Kapag naka-backpack palagi, #backpacker na kaagad? Hindi ba pwedeng nagtitipid lang? Hahaha!

I've never used a luggage in my previous travels. When I travel - whether here in the Philippines or abroad - I always just carry a backpack with me. Usually, I just have one backpack and a small sling bag, and I'm good to go! Many of my friends as well as blog and social media followers have been asking me "why I am not into checking-in my baggage when I travel? Here are some of my reasons + useful tips and reminders.

7 Reasons Why I Do Not Check-in My Bag When Traveling

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Nov 8, 2017 at 12:25am PST

1. To save on travel expenses

Checking-in your baggage means extra cost. So, to save on travel expenses, I usually do not get baggage allowance when booking my air tickets. Baggage allowance could cost at around 500 to 1,000 pesos for 20 kilograms per way. For a return flight, that would be 1,000 to 2,0000 pesos. That's already a huge savings that I could spend in other more important travel needs.

2. I'm afraid of losing my baggage

There are many horror stories of baggage being lost during transit. And I don't want that to happen to me.

3. I want my baggage to be safe

Having my backpack always with me, I am assured that my baggage won't be damaged. It also gives me the "peace of mind" that none of my valuables will be stolen by the baggage handlers (paranoid much?! hahaha!). You've heard a lot of stories of "lost" or stolen items in their baggage right? It's better to prevent it from happening in the first place.

4. I want my baggage to be always with me

So if I need anything, I can easily get it.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 16, 2017 at 6:53pm PDT

5. I want to get out of the airport faster

Having your baggage checked-in, you need to wait for it at the baggage claim area (baggage carousel) upon arrival at the airport of your destination. Having just a carry-on baggage allows me to just go straight to the arrival hall and out of the airport. It will not just save you of baggage fees, but also save you a lot of time.

6. I don't need to fall in line when checking-in for my flight

For most airlines, you can check-in online and print your boarding pass, before going to the airport. With just a carry-on baggage, I don't need to fall in line at the check-in counter and have my baggage checked-in. If I didn't check-in online, I can just use the airline's self-check-in kiosks at the airport, print the boarding pass, and proceed to the boarding gate. This is also very useful especially when you're already late coming to the airport. Thus, you won't miss your flight.

7. To save on cost in getting out/in the airport

If you just have have a backpack, you can just take the bus or the train from the airport to the city. But if you have a lot of check-in baggage, you 'may' have to take a taxi or a private airport transfer. Some taxis and private transfers also charge for additional baggage. Same with getting to the airport. Can you imagine yourself with a big and heavy luggage while riding the MRT in Manila going to the airport? Hehehe!

Bottom line is, you can really save a lot of time, as well as on travel expenses if you travel with a backpack. Just plan what to pack in your baggage. But if you really need to use a luggage, it's also fine. It really depends on every traveler's travel lifestyle.

Tips and Reminders

• Pack light. Bring only the essentials.
• Be sure not to pack any items that are not allowed on carry-on baggage. Airlines has a list of these prohibited items. Check with your airline before going to the airport. You may visit their website or give them a call to confirm what you can and what you cannot bring in your carry-on baggage.
• Make sure that your carry-on's maximum dimensions and weight are within the limit set by the airlines.

What is the brand of backpack I use?

Many have also been asking me the backpack I've been using in my travels here in the Philippines and abroad. Depending on my destination and on how many days I will be spending on the road. For my travels for more than 3 days, I use my CabinZero 44 Liter Backpack.

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Sep 30, 2017 at 12:44am PDT

Specifications:

• Weight 0.95 Kg
• Dimensions 52 X 36 X 21 Cm
• Size 44 Liters

Features:

• Built-in Global Luggage Tracker, powered by Okoban
• Lockable Zippers on main compartment (lock not included)
• 10 years warranty
• Thick padded shoulder straps
• Fully Lined

Specifically, I am using the Adventure Military 44L CabinZero Backpack which is made with military-grade nylon, webbing, AirMesh shoulder straps and grab handles. I really love it because it fits all my travel essentials, it is comfortable to use, and fits just right in the aircraft's overhead bin.

Where to buy?

Visit www.cabinzero.com for the latest backpack models and types, and for the prices.

How about you? Do you check-in your bags or not? Share your thoughts at the comments section below. Happy travels!

Note: CabinZero sent me 2 backpacks for the purpose of trying it in my travels. All views and opinion on this article are mine and were not influenced by CabinZero.

This article was first published on November 2017. Updated on September 2019.