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A professional packer has revealed how to fit two weeks’ worth of clothes in carry-on luggage, including the items that make this possible.
Lydia Mansel, the founder of the packing site Just Packed, shared her top tips to make packing more streamlined.
Writing for Travel and Leisure, she said: ‘While I’ll typically take advantage of the free checked bag that comes with airline status, there are some scenarios when it doesn’t make sense to bring more than one small suitcase.
‘And yes, this includes trips where you’re travelling for weeks on end (although a full month may be pushing it, at least for me).
‘When I’m travelling light, I use these packing hacks to get the most out of my carry-on suitcase real estate.’
Mansel’s first tip is to make sure your carry-on is as spacious as possible.
Our group of expert reviewers at the Daily Mail have reviewed and rated the best cabin suitcases and found the best case overall to be the Kapten & Son Heathrow Cabin.
The inside is very neat and good quality, with compartments to organise your belongings and, as always, the security zip is great for peace of mind.
A professional packer has revealed how to fit two weeks’ worth of clothes in carry-on luggage, including the items that make this possible
At 3.12kg it’s pretty light, and it’s not the most expensive option, either – given its £250 price tag.
Bear in mind, though – with a depth of 23cm, it might be slightly too big for certain airline regulations.
For travellers with a higher budget, our team of experts also recommends the Briggs & Riley Essential 56cm Carry-On Expandable Spinner Suitcase.
This suitcase lets you expand the case for 25 per cent more space, which is a real bonus for international travel.
With all the bells and whistles – internal pockets, sturdy wheels and exterior shell, a personalised leather monogram nameplate, lockable zip, and plenty more – it’s a well-designed, high-quality case.
Join the debate
Are airlines making it too hard for travellers to pack efficiently with strict carry-on rules?
The expert packer’s next tip is a roomy personal item bag. For UK flights, you generally get one carry-on bag (fits overhead) plus a smaller personal item (fits under the seat), but rules vary by airline
Budget carriers like easyJet often charge for large bags, while full-service airlines like BA usually include a bigger allowance. Making use of a personal item allowance is a great way to maximise hand luggage.
A personal item is typically a small bag (like a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that must fit under the seat in front of you.
The size guidelines vary for each airline. For TUI flights, you may bring an extra bag with maximum dimensions of 40x30x20cm.
Our team has reviewed and rated some of our favourite personal item bags that meet standard dimensions. These bags also fit the size restrictions of Ryanair’s ‘small bag’.
Our top pick is the Decathlon Sports Bag, which costs just £5.99 Super lightweight, foldable to a small pouch and easy to carry by hand or over the shoulder, you can’t ask for much more from an under-seat bag.
Our reviewers also loved the Cabin Max Vela 20L holdall which has plenty of room for belongings. In addition to a rather bulky work laptop, our reviewer fit a change of trousers, several tops, a gym kit and a very full washbag.
Another space-saving travel essential is packing cubes.
Mansel said: ‘There’s a reason most frequent fliers, myself included, never travel without packing cubes: They’re the secret to an organised suitcase.
‘Compression packing cubes, in particular, are critical for saving space and flattening clothes as much as possible.’
This Lumesner set of eight packing cubes makes packing so much easier, thanks to compressing clothes and storing everything separately so it’s easier to find when you unpack.
Made from durable polyester and high-density mesh, this suitcase organiser bag set maintains excellent wear resistance even under heavy use.
Mansel also recommends a packable travel pillow.
The Daily Mail Travel team named Travelrest’s Ultimate Inflatable Pillow as our best travel pillow for side sleepers – and it’s also our editor’s personal favourite.
You simply blow the pillow up with a few short puffs and then sling the detachable strap around your body like a messenger bag.
Nestled against, rather than around your neck, it’s far less constricting than most pillows.
And, being inflatable, it’s very easy to pack away and store in your hand luggage.
As well as the items above, the expert packer recommends bringing just one pair of do-it-all shoes, an oversized leather jacket for all occasions and one pair of perfect, dependable jeans.
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