take a trip without a lot of baggage

Traveling with No Luggage: The Ultimate Guide to a Minimalist Adventure

Robert is passionate about traveling, technology, and reading books on his phone.

Traveling with no luggage is a growing trend among adventurers who value minimalism and efficiency. It may seem like a daunting prospect, but with the right approach, you can reap the rewards of a lighter, more streamlined travel experience.

You’re probably wondering how it’s even possible to travel without any luggage. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips and techniques to help you embark on your luggage-free journey with confidence.

We’ll cover everything from packing essentials and utilizing pocket-only travel gear to layering clothes and mailing souvenirs. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the world unencumbered by bulky bags.

A. Focus on the Essentials

B. versatile clothing items, a. pocket-only travel solutions, scottevest women’s travel hoodie, ochenta men’s casual military cargo pants, hyout travel jacket, a. mastering the art of layering, b. packing extra clothes, a. pre-arrange shipping with hotels, b. visit local post offices, a. travel apps and e-books, b. digital storage solutions, a. collapsible water bottles, b. multi-functional travel accessories, a. travel laundry essentials, b. quick-drying clothing, a. the magic of convertible clothing, b. top convertible clothing picks for no-luggage travelers, a. rolling and folding techniques, b. packing cubes and compression bags, a. research cultural expectations, b. familiarize yourself with airline carry-on regulations, 1. how do i ensure the safety of my valuables while traveling without luggage, 2. how can i maintain good hygiene while traveling with no luggage, 3. what should i do if i want to buy souvenirs but don’t have space in my pockets or day bag, 4. how can i make sure i pack enough clothes for my trip without luggage, 5. can i travel internationally without luggage.

So, if you’re ready to embrace the freedom of traveling with no luggage, keep reading to discover a new way to see the world.

Mastering the Art of Minimalist Packing

To successfully travel with no luggage, it’s crucial to hone your packing skills and focus on bringing only the essentials. Create a checklist of items that you absolutely cannot do without during your trip, such as travel documents, medications, and a few essential toiletries.

Tip: Use travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight.

Select versatile clothing items that can serve multiple purposes and be easily mixed and matched. This way, you can create a variety of outfits with just a few pieces. Consider clothing made from quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant materials to maintain a polished appearance throughout your journey.

Example: A simple black dress can be worn during the day with sneakers and dressed up for the evening with a statement necklace and heels.

Leverage Travel Gear with Pockets

For a luggage-free experience, consider travel gear designed specifically for this purpose. Companies like ScotteVest offer clothing and accessories with strategically located pockets to accommodate your essentials.

B. Top Travel Clothing for Pocket-Only Travelers

Some excellent options to consider for your pocket-only travel wardrobe include:

This ingenious hoodie is designed to keep your belongings organized and secure with its 18 strategically placed pockets. The pockets are tailored to accommodate a wide range of items, such as passports, smartphones, sunglasses, and even a tablet. Made with a comfortable and breathable material, this travel hoodie also features an adjustable hood and a built-in eye mask for those moments when you need to catch some shut-eye on the go.With 18 pockets, this hoodie can hold everything from documents to electronics.

These rugged yet stylish cargo pants are made from rip-stop fabric, ensuring durability and comfort. The eight pockets include four side pockets with Velcro or button closures, two rear pockets with flaps, and two classic hand pockets. These pants are perfect for carrying your essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring a new city, and their relaxed fit ensures all-day comfort.

This versatile cotton-polyester vest was initially created for fly fishing enthusiasts but has proven to be a valuable asset for no-luggage travelers as well. With 16 pockets of various sizes, it can hold an impressive array of items, from smartphones and passports to larger items like water bottles or compact cameras. The vest’s lightweight and breathable fabric, along with its adjustable straps, ensure a comfortable fit and make it an ideal choice for keeping your belongings safe and within easy reach during your luggage-free adventures.

Remember: Opt for clothes with secure pockets to reduce the risk of theft.

Layer or Pack Extra Clothes (If Possible)

When traveling with no luggage, layering your clothing can help you stay prepared for different weather conditions without taking up additional space. For example, wear a vest, a long-sleeved shirt, and a t-shirt underneath to adapt to fluctuating temperatures.

If you’re a pocket or day bag traveler, consider packing an extra pair of socks, underwear, and a spare t-shirt. These items can serve as a backup while you launder your current clothing.

Mail Souvenirs or Extra Gear

Instead of carrying souvenirs or extra gear, consider mailing these items to your destination or back home. For example, you can ship warm clothing to your first cool destination by pre-arranging this with the hotel you plan to stay at.

When you find a souvenir you can’t resist, simply visit a local post office and mail the item home. This strategy allows you to enjoy your trip without being weighed down by extra belongings.

Note: Airlines do not permit luggage to travel without the passenger across international borders.

Embrace Digital Solutions

When traveling with no luggage, it’s essential to take advantage of digital solutions to save space and weight. Replace physical guidebooks, maps, and language dictionaries with apps and e-books that can be accessed from your smartphone or tablet.

Examples: Google Maps , Duolingo , and Kindle .

Consider using cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox to store and access important documents, such as travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and copies of your passport. This not only saves space but also provides an extra layer of security in case of loss or theft.

Tip: Keep your devices charged and bring a portable power bank for emergencies .

Use Travel Accessories to Maximize Space

A collapsible water bottle is a space-saving hero for luggage-free travelers.

These bottles can be folded or rolled up when not in use, taking up minimal space in your pocket or day bag.

Invest in travel accessories that serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of items you need to carry. A travel scarf with hidden pockets, for example, can serve as both a fashion accessory and a storage solution.

Other examples: A multi-tool card, a combination lock with a built-in cable, or a compact travel towel that doubles as a blanket.

Prepare for Laundry on the Go

When traveling with no luggage, it’s important to be prepared to launder your clothes as needed. Pack a small, travel-sized laundry kit containing detergent, a sink stopper, and a clothesline to ensure you can wash your garments wherever you are.

Choose clothing made from quick-drying materials to expedite the laundry process. This allows you to wash your clothes in the evening and have them dry and ready to wear the next day.

Tip: Look for clothing made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, as these materials tend to dry more quickly than natural fibers like cotton.

Embrace the Versatility of Convertible Clothing

When traveling with no luggage, convertible clothing can be a game-changer for packing light and maintaining flexibility in your wardrobe. These ingenious garments can be transformed into different clothing items, allowing you to adapt to various weather conditions and situations with ease. In this section, we’ll explore the benefits of convertible clothing and offer some suggestions for must-have items on your next luggage-free journey.

Convertible clothing is designed to serve multiple purposes, helping you reduce the number of items you need to pack while still having a variety of outfit options. These items are especially helpful when traveling to destinations with unpredictable weather or when you need to transition from casual to formal settings.

• Convertible Pants/Shorts: These versatile pants can easily be transformed into shorts by zipping off the lower pant legs. They’re perfect for hikes, city exploration, or when temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
• Wrap Dresses/Skirts: A wrap dress can double as a skirt by simply adjusting the way it’s tied. This offers you two different looks with just one piece of clothing.
• Reversible Clothing: Reversible items, such as jackets, shirts, and even leggings, give you two different color or pattern options in one garment, increasing your outfit combinations without taking up extra space.
• Multi-Way Tops: These innovative tops can be worn in multiple ways by adjusting straps, ties, or buttons, giving you several unique looks with just one piece.
• Convertible Travel Pillows/Scarves: A convertible travel pillow that can also be used as a scarf is a practical and space-saving accessory for no-luggage travelers.

By incorporating convertible clothing into your travel wardrobe, you can streamline your packing process, save valuable space, and still enjoy a range of stylish outfit choices on your luggage-free adventure.

Practice Smart Packing Techniques

Mastering smart packing techniques is crucial for traveling with no luggage. Experiment with different folding and rolling methods to find the most space-efficient way to pack your clothes and accessories.

Examples: The Ranger Roll or the Bundle Packing Method .

If you’re using a day bag, packing cubes and compression bags can be a game-changer for saving space and keeping your belongings organized. These accessories help you compress your clothes and other items, making them easier to fit in a limited space.

Be Mindful of Local Customs and Regulations

When traveling with no luggage, it’s important to be aware of local customs and cultural expectations regarding attire. Dress modestly and respectfully, and be prepared to cover your head, shoulders, or legs as necessary in religious or traditional settings.

If you’re relying on pockets or a day bag to carry your essentials, familiarize yourself with airline carry-on regulations, especially regarding liquid and electronic items. This will help you avoid unexpected surprises or delays at security checkpoints.

Tip: Consider using solid toiletries (e.g., shampoo bars or solid toothpaste) to comply with liquid restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with No Luggage

Be cautious and strategic with your belongings. Use clothes with secure pockets or invest in a high-quality day bag with lockable zippers. Distribute your valuables among different pockets and compartments to minimize risk.

Pack a few essential toiletries like a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bar of soap. If possible, bring solid toiletries to save space and comply with airline regulations. Take advantage of public restrooms or your accommodations for quick wash-ups and laundry when needed.

You can mail souvenirs or extra gear back home. Visit a local post office, and they will help you send your items to your destination. Remember, this may not be possible for all types of souvenirs, so plan accordingly.

Focus on packing versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Opt for clothes made from quick-drying, odor-resistant materials so you can wash them on the go. Additionally, layering your clothes will allow you to carry more items and adjust to different weather conditions.

Yes, it’s possible to travel internationally without luggage. However, you’ll need to plan carefully and be mindful of local customs, airline regulations, and any visa requirements. Make sure you carry all essential documents, like your passport and travel itinerary, in a secure and easily accessible place.

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Her Packing List

Packing Tips

First timer’s guide to traveling carry-on only.

With prices for baggage becoming more and more expensive and airlines limiting your carry on size even further, now is as important a time as ever to start traveling carry-on only .

I’ve flown carry-on only for a number of trips, including to Hawaii , Puerto Rico and even for a week in London . I highly recommend it on trips where you’ll be taking small, regional flights within your destination or even for much longer trips.

It’s totally possible if you can eliminate the excess!

Here’s what to expect, and how to do it, when you’re a first-timer going carry-on only.

What to Expect When Traveling With Only a Carry On

• Expect a more stringent toiletry packing experience. You’ll need to be more cautious of the liquids that are going into your kit since they have to fall into the 3-1-1 rule. Pare down, repackage, and go for multipurpose items when possible.
• Expect potentially longer security checks. By going carry on only, you’ll have more stuff with you since you’re not checking things in another piece of luggage. Keep your belongings organized so there isn’t so much drama at security.
• Expect to need more overhead luggage space. Instead of a smaller carry on bag that can go under your seat, you may need to get on the plane sooner so that precious overhead space is available.
• Expect to wait less . You’ll wait less in lines that are mainly for checking your luggage, and you’ll wait less at the baggage carousel after a long flight.
• Expect to worry less . Worry less about whether or not your luggage will actually be with you at your destination!
• Expect to stress less. The physical stress of excess baggage is one thing, but the mental stress is real as well. With less stuff to manage, you have more mental bandwidth.
• Expect to pay less money for luggage. Check fewer bags, pay less cash.

How to Go Carry On Only for the First Time

Choose the best carry on travel bag.

Decide what bag you’re going to bring. You might already have one at home that you’ve used for shorter trips or you may need to buy a new one. We’ve covered all ranges of carry on bags on the site, including backpacks , suitcases and duffel bags , so do your research.

A 40 liter backpack is completely doable , and it is our max size recommendation for just about any trip.

The most important part of this whole process is to check the size and weight requirements of the airline you’ll be flying. Does your chosen bag fit into it or will you need to go smaller?

I always check my bag’s dimensions against budget carriers like Ryanair before purchasing, as I know they have the strictest luggage allowances. Consider future trips before you purchase a bag that will only work as carry on for domestic flights.

Also ensure that it will be comfortable to carry through the airport when full of your stuff:

• Will the duffel bag strap start to wear on your shoulder?
• Does having a bag on each shoulder affect your balance?
• Are the straps or wheels sturdy enough to last for long distances?
• And don’t forget about the handles you’ll need when it comes time to place it in the overhead bin.

Create Your Carry-On Packing List

Crafting your packing list for carry-on-only travel is important, as you’ll want to make sure you pack just what you need and nothing more . Optimizing your travel wardrobe, minimizing your toiletries, and cutting back on extras are key.

Don’t worry – it’s easy if you spend a bit of time planning!

• You may want to have a look at these carry-on packing lists: RTW trip and Morocco . This post on Carry On Only for a Year of Travel is also helpful.

Specifically for your travel wardrobe , choose solid color clothing that can go with multiple travel outfits and dress up with accessories. Pick your number of tops and bottoms and work out how many outfits they can create to ensure you don’t put down more items than you need on your carry-on packing list.

You’ll want to re-wear pieces of clothing or mix and match. Multi-use items come in handy in these situations. Consider pieces like the Chrysalis Cardi that can be worn as a top and as a dress.

For toiletries and beauty items , pare down to essentials in reasonable quantities and look into multipurpose beauty items . Also, consider the 3 1 1 rule for liquids , which is explained in more detail in the section below.

For everything on your list , be sure you’re not adding things:

• just in case
• that are duplicates
• that you don’t love or use in your daily life
• that you most likely will not put to use (ie. workout gear or work supplies)

Here are 3 resources that can help with this step of the process:

HPL's Editable Packing Checklist Template

3 Steps to Packing Everything You Need and Nothing More

Carry-On-Only Crash Course

❌ what is not allowed in a carry-on bag.

There are a number of prohibited items for carry-on bags including firearms, knives and razor blades, flammables, explosives, and toxic materials. If it’s sharp and/or can be used as a weapon (like a baseball bat, for example), keep that item at home!

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage in the Best Way Possible

Organize your belongings.

We recommend using pouches and packing cubes to create an organized system inside your luggage. This will help you find what you need faster, repack faster, and get through airport security faster.

Our best tip for this section is to consider the items you might need quick access to when in transit. Put those in an easy-to-reach section of your bag. See this article on how to pack a suitcase for ideas .

Remember the 3 1 1 Rule for Liquids

Traveling with only a carry-on also affects the amounts of liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols you can bring thanks to TSA requirements. That means you will need to be extra focused on packing items like toothpaste, mascara, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mouthwash, sunscreen, hair gel, and other necessary liquids.

Why is it called the 3-1-1 rule?

All “liquids” items need to be in containers less than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) each and fit into 1 quart-sized bag. Each passenger is allowed 1 quart-size bag of liquids in their carry-on . That is why it’s called the 3-1-1 rule.

This includes makeup and food items like peanut butter, but does not include medications with the original label, baby formula or duty free items purchased at the airport.

If you’re worried about bringing everything you need while still going carry on:

• opt for solid versions of items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, and perfume
• invest in good travel-sized toiletry containers
• learn the best ways to pack your liquid toiletries

Do you still have to put liquids in plastic bags in 2023?

You may have heard that some airports are no longer requiring you to pull out your bags of liquids while going through airport security – and this is now true for some European locations with new scanners. Some airports in other parts of the world, like in the US and Australia for example, may not ask you to take any liquids out of your carry-on baggage while others will.

However, the 3-1-1 liquids rule is still in effect by the transportation security administration, so you will want to abide by these rules while packing so that you aren’t caught off-guard while moving through a security checkpoint.

Don’t Forget the Personal Item!

While it may be overwhelming to pack carry-on-only in one bag, don’t forget that you may also have a personal item. It’s easy to go overboard, but definitely make sure it’s smaller than your carry-on and can fit comfortably under your seat while still giving you foot room.

Many airlines limit the size of your personal item, and some carriers don’t even allow you one. Do your research.

As of 2023, on many airlines traveling with just a personal item is the only way to travel without needing to pay extra for luggage! Learn how to make ultralight packing a reality inside HPL Packing Method .

The best bags to use as personal items are large purses, totes, briefcases, daypacks, or other soft bags that can be placed at your feet and under the seat in front of you. The bigger they are, the more likely the airlines are to make you check at least one of your bags.

Use this bag for your most important and most needed items. Your personal item is where you should store your passport, documents and items to keep you entertained. I typically use either my PacSafe Slingsafe (now discontinued), my Manhattan Portage messenger bag or my Simic briefcase as my personal item with my purse stored inside for easy access.

Weigh It Up

Before leaving for the airport, give your bag one last check of the dimensions and weight. It can be different when full and you don’t want to fork over unnecessary fees for a few inches (or few pounds)! Investing in a luggage scale can be useful for this step of the process.

When you get to the airport, check the dimensions in the baggage checking station to make sure it fits easily and move items around as necessary before you get to the gate. I’ve had to wear a number of items from my carry on to avoid paying 50 euro on a Ryanair flight before!

This is where a little extra work on packing can come in handy. Check out an HPL Program to start getting the help you need.

Getting Through Security

Even though you have more stuff to take through security than when you check your luggage, the experience shouldn’t be too difficult if you have your belongings well-packed and organized.

Think ahead to what things will need to be removed from your bag before running through the x-ray machine, such as toiletries and laptops, and have those in an easily accessible location.

Consider the clothing you’ll be wearing as well. You may need to remove hats, jackets, belts, and even shoes for this process.

More Motivation to Help You Travel Carry-On-Only When You Haven’t Done It Before

• If you’ve never done carry-on-only packing before, you may feel like you don’t have enough stuff. You might feel uncomfortable. That is totally normal!
• If you go on a trip and you feel like you did everything wrong, that is totally okay! Each trip is a learning experience. You use the information that you gained and make changes and improvements as needed. Don’t give up.
• If you feel like you need a bit more guidance and support, to help with the confidence to go carry-on-only, Her Packing List is here to help. Check out packing programs and products today!

Written by Caroline

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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H PL Packing Method – Learn to pack your lightest bag ever in this revolutionary packing course by HPL founder, Brooke.

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Reader Interactions

September 29, 2015 at 9:57 am

Two days ago I returned home from my first carry on trip. I referenced many articles from this site to make it happen and really liked the experience overall. The other gals I was traveling with were very impressed that I was able to travel carry on for an entire week! The one issue I need to perfect for next time is weight. My duffel backpack was HEAVY and I was more than a little sweaty by the time I reached my destination. Not ideal when I want to reuse the clothes I’m wearing on the flight! I need to keep working on that minimalism.

September 30, 2015 at 7:35 pm

You’ll get there Jennifer! Now that you’ve done it once, you can really jump in and understand where you can change things. Did you brings things you didn’t wear? Could you have brought fewer toiletry items, or exchanged certain things for lighter weight models? So many possibilities, and I’d be happy to help you out. Feel free to drop me an email if you ever want to work on reducing the weight of your carry-on. I think it would make a good post to do a before and after!

September 30, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Thank you! It was quite a good learning experience. I did pretty good with the clothes (the fact that it was a warm location helped) but could probably cut back on a couple things. Definitely brought one more pair of shoes than necessary. My extra weight definitely came from gear and toiletries. I’m a photographer so I lug my SLR with me and I had my laptop. I’m going to try switching to an iPad next time, which will be a challenge for editing but that will get rid of 6 or so pounds right there. I am eager to get back on the road so I can try this again! 🙂

February 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm

Jen- how did you pack your SLR? We’re planning on traveling soon and I can’t imagine not taking it, but I’m struggling with how to pack it properly?

September 29, 2015 at 12:34 pm

My mother and I took our first international trip this July to Paris and Italy. It was for 17 days and we managed to only take one 19″ roller bag and one tote bag each. It was hard work to get her on board, but I had done a lot of research, on this site and others, about carry on only packing and its benefits. We did end up checking our suitcases on the return flight due to all the souvenirs we bought (like artwork!) but it was not that difficult to manage the trains, busses, and airplanes we took during those 17 days with our small bags. Part of our trip was with a tour group, and we had the smallest and least amount of luggage out of 40 people!

September 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

Woohoo! Way to go Bunny- that’s awesome 🙂 Glad to hear it all worked out and your trip was that much easier because of it!

September 30, 2015 at 4:41 pm

I just got back from my second carry-on only travel adventure. I cannot begin to explain how freeing it is. You never wonder if your bag is lost, you don’t look out the plane window and wonder “is that my bag that fell off the buggy and got trampled by a baggage handler?!”. Plus you get to skip lines! When re-entering Canada we zoomed to the front of the customs line while everyone else had to wait for their luggage. It’s nice to be independent (I never need help carrying a suitcase the size of Australia up the 3 flights of hostel stairs). I will never go back to checking a bag!

September 30, 2015 at 7:24 pm

That’s awesome, Amelia! YES, I know those thoughts! Especially while looking out the window at the baggage handlers- oh dear. It’s an awesome feeling to be in control and to not have to worry 🙂

February 9, 2016 at 12:43 am

Very good tips. I am glad you mentioned checking weight limits. I stay under 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for all my travel as I then comply with just about every carrier worldwide. My wheeled bag (from IT) weighs only 3.5 lbs. My previous bag weighed in at almost 7 lbs and I could never make it under the weight limit. (FWIW I have no affiliation with IT)

May 23, 2016 at 5:11 pm

I have been traveling with only a spinner luggage carry on and a tote since the airlines started charging baggage fees. I also carry a luggage scale to weigh my luggage as well keep in my tote The best Money I have ever spent.. I have often been asked at security if I had any other luggage and I smile and say this is all I have. Very freeing to be the first out of the airport coming and going. I have downsized my makeup as well only take mascara, tinted moisturizer and lipstick. I take a solid deodorant, solid perfume. and tooth paste 100ml. I use the the 5-4-3-2-1 method for packing. 5 Tops 4 bottoms 3 dresses, 2 shoes 1 bathing suit. and under garments. I roll everything I wear my heaviest clothing and shoes on the plane. Always wear a hat and take a pashmina on the plane with me. In my tote I have a digital camera, Ipod and a ereader, an empty water bottle that I fill up after I get through security. I also take snacks such as a bag of mixed nuts,raisins,dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.I carry green tea bags as well. I have a RDIF holder for my credit cards, passport and money in my Tote. I never take a cell phone or a computer. Never discard my boarding passes until I get home and than shred them as the the barcode has way too much personal info on it.

May 23, 2016 at 6:47 pm

You sound super prepared! Thank you for sharing your packing routine. I LOVE that “freeing” feeling of zipping in and out of the airport without checking or picking up bags!

June 17, 2016 at 7:19 pm

This is a great guide- definitely hit all the important factors. I’ve been flying on JetBlue a lot, so I’ve been doing carry-on only a bunch recently. I’ve found that a shape-shifting bag is hugely helpful (duffel, backpack). I also shove a smaller bag into the top of the larger bag to pull out with my “airplane items” so I can stow the big bag, but not bother other travelers if I need to grab a snack or want to stow my book.

June 22, 2016 at 9:13 am

SO much better to use a roller bag and a tote. I have no lost luggage, no baggage fees and no line to wait for my bag after landing. PACKING CUBES are genius. You can get a ton of clothing in these wonderful helpers. I use 3 cubes–one for pants and larger items like a sweater, one for tops and one for underwear and socks. I went to the Container Store and got leakproof 1 oz. Nalgene containers for liquids. They’re cheap. I can get about 25 items in my 3-1-1 bag–toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer, concealer, foundation, toner, hand sanitizer, body oil, hand cream, Neosporin, contact solution, eye drops, mouthwash. It you buy a 3-1-1 bag with a flat bottom, you can get more inside rather than a Ziplock which I used to use. I leave the 1 oz. containers filled and in the bag and they’re always ready and filled for the next trip. Another tip is to make a list of what goes in the bag and keep it in the bag. I use a tote for my under the seat bag with really important stuff. Always take some snacks along because planes get delayed and flights can be long depending on where you’re going. Airport food is expensive.

October 26, 2016 at 7:02 am

So happy I found this Site! .I am turning 50 in 2 months and really just started my travelling adventures . Last year I invested in a really cute, 3 piece hot pink luggage set with wheels. I just thought it was the bees knees . Ha ha .I have travelled to the uk twice since then , dragging a suitcase up many many stairs in train stations and hotels with no lift . Not to mention the constant fear of snapping a wheel on those cobblestone streets ! My Christmas gift to myself will definitely be a backpack !! And probably cutting my packing list down to a quarter of what I’ve been taking ! Yikes !

January 13, 2017 at 5:58 pm

Hi I’m traveling for 30 days through Europe soon. Is a carrtypn still adequate!

January 30, 2017 at 1:19 am

Hi Monique! Absolutely! Carry-on works for any trip length. You will need to check with any airlines you plan to fly as to their restrictions. Also plan to wash clothes more often so you can pack less.

May 29, 2017 at 9:02 am

I hope you don’t mind me asking what do you mean by (potentially longer security checks). Does it mean it raises a bar when you travel with a carry-on? I have a middle-eastern name and that’s enough hassle for me but I wonder if I travel with only a carry-on, shall I worry about extra issues?

May 30, 2017 at 7:50 pm

What we mean is when you have more stuff, there’s probably more you have to get out and put in the bins at security. Not only that, but it may take longer to repack after going through security. Also, if security spots something at the bottom of your carry-on bag that they want to investigate, there is more stuff to sort through to get to it. I cannot comment on whether or not this is something to worry about. If you pack simply and smart, there shouldn’t be a problem.

July 15, 2017 at 9:36 pm

This is a great article! Very informative and I enjoyed reading the comments also.

Question: i will be traveling from Atlanta-Paris-Vienna-Atlanta in September and I will be gone for a week. I am a self-confessed overpacker so I am challenging myself to do all carry on for this trip, especially since I’ll jave a packed itinerary.

Do you think a wheeled carry on + a personal bag be okay? I’m worried because of the Paris-Vienna leg with a local airline and I’m not familiar with their rules on carry on yet.

July 17, 2017 at 8:45 am

Hi Jhae – You will need to check with that specific airline. Call or check their restrictions online.

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Home » Other Categories » Travel Technology » How to Travel without Luggage

How to Travel without Luggage

Some friends of mine are talking about this article on minimalist packing . I’m somewhat obsessed with this subject. Every time I take a trip I feel like I’m carrying around too much stuff. Ideally I want to travel without any luggage. But I’m also pretty attached to clean clothes. So I’m constantly looking for ways to optimize and reduce my packing.

In this article Gillian talks about traveling with just a purse. And then she posts a picture of all the stuff she carries, including extra shoes. I have to admit I stopped reading at that point. It’s not a purse if it fits shoes and all that other stuff! I’ve written about my current favorite luggage , it’s a medium sized (25 L) daypack. And I’m confident Gillian’s stuff would fit in there, but it’s a lot bigger than a purse. At least it’s a lot bigger than what I’d call a purse. Nonetheless her bag is smaller than mine, and she seems to be carrying less clothing overall (except the extra shoes). So part of my defensiveness about her “purse” is probably just jealousy.

