Ever enjoyed the liberation of travelling with just a single backpack? Well, it once sounded absurd to me to achieve that, because how on earth do you fit everything you need into one backpack? The good news is, I completely enjoy the one-backpack philosophy, preaching the gospel of minimalist travel to anyone who cares to listen.
My love for one-backpack travel was ignited by a blog post titled “How to Pack Lightly + What I Packed for 8 Days in Italy” from Abundant Life with Less. It was a life-changing post that changed my view on travel and I decided to embrace that travel approach for a family trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina. My husband, an already minimal packer and the designated luggage lifter, was all for it.
We each had a backpack—kids with their LL Bean, me with a Swiss Gear Laptop Backpack, and my husband with his 511 backpack. The only purchases made specifically for this trip were Eagle Creek Compression packing cubes and a clear toiletry bag for my liquids. However, the packing cubes, in particular, were a game changer, which allowed us to maximize space and keep things organized.
Having all our things in just one bag was an exercise in minimalism. For the trip, a seven-day adventure in South Carolina’s unpredictable February weather, I packed a pair of jeans, leggings, sleep shorts, tank tops, shirts, a black cardigan, a bathing suit, a cover-up dress, a lightweight down jacket, underwear, socks, and sandals. To save space, I wore my biggest items to board the plane.
I began to enjoy the benefits of travelling with just one backpack the moment we left our house; the ease of moving from point A to B without the burden of heavy luggage was a huge relief. Bus rides and airport navigations were smooth, with no luggage to check in or wait for. Security checks were much easier, thanks to our organized packing and adherence to TSA guidelines. I couldn’t help but smile as my daughter marveled at the fact that we were actually travelling with nothing but a backpack each.
From my experience, the most important benefit we discovered was that it saved us time. Packing and unpacking were effortless, and the journey was smoother and quicker without the hassle of managing multiple pieces of luggage.
The one-backpack travel experiment was an unqualified success, which profoundly impacted our family and taught us that it’s not only possible to travel light but also preferable. The freedom, ease, and clarity that come with carrying less have been liberating, and we are eager to continue exploring the world, one backpack at a time.
Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of one-bag travel now that you have learned about the prospect of jet-setting around the globe with nothing but a trusty backpack slung over your shoulder. First, you must ensure to choose the right bag. Look for a bag with functionality, comfort, and, most importantly, one that is in compliance with airline carry-on standards. Keep in mind that the aim is for freedom and ease.
Speaking of essentials, mastering the art of packing is your next mission.
Here, less is more. Ensure to begin with a checklist of absolute must-haves — identification, wallet, phone, chargers, and a change of clothes. More so, you can consider what you’ll need based on your destination and duration. The trick is to pack versatile items that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Think of a lightweight jacket that can double as a raincoat, or shoes stylish enough for a nice dinner but comfortable enough for a day of exploration.
Embrace the idea of doing laundry on the go.
Packing fewer items doesn’t entail having to wear the same outfit day in, day out. A quick wash in the hotel sink or a local laundromat can refresh your wardrobe in no time. Keep in mind the power of packing cubes and compression bags, for they can be lifesavers for maximizing space and keeping your backpack organized.
Toiletries can be tricky, but a little creativity helps.
For optimal adherence to TSA liquid restrictions, opt for solid options, like bar soap and shampoo to avoid spills. Alternatively, you can package your liquids into travel-sized containers.
Electronics are an indispensable part of our lives, but they can also be the heaviest and bulkiest items in your pack. Carefully consider what you truly need. Perhaps your smartphone can serve as your camera to prevent the need to carry a camera. E-readers are a great alternative to packing physical books and remember, many places will have Wi-Fi, which allows you to stream content instead of bringing a host of devices with you.
Don’t overlook the importance of staying organized.
Keep your important items, like your passport and money in easily accessible, but secure, spots. The last thing you want is to be that person holding up the security line because you can’t find your boarding pass.
Adopting the one-bag travel lifestyle is about embracing simplicity and flexibility. It’s about breaking free from the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘just-in-cases’ that have us lugging around heavy suitcases filled with things we don’t need. It encourages us to focus on the experience, and not the excess. So, ensure to give it a shot!
Related posts:
My Family’s Experiment with One Backpack Travel
How to Travel With Just One Bag, According to Reddit
One Bag Travel? Yes it’s Possible!
