With airlines getting even stricter with carry on weight limits,
it's becoming more important to pack smart and light
One of the main reasons people are going carry-on only is to save money. That extra cash you save when checking in can quickly dwindle once you find that you are lacking the things you need to make your holiday relaxing. Even worse depending on your destination you may not even be able to find those items you desperately need. Here are 5 light, cheap and essential items to squeeze into your carry on before you head off.
1) Clothes line and half a dozen pegs
Whilst self service washing machines are becoming the norm around the world, it is still an essential cost saver to do your own washing whenever possible. A rope or stretchy clothes will do the trick (pack a few screw-in hooks just in case you can't find anywhere to secure it in the hotel room). A few small light pegs are great for hanging sarongs and underwear too.
The clothes line is available from Decathlon stores worldwide, and is the one I use on my trips. I do not earn a commission if you buy it.
2) Lightweight chopping board, plastic knife and collapsible bowl
Let's face facts. Eating out for breakfast is a rip off, inconvenient and monotonous (more eggs). You'd be surprised how quickly you'll be craving cereal and a banana. When booking hotels it is obviously a great choice to select something with breakfast included, however sometimes the best budget option does not include it (I'll be writing an extended post on this topic soon). This is where your utensils come in very handy. Extra tip - pinch a plastic set of cutlery or two from the plane plus salt and pepper....more on this later too.
3) Sunscreen
Easy to leave this one out, "I can grab some when I arrive, can´t I?". Huge mistake, convenience stores know this is an essential item and you´ll be paying through the roof to keep yourself protected. Even worse the stuff available is likely to be as thick as paint and past its use by date. Take a full 100ml bottle, more if you are travelling with family.
4) Headtorch
Budget hotels are often lacking in both bedside tables and adequate lighting for reading in bed. A rechargeable super lightweight head torch is great for reading in bed or going to the bathroom when you have no idea where you or the light switches are.
5) Sarong
Is there anything a sarong can't do? plane blanky? ✅ Towel? ✅ Curtain? ✅ Emergency bandage for a horrific scooter accident in Bali? ✅ This should actually be first on the list.
