How to pack for 3 weeks with just hand luggage
You'll be amazed at how much you can fit in
Last updated 23rd Jul 2020
Now that the lockdown is beginning to ease, some of us are choosing to get away, so here are some great ways to avoid breaking the bank when you're packing for your holiday.
With the popularity of budget airlines and having to pay for every little extra, hold luggage can be an expensive luxury. Here's how to pack three weeks' worth of clothes into one piece of hand luggage.
1. Multi-purpose clothes
For women, tops can be 'dressed up' or 'dressed down' and sarongs can be worn as long or short skirts, a scarf or even a shawl. Check out the video below for some ideas.
Although a little harder for men choosing T-shirts and shirts carefully means that they can be worn with casual shorts or smart jeans depending on the occasion.
2. Wear your heavier or bulkier clothes and shoes
When weight and space matter, make sure that you wear or carry your bulkier clothes and shoes. Never put a coat in your hand luggage and wear your trainers rather than your flip flops. Although we don't advise doing what Joey from Friends did!
3. Roll don't fold
Rolling your clothes up saves on space and can help reduce creases. Watch this video on how to roll up an day's worth of clothes into a tight cylinder. Impressed? We thought you would be.
4. What do you really need?
Do you really need a towel or shampoo? Or will you be able to use the hotel's or buy some while you're on holiday? Make sure that only the essentials are in your bag. Remember you can always buy shampoo, conditioner and sun cream on holiday if you need it. If you really need a towel then try taking a travel towel which has the same absorbency, but is a fraction of the size.
5. Swap books for a tablet
Perhaps it's time to do away with the traditional poolside book and swap it for an electronic alternative. Having a tablet or Kindle with all your books on can save you weight and space, just don't get it wet!
6. Leave underwear 'til last, but not behind!
Leaving your underwear 'til the end means you can stuff it in the gaps that are left by the larger items. Your underwear shouldn't have its own area in the suitcase, it should fill the gaps!
7. Socks and shoes
When it comes down to it how many pairs of socks and shoes do you really need? If you're going somewhere hot then you're likely to be wearing sandals a lot meaning you will probably won't need socks as much. Likewise when it comes to shoes, women probably only need a maximum of three pairs, flip flops, wedges and trainers, men on the other hand probably only need two!
8. Plan ahead
Plan what you're going to wear, don't pack things 'just in case'. You might already have some special meals planned, but it's unlikely you'll need two changes of clothes for every day that you're there.
9. Phone chargers
Can you double up on chargers? Does your phone and tablet use the same charger? If it does you can probably get away with only one charger while you're away. If you're on holiday in a group see how many of your chargers double up and see if you can reduce the number. Of course don't forget your travel adapters, some have two USB ports so you can leave your British plug at home.
10. Belts and scarves
Wonder what to do with those pesky belts and scarves? Other than wearing them, try putting them around the edge of a suitcase using up the little gaps that are inevitably left.
11. Get a lighter bag
Don't forget that hard cased suitcases can be heavier than their soft counterparts so they can add to your tight weight limit. It might be time to spend a little (on a new lighter case or bag) to save a lot of money in excess luggage.
Now take a look at some amazing Airbnbs:
Log cabin with hot tub, near Bath
The log cabin is a warm, cosy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Unwind in the hot tub under the stars, or sit and relax on the private deck.
Log cabin with hot tub
The cabin has an open plan lounge with two sofas (one is a sofa bed) as well as a kitchen area with hob, cooker and fridge.
Cosy vintage American caravan, Somerset/Devon/Dorset border
Dip your toes into the rural 1950s with a stay in a comfy, fully refurbished, air-float caravan.
Cosy vintage American caravan
Set in its own private garden with bbq area, outdoor fire pit and dining table, you can collect eggs fresh from the chickens, and don't forget to pet the pigs!
Beautiful Gothic church conversion, near Wells
This gorgeous Gothic church, has been tastefully converted into a six bedroom house, with stunning original features, and sleeps 17 (a few more with a squash)!
Beautiful Gothic church conversion
The converted church is in a peaceful village, 2 miles from the historic Cathedral City of Wells, 30 mins from Bath and Bristol.
Unique holiday experience in a railway carriage, Saint Austell
The SIPHON offers a special glamping holiday where your carbon footprint will be minimal - as they source as much as they can from local suppliers and ask guests to recycle/compost.
Unique holiday experience in a railway carriage
The SIPHON is off grid - solar power provides electricity for lighting and charging mobile phones - and there is a 'green' waterless toilet. A really exciting and different holiday experience with outside space for barbecuing and play.
Boatel, Machynlleth
Be under no illusion this is like camping under a wooden roof! Not glamping or a hotel. Boatel guests share the boat roofed shed with other guests and residents and no one has exclusivity on this structure.
Boatel
The boat is old and dusty with the occasional spider, an unusual and quirky experience!
The views are stunning. Sorry no dogs but there are two friendly dogs that live there, cats and ex-caged chickens.
Lovely old house and art deco cinema, Axbridge
A fabulous, stylish place to stay for a group or a family holiday! Not ideal for the crazier hen parties (though open to discuss details of your particular needs).
Lovely old house and art deco cinema
This is a fabulous place to stay in a restored old Georgian coaching inn (with older parts) on the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Stylish and quirky, with contemporary art and fittings as well as vintage and antique furnishings, the house accommodates at least 11 people.
Spiral straw bale studio, near Canterbury
This house as a beautiful and unique hand-built straw bale studio overlooking open countryside.
Spiral straw bale studio
It has great transport links to Canterbury's historic centre and nearby beaches and a garden location, with a secluded patio for al fresco dining.
Garden refuge in style, Naunton, Cheltenham
This cabin has the feel of a true hideaway, with the light of the pond outside reflecting on the ceiling, you could be anywhere.
Garden refuge in style
This is an unusual space in a beautiful Cotswold garden. It is very calming and romantic. In addition you could rent the Quintessential Cotswold Cottage located in the same romantic garden.
Romany caravan at Bush Meadows, near Bude
This is a unique stay in a traditional Romany caravan furnished with some mod cons to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Romany caravan at Bush Meadows
The caravan has an electric stove, lights, television, DVD player and tea making facilities.
Stargazer in country garden, Holcombe Rogus
A rustic stargazer where you can fall asleep watching the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong! A rural spot, far from street lighting, the sky lights up on clear nights.
Stargazer in country garden
Simple, basic, but unusual accommodation. This is a wooden A-frame structure with enough room for two to sleep in with a mainly glass roof.
Here be dragons..., Westhall
Echoing the medieval mapping practice of placing dragons and mythological beasts in uncharted seas, the phrase, "here be dragons" has become shorthand for that which is fascinating and unexplored.
Here be dragons...
Here's an opportunity to conduct your own exploration of a previously uncharted house (meaning its not been available to stay in) . A choice of two beautiful bedrooms each with en suite bathroom (bath and digital shower-over) in this award-winning oak frame building (built 2011) known locally as the Dragon House.
Dairsie Castle, Fife
Dairsie Castle is a unique self-catered property which sleeps 14. Located close to St. Andrews (15 minutes drive) and Edinburgh (1 hour drive), it is an ideal setting for a holiday to explore the heart of Scotland.
Dairsie Castle
First sited in the 12th Century, Dairsie has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges, and safe haven for escapee monarchs (James VI and I in 1583).