away. Almost too good to be true right? Yes and no. I recently had the opportunity to go to Cyprus to run a race for the same price my husband spent to travel only 500 miles away in the US the same week. The catch- excessive baggage fees they hoped I would have to cough up to actually wear clothing on the trip. I would be limited to one carry-on the size of a small backpack or briefcase. Eight days of international travel leaving in the snow and going to a 70 degree F beach resort with all the gear/gels to tackle a half marathon because, as they say, “nothing new on race day”.
Just for the record- I do not travel light as a rule. I like my creature comforts. My favorite pillow has always traveled with me. This was going to be an uncomfortable stretch outside my comfort zone but that’s where we grow right? So here is what I learned…

Baggage: Normal suitcases will not do. None of them are small enough for the strictest budget airlines. It took weeks to find the Swiss Gear pack (bought at Target for $59) that, even when full, would not exceed the size and weight restrictions of the most brutal- Ryanair. The pack has separate zippered compartments to keep things organized and pockets just where you need them. I used my running hydration pack as a compression strap around the outside of the pack to make sure it would fit in the sizing bin. You could use a web belt for the same purpose. Pay close attention to the rules for luggage posted by your airline. I had several for this trip: Ryanair, Norwegian and EasyJet. You are limited by the most stringent of these so even if Norwegian allowed two carryons, Ryanair reduced it to one. Here is a look at everything I could fit in the bag:

Clothes: Wear your heaviest clothes and shoes. Dress in a neutral color palette so everything matches. I choose black, cream and grey. Select pieces with pockets. Wear dark colors so stains won’t show. Pack super light pants like these from Columbia. They compress to almost nothing and weigh the same. Light fabrics dry quickly when you have to wash clothes in the hotel sink. Dress in layers. This amounted to a pair of long running tights with 4 pockets, a tunic with 2 pockets, a cami under the tunic, compression running socks- good for long flights anyway, running shoes, the Stuffa Vest and a scarf. Always pack a swim suit. Even in winter there could be a spa, steam room or indoor pool and it doesn’t add much weight. Pack foldable slip on ballet flats inside other shoes and put into a zip lock bag.

The Stuffa Vest: I couldn’t have done it without this. It won’t win awards for style but I fit an entire small suitcase of clothes in that thing. 2 pairs of pants, 1 windbreaker, 3 running shorts, 2 t-shirts, 4 pairs of socks, 2 long sleeved shirts, yoga shorts, 2 sports bras, tissues, charger cables, wallet, gum, chapstick, earbuds and small notebook with pen. Since only carry-on is weighed, put heavy things in the vest if you are close to the limit or pack all your soft things in it’s multitude of hidden pockets and it doubles as a travel pillow. True confessions, I had to remove a lot of the vest stuffing to not resemble a terrorist bomber when fully packed. Small cuts made to the inside of the pockets for fluff removal were quickly sewn up again.

Scarf: Pick a big light weight scarf in a dark color and it serves as plane blanket or eye mask for naps, a pool cover up, shawl for chilly nights, extra wrap skirt, picnic blanket or head covering for visiting religious sites when abroad.

Downsize: All toiletries had to be repacked into smaller containers for just a weeks worth. It’s amazing how much room and weight even travel size toiletries can take up. Craft store zip lock bags found in the bead and jewelry making section are perfect for this. I even put moisturizer in the little bags as well as drink mixes and vitamins. The bags pack flatter and weigh nothing so more items can come with you. Ask the cosmetic counter to give you a sample size of foundation. It comes in a minute bottle that is perfect for a few days of real makeup, if needed. A BB cream like Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue doubles as foundation and sunscreen.

Solid over liquid: Space in the liquids quart bag is at a premium and they are heavy so minimize them. I switched my shampoo to this solid and loved it. The solid conditioner was not as good as my liquid at home, but better than the hotel stuff.

Kindle: A bibliophile must have her books. Nough said.

Computer: The heaviest thing I packed. There is a cushioned section in the Swiss Gear pack that holds the computer against your back.

Snacks: Being a plant based eater, I always pack snacks since airports and foreign countries don’t always have good options. This was heavy but leant a sense of security. Really important since my 8 hour flight ran out of food half way through! Some passengers seemed ready to panic but I just nibbled out of the food stores without trouble.

Water bottle: Who knew that drinks are offered onboard only if you buy food?? I did beg a cup of water on the way home but, it was given grudgingly and in a tiny cup. Guess that’s to keep the bathroom line down. Having a water bottle meant traveling easier at the destination since mine had a built in filter. Nothing like diarrhea and vomiting to ruin a trip.

Detergent: Travel size Tide packets made washing clothes in the sink realistic. A reality if you only have a few clothes.

Travel charger/adapter: This one had USB ports as well as electric outlets to charge anything I had. You never know how many outlets you are going to get so packing a power strip can be a lifesaver if you bring a few different devices. Check all your electronics for the universal electric symbol. If they all have that, you are good to charge no matter the current with only an adapter and won’t need the power strip.

Things to do without: I had to say goodbye to my favorite pillow, PJs, hairdryer, books, non-essential clothes and a purse. A nylon grocery bag and a nylon water bottle sleeve with outside pocket served as a makeshift purses when I hit my destination.

Pros: No baggage claim, easy movement between modes of transport, not as much stuff to remember. No baggage fees (this would have been a few hundred dollars). No lost or damaged baggage.

Cons: Harder to pack as everything has to be downsized not just thrown in a suitcase. I did have to buy a new backpack and the vest but now I’m set for next time.

Verdict: I would do this again in a similar situation. It saved a ton of money and hassle during the trip even if packing for the trip was harder. It was good to be forced to adapt and get creative with how to respond to the most stringent baggage restrictions.