Travelling with hand luggage only - is that even possible? Many airlines only have hand luggage included in the standard fare. But can you do that at all - go on holiday with hand luggage only? Travel expert Anna Hettegger from "Roadtrip Leben" travels almost the whole year as a digital nomad around the world - and only with hand luggage! We met the globetrotter in Australia and asked her how she masters her life out of a backpack.

Falstaff Travel: Why do you usually only travel with hand luggage?

Anna: Firstly, because I have less weight to carry, for example when changing planes or on the way to the hotel. Secondly, I save money: with many airlines you have to book checked baggage separately. And thirdly, I always have my luggage with me and it is less likely to get broken or lost. Fortunately, the latter has never happened to me. Once, however, I had to spend the night in San Diego instead of continuing on to Mexico as planned because my checked baggage didn't make it into the US until the next day. Since then, I only travel with hand luggage!

Falstaff Travel: What are your insider tips for packing minimalist?

Anna: There are quite a few! My top 5:

1. I love to read, but books are too heavy. Since I switched to an e-book reader, I've been carrying hundreds of books for zero weight.
2. I carry as few cosmetics as possible. My secret weapon is coconut oil: you can use it for almost everything - as body lotion, face cream, after-sun lotion, lip balm, conditioner,...
3. Since Bali, a sarong (wrap skirt) belongs to my basic equipment. A real all-rounder: On the plane I use it as a scarf because of the air conditioning and on the beach it becomes a beach towel or bathing dress.
4. I transport my clothes in a vacuum bag. This way they take up less space.
5. Nevertheless, not much clothing fits in my backpack. Therefore, I pack as neutral parts as possible, which can be combined well. A pair of jeans, a pair of shorts, a light jacket, five T-shirts, a sports outfit, bikini, a beach dress and a chic dress are enough for me. Better to wash once more often than to take too much with you!

What should not be missing in any hand luggage

• Documents
• Travel documents
• Phone / Laptop + Chargers
• Most important drugs*
• moisturizer*
• disinfectants*
• Toothbrush and toothpaste*
• A change of T-shirt and underwear for all occasions
• Book / Kindle / Magazine
• Jewellery
• Keys (car, apartment)
• Ballpoint pen (for visa applications)
• Sleep mask / earplugs
• Contact lenses on reserve
• Headphones
• Perfume*
• deodorant*

* Liquids may exceed 100ml/per bottle in hand luggage.

Picture credits: Away; Artur Tumasjan via Unsplash