There we were, squeezed into a lift, our trusty hand luggage between our feet, pink headphones at the ready and kiddies so excited, our girls’ holiday had officially begun. This little moment captured just how far we have come in our travel journey.
I will be honest, when we first decided to try travelling with hand luggage only, I didn’t think we’d manage it. It felt impossible with kids in tow. We overpacked, crammed in way too much “just in case” stuff and still ended up forgetting a few essentials. It was stressful and a bit of a nightmare.
But if I knew then what I know now? It would’ve been a breeze.
Now, travelling light is our superpower. It saves time, money, and most importantly, your sanity. No waiting at baggage claim, no lost luggage drama, and no dragging heavy cases through cobbled streets or onto packed trains. Just the essentials, packed smart and ready to go.
Here are my top hand luggage-only tips for travelling with children, tried, tested and totally doable
Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Each person gets a small case or backpack; check the hand luggage size for different airlines. Inside, we pack outfits that mix and match, rolled up to save space and wear the ‘just in case’ jumper or jacket. Our trusty pink polka-dot trolley? It’s been everywhere with us!.
Don’t overpack! If you are going for 5 days, pack for 5 days. Skip the “just in case” extra outfits; they add bulk and rarely get worn. If needed, bring a small sachet of travel wash to rinse essentials in the sink. It keeps things fresh and saves you suitcase space.
Power Up Efficiently
Tech is actually life-saving on travel days. We bring a multi-way charging plug with multiple USB ports, one adapter, and all devices. Plus, portable power banks are a must for keeping phones and tablets charged on the go.
Be Beach Ready (Without the Bulk)
Heading for sunshine? Pack a deflatable rubber ring for each person in their bags and a collapsible bucket and spade. They are compact but priceless when you are at the beach, and you will avoid paying triple the price abroad. Best of all, there’s no guilt about leaving them behind if you run out of space on the way home, which we had to do the first time we travelled hand luggage only!.
Embrace Lazy Days
Even on sunny getaways, we all need a break from the sun. I mean, I definitely don’t, but the little ones need a shady day off, right? And that’s where small travel games come in. We pack compact favourites like UNO, travel-sized Snakes & Ladders, or a simple card deck. A colouring book and a pack of crayons is a great one too. They are lightweight, perfect for poolside shade, and turn a chill afternoon into a fun one.
Involve The Kids
Everyone is in charge of their own bags. Let the kids take ownership by packing and carrying their own bags; it builds independence and gets them excited for the trip. Whatever’s in their bag is theirs for the week: snacks, games, toys, or comfort items like bunny for Nila, she doesn’t go anywhere without her :). It also sets the tone for future trips; they learn that what fits in their bag is final, and no extras will be added. I just handle the essentials like documents, toiletries and a few emergency extras.
Travel using hand luggage only might seem challenging at first, but with the right tips and a bit of planning, it really does work. Packing smart, getting the kids involved and focusing on essentials has saved us time, stressand money.
