JOURNEY unchecked™
Travel Lightly
The main idea behind traveling lightly is to gain freedom with less burden. What you pack—and how you pack it—matters. If you’re going to a convention of kitchen sinks, then by all means, bring yours along. Stairs and escalators, even elevators, are much easier when you bring less. Seven kilograms isn’t the goal. Freedom is. I’ve simply found that a 7 kg backpack gives me an extraordinary amount of it.
Airlines are charging more than ever for checked bags and sometimes even carry-on roller bags. I recently booked a 2-hour flight for US $105, but if I had more than my backpack, my extra socks would’ve cost $85 more. I could have also upgraded to a higher ticket category for $175 to get a “free” roller bag included.
So how can one possibly fit everything they need into a modest-sized backpack? The truth is that it’s not even complicated. The steps are straightforward and fairly simple. If you start your packing process with the intention of bringing only what you need, then you will already be most of the way there. Needs can change according to where you’re going, when you’re going there and what your planned activities are. Experience itself is indeed the best teacher, so don’t be afraid to start somewhere and learn what worked and what didn’t. Being open to learning about the experiences of others is also quite valuable.
Additionally there are useful products, whether they are new materials, technology, or items that can serve multiple purposes. My trips have ranged from a week in two cities / one country, to eight weeks across 10 countries spanning desert, mountain, and tropical climates. My packing only changed to accommodate climate, not based on trip length. Travel Lightly isn’t about reaching a particular weight. It’s about carrying less—at whatever level works for you. Beyond saving money, you’ll save time and move with a lightness that can open the door to experiences you might otherwise miss.
The Process
The process keeps changing because the traveler keeps learning. Pack for the journey in front of you—not for the number of days on the calendar.
Packing Stuff
Climate, Weather, Beach or Black-Tie
My baseline is five days of clothing. That’s it! The clothing should be easy to mix and match to give you a variety of combinations so you have different looks each day. This gives you a sufficient wardrobe base to then continue indefinitely.
These items should be easy to wash, and of course some fabrics can be worn longer between washes. Laundry options include a local or hotel service, and of course a sink or shower work perfectly well. Quick-drying clothes can also be helpful. Rolling stones gather no moss, and neither do your socks if you wash them in the sink…
And no, don’t bring your cat! Cats don’t launder very well. I know you miss him/her, but there are plenty of world-class opportunist felines to meet along the way.
The List
Everything from the Essentials to Cool Tools
If you enjoy bringing your rock collection along on the journey, can you at least leave some of the boulders at home? Do you want to carry different rocks each day? Rocks can be washed you know…
I strongly advise making a list of literally everything you are intending to bring. Doing so gives you a visual reference that serves two purposes. The first is so you won’t forget anything. That may surprise you when all I talk about is traveling lighter, but none of this works if you don’t have what you actually need. The second is to help you determine the difference between your true needs and the items you’ve always brought “just in case.”
From toiletries to technologies, these are all important, but can also be overdone. Use the link below to an example of my own packing list, then return here…
That was indeed an actual packing list I developed and used. Each journey I refine it as I learn new things or make adjustments for climate or trip activities. I’m also always on the lookout for new useful gadgets that can help travel smoother.
This list worked for me, but use it only as a guide as you customize to your own needs.
If you’re bringing three bags now, try bringing two next time. You can start anywhere, but the point is when you start thinking about what you really need, you will surprise yourself (and probably shock your friends). I can also promise you that once you’re accustomed to journeying lightly, you will never go back to the “bring the kitchen sink” days.
This Travel Lightly Department feature will continue to evolve with tips and tricks and cool stuff for traveling well, by carrying less.
Coming Next Issue
How to pack like a wombat going on a dream vacation. Fedora optional.