What’s in my Bag? Travelling with Carry on to the Maldives.

Lets face it, you’re traveling to an island, and any island for that matter, how much could you possibly need? We travelled over 12 nights and 12 days and managed to fit everything we needed into carry-on. Most airlines will give you a 7kg for any flight. There are also specific size requirements and the fact that you can only have 2 bags. This is where you have to be creative with how you manage your luggage. If you can travel carry on it will save you a minimum of $200 AUD on your return flight. So worth it, that money should be used on a massage when you reach the resort!!!

Back to being creative with how you pack your luggage. Most of the time if your bag fits the requirements they will not bother checking the weight of your bag. However, from past experience your bag will be check 1 out of 4 times. So be strategic. Backpacks are most often ignored during the weigh in process. They are on your back and mostly hidden from the bag inspectors. It is your bag on wheels that you need to be most considerate with. I suggest stashing your heavier items e.g. books, Ipads etc. into your handbag or back pack and keeping the lighter items in your main bag. Once your bag has been weighed, the airline will usually slap a sticker on it saying ‘Carry On’ and you are then free to return your heavier items into your main bag. Now lets get back on track. Below you will find 2 lists of essential items for both him and her, when travelling to a resort.

Sarong Living. Can be tied in multiple ways. The perfect island dress.

Packing list for her:

1. 1 pair of underwear for each day you are away

2. 2 bras (black and white)

3. 5 pieces of swimwear/bikini’s – This is important, you are travelling to a resort, its beautiful, plenty of pictures will be taken. There is no way you want to be seen in the same bikini everyday.

4. 1 sarong (you will wear this as clothes most days, and it doubles as a beach towel, winning!!)

5. 4 dresses – 2 casual and 2 cocktail

6. 1 pair of shorts

7. 4 shirts

8. 1 pair of tights (for travelling)

9. 1 warm jumper (for travelling)

10. 1 large oversized scarf (doubles as a blanket for travelling)

11. 3 pairs of shoes (thongs, sandals, joggers)

12. 2 pairs of socks

13. Small make up/toiletries bag (most things are supplied for you) – You only need the make up essentials Foundation, Mascara, eyeliner and 1lipstick.

14. 2 pairs of fun earrings and any other essential jewellery (hot tip- wearing this on the plane)

15. 1 hat

Packing list for him:

1. 1 pair of underwear for each day you are away

2. 4 pairs of board shorts

3. 1 pair of casual shorts

4. 2 button up short sleeve shirts

5. 4 casual shirts

6. 2 pairs of shoes (thongs and nice joggers that can double as a casual shoe)

7. 2 pairs of socks

8. 1 hat

9. 1 warm jumper (for travelling)

10. Small toiletries bag

Essentials for both him and her:

1. SUNCREAM – bring a small bottle each for your face and shoulders. (most resorts will provide this for you, however it will be SPF20+) You will need SPF50+ for your face and shoulders because you will get extremely burnt. Remember to reapply after swimming or every 2 hours, trust me I am speaking from experience and regret.

2. A camera – or your phone, depending on the quality you want

3. A selfie stick – yes I know so lame, but its essential unless you constantly want to be asking people to take a picture for you.

4. A small phone tripod. They are super small and most come with a remote. For when you want to get more of the background in.

5. Sunglasses – self-explanatory

6. All other travel essentials (passport etc.)

You might think gone for 12 days and only 4 shirts???? Never fear, at a resort you will only be wearing a shirt at night time. Most of the time you will be in the water of lazing around in your boardies or bikini. For those of you concerned about this, remember there is always a clothes-washing service. Although the service may be expensive, it will be cheaper than paying for luggage on your flight.

It is 100% possible to travel for longer periods of time with less luggage. It will save you valuable money and time. It also makes travelling between destinations easier as you don’t have a massive suitcase to lug around. I am convinced it is the most economical way to travel, particularly when heading on a summer holiday. Maybe our next winter holiday can be an experiment for carry on luggage.

Thanks for reading,

The Millach Mob.

No need for anything but a bikini or board shorts.