🌎 Win a Trip to South Africa, How to Travel Carry-On Only, Visiting Ernest Hemingway's Favourite Pueblo Blanco, plus the latest travel contests, giveaways & news
Vol. 27
Welcome to The Weekly Traveller, Vol. 27!
It’s been a great start to summer here in Ontario, and I’ve been finding myself in the middle of celebrating family birthdays and milestones, left and right. I’ve also been taking a few local adventures, and am looking forward to spending more time in and around the province for the next little while.
Let’s get into this week’s edition!
In this edition ⬇️
How to Travel Carry-On Only 🧳 🛫 👕
Destination Spotlight of the Week: Visiting Ernest Hemingway's Favourite Pueblo Blanco—Ronda, Spain 🇪🇸 🤍 🏰
Must-Have Travel Gear of The Week: These Are Essential for Tea-Lovers on the Road 🫖 🍵 🎒
Can’t Miss Travel Contests & Deals of the Week—including winning a trip for two to South Africa 🏆
Interesting Travel News of the Week—like this budget airline reporting an increase in sales after a viral TikTok trend 🗞
Please note that this week’s edition contains some affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission for some of my recommendations at no additional cost to you, and it helps keep The Weekly Traveller reader-supported.
How to Travel Carry-On Only 🧳 🛫 👕
With so many people hitting the road on their summer travels, it’s a popular time of year for the great carry-on competition—who can fit exactly what they need in just a carry-on for a major trip?
Summer in the northern hemisphere is arguably one of the most popular travel seasons. Seeing as around 90% of the world’s population lives north of the equator, many people set aside time for vacation and travels during this part of the year.
And with that, there are plenty of travellers who opt not to pay for checked luggage, or plan for a more compact trip in the form of travelling carry-on only.
If you’re planning a summer trip and considering carry-on only, keep reading for a few of my tips!
Before You Pack: Knowing Your Bags and Airlines
This is the first key step in prepping for a carry-on only trip, since different airlines have a variety of carry-on requirements. It’s important to note that your international carrier’s cabin baggage guidelines may vary from local carriers once you reach your destination.
For example, if you’re taking a trans-Atlantic flight from North America to Europe, the airline you travel with over the ocean will likely have different measurements and guidelines than local airlines you may plan to travel with within Europe.
In Volume 8, I outlined common general guidelines for regional luggage requirements and shared my favourite carry-on bag. Knowing where or how you’ll be flying throughout your trip is key to planning for carry-on only. And don’t forget that carry-on doesn’t only apply to size, but often applies to the weight of your bags, too.
Recommendations for Packing Carry-On Only
Once you know the size of the bag you’ll need, it’s time to plan for what you’ll bring. The main categories to consider are:
Clothing
Footwear
Accessories
Toiletries
Technology
Miscellaneous Items or tools
I’d recommend working backwards through this list, since you’ll find that there are several key pieces you’ll need from the latter part of the list that might rule out your ability to bring a few extra pieces of clothing.
With that in mind, let’s work through a couple things I always bring when I’m travelling carry-on only—especially during the summer months. (I’ve included a few links to my favourite products if you’re looking to get your hands on any of these for your next trip.)
Of course each trip is different, but if I’m planning to travel carry-on for longer than one week, these are a few of the items you’ll often find in my carry-on:
Miscellaneous
Quick-dry microfibre towel—perfect for camping or outdoor-focused trips
Clip-less laundry line—great for longer trips where you might need to wash a few items on the go, or dry a bathing suit
Liquid laundry detergent—I typically pour some in a small travel liquids bottle
Technology
Universal chargers—these have a variety of cords, ports and options for different devices
Voltage converting power bar—perfect for more than two people or a family travelling together
e-Reader—as much as I love a physical book, these undoubtedly save so much space on a light packing trip
Toiletries
Solids that replace liquids—like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, etc.
Sunscreen—regular sunscreen and even powdered sunscreen are great to have
Tweezers—you never know when they’ll come in handy, or for what!
Over-the-counter medications/extra prescription medications
I’ve learned that even though you can buy or refill most medications on the road, you never know when you’ll need a little relief in a pinch. And chances are if you’re in need of relief, you likely aren’t going to want to venture to a pharmacy to find it.
