Have you ever experienced the exhilarating freedom of traveling with just a single backpack? It used to seem impossible to me, as I wondered how I could possibly fit everything I needed into one bag, but now I wholeheartedly embrace the one-backpack philosophy, sharing my love for minimalist travel with anyone who will listen.
My passion for one-backpack travel ignited when I stumbled upon a transformative blog post called “How to Pack Lightly + What I Packed for 8 Days in Italy” from Abundant Life with Less, which reshaped my entire perspective on travel and motivated me to adopt this approach during a family trip to Folly Beach, South Carolina. My husband, who is already a minimalist packer and designated luggage lifter, thoroughly supported this decision.
For this trip, each of us carried a backpack—my kids with their LL Bean packs, me with a Swiss Gear Laptop Backpack, and my husband with a 511 backpack. The only items we bought specifically for the trip were Eagle Creek Compression packing cubes and a clear toiletry bag for my liquids, but these packing cubes were a true game changer, allowing us to maximize space and maintain organization throughout our journey.
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.
As we left our house, I immediately began to appreciate the perks of one-backpack travel; the ease of transitioning from one location to another without the hassle of heavy luggage felt like a breath of fresh air. Our bus rides and airport experiences were seamless, with no bags to check in or wait for, and security checks were a breeze thanks to our organized packing and adherence to TSA guidelines. I couldn’t help but feel joy as my daughter expressed amazement at our ability to travel with only 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.
Now that you’ve glimpsed the possibilities of exploring the world with just a reliable backpack, let’s explore the many benefits of one-bag travel. The first step is to select the right bag; look for one that offers functionality, comfort, and aligns with airline carry-on standards, keeping in mind that the goal is to achieve freedom and ease during your travels.
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 light doesn’t mean you’re stuck wearing the same outfit day after day; a quick wash in the hotel sink or a visit to a local laundromat can rejuvenate your wardrobe in a flash. Don’t forget the power of packing cubes and compression bags, as they can be lifesavers for optimizing space and keeping your backpack tidy.
Toiletries can be tricky, but a little creativity helps.
To better adhere to TSA liquid regulations, consider opting for solid alternatives, such as bar soap and shampoo, to avoid potential spills; alternatively, you can also transfer your liquids into travel-sized containers for convenience.
While electronics are essential in today’s world, they can also occupy significant space and weight in your pack. Be selective about what you truly need; for example, your smartphone can double as your camera, eliminating the need for an additional device. E-readers can replace physical books, and remember, many locations offer Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream content rather than lugging around multiple devices.
Don’t overlook the importance of staying organized.
Keep essential items, like your passport and money, in easily accessible but secure locations. The last thing you want is to be that person holding up the security line because you can’t quickly locate your boarding pass.
Embracing the one-bag travel lifestyle is all about celebrating simplicity and flexibility. It’s about letting go of the ‘what-ifs’ and ‘just-in-cases’ that lead us to drag heavy suitcases filled with unnecessary items. This approach encourages us to focus on enjoying the experience rather than the excess, so why not give it a try?
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!
