Travel only with hand luggage It is an art that everyone can acquire. Modern airlines have standardized their regulations for hand luggage, with the common maximum size of 40 x 30 x 10 cm and a weight limit of usually 8 kg. One Well thought-out rucksack or a handbag is completely sufficient to accommodate all the necessary items.
The trend towards Minimalist travel is becoming more and more popular, as checked baggage often causes additional costs and carries the risk of loss or damage. With the Proper Packing List and Clever packing tips You can optimally prepare for your journey.
Table of contents
Travel only with hand luggage: Packing list now download as PDF

Packing list for travelling only with hand luggage
Here you will find a clear list of all the important items you need for your trip:
Papers and documents
Important documents should always be at hand in hand luggage:
- Passport/ID card
- Tickets/Boarding Pass
- Vaccination passport
- Driving licence
- Medical insurance abroad
- Emergency contacts
Money and Finance
When travelling with hand luggage, you should always have your valuables at hand. A small backpack is perfect for:
- wallet with:
- Cash
- Credit Cards
- EC card
- Emergency benefit
- Document folder for:
- Copies of important documents
- Reservation confirmations
- Proof of insurance
Hygiene
When it comes to hygiene, it is important to consider the liquids in hand luggage. All products must be stowed in a transparent bag:
- Basic hygiene:
- Dental care
- Skin care
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Additional hygiene articles:
- Hand disinfectants
- Wet wipes
- Towels
Clothing and footwear
Choosing the right clothes is crucial for successful travel with little luggage:
- Basics:
- Light scarf
- Sun hat/cap
- Sunglasses
- 3-4 T-shirts
- 2 long-sleeved uppers
- 2 trousers
- Underwear and socks for 5-7 days
- 1 light jacket
- 1 sweater
- comfortable, run-in shoes and once changing shoes
Medications / Pharmacy
A well-stocked travel pharmacy belongs in every hand luggage:
- Basic equipment:
- Personal medications
- Plasters
- Pain pills
- Travel sickness tablets
- Diarrhea medicines
- Electric toothbrush
Backpacks and bags
Choosing the right piece of luggage is crucial:
- Recommendations:
- Cabin-suitable rucksack
- Cabin trolley
- Small handbag as an additional piece of luggage
Technical equipment
Modern technology is part of travel:
- Basics:
- Smartphone + charging cable
- Powerbank
- Adapters
- Laptop/tablet
- Camera
- Headphones
While you pack minimalist for a short trip with hand luggage, you can see this in a World tour or life as a digital nomad completely different. Those who travel for months have to pack cleverly to stay flexible. So if you are not just packing for a weekend, but for a longer trip, in this article you will find the perfect tips for a long-term trip: Backpacking Packing List for World Travelers and Digital Nomads.

Travel only with hand luggage: Packing list for women
Additional recommendations for women:
- Cosmetics:
- Limited Beauty Products (100ml)
- Multi-use products
- Minimalist care routine
By the way: If you’re on a trip to Rome, there are a few things that prove to be especially practical – whether it’s the right clothes for the Vatican or comfortable shoes for the many walks. In this case: Packing list Rome: So you forget nothing on your city trip You will find all the important tips!
Would you rather plan your trip to London? In this case: Packing list London (free): plan your city trip perfectly! You will find all the important tips to be perfectly prepared despite the rain and wind.
Fly only with hand luggage
Each airline has specific regulations for hand luggage:
- General guidelines:
- Weight limitation
- Compliance with size limits
- Check the booked tariff
Flying only with hand luggage: What is allowed in hand luggage?
The following items may be carried on board:
- Electronics
- Medication
- Cosmetics (100ml)
- Clothing
- Valuables
Flying only with hand luggage: What is forbidden in hand luggage?
These items are not allowed:
- Point nail files
- Pocket knives
- liquids over 100 ml
- Knitting needles
- Ski and hiking poles
Are you only traveling for a few days? Then this packing list can help you: Packing List Short trip: Clever pack for 3-5 days on the go.
If you should be on the road longer, then we also have the suitable packing list for it: Packing list Holiday: 1 week on the road – Packed in 5 minutes!
Frequently asked questions about traveling only with hand luggage
What do you have to consider if you only travel with hand luggage?
Pay attention to the size and weight restrictions of the airline and pack only the essentials.
How do you pack only one piece of hand luggage?
Roll your clothes instead of folding them and use packing cubes for better organization.
Is 8 kg of hand luggage a lot?
For a short trip of 1-2 weeks, 8 kg of hand luggage is absolutely sufficient.
What should you always have in your hand luggage?
Valuables, important documents, medicines and basic clothing equipment belong in hand luggage.


