There’s a technique to packing a carry-on bag, especially if it is the only bag you’re bringing with you. You should be able to balance the airline requirements, while making sure you have everything you need throughout the trip.

To help you avoid the pitfalls of airport luggage problems and overpacking, here are some practical tips to keep in mind when packing your carry-on bag.

Pack by Planning Around Your Shoes
Your shoes take up most of the space of your suitcase. A good rule of thumb is to bring a pair of flip flops or sandals and a pair of versatile flats that can be dressed up or down. Once you stored them securely at the bottom of the suitcase, fold your shirts and jeans and then roll them up, placing them next to each other. Lastly, your underwear will go in small empty spaces and pockets of the bag.

Use Packing Cubes
Compartments of different sizes will help avoid instances like “where will I put this cover-up?” “Where did I put my bikini?” or “Why won’t this close?!” Zippered pouches will keep your things organized, and neatly packed. They fit in your carry-on luggage like puzzle pieces and keeping all your belongings easily accessible.

Always Bring a Swimsuit
Do we need to say more? You’re in a new place. Frolicking in the beach is part of the fun.

Go Back to Basics
One genius way to save space is to… pack less. If you are thinking of wearing something elaborate for your Instagram post, know that it’s just impractical. It will only weigh down your carry-on and probably pay for more when you’re asked to check it in. In general, stick to basics—plain shirts, basic denim jeans you can re-wear multiple times, a casual dress and a versatile pair of footwear.

If It Doesn’t Fit In the Bag, Wear It
If no matter how much you try to go basic and things still won’t fit in your carry-on, be prepared to layer up! Wear your heaviest shoes, your coat or anything that would take up so much space in your suitcase. Airports and planes are notoriously cold, so it won’t matter if you’re wearing bulky clothes.

Pack a First Aid Kit
If you’re flying more than four hours, make the effort to pack some medicines with you in case of bodily mishaps. In your medicine kit, pack everything from Paracetamol for headaches to your maintenance pills and meds, if you have any. Also, you would want to bring an airplane kit that has eye mask, earplugs and some motion sickness tablets.

Cramming everything up in a carry-on luggage isn’t easy, but always worth the effort. Bringing only one bag makes travelling easier as it gives you more flexibility to change flight or route on a whim without worrying about checked in luggage.

Your parents often say that you should save money and not just splurge it on travel. You find ways to justify your actions but they always find something to discourage you. Indeed travelling is not practical but the experience is more than monetary. The value of travelling is priceless.

Now, you can justify your actions. Your parents and those who somehow scorn travelling should know that there are health benefits of travelling. There was a study conducted by the U.S Travel Association in collaboration with the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

The research revealed that travel has cognitive and physical benefits. The research found out that there is a relation between travelling and the reduction of heart attacks. It does not end there because travelling can also decrease depressions and it can stimulate brain health that can fend off dementia and other age-related conditions and diseases. 

Similarly, there is a study conducted by the LA Times last December 2013. The study revealed the following things:

• Women who travelled twice a year have lower risks of developing heart attack or other coronary diseases compared to women who only travel once every six years.
• As for men, those who do not indulge in annual vacations have twenty percent risk of death and thirty percent of these deaths are from a heart disease.
• The emotional benefit of travelling is instant because after two days of the travel, eighty nine percent of the respondents confessed of dropping stress levels.

You should not wait for your retirement to travel because it will be too late. You can no longer trek, climb or even ride bicycles. You have to travel as young as you are.