It is so much better to travel with only a carry-on! You don’t have to worry about lost luggage. You can save money on baggage fees and have that extra cash to spend in Koh Phangan. You save time waiting for your luggage to come out meaning you have more time to enjoy paradise island. It’s lighter so you’ll be less tired than if you had to lug around a heavy suitcase. All of your essentials are right at hand and easily accessible. The list goes on.
Although, for most people, it seems like an impossible task to fit everything you need into a tiny little bag. If you are one of those people, here are a few tips to packing all your essentials into a carry-on:
Use Ziploc bags or compression bags to shrink your clothes. You can squeeze out any excess air and you can also organize your things much better with these bags.
Plan all your outfits beforehand. Try to pack things that can be mix-matched and make sure to try everything on and really know you like it and are going to wear it. This will cut down on the amount of clothes you need to take with you.
Try to recycle items. For example, if there are a pair of jeans that can work with a few different tops, use those jeans and don’t bring another pair.
Be as realistic as possible. Ask yourself “am I really going to use that?” or “will this be useful at least more than one time?”. Pack first the things that you absolutely need for sure.
Roll up all your clothes including underwear and socks. Not only will this save space, but it helps prevent wrinkles too!
Wear your biggest, heaviest and bulkiest clothes on the airplane. For example, if you are going to bring a sweater or jacket wear it even if it’s just tied around your waist because you’re not cold. If you want to bring sandals or flip flops and sneakers or boots, wear the sneakers or boots. Whatever it is, wear the largest of the things you have to bring.
Pack only miniature travel size toiletries. Usually hotels provide shampoo and conditioner and soap so all you really have to bring is toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush and a razor. Anyways, here in Koh Phangan there’s a 7-11 on every corner with cheap travel size toiletries for whatever you may need so what’s the point of taking up space in your bag with them? If you do decide to bring them, don’t forget to put them in a clear bag like a ziploc for security check at the airport.
Check the weather before you pack so you don’t end up packing for all kinds of weather. Again, 7-11 is on every corner so don’t worry about a raincoat because you can get one for a dollar there...if you even need it.
Take advantage of the “personal item”. In addition to the carry-on you are allowed a “personal item” which is in a sense your purse. It is the item that fits under the seat in front of you. In this bag you put all the items you might use during the flight like camera, laptop, magazines and of course snacks.
Put any small or loose items towards the bottom of your carry-on so that in case you have to open your back up at the security check, it’s easier to manage and easier to put your things back away.
Use up all empty space. For example, if you are packing shoes, stuff things inside them in a plastic bag. Always put shoes in a plastic bag because they are dirty of course...same goes with things you stuff into those shoes, they should be in a plastic bag.
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