Why and how can you travel with only a carry-on bag?

I sometimes travel with only a carry-on bag and a personal item. You can see some info on how I do this in my various packing posts. Here are some of the reasons traveling that light can be advantageous.

Lower cost – by not having checked bags, in many cases, you can travel more cheaply.

Lighter bags – the less you bring, the easier your bags are to maneuver. This means less money spent on tips for porters, etc.

Fewer hassles – with less stuff with you there is less to accidentally leave behind when repacking. Sometimes my stuff mostly stays in my bags the whole time.

Your luggage can’t be lost along the trip if it’s with you all the time. Your bag can’t go on a world trip without you as sometimes happens on planes.

Fewer delays – No waiting for your bag at the end of a flight.

Mobility – Be more mobile so that walking a few blocks is not a problem and you don’t have to look for an elevator rather than use stairs or an escalator.

Safety – if you are only carrying or guarding one or two bags you are less of a target for a thief than someone with a lot of bags, or having trouble carrying what they have.