It’s a backpack and a large purse in one

My friends pointed out some really good stuff in Gillian’s post, so I went back and read through it. I did get some new ideas:

Wear clothes more than once

She wears the same clothes for multiple days (except underwear). But nothing is cotton. I wear my clothes for multiple days too, but I haven’t found much non-cotton that I like. My underwear and socks and workout clothes are all non-cotton. But shirts and pants are a struggle for me. I need to put more time into shopping for these things. I can’t wear wool (makes me itchy) so options that are versatile and look nice are limited.

Tooth powder instead of toothpaste

A brilliant idea. I hate buying those little toothpaste tubes. It’s a waste of packaging and not enough toothpaste to last more than a week or two. I’ve ordered some powder to try this out.

Dry shampoo to keep clothes smelling fresh

I really like showers so I’m not giving up washing my hair in water. But clothes washed in the sink don’t always come out smelling as fresh as I’d like. I’m going to try this idea too.

My packing looks a lot like Gillian’s in many other respects. Well, except that we have different styles. Things like a small lock, a flashlight, and a little tote bag are staples in my travel bag too. I’m always looking for new tips and tricks to travel light.

Traveling with heavy stuff is so much hectic and boring. As you have discussed here above in this blog to smartly manage your stuff in a backpack rather than a big massive suitcase. It definitely makes your journey comfortable and happier. Very good tips you have shared here for the guidance of people who love to travel.

I’m always reading up on minimalist packing too so thanks for this post! I gleaned some good tips from Gillian’s post and found her round backpack to be a novel way to carry all her stuff and not look like a tourist. Time to go through my packing list again.

How to travel WITHOUT baggage

I absolutely hate packing! I hate it because of one simple reason: I always forget something! No exceptions!

Thus, I found the ultimate solution. Packing only the essentials, as little as possible! This way I have less chance of forgetting something.

I used to travel with big suitcases filled with everything I thought I might need during the trip, but in the end, I barely used 50% of what I packed.

Later on, I discovered how useful it is to fit everything in my hand baggage. It is so much faster and cheaper. I quickly mastered the art of cramming as much as possible in that little suitcase.

But I still kept packing a lot of unnecessary stuff!

Only recently I learned to travel WITHOUT any suitcases! Nothing at all! Just a little backpack… that’s it!

In this post, I’ll explain to you my strategies for packing only the essentials and travelling as light as possible, with nothing more than a little backpack! Are you ready to travel without baggage?

Note: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Read more in my Disclosure Policy .

Tip #1: know your essentials

The biggest mistake you can make is to open your closet and just pick anything you think will be useful on your trip. Don’t do this! This is a guarantee for too much baggage!

Travelling light means packing only the essentials. But what if you don’t know what your essentials are? What if you forget something? I have one simple trick for that: work from head to toes.

Think about what you are wearing by scanning your whole body. Start with your head. Do you wear glasses? Do you need sunglasses on your trip? A hat? Go lower and think about shirts, maybe a scarf if it’s cold. Go down like this and end with your feet (socks? Shoes?).

This method will make sure you have covered all the clothes you wear on your whole body so you don’t forget anything essential. Anything you are not wearing at this moment will probably not be necessary on your trip either.

Another tip to make sure you have all your essential non-clothing stuff packed is to go through your daily morning/evening routine. What are you doing in the bathroom? Go through every tool you use. This way you are making sure you are not forgetting anything important like your toothbrush!

Get to know my 17 absolute essential items for a long haul flight !

Tip #2: you only need 1 of everything

You really don’t need two pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of shoes and hundreds of jackets on your trip.

In fact, you only need 1 pair of everything! (Except for underwear, socks… you know.)

This will require some discipline from you! I only take with me one pair of jeans, one pair of shoes, one jacket and one sweater (which I wear the day I leave on the trip).

Everything else fits in my backpack: toothbrush, socks, underwear, a pyjama (which isn’t always necessary) and eventually a pretty dress or shirt in case I go out.

Limiting myself to these items makes it possible for me to travel without baggage.

Tip #3: take multifunctional clothes with you

Yes, I advise you to just take with you the clothes that you are wearing (plus eventually an extra shirt) but this means that your clothes should be multifunctional! You should be able to use them for whatever you plan to visit.

For example, don’t just take a jacket with you that cannot bear rain. You want to pack a jacket that is useful in all kinds of situations. It should have a cap, be waterproof, not too light (so you don’t get cold at night) but not to warm either.

Try to really think about what you’re going to pack, this way you can leave with way less luggage than you otherwise would. And, in the best case, you can travel without baggage.

Tip #4: buy travel size packages

While travelling you need more than clothes alone. Think about a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, make-up, soap etc.

Luckily, most of these products are also offered in mini-format. So my advice is to take those mini versions with you instead of the big ones. You will save a lot of space!

You can get most of these mini-packages in a supermarket/drug store/dollar store. And they are usually quite cheap.

If you prefer your favourite brand of shampoo, look on their website or in their store if they have travel-size packages, often they do!

I usually always get mini-toothpaste when I visit my dentist, yours might have those too!

Tip #5: check what is available at your destination

Don’t pack things your hotel will provide!

Consider whether you need all the products you’re packing. Soap, for example, is often provided at all kinds of accommodations. Thus, it might not even be necessary to take it with you!

Usually, if you’ve booked an Airbnb or hotel, there will be shampoo, body wash, towels etc. already available. Make sure to check this beforehand.

Tip #6: plan your trip

It is very simple. If you plan your trip thoroughly, you’ll know exactly what to do during those days. Thus, you’ll also know exactly what to pack! The better prepared you are for your trip, the more specific you can pack!

It will be way easier to leave all your unnecessary stuff at home and only take with you clothes/stuff you will actually use. It’s incredible how much stuff I used to pack without even using it!

Thorough preparation can avoid this. Your baggage will be so much lighter and you will be able to travel without baggage!

Tip #7: use vacuum bags

I would never be able to travel with just a little backpack without my vacuum bags! They almost literally saved my life when I flew back from Canada. Suddenly, I had space in my suitcases!

On a city trip, I usually take one or two small vacuum bags with me that perfectly fit in my backpack. They reduce the space that I need by almost 50%! So I only need half the volume I used to use.

I bought my vacuum bags on Amazon . Some bags require a vacuum cleaner, but there are others you can just roll up and the air escapes. Very easy!

Be careful! There is one mistake you should never make! It’s not because you reduce the volume of your bag that you’ll reduce the weight too. Watch your weight! Airlines often have stringent regulations about this, so be sure to check it beforehand.

Anyway, if you want to save space and travel without luggage you definitely need a travel vacuum bag!

Tip #8: digitize as much as possible

Of course, you’ll need something to keep you busy on the plane, but do you really need to pack a book of 300 pages? Definitely not!

In this digital age, you can just take everything with you on your phone. For books, you have apps, for boarding passes you have a digital wallet. Games? Idem ditto.

However, I perfectly understand that you would rather read a book on paper (I prefer this as well). Thus, if you really can’t miss your paper book, try to find a pocket version of it.

Of course, you need a lot of papers like your boarding pass, booking confirmations, travel insurance papers etc. I try to take everything with me on my phone. Most of the time I have it just in my mailbox (or with a screenshot) and the boarding pass in my digital wallet.

This way I never need to search for papers and I can again save valuable space in order to travel without baggage!

Tip #9: send your souvenirs by post

I completely understand. When you visit a place, why not take a souvenir with you? You can give it a nice place back home and it will remember you eternally of that lovely trip you took to Paris, Londen or whatever city you went to.

But sometimes these souvenirs are stones or something even heavier. If you’re on a longer trip or carrying all your luggage along the way, it might be a horrible burden to take that souvenir all the way with you!

However, there’s a solution to this… and it’s called mail.

I know, quite prehistoric.

Instead of dragging this incredibly beautiful (but at that moment probably incredibly stupid) big rock home, you can just send it home! It will cost you something, but so will extra baggage. Moreover, your back will be thankful for this later on!

Tip #10: make memories, don’t collect souvenirs

Of course, you don’t have to take souvenirs with you.

When I was a little kid I used to take a souvenir home from every place I visited. I have quite a collection when you look at it now!

But as I grew up, I realized that cheap mini versions of buildings are not really that special. Instead, I started to value the memories I made along the way!

These days, I collect pictures on my phone instead of physical souvenirs and as soon as I’m home, I print them and put them on my wall!

I now believe that these pictures are more valuable since they capture moments. Moreover, it can be essential to not take souvenirs home in your luggage when you want to travel without baggage!

Tip #11: make a reusable packing list

Never forget anything!

When you travel on a regular basis, a fixed packing list is an absolute must! Of course, you have to adapt to different countries and climates, but a basic list will make sure you won’t forget anything and you won’t pack anything you don’t need!

Try to make a list of your travel essentials and try to add stuff to the list if you notice you’ve forgotten something. After a few trips, you’ll have your own ultimate travel packing list!

Tip #12: let your luggage be delivered at your destination

It’s very simple. Just like you can send souvenirs by mail, you can send your suitcase! There exist several services around the world that pick your bag up at home and deliver it to your hotel when you arrive at your destination!

How amazing is that?!

So, if you absolutely can’t miss any baggage, ship it!

I discovered this valuable tip on the blog Maroc Mama where Amanda shares her experience with the luggage delivery service Luggage Free.

I’ve never tried it, so it’s up to you to decide whether you love it or hate it! Anyway, this might be the perfect solution for someone who doesn’t want to leave anything home AND still want to travel without baggage!

I hope I made it clear that it is perfectly possible to travel without baggage. The only thing you need is a small backpack (or a luggage delivery service ;))and you’re all set for a city trip or holiday!

However, if you decided you want to use a suitcase anyway, take a look at my favourite suitcase !

Are you interested in more tips? Read my other posts about travel tips or check out my travel resources page !

Do you have other valuable tips to share or questions? Don’t hesitate to place them in the comments below!

2 thoughts on “How to travel WITHOUT baggage”

I love these tips!! Traveling light is my biggest struggle with going on vacation, I always overpack

I used to struggle with that too, but I’m so glad that I found a way to travel light!

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How to Travel 12 Countries with No Baggage Whatsoever

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Starting tomorrow, travel writer Rolf Potts will embark on a trip that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. This post will explain how he’s going to do it, and there’s a kick-ass giveaway at the end…

For six weeks he will explore 12 countries on five continents, crossing the equator four times, without carrying so much as a man-purse. The few items he does bring will be tucked away in his pockets. Though he’s a seasoned minimalist traveler (famous from his book Vagabonding ), he usually travels with a single overhead-bin-perfect backpack, the Eagle Creek Thrive 65L . It’s been his go-to bag for the last 3-4 years.

So why attempt to travel the world with no luggage at all?

Rolf sees his journey as a real-time experiment in traveling ultra-light, and “a field-test for a more philosophical idea — that what we experience in life is more important than what we bring with us.”

While circumnavigating the globe with no luggage sounds like a clear enough proposition, it can raise a few semantic issues. What, for example, counts as a bag? Rolf has set up a set of ground rules to guide his own journey, including:

– No bags on the journey (not even a man-purse or grocery store bag, unless the latter is used en route to a meal).

– No borrowing items from his cameraman or using his cameraman as a pack mule.

– Borrowing or buying items along the way is permitted but excludes bags.

Since most people don’t travel with a film crew, Rolf’s advice for the average no-baggage traveler is a bit broader than the rules he’s set for himself. Here are 8 key tips from Rolf on how to plan and execute a no-luggage journey.

In Rolf’s words…

1) Manage the journey from your mobile phone.

A smartphone could well be the most important tool for a baggage-less traveler. It can store your boarding passes and other important documents, make phone calls from virtually anywhere in the world (with a swappable SIM card) and even act as a miniature blogging tool.

I recommend an iPhone with a foldable Bluetooth keyboard , which allows you to fit your mobile office inside a single jacket pocket. The iPhone can be loaded with a series of applications to replace everyday day items carried on a normal trip. The Kindle app lets you leave behind bulky books, and Genius Scan lets you use you iPhone’s camera as a makeshift scanner so you can quickly save receipts and email them to yourself on the fly. Wikihood utilizes the phone’s GPS to serve location-relevant Wikipedia articles, which is a unique and interesting alternative to a guidebook. Throw in your favorite currency converter, phrase book, and flight tracker, and you’ve got a single device in your pocket more powerful than its dead-weight paper counterparts.

Some recommedations:

TripTracker by PageOnce

Lonely Planet series of phrase books (multiple links depending on language)

Currency converter: “Currency”

2) Keep your footwear simple and practical.

With no bags, the only shoes you’re going to want to bring is whatever you’re wearing from day to day.

I’m traveling with a pair of Blundstone boots I bought in Australia in 2006. I’ve worn these boots all over the world the past four years, from Paris to Ethiopia to the Falkland Islands, and they’ve served me great. They work for hiking in remote environments, yet they’re easy to slip off and on at airport security.

Some travelers might prefer Chaco or Teva sandals (if nothing else to save packing socks) — and I won’t fault them for that — but my Blundstones look nice enough that they will get me into places where sandals might seem too informal. You are on your feet constantly when you travel, of course, so whichever footwear you choose to bring (be it sandals or boots or running shoes), make sure you aim for comfort, simplicity, and durability.

( Note from Tim: I opt for darker-colored Keen Newport Bison Leather Sandals . If you use black or dark socks, since they have closed toes, you can easily get into restaurants or even pass for business casual if you tuck the tightening strings in.)

3) Buy or borrow certain items as you go.

An old vagabonding adage goes, “Pack twice the money and half the gear.”

The same notion applies to no-luggage travel — even if you’re only packing a tenth of the gear. If a journey takes you to a beautiful beach region, odds are you can buy rubber flip-flop sandals there for a few dollars. If a given city is rainy, cheap umbrellas should be in plentiful supply — and if you get sick, the world is full of pharmacies (many of which are better-suited to cure local ailments that whatever medicine you might have packed).

Should you travel your way into cold weather, thrift stores are a good place to buy a warm jacket (which can be given way to a needy person or left in a hostel swap-box when you leave). You can also borrow things from other travelers along the way. You don’t want to be obnoxious about this, of course, but most travelers don’t mind sharing a spot of toothpaste or a couple of aspirin, and asking for these kinds of things can be a great way to strike up a conversation at the hostel or on the hiking trail.

4) Be disciplined and strategic with what you choose to bring along.

Packing light can be enough of a challenge when you have a small backpack, let alone when you have to keep all your gear in your pockets. This in mind, don’t bring anything you’re not going to use every day.

Nail clippers can be borrowed along the way; rain ponchos can be purchased on rainy days. I left my razor out of the equation (it was better to let my beard grow and then get a hard razor shave in Morocco), and before the trip I cut my hair so short I won’t ever need shampoo. Any big-box retailer should have bins of tiny deodorants and collapsible toothbrushes to keep your toiletries micro-sized. Camping stores will sell 3-ounce snap-top storage bottles that work well for toting concentrated laundry detergent or multipurpose liquid soap. Err on the side of minimalism; you can buy or borrow items along the way.

5) Wear travel gear with strategically located pockets.

If you travel without any bags, this means whatever gear you bring will have to fit in your pockets. My journey is co-sponsored by ScotteVest, an Idaho-based sportswear company that specializes in travel clothing with multiple pockets.

Most of my gear fits into the ScotteVest Tropical Jacket , which has 18 pockets of differing sizes. A majority of these pockets are accessed from the inside, which (a) is a nice deterrent against pickpockets, and (b) saves me the “dork factor” of looking like I’m traveling the world dressed like a confused trout fisherman. I can carry a majority of my gear in this jacket without looking ridiculous — plus the sleeves zip off, so I usually wear it as a vest. I’m also wearing a pair of Ultimate Cargo Pants from ScotteVest, though I’ve packed light enough that I rarely have to use the large cargo pockets. ScotteVest isn’t the only company that makes travel gear with utility pockets, of course; your local camping outfitter or travel-specialty store should provide you multiple gear options, and you can choose the clothing that best fits your needs.

6) Use a minimal rotation of clothing.

Essentially, you’ll want to travel with little more than the clothes on your back — but you will want to bring a few spare clothing items to keep things fresh and ensure you won’t get too stinky.

Given that I wear cargo pants, a travel vest, socks, underwear, and a short-sleeved t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt on a typical day of my trip, I keep one spare t-shirt, two extra pairs of socks, and two extra pairs of underwear in my pockets.

Each night I wash the day’s socks, underwear and t-shirt in the hotel/hostel sink, and these items are dry enough to pack by morning. I’ve been washing the cargo pants about once a week (and I have yet to wash the travel vest). Some people take short no-luggage trips with even fewer clothes, but my arrangement isn’t bulky and ensures that I always have a rotation of fresh socks, underwear and t-shirts.

( Note from Tim: Here what I pack for an uber-light trip , in this example less than 10 pounds total. ExOfficio underwear are a lifesaver.)

7) Utilize the postal system for souvenirs and extra gear

With airlines baggage fees quickly spiraling upward, many travelers these days are saving money and hassle by mailing certain items to one or more destinations along their itinerary.

If, say, you’re traveling from warm climates into cold climates, you can mail your warm clothing to the first cool destination (just make a pre-arrangement with the hotel you’ll be staying at in that location). On that same token, traveling without luggage doesn’t mean you have to forgo buying souvenirs — if just means you won’t be able to carry them. To solve this problem, just hit the local post office and mail that Balinese mask or Latvian amber or Syrian silk home.

This is actually a strategy that can be employed when you’re traveling with luggage: The souvenirs you find along the way might be nice, but there’s no sense in dragging them along with you. It’s worth the expense to ship them.

8) Remember: Travel is about the experience, not what you bring with you.

In the end, that remember that going without luggage and packing ultra-light need not be an extreme act. It isn’t a contest, or a rite of travel-superiority: It’s just a great way to eliminate distractions and concentrate on the experience of the journey itself.

Freed of baggage, there’s little to forget or lose on the road. You don’t have to stow anything, guard anything, or wait for anything (aside from the occasional train or bus): You can just throw yourself into the adventure and make the most of your travels.

If you’ve ever fantasized about taking time off to globe-trot, I would highly recommend Rolf Pott’s Vagabonding . It is one of only two books I took with me when I traveled the world for 18 months. Outside Magazine founding editor Tim Cahill calls Vagabonding “the most sensible book of travel related advice ever written.”

I recently partnered with Rolf to release the exclusive audiobook for Vagabonding. For more on this incredible book, click here .

Afterword: So how’s Rolf doing? How’s he actually holding up? Check out his progress here , in real-time on the RTW (Round-The-World) blog .

Question of the Day (QOD): What tricks for light travel have you learned along the way? Please share in the comments. The more detail, the better.

Prize of the Post: Leave an answer to the QOD by this Sunday at midnight PST (8/22), and one of the best comments (hard to objectively say one is “best”) will get a Sonos ZonePlayer 120 ($499 retail) and two Klipsch speakers ($389 retail)! Just download the Sonos app for iPhone/iPod Touch, and you’ve got a killer home stereo system that can play just about anything, including Pandora and Rhapsody.

The goodies will ship directly from me in an S5 box (as I now have a new S5 setup ). Look forward to your tips!

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Huge fan of Rolf Potts! This is great news.

Now that is impressive. I have done 5 countries will a 34 litre bag but now I feel less of a man. Well played Rolf, well played.

That’s a really cool concept, but is it really all that comfortable to have all your gear strapped around you and extra undies and socks popping out of your pockets?

I’m really interested to hear how this turns out…

Hopefully it’s a liberating experience that we can all learn from.

Thanks Tim and Rolf…

bring and wear clothes made with high-tech fabrics. usually have less mass (lighter), dry quick and easy to wash!

Have a most excellent adventure Rolf. You seeem to have it nailed – use the resources of your destination – most hotels have all the basic toiletries and they are small and if your clothes come in the teeny tiny dri-fit variety available so readily now it is easier to put socks in your pocket. How about a collapsible water bottle? It is hot near the equator!

Hey Tim and Rolf, great post!

Rolf, I just finished reading Vagabonding, as I’m considering doing something similar this Winter now that I’ve freed up my time and location. I’m looking forward to following your journey around the world on your blog, so congrats man.

Good luck, travel safe!

One of the best tricks I’ve learned for light travel actually comes from my Search and Rescue training – test what you need, before you actually need it! I tend to pack what I think I need, and then go on a shorter trip somewhere. Items that I don’t use, don’t need, or that I can find better alternatives for get dumped, no question. Also, make sure everything you have is multipurpose (making it, therefore, a better alternative). For example, take a leatherman or something similar rather than a switchblade, cargo pants rather than jeans, a waterproof jacket w/ a hoodie rather than a jacket, poncho, and hat, or a pouch w/ room for documentation, phone, and money (one of the ones that tourists often wear around their necks) rather than carrying them all separate. Vests work wonders as well, but the more multipurpose things you carry, the less you will have to bring with you.

You may not always be the most fashionable, but you definitely are traveling much lighter. I’m using a similar technique for moving back to college after summer break, and it’s done wonders so far.

I’m an ultralight backpacker – hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail with less than 9lbs w/o food and water.

This is a habit I got into early on – whenever I got back from a trip, I would go back over my packing list and note the things I didn’t use. A lot of people carry stuff they NEVER use but by the time the next trip comes around, we forget.

I still think I would prefer an ultralight backpack to the vest (really, you’re just using wearable luggage) but it’s a cool idea. I’m sure the vest’s inside zip pockets would help in areas with pick-pockets.

Safe travels!

QOD Response:

Before I start packing, I’ll close my eyes, and imagine running through my daily routine and what I’ll be doing that day from the time I wake up to the time I’ll go to sleep. And I make note of everything I need along the way. For example, “I wake up, brush my teeth (pack toothbrush and toiletries), put on my clothes(pack a pair of jeans,shirts), going swimming(pack swim shorts) .. etc. I run through the entire day as best as I can estimate. And what I dont imagine needing, I dont pack. Then I do a final ‘phone, wallet/ID, cash’ check. Because really with those 3 things, you can handle most any situation you encounter, whether you forgot to pack something you needed or forgot to make arrangements of some sort.

Instead of a cotton t-shirt, bring a dri-fit shirt. You can easily wash it in any shower or sink, and they dry so quickly you dont really need a spare.

I also normally wear short ankle socks, but if you wear bring knee high socks (only under pants for me) you can actually carry quite a lot of small light items, and more securely than in your pockets. Extra credit card, cash, passport, even stuff like a tooth brush or comb.

If I am going to be swimming I will wear biking shorts underneath my regular shorts or pants. You can drop your shorts, go for a swim, the bike shorts will dry off a lot quicker and you can put your clothes back on over them once they are dry and be comfortable all day. Traditional bathing suits are much too bulky for this.

If you have a nice camera, utilize it. I took high resolution pictures of all of the maps I would need, and my camera allowed me to zoom into the picture with incredible detail. You could even pop into an internet cafe to review them, instead of bringing a lot of maps. This is a simple trick to compact a lot of documentation.

When I travel I wear a pair of Mountain Hardware Hiking pants that have zip of legs. That way I have a pair of pants and shorts all in one.

I have to agree with the two statements:

1) Ex officio underwear has been a lifesaver. They make other things too! Socks, shirts, convertible pants…in general, their whole line is geared toward minimalist travel. It is durable, easy to care for, comfortable and prevents the “stinkies” when you are traveling!

2) iPhone with or without a keyboard…plus certain apps such as Kindle or iBooks app…the development and extension of smartphones (iPhone is the BEST!) has certainly been a game changer. I don’t think I have carried a laptop on a trip since the first iPhone was introduced. I will admit that lately, when I don’t have to be ABSOLUTELY minimalist, I am carrying an iPad….which is the same idea….light, thin, LONG BATTERY LIFE, and allows things like Kindle and iBooks and Zinio, magazines, newspapers, maps, weather, flight information, etc….(just like iPhone, but more capacity and longer battery life)…not quite pocket sized, but certainly easy to carry.

These are the two things that have changed my travel the MOST and reduced my load the MOST. I can’t say that i have travelled without ANY bags….but I am certainly able to deal with a smaller bag and many less pounds as a result.

Last couple of plugs – many companies make shoes that fold or pack flat for easy travel. Some of these also have removable insoles so that you can have more or less support depending if you are riding on the airplane (and don’t really need thick insoles) or walking a lot (in which case you can slip the insoles in). I won’t plug a specific brand here…many places have them.

The PacSafe company makes a variety of small pouches all the way up to large bags that lock up tight, can be anchored to immovable objects (like a door or desk), and cannot be cut through by the usual tools….these are VERY useful for travel in situations that you won’t have a safe but want to secure that iPhone or iPad from theft. Highly recommended.

Happy travels!

Wouldn’t this raise red flags in some places? Not traveling with anything.

Wow, I’d love to do that. I still think I need to take my netbook. I think I can get down to mini carry on, But no less. I have a problem with the theory though. Having to explain to customs officials why you have no luggage, not even a carry on for international trips. I realize that “officially” they can’t detain you for being uber-efficient, but I know these guys….their gonna ask….and ask…and break you down until you admit to a variety of crimes just to get out of the inquisition room. It might be worth trying this a while to make a documentary. “How I saw 12 different country’s security system in 15 days”.

Best light weight travel tip! Wear wool. Wool has natural antimicrobial agents that keep the stink to a minimum. Wool is the best fiber for temperature regulation, meaning that you need to remove and add less layers during exertion. Wool also absorbs moisture into the fiber, so if you are sweating it will not look like you are. It takes 30% of the materials weight in moister for you to feel wet vs 5% in cotton or synthetic. There are some great wool brands out there that have made stylish functional pieces that are great for in the city or in the woods.

I’ve found that, especially as a woman, the bag that fills up the fastest is the one filled with costmetics/bathroom items. To combat this, I:

*Pack makeup that does double duty – like a lip/cheek/eye stain; tinted moisturizer with SPF.

*Pack 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner that can also serve as body wash and shaving cream.

*One razor with multiple cartridges usually takes up less space than multiple disposables – but razors are something you can easily buy at your destination. Same with feminine hygiene products, so don’t give in to the urge to pack extra “just in case”.

*Pack a rubber band, elastic headband and bobby pins instead of tons of product and styling tools. If you’re spending the trip hiking, this is a no-brainer, but this also helps you lighten your load and feel comfortable with a night out, dinner in a restaurant, etc.

1. If you’re looking for a good all-in-one soap/shampoo/facewash I recommend trying the baby aisle of your local (or destination’s) department store. I found a great ‘GAIA’ brand ‘Bath & Bodywash’ that is soap and sulphate free, with some orange oils for zest.

2. Crocs don’t just make dorky plastic sandals — you can get the same lightweight sole with slip on loafer stylings up top. I love my pair of funky herringbone patterned loafers. Good for casual wear, and if going somewhere more ‘dressy’, people will just think you’re a hipster!

