Karen’s trip: hand baggage only to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
I’ve been to Smith Mountain Lake three times, and every time I’ve gone with hand baggage only. My fare included a 23 kg hold bag, but I took a larger bag for the overhead locker instead (I remember it as about 56 × 45 × 25 cm; check your own airline’s size limit).
I had connecting flights too, and going hand baggage only helped so much: I didn’t have to wait for baggage between flights. And if your flight is late, the time you have to make your connection is limited, so hand baggage only is another real benefit.
The weather was reliably hot, so I packed mostly little light dresses, and I still didn’t wear all my clothes.
- ☀ Day
- Flat shoes and light dresses.
- ☾ Evening
- For meals out: nice wedge heels and slightly fancier, but still light, dresses.
Why hand baggage only?
- No worrying about my bag getting lost.
- Quicker out of the airport to make my next connection.
- No waiting for baggage between flights, which really counts if a late flight leaves you short of time.
Takeaway: Even when a hold bag is included, hand baggage only can be worth it on trips with a connection.
Karen, PackToWear’s founder. Illustration, not a photo.