Photo by Caroline Selfors on Unsplash
Every year, thousands and thousands of “nomads” backpack around all parts of the planet. And all of their essentials are contained in that one pack. That includes clothing. So, do they just stay dirty and grungy the whole time? You might be surprised to know that they do not.
Every year, millions of people get on airplanes to travel to faraway places for two or more weeks. And they pay baggage fees because everything will not fit in a carry-on. Not to mention the hassle of waiting at terminals to identify and retrieve that luggage and drag it to ground transportation (or pay someone to do so). Do other people actually take a lengthy vacation with only a carry-on? Yes, they do. Can you possibly do the same? Yes, you can.
Read on for the tips and strategies that will make you a carry-on traveler for the rest of your life.
Let’s Talk Carry-On Bags
When most people think of carry-on bags, they think of small suitcases on wheels with a handle that will meet airline regulations for size and fit in the overhead bin.
It’s time to re-think carry-ons because the options have changed so much.
There are now soft carry-ons that weigh as little as 1.7 lbs. Some of these are actually backpacks that come in all sizes and are carried on your shoulders.
Another option is a small duffel bag – they come in all sizes too. The thing about duffels and backpacks is that they are rarely weighed by TSA because they are cloth-based, carried on a shoulder, and are just not scrutinized the way traditional bags are.
Just in Case, Weigh Your Bag
22 pounds is a standard weight limitation for carry-ons on most airlines. You should weigh your packed bag at home. Again, if you buy one of the lighter bags on the market now, you’ll be able to pack more.
Make a Packing List
So, you are going to be a minimalist here. Make a list of everything you will be taking a few weeks in advance. Then, you will have time to add, delete, and otherwise modify that list as you think things through.
If you are not sure what to pack, there are plenty of online resources to help you. Or you can find someone for personal advice. Suppose you are lesbian, for example, and want to know what is best to pack to fit in with your community in Malta. You can find a lesbian who lives in Malta, or who has at least been there, in any of a number of chat rooms or an online dating site.
Tips for Packing Clothes
Pack clothing that is as lightweight as possible. That way, you can get more clothing in your bag. If you are traveling to a destination that will be cold, layer the heavier clothing on yourself. You may look a little silly or hefty, but the airline isn’t going to weigh you.
For example, you can layer thermal underwear, jeans, and then a baggy pair of sweats. And above the waist, layer a couple of long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, a sweater, a sweatshirt, and then a jacket. The hat and gloves go in the pockets.
In addition to your carry-on, airlines will allow one other personal item that can fit under the seat in front of you. Make that as large as possible. You can roll up shirts and put all your toiletries in it. (Remember, all toiletries must be 4 ounces or less). And here’s another tip. Once you are at your destination, you can buy such things as deodorant and toothpaste, etc. Every little bit helps.
Selecting Clothing to Pack
Ditch the thought that you have to have a large wardrobe for your trip. You are the only one who will notice that you are wearing clothes you’ve already worn a day or two ago.
But here’s a good tip – take more tops than bottoms. Different tops with the same pants will look like an entirely different outfit.
A newsflash here: You can do laundry virtually anywhere unless you are in a tent on a mountainside. Even hostels have laundry facilities these days. High-end hotels, at the other extreme, have laundry services.
The Numbers Game
Claudia Tavani, world traveler and blogger, has a 6-5-4-3-2-1 rule.
- 6 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of socks
- 4 tops or shirts
- 3 pair of pants or shorts
- 2 pairs of shoes (plus the ones you wear on the plane)
- 1 hat
Actually, you could wear the hat on the plane. And if you need a pair of heavy shoes, she says, wear those on the plane too. That way, the two pairs you pack will be light.
There will be other miscellaneous items on your packing list depending on your destination (swimsuit, for example).
You’re Ready to Roll
You’re now an expert on traveling light. So, go forth and see the world with a lot less weight!