3. Twitter. A great tool for making a local friend or two in each destination before you leave. Great for a quick answer on a local topic.

Bonus: My sister bought an iPad before she went on an extensive european trip (she was going to lug along a full laptop) and it’s proven it’s worth. Incredible battery life, good size screen for maps etc . If you need a little more than a smart phone, it seems to be a reasonable alternative.

I enjoyed rolf’s book. I think you need to add another point that would perhaps be the biggest tip for many.

Choose who you travel with carefully. If your wife is one of those people that has to take the hair straighteners, then you’re going to have a problem traveling light!

You will probably need to compromise, consider splitting up for a while or get them to read rolf’s book!

I’m off to Thailand for my honeymoon is Dec and yes I have the slight issue of having someone else’s opinions who matter to me to consider!

In my travels I’ve noticed that having a handkerchief takes the place of a hat, towel, bag for small items you find (like stones at the beach), a way to mark and recognize baggage and muzzle the annoying person on a crowded bus (haven’t really tried this last one yet…). So one small piece of clothing, that can be worn on a head, neck, wrist or ankle, allows you to not carry as much on trips.

Very good tips above! Will make my next trip backpacking Europe easier with less stuff!

We always make sure our long-sleeved t-shirts contain SPF or are sun shirts (some people call them rash guards). With a good hat on our heads and long pants, we don’t have to pack sunscreen or bug spray, nor do we have to apply any of those nasty chemicals to our bodies.

Great post. It’s tough to travel this lightly with two small kids, but we sure try.

Man… With all of those awesome tips above, how are we suppose to compete!?

I haven’t done a ton of “extended journey” traveling, but when I do travel I like to only bring my backpack. The best tip I have is to use a checklist to make sure you have the “essentials” (things that can’t be replaced when you get there). Stuff like medication, passports (yes, people forget them!), phone, etc.

When your checklist pimpgame is tight, you feel extra chill when you pack and you’re on the way to the airport. Anything you bring on top of the checklist is just “icing on the cake”… Or weights holdin’ you down… 🙂

The timing of your post is funny… Since (I might) have your attention. Is there a way you would be interested in raising $500,000 for a school (or three!) of your choice and me buying $5,000 worth of your new book when it’s released?

If yes, click over to my webzone (when you have some free time) and scan the latest blog post (you’re more than welcome to skip the rambly video). 🙂

Zip off pants! Having a single pair of pants that can be used in hot and cold is invaluable. They might be ugly, and you have to carry the lower leg parts once you’ve removed them, but they give you a lot of options (like being able to wear longs pants in cultures that require them) without having to add an entire extra set of bottoms.

Very impressive!

One of my travel light favorites is swapping the underwear for light weight, quick drying board shorts for a few reasons:

-Its a good excuse to get in the nearest ocean/river/lake daily.

-You can keep cash/visa/passport in the pocket which is hidden under your pants if you get into trouble.

-And obviously you can just wear the board shorts if its too hot for pants.

Make sure you have one pair of boxers for when board shorts are too wet.

Enjoy the travels and remember “the only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck”

great post! This is my first time visiting your site. I’ve skimmed through your book a couple of times at Barnes and Nobles, but today I decided to abuse my privileges. In 3 hours I read half of 4 hour work week, and completely lost track of time.

No worries, I did purchase 2 books 🙂

Didn’t mean to hijack the message board but thanks for putting out this awesome book!

Welcome to the party! No problem on the hijacking (you didn’t really hijack, after all)… I figure we’re even after two books 🙂

As a fan of Rolf’s book Vagabonding (hopefully I’ll be able to join the ranks of Vagabonds after grad school), this was a great post in many ways that aren’t even immediately evident. The eighth point is really one that I want to expand on: excessive luggage creates unnecessary distraction. From the brief world-travel I have done, I’ve found that a more concise travel pack not only helps you focus on the locations you tour, it also forces you to appreciate the few items you do pack.

Because we can go to a store here and get a 5-pk of black shirts for about two bucks a shirt (I believe your friend Kevin Rose has about a hundred of these), we see these hugely important items as almost disposable. When accessibility to cheap essentials is restricted because you’re on-the-move and busy touring, we perceive items taken for granted in a totally different way. Traveling light is an easy way to reset your subconscious notion (and order) of the importance of objects on a fundamental level.

Great article, I’m looking forward to reading more about the journey!

How do you go through airport security? (with liquids, etc)

My guess is dump it all in a bag you can throw away when you get there, but I’m curious anyway.

Contest Entry:

When traveling through western Europe a few years ago I learned the value of a super-light day pack.

We made a circle through Switzerland, Italy, and France and I was using a regular suitcase, with wheels! (I was total amateur).

I happened to have a nylon drawstring backpack (the kind athletes use to carry shoes and stuff) that I started using as a day pack.

For the size and weight it holds a good amount of gear, it has no pockets and draw string at the top that are over your shoulders so it’s fairly impervious to pick pockets, and it folds up smaller than a wallet weighing only a few ounces.

http://www.amazon.com/Ensign-Drawstring-Backpack-Black/dp/B000HLS2DO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1282345972&sr=8-3

Second Entry:

I can’t take credit for this one, but I wanted to share anyway:

Karol Gajda, of Ridiculously Extraordinary, recommends aLokSak’s for doing laundry in sinks of questionable cleanliness, or when you have no sink at all.

They are basically extra-heavy duty ziplocks, and also fold up extremely small.

http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/15-minutes-clean-clothes-anywhere-in-the-world/

Looking forward to your trip updates!

Currently I’m using a 40 litre bag. There is a pack list on my site but I’m really digging your no bag rule! I might have to take my DSLR along though. I don’t think I want to go anywhere with out that.

As for light packing tips:

1. Sign up for a checking account that refunds ATM fees

2. Borrow, beg, and don’t steal

3. If you do have to pack a bag, I find that rolling your clothes helps a lot

4. Just remember that 9 times out of 10 where you are going will have what you need

Ohh and have fun!

Hi Tim and Rolf

Excellent post, thank you.

This is a trick I learnt from a friend in the British Royal Marines. Fleeces and mid-layers can be bulky to pack/carry. Instead, carry a cashmere sweater. Benefits are: they are very light and pack small; can be casual or smart if needed; can be worn effectively under a outer-layer; and can be easily washed in shampoo/conditioner – it is hair after all!

I also carry a bluff – a tube of material that can be pulled over your head. Benefits: can be used in cold weather as a scarf; in sun to protect your neck; used as a hat or sweat band/bandana when folded/rolled… I have also used it as a mini towel, water filter, helmet padding, impromptu bandage and a small bag…

I also really like by Under Armor Heat Gear T shirts, they: wash well, dry quickly and hold their shape.

Rolf – have a great trip. Tim you are inspiring.

People are always amazed that I travel with only a lap-top sized bag. They are surprised because I am a girl and we’re not usually associated with light travel, and also because I can get by for weeks with this teeny bag.

My tricks are that I bring only one pair of pants (jeans) and I wear them on the plane. You can really go for weeks without washing jeans without anyone noticing (and if you do need to wash stuff, there’s always laundromats, or friends). I bring only a few shirts and one light, wrinkle-free black dress which I can wear for nicer events. For shoes I wear tennis shoes on the plane and pack one pair of gold flip flops that pass for nice dress shoes since they’re gold and sparkly. I also wear a hooded sweatshirt on the plane which works for rain or cold weather and doubles as a pillow when traveling.

The hardest part is your toiletries (at least for us women, and especially when we wear contacts). I simply minimize the make up (an all-in-one gold powder works for eyeshadow and, when mixed with chapstick, as a lipgloss), foundation and mascara and that’s it. No jewelry. Toiletries are brought in small travel sizes (including a comb) and if I run out on the road I just buy or borrow some. (If visiting family I never bring things like toothpaste or shampoo, I just use theirs).

Finally, my favorite trick is to pack my bag with dryer sheets. It keeps my clothes smelling nice and when they get funky I can rub the dryer sheet on it to mask the smell. Double bonus- dryer sheets reportedly work as a mosquito repellent.

I learned all of this after backpacking across Europe. You realize that it’s far more comfortable to wear your clothes a bit stanky than to lug around lots of luggage.

Thanks guys….Great post! I am definitely going to pick up some of that clothing.

I work as a freelance designer and programmer and am in love with photography. On my first few overseas trips my computer and photo gear took up most of my baggage. Now I just rent the gear when I get there and make sure I get insurance. I use Dropbox for all my files and software. Now I’m much less worried about losing gear and am free to travel and take side trips with just a backpack. Some companies even let me borrow a laptop when I get there. People love to lend things to travelers, you just have to ask.

Good luck Rolf, we look forward to hearing about your journey.

I am going to europe this fall/winter. Also I’m training for a marathon so I really have to bring my running shoes but I need to have boots as well. What do I do then?

One tip that have served me well: Only pack clothes that will dry quickly (even better if you can roll them in your towel, compress and have them come out dry). Can get away with much less clothing if everything can be washed at a moments notice. Plus, materials that dry quick tend to be lighter than your typical cotton shirt and jeans.

My trick to ultralight travel is the mobile phone (as you mentioned) — but I like to call it my “travel computer”. An iphone, ipod touch, or android device can replace more than a dozen things in your backpack: An alarm clock, movies and music for flights and train rides, TripIt for travel confirmation documents (no printouts), Evernote for taking pictures of receipts and remembering phone numbers and plans along the way (no paper notes) as well as journaling (no moleskine), Kindle or Stanza for books, Skype for calling and texting internationally from wifi spots, the built in camera for replacing your camera and video camera, Lonely planet guidebooks (along with tons of other guidebook apps and sites), Chase or USAA bank apps for depositing checks from wherever you are (and in the future you should be able to replace your wallet with some bank apps). Otherwise, grab your passport and extra pair of those ex officio boxers and you’re ready to travel.

Being a digital traveler can make you a ultralight/minimalist/paperless traveler.

nice! I also wanted see you along side Rolf in this video! =)

Love the idea!

Bon Voyage, Rolf.

QOD: When leaving one country and moving to another one buy a bottle of a local popular alcohol in the departure country at the airport eg. top Tequilla in Mexico, Flavoured vodka in Russia (ask for the special sealed plastic bag when buying to avoid issues at security gates / connecting flights). It’s a fantastic way to get some good friends soon after the arrival in the hostels, camping places etc. talking about the place the bottle comes from and later borrow stuff you are missing easily 😉

I have found that as a solo female traveler (and emergency-preparedness nut), that the two most versatile and useful things to tote around are MAXI-PADS and DUCT TAPE. I generally take 3-4 pencils and wrap lengths of tape around them to avoid the heft of a roll. That way, I get pencils, too! Not only can a pads and tape be used to seal off a large wound, but my two favorite life-savers thus far have been:

1) After placing my shoes too close to the fire while rafting in Mexico, I needed to protect my feet for the next 2 days of portaging, until the pick-up point. I put pads on each foot, and taped them on. Walked over rocks, steamy sand, no problem. The tape stayed in place while wet.

2) Recently on an overnight bus ride in Guatemala, the speaker across the isle was mal-functioning and very loud. The young couple with a baby directly under it were going nuts, as were the rest of us in the vicinity. When the attendant couldn’t fix the speaker, I whipped out 2 pads and the tape. Instant muffler.

I guarantee that as my travels continue, I will have many more uses for these gems!

-have your computer live off a bootable usb drive to be used a library or friend’s computer

-bring an empty drawstring bag for odds and ends

-cell phone with some sort of hands free device is excellent for traveling

-cary extra cash hidden somewhere, and keep several stashes in case one is compromised

-if possible, befriend a guide to help you around the city you’re in

-in a new location, wandering around is not always a bad thing. watch for people who look like they know what they’re doing and follow (not too creepily)

-fluids, especially water are very helpful when on a train, bus or plane to stay healthy

-via dan pink’s travel tips: make sure your nose is properly protected (Bacitracin), it’s a place where germs fester

-the best place to go to the bathroom is at a hotel; the hotel’s lobby should have a ‘public’ bathroom

-photocopy your important docs (passport, etc) and place them separate of your luggage for safe keeping

I’m looking forward to checking out Rolf’s journey! I’ve been wondering since I read about it whether I could manage purse-less travel. Maybe a bucket list add, travel sans everything. Cool flashlight in the video.

A tip for travelling photographers:

If you don’t already have one, pick up a new carbon fibre monopod. There are versions that double as walking sticks and those that collapse into a pocket or backpack portable size. They hardly way anything but add needed stability for low light conditions or HDR shots.

A monopod can also be used as an arm if you want to hold the camera away to take self-portraits.

Tim – Just say no to socks with sandals. (Unless you’re in Japan) 😉

Alles liebe.

Really enjoyed this post, thanks to both of you, Tim and Rolf.

I have a pair of casual Puma sneakers (Roma stye, brown on brown) that have proved priceless for me in my travels. They were: comfortable to walk around in, durable, yet light and thinly-soled, and — most importantly — were appropriate in many situations. Wearing the same pair of shoes, I felt appropriately dressed for academic lectures in Beijing and nightclubs in Barcelona. Granted, the other components of my attire required a backpack (kudos to Rolf for his extremely light-traveling), but if you do have a backpack and know you’ll be in diverse dress code situations — like business casual for academics and dress-to-impress (if that’s the term?) for bars or clubs — having only one pair of shoes can be huge. Needless to say, I also felt comfortable wearing the shoes in Rome, the shoe’s namesake.

Thanks again for the post.

Hey Tim, here is my list:

I go for the Light! Light! Light!

– I always travel with a single carry-on backpack and never with luggage.

– I use small travel size containers from Walmart or sample size items (shampoo, soap, mini folding toothbrush..etc. BTW, there are types of soaps that you can use for your face, hair, body, as shaving soap and for hand-washing clothes!!)

– I always use all-purpose or multi-purpose clothing and wear zip-off pants/shorts especially with several pockets on the legs. And, I roll my clothes.

– Money belts you can wear like a belt

– I wear quick-drying and breathable “shu-sandals” (they are crossover between the shoe and a sandal). I have one of these: http://www.zappos.com/chaco-paradox-gun-metal (Yeah, not cheap but they last long!)

– I also pack one scarf in my bag. Yeah, colorful scarf. They are very handy! Can make you look stylish and for instant respectability…

– Aquapac (Water resistant bag) find a good one here: http://www.saveandcheap.com/index.php?c=SportingGoods&n=51576011&i=B003R2SJ0Q&x=Aquapac_Keymaster

– Always carry small sharpie or a pen inside of your little neck pouch. BTW, neck pouches keep everything organized..even outside of the airports.. Example: http://www.rockcreek.com/sea-to-summit/travelling-light-neck-pouch/?ref=RCO_googlebase

– Small digital camera, nowadays I use my phone…I also use the same phone to type in daily journals.

– Light wristwatch with a built-in alarm

– Finally, I always leave some space in my bag for small souvenirs. Don’t get carried on with the big items. Pick smaller but meaninfull souvenirs.

Do it just like Gandhi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind.

Great post!

As for QOD, I have learnt the hard way that it is really nice to lose stuff on the go! I had my dirty clothes in a plastic bag within my main bag, after a few days at a hotel was in a hurry to take the boat to the next destination and simply forgot to pack the plastic bag with my dirty clothes back in the main bag. At least my backpack got a couple of days clothing lighter!

Pretty expensive tip, but if you take some clothes you know you’re not using/going to wear anymore(we all have those!) it’s nice to give/throw them away as you go along.

Rolf, awesome idea and good luck. I’m confident this can be done.

My wife and I just traveled around Italy with our 6 & 8 year old kids for six weeks with just small backpacks. If you’ve ever tried to load up a backpack for a 6 and 8 year old you would know that they really can’t carry much weight. My wife had a small Kelty pack and I had a midsize Northface pack with neither of them being completely full, nor did we have items strapped on the outside.

I’m sure Rolf will manage just fine.

Great post, Tim. As a high schooler, I’ve never traveled truly solo before, but I’ve learned a few things about the practice from reading books and blogs here and there. There are several, but I’ve listed the ones that I have tried to apply on trips.

1. The bundle approach (roll apparel like a snail shell, then tighten it with a string or a rubber band) is a great way of saving space.

2. Pack versatile clothing and other items, and realize that you don’t need more than two or three changes of clothes at most.

3. Bring extra money, not only for souvenirs and emergencies, but also to cut down on cheap yet relatively bulky things such as socks and undershirts.

4. If there’s a smaller and/or digital version of something essential, use it and not the bigger/physical version. By going with the electronic editions of my summer reading and using online test prep, I avoided the hassle of lugging books around as I visited several relatives along the East Coast over the course of a week.

5. Expensive rentals are a natural part of travel, and bringing the bag of golf clubs or the skateboard is not worth the amount that it will cost you to rent the item for a day.

6. For novices (myself included), set a limit on the amount of things you’ll bring before you proceed to pack. Pack so that you can meet this goal, then try to shrink your luggage to just over half of what you’ve included.

This is something I’ve learned from experience, but when traveling in a group, as I did a few years ago, it’s easy to skip bringing items like ties–just mooch off of friends. Just rely on principle 2 and bring a shirt that is unlikely to clash with other colors. You’re not likely to get denied, especially when your speaking event starts in ten minutes.

Don’t pack the night before you leave. Just like writing an essay, you will need some time to cut down on the extraneous bits. “Draft” your luggage several days in advance by packing everything as if you’re ready to leave (write items down if you don’t want to physically pack them), and let the contents of your bag mull about in your head. You’ll end up naturally trimming down what you’ve brought as you fail to find instances in which you might use the useless items.

Ah the good old days…

A few kilos ago

A couple of decades ago

… and a child ago 🙂

Tim –

When you travel do use a smart phone with an extended keyboard or bring a laptop?

It depends on the duration and what I’m doing. If super extended, I’ll usually bring a laptop these days (writing, after all), but I’d like to try the smart phone with keyboard. The trick might be only using it overseas, as I don’t want email in my pocket in the US. That might change, but we’ll see.

Packing light is all about optimization. My teenage daughter packs so she has choices and brings twice as much as anyone else…my teenage son wears basketball shorts and t-shirts, so he’s easy. My wife is a smart packer and backpacked through Europe for 4 months in the early 80’s with a 75lb pack on her back – she vowed to never do that again – meaning pack that much. I have traveled to Europe and China on business for week-long trips with a carry-on – key is to get stuff that needs to be cleaned done at the hotel or if possible a local dry cleaner. (2x the $ and 1/2 the stuff) Learn to use the iron in your room if you need to press something. Pack single colors so you don’t need 2 different color pairs of shoes and belts. Leave toiletries at home except for what you absolutely cannot get at the hotel for free or in the sundries shop if you need to buy it.

I plan on getting an iPad before my next trip so I can leave my laptop and books/magazines at home. I’ll even pdf docs I need and store them on it for reference. If something needs to be printed – email it.

That’s my take on packing light!

Great Article! I especially liked the links to the gear. I love outdoor and travel gear and use a similar Eagle Creek Backpack when I travel.

One of my favorite travel tips… turn your underwear inside out after a few days’ wear. It feels like a fresh pair. While you are washing your undies in the sink with barsoap, wear your swim suit as underwear. Commando is always fun too.

And, if I am traveling on a budget and purchase food from a grocery store or farm stand, I found that a cloth napkin is great as a makeshift lunch table (on a sandy beach, random bench, etc). It also works as a spill rag, towel etc. Along with that, I do as much research about where I’ll be visiting before I go (including train schedules) so I know what to expect.

I look forward to reading more about this journey. Props!

Traveling light?

– Pack a bag of bags. I use little nylon bags with draw strings that my mom sewed for me when I was in scouts.

– Pillow case can come in handy as an extra bag or — stuffed with a fleece outer layer — an actual pillow

– 35 mm film canisters make great waterproof containers. Even if you don’t take a film camera — and who does any more — throw some allergy medication of your choice in one and some benedryl in another. I react with different climates, cultures sometimes.

Leave the children at home. They seem to required luggage in inverse proportion to their size!

Tim, I know you’re a fan of traveling and you promote it every time you get the opportunity. But I wish, just once, you’d recognize how much damage flying via jet travel does to the ozone layer of our planet. You do nothing to minimize your carbon footprint by flying as much as you do.

Great tips above, Rolf and Tim. My two favorite things for light travel are a light poncho (~$10) and Nivea Active3 (~$3-4).

You can always shove the poncho deep down in your pack, and if you don’t need it, great, it only weighs about 6 ounces. But it’s come in handy waiting for those buses on the exposed mountain roads in Panama, and it will cover you and your pack. That way you don’t need full, heavy raingear. It’s great for impromptu picnics on wet ground, too.

The Active3 (and they have generic versions too at target) you can put in a tiny 2-ounce squeeze bottle — it’s shave gel, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner, and it excels at each. It’s really reassuring to know that I have what I need to get clean, in case I get to my destination too late to go to the local store.

Happy Travels, all!

Having done a fair amount of solo-traveling myself (3 years with extended stays), the best trick I have, after learning the language and buying local, would probably be my Samsonite Silhouette 7 hard-side carry on suitcase (packed with my Eagle Creek packers). Before I get flamed for not using a backpack or convertible backpack (I have a great Osprey Waypoint 80), I find for most of the travel I do, a solid messenger bag (my Chrome bag, or the multipocket Samsonite Attachable Tote that has dry pouches etc.), and my rolling hardshell work perfect. With the hardshell I can pack it with anything rest assured it won’t be broken on the other end, I look way more together when checking into hotels along the way, I am way less of a mark for con-artists, I can straddle my luggage when on a cramped subway, rather than taking up space for 2 with a back pack, I avoid the uncomfortable and unseemly sweaty back when going from point A-B in warmer climates, and I can move easily from one mode of transport to another.

While I recognize that the post is about ultra-lightweight travel (an interesting exercise), I think the most practical way to travel is to avoid checking luggage at all costs, feeling comfortable in urban environments, and avoiding being lumped into any particular traveller stereotype.

Oh, one more thing, if you use deodorant, bring your favorite along with you, because some countries have some pretty lame and unhealthy options!

I’ve only done a couple of major trips (more than a week) out of the U.S., and my early attempts involved a very steep learning curve. So my main “tips” for light travel are a few what-not-to-do’s that I learned the hard way:

-Don’t bring your old boy scout MagLite. A tiny LED keychain flashlight is plenty for finding your way around the hostel or your backpack at night.

-Don’t bring your Leatherman Multi-tool when a simple penknife is plenty.

-Don’t bring a sleeping bag when you’re hosteling. It’s likely that the hostel’s sheets are cleaned more often than your own. (especially if you’re a college-age single male)

-Don’t bring a 1-pound padlock for hostel lockers. A decent little luggage lock is enough of a deterrent to keep your things safe while you’re in the shower.

I have more, but those are the most dramatic (and embarrassing). I hope others can learn from my mistakes.

Cheers, everyone! Not a lot of time, since I jump on the subway to JFK in 24 hours, but you have some great ideas going here.

@Jan: I’ve often worn boots and packed running shoes in my travels (not when I’m going bagless, though). If there’s any way you can get out of bringing the boots, though, go for it. You can do a lot of the same activities in running shoes (though to be honest I tend to favor boots).

@Peatt: Love the female travel tips! Those cracked me up…

Great tips, everyone — keep them coming!

My wife and I did backpacking in Europe for 24 days. We used the Osprey rollybag/backpack combos. Rolling them in the airport and packing them on the cobblestones was perfect. We traveled in April so I had a Helly Hansen heavy nap fleece that had big inside pockets and zipper outside pockets that worked beautifully.

The backpacks are the only thing coming with us on a two week trip in November to Singapore. That and 18 month old twins! 🙂

This is kind of long, but you did say the more detail the better… so, here goes.

My first rule of light travel is that my bag has to fit under the seat in front of me in an airplane (if I’m taking one). So this immediately restricts my packing options.

I pack one change of clothes and do my laundry in the sink daily if possible so my clothes are always clean. I don’t pack formal clothes because I rarely go anywhere too fancy when I’m on vacation. If I find I need a skirt or better shoes, I can go shopping at my destination.

My favorite pants to travel in are a dark gray pair of convertible pants/capris/shorts I found on the clearance rack at REI a few years ago. They have velcro pockets (so I have an audible alert when they open), dirt doesn’t show up on them, they dry fast, I can sleep in them if I’m sharing a room with a travel buddy, they’re weather-adjustable, and they don’t look too manly. Even when I’ve packed other pants, I end up only wearing the others when I’m doing laundry.

I pack the bare minimum for toiletries. Most hotels have all I need either for free or in a vending machine in the lobby. Or the convenience store a block over has them. I usually bring at least a toothbrush that folds over into itself , some deodorant, and a couple pieces of makeup.

I pack as few electronics as possible, or an extra charged battery instead of a charger. The space cords take up for laptop, cell phone, and camera chargers is obscene. I figure if I’m traveling, why do I need to be hanging out behind a computer screen or texting about nothing important with my friends? I can do that a home for much cheaper. Also, public computers and telephones seemed to be readily available most places I’ve traveled.

I also learned the hard way that light travel is made less spectacular if my travel companions are not also light packers. I once traveled with a friend who packed two gigantic duffel bags and a backpack for a two week trip. He ended up wearing the same (very stinky) clothes for the entire trip, and we spent forever waiting to check and claim his baggage at the airport.

I could go on forever with more of this, but those are the highlights.

Great post, thanks Tim & Rolf. I especially like the advice about only a few changes of clothing, underwear, etc., then washing what you’ve worn. I did that on a 5 week trip through Mexico and Central America. It worked great. I haven’t traveled that way in a while though, need to get back to it.

For the QOD: I really like a money belt or small pouch that hangs around the neck, inside my shirt. Its great to put your backup credit card/cash and things you want to keep close like your passport (on days you’re not going through customs). It keeps everything inside safe and difficult for somebody to take off of you, but also ads one more organizational “pocket” for keeping those valuable things separate, so you don’t accidentally drop your credit card out of your pocket, when you’re pulling out some dry socks for the hick back from the swimming hole.

Great video and blog. I am glad http://www.scottevest.com can help.

Scott Jordan, CEO

I highly recommend a mini quick-dry, microfiber towel (I use one from REI), ExOfficio boxers, and Smartwool socks. Having gear that dries quickly and will stand up to repeated washings is essential. Lastly, skip the guidebook and talk to people!

Great post! I think this idea is phenomenal! I have always wanted to try traveling light. I haven’t had a chance to read all of the tips yet. The only thing I would add is that a spare iPhone battery may be helpful, Best of luck to you Rolf!

i will ask how you get trough airport security with all that stuff and do we need to do that if you can get a nice small backpack which can be so comfortable so you wont feel it with those few items you take with you.

Harmonica. Put a harmonica in your pocket. Even if you don’t know how to play it. Music opens door and provides opportunities to for conversations.

I would also include sunglasses and aspirin

Happy travels.

I am a former infantry Marine, and although this may not apply, the 3 things I made sure were in my pockets before going out on patrol, were a knife (in case I needed to stab someone), a tourniquet (in case I got shot), and some baby wipes (in case I needed to take a shit). I say this in all seriousness. When push came to shove, those were my 3 essentials.

Here are a few tips after 30+ years of business and leisure travels across all continents:

– Bring the iPhone / iPad with USB cable, headphones (Bose or Apples) and adapter (this will be your home office, camera, bookstore, movie screen, boarding card, phone et cetera. only use WiFi hotspots)

– Store all your data in the cloud and access via apps (music, movies, docs, spreadsheets, mail, photos et cetera)

– Use a Timbuk2 messenger bag (medium or large) as they work well for both business and pleasure

– Travel in comfortable jeans, shirt and trainers; pack shorts / swim trunks, travel socks and briefs, flip-flops, PJs and a few shirts; a blazer if for work

– Use the PJ to sleep in on long-hauls to keep your clothes fresh; grab a shower at the airport lounge

– Wash your clothes at the hotel or local laundromat for a few bucks while having breakfast

– Two credit cards and passport; no wallet

– No need to bring any hygiene products as the airline, airport lounge and/or hotel can always provide that for you

– Utilize the airport lounge to shower, eat and work / communicate – all free

– Make extra sandwiches from the breakfast buffe to use for lunch / backup

Buy or borrow anything else; the world is more commercial than we’d like to think. Be okay with wearing the same jeans for a few days.

The above allows you to travel in style, light-weight and don’t look like a bag packer or a corporate drone. It enables you to easily leave the airport and head off out on adventure as soon as you land.

Here is a prezzo I made before the arrival of the iPad about traveling smart: http://www.slideshare.net/perhakansson/how-to-travel-smart-fast-and-simple

I’d like at some point to travel around the world in only the clothes I’m wearing, two credit cards, passports and an iPhone. But that’s another story and challenge.

Disperse your valuables in different locations on your body (internal pockets, external pockets, moneybelt, etc.)

This simple concept has saved me so many times I’ve lost count. No need to be overly paranoid or let it stop you from traveling, but still: nothing derails a trip like a stolen passport. Credit cards (which if possible should be favored over massive amounts of cash and debit cards) and such are somewhat easier to recover, but it’s still a pain and can interrupt a trip in major ways if you are not prepared for it.

In Rolf’s case, presumably he will have to have all his valuables on him at all times, unless he is comfortable leaving them at his hotel lock box or with a friend. As an expert traveler, I’m guessing he’s probably not too worried about it because he has a system down. And that is key to this tip: develop a system.

Before you head out to the market or clubs (pickpocket heaven), the airport (a little more secure), or a border crossing (depends on where), carefully consider exactly what valuables you will need to access. Place them accordingly for both security and ease of access. In most cases, I’ve found the following system to be the best:

Put some small change/bills in an external pocket, preferably zippered (hint: wear pants with zipped pockets). You can access this easily for small purchases, and the loss is negligible if it is stolen. Keep larger bills, credit cards, immunization records, passport, and photocopy of passport in deep internal pockets or a money belt/necklace, but NEVER keep your main source of $$ in the same place as your passport. Ideally, each valuable should be in a separate internal pocket, with thought given to the priority of each valuable and the security of the pocket. Never keep these things in a bag attached to your body, and for that matter, never carry a purse or a bag that only has one point of contact with your body (i.e. messenger bags, camera bags, etc.).

Depending on the clothing and planned itinerary, each system will be a little different. But the key is to think about it carefully and implement it at all times. After a while it becomes second nature. A little forethought can save a lot of regret and hassle.

Love the blog and the book, Tim.

#3 Buy or Borrow

Though I love the premise of this journey, if meant to promote a long term lifestyle, please remember that you will find very generous people along the way, but reciprocation is expected. It wouldn’t really be fair to always be the borrower…..

I teach recreation (yes, it’s a real job) and have a general rule when backpacking when it comes to going ultralight. Anything (aside from clothing which varies greatly season to season and location) that one brings must as a rule serve more than one purpose. For example, what purpose will your toothpaste serve outside of being toothpaste…..no purpose is the answer you are looking for….ditch it and borrow or ask for some when you check into a hostel, hotel, etc. Contact lenses? Ok, I’ll give you that one. Great use of the vest by the way. If you go by the dual/multiple purpose rule – you can shave come serious weight. And…I agree with Peate, duct tape is a must…ditch the safety pins…you’ll only end up pricking yourself along the way. wrap the duct tape around one of your other multi-purpose items (using the sunscreen tube as a duct tape holder makes it multipurpose).

Great stuff! Here are a few tips/tricks I have used

1) smart phone and ear bud headphones. Already covered, but amazing

2) REI nylon cargo pants. Similar to above. These things are amazing–dry, sun proof, dry super fast, come clean from almost any stain, the legs zip off to for shorts! I wore them every day on the Race Across America (RAAM) a few years ago.

3) Vibram KSOs. Love these shoes. They look odd, but if you go with the all black they blend in a bit more. Awesome for hiking in wet and dry conditions.

4) TRX suspension trainer. Packs in bag and can be set up almost anywhere to do some cool exercises. Of course, knowing bodyweight drills requires zero equipment and is highly effective. A couple jump stretch bands can help too.

5) Trade skills – I do some movement work that most times allows people to move better and without pain, many times in minutes. This works great to trade for virtually anything. Most people have a few slightly or major painful issues. Get them out of pain and you can get tons of cool stuff and an instant friend for life.

6) lightweight fleece – works great when it its cooler and makes a great pillow at night too.

Keep up the great work guys!

Mike T Nelson PhD(c)

When I travel for work, they are usually short trips of about 3 days. I economize on space by wearing the same pair of black pants pants and shoes each day, and just packing shirts to switch out. It may not be for everyone, but it saves so much space, and I guarantee no one notices.

The space this saves allows me to pack my gym shoes and workout clothes. I always pack clothing made of cotton or wrinkle-proof material so that I can roll it up to maximize space. The ultimate result is being able to make a 3 day business trip with nothing more than a small backpack.

There are some great suggestions here, I’ve definitely been taking notes. Of late, my light travel has been camping with kids. (Don’t let the ads fool you, kids, once they are past the baby stage, don’t require more stuff! A single bottle of bubbles has often been the only added entertainment.)

The best suggestion I have is to live your everyday life in a simple way. When you’re doing that, you find what you “need” away from home is simple.

If you are used to living light, traveling light occurs naturally.

I’ve met travellers who do the borrow toothpaste, shampoo etc thing and I wanted to say it’s really freaken annoying. Don’t expect other people to look after you.

It’s a personal preference but I’d rather carry more stuff with me than spend precious holiday time doing handwashing and running around shops looking for basic items. I’m especially wary after travelling through SE Asia and not being able to get things dried overnight in the humid weather… damp knickers – urrrghh!

I guess I’ll never be an ultra light packer because I have other priorities for my holiday time and I’d rather die than wear nylon or technical fabric on hols.

My packing light tip is definitely to cut the shoes. They are the worst. One of my male friends is trying to convince me I can travel with one pair but it’s not working. I’ve cut down to two pairs though.

My light travel tip is to take a water bottle with you. It can be a Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, Lifefactory glass, Nalgene, old milk jug, etc. The point is to take a re-useable water bottle with you. This not only helps to keep you hydrated while traveling (especially important for air travel), but also reduces the amount of crap that ends up in landfills. Double win! As long as the bottle is empty when you go through the TSA checkpoint, you are all good. Next, skip the water fountain and ask the friendly Starbucks, Caribou, Peets, etc. coffee person to fill up your bottle when ordering your double tall soy skinny mocha latte frappachino. The filtered water the coffee houses use is typically better than what comes out of the water fountain.

ok, this is going to sound really obvious- but bear with me-

I really like bringing a backpack- but bringing it about 75% empty. Having it on my back like that gives me a sense of peace (it’s like a reminder of how light I’m traveling and how easy it is to move around with all my stuff) and it’s a great tool to have if you need to get something from point a to point b easily while you’re on the road/on foot.

Now, can I have that expensive item please? Thanks in advance-

http://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Superbreak-Classic-Backpack-Black/dp/B0007QCQGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1282355160&sr=1-1

Warning: contains secret girls business. (but not for princesses!)

Traveling with “feminine hygiene products” is a nightmare for a variety of reasons. One tip from me – menstrual cup (eg Diva Cup). I won’t say any more – chicks can Google it if interested.

And as tempting as it is to get the smallest thong possible for underwear, take up a bit more room and get boy-leg undies in black. They can double as swimmers, pyjamas and even shorts.

Rock on Blundstone boots from Australia; Tim, ban the sock/sandal combo!!

Cool post! What a creative challenge – I hope things go well for those involved.

Last summer I hitchhiked and backpacked over 1,000 miles around the Midwest and Canada. I was only allowed an average-sized backpack and could only spend money on myself at dire need (the only money I spent on myself was on a McDonald’s breakfast my last day in celebration and chewing tobacco to keep me occupied while walking).

The key was developing a fearless confidence and learning to truly care about other people. It is difficult to muster up enough courage to invite yourself into other people’s lives, but your initial reluctance diminishes rapidly after a few skipped meals or cold night outside (especially without a blanket…one of my worse ideas).

Three tricks I found useful:

1. Practice. I spent three months before the trip hiking, biking and sleeping in ditches to imitate worse-case scenarios. My feet still got blistered and I still hated trying to sleep in 40-degree weather covered in dew, but I was prepared and knew I could manage those problems.

2. Don’t be discouraged when you fail. For every ride I hitched, meal I shared or friend I made there were dozens of cars and people who passed me by.

3. Actually listen. Most people offered me something small, like a 5-minute ride to the next town. See those 5 minutes as an opportunity to establish trust and build a relationship – don’t be afraid to be honest or get personal. The more authentic you are with people, the faster you gain their respect.

My best success using this method was turning a 5-minute ride turned into two days of hospitality and a +200 mile ride to Milwaukee. Caring pays!

Another trick is using a VA to manage your life while you’re gone. Spend time learning how outsourcing and who to hire. Automate everything you possibly can – your VA(s) should be doing everything in the month or two before you leave. Having a VA will help you setup processes for most of the unimportant things in your life and letting them do everything will force you to stop micromanaging. The key is to do this BEFORE you leave so you can step in and do damage control in a secure environment.

Once you’re on the road, your life should be automated. Take your time. Let experience guide you and remember: serendipity cannot be planned.

Tips for outsourcing:

1. Find a ghostwriter to take care of your writing needs during the trip. Find/train someone who can mimic your stylistic needs, then call them a couple times a week to feed them travel notes or plan new content.

2. Don’t manage the trip planning yourself – tell the VA what you want and let them set it up. Again, you should train them BEFORE you leave. Use them to setup appointments, measure travel distances and routes, contact local hosts on sites like CouchSurfing, etc…

Hope these tips help future travelers.

Find ways to have multiple uses for everything. This reduces our gear load considerably. Phone for calls, flashlight, itinerary tracking, music, Internet…

The ultimate tip for travelling light is to make friends with locals during your journey. Not only does this improve your travel experience and teach you more about the local cultures, you will be surprised by the extent to which complete strangers will help you on your journey.

This is often in the form of a free dinner, a shower, a bed for the night, but more importantly (for travelling light), these wonderful people will often kindly supply (or let you borrow) the things that you need for life on the road, often in the quantities you need (a refill of shampoo, some soap, some water for the road, etc.). This will help you to avoid carrying so much cargo.

Of course, it is vital never to take advantage of people’s generosity. However, if you are open-minded and genuine, you won’t need to anyway.

Good luck Rolf!

For the QOD:

For me, the biggest gain for travelling light has been something I actually found here, Evernote. With the ability to use the iphone app to quickly take pictures of things and then discard them (great for bills/receipts etc.), as well as easily searching through any information / documents that I may want (Travel insurance details, flight info for example) that I have already stored in there have saved on the need of carrying a load of stuff around with me.

One of the handy things I have recently found myself using it for is keeping track of things I want to pick up. On a recent trip over the course of the week, whenever I saw something I felt was worth buying and taking home, I would take a picture of it, note where it was and tag it as ‘To Buy’, then on my last day, I spent a couple of hours going around, picking the bits and pieces up and off I went. This also had the advantage of actually saving me time, as I didn’t need to do the ‘umming and ahhing’ over a purchase when I could do it later in some downtime, like waiting for a bus. It also allowed me some time to decide if I really wanted something or not, without the hassle that either going back and deciding I didn’t really want it, or later finding something better would cause, while allowing me the freedom to spend my time as I wanted, without carrying around that amazing souvenir I found in the morning all day.

Long story short – Evernote has been by far my best find in a long time, and it has amazing uses in almost any situation, including helping travel light!

QOD Answer:

Tim, you said the more detail the better. Well, as we all know it is usually more difficult for a woman to pack light. There are certain problems that woman can not avoid such as menstruation. I have found that is it difficult to lug around boxes of pads and tampons everyday so there is a solution called the “Diva Cup”. The Diva Cup is a silicon cup that is reusable for up to a year. It is easy to pack, washable with soap, and wearable for 24hours without being emptied. I am now able to be superwoman with this device.

I have also used “secret stash” a detachable bra pocket to store extra money.

“Go Girl” a feminine urination device where woman can pee while standing. It is very discreet, easy to pack, easy to clean and safe than sitting in public restroom. I use it usually for camping outside.

A lot of women do not like to talk about these issues and do not that there are solutions. I hope that I have not disgusted you guys.

This is a very fascinating post, but as a fashionable woman that is currently planning her own round the world trip for February 2011, I find it very disheartening that comfy, functional travel products are geared for men. The ones that I have seen for women are for women with no sense of style. I’m racking my brain to figure out how to only take one bag on this trip and maintain the “glamour element” but so far, I am stumped as to how to accomplish this.

I highly recommend Tilley.com. I went to London for 2 weeks with just one carryon bag and felt stylish the whole visit.

light beer:)

In more than a decade of traveling around the world from a year to just a few weeks, I can say that traveling light is certainly the way to go.

I still can’t go as light as Rolf, nor do I think I’d want to, but for me, that means carry-on only whenever possible, no matter the length of the trip or the destination.

I find zip lock bags of all sizes invaluable for organizing. I use them in place of bulkier toiletries bags. I put clothes in the larger ones and when I go through security, it makes it much easier if my bag is searched.

I also make my own “guidebooks”, culling the best of what I can find on the web before I go into a single document, rather than bringing an out of date printed heavy book.

The best things I like to bring with me when I travel are : Travelon Soap Toiletry Sheets (one kind is enough to wash your hands or clothing, or taking a shower) and 4 or 5 Buff multifunctional headwear.

When the weather is too warm, dip a Buff in cool water and wear it around your neck or around your head. Also a nice filter to avoid breathing sand or dust during a storm.

A Buff replaces a scarf around your neck when it’s getting cold, and hides your hair when it’s getting wild. You may also use a Buff to wash yourself.

The macabi skirt is supposed to be great also because it’s multifunctionnal and dries fast, but I didn’t try it yet.

Great article, very inspiring !

I have continually reduced my travel load. Generally travel with a half full backpack but have traveled with nothing but stuff in pockets. Here are some observations:

1. A baggie with duct tape, heavy duty rubber bands, safety pins, handkerchief. etc. Any of these things can be awesome in emergencies.

2. Travel clothesline – cant wash clothes in hotel rooms without it. I’ve even used the rubber band plus the hair dryer usually in hotel bathrooms to turn the bathroom into a giant ‘dryer’ – just band the trigger shut of the hand dryer and leave it in the holster pointed at the clothes. Don’t go to sleep though!

3. This is a huge lifesaver – a small travel allowable bottle of coconut oil. I use this stuff for: shaving oil, hair oil, moisturizer (hand and face), um personal lubricant, etc. Its totally natural, smells nice, and in a pinch it’s an emergency food ration. You laugh, but after being stranded for 36 hours without food during a trip somewhere I chugged it for a quick couple of hundred calories.

4. ex-officio underwear. Wear on, bring one – all you need.

5. I got one of of the Macati travel skirts. You can roll/fold this up to pocket size. Same goes for vibram footwear – it can be packed small.

6. Make sure everything you have can be charged via usb, and then bring either a notebook or one usb/outlet adapter and forgo the individual adapters (for your phone, etc). I typically charge everything I need – camera/phone, etc – off my laptop overnight.

7. When you plan on bringing stuff, decide whether you are bringing something because you need it or because you are using it to avoid people. Why bring three books with you, you should be out socializing.

8. A pair of nice jeans, that can be worn to a night out, a pair of shorts you can swim in (any athletic shorts), and the macati’s are all a man needs when traveling. Wear the jeans on the plane.

9. No need to bring copies of travel docs – store on gmail somewhere. Print them if you need them.

10. Eyewear. Contact lenses need very little care. I can travel overnight with just the lens case filled with saline, no need to bring a bottle. And, in a pinch, if you have to, tap water is fine to store them in. It’ll hurt your eyes the next day but you’ll survive.

here’s a simple and small piece of headgear with multiple functionality. it can be worn as a:

pirate bandana

neckerchief

it’s called Buff from http://www.planetbuff.com

just a little piece of flexible cloth. it comes in a huge varitey of colors and can be worn at leisure and formal settings.

used to wear it under my bike helmet when I went through sicily on bike for 2 months last year. it absorbs sweat and keeps your head cool in the sun.

worn as a wristband it gives you a rockstar kind of extra accessory (for those who want to stay in style on the road!)

I prefer to look poor when I travel. It minimizes the chance that I’ll be targeted by criminals or con men (or women!).

I don’t bring spare clothes. My favorite travel attire is mesh shorts and an undershirt in tropical locales. Benefit being, you can simply buy new ones instead of washing them, and they keep you cool even during midday exertion. For shoes, I wear loose archless slip-on cheap hard-rubber sandals. They allow my toes to spread and my feet to breathe, and they wash easily and dry immediately. Arch support is bad for your feet.

I don’t like pockets. I don’t like odd things bumping against me when I walk. I have a comfortable leather man purse that hangs at hip level and doesn’t interrupt my stride.

For geekery, some combination of smartphone with optional USB keyboard or a mini laptop will do. You also might use Dropbox, a USB stick, or a virtual desktop application to access your data from internet cafes. Be aware that Dropbox would work poorly in low bandwidth situations, and a USB stick might have security issues with exposure to multiple international internet cafes, unless you are running a virtual machine off of it.

For info management on the hoof, I recommend a combo of audio recorder (probably your smartphone) for capturing inspirations, and a pen and notepad for practical information you will need to access again, e.g. addresses and phone numbers. Don’t rely on your smartphone for practical information, because it is unreliable: low battery, data loss, water damage, you’re using the phone and can’t look anything up, etc.

Don’t make schedules. Keep all plans tentative.

Food is a big one for those of us with sensitive stomachs. I don’t eat food prepared by anyone but me. I buy fatty meat and cook it myself in the hostel microwave or whatever, then eat it with disposable silverware. (I live on an all-meat diet.) In a pinch, I go for something simple like plain white rice. A single meal can cost you a week of illness – it’s not worth it.

My #1 travel tip: Walk up to the pretty girls you see with your mind blank and your heart filled with desire. Be direct about your romantic interest. A girl will appreciate your appreciation of her beauty even if she doesn’t want to date you. That habit should make you plenty of instant friends who will usher you into an interesting mix of local life. With a pretty local girl on your arm, you will find easy introduction to others whom you would like to meet. You do not have to consummate any relationship for this to work.

thanks Tim for the great post

i have been working on this same problem for the last month can’t wait to share my findings with you ill compile the stuff and post it in about 3 to 4 hours

I am in Bangalore India right now getting ready to leave to NY on the 11th i hope this post makes it on time

this post is going to make history

Great stuff, Rolf.

The Boy Scouts gave me a keen sense for packing light.

It’s always a game between my fellow scouters to see who can pack and get by with the least (but most useful) gear.

Many times, we would head up a gear truck that would run our heavy loads to our final destinations (great for canoeing outings and long trips).

Usually, one or two people would head up the truck. We even had a team drive a trailer across country to meet up with us and deliver gear (while we flew and effortlessly hiked around national parks). We’ve encountered groups that provide transportation services within the parks and it’s a great way to enjoy your travels but still have the benefits of using gear at the end of the day.

This reminds me of Rolf’s “utilize the postal service” suggestion.

I was wondering if anybody else was familiar with any delivery services on a larger scale?

Depending on where you are headed, these tools can be a great addition to lighten your load/pack without losing usefulness:

ENO Hammocks- ( http://amzn.to/cjwSBL ) Durable, lightweight, super well-built. Eliminate being on the ground at night (bad flooding experiences). Great health benefits too.

SwissCard- ( http://amzn.to/d4VFZJ ) Fits in your wallet. Streamlines a ton of tools.

Best in Travels,

I like to wear a baseball cap (Redsocks) when traveling. It protects against weather (sun and rain) and bad hair days. I also have an old Air Force Grunts jacket that my brother bought at a thrift store 20+ years ago that has a great arm pocket. it’s light while still being warm, and I can use it as a blanket.

I’m a girl and I travel with the same purse I use to carry my laptop/textbooks at college. It might be cheating, but I *like* having a small bag and I *need* my laptop for coursework. I use a simple system when I pack to travel solo.

1. Dress for the airport wearing layers. I live in Seattle. Departing & arriving with a bikini under jeans & tank and a jacket over is always okay.

2. Wear sturdy, flexible shoes. Black flats work best for me.

3. Bring essentials: hairbrush, toothbrush & paste, shampoo. Credit card & passport. For me, makeup and sunglasses.

4. Electronics: 10″ laptop, cell phone, charging equipment. I never bring a camera, since I go for the experience and can always find photos online or use my cell phone’s camera.

5. Only bring clothing that will definitely be worn. On my last trip, I brought two dresses, shorts, a shirt, a scarf/towel, and an extra swimsuit for swimming/underwear. Used it all. Didn’t need anything extra.

Seattle being what it is, I tend to flee to the south or travel during warmer months. This scheme definitely doesn’t accommodate cold climates. Rolling clothes into bags and sealing out the air doesn’t work for me — I pack too much and can’t access it easily.

Since there are way too many great posts I’m just going to stay with a short answer. Since we’re talking about absolute minimum, I am taking this to the extreme 🙂 Just take a passport, one credit card, and a toothbrush (can take the FlyClear card too to speed up airport times).

These are really to me the only necessities if you are going to travel extremely light, since obviously you legally need the passport, and you need a form of currency. The toothbrush is one thing I definitely don’t want to borrow! The clothes you are wearing can be washed every night.

Thanks for the great post, and good luck to you Rolf!

QOD: Bring/wear WinterSilks long underwear–amazingly warm but balance heat well, and lighter than anything else you’ll find. Can cram them into tiny spots and they’re practically weightless.

Silk boxers Idea.

If you’re a boxers man, you could wear 2 pair of silk boxers. One over the other. Less to fill your pockets and ultra light. Simply rotate, washing the inside pair each night. Silk dries quickly.

bon voyage.

Travel Tips:

Give-N-Go underwear able to wash daily and dries quick.

A compact travel towel – micronet is cool but still needs innovation

The OHSO Marko Travel Toothbrush is fun!

A wallet belt

Micro Fiber Socks

the ultimate cargo pants rock!

One question. What about going though security? The number of fluid containers you have could cause some problems.

Uber cool quest! Good Luck! I’ll follow

To travel light, travel with a friend. That was items can be divided between the two (toothpaste, shampoo, aspirin etc.) While this might seem obvious, I’ve got on multiple trips where members of my group will carry multiples of the same item. For me, I just break down the trip to bear essentials, clothing,hygiene, and passport/money. Since I don’t have a smart phone, I usually shut it off for most of the trip, but keep it handy for emergencies. Yet one could easily go without it. I 100% agree on the usefulness of any smart phone on your trip, but I could also see that as a distraction. For me, the temptation would be to strong to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. Again if you travel with a friend, chances on you can use his smartphone for things like GPS, weather alerts, etc. But again, interacting with the people there is the point, so reliance on any technology could be hazardous. Either way great post, good luck Rolf, and keep up the great work Tim. Excited for the new book!

QOD: Practice.

90% of success at anything in life is attained during practice and preparation, not the actual actions themselves.

You can “travel light” without leaving the house. Pack yourself as if you were leaving, and live out of that bag in your own home for a week. Or three. Just because there’s a stove and a refrigerator, maybe a washer and drier, doesn’t mean you have to use them. Treat your home as if it were a hotel or hostel, and simply ignore any item that wouldn’t be there on a trip.

I’ve used this method over the last year, and I’ve never even managed to travel yet due to time constraints (because I’ve not yet implemented my Muse and found my Ferrissian Escape Vector). It’s simplified and improved my regular life so much I have no doubt I’ll be able to travel light and agile.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Fun challenge – let’s see.

1) Plan by design – if you have a firm itinerary set, use WolframAlpha.com to look at the kind of climate variation you can expect where you’re going at each place, and plan accordingly. I personally like cargopants (REI Nylon are a decent choice) with removable legs at the knee – great in the summer, where a normally cool area can jump in temperature dramatically.

2) Plan by experience – before embarking on a longer quest, take a shorter one. Recently I traveled Hokkaido, and packed everything I thought I would need. I took two bags – a mini-suitcase, and a backpack – everything I needed was placed in the mini-suitcase, and as I needed them throughout the trip, I would transfer them to the backpack. By the end of the week, my backpack contained the few items I needed. The suitcase and everything inside it could then be safely donated.

This helps not only in helping break down expectation vs. reality, but also gives a psychological boost in that, as you’ve survived with the backpack before, you can easily do so again. It’s great for beginners to minimalistic packing.

3) Reducing common items:

Laptop – as mentioned, can be reduced to an iPad or iPhone, depending on needs. In addition to all the points mentioned above, they can also be used to store a decent amount of photos, so as to reduce the need for multiple SD cards. The Apple camera-connector is useful here, and small enough to fit in your camera pocket.

Multiple pairs of anything – DriFit or similar such water/stain/etc. proof materials are great – if you need to do something fancy at a moment’s notice, it’s always great to have a spare t-shirt, but a dark colored DriFit shirt can be run through a faucet and dry on your skin before you shake the hands of anyone important.

Underwear – depending on temperature, I’ve sometimes substituted these for a light pair of waterproof running shorts, which are typically small enough to not be terribly uncomfortable (similar to wearing boxers) and can be used as a bathing suit quite easily.

4) Temperature variation – A small, thin washcloth can be easily tossed into a pocket (or you can use a t-shirt for this same purpose, if you bring an extra one) – when the temperature climbs, soak it in cold water and place it on your neck. The blood running through your neck is cooled (similar to how placing your wrists under running water can cool you down) and simultaneously protected from the sun. You can drape it over your head to protect from heat in much hotter areas as well. In cool weather, you can heat the cloth (very carefully) in a dryer, in a pan (over a fire or set on low heat), or in a pinch in a microwave, then wrap it around your neck to keep warm.

5) Ultimate minimalism (building off Potts’ ideas)

– Eliminate mobile internet/phone – while I think it’s better to not remove your sole means of contacting people, the world has enough internet cafés that you could do this if you really wanted.

– Grab a phone with a higher end camera and replace your camera. This is my favorite – the iPhone 4, for example, has a good enough camera to reduce the need for a dedicated one.

– Buy on-location. Eliminate everything other than clothes and camera-phone (+ keyboard if needed). While deodorant in some countries is laughable (I’m looking at you, Japan), it’s good enough to use in a pinch, unless you smell terrible. Shampoo/soap can be borrowed if you’re going anywhere with people, and what can’t be borrowed can be picked up in a convenience or dollar-type store for pretty cheap.

– While I’m personally involved with WeDrink (charitybottle.com), I’m hesitant to recommend taking a bottle along – it really depends on where you’re traveling. It adds a ton of weight when full (which I guess could be used as a weapon in a pinch), and while you could treat one as a mini-pot and boil water in it (make sure it’s stainless steel), in most areas where you’d want to boil or iodine the water you’d probably be better off buying bottled. If you’re traveling through all first(ish) world countries, then it’d be a decent thing to carry.

Personally, I leave with a money-clip (credit card, some cash, ID), passport, quick-dry running shorts (with extra change of underwear), 2 pair socks (replaced from convenience stores when they get unhandwashable), pair of light boots, pair of cargo shorts (with zip-removable legs), DriFit t-shirt (with 1 extra), and either a suitcoat or a pocket-filled vest that contains a camera phone (typically iPhone) with earbuds, and a set of earplugs. Everything else I need I buy as I need it.

I have two tricks that helped me in my travels:

– Couch Surfing ( http://www.couchsurfing.org/ ) for sleeping for free anywhere in the world. The people there are so friendly and they introduce you to their culture and day to day life (something you might entirely miss if you’re “just traveling”)

– Greet and meet! Talk to people everywhere, get in a habit of starting a story that they can relate to. You’ll soon be making a lot of friends in all the countries you’re traveling.

My goal for 2012 is to make a trip through Europe befriending people in every country I go to. Since I just ticked off my last goal (parachuting) I hope I can also make this one happen!

I love when you do traveling posts, Tim.

ESPECIALLY when they involve Rolf!

My Swedish parka ( see e.g. http://www.outdoor-supplies.co.uk/zencart/images/Swedish%20Fur%20Lined%20Parka%201.JPG or http://www.rddusa.com/images/products/Army-Jacket/Swedish-Military-OD-Work-Jacket.350.jpg ).

I find it useful because:

1. With its classic cut, fabric and color you can combine it with tons of other clothes – even with a suit (think mod). –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off (this is of course geography-dependent and won’t work for e.g. me in Nepal).

2. It has huge pockets where you can put lots of stuff you would normally wear in a (small, city-tour) backpack –> you don’t need a backpack –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off. Plus: you will not get pick-pocketed as easily, esp. if having your hands in the pockets.

3. You can use it as a blanket (or pillow) in e.g. (night) trains. Or when having a picnic.

4. As it has a removable lining, I can use it in any season of the year resp. geography I travel.

5. Having buttons instead of zippers you don’t run the risk of not being able to close the jacket when needed. Plus: the buttons can easily be closed even when wearing gloves. Plus: If opting for a backpack, you can use the jacket as a cape, thereby covering your backpack

I’ve got no problems carrying a single carry-on bag for 1 week or less. My warhorse is the eBags weekender.

The tricky part is the toiletries:

1) Shaving – Gilette Atra Mini (from eBay) and 20 Atra cartridges, plus a small bottle of ShaveSecret shaving oil. It all fits in a soap dish, and it’s TSA-friendly. You can also trim the handles off of disposable razors to make them fit in the soap dish.

2) Teeth – I keep a tooth powder bottle in my travel toiletries kit and use it whenever I’m on the road. It’s a bit pricey, so I only use the tooth powder when on travel.

3) Other toilietries (Contact lens solution, shampoo). Put them in 2 oz nalgene-type bottles (available at camping stores, some ‘mart’ stores). I don’t even bother w/ shampoo and soap if I know I am staying in a hotel that will have them.

How to Travel Without Checked Baggage

by Flying Angels Editorial Team | Apr 14, 2021 | News & Resources

Given how long you sometimes must wait at baggage claim, many airline passengers’ dream is to travel without checked baggage. Doing so requires packing all your belongings into one carry-on case stored in the overhead bin during the flight. Is that even possible?

For people who have never tried to limit what they bring on their trips, the answer is likely “no.” But even the most undisciplined packer can learn how to travel lighter. It just takes planning and knowing some of the packing tips for your flight.  With a bit of practice, the choice to travel without checked baggage might become your default mode for airline travel.

How to Buy an Airline Ticket for Someone

Essential Packing Tips For Your Flight

The ability to travel without checked baggage does not come easy for most people unless college students or people pack 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. For everyone else, some packing tips can help.

At Flying Angels, we’ve become a bit of an expert in his area because of the many flights we take each year. When you provide care for someone else who may require medical equipment and other special considerations, you learn to pack lightly. These tips can help you do the same.

7 Unique Holiday Travel Ideas

Change Your Thinking

The first and most important tip is to change how you think about packing for travel. You don’t need as much as you think. Some people, worried about getting caught out there in the world without something, tend to overpack and bring more than they need. If that sounds a bit like you, it’s helpful to change your way of thinking. It will help with the following steps.

Check With Airlines

In most cases, you can use a carry-on bag that is 9 x 14 x 22 inches, although some airlines may allow only smaller bags. Make sure to check and get the maximum size allowed. Also, you can use a backpack for other items, especially those you might need in flight.

Medical Travel Insurance vs Trip Insurance

Can You Buy It There?

Some stuff can get left behind because it’s easy to buy it cheaply once you arrive. An example might be items you can rent for outdoor activities (bike helmets, fins, snorkel, etc.) and everyday items like shampoo, conditioner, cotton swabs, etc.

Flying with Oxygen & Medications

What Can You Re-Wear?

You will need shirts and socks for every day. But your pants should be good for a couple of days, at least. And you might not need a heavy coat if you can re-use a sweater or hoodie with a light jacket. If your stay is longer, make plans to wash clothes after five to seven days. That’s easier than trying to pack two weeks of clothes.

Wear Your Bulky Clothes

If you have clothes that are difficult to pack, then wear them on the flight. This includes things like coats, boots, and sweaters. If you want to really push this idea to the limit, you can also put some of your items into your pockets to create more space in your carry-on case.

Use Packing Organizers

To get the most out of the space in your carry-on bag, consider buying compression bags and packing cubes that allow you to separately pack items such as clothes, laptops, cameras, smartphones, etc. Every cubic inch you save gives you a tad more room for something else.

Packing Strategies

Another approach to packing involves rolling your clothes rather than folding them. This cuts down on the space they take up and (bonus!) reduces wrinkles. Also, place shoes at the bottom and try to bring just one or two pairs. Picks shoes that will work in a variety of circumstances.

Minimize Electronics

We all want our gadgets. But most travelers don’t need that many. For example, you might not need a laptop or pad if you can do everything on your phone. And speaking of your phone, they come now with cameras that make the need to carry a separate camera unnecessary unless you’re a professional photographer.

Fun Things to Do on a Plane

Pack everything into your carry-on bag a few days before the trip to see how everything fits. If it doesn’t, then go through and eliminate some items. Anything you’ve packed “just in case” can usually go, for example. When you decide to travel without checked baggage, you’re making a commitment toward minimal packing. But you may also quickly learn you don’t need as much stuff as you think you need. That may even spill over to how you manage your possessions once you get back home.

Are You Too Sick to Travel?

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I Haven’t Checked a Bag in 10 Years — Here, My 14 Sure-fire Travel Essentials to Get Everything in a Carry-on

These frequent flier-approved picks cover all of your travel bases, and they start at $10.

Travel + Leisure

I travel twice a month covering destinations that inspire readers and those planning vacations. In order to efficiently move through airports, take Ubers, and lug everything on my own, I’ve had to master the art of packing light . But as a chronic overpacker in my former days, this didn’t come easy. However, once I started embracing the carry-on-only lifestyle, I would never go back. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve checked a bag — regardless of where I’m going or how long the trip is. 

In addition to quality luggage pieces (I swear by my Gregory Quadro 22-Inch Hardcase Carry-On and always bring Calpak’s Luka Duffel as my personal carry-on tote to fit extra clothes and accessories), successful carry-on-only traveling involves strategic packing. When planning which clothes to bring, I think in terms of outfits and try to incorporate versatile capsule wardrobe items that match with several things (layers are also key). Lastly, compression packing cubes work wonders — as do my 14 travel essentials that always make my packing list so I never have to check a bag.

These go-to items include packing aids, versatile clothing and accessories, and more to help me maximize every inch of suitcase space without going over the limit. Even better, they start at $10 at Amazon. 

Cambond Compression Packing Cubes

Compression organizers are game-changers. Not only do they flatten your items so you can pack more in your suitcase, but they also aid in organizing your outfits; you can pack your clothes according to style, color, or category. Cambond’s sturdy nylon packing cubes have a double zipper for easy access and hassle-free compressing. They’re also water-resistant, which means that they'll protect your items from any potential leaks or spills. I also like that they’re lightweight; the last thing you want to do is add weight to your carry-on. 

They’re sold in sets with various sizing options, and are available in 45 colors. This item is a favorite among shoppers because of how effective the compression is for packing. And, according to one Amazon reviewer , they helped them travel to Europe for "a week with only a backpack and a carry-on." 

Anrabess Romper With Pockets

I always pack a romper because it saves space and maximizes your outfit potential. This super cute one from Amazon-loved brand Anrabess is made with a comfy polyester-rayon-spandex blend to ensure comfort and stretch. You can play with the neckline and wear it several ways — crewneck style, off-the-shoulder, or Bardot-style. The tie-front drawstring at the waist accentuates your silhouette, offering a flattering fit. 

The fabric is thick so it’s not see-through. It makes the perfect loungewear item and is versatile enough to wear to the beach, picnics, by the pool, and even out running errands. Pair it with a nice pair of sandals or heels and it’s the perfect outfit for dinner. I’m a huge fan of pockets, and the romper has two side pockets for holding lightweight (but essential) items such as lipstick or cash.

M.M. LaFleur Moreland Jacket

M.M.Lafleur 

A seasonless suit is a no-brainer when I head out for work trips. Even if you’re traveling for pleasure, sporting a blazer and a pair of trousers creates an instantly sophisticated look. M.M. LaFleur’s Origami Tech collection is specifically designed to be your ultimate travel companion; the Moreland Jacket and matching Colby pants are wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable. 

The set can be worn together or separately; the jacket matches well with a good, old pair of jeans on sightseeing days or leggings when you’re catching a flight. You can also wear it over a dress or blouse-skirt combo for polished lunch or dinner looks. To get the same workwear-inspired travel outfit for less, you can grab Amazon’s best-selling blazer for $58. 

Amazhiyu Button-Down Midi Dress With Pockets and Belt 

Pack a dress that does everything, one that you can wear during the day and do double duty at night. While I’m obsessed with the celeb-favorite Jenni Kayne Day Dress , at a whopping $395, a girl’s got to budget. That’s why, when I found this linen button down dress at Amazon, I couldn’t wait to try it on. It features a sleeveless, collar design with side slits and a removable self-tie belt to give it shape; it’s very flattering and accommodates all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, I use my favorite woven belt (I'll go into more detail about it later) instead, which instantly creates a different vacation look without requiring additional clothing items. 

It’s a great travel piece for spring because it’s made of 100 percent linen, which is known for being a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric. There are two side pockets for stashing essentials, a feature that reviewers praised. One shopper wrote , "I absolutely love this dress. The pockets are really big, which is great. Everything about this dress is quality, and I stayed cool in the summer heat." Another noted that the pockets "are flat and don't stick out" when they have stuff in them. 

Lightbird Foldable Summer Straw Bucket Beach Hat

This packable straw hat is the best travel hack. There have been many times where I’ve wanted to bring a stylish hat, but ended up not doing so because it takes up too much real estate in my luggage. That's no longer a worry with this stylish bucket hat that folds down for easy packing. It also easily adjusts to fit almost everyone with a cinch drawstring lining on the inside. 

It’s a hot travel accessory because not only does it keep you safe from the sun’s rays, it also keeps you cool and looking stylish. Plus, you can use it to spice up your vacation outfits, giving the already-worn looks a fresh feel. 

Vermouth Beauty In The Nude Flight of Five Crayons

When traveling, I always bring these cleverly packaged Vermouth lip crayons, which are sustainably sourced and free of plastics and chemicals. Each "flight" features a color palette of five crayons in various hues, giving you multiple lipstick options without taking up precious toiletry bag space. 

What's more, these long-lasting and hydrating crayons can be worn dabbed on your cheeks like blush or swiped across your eyelids in place of eyeshadow, further helping you cut down on beauty products and freeing up room for other trip essentials in your toiletry bag and carry-on. 

Fjallraven Women's Kanken Hip Pack

I’m a huge fan of Fjallraven travel bags because of their timeless designs and practicality. Made with 100 percent vinylon fabric, this hip pack is durable and water-resistant, and is the only bag that you need to pack. It works whether you’re hitting the streets for a day of window shopping, the trails for hiking, or the strip for dinner. It’s just small enough that it also works as a wallet within a bigger bag or purse, if that's more your vibe (and you need the extra carry-on space). I like wearing it as a crossbody, though some fans wear it as a fanny pack. 

Versatility aside, this bag really shines because of its roominess. One shopper wrote , "I was worried at first because it looks very small, but it has three compartments [and a] lot of room." 

Everlane Day Ballet Flats

Everlane's Day Ballet Flats are easy to pack and don’t take up a lot of space. They can be worn with a casual outfit or dressed up for a nice dinner. Because of their adaptability, you’ll always find them on my packing list. While I own several pairs of the brand’s flats, these are my favorite because they’re chic and comfortable. I especially like the sweet little bow on top. 

The soft, buttery leather molds to your feet, so they get more comfortable with wear. They’re great travel shoes because they’re stylish when paired with denim, leggings, dresses, pants, and even shorts. What's more, the outsoles are made of rubber, which keeps you from slipping on smooth or wet surfaces.

SeptCity Woven Rattan Wide-Stretch Straw Belt

It's time to give my favorite belt its flowers. A belt changes everything, and I love getting creative and refreshing an outfit with this trendy belt. It converts one outfit into another one, requiring you to pack less — a.k.a. why it's a must on my packing list. Its rattan fabric adds an elegant touch to my favorite outfits, and I love to wear it with skirts, dresses, over cardigans, and even tunics (one of my favorite looks is pairing it with this Trovata shift or PrettyGarden’s floral frock ).

It has a sturdy wooden buckle and measures 41.3 inches in length and 1.8 inches wide, but still offers you a little wiggle room with its stretchy design. The belt is also available in beige and cream, which are both neutral colors that work with most outfit palettes.  

Acelitt Short-Sleeve V-Neck Button-Front Belted Jumpsuit

Similar to rompers, jumpsuits streamline the amount of clothes that you need to pack, offering you extra room so you don’t have to overpack and check your bags. This elegant version from Amazon-favorite brand Acelitt is ready for any situation; just add a sweater, blazer, or jacket on top to change it up. It’s comfortable, trendy, and super flattering, and the fabric is soft and stretchy so you can sport it on the plane, around town, and out to dinner without needing an outfit change. 

One traveler wrote , "I love this jumpsuit so much that I have it in blue and black, [and I'm] ordering the olive green next. It's super easy to dress up or down [and] fits true to size. I always get compliments on it. It's great to travel with as well." 

Mammut Runbold Light Pants

Mammut’s Runbold Light Pants are multi-functional for me. I wear them while running, hiking, and lounging, and they're lightweight and breathable material makes them perfect for spring’s transitional temperatures (you can even wear them well into the summer). The elastic waistband offers comfort for all activities, and you can convert to three-quarter-length pants to change up their look when your itinerary calls for it.  

The two slit side pockets have zippers, which are ideal for hiking and traveling. They’re super easy to pack and water-repellent, so if the forecast warns of a slight drizzle, you’ll be okay. 

Everlane’s Cotton Modern Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a wardrobe staple, and I especially like to pack one for spring travel because it is well-suited for the variable weather. If you’re like me and have been fan-crushing on Jennifer Aniston’s wardrobe on "The Morning Show," then you’re going to fall for Everlane’s Cotton Trench Coat, which is half the price of other brand names and has a classic silhouette, with a belt to cinch at the waistline — and is fully-lined and water-resistant. 

But, if $268 is too much for your travel wardrobe budget, I also spotted various, under-$100 versions at Amazon. Give the Farktop Double-Breasted Oversized Long Trench Coat (on sale for $80) or the Tanming Notch Lapel Double-Breasted Pea Coat-style Trench (which is on sale for $60) a look.

M.M. LaFleur Merritt Jardigan

M.M. LaFleur

The Merritt Jardigan is an investment that I’m glad I made. A cross between a tailored jacket and a cardigan, with a tie-front belt that accentuates your figure, it works wonders for elevating your ensemble, and can be worn from your desk to the airport to dinner. Wrinkle-resistant, stretchy, and long enough to cover your assets, I’ve worn it on the way to Pilates class, at the airport, and for numerous dinners. Plus, the fabric is season-less, which makes it great for any time of the year. 

You can achieve the same elegant, quiet luxury wardrobe vibes with the Anrabess Open Front Cardigan Jacket , which is an Amazon-favorite outerwear piece that's just $50. 

Feisedy Polarized Vintage Sunglasses Jackie O Cat-Eye Sunglasses

I stopped shelling out hundreds of dollars for brand-name glasses because they can easily get damaged or lost, especially when traveling. These elegant sunglasses give off a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look at a compelling price, and they're incredibly versatile with their classic black, cat-eye silhouette that can be worn with any outfit for any occasion. 

Not only are they light and comfortable, they’re polarized and offer 100 percent UV protection from the sun. The lenses are scratch-resistant, which enhance their durability. Singing the sunnies' praises, one shopper said , "They're better than my expensive, name-brand sunglasses. I can see better while traveling. I will take them with me on any of my trips without being afraid to lose them… not [a] scratch yet." 

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Pack Like A Pro: How To Travel Without Checked Baggage…

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Make the most out of what the airline allows. Invest in a quality carry on and maximize the space of your “ small personal item “.  This second bag could be a rucksack, duffel or tote bag , allowing you to squeeze in some extra items. As long as it fits under the seat in front of you you won’t get the evil eyes from your fellow travelers. Use your full sized carry on as “luggage” and your personal item for iPads, headphones and other things you may want to reach in flight. 

Sure, it’s a bit of effort, but you can re use clothes while traveling fairly easily, without steep hotel laundry fees. A quick wash in the sink, hang up to dry on the heated towel rack and you won’t need to worry about running out of clothes. You can even find mini washing powders and detergents to give you the fresh “just like home” smell. 

Wear your largest and clunkiest items. If you need to take a coat, boots, chunky jumper, scarf, try to plan your outfit accordingly. Just don’t be like this guy . Any bulky items that take up a lot of space should be a part of your new airport outfit, even if it just means carrying them in hand. 

Don’t bring them! Toiletries take up a lot of room and weight. Most places you stay will provide shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, moisturizer, towels and sometimes even more by request. With that in mind, save space and weight by taking advantage of the freebies at your destination. Worst case, you can buy small versions of whatever you need on arrival. 

This may seem random – but it’s not. You want to find the most functionally flexible shoes. You know, the ones that are comfy to travel in, but look cool enough to go out in as well. Shoes are the clunkiest item in most carry ons, so eliminating the need for an extra pair can make all the difference.

Think bendable, posable. It’s scientifically proven that rolling your clothes can save space and prevent wrinkles. Start with big items, and then save the socks, undies and other things to maximize the tough to reach corners.  And of course, when it comes to shoes, do your best to find the right space. 

Let’s be honest – how many times have you come back from holiday and realized you didn’t wear 1/4 of the things you packed. It’s always nice to have options when you’re away but try and be realistic, only packing the things you truly need. Plus, if you’re going somewhere exciting, you may find something you’d love to buy, and you’ll have extra room to take it back. 

Some people are surprised to learn that many luggage forwarding companies exist. Essentially, they’ll send your bags anywhere in the world – ready for you when they get there. If you don’t mind shelling out, this can be a great way to take the hassle out of baggage, while enjoying a wardrobe fit for a king or queen.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly... More by Gilbert Ott

Join the Conversation

Good advice. I almost never check a bag and loathe it when I have to.

One note, though… I’d say consider where you’re going when skipping the toiletries. Some international destinations won’t have easy access to what you need.

Sound advice, particularly on short hops for business, or when you need to transit quickly though the airport.

However, when I am travelling in the front of the plane on long haul international trips, checking a nice big piece of rolling luggage just seems to add to the allure. After 10 – 15 hours in the flying tube, it seems a shame to frenetically dash through the airport and into a cab. I like to stretch a bit, loosen up, check out the architecture of the terminal, welcome myself to my destination. Meandering to the baggage carousel is my circuit training. Traveling with a packed suit, dress shoes, several sets of fresh clothes, lots of underwear makes the on ground tripping easier.

Then again, when I land back in the Bay Area after a long trip, I just wanna get home! Rolling straight from the plane to my car is nice. Decisions, decision, decisions …..

On a recent trip to Krakow via Vienna I was called out at the gate for having a personal item, a carry on and a duty free bag. I told the guy I was allowed these bags and it’s insane when people bring on HUGE wheelie bags that barely fit in the overhead bins. I made sure to stay behind as everyone disembarked and told my concerns to the stewardess.

Also if you lug a huge suitcase onto the plane and then ask others to help you put this into or remove it from the overhead bin you have no reason to be bringing that on board.

I would also say throw in a packable bag (i.e a backpack or duffel or tote that folds neatly into an envelope sized package) for those that might wanna do side trips but not want to carry on a second full-fledged bag. Or for those that anticipate buying a lot of gifts overseas. Tumi and Urban Outfitters make a duffel and backpack for men, while Longchamp makes the very popular Le Pliage line of nylon bags for women.

Tip for men particularly. – look at your choice of underwear. Packing briefs instead of bulky boxer shorts you can save a ton of space.

Additionally, important to get exercise when travelling frequently but a challenge for packing without checking a bag. Gym gear takes up a lot of space (extra footwear usually too). Use the pool instead, as you only need a pair of swimmers. If you can carry off a speedo instead of board shorts, then better still.

Great ideas chris. For a recent week trip, packing five pairs of boxers, a pair of trainers, a pair of gym shorts and t shirt literally filled my carry on bag so had to check in a larger one. Larger bag was lost by airline so never want to check one in again!

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Minimalist Packing: How To Go Carry-On Only

Published: September 24, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Harmony Loveland

• Packing Essentials
• Packing Hacks
• Packing Tips
• Travel Organization

Introduction

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, filled with adventure, new sights, and unforgettable memories. However, the stress of packing and lugging around heavy suitcases can quickly dampen the excitement. That’s where minimalist packing and carry-on only travel can come to the rescue.

Minimalist packing is the art of traveling light, packing only the essentials, and ditching the bulky luggage in favor of a compact carry-on bag. This approach not only saves you time and energy but also opens up a world of benefits and opportunities during your journey.

In this article, we will delve into the world of minimalist packing and explore the essential tips and tricks to help you successfully adopt carry-on only travel. From choosing the right carry-on bag to organizing your essentials, we will cover all the aspects to make your travel experience seamless and stress-free.

By taking on a minimalist approach, you can say goodbye to the hassle of waiting at the baggage carousel, the fear of losing your luggage, and the unnecessary expenses of checked baggage fees. Instead, you’ll be able to breeze through airports, move easily through crowded streets, and have the freedom to explore your destination without the burden of excess baggage.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended trip, minimalist packing will revolutionize the way you travel. So, let’s dive into the world of carry-on only travel and discover how you can pack smarter, lighter, and more efficiently for your next adventure.

Benefits of Carry-On Only Travel

Embracing carry-on only travel offers a myriad of benefits that will enhance your overall travel experience. Let’s explore some of the advantages that come with traveling light:

• Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of carry-on only travel is the convenience it provides. With just a small suitcase or backpack, you can easily maneuver through airports, train stations, and crowded streets without the hassle of dragging a heavy suitcase behind you. Plus, you can skip the long lines at baggage claim and head straight to your destination.
• Save Time: By traveling with just carry-on luggage, you can save valuable time during your journey. No more waiting in line to check your bags or worrying about your luggage getting lost. You can simply walk off the plane and be on your way, allowing you to maximize your time exploring your destination.
• Cost Savings: Checking bags can be expensive, with many airlines charging additional fees for each piece of checked luggage. By traveling carry-on only, you can avoid these fees and save money that can be put towards other aspects of your trip.
• Flexibility: Traveling with only a carry-on bag gives you the freedom to be more flexible in your travel plans. You can easily switch flights, take advantage of last-minute deals, or hop on a train without the worry of coordinating your luggage. This flexibility allows you to stay spontaneous and make the most of your travel experiences.
• Less Stress: Let’s face it, traveling with excessive luggage can be stressful. From navigating busy airports to dealing with lost or delayed bags, it can quickly put a damper on your trip. By opting for carry-on only travel, you significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with managing heavy luggage, leaving you more relaxed and able to fully enjoy your adventure.

These are just a few of the many benefits that come with adopting carry-on only travel. From convenience and time savings to cost savings and flexibility, traveling light can truly enhance your overall travel experience.

Now that we’ve explored the advantages, let’s delve into the essential tips for minimalist packing to help you successfully pack your carry-on bag for your next adventure.

Essential Tips for Minimalist Packing

When it comes to minimalist packing, every item you choose should serve a purpose and contribute to your travel experience. Here are some essential tips to help you pack efficiently and effectively for your carry-on only adventure:

• Create a Packing List: Before you start packing, make a list of the essential items you’ll need for your trip. This will help you stay organized and avoid overpacking.
• Choose Versatile Clothing: Opt for clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Stick to neutral colors and pack items that can be dressed up or down. This will allow you to maximize your wardrobe options without taking up too much space in your bag.
• Roll Instead of Fold: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also helps to prevent wrinkles. This space-saving technique can free up valuable room in your bag for other essentials.
• Utilize Packing Cubes or Compression Bags: Packing cubes or compression bags can help you maximize the space in your bag and keep your items organized. These handy accessories can compress your clothes, making them more compact and easier to fit into your carry-on bag.
• Wear Your Bulkiest Items: If you’re traveling with any bulky or heavy items, such as jackets or boots, wear them on the plane to save space in your bag.
• Minimize Toiletries: Toiletries can take up a significant amount of space in your bag. Stick to travel-sized items, or transfer your essentials into smaller containers. Consider whether you can purchase certain items, like shampoo or conditioner, at your destination to further minimize your toiletry load.
• Leave Room for Souvenirs: When packing, leave some extra space in your bag for any souvenirs or items you may want to bring back from your trip. This will prevent you from having to purchase an additional bag or potentially overstuffing your carry-on.

By following these minimalist packing tips, you’ll be able to fit everything you need into your carry-on bag while still leaving room for those special finds along your journey.

Next, let’s explore how to choose the right carry-on bag for your minimalist travel needs.

Choosing the Right Carry-On Bag

When it comes to carry-on only travel, selecting the right bag is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect carry-on bag:

• Size and Dimensions: Check the size restrictions of the airlines you’ll be flying with to ensure your bag meets their requirements. The standard carry-on size is usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 23 cm), but it’s always best to double-check.
• Weight: Opt for a lightweight bag to maximize the weight allowance for your belongings. Remember, the weight of the bag itself can eat into your overall weight limit.
• Style and Design: Choose a bag that suits your personal style and travel needs. Whether it’s a backpack, duffel bag, or hard-shell suitcase, select one that is easy to carry and fits your travel aesthetics.
• Quality and Durability: Invest in a bag made from durable materials and with sturdy construction. This will ensure your bag withstands the rigors of travel and lasts for many adventures to come.
• Storage and Organization: Look for a bag that offers ample storage compartments and pockets, both inside and outside. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to access your essentials while on the go.
• Carry-On Compatibility: Some bags are designed specifically to maximize space and fit perfectly in overhead compartments. Look for bags that are specifically labeled as carry-on friendly or that have been tested for airline compatibility.
• Comfort and Fit: Consider the bag’s straps and handles. If you’ll be carrying your bag for extended periods, opt for padded backpack straps or a bag with wheels and a retractable handle for ease of use.

Remember, the perfect carry-on bag is a personal choice that depends on your individual preferences and travel style. Take your time to research and read reviews before making a decision.

Now that you have your carry-on bag ready, let’s move on to the essentials you should pack when traveling with limited space.

Clothing Essentials for Carry-On Only Travel

When it comes to minimalist packing, choosing the right clothing essentials can make a significant difference in both space and versatility. Here are some key items to consider when packing for carry-on only travel:

• Basics: Start with the basics, such as underwear, socks, and undershirts. Pack enough for your trip duration, keeping in mind that you can always wash them if needed.
• Shirts and Tops: Opt for lightweight and versatile shirts that can be mixed and matched. Choose neutral colors that can be easily paired with different bottoms. Aim for around three to four tops, depending on the length of your trip.
• Bottoms: Pack a combination of pants, shorts, or skirts that can be dressed up or down. Again, opt for neutral colors that can be easily coordinated with different tops. Aim for two to three bottoms, depending on your style and trip length.
• Jacket or Sweater: Depending on the weather and the season, pack a lightweight jacket, sweater, or cardigan that can be layered with your outfits. This will give you warmth and flexibility in different climates.
• Versatile Dress: If you enjoy wearing dresses, pack a versatile option that can be dressed up for a special occasion or dressed down for a casual outing. Choose a style that can be layered with a jacket or worn on its own.
• Athletic Wear: If you plan on being active during your trip, pack a set of workout clothes that can double as comfortable loungewear or sleepwear.
• Swimwear: If you’re traveling to a destination with beach access or swimming opportunities, don’t forget to pack your swimwear. Choose a versatile swimsuit that can be worn for different activities.

Keep in mind that versatile and multi-functional clothing is key when it comes to minimalist packing. Choose items that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, reducing the need for excess clothing.

It’s also important to consider the climate and weather conditions of your destination when selecting your clothing essentials. Layering is a great technique to adapt to changing temperatures. Choose fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and easy to care for.

Now that you have an idea of what clothing essentials to pack, let’s move on to some packing techniques to maximize space in your carry-on bag.

Packing Techniques for Maximizing Space

When you’re limited to a carry-on bag, efficient packing techniques can help you make the most of the available space. Here are some tips to maximize space and keep your belongings organized:

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles. This technique also allows you to fit more items in your bag.
• Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags: Packing cubes or compression bags are excellent tools for organizing your clothes and maximizing space. Use them to sort your items by category and compress them to reduce bulk.
• Utilize Empty Spaces: Make the most of any empty spaces in your bag by filling them with smaller items. Stuff your socks, underwear, or accessories in shoes or gaps between larger items.
• Layer Your Clothing: Layer your clothing items in your bag, with sturdier and bulkier pieces at the bottom. This creates a solid base and allows for better organization of other items.
• Invest in Travel-sized Toiletries: To save space in your carry-on, opt for travel-sized toiletries or transfer your essentials into smaller containers. Consider whether you can purchase certain items, like shampoo or conditioner, at your destination to further minimize your toiletry load.
• Wear Bulky Items: If you’re traveling with bulky or heavy items, like jackets or boots, wear them instead of packing them. This frees up valuable space in your bag.
• Maximize Personal Item: Take advantage of the personal item allowed by most airlines, such as a small backpack or handbag. Use it to carry additional essentials or items that didn’t fit in your carry-on bag.
• Use Packing Checklists: Utilize packing checklists to ensure you don’t forget any important items, and to keep track of what you’ve already packed. This helps avoid overpacking and ensures you have everything you need.

By implementing these packing techniques, you can fit more items into your carry-on bag while keeping everything organized and accessible during your trip.

Next, let’s explore the essential toiletries and personal items to consider when traveling carry-on only.

Essential Toiletries and Personal Items

When traveling carry-on only, it’s important to pack essential toiletries and personal items that will ensure your comfort and well-being during your journey. Here are some key items to consider:

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush and toothpaste for maintaining good oral hygiene on the go. Opt for travel-sized versions to save space.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: If you prefer using your own hair products, transfer them into travel-sized containers. Alternatively, many accommodations provide complimentary toiletries, so you might be able to skip packing these altogether.
• Body Wash or Soap: Choose a travel-sized body wash or bar soap to keep yourself clean and refreshed.
• Deodorant: Staying fresh while traveling is essential. Pack a travel-sized deodorant to keep odors at bay.
• Skincare Essentials: Don’t forget your skincare routine. Consider travel-sized versions of your cleanser, moisturizer, and any other products you use regularly.
• Medications: If you take prescription medications or require any over-the-counter medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for the duration of your trip.
• First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic ointment, and any other items you may need for minor injuries or ailments.
• Travel Adapter and Chargers: Depending on your destination, you may need a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices. Don’t forget to pack the necessary chargers for your phone, camera, or other electronic gadgets.
• Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, such as your passport, ID, visas, and travel insurance information. It’s also a good idea to carry copies of important documents in case of emergencies.
• Money and Wallet: Don’t forget to carry your wallet, credit cards, and some local currency for immediate expenses at your destination.
• Entertainment: Bring along a book, magazine, or any other form of entertainment to keep yourself occupied during flights or downtime.

Remember, when packing toiletries, comply with the airline’s liquid restrictions. Check the maximum allowable sizes and ensure that all items are packed in a clear, resealable bag for security screenings.

Now that you have your toiletries and personal items sorted, let’s dive into the electronics and gadgets you may want to pack for minimalist travel.

Electronics and Gadgets for Minimalist Travel

While traveling light, it’s important to carefully select the electronics and gadgets you bring along to enhance your travel experience. Here are some essential electronic items to consider:

• Smartphone: A smartphone is a versatile travel companion that combines multiple functionalities into one device. Use it for communication, navigation, taking photos, and accessing travel apps.
• Travel Adapter and Chargers: Depending on your destination, you may need a travel adapter to charge your devices. Ensure you have the appropriate adapters and chargers for your electronic gadgets.
• Laptop or Tablet: If you require a larger screen or need to work while traveling, consider packing a lightweight laptop or tablet. This can also serve as your entertainment hub for watching movies or reading eBooks.
• Portable Charger: A portable charger is a lifesaver when you’re on the go and can’t find an available power outlet. It allows you to charge your devices while exploring, ensuring you stay connected throughout your journey.
• Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are essential for blocking out background noise during flights or bus rides. They can also be used to enjoy music, podcasts, or movies during your travels.
• Camera: If you’re into photography, consider bringing a compact camera or a high-quality smartphone with a good camera feature to capture memorable moments during your trip.
• E-book Reader: If you’re an avid reader, an e-book reader can be a great space-saving alternative to carrying multiple physical books. It allows you to have a whole library at your fingertips.
• Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: If you rely on a stable internet connection while traveling, investing in a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can provide you with reliable internet access wherever you go.

Remember, when packing electronics, be mindful of the weight and space they take up. Consider which gadgets are essential for your trip and try to minimize redundancy.

Now that you’ve packed your essentials, let’s explore how to organize accessories and miscellaneous items for your carry-on only travel.

Organizing Accessories and Miscellaneous Items

To keep your carry-on bag tidy and efficiently utilize the available space, it’s important to organize your accessories and miscellaneous items. Here are some tips to help:

• Use Pouches or Small Bags: Organize your smaller items, such as cables, chargers, and adapters, in separate pouches or small bags. This will keep them contained and prevent them from tangling or getting lost in your bag.
• Utilize Ziplock Bags: Ziplock bags are great for storing and organizing items such as toiletries, medications, or even wet clothes. They provide extra protection against leaks or spills.
• Label Your Cords: To easily identify your charging cords and cables, consider labeling them with colorful tape or labels. This will save you time and frustration when searching for a specific cord.
• Invest in a Travel Wallet or Organizer: A travel wallet or organizer can help keep your important documents, such as passport, tickets, and travel insurance, easily accessible and protected. Look for one with multiple compartments for added organization.
• Secure Valuables: Keep your valuable items, such as cash, credit cards, or jewelry, secure by using a small lock or keeping them in a hidden pocket within your bag. This will give you peace of mind during your travels.
• Roll or Fold Scarves and Belts: Scarves and belts can take up unnecessary space if not packed properly. Roll or fold them compactly and place them in a corner of your bag to save space for other items.
• Pack a Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your journey by packing a collapsible or reusable water bottle. Fill it up after security checks to avoid disposable bottle purchases.
• Carry a Lightweight Daypack: If you plan on exploring during the day, consider bringing a lightweight daypack to carry essential items like snacks, a water bottle, a camera, and a jacket. Choose a pack that can fold into a small pouch for easy storage when not in use.

By organizing your accessories and miscellaneous items, you’ll be able to quickly locate what you need and make the most of the space within your carry-on bag.

Now that you have organized your accessories, let’s discuss some safety and security tips to ensure your carry-on only travel is a worry-free experience.

Safety and Security Tips for Carry-On Only Travel

When traveling with just a carry-on bag, it’s essential to prioritize safety and security. Here are some key tips to ensure a worry-free travel experience:

• Keep Important Documents Secure: Store your passports, IDs, travel insurance, and other important documents in a secure and easily accessible location, such as a travel wallet or organizer. Always keep them on your person or in the hotel safe when not needed.
• Separate Cash and Cards: It’s a good practice to separate your cash and cards and store them in different places. This way, if one gets lost or stolen, you’ll still have access to money. Consider using a money belt or hidden pocket to keep your valuables safe.
• Stay Vigilant in Crowded Areas: Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places like airports, train stations, or tourist attractions. Keep a close eye on your belongings and be aware of potential pickpockets or scams.
• Use TSA-Approved Locks: If you’re traveling to or within the United States, consider using TSA-approved locks to secure your luggage. This allows security officials to inspect your bag without damaging the lock.
• Be Wary of Wi-Fi Security: When using public Wi-Fi, be cautious of your online activities and avoid accessing sensitive information, such as banking or personal accounts. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
• Backup Data: Before traveling, back up important files and documents from your devices. This ensures that if your electronics are lost or stolen, you’ll still have access to essential information.
• Notify Your Bank: If you’re traveling internationally, inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards being flagged for suspicious activity. Make a note of their contact information in case you need to reach them while abroad.
• Stay Informed: Research the safety and security situation of your destination beforehand. Check travel advisories, know the local emergency numbers, and be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you’re visiting.

By following these safety and security tips, you can minimize potential risks and enjoy a worry-free carry-on only travel experience.

Now that you’re prepared to travel with just a carry-on bag, it’s time to embark on your minimalist adventure. Happy travels!

Traveling with just a carry-on bag and embracing minimalist packing can transform the way you explore the world. By adopting the principles of minimalist travel, you gain convenience, save time and money, and experience a new level of freedom during your journeys.

From choosing the right carry-on bag to efficiently packing your essentials, we’ve covered the key aspects of minimalist packing. The benefits of traveling light are numerous – you can easily navigate through crowded airports, save on baggage fees, and have the flexibility to switch flights or explore new destinations on a whim.

By carefully selecting versatile clothing items, utilizing smart packing techniques, and organizing your accessories and personal items, you can make the most of the limited space in your carry-on bag. Furthermore, considering safety and security measures ensures a worry-free travel experience.

Remember, the goal of minimalist travel is to simplify your journey while maximizing your enjoyment. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, the principles of minimalist packing can be applied to any trip duration or destination.

So, pack smart, lighten your load, and savor the freedom that comes with traveling with just a carry-on bag. Embrace the minimalist approach and let your travel experiences be defined by unforgettable moments, rather than excessive luggage. Happy travels!

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7 Ways to Avoid Paying Checked Baggage Fees

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These days, finding an affordable flight is only half the battle.

You may be the world’s most adept airfare bargain hunter, but if you don’t take baggage fees into account, you could be overlooking a major cost.

Luckily, showing up at the check-in counter with a huge suitcase doesn’t have to cost a fortune — or even a single penny if you use the right strategy. For travelers looking to cut down on the cost of flying, here are tips for saving money on baggage fees.

How to avoid paying checked baggage fees

1. know the fees.

The first step to saving money on baggage fees is knowing what they are before you get to the airport. Do your research even before you book a flight. Different airlines charge different baggage fees depending on the route and the type of fare you purchased. Sometimes there are also additional charges for sporting equipment, like skis or surfboards .

If you know you have to check a bag, compare fees across the airlines in addition to comparing ticket prices. Southwest Airlines is reliable option for travelers because it allows passengers two free checked bags per ticket on all flights, unlike many other airlines.

» Learn more: A quick guide to airlines with free baggage

2. Use the right credit card

If you carry an airline credit card , chances are you don’t have to worry about baggage fees. That’s because several top airline credit cards offer a free first checked bag for the cardholder — and sometimes for companions traveling on the same itinerary as well.

If an airline charges a $30 one-way checked bag fee, you and your companion could end up spending $60 each, or $120 in total, just to get your bags to and from your destination. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card comes with the free first checked bag perk for up to nine people on a reservation. If you use it frequently, that perk alone can pay for the annual fee several times over.

3. Book first or business class

If you’re trying to save money, booking a higher class may seem counterintuitive. You typically won’t save money doing so, but if you have several bags to check, a first- or business-class ticket may be more affordable overall.

Depending on your airline, folks who fly in a higher class have the privilege of checking bags at no additional cost. If you’re going to pay more in baggage fees, why not take the opportunity to fly in style? It’s at least worth it to check prices before you book.

»Learn more: Why you should fly first class at least once, and how to afford it

4. Get elite status or fly with someone who has it

Many airline frequent flyer programs allow members with elite status to fly with checked bags for free. For example, United MileagePlus Premier members flying in the main cabin get baggage fees waived for one to three checked bags, depending on the level of their status.

Getting elite status just to avoid the baggage fee might sound difficult, but there are some pretty easy ways to do so. If you have elite status with a hotel chain, you might be able to get elite benefits on a partner airline, too. United has a status match program with Marriott , for example.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card gives cardholders automatic elite status on Hyatt, which also has a reciprocal benefits agreement with American Airlines .

» Learn more: Full review of the World of Hyatt Credit Card

5. Use a military discount

Many airlines do not charge a fee for military members to fly with checked luggage. JetBlue lets active-duty military personnel and their dependents on the same itinerary fly with two bags each at no cost when they’re traveling for leisure. There’s usually an even higher free bag allowance when military members are flying for duty. Check your airline about baggage policies for service members and be prepared to show your military ID when you check in.

» Learn more: Military travel discounts you won't want to miss

6. Check your bag at the gate

If checking a bag is more a preference than a need, don’t check your small rolling bag at the check-in counter. Instead, wait until you get to the gate.

If your flight is relatively full, airline employees may offer free gate bag check to make room for everyone’s carry-on luggage. Take advantage of this service to avoid the struggle of finding free space in the overhead bins. Just remember that this method is a gamble, though, and your bag would obviously still have to meet carry-on luggage requirements.

7. Pack light

When all else fails, the best way to avoid baggage fees is to not check any bags. Most airlines allow passengers on standard tickets one free carry-on and one free personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag.

In reality, your personal item could be an overstuffed backpack, just as long as it can fit under the seat in front of you. Be sure to check allowable dimensions of a personal item and the carry-on in advance, or you may be required to pay for a checked bag at the gate.

» Learn more: 5 ways to pack a carry-on like a pro and avoid checked bag fees

How to maximize your rewards

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Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best airline credit card for you Calculator: How much does that basic economy seat really cost? Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies

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I ditched baggage fees for good — here’s how I travel with just a carry-on

There are so many benefits to traveling with just a carry-on , aside from the fact that you’ll have one less suitcase to lug to your destination. You're saving money on baggage fees (which means that you'll have more to spend on other aspects of your trip ), you get to skip the long baggage check-in lines and you can breeze right out of the airport after your flight without waiting forever at the carousel for your bag to appear.

Simply put, it makes traveling so much easier. That's why, with the exception of a few rare occasions, I have pretty much been traveling with just a carry-on suitcase and personal item for the last five years. And I'm not just talking about quick trips, I've gone on weeks-long vacations, bringing just a backpack and my Away carry-on suitcase.

That being said, traveling minimally definitely takes practice. With less space to work with, you have to be thoughtful about each and every item you pack. So that means thinking ahead and planning out your outfits. I try to stick to a neutral color palette, so I know that everything will go together, and I pack pieces that can be worn multiple ways.

So in case you need a little inspiration, I'm sharing the basic formula that I follow whenever I'm packing for a trip, including some of the basics that I brought along on a nearly two-week trip that I took to visit family in California and Colorado over the holidays.

Carry-on packing essentials: Clothing

Old navy everywear long-sleeve t-shirt for women.

EveryWear Long-Sleeve T-Shirt for Women

When it comes to packing light, comfortable and cute basics are the name of the game. I brought along a similar long-sleeve striped tee (the one I have is no longer available) and wore it as a base layer on particularly cold days or under a light cardigan when the sun was shining.

Old Navy Fitted Sleeveless Square-Neck Bodysuit 

Fitted Sleeveless Square-Neck Bodysuit for Women

No matter the time of year or where I’m going, I always pack at least a few tank tops for every trip. Not only do they take up minimal space, but they’re also easy to style. If it’s warm out, I can wear one on its own with any of the bottoms I brought. Or, for chillier days, I can throw a sweater and jacket on top.

I love the smooth look of a bodysuit, and I particularly appreciate how soft this one feels and how good it looks with high-waisted bottoms.

Hanes Men’s Ecosmart Fleece Sweatshirt

Men's ComfortBlend Sweatshirt

There's something about the relaxed fit of a men's sweatshirt that makes it feel extra comfortable and cozy. While this isn't the exact sweatshirt that I own, I brought a similar one along for the trip. I ended up wearing it at least once a day — on all of my plane rides, and during cold nights and lazy mornings at my dad's house.

Forever 21 Faux Leather Blazer

Faux Leather Blazer

I originally bought a very similar faux leather blazer from Forever 21 last year to be a part of a costume, but it has since become a frequently worn item in my wardrobe. I love that I can wear it to work and for nights out. In fact, on my trip, I wore it for a night out in Denver, a dinner with a friend and to a New Year's Eve party. I always get compliments on it and people can't believe it when I say it's from Forever 21.

Gap CashSoft Rib Sweater Vest

CashSoft Rib Sweater Vest

In case you haven't heard, sweater vests are back in a big way (shoutout to the eclectic grandpa trend). I've been loving this one from Gap, which I brought along for the trip. I love to wear it as a tank top, with the above jacket layered on top. It's super soft, comfortable and surprisingly cozy on its own. But I've also thrown a shirt on under it for extra coverage and warmth.

Old Navy Classic Cardigan Sweater

Classic Cardigan Sweater

From dinners to cozy days at home, this cardigan got a lot of use on my trip. It's chic, cozy and easy to style. Really, what more could you ask for?

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

I always bring a backpack as my personal item, which is great for maximizing space, but it's usually too bulky to bring while walking around a city. That's why I like to stick this belt bag in my suitcase. It's the perfect size to hold my phone, keys, cards, sunglasses and a few other essentials for the day.

PacSun Medium Blue Stretch Dad Jeans

Medium Blue Stretch Dad Jeans

Jeans take up a lot of space in your carry-on, so if I'm traveling for a week, I'll try to only bring one pair. I have a similar version of PacSun's Dad Jeans that I bring everywhere with me and always get compliments on. They have a flattering high waist and enough stretch that they're comfortable enough to walk around in all day.

Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Wrap Mini Skort

Scarlett Wrap Mini Skort

In case it isn't already clear, while I tend to gravitate toward neutrals in general, when I travel, I typically like to bring quite a few black pieces. Not only do they go with everything, but they also don’t show dirt or stains as easily!

For this trip, I knew there would be a few nights that would require me to wear something other than jeans, and this skirt ended up being perfect. Because it was cold, I made sure to layer up on top and paired it with simple sheer black tights for extra coverage.

AE The Everything Pocket Highest Waist Legging

The Everything Pocket Highest Waist Legging

I typically bring at least two pairs of leggings — one for the plane rides and another for walking around or lounging — and these are always one of the options I bring. They're stretchy, comfortable and hold you in in all the right places.

Madewell The Jean Jacket 

The Jean Jacket

One stylist who I previously spoke to said that a jean jacket is a travel essential — and I agree! It can be pretty bulky though, so instead of packing it, she suggests wearing it to the airport (bonus: it doubles as a pillow on the plane).

Carry-on packing essentials: Shoes

Wild pair authentick lug oxfords.

Shoes take up the most space, so when trying to pack light, figuring out which shoes to bring is probably the hardest part. I always wear my bulkiest pair on the plane (which, in this case, were these). Even though they are pretty hefty, there was no way I was leaving them behind. These shoes are the MVP of my wardrobe. They go with practically everything, can be worn for long periods without any pain and they've held up well over time.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Typically, when traveling, I only bring two pairs of shoes. One more fashionable pair that will go with my day or night outfits and one that I can wear for walks, runs and other activities — and these checked that box. They're surprisingly stylish for a running shoe, so they'll work just as well with a pair of jeans as they will with leggings.

Carry-on packing essentials: toiletries

Up & up travel cosmetic jar .

Travel Cosmetic Jar

For face wash, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner and more, I use these little travel jars. They're easy to fill with product (you don't have to struggle to fit it into the small opening of a squeeze container) and are simple to wash once you're back home.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

I don't typically wear a lot of makeup, but when I know that I'll be taking a lot of photos — like when I'm on vacation — I like to put something on my skin to help even out texture and lightly cover any impurities. And Ilia's skin tint does that. Plus, it has SPF for sun protection. It can be easily rubbed into skin with your fingers so you don't have to bring any additional brushes.

Stoney Clover Lane Classic Small Pouch

Classic Small Pouch

Organization is key for packing light — and once you figure out how to fit everything perfectly in your bag, you don't want to mess it up by having to dig for that one item you desperately need at the airport. That's why I like to keep all my most important items, like my medications, passport, ponytail holders, etc. in this pouch, which I place at the top of my backpack, so it's easily accessible.

Carry-on luggage and accessories

Away the carry-on.

The Carry-On

Smart packing strategies are helpful (I roll my clothing, in case you were wondering) but they can only take you so far. An important factor to traveling with just a carry-on is making sure that you're getting as much packing space as possible from your suitcase. And Away's classic carry-on has so many features that help you maximize the number of items you can bring.

Seriously, each time I pack for a trip, I'm astounded by how much I can fit in this roller bag. It has an interior compression system, comes with a laundry bag and has a zippered pocket to help you stay organized.

Open Story 35-Liter Travel Backpack

Travel Backpack

My biggest tip for anyone who wants to skip checking bags is to maximize your personal item. Skip the small purse and go for something bigger. Airlines can differ on what they'll accept, so always check beforehand, but I've never had any issues bringing this backpack as my personal item.

The interior is super roomy, and it opens up like a suitcase — and has internal pockets like one, too. I've found I can fit at least a day's worth of clothes (if not more), a pair of sneakers and all my toiletries and tech accessories inside. It also has tons of different compartments, which helps keep everything organized.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB)

I'm a big vacation reader, so I never go anywhere without at least one book to read on the plane, during train rides or while lying on the beach. But books can take up a lot of space, so last year I finally invested in a Kindle and it has been a game-changer for travel. The sleek device takes up minimal space in my bag. Plus, before I leave, I download a library book onto my Kindle, and then, if I finish, I can download another while I'm on my trip!

Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY.

Carry-On Travel: 10 Easy Steps To Avoid Checking Luggage

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Travelling carry-on only is possible whether you are away for a week or a year. We’ve been on the road for eight years with just one carry-on backpack each and wouldn’t travel any other way.

In this post you’ll learn how to travel with just a carry on in 10 simple steps based on our many years of experience.

The Benefits of Carry-On Travel

• Save time at airports – If we check in online, we avoid check-in desk queues, and when we arrive we head straight out the airport without waiting at the baggage carousel.
• Save money – We avoid airline fees for checking in luggage, which are becoming more common and can cost $25 or more per bag.
• Reduce stress – Life with less is simpler. On hectic travel days, we only have one bag to keep track of, and it’s easy to walk around looking for accommodation or getting to the bus station.
• More security – We don’t have to worry about airlines losing our checked baggage, and we can keep our luggage close on buses and trains—it’s safer by our feet than in storage compartments.
• More freedom – It’s liberating to realise how little we really need. We don’t feel burdened by our stuff—by travelling with just a backpack we can pack up in ten minutes and head off on our next adventure.

10 Steps to Carry-On Only Travel

1) choose carry-on-size luggage.

Start by choosing luggage that is within most airlines’ size restrictions. The most commonly allowed size of carry-on luggage is 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) , although some budget airlines only allow smaller bags.

We prefer to travel with a backpack as it keeps our hands free, and we can move around easily without having to drag a suitcase up stairs or over cobblestone or dirt streets.

Around 40 litres is a good size for a carry-on backpack. Simon uses the Tortuga Setout and I have the Osprey Farpoint 40 —read our detailed review here.

If you have any back issues (or just don’t like backpacks), a suitcase is a better option. For long term travel, look for a suitcase with rugged wheels to navigate rough terrain. A soft-sided case will weigh less and can be squeezed into smaller spaces. The Osprey Ozone 22″ is a popular option.

Most (but not all) airlines allow an extra small bag or personal item in addition to your main bag. We find it easier to travel with just one backpack each.

We also have a light packable daypack that packs inside Simon’s backpack on most travel days. When we need something more robust for a long hike, we empty out my backpack and use that.

2) Pack for a Week

It doesn’t matter whether you are travelling for a week or a year (or 8+ like us!)—only pack enough clothes for a week and then do laundry.

Laundry services are inexpensive in many parts of the world—in Southeast Asia and Latin America, we typically pay $1 per kilo. Or we hand wash clothes in a sink (I use the hotel shampoo or shower gel), or rent Airbnb apartments  with washing machines.

Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics for your travel wardrobe. Make sure all your clothes can be worn together so that you can mix and match and create multiple outfits. 10-12 items of clothing and 2-3 pairs of shoes is usually enough. You can use accessories to change things up.

Read: The Best Travel Pants for Women: Stylish and Functional .

3) Use Packing Organisers

Packing cubes or compression bags allow you to keep your things organised and fit way more into your luggage. Almost every carry-on traveller I know swears by them.

Read more about how to use packing cubes to save space.

4) Pack Solid and Long Lasting Toiletries

On flights, you can only bring liquids in bottles of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, and they must fit into a one-litre (or one-quart) zip-lock bag per person.

To manage this restriction, choose solid toiletries whenever possible. Lush shampoo bars are fantastic, and we use a natural crystal deodorant that lasts forever. You can also find solid perfume , lotion ,  sunblock , and more.

Look for long lasting toiletries so that you don’t need to pack as much. We love Riemann once a day suncream , and a tiny bottle of shaving oil lasts Simon nine months.

A mooncup  takes up less space than tampons, is better for the environment, and you don’t have to worry about finding sanitary products abroad.

5) Choose Small Alternatives

Whatever you want to pack, you can usually find a lighter, more compact version. Travel and outdoor gear is often lighter and less bulky than regular clothes.

• In South America, my water-resistant windbreaker compressed to the size of an apple and weighed almost nothing.
• On a Finland ski trip , my ultralight down jacket kept me warm but packed down small.
• A microfibre travel towel is smaller, lighter, and dries more quickly than a regular towel.
• My Tieks ballet flats  are stylish and comfortable but fold down to a tiny size (read my review of these comfortable flats ).
• Simon’s Bluffworks trousers  are lightweight and quick-drying but attractive enough for every occasion (read his Bluffs review ). 
• My YogaPaws are way smaller and lighter than a yoga mat but stop me slipping on any surface (read my YogaPaws review ). 

6) Go Paperless

Paper is heavy so avoid it if possible. A Kindle or other e-reader is a must for travelling bookworms—you can fit thousands of books on a device smaller than one paperback.

I couldn’t live without my Kindle Paperwhite . If you only read occasionally, you could use your smartphone or tablet instead (which is what Simon does).

Simon has also gone entirely digital with his artwork and now does all his drawing on the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil , which replicates a real pen or brush.

7) Minimise Electronics

We travel with a lot of electronics as we work on the road, but most travellers don’t need a laptop—a smartphone or tablet can work just as well and take up far less space.

Unless you are really serious about photography, a smartphone takes great photos and is multipurpose. As I need quality photos for this blog, I’ve found that a mirrorless camera is a good compromise—it’s much smaller than my old DSLR. I often just use our iPhone 6 though.

Save space by sharing power cables between devices and with your partner if you are travelling with someone.

8) Don’t Pack Anything “Just in Case”

I recommend creating a packing list and doing a test pack at least a few days (more for long trips) before you leave. Lay everything out and ask yourself what you plan to use it for. If it’s for a “just in case” scenario, then ditch it. Everything needs to earn its place in your bag by being used regularly.

In eight years of travel, we have never needed a sleeping bag, sleep sheet, mosquito net, washing line, travel sink plug, travel pillow, door stop, collapsable bowl, or many of the other items on travel packing lists. We also haven’t missed travelling with a penknife (which isn’t allowed on planes).

Remember that if you do find that you really need something, you can always buy it at your destination. Other places have stuff too!

9) Wear Your Bulkiest Clothes on Travel Days

Wear your bulkiest clothes, such as hiking shoes, jeans, and sweaters, on travel days to save space and weight in your luggage. This is especially important when flying on airlines with a low carry-on weight allowance and when travelling to cold climates with bulky winter clothes.

This strategy is trickier in hot countries if you are travelling on transport without air conditioning or walking in the heat to find accommodation. In this case, make sure all your clothes fit in your bag even when you’re wearing a lightweight outfit.

10) Prioritise

Ultimately, travelling carry-on only comes down to priorities. What is most important to you? We travel with a ton of electronics as we need them for work. You might prefer to skip the laptop and take extra clothes and makeup instead.

Even carry-on travellers have space for luxuries. Simon recently started travelling with an AeroPress coffee maker. Other travellers we know pack a full-size feather pillow, yoga mat, hairdryer, or oil paints. As long as it’s something you will really use, you can make space for it.

Hopefully, by following these basic principles you’ll find a way to make carry-on travel work for you, whatever type of trip you are heading off on. I promise it will make your travels so much easier.

More Carry-On Travel Packing Tips

If you’d like to learn more about how to travel carry-on only, see my book,  The Carry-On Traveller: The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light , which is available for the Kindle or paperback on Amazon (US only).

You can also see our other posts about packing light:

• Our Updated Carry-On Packing List
• The Best Carry-On Backpack for Digital Nomads
• Understanding Airline Size and Weight Restrictions
• A Ski Trip Packing List Carry-On Only
• How to Pack Carry-On Only for Cold Weather
• How to Use Packing Cubes to Save Space

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19 Comments

I’ve been a carry-on only traveller (when I do get to go on an adventure) for the past 4 years. I started with a full size rolling suitcase and gradually worked through what I use and don’t use until I purchased the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 30 and now use that as my main travel bag. I usually pair it with a tote bag or my Tom Bihn Sidekick because I like to have my Sony mirrorless camera and passport at my side rather than on my back.

It’s just so much less stressful to travel this way. The first time I travelled solo, my flight was cancelled after I reached my gate and I was rebooked at a different airport across town. Everyone around me was panicking about their checked bags, but I just reloaded my metro card and went on my way to the other airport. I never felt vulnerable travelling by myself because my bag was small enough to tuck between my knees while on public transit. So much freedom and peace of mind.

Reply ↓

I also found that wearing only men thong while traveling saves tons of space versus packing boxer briefs. Once you get use to then is like wearing nothing. Probably not for everybody but tell, trust me, big time space saver.

Good tip! Sadly Simon is not keen :)

Just curious, but where is the photo from “10) Prioritise” taken? It’s a very cool location! :)

It’s San Marcos village at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. It is a beautiful, relaxing place! Here’s our post about it: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/temporary-home-lake-atitlan-guatemala/

I forgot to add, I’m also planning on climbing a mountain (yellow mountain, in china) and leaving my luggage at the base in storage for a night, which also seems tricky to do when I only have 1 backpack/carry-on.

I’m planning on traveling to Peru and China soon, and am interested in getting a travel backpack instead of a wheeled carry on. My dilemma is, what to do when you’re out hiking for a day and need a backpack, but don’t want to lug all the weight of your stuff with you. If I’m just walking around a city, a large purse fits my needs perfectly, but it’s not ideal for hiking. Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a “luggage” bag and a dedicated backpack?

We actually have just bought a packable daypack which is working out really well. It fits in Simon’s main backpack on travel days but we take it out for hikes when needed. We tried a few and bought this one by Gonex: http://amzn.to/2kuQIOu

Fair play! I’ve been doing exactly this since my late teens / early twenties when I read in a travel book that when you’ve finished packing your bag it’s best to remove half the stuff and take twice the money. My now wife was very sceptical when I told her that I’d leave her at the baggage carousel if she took check in but she’s now firmly converted.

People seem to forget that where there’s an airport (etc) there’s a shop. I live in the UK and the shops here are always more expensive than wherever I end up. I’m now pretty much convinced that people large quantities of their personal effects with them as a memento of their home because they feel insecure. They fear the unknown. The larger the luggage the more insecure the person.

Top tip – for airlines that restrict carry on ridiculously, I’ve been on flights where it’s 3kg, just wear all your clothes! Airports and planes usually have aircon after all :)

Hey! Great tips. I was wondering how you bring mosquito repellent when you’re going to countries infested with malaria? Do you buy it there? Are there any efficient repellents in southeast Asia?

We usually just buy it there when we need it. Or you could just buy a bottle under 100ml.

Save time in the airports that a true you save alot of time

Hi. Can you tell me please, what is the weight of your carry-ons?. Including laptop, kindles, camera and chargers? We fly around Europe on budget airlines a lot ( we live in Romania, we’re British/Australian full time travellers) and our hand baggage is ALWAYS over-weight. Even though we also check our big backpacks! (they rarely check because we have small backpacks not wheelie bags). The weight limit on the airlines we use for carry-on is tiny. Our laptops, kindles, chargers a lush shampoo bar ( my only luxury!) and cameras basically take up all that weight. There is room for maybe one change of clothes and toothbrushes, if that. I’d be interested to know how you weigh in. Do you use mini-laptops? We also work online, the electronics are the killer. By the way, love your colour scheme, TARDIS blue :)

My bag is 8-9kg and Simon’s is around 10kg, so yes, we are often overweight. You can see exactly what we pack in our updated packing list: http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/the-carry-on-traveller-book/

We travel in Europe and Asia a lot where the weight limits are low. But they never weigh our bags! In my book, I’ve written about how we avoid this, but my main tip is to check in online to avoid the desk.

Congratulations on your book! I am always impressed by your strict minimalism, and your writing is always very clear, detailed and informative – thank you! As for me I am not quite where I need to be on the minimalism scale! My partner and I have been travelling full-time for nearly 3 years in a camper-van and have MUCH more stuff than you guys! I am ‘home’ in the UK at the moment trying to finally empty our storage unit and only keep things that come with us aboard our van – but I find it so hard! And have a real problem with my clothes! Eek!

I wonder, do you have any ‘stuff’ stored somewhere or did you get rid of everything? And, did you also find the process of letting go hard like me?

Thank you Wendy! At least with a van you don’t need to pack quite as light.

We left two small boxes at Simon’s mum’s house with some photo albums and a few sentimental things, and we keep one small box at my parent’s house with warm clothes for when we’re in the UK (which is COLD for us even in the summer!). Everything else we got rid of. It was difficult at first, but it gets easier as you go along. Start with things you find easy to get rid of. Also remember you can take photos of any sentimental items. We honestly haven’t missed anything we sold/donated (and haven’t even looked in our boxes in 6 years so probably could have got rid of those too). Good luck with it!

Very useful.

Nice post….I have been following your blog for about a year and this will help with packing for my upcoming getaway! Good job on the book and useful software …. nice to see you both successfully fullfiling your dreams and inspiring us all.

Thank you very much Mark and enjoy your trip!

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Travel Tips

How to Pack a Carry-On Bag to Avoid Checking a Bag

By Shivani Vora

• July 15, 2016

Why bother with the hassle of checked luggage when it’s possible to travel to any destination with only a carry-on? At least that’s what Anne McAlpin, a packing expert and the author of the book “Pack It Up: Travel Smart, Pack Light,” thinks.

Ms. McAlpin never checks luggage — her recent three-week jaunt through Asia and the Middle East included — and says that traveling is much more convenient as a result.

“Taking just a carry-on is liberating because you’re not bogged down by heavy bags,” she said. “It also saves you money since you don’t pay to check luggage and can rely more on affordable public transportation instead of pricey taxis because a small bag is easier to transport around on your own.”

Below, she shares her tips.

Go for a soft bag Stick to a soft bag versus one with a hard case, said Ms. McAlpin, because it has a bit of give. “If you’re trying to get your bag into an overhead plane compartment, a soft one will bend a little to fit, but a hard one won’t so you may be forced to check it in,” she said.

Pare down the toiletries Ms. McAlpin advises minimizing toiletries. “Take all your favorite products, but you don’t need large quantities of them for a week away,” she said. A clear quart-size plastic bag can hold the bulk of your liquids, such as shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, and for liquids that you need a small amount of, like face cream, she suggests using a contact lens container, available at any drugstore. She also relies on the growing number of travel-friendly nonliquid toiletries that are now readily sold online ( drugstore.com has a wide range) and at your local drugstore.

The magic number for shoes Wear a pair of stylish and comfortable walking shoes on your flight, and pack two more. Men should take a dressier loafer to wear in the evenings, while women need a pair of strappy sandals or low heels that can go from day to night. Both sexes can also take along sneakers, preferably a fashionable pair that can be used both as day shoes and to work out in, and a pair of flip-flops — because they take up minimal space, Ms. McAlpin said.

Choose a color theme Ms. McAlpin recommends going for a dark shade such as black or navy, because it looks more chic than a lighter hue, and packing no more than nine tops and three bottoms around this tone. “The number of looks you can put together with these pieces is endless,” she said.

A pair of fitted jeans looks sharp. Women should also pack a pair of capris or pants, a skirt or dress that can be dressed up or down, a mix of long- and short-sleeved tops and a tank top. Men should take a pair of slacks, a tailored button-down shirt, a zip sweater, a few polo shirts, a shirt with a fun pattern (like a colorful plaid) and a sports coat (wear this on the plane). Bathing suits take up little room, so feel free to pack two.

11 Smart Tips for Carrying Extra Luggage on a Flight

Are you going on a business trip or taking a flight to your favorite vacation destination? Traveling by air can be a breathtaking experience until you encounter hefty baggage fees. So, you could be wondering how you can take some extra luggage on your flight without paying high costs. 

Here are 11 smart tips for carrying extra luggage on a flight: 

• Establish the airline’s baggage allowance. 
• Don’t pick the basic economy class ticket. 
• Ditch your suitcase for a carry-on bag. 
• Pack the right type of clothes. 
• Weigh your luggage in advance. 
• Wear extra layers of clothes. 
• Check-in early. 
• Use baggage rewards. 
• Join a frequent flier program. 
• Ship your luggage in advance. 
• Buy some items at your destination. 

Many travelers don’t know that they can avoid paying insane baggage fees by applying a few hacks. This article will explore clever ways to carry extra luggage on a flight. So, read on to avoid frustrations when checking in. 

1. Establish the Airline’s Baggage Allowance

Airlines have different baggage allowances . The allowance determines the weight, size, and number of bags you can carry during your flight. Moreover, this baggage policy depends on several factors, including your: 

• Ticket type 
• Class 
• Status 
• Country of origin 
• Flight destination 

You don’t want to frantically open your bags and start sorting your stuff when checking in. You also don’t want to start paying for unexpected baggage charges. 

So, before settling on your ideal airline and booking your flight, research thoroughly for one with a reasonable baggage allowance. You may even be lucky enough to come across an airline that doesn’t charge for checked luggage. Moreover, some airlines offer discounts when you book your flight early. 

For example, Southwest Airlines has the best baggage allowance for domestic flights.There are no baggage charges for the first two checked luggage if they meet the weight and size requirement. Thus, if your bags weigh not more than 50 pounds (22.7 kg) and are less than 62 inches (157.5 cm), you’ll not pay any baggage fee. 

Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or another local destination, you should consider Southwest Airlines. 

For international flights, go for an airline that allows for at least one free checked bag. For instance, American Airlines doesn’t charge any baggage fee for the first checked bag. Moreover, if you’re a premium cabin flier, you might be exempted from paying any checked luggage fee.

Some airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates and Qatar Airways , have lenient charges for oversized baggage . With Emirates, you can carry luggage weighing 60 pounds (27 kg) with a Flex Ticket. Qatar Airways also allows the same weight for a single bag across all flights. 

Hence, you won’t have to pay hefty fees if your luggage exceeds the weight and size limits, but 

you don’t want to leave some items behind.

2. Don’t Pick the Basic Economy Class ticket

As I mentioned earlier, your ticket type is one of the factors that will determine how much luggage you can carry on your flight. Airlines offer lower ticket charges for the Basic Economy Class ticket . However, the fare doesn’t usually accommodate seat selection and checked baggage fees. 

So, if you buy this ticket type, you might pay extra costs to have your luggage checked. Moreover, most airlines don’t allow passengers in the Basic Economy Class to bring carry-on bags on board. 

To avoid these additional charges and have the chance to carry extra luggage, go for another class ticket. Although the fare will be higher than the Basic Economy ticket, you might enjoy bringing your carry-on bag on board without incurring extra baggage fees. 

3. Ditch Your Suitcase for a Carry-on Bag

Carry-on bags and backpacks come in handy when you want to pack all your stuff in one place and avoid hefty baggage fees. On the other hand, suitcases are bulky and rigid and may not allow you to squeeze in extra luggage. Moreover, you’re more likely to have the suitcase checked (and charged) than a carry-on bag. 

Most airlines only permit a carry-on bag on board if your ticket type is above the Basic Economy Class. However, some allow at least one hand baggage and an extra accessory on board for all ticket types. For instance, with Air France , you can have your carry-on bag and a backpack or purse in the Economy Cabin as long as they meet the size and weight limits. 

The type of carry-on bag you choose will determine how much stuff you can carry charge-free. It should not exceed the airline’s weight and size limits. So, you should choose one that can fit on the overhead bin or under your seat. 

An ideal carry-on bag (or backpack) should be lightweight and spacious enough to accommodate all your essentials. But, if you’re going for a more extended trip, you might consider suitcases that won’t exceed the baggage limitations when full. Go for a suitcase made from lightweight materials such as: 

• Polyester 
• Nylon 
• Microfiber 
• ABS plastic 
• Polycarbonate 

Note: It’s preferable to condense your luggage into one large suitcase if you’re traveling as a couple or family. Some airlines have more lenient charges for checked baggage than carry-ons. This will save you from paying extra costs for additional checked bags. 

4. Pack the Right Type of Clothes

Carrying your whole wardrobe because you’re undecided on what to pack (or leave behind) is not such a good idea. It would be best to pack only the right clothes and squeeze in a little extra stuff to avoid paying additional baggage fees. However, this will depend on your trip. 

If you’re going for a vacay in the Maldives, you don’t want to carry heavy clothes, like jackets and sweaters. Therefore, pack lightweight clothes, including: 

• Enough underwear 
• Swimming suits 
• Flip flops (or sandals) 

And don’t forget to carry: 

• Sunscreen 
• Lotion 
• Deodorant 
• Sanitizer wipes 
• Tissues. 

Also, use zippered or resealable clear bags to pack some toiletries, including: 

• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste 

Alternatively, you can keep them in the zippered pockets of your suitcase or carry-on bag.

To maximize space and carry extra stuff: 

• Roll your clothes. You might already know this, but how you pack your bag will determine how much you can carry. Rolling clothes is the best way to save space and fit everything in one bag. Also, you can use rubber bands or ribbons to keep the rolled clothes intact. 
• Use vacuum or space saver bags. As the name suggests, these bags come in handy when packing as they help you maximize space. For instance, GONGSHI Vacuum Storage Bags from Amazon are compression bags with a sealer where you can carry your clothes, bedsheets, and comforters at a reduced size. They are available in various sizes to suit your needs and come with a travel pump for re-inflation. 
• Carry a fanny pack .  You don’t want your electronic gadgets and other essentials adding weight to your carry-on bag. So, fanny bags are ideal for carrying extra items, especially those you’ll need onboard. You can stash your lip balm, smartphone, hand sanitizer, pocket tissue, and any other preferred item into a fanny bag and strap it on your waist (or shoulder). 

5. Weigh Your Luggage in Advance

It’s frustrating to find out that your luggage has exceeded the airline’s weight limits when checking in. Besides, the airline will slap you with hefty overweight baggage fees that weren’t part of your budget. For instance, American Airlines charges $200 for luggage exceeding 70 pounds (31.7 kg) on international flights. 

To avoid the frustration of unexpected charges, it’s advisable to check your luggage’s weight in advance. Use a portable luggage scale to weigh your bags before heading to the airport. And, if they exceed the airline’s limits, you can either reduce your packed items or apply some creative hacks to carry the extra luggage. 

6. Wear Extra Layers of Clothes

One of the best ways to go onboard with extra luggage is to wear several layers of clothes. If you have no time to weigh your luggage at home or aren’t aware of the airline’s revised baggage policy, this tip could be a life-saver. So, you don’t have to throw away some clothes if your checked bag exceeds the weight limits.

In such a scenario, rush to the bathroom and wear some extra layers. You might look like an inflated ball, but no one will penalize you for that. Moreover, you can “offload” once the plane has taken off. 

Also, use the pockets on the jackets of winter coats to store smaller items like: 

• Socks 
• Smartphones 
• iPods 
• Lipstick (or lip balm) 

Nonetheless, ensure that you don’t carry any prohibited substance in those additional layers of clothes. 

7. Check-In Early

Some airlines are a bit lenient to passengers who check-in early. As such, they may sometimes get away with carrying extra luggage on board. The reverse is also true for travelers who dash to the airport at the last minute. 

Therefore, if you want a smooth check-in experience, arrive at the airport early and check your luggage weight in advance. If it exceeds the airline’s allowance by a few grams, you can apply some of the strategies we’ve explored in this article to get away with the extra luggage. 

You might also be bold enough to try getting through checking in without altering anything. 

Some airports have allowances for extra baggage. So, if it’s your lucky day, the attendants might allow you to pass and check in. However, if they don’t, you have no choice but to reduce the luggage or pay the overweight baggage fees. 

8. Use Baggage Rewards

When choosing the ideal airline credit card, go for one with baggage rewards to benefit from carrying extra luggage. For example, some airline credit cards allow cardholders to have one bag checked charge-free. Others offer credits for seat selection charges, WiFi, or in-flight dining. 

Here are airline credit cards that have free checked bag rewards: 

• Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card – free first checked bag for the cardholder and six companions 
• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card – free first checked bag for cardholder and eight companions on Delta flights 
• AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard – free first checked bag for the cardholder and not more than four companions on domestic flights (on American Airlines) 

Note: You must apply for these credit cards and (or) pay your airfare using them to benefit from their baggage rewards. 

9. Join a Frequent Flyer Program

If you are an avid traveler or a seasoned business person who travels frequently, it’s advisable to join a Frequent Flyer Program . Most airlines have such programs packed with numerous benefits to reward their loyal customers. You’ll have several advantages as a member, including: 

• Airfare discounts 
• Baggage rewards (and allowances) 
• Redeemable miles 

If you haven’t joined a Frequent Flyer Program, check your favorite airline’s website for details on such offers. Apart from baggage allowance, you might also acquire redeemable miles to enjoy: 

• Vacations 
• Hotels bookings 
• Upgrades 
• Flights 

10. Ship Your Luggage in Advance

Shipping your bags in advance to your destination will save you the hassle of traveling with baggage. Moreover, you won’t have to queue for hours during check-in. And, you can carry extra luggage that includes your essentials in a smaller bag on your flight. 

You can search for luggage shipping companies that charge lower fees than most airline baggage costs. Moreover, they offer safety assurance for your luggage and online trackers. This allows you to send your luggage to your favorite destination without worrying about expensive baggage costs. 

11. Buy Some Items at Your Destination

You don’t have to carry everything you need on your trip as some things will add unnecessary weight to your luggage. So, buy items like umbrellas, heavy liquids, and some toiletries at your destination. Besides, leaving some items behind will save space for extra clothing or other essentials. 

Some items may be deemed useless due to weather changes. For instance, you may not need a swimsuit if there are rainy episodes at your destination. Therefore, it’s crucial to be up-to-date with the weather forecast. In any case, you can always spare some money to buy the required items if you’d sufficiently prepared for any weather variations.

I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the deserts bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel, I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere!

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8 Ways To Pack Your Luggage Perfectly Every Time

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As you start to get ready for your trip, you will inevitably get that pit in your stomach about what to pack or how to pack everything you want to take with you. How will it all fit into your suitcase? Will I have enough to wear? What if I don’t have a dress shirt? It can be stressful, especially without a plan.

We talked with Rashmi Hudson about how to perfectly pack your luggage. Rashmi created and launched Alltimate Luggage after she retired to keep her mind active and keep out of the kids’ hair! She had a successful 22-year career with a Fortune 200 company as a marketing executive. She traveled a lot during her career, so she knows a thing or two about packing a suitcase. 

Rashmi says this is where the adage, “a stitch in time saves nine” comes into play. Her approach to packing is methodical. She collects her items in advance based on her destination and the availability of items in case she forgets something. 

She told us seven things she does every time she packs, so you can pack perfectly every time.

1. Pick Out Two Pairs Of Shoes

Decide what outfits you’re packing based on your shoes. This may seem backward compared to how you usually decide what to wear, but this will save you space and money. You do not need to take a different pair for every outfit. Rashmi says to pick out one pair of dress shoes and one pair of casual shoes . She then matches clothes and jewelry with them. Remember, she recommends only taking two pairs of earrings max and nothing valuable.

2. Lay It All Out There

Lay out everything you’re taking with you on your bed, with your two pairs of shoes on the floor nearby. This way, Rashmi says you can visualize everything that matches so you can get the most combinations from all of the items. Rashmi also makes sure she has items like belts that are too expensive to replace. Then, add undergarments and necessary toiletries you cannot get at your destination.

3. Don’t Pack It, Wear It

As you’re looking at all of the clothing items laying on your bed, pull out the bulkiest items to wear on the day of travel. Rashmi says these are things like firm tennis shoes versus casual shoes or boots versus shoes of any kind. Think sweaters versus t-shirts. If you wear them on the plane instead of packing them, they take up less room and your bag weighs less.

4. Scent- And Spill-Proof Your Travel Bag

If Rashmi is carrying anything liquid, she makes sure to put it in a zip lock bag and suck out as much air as possible. She also puts shoes in a shoe bag or small grocery plastic bag so their smell doesn’t get into her clothing. Even new leather has a smell, and then your entire suitcase does, too!

5. Keep It Wrinkle-Free

You’ll likely take something dressy for a fancy dinner out at a nice restaurant. Isn’t it always the case that these are usually the items that tend to wrinkle the easiest? Rashmi puts these items, which can include jackets, dresses, and slacks, in a suit carrier or garment bag. Hers has two side zippers so she can lay items flat for wrinkle-free travel. This may cost you a little more, but says it’s worth the investment to save time and money later on ironing or dry cleaning.

