Our Family of Four Embarks on a Monthlong Journey with Only Carry-Ons: A Revelation in Traveling Light

Managing travel can be quite challenging for parents juggling two young children, and the last thing I wished for was to be burdened with bulky luggage.

Thus, this summer, my spouse and I took the leap to travel solely with carry-ons — our survival kit included three backpacks, two compact suitcases, a weekender bag, and a laptop case — during our monthlong adventure in the UK.

We braved London's rain, experienced Cambridge's brisk evenings, endured heatwaves, and overcame sporadic train delays, yet we never felt under-prepared.

Here's our strategy and experience, and why dealing with checked luggage may now be a thing of the past for us.

The Advantages of Traveling Light

After numerous trips to the UK over recent years, I've learned to avoid the hassles associated with large luggage such as navigating endless stairs, cobbled pathways, and tight subway turnstiles — a particular headache with kids in tow.

Standing in lines is one of my pet peeves, so by skipping the baggage carousel, we spared ourselves the wait, especially when handling tired children.

Also, the worry of lost baggage was completely eliminated, and transporting carry-ons from site to site was conveniently effortless.

Packing Strategies: Miraculous Minimalism

We consciously chose accommodations with washing facilities, aiming for simplicity in our packing.

My wardrobe was a minimalist's dream: a handful of staples that were easy to launder and swap if needed, with a preference for non-creasing wear such as classic white tees and button-ups.

For the kids, athletic wear and basic tops sufficed. They donned hoodies and joggers on the plane that doubled as sleepwear, and some shorts served dual purposes, doubling as swimwear.

Owing to their young age and compact clothing sizes, I managed to house all our gear in a single petite suitcase.

Meanwhile, my partner’s attire was compressed into a weekender, leaving other bits to be shared in the extra suitcase.

Each family member had a personal bag: backpacks for kids filled with toys and gadgets, a camera bag for my husband, and a versatile water-resistant laptop bag for me that transformed easily for diverse outings.

Embracing the Journey

Traveling light compelled me to stay present, flipping the script from fretting over outfits or lugging hefty suitcases to fully savoring treasured travel moments — like savoring a crab sandwich on Polzeath Beach or catching a historical reenactment at Kentwell Hall.

Being present during our travels reaffirmed my desire to forgo checked luggage permanently.