So how did the carry on baggage only go?
Well firstly, as always, it makes travel so much easier in so many ways. Jumping on buses, getting bags up stairs, walking through streets to accommodation is all made so much easier with light minimal baggage. Not to mention the peace of mind knowing that a pandemic- ravaged, understaffed airline hasn’t lost your bags as seems to be happening so much at the moment.
Any regrets? Well usually when asked that people think you’ll regret not bringing more and that you found yourself without. Well my only regret was having brought too much! I found there were a few items I didn’t need to bring or didn’t use so I could have packed even lighter! Having said that it was helped by it being so cold so even when walking a lot I didn’t seem to sweat much so clothes could be worn over and over- some handwashing of smalls got me through too. The other tip is that merino is an amazing fabric, even when I did sweat or get a bit damp the wool kept me warm and dry whilst wicking the sweat away and not smelling at all. I had a merino tshirt, singlet and long sleeves which were my go-to. I’d brought too many tops and didn’t need a cardigan and a puffer/ fleece- one would have done.

Was able to do all kinds of activities with what I had in that little 10kg bag. Conference, hiking, biking, out for dinner, even swimmers for the pool.
So what did I buy over there?
I bought a cheap picnic knife just because I can’t take that in carry on. And a cheap container for picnic stuff.
I did go to the thrift store to buy a blanket for my car camping that didn’t happen so that ended up back with Oxfam. And whilst at the charity thrift shop I found myself a nice jumper to bring home and I bought a couple of small gifts and managed to fit all that in too.
But probably best of all, if I didn’t have carry on only I probably wouldn’t have made it home today. After several delays we got into Australia two hours late and saw people having to wait for their luggage and I was able to sail past them to transfer to domestic which meant I made the connecting flight which I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’m also pretty sure it helped me get waved through customs as they were much more interested in the people with trolleys piled high with bags.
So I’ll do it again, only next time I’ll pack even less!