In this age of airline fare wars, globalization, and the Euro, traveling across multiple borders is increasingly common. Combined with the horror stories of lost luggage that never made it to the baggage claim, the option of traveling with just one bag is becoming more and more attractive. Unless your trip is highly specialized or requires carrying certain items, it is possible to travel and even live indefinitely out of one bag. Here's how.
Steps
- Carefully consider each item and how important it is, or how frequently you will use it. Can it be rented, borrowed or bought at your destination?
- Get a bag with shoulder or back straps and plenty of pockets. The bag need not be huge, since you will not carry much. Consider whether it will fit onto the plane's overhead storage, under a seat or on a train or subway.
- Gather the following:
- Three changes of clothing (at most)
- Laundry detergent for washing by hand (powdered is much easier to handle than liquid, and allowed on airplanes.)
-
A universal sink stopper and portable clothesline.
A universal sink stopper (available at any hardware store). A rubber ball is a good alternative.
- A portable clothesline (available at any camping or travel goods store).
- Toiletries
- Empty water bottle.
-
The bundle method of packing.
Pack using the "bundle" method: wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. Stuff underwear and socks into shoes to save space and to prevent crushing shoes. The bundle method saves the most space and also prevents wrinkling.
- Buy toiletries in miniature or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into smaller travel bottles. Save hotel/airplane toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
- Put toiletries that could leak (shampoo, gel, etc.) in plastic bags to avoid the hassle of having your clothes covered in liquid soap. Bags are also useful if clothing doesn't completely dry overnight.
- For quicker trips through airport security, try to use solids rather than liquids. Shampoo is available in solid soap-block form. Better yet, purchase toiletries at your destination to avoid security issues. They may even be cheaper, depending on the currency.
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Portable electronics often run on batteries, and shaving, of course, can be done by hand.
- Mail home or give away items not necessary for traveling, such as finished books or souvenirs. Trading books is a great free way to keep one's travel library fresh. Also check out www.bookcrossing.com - here you can leave books for others to pick up and find books wherever you might be in the world that others have left behind. Bookcrossers leave notes about the books, so you can read where the book has been.
Tips
- Even if you are checking one main bag, be sure to take one change of clothing and all your important items (documents, prescriptions, etc.) with you in a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
-
You have options for your laundry.
Most youth hostels have laundry rooms and most hotels have laundry services, if you prefer not to wash all your clothing by hand.
- When travelling in a group, share common items (shampoo, detergent, books etc.)
- If you must carry more clothing, try to pack things that are disposable or cheap to replace. This can apply to underwear, T-shirts, jeans, etc.
- Bring one set of basics for each day of travel: underwear, socks, etc. If the trip is more than 5-7 days, then plan on washing clothes. Remember that you can wear outer layers more than once between washing them.
- Plan to dress in layers, especially if you anticipate changes in the weather. For example, you could wear a sweater with a shirt underneath.
- If the trip is longer than a few days, you may consider doing what certain travel writers do: take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination (if possible). Buy insurance to cover any damage your stuff may incur when it is shipped.
- If you are bringing a purse, try to fit it in your larger bag. That way, you'll have fewer pieces to lug around.
- Wear clothing with pockets whenever possible so that your essentials (ID, passport, credit card, money, hotel key) are on your person at all times. An alternative is a money belt, especially if pickpockets are a concern.
- Take photographs of your travel documents, credit cards and keep them securely on-line. You can retrieve them from an Internet cafe or hotel business center. That way, if anything gets stolen you will have the information when reporting it.
- Keep money in several different places (your pants pocket, your jacket, two different places in your purse and/or main bag), so you won't lose everything in the event of a robbery.
- Consider fast-wicking (drying) expedition clothing. These clothes are designed for frequent washing, high durability, and are rated by "zones" for specific climates.
- An empty compactable duffel bag can be attached to your main bag and can be used if you find yourself in need of more than one bag. Alternatively, purchase an inexpensive bag at your destination.
- To prevent shampoo bottles from leaking, take a good size piece of plastic (like a piece of trash bag or sandwich bag) unscrew the lid off of the shampoo, cover the hole and then screw the lid back on. Make sure the plastic is sticking out around all sides of the lid.
- With clothes that you aren't concerned about wrinkling (T-shirts, jeans, underwear, etc.), you can minimize the space in the bag by rolling them up rather than folding them.
- Using a PDA to read books will save space and weight even when taking the charger into account—and you can download new books at any internet cafe (or WiFi hotspot with the right hardware). Be sure to pick one with good battery life and screen.
- If you are going for a longer trip or holiday, bring the clothes that you were about to donate instead and replace them with a local wardrobe once you have arrived at your destination. Not only will you travel much lighter, you'll end up looking less like a tourist.
- Consider mailing some items ahead. Pick lightweight, bulky items to mail.
- Pick neutral colors so your outfits are easier to match.
- Wear hand-washable travel underwear such as Ex-Officio Boxer-Briefs (not a shameless plug, they're just the best), which are extremely breathable, keep you comfortable, and air-dry within hours.
Warnings
- Buy locks for zippers on your bag. Tourist attractions and public places often attract pickpockets. However, remember that a locked-up zipper can cause problems at airport security (unless you have a TSA-approved lock) and potentially attract the attention of thieves. Consider this option wisely: A 'locked' bag may dissuade opportunistic theft, but if someone is determined to get into your bag, they will just cut it open with a knife (e.g., backpacks). You will then have the additional problem of having to replace your bag in a foreign country.
- Avoid fanny packs. Not only are they unfashionable, they draw unnecessary attention and make you look like a tourist (read: prime mugging target).
- As an alternative to locks, consider using small cable ties. Although not a complete deterrent, a helpful tool to add an element of protection while letting customs/security cut through if need be without destroying a nice lock.
- Try to avoid putting valuables in any checked bag—that's the best theft deterrent! Bring valuables onto the plane in your carry-on bag.
- Always make sure your carry-on bags have ID tags on them in case you leave one in the airport or on a plane.
- Check the TSA website for restricted items before packing.
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Sources and Citations