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, non-drowsy Gravol (this is uniquely Canadian, but a must for me!), and Tums are my staples. Even if I don’t need them, it’s nice to know I have a few of all of them on hand
I used to avoid taking medications out of their packaging, since I figured this would look suspicious to carry pills in an unmarked bottle. But I’ve been through countless security screenings over the past few years (largely in North America and Europe), and this has never been an issue. I usually carry a few pills in my personal item in case I need anything in-flight, and everything else stays in my carry-on.
Accessories
A few different types of bags:
reusable/foldable shopping bag
belt bag or fanny pack—great for hiking or walking around
compact purse for nights out
One hat—preferably one that looks nice with a variety of outfits
Footwear
at least two sets, but if possible I like to fit three if I can
comfortable walking/hiking shoes (waterproof is a bonus)
comfortable sandals
compact “cute” sandals or shoes for dressing up outfits for evenings
Clothing
This might sound silly, but if it’s possible I recommend sticking to a cohesive colour palette when it comes to packing clothes for carry-on. The more colours and shades you can pack that can mix and compliment each other, the easier it is to get more wear out of each piece.
shorts, pants, tops, skirts, dresses and a sweater
a rain or light jacket
at least one athletic outfit for more active days, a lot of walking or hiking
whatever else fits after the other essentials have been packed!
Don’t Forget to Maximize Your Personal Item
The personal item can’t be overlooked when you travel carry-on only. Using a really great backpack that fits the dimensions for a personal item and has a lot of compartments is key.
I personally love my Vessi Astoria backpack (it’s waterproof and includes a luggage strap for easy carrying), but there are also some great backpacks that completely zip open like a luggage to fit more items. This one is great.
A Few Final Tips
I have to admit, as much as I’ve travelled carry-on only over the past several years, I do find that I often want to just check a bag—it makes travel days a little lighter in the airport and on the plane, and I don’t have to worry so much about cramming everything into a carry-on for trips where I’m doing a variety of activities (as I often am!)
That being said, I understand the allure of carry-on only, so here are a few final tips I’d recommend to help in your packing:
If you anticipate doing some shopping on the road, consider packing a packable duffel bag or something similar, which could be used to either check or carry on for the way home.
Make sure you triple check its dimensions, and know what you plan to do with it on the other side—I don’t recommend checking a thin, soft-shell bag, since it’s easier for it to get ripped or ruined. Make sure it could work as a carry on if you needed it.
Compression packing cubes, or even vacuum bags (with a travel air pump) can be helpful—just make sure you won’t be travelling on any airlines that measure the weight of your carry-on. Densely vacuumed or compressed bags tend to carry more weight!
Consider the type of trip you’re taking before planning on your luggage. As much as I love a luggage with wheels, it isn’t always practical if I’m taking more overland trips or walking through several cities.
This Osprey backpack has been a great addition to my carry-on arsenal. It fits most carry-on requirements and has a sleek design, although I wouldn’t recommend it from a proper “back-trekking” trip, since the straps aren’t padded or overly comfortable for frequent use.
As cliché as it may sound, remember that in the end, travel is way less about what you bring on the road, and more about how you approach your trip. Packing all of the right items and accessories won’t be what makes your trip wonderful—it will be the memories, your overall attitude and outlook that will make the biggest difference!
If you have any other carry-on only packing tips, please feel free to share them in the comments below.
Destination Spotlight of the Week: Visiting Ernest Hemingway's Favourite Pueblo Blanco—Ronda, Spain 🇪🇸 🤍 🏰
The pueblos blancos (which translates to “white villages”) of Andalucia are a truly magical sight. As you make your way through the winding roads, rolling hills and steep valleys of this region in the South of Spain, small, cloud-like villages and towns will start to materialize in the distance. Ronda is one of these places.
If you ever plan to take a trip to the South of Spain, carving out some time in Ronda and the surrounding pueblos blancos of Andalucia is a must.
Chris and I loved our trip to Ronda when we were housesitting in the South of Spain, and our friends Robin and Arlene Karpan recently put together an article about travel to Ronda. It felt like the right time to feature this destination!
The White Towns of Andalucia
The practice of white washing buildings in this region of Spain has been around for centuries. On top of being a great way to reflect the sometimes punishing sun, it was also believed that lime washing places with calcium helped to keep spaces hygienic and clean during historic medical outbreaks.