6. Know What Goes Where

Rashmi says to pack toiletries, shoes, and other heavy items in the bottom of your suitcase. There are two reasons she recommends this. One, when you pull or carry your luggage, these heavy items don’t mush all your clothes at the bottom. Two, it feels lighter on your shoulder.

7. Roll It Up

Rashmi likes to roll her soft items like T-shirts, underwear, and sports/leisure wear. She then plays a game of Tetris with larger items on the bottom of the suitcase. She suggests laying out your outerwear items parallel to the bottom of your suitcase. Again, this is so gravity doesn’t add wrinkles. Lastly, she uses underwear as space fillers where needed.

8. Know Your Weight Limit

We like to save money when and where we can. Rashmi says if you’re checking your suitcase, check those domestic airline weight requirements! Weigh your bag before you pack it so you know how much you can take with you. Lastly, she says to leave room in your carry-on, just in case. “For overseas and long trips, my husband just bought a polycarbonate check-in suitcase. It weighs significantly more than our soft-sided luggage so when we went to France in May, we had to empty some items into my carry-on. We had to shift more items again on a domestic flight from Marseille to Paris because of lower allowance,” Rashmi said.

With a little planning ahead and some organization, you can take the stress out of packing. 

Want more tips to help you pack for your next trip? Check out: 

• 7 Packing Tips For A Long Trip When You’re Only Taking A Carry-On
• 13 Tips For Packing Like A Travel Pro
• The Ultimate Vacation Packing List

Allison spent almost 20 years of her career as a TV news anchor. She’s covered everything from political conventions to Super Bowl LV to hurricanes and, most recently, the pandemic. She is a two-time Emmy award-winning journalist. She's been recognized for her work nationally and regionally by organizations including the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.

How To Take Extra Luggage In a Flight ?

So how to take extra luggage in flight? and how to carry more luggage in flight?

The major Airline companies are making millions of dollars in baggage charges every year, and you don’t want to be the one that is filling their pockets if they do not add any extra value to your flight.

And if you are looking for some ways on how to take extra luggage in your flight, and how to get away with extra baggage without paying these gigantic fees.

You may have so many questions in mind, like How can I avoid paying for extra luggage?Can we take extra luggage in flight? How to carry extra luggage on an international flight ? And is it mandatory to pay excess baggage fees if your suitcase is a bit above the airline baggage allowance?

and why are so many passengers paying extra money when they can easily avoid these baggage charges with less effort.

Today you will get your answers and will provide you with some professional and advanced tips and tricks on how to carry extra luggage in flights; and avoid extra baggage fees.

Here are some handy tricks and tips to help you save on excess fees. Some tricks to carry excess baggage whether for international or domestic flights that airlines won’t reveal for you.

If you want a bag that are perfect size for all major airlines that will take a lot, we recommend this Top Rated and bestselling checked in suitcases on Amazon for just affordable prices.

we may receive a small commision (with no additional cost to you) if you purchase an item from the links in this page, we really appreciate it!

1.Research Your Airline Baggage Allowance

Most of the airlines are clear about their baggage allowance; and these policies can vary from airline to airline.

Some Guests tend to just grab their tickets without scanning the airline luggage policy.However, Knowing Your Airline’s baggage Policy; it may seem complicated at first, but if you are a frequent traveler that will help you always plan accordingly.

So always make a prior research.

Related : What if my checked bag is too heavy ?

2.Wear Heavy Clothes

You may read about this trick hundreds of times. It is a way to get away with extra baggage, especially clothes , but it still works,” POP UP TO THE BATHROOM AND WEAR AS MANY LAYERS AS POSSIBLE”.

put all your stuff in your backpack and in the checking; if they require you to pay any excess baggage fees, head to the nearest bathroom and wear any heavy clothes.

when on board you can place them again on your backpack. However no one can say anything about the fact that you just wore your extra clothes on you instead of having them on your backpack.

That way they can’t charge you if you take extra luggage on your flight as your bag complies with the airline luggage policy.

This is a trick to carry your heavy jacket or coat; but it won’t work for everything.

3.Ship Your Bags

One of the best ways to avoid the hassle of hefty bags is to ship them.

Using a luggage shipping service makes your trip luggage free while still having as much luggage at your arrivals.

When you send your baggage, you can avoid any excess baggage fees and also avoid the long queues at the airport.

There are many luggage delivery services that allow you to send luggage internationally, offering affordable prices and peace of mind with online tracking.

4.Pack Light With Cool Products

If you want to take extra luggage on your flight and try to fit all your stuff on your suitcase, you may need the help of some of these products like space saver bags or Vacuum bags. They help to carry more within your suitcase.

You can also wear the pocket-laden garments which are cleverly designed with hidden compartments that store more than you’d think.

Foldable travel essentials are also great; they take up minimal suitcase space whenever you can; the Vapur Anti-Bottle and the inflatable Travelrest Pillow are best examples.

5.Weigh Your Suitcase

Having a portable luggage scale so you can weigh your baggage before heading to the airport and get shocked with the oversized baggage charges is a clever trick.

If you find that your luggage exceeds the airline baggage policy you can apply one of the tips you have already read on How to take extra luggage on flights.

Overweight baggage fees can be far costlier than base charges for checked luggage. For example, American and United charge a fee of $100 for each checked bag weighing 50 – 70 pounds on domestic flights, or $200 for bags weighing more than 70 pounds.

Related: 10 Best digital luggage scales– With Reviews

6.Join a Frequent Flyer Program

Almost all the Airline companies have generous loyalty programs for their guests who travel frequently with them.

You can join your favorite airline’s frequent flier program, and save on your baggage. They make serious discounts for preferred members.

This will permit you to take some extra luggage and other plethora of advantages.

Now Head to your airline website and see what they offer as a frequent flier.

Most airlines, including the big ones— for example American, have an AAdvantage program and As a member of the AAdvantage program, you’ll earn miles when you fly on American, oneworld and other participating airlines, as well as over 1,000 partners. Then, you can use your miles for:

• Flights to nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide
• Vacations, car rentals and hotels
• Other retail products

That will redeem any baggage fees you pay.

Related : What if my carry on is one inch too big?

7.Use a Backpack Instead Of a Suitcase As Carry-on

One of the tricks to carry excess baggage is backpacks. Suitcases are seen as for travelers who want to carry more and they are a way to get away with some extra items; they are also light ( just an assumption that you can use for your own).

However, a backpack and a suitcase can pack the same amount of baggage sometimes.

But picking the right backpack is the key, and finding the right backpack has to be the first step. Capacity is key: you have to be able to fit everything you need in it. Look for a backpack that’s as big as you need while still fitting the size requirements for your airline carry-on.

For a week-long trip, a 35L backpack usually gets the job done. For two weeks of travel, you’ll want a slightly larger option, like a 45L bag.

8.Check In Early Online

Early check-in gets you to the security checkpoint faster. and Airlines are more lenient with Guests who check in early with their luggage carrying some “extra weight” than they are with the check-in counters’ in the airport.

9.Use Baggage Rewards

Website Like UpgradePoints provides some savvy ways to take extra luggage on flights.

For example These  Citi credit cards  provide a free checked bag on your domestic flights with American Airlines. Friends and family can even receive a free checked bag when on your itinerary.

Check out details for more credit card on UpgradePoints website.

10.Get Your Items In Your Destination

Instead of looking at how to take extra luggage on your flight or tricks to carry excess baggage, avoid the hassle and take out some items on your suitcase.

Usually There are some items on your suitcase that you can easily find at your destination with just affordable prices, and they can help you avoid overweight baggage charges , toiletries, underwear or heavy liquids are some of them.

It is better to buy toiletries and other heavy liquids at your destination. keep these items at your home, they are easy to find everywhere and accessible in local markets.

11. Pay For Excess Baggage

However, the ideal way to carry extra luggage is to pay for extra weight you add to your suitcase.

You can buy excess baggage on most airlines while booking your flight or when check in online or at the airport.

This will give more peace of mind rather than taking risk.

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways to get away with extra baggage and carry more luggage in your flight; however the best way to do it is to invest in a roomy suitcase, and pack wisely, or pay for checked-in baggage.

Most airlines have rules which you must adhere to, otherwise you’ll risk having to pay some extra charges.

However, some airlines’ budget airlines may be a bit lenient; especially with passengers who carry extra luggage in domestic flights.

If you’ve got a suitcase which is oversized however, then this could easily cause problems and so we recommend you browse these bags and find the one that fits perfectly with your airline.

All right !

We hope this Helps.

We’ll keep updating this guide on how to take extra luggage on planes and keep adding other savvy tricks so you can know how to avoid overweight baggage charges, and get the most of your flights.

How to pack for a trip? 10 tips from travel experts

11 August 2021

Good organization and efficient packaging for the trip can make it much easier for us. From short family visits, through exotic trips, to longer backpacking trips. Although these skills are needed not only for the summer holidays, we actually travel the most during this time. So how do you pack so that you feel good in what we took and our luggage suited our needs?

What determines the right luggage.

There are various methods of packaging that have their pros and cons. The most important thing is to adjust the luggage to your needs, to the place of departure, to what we plan to do during the journey. It should also be adapted to our style of travel. Packing for travel items that are on the list also requires their proper selection, can not be accidental. How to do it? We present the 10 most important principles in our opinion, the application of which will allow you to pack well. The luggage prepared according to them will facilitate every journey.

1. Choose the luggage type and size

Suitcase, bag or backpack - customize your luggage in terms of dimensions, weight (and whether you will carry it and for how long). Then - when you decide - choose the smallest possible size in which you can fit everything.

With large suitcases, we often take more than we need, because we want to stuff it - after all, there is still room... A smaller suitcase will make you wonder if you really need something. Remember not to force her.

If you're not sure how to choose the right size for your luggage you can read more in those free guides:

• How to choose and pack a suitcase
• How to choose and pack a backpack

2. Don't buy new things for the trip

Travel is not the best opportunity to test a new wardrobe. Do not buy clothes especially for travel. It may turn out to be uncomfortable, you will not like them, they will not be warm or airy enough. Shoes put on for the first time may wipe you off. It often turns out that you don't feel well and confident in new things.

3. Don't take things "just in case"

Pack what you need, not what you want to take or it may be useful.

First of all, give up things that you do not use every day, but you count on getting started on the go. If something was not needed, but it will be - you will buy it.

It is also worth knowing what to really buy after reaching the place.

Also remember that if you are not going on a really extreme trip, do not take specialized clothes that you do not like, you do not want to wear them and feel bad in them (and sometimes you still have to spend money on them). Sometimes militias or fleece can really replace a warm sweatsuit ...

4. Think in sets

This is what the list will not say, but it can indicate where to start. Thanks to it you can plan the number of individual items of clothing.

What should be done next is to match them together. The color, style and cut must be chosen so that they can be freely combined. This way you can easily choose the outfit for the day and you will have the impression that you have more clothes because you can create many combinations from them. This will be great not only when you put on casual, but also when you need outfits with varying degrees of formality.

There are different rules that will help you create sets:

3 tops to one bottom - choose 3 blouses, shirts, T-shirts for one pair of pants or shorts and 3 dresses or suits for one jacket or other outerwear

This is a good method, but depending on the trip requires personalization in terms of weather, number of days and most of all our plans. However, you can choose the basics that will always work.

5. Safety first

Always pack things so that they are not damaged - wrap delicate items in a scarf, socks or put them in your shoes. However, if you can avoid packing glass or fragile items - do it.

Something that may spill - pour into safer packaging, e.g. plastic and more airtight. Remember that packaging of shampoos or cleansing gels may, especially when pressure changes, open and spill out. Before closing, protect them from closing with a piece of foil and additionally store them wrapped in a foil bag.

You can use sachets to pack clothes. They will provide more protection if you want to make sure that nothing is destroyed.

Avoid cosmetics that can crumble and also dirty all your luggage. Protect eye shadows or powders with something soft inside, e.g. with cotton pads.

6. Think, get ready and plan

As we advise in previous points - think what is needed, what fits together and what will fit . Prepare all things and only then put them in a suitcase. Do not throw random things into it, which you will find in the wardrobe or they will fall into your hands and will seem useful.

Avoid stretching the packaging process over time. Then you forget what has already been packed, whether it will match the rest and whether you take the same several times.

In addition, if we do not pack things according to their weight and purpose, but accidentally - we will not avoid creases, and the luggage will be less organized, thus less comfortable and handy.

7. Be a minimalist

Don't take big packages. If you are going away for a long time - you will definitely buy cosmetics on site that you will use before. It is also worth using miniature versions of products, if we do not have such - pour into smaller packages. While translating the face cream into lens packaging already seems absurd, the mini packaging and bottles available in stores will work great.

You can also use samples of cosmetics at home (beware! Without too much experimenting, which will result in an allergic reaction). Minimalism in traveling is also to avoid things that you will use only once or to take too many of them, e.g. additions, because you do not know what day you will feel like wearing. Choose them wisely - take a few and only universal ones.

If you're not traveling alone - share the products you both use. If you're traveling with a partner, family member or just a loved one, the matter is simple. When you pack completely separately, e.g. with friends on a trip together - arrange who takes what.

Some trips are really better organized if we share things, and thus no one carries excess baggage. We are not saying to share everything ... but maybe 5 mini speakers will not be useful when travelling together?

9. Use travel gadgets

Choose things wisely. Take things that have several uses, such as:

• a cotton bag
• purse organizer, which can be a beautician
• a beautician replacing a small bag
• a huge scarf that will warm like a sweater
• a scarf to wear in many ways.

The Kindle will be a lot lighter than books, but if you don't have one, maybe it's worth making an appointment and exchanging readings with friends while traveling?

If you take a travel pillow, to avoid neck pain - choose inflatable or tourist - rolled up in a ball.

Think also about multi-functional cosmetics, such as palettes, with which you can do all face makeup or cream blushes with several uses. A good body cream will replace balm and hand cream.

10. Choose the right packing method

There are several ways to fold and pack clothes. They differ depending on whether we choose a backpack, a suitcase or a bag. We will discuss how to package each of them soon. There are many methods - rolling and rolling clothes, arranging subsequent elements flat, in layers, or packing them vertically next to each other. Choose the option that suits you best and learn more about each method in this article - we've added also a video tutorial to make it easier!

It is worth testing which clothes in our suitcase crumple and how they behave differently packed. These methods have advantages and disadvantages. However, there are general principles that should always be considered. It's such a universal way of packing:

• Put heavier things on the bottom . Let there be objects with strange and difficult shapes, such as shoes.
• Fill the free spaces between objects with soft elements , such as scarves or socks.
• Then put in cosmetics and towels.
• Let the next layer be folded or rolled up items resistant to creases
• On top, lay flat delicate items that you don't want them to crumble.
• Wrap delicate items such as sunglasses without a cover with something soft, e.g. a handkerchief.

In our opinion, the above principles are crucial to make luggage useful and make travelling easier, instead of burdening us with no sense. Let's remember that each of us knows our needs best and only we can assess what we need during the trip. Let's not blindly follow how someone sees packing for travel, but let's also do it responsibly and with a headache.

Read before going on your next trip

• Lower the costs of your trip - we’ve prepared 16 ways to prevent you from spending too much money and allow you to enjoy your stay. See how to do this in this article
• Make sure you pack your luggage in the right order  - learn how to secure your luggage and save space. You can learn more under this link .

If you find the above tips useful share it with someone who might need a little help with packing.

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Only a carry-on for extended trips: 4 tips to pack like a pro | Cruising Altitude

• If you’re traveling for a long time, don’t be afraid to do laundry while you’re away.
• Shoes are probably the bulkiest items you’ll pack, and if you can manage to bring one or two versatile pairs, you can save a lot of space in your suitcase.
• When you’re packing you should ask yourself: how many times in your regular life do you do multiple outfit changes per day?

One of the best marks of a frequent traveler is being able to pack quickly and efficiently. It’s likely part of the reason that people who fly a lot are so eager to get on the plane as soon as possible because the faster you board, the more likely you are to secure convenient overhead bin space and not be forced to check your carry-on bag. Most frequent flyers, myself included, avoid checking a bag whenever possible.

It may seem daunting to take a 10-day trip with just a small rollaboard, but I promise it’s possible. I talked to Wilson Santiago Burgos , founder of Mochileando.com and regular contributor here at USA TODAY, who is currently on a three-month trip with only a backpack. 

We compared notes on how we economize our packing, and while we don’t use all the same strategies, between the two of us we hope these four tips can help you in your own travels.

1. Lose the shoes

This is my biggest advice to almost everyone who’s trying to reduce their luggage. Shoes are probably the bulkiest items you’ll pack, and if you can manage to bring one or two versatile pairs, you can save a lot of space in your suitcase.

On his current trip to Central Asia, Santiago told me he only brought sneakers and a nicer pair of shoes for dinner and city activities. For warmer weather, you might only need flip-flops and dinner shoes.

“One technique I use always to save space in my luggage is I always wear the biggest shoes I bring when I fly,” Santiago told me.

And that’s something I do as well. Of course, I’m not wearing my snowboarding boots on the plane for a trip to the mountains, but I’ll wear regular snow boots while I travel and pack a pair of sneakers if need be for that kind of trip. 

2. Don’t be afraid to do laundry

I’ll confess I don’t usually travel long enough for this to be an issue, But Santiago told me he often travels for months at a time with only a backpack, and the key to that technique is not being afraid to do laundry while you’re away.

“When I’m traveling too long I have clothes for 7-10 days so I wash my clothes at the hotels,” he said.  

“Last week I washed my clothes in Uzbekistan and it was $14, it was so cheap,” Santiago added. “If you do the math, it’s probably cheaper to wash clothes than to pay for a checked bag every time you have to take a flight in a trip of three months.”

Last week's Cruising Altitude: Why airport bathrooms are gaining attention

3. Make a list

This was a big point of difference for us. I pretty much never make a paper list for packing. I have my own routine and usually know what I need to bring. I often just pack a few hours before I leave, especially if I have an evening flight, and count out the items I’ll bring by day.

Santiago, on the other hand, told me he makes a list every time.

“The list for me is very important: you save space, but you won’t forget anything important like medicines, technology, passport,” he said.

In his defense, he may be right. On a recent trip, I forgot to pack toothpaste for the first time in my life. Maybe it’s time for me to start getting more organized, too. 

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4. Do a post-mortem

You don’t have to feel like a failure if you don’t manage to pack light on your next trip, but if that happens and you want to travel lighter on the one after that, you can do some reflection when you get home.

“Ask yourself one question: In the last trip that you did, did you use all the things that you have in your bags? If the answer is no, you know you have space to improve your packing,” Santiago said. “My experience is 70%-80% of the people, they will tell you they didn’t use all of the things they packed on the last trip.” 

Now listen, I’m not a purist here. I think it’s a good idea to bring a few extras: maybe you’ll need a change of underwear or you’ll spill something on your shirt and want to swap it out. But honestly, when you’re packing you should ask yourself: how many times in your regular life do you do multiple outfit changes per day? You can avoid overpacking by bringing only what you’d use on a normal day, so long as you don’t need any specialized gear.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

How to Fly with Skis | Everything You Need to Know Before Your Ski Trip

Packing for a ski trip can be an intimidating experience. You’ll find yourself packing a lot of bulky items that will take up a bunch of space in your luggage. But, how do you travel with your skis and ski boots? Those items are just as important as everything else. If you’re driving to the mountain, a ski bag and boot bag aren’t as important, but when it comes to flying with skis, you’ll want to make sure you’re packing accordingly.

This ski gear packing guide details how to fly with skis and ski boots – one of the most perplexing questions you might have before a ski trip.

There’s no hiding how big skis and ski boots are, and how awkward they are to pack. Your skis are big and your boots are stiff. Naturally, flying with skis or ski equipment can be a little tricky. The good news is that there are many great ways to pack these items and the airlines are making it easier for you to check them.

Our personal experience flying with skis

We live in Oklahoma City , and if you’ve ever visited the Sooner State, you’ll realize there are 2 major components needed to ski that Oklahoma lacks – mountains and snow. 

As a family who skis multiple times a year and even taught our daughter to ski as a toddler , we have to fly to places like Big Sky, Montana ; Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming or one of the many ski resorts in Colorado if we want to hit the slopes. 

Over the years, we have learned a few things about how to fly with skis and other skiing equipment.

For those entering a new level of commitment with this winter sport and are a little anxious about how to fly with skis, we’re making the process easy for you by laying out all the things you need to know before you take to the skies with your skis.   

ALSO READ: THE MOST COMMON SKI LINGO AND SKIING EXPRESSIONS YOU’LL HEAR ON THE SLOPES

How to Fly with Skis – A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve decided you love skiing enough to invest in your own gear rather than renting equipment, you no longer just have to worry about what to wear skiing , you’re now full on having to worry about how to fly with skis – at least if you don’t live within reasonable driving distance from a mountain town. 

Baggage you need to invest in if flying with skis

Before you can fly with skis, you’ll first need to invest in a proper bag to transport skis. There are several options to choose from. Keep in mind, if you snowboard that you will need a snowboard bag instead. While we may all be friends on the mountain, ski gear and snowboarding gear doesn’t mingle together well in transit. 

Let’s start with the less expensive ski and boot bags that you can buy.

Ski Sleeves

Ski sleeves are soft bags that can typically handle one pair of skis and poles. They usually come with a shoulder strap for easier carrying. These are typically the cheapest bags to transport your skis and are fine for packing your skis and poles. 

The benefits to using a ski sleeve when flying with skis is that they are lightweight and easy to check in. The cons are that they don’t have a ton of space for anything else. So, if you want to add something inside the bag, like a second pair of skis for your spouse or child, you won’t have much space.

Rolling Ski Bag

The more expensive ski bags are usually padded and slightly roomier for adding things like helmets, a burly ski jacket, or a second pair of skis. Some ski bags come with wheels, which make it much easier to navigate through the airport parking lot and ticketing. 

We strongly recommend a rolling ski bag , particularly if you are traveling with more than one pair of skis.

Tips and something to consider when investing in a ski bag: Soft ski bags allow you to stuff them with added clothing. Hard ski bags and hard ski tubes aren’t as flexible, so you can’t add many extra things in there.

Boot bags are pretty simple and are designed to pack your ski boots separately when flying. Most boot bags are made for carrying a pair of boots and you can pack a helmet in some of them, if there’s room. Newer boot bags are now coming with a dedicated helmet area for you to put your ski helmet in when traveling.

Our boot bag can actually hold two pairs of ski boots (1 pair of men’s and 1 pair of women’s), and we pack our helmets in the pockets in the ski bag.

A few things to consider when buying a boot bag: What is your comfort level? Some boot bags have wheels and can be pulled, some are carried like a backpack and some are carried with handles.

Also, ski boots will usually have snow on them when you take them off. Look for a ski boot bag that has extra waterproofing or even vents to allow water to drain out of the bag. You don’t want your boots sitting in water for too long.

Checking in when flying with skis and ski gear

Because skis are considered specialty items, you’ll have to check in at the airline counter and have an associate help you check them. You can check in on the app or at the self check-in kiosk, but you’ll need to know how to check specialty items.

A ski bag and a boot bag, although two separate pieces of luggage, count as one bag as long as the combined weight is under 50 pounds. 

Also, it’s usually OK to add an item or two in your bags, like a helmet, but do not add too many things in there. Some airlines will make you pay extra if you add too many items in your ski and boot bags, as technically the bag is for equipment, not clothing. 

Different Airlines’ Policies

All major airlines will allow you to treat your ski and boot bag as one bag, even though they are technically 2 separate items. But, the two bags together can not weigh more than 50 lbs or else you will be charged extra checked baggage fees. 

So, if you are flying with two pairs of skis in your ski bag and two pairs of boots in your boot bag, you will likely be over the 50 pound combined weight limit and they will count these items as two bags instead of one checked bag.

Keep in mind, if you are flying with skis and departing from an airport in a city where skiing is not as commonplace (I’m looking at you OKC), the ticketing agents may not know the policy allowing your ski bag and boot bag to count as one item.

For this reason, I am linking to each major US airline carrier’s policy so you can refer to it, if needed, and avoid paying for an extra checked bag.

Traveling with Skis: American Airlines

You can find American Airlines’ policy on flying with skis and sports equipment HERE .

 It states: Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) and standard overweight fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. If the combined weight of all items (skis / snowboard and equipment bag) exceeds 50 lbs / 23 kgs, they will be charged as two separate items.

If the equipment bag alone exceeds 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 62 in / 158 cm, it will be charged as a separate checked bag and standard overweight and oversize fees will apply.

Traveling with Skis: Delta

You can find Delta’s policy on flying with skis HERE .

 It states: One item of Ski or Snowboard Equipment per person is defined as:

• One ski/pole bag
• One snowboard bag
• One boot bag is accepted per person

The combined weight of both items (ski/snowboard bag and the boot bag) may not exceed the standard baggage allowance specific to the cabin or excess weight charges will apply.

• Standard baggage allowance and fees based on cabin and travel region apply
• If the combined weight of ski/snowboard bags and boot bag weighs over 50 lbs, the applicable excess weight fee will be charged
• If the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm), the item will not be accepted
• Items in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees

Traveling with Skis: United

You can find United’s policy on flying with skis HERE .

It states: You can bring one set of ski or snowboard equipment as a checked bag. The set must be in one bag and can include:

• One set of water skis
• Up to two snowboards and one snow boot bag
• Up to two pairs of snow skis and associated equipment, and one ski boot bag

If you only bring a boot bag, it’s still considered a bag of ski or snowboard equipment. Boot bags containing anything other than ski boots or equipment are subject to standard bag and weight limits. Ski equipment checked in addition to the bag allowance will be charged as an extra bag.

Traveling with Skis: Southwest

You can find Southwest’s policy on flying with skis HERE .

It states: Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles are allowed, including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots packed in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier.

When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, we allow up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. Snow ski equipment packed in a plastic bag will be transported only with a limited release of liability.

Traveling internationally with skis

We have flown from the United States to Canada (to ski the Big 3 in Ba n ff ) with our skis, however, we have not yet flown to another continent with our ski equipment. 

If your flight is on a foreign carrier, say to ski in Niseko, Japan or Zermatt, Switzerland , you will want to double check the airline’s policy regarding ski equipment. We flew a US airline to Canada, so the process of flying with skis was no different than it was to fly domestic.

Shipping your skis

There are a few companies that will allow you to ship your skis and boots ahead of your trip for a fee, so that you do not have to travel with them to the airport. Look at them as a ski delivery service (Ski Butlers). You will pay more for this service, but you’ll have much less to take to the airport, which is nice.

Ship Skis is probably the most notable of these companies.

Not sure where to go for your next ski trip? Check out some of our favorite ski resorts (that are super family friendly):

• Big Sky, Montana
• Aspen-Snowmass
• Steamboat Springs
• Jackson Hole

Do you have any other questions about how to fly with skis? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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