What if my bag is slightly over the weight limit?

Wear your heaviest items—boots and a jacket—onto the plane. Once you are through the gate, you can stow them in your bag if space allows.

How do I handle laundry?

Plan to wash your clothes in a sink using a travel laundry detergent sheet every 5-7 days. Most hostels and hotels provide coin-operated machines if you prefer a full wash.

Carry-on Only: Master International Packing

To travel internationally with only a carry-on, you must limit yourself to 10 kilograms total and stick to a strict 5-4-3-2-1 clothing system. Focus on modular, quick-dry layers that serve multiple purposes to avoid exceeding airline size restrictions.

Select the right bag. Use a 35L to 40L backpack with compression straps. Ensure dimensions do not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, which is the standard limit for most international carriers like Lufthansa or Emirates.
Execute the 5-4-3-2-1 rule. Pack 5 tops, 4 bottoms (including what you wear), 3 pairs of socks/underwear, 2 pairs of shoes (one on your feet, one in the bag), and 1 versatile jacket. Choose fabrics like Merino wool or synthetic blends that resist odors.
Maximize liquid compliance. Transfer all toiletries into 100ml silicone squeeze tubes. Keep them in a single, clear, quart-sized TSA-approved bag to move through security checkpoints in under 60 seconds.
Use compression packing cubes. Roll your clothes tightly and secure them in compression cubes. This reduces volume by up to 30% and keeps your bag organized so you don't have to dump your belongings at customs.

What if my bag is slightly over the weight limit?: Wear your heaviest items—boots and a jacket—onto the plane. Once you are through the gate, you can stow them in your bag if space allows.
How do I handle laundry?: Plan to wash your clothes in a sink using a travel laundry detergent sheet every 5-7 days. Most hostels and hotels provide coin-operated machines if you prefer a full wash.