Hand luggage travel phenomenon: what to choose and how to pack it?<

Backpackers and digital nomads

Hand luggage is mainly used by individuals who travel alone or with a group of friends. They often do not have the destination of their trip precisely planned and move to where the current situation will take them. They will get to know not only the country they will visit, but they will also gain a lot of new friends and experiences. Some have their way thought through at least briefly. They don't know where they will spend the night, but they will always find some accommodation where they arrive. The so-called digital nomads also carry a laptop or tablet in their hand luggage, where they work wherever they find an internet connection. So their travel plan is often built and planned on a quality connection in the place of residence and a pleasant environment for work (cafes, coworkings). Their work gives them not only a livelihood, but also the freedom and opportunity to explore new countries. It's the perfect way to gain knowledge, experience, build contacts, and still travel and discover new places and cultures.

In addition, there are so-called backpackers (Czech backpackers), who are not tied up with anything. Whether for financial reasons or for fun, they mainly use low-cost ways of traveling and accommodation - hitchhiking, couchsurfing or wild camping. Couchsurfers who register on travel social networks gain contacts with like-minded people. When they go to a country, they can easily find out if there are any other couchsurfers and if they will provide them with accommodation. Couchsufring often includes not only sleeping but also fun. These people exchange experiences with each other - and for free, take their guest around the city in which they live, show him how to have fun, how to eat and what is interesting in their place of residence. Couchsurfers not only travel, they build relationships and friendships.

However, traveling with only hand luggage is also used by people who do not consider themselves digital nomads or low-cost travelers. Over the last few years, there have been many ticket portals and aggregators focused on cheap flights. If you watch them honestly, once in a while there is a real gem to be found. You can fly there and back behind the mouthpiece. These cheap flights are often limited to hand luggage, which is why the trend of hand luggage has spread even among holidaymakers who also do not want (and in some companies cannot even pay) extra. These cheap catches are most often used for spontaneous extended weekends, but those who like to plan and watch cheap flights long in advance can catch cheap tickets for pre-planned stays.

How to pack hand luggage

Hand luggage or boarding bag must have certain dimensions in order to be allowed on board the aircraft. What dimensions these are, each airline determines separately. Most low cost airlines have a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a maximum of 8 kg. Either only one piece is allowed, or you can pack a small backpack or purse on board. Again, it depends on the airlines, so it pays to read their terms and conditions before departure.

For a more accurate idea, we add a demonstration of the recommended dimensions of some airlines:

When packing hand luggage, really focus only on the most important things. Think about what you can leave at home and what you can buy on the spot. Only pack underwear, socks and a few other necessities in your backpack or luggage. Do not crumple or fold clothes in the classic way. The simplest and also the most economical system is packing individual pieces of clothing into small rolls. These are then folded into the backpack much better than normally folded clothes. You can put on clothes that will no longer fit in your hand luggage. It is only a short time before you leave the departure zone and before you are checked in. As soon as you board the plane, you can take off your clothes again and store them in the space above your head.

Don't forget hygiene items, towels and medicines you wouldn't find on site. When it comes to cosmetics, creams, gels, etc., don't forget the restrictions on liquids on board the aircraft. It is best to buy pre-designed travel kits that are commonly sold in drugstores. If you use them on the go, you can easily buy others on the spot.

Some things like cosmetics, laptop, tablet, etc. will need to be submitted for inspection. Therefore, keep them easily accessible. On the top of the backpack, in the side pockets, etc. Some hand luggage has a special pocket for a laptop, which can be easily entered from the side. This will make it easier for you to manipulate the device during airport checks and at the same time keep your laptop safe from thieves.

You will also need air tickets and travel documents at hand. Always keep them separate from your wallet, mobile phone and other documents. Ideal for a side pocket that can be securely closed with a zipper. Safety luggage and handbags are also produced, which have a specially designed fastening. The zipper is usually hidden under the fabric, so the contents of the pockets are less accessible to thieves and you can travel with more peace of mind.

What you must not have in your hand luggage

As we have already mentioned, the carry-on bag or carry-on luggage that you carry with you on the plane has certain limitations. These do not only concern weight and dimensions, but also content. In addition to liquids, gels and creams, you must not carry metal objects, such as tent pegs, knives or other weapons, such as gas bombs.

Liquids in cabin baggage must be in a container with a maximum volume of 100 ml. If you are unsure of the number of such bottles and containers, there is another simple rule. All containers of liquids, creams or gels must be placed in a plastic transparent bag measuring 1 liter and measuring 20 x 20 cm. After all, the restriction only concerns security checks. Once you have it behind you, you can buy more fluids according to your needs.

If you are going on a more adventurous expedition and you are convinced that you can't do without a knife, again you need to follow the safety instructions of a particular airline. You can take a knife on board the plane whose blade is no longer than 6 cm and wider than 1.3 cm. It must not have a fuse or a fixed blade and must not have a shaped handle. Even if your knife meets the safety requirements, it may not just allow you to get it on the plane. It always depends on the specific security check and most importantly - on the people.

What hand luggage to choose?

As you can see for yourself, traveling with hand luggage can be really easy and very convenient. This will make it easier for you, especially in check-in areas at airports. In order for your boarding bag or bag to serve you well not only during the flight, but throughout the trip, you need to make a good choice. There are a number of cabinets and handbags that you can use as needed.

If you are traveling for a short business meeting or meeting, you will probably use a wheeled suitcase and you will be satisfied. However, if you are planning a longer trip, which you will mainly go on, transport by local transport and discover the beauty and culture of the visited country, a strong and light backpack will be more suitable, which will carry you well and meet the criteria of hand luggage. So how to choose it correctly and what to focus on?

Hand luggage for backpackers and couchsurfers

Backpackers and couchsurfer are expected to travel really "lightly". Their hand luggage will probably be a fully functional, comfortable and sturdy waterproof backpack that will withstand trips to the mountains, the rainforest and the desert. It will have to withstand different temperatures, weather conditions and humidity, or even rain or snow. At the same time, everyone should be light, comfortable, have reinforced shoulder straps and a ventilated back.

This hand luggage should meet all the criteria set by the airline, but at the same time be a travel companion into which you will pack your entire temporary "life". Our tips clearly include:

Hand luggage for digital nomads

Digital nomads may have the same requirements for their hand luggage as the backpackers or couchsurfers mentioned above, but they have one more important condition - a laptop pocket. Digital nomadism is a lifestyle and a form of livelihood at the same time. These people not only travel for knowledge and entertainment, but also work while doing so. Therefore, they must have a laptop with them at all times and their hand luggage must meet the condition that their work tool is completely safe.

If you do not yet have a suitable luggage, look for hand luggage with a laptop pocket, preferably specially softened. Read the dimensions of the pocket well, because each notebook has different dimensions and should be placed firmly in the pocket so that it does not "run" from side to side or jump. Such shocks certainly wouldn't do him the best.

There is a range of on-board luggage directly for digital nomads on the market. Our favorites include:

For frequent trips to work

If you travel / fly abroad for work (conferences, training and other trips abroad), you will have completely different requirements for your hand luggage than digital nomads or backpackers. You will probably only need a laptop bag and a small suitcase on wheels, in which you can store clothes and toiletries. The ideal is a smaller suitcase with a handle, which meets the conditions and dimensions of the on-board luggage and on which you can possibly slide a laptop bag so that you do not have to drag it over your shoulder. After all, the laptop speaks.

Our favorites include safe and practical carrying cases: