Transport
Transport
When all you have is a backpack, choosing transport becomes simpler: no hold luggage, no waiting at the baggage carousel and no heavy suitcase on the stairs. But each type of transport has its own cabin baggage rules, and on a short trip they decide whether the journey is easy. This section compares trains, buses, planes and shared rides, lists what to check with your carrier and gives a short reminder about liquids and batteries.
The best transport for travelling light is the one that drops you right in the centre so you can start exploring straight away.
How to travel light
| Mode | Pros | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Train | The station is usually in the centre, your backpack is always within reach, and you can travel overnight and save on a night's stay | Tickets for weekends and holidays are best bought in advance; check where there is space for luggage in the carriage |
| Bus | Reaches small towns and villages with no railway | Services can be infrequent, especially in the evening; you may be asked to put your backpack in the luggage hold — keep valuables with you |
| Plane | Fast over long distances | Strict cabin baggage rules, security checks, liquids and batteries; getting to and from the airport takes time |
| Shared ride or car sharing | Flexible departure times; you can reach places without regular public transport | Agree on space for your backpack in advance; when travelling alone, tell someone close to you who you are travelling with and where |
Cabin baggage: what to check with your carrier
- The permitted size and weight of cabin baggage for your ticket
- Whether you can also bring a small personal item, such as a bag or pouch
- Whether cabin baggage is included in your fare or costs extra
- Whether size and weight are checked at boarding and what happens if your backpack does not fit
- Rules for umbrellas, trekking poles and folding knives
- Conditions for changing or refunding your ticket if your plans change
Liquids and batteries
- The restriction on liquids in cabin baggage — containers of up to 100 ml in a clear bag — was introduced at EU airports in November 2006
- Rules on liquids differ between countries and airports and change over time, so check them before every flight
- Shampoo, cream and toothpaste are easy to take in small travel bottles, or can be replaced with solid versions
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries are generally allowed only in cabin baggage, not in checked baggage
- Exact battery restrictions are set by the carrier based on ICAO requirements — confirm them before your trip
Related sections
- Packing
How to pack a backpack for three days step by step: a list, mistakes, fallback options and a checklist.
- Routes
Three hypothetical routes: a day on foot in a new city, a weekend out of town and two nights in a small town.
- Questions
Short answers to common questions about packing, the journey and your first hours somewhere new.
Sources
- European Commission — aviation security rules for passengers (liquids in cabin baggage)
- ICAO — guidance on carrying lithium batteries
- Carriers' baggage rules
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Baggage rules, timetables, prices and conditions of carriage change, so check them with your carrier before every trip.