My first trip abroad was two weeks long and I brought a large 65L backpack. Every time I lifted that bag onto my shoulders, I cursed myself for over packing and vowed never again to bring such a large bag. The next time I flew overseas, I brought one carry-on-sized backpack and this time I was gone for over two months. If you’ve never traveled this lightly before, it probably sounds impossible. But once you go ultralight, I promise you’ll never go back to checking a bag.

Not only should you travel carry-on only, but that carry-on you bring should be a backpack, not a suitcase with a handle and wheels. In addition to saving yourself hundreds of dollars, you’ll also find that traveling with a backpack allows you much more freedom to get around unencumbered. Here are four reasons why you should make the switch to traveling carry-on only:

It Will Save You Money

Nearly all US airlines charge extra for checked bags (Spirit Airlines even charges for a carry-on), and now many international carriers are continuing with that trend. As of this posting, the airline carrier with the lowest priced flights to-and-from Europe is Norwegian Airlines. Checking a bag on Norwegian Airlines could cost you $60 or more, while a carry-on bag will cost you nothing. (Another easy way you can save money is to pack your own food and fill an empty water bottle before you get on the plane.)

It’s So Much Easier to Get Around

If you are planning on traveling to multiple cities and using public transportation, you’ll definitely want to bring a backpack instead of a suitcase. Getting on-and-off trains, buses, subways, and trams with a backpack is a breeze—no lifting is required and you can set your backpack in your lap instead of taking up another seat or blocking the aisle. You’ll also likely be walking up and down narrow staircases to get to your hotel room or Airbnb. Most apartment buildings in Europe don’t have elevators, so having to carry a backpack instead of a suitcase is much more ideal. You’ll also find that walking on uneven cobblestone streets—to get from the train station to your next destination—is much easier when you aren’t dragging a suitcase behind you. And you’ll be saving money too, because you’ll be using public transportation instead of taxis—when your baggage is cumbersome, the last thing you want to do is squeeze onto a crowded train or bus.

Waiting for the train in Germany, May 2014.

You Don’t Actually Need to Pack That Many Clothes

I traveled throughout Europe from April-June, visiting nine countries with various climates, and I brought only one bag. How did I do it? I packed super light, and I only packed clothes that were made with quick-drying materials. I laundered my clothes once a week, in a sink if my Airbnb did not have a washing machine, and I hung them up to dry overnight.

If you love souvenirs and you’re worried about not having enough room to bring them home, stick to buying the small stuff. I buy patches, magnets, and jewelry; my husband buys a hat pin for every city we visit. You could also buy an article of clothing as long as you intend to wear it while on your trip. Keep in mind that every item you pack or purchase you have to carry on your back.

Layer Up for the Flight

Your baggage may have size and weight limits, but you don’t. Layer up and put on your long-sleeved shirt, jacket, and raincoat. Double up your socks, and wear your leggings underneath your travel pants. Don’t worry about being too hot on the plane. Once your bag passes the test—those sizing bins at the check-in desk and gate—and you walk onto the plane, feel free to delayer and then either overstuff your bag or use your jackets like blankets and pillows. My down jacket can stuff into its own pocket, and makes for a nice pillow when it’s all zipped up. As long as your bag fits comfortably in the overhead bin, no one is going to question whether or not you are skirting the rules.

My carry-on-sized backpack and my daypack. A rare thing–an apartment with an elevator–in Budapest, June 2018.