Today, white towns like Ronda create a striking contrast next to their surrounding natural countryside, making them beautiful places to sit back, relax and admire the scenery.
When you combine this beauty with Ronda’s extensive history, striking architecture and opportunities for delicious dining and scenic hiking, it makes for a wonderful place spend a few nights on a trip to the South of Spain.
Highlights on a Trip to Ronda:
Admire Puente Nuevo: Ronda’s Puente Nuevo (or “new bridge”) is by far its most famous site. It connects the original old city with more modern parts of the city over a steep valley. You can enjoy it from the city level, or head down for a hike in the valley to see it towering above from below.
Immerse Yourself in Ronda’s History: The south of Spain has a complex history of Moorish and Christian occupation. This lends the region, including Ronda, to a myriad of beautiful buildings and sites. From historic valley-side palace gardens to Arab baths, this city has so many opportunities to learn from its mix of cultural influences.
Learn About Ronda’s Bullfighting History: Regardless of your opinions of modern-day bullfighting, there’s no question that it has been an important part of Ronda (and Spain’s) history, which is important to acknowledge. Ronda is home to the country’s oldest bullring, which was built in the 1700s.
To learn more about the enchanting city of Ronda, feel free to check out Robin and Arlene’s complete article here.
Must-Have Travel Gear of The Week: These Devices Are Essential for Tea-Lovers on the Road 🫖 🍵 🎒
I am personally a big fan of enjoying a pick-me-up from the comfort of my accommodation before I head out for the day when I travel. Depending on where in the world you find yourself, different accommodations offer different things—I’m a coffee drinker, and my partner Chris is a tea drinker.
In many parts of the world, rooms will often (not always) offer a kettle and a variety of instant coffees and teas. However, in North America a lot of accommodations offer the hotly debated in-room coffee makers that use single-use coffee pods (which is a separate problematic issue altogether).
For tea drinkers travelling in North America, the lack of a kettle can be a real problem. For a short while, poor Chris would find himself in need of a morning tea and have no option but to run water through an empty coffeemaker in order for it to boil to start the day. 🤢
Kettles come in handy for more than just tea on the road (instant noodles, anyone?), and without one you can be left in the lurch. But these are two excellent options for tea drinkers, who’ll appreciate how easy it is to boil water on the road:
Collapsible Electric Kettle: Chris and I travel all over North America often, and this trusty little silicone kettle has come in handy on countless trips. It packs up small and collapses to become completely flat, including the removable handle. It does carry a little weight to it, but for a frequent or business traveller who’s looking for a kettle, it’s a must!
Immersion Water Heater: This compact and lightweight tool is amazing! You just put the immersion element directly into the mug or bowl you’re looking to boil water in, and plug it in to let it take care of the rest.
Deals and Contests of the Week 🏆
Win a South African Adventure for two with Tour Radar! Worth over $7000 in total value, the winner will get two spots on a small-group guided tour for two. Open to all. Contest closes July 31, 2025.
Win a trip for two to Italy with Globus Vacations! The grand prize winner will receive a guided trip for two to this incredible country. Contest is open to all, and closes July 13, 2025.
Win a three-night luxury stay in Hong Kong! The grand prize is a three-night stay for two at Lanson Place Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. Open to all. Contest closes July 31, 2025.
Travel News of the Week 🗞️
Temperatures have been astronomically high in Europe lately, leaving locals and travellers desperate for ways to beat the heat. No matter how much you’ve been planning for a trip, always make sure you plan to take appropriate breaks, avoid strenuous activity and hydrate during a heat wave.
On top of being the focus of a viral trend on TikTok, according to Reuters, the British airline Jet2 has reported a 12% profit rise on budget travel. Despite luxury travel becoming more popular, it’s clear there’s still a place for budget travel in today’s economy.
Police are cracking down on surveilling responsible driving and enforcing road rules on Scotland’s famous NC500 route. After catching several drivers speeding or driving under the influence, among other issues, the “NC500 Pledge” encourages tourists to respect local communities and other drivers to make sure everyone can enjoy the route safely.
And that’s it for this week! Stay tuned for next week’s edition. If you like The Weekly Traveller, don’t forget to share it with someone who’d appreciate it, and subscribe for the latest in travel stories, news, contests and giveaways!
🫶 Bri