Tips to traveling light
"Why should you travel with just just carry-on's?"
Minimal baggage equals less mess, less headaches and more fun. It frees up space to focus on experiencing new cultures. food and adventures. Plus, the freedom of only carrying the bare essentials means I don't have to worry about lost luggage, overpacking, or just keeping track of things and instead, I can fully embrace the journey. Sure, there are some challenges to traveling light, but the pros far outweigh the cons. It's all part of the thrill of discovering the world with as little as possible.
What is "Minimalism?"
According to the Minimalists, they define it as such: "Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom."
As nomads, we thrive on the thrill of the unknown. But sometimes, the weight of our possessions can hold us back. In a world of excess, it's easy to accumulate more than we need, and that can keep us tethered to the familiar. But what if we let go of all that stuff? Imagine the freedom of traveling light, unburdened by material possessions. Sure, we rely on tools and homes for our survival, but sometimes, less really is more. When we shed the things that hold us down, we can make choices we never thought possible. Luck favors the prepared, so I've put a short list of some key takeaways I've learned in my travels.
Packing is an art form. Here are a few things to consider when preparing for your next trip:
- Bag Space
It's crucial to know how much space you have in your bags. This will determine how you pack and how organized you can stay while on the move. Utilizing straps is a great way to make the most of limited space. A rule of thumb is to always get rid of extra cases, cardboard, or wrapping to open up dead space. - Weight
This is a crucial factor to consider when packing. It can affect your comfort while traveling and might even result in extra fees for heavy bags at the airport. When packing, always put the heaviest items at the bottom to distribute the weight on your back instead of your shoulders. - Bag Size
This is all about personal preference, as it mainly affects your comfort. Getting on small buses with a large bag can be a hassle, and sometimes, depending on the airline's rules, your bag might only count as a check-in if it doesn't meet the size requirement for carry-on. Keep in mind that equipment/bag security might charge extra for taller bags. Plan accordingly to fit your budget. - Expendable Items
These are items like soaps, sunblock, and drinks/food. I always try to buy small versions of these things to avoid hassles with airport security. Keep in mind that different security guards might have different rules. If you really want to bring some liquid, consider buying marked 3 oz bottles. - Key Items
It can be tough to find decent WiFi sometimes, so an antenna booster is helpful, especially for digital nomads. Shoes are also important because of the weight. I usually wear casual shoes since I spend most of my time in cities, so I don't usually need hiking shoes. The jury is still out on this one but for me, packing cubes are a godsend. Add a few of these to your kit and compact your clothes down, creating way more space. Lastly, invest in a microfiber towel. These come in handy as some stays sometimes don't have towels on hand. It has saved me from embaressment. Just don't forget to let it dry before you store it.
In general, electronics tend to be the heaviest items, typically followed by clothing items, so I'm always looking for ways to upgrade my stuff at a lower weight cost. This often means splurging on more expensive products. If you can afford it, investing in lighter gear will make your life easier on the road.
One more thing: when I'm traveling at full capacity, I break down my bags into three kits. All can be carried on my person... However sometimes I wish I had bought something with wheels.
The Porter: This is the "work horse" bag. I'll use this to store my large item stuff for moving inbetween places. Everything can be essentulily stored in this bag. I would urge you to use those straps however you can. They're amazing. Not quite as tall as a hiking bag, but just as useful.
The Sling: I like to key my key items close to my person at all times. Lot harder to steal if I always have it on me. Its small enough to not be noticed, and large enough to store a drone and a small camera. It's not a purse. It's a backpack/satchel hybrd. They exist.
The Daytime: Overall the most useful bag on me. Since I work remotly, I need something to carry my work items while on the move. The Porter is to big to casually roll around town with, and pretty noticable if I walk into the wrong area. With this bag, I blend in (sorta) alright, and it even doubles up as a nice hiking bag.
When I'm fully equipped, I usually carry around 35 pounds. My main bag weighs consistantly about 22 pounds, which isn't too heavy, but when you're on your feet all day, it can be tiring. Comfort is key when you're traveling, as it's easy to burn out on the road if you don't have a place to rest. Make sure to pack wisely and prioritize comfort to keep your energy levels up for the journey ahead.
Embracing a resourceful lifestyle can open up a whole new world of possibilities. When you're not tied down to one spot, you can take advantage of opportunities that might otherwise pass you by. The ability to pack up and hit the road in less than 30 minutes has given me the freedom to explore new destinations without much hassle. It's a lifestyle that teaches you to appreciate the things and people in your life. Give it a try and see where the journey takes you :]