When I travel solo, which is most of the time these days, I tend to travel with carry on luggage only. This usually includes a small carry-on bag on wheels (which has shrunk over the years as sizing and weight allowances have changed) and a front-facing shoulder bag (usually with tablet, camera and water bottle pockets) or a bag I can strap to my carry on.

I also wear a fanny pack for things like my phone, passport, credit cards, money and small personal items, as well as a lightweight reusable bag that folds up very small and fits in my fanny pack or a pocket in my backpack when not in use.

I use this bag to carry any airport food/drink purchases I don’t finish before boarding, and for my cardigan or sweater, my jacket or coat, and other items such as scarf, shawl (which also serves as my flight blanket) and/or gloves etc. as I invariable get hot at the airport.

The reusable bag also comes in handy as an armrest or pillow on the plane (keeping the contents clean—food removed of course). This saves me having to bring a portable travel pillow on night flights.

There are a few reasons why I prefer to travel with carry-on only when I fly, even on long haul flights. In the following infographic I share five good reasons to travel light, especially if you’re travelling solo.