I’m a travel expert and I swear by an app to help me pack just hand luggage

A TRAVEL expert has revealed why you should be using apps to help you pack your hand luggage.

Flight Centre’s Tom Walley offered his top tips for packing lightly when going on holiday.

Most airlines charge to check in suitcases, so many holidaymakers opt for hand luggage only to save the pennies.

This can be difficult if you are going away for a long time.

However, Tom said some apps can prevent you from overpacking.

He said: "Free smartphone apps such as PackKing or PackPoint can generate a packing checklist based on the travel destination, duration of stay and planned activities, along with information on laundry amenities and other essentials in proximity to the booked accommodation."

PackKing lets you input your gender, as well as the weather abroad, how long you are going away and what kind of trip you ar going on, such as holiday or business.

It then recommends a packing list of everything you might need - and even asks if you will be washing your clothes on holiday to reduce how much you pack.

It has a free basic version too so you won't need to pay a thing

PackPoint is similar, and also free, although both have premium versions you can pay for.

Here are some other packing tips when going on holiday.

And there is a bag that people swear by as being "perfect" for travelling with hand luggage only.

Packing cubes are also popular - especially these £27 ones that flight attendants rate.

Another traveller has revealed the 10 best travel apps that she uses while away on holiday.