Is one bag travel for everyone?

The other day I was talking to a friend about the merits of traveling light. He’s one of those people who can’t imagine not taking a full sized suitcase even for a 2-3 day business trip. When I described what I take, his responses seemed to always start: “But what if I need this……”

Can anyone learn to be a one bag traveler? This is a questions I get asked on a regular basis. And my answer, as always is …….No. It just may not be possible for everyone. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Take the sportsman or the hobbyist who carries more equipment than “one bag” would hold yet this pursuit will bring them much joy. Nothing wrong with that.

Or the person who likes to dress for dinner every night to enjoy great food and wine. Again, nothing wrong but doubtful they could fit everything into one bag.

Or the business person required to carry lots of literature or extra equipment as part of their work. A requirement they should not take lightly for the sake of their job.

And, in fact, many of us sworn one-bag travelers will occasionally take larger bags depending on the circumstance.

Light travel is a mind set. It’s the decision to take only what is absolutely necessary for your trip. It is taking ONE carry-on sized bag and, if necessary, a small personal item to carry the myriad of technology we have all learned to rely on.

It is not “how much can I cram into one carry-on sized bag,” but “how can I pack efficiently and effectively for the trip I’m taking.” It’s eliminating the “what if” mentality; what if I need this, what if I need that. Chances are, anything you need, you can buy at your destination. Take only the bare minimum of supplies and buy as you go along. Don’t take a different outfit for every day. Be willing to either launder or have your clothes laundered along the way.

To those who have never tried one bag travel….why not give it a shot. If it’s not for you, then at least you tried. No one will put you down for it. All we ask is you don’t put us down for preferring to travel light.

(Frank II)

Comments

[MaxD]

If I am going by myself I usually go one bag. With my wife, usually lots more.

Lately I have been eschewing the carry-on only, and checking the bag. Less headache at security/waiting room, minimal time savings when there's a long walk from the plane door to baggage claim/airport exit. I don't travel with anything irreplaceable, and as often as possible I like to leave behind the lap top.

[Paula S]

I think my state of mind started changing before I actually began the carry-on only process. It had a lot to do with ageing and a chain of events including how my husband and I travel / tour.
We realised we could not travel the way we do with suitcases, been there done that, it caused aches, pain and grumpiness.
Now, every trip I hone the art of carry-on, every year I take less. My only "what if I need this" items this year were medical and I did end up needing them.

Since I talked my husband into carry on only, I have noticed a change in us when on holiday, we are far more relaxed and to use a well-worn metaphor, we stop and smell the roses.

I must admit though, travelling this lightly now is all down to what my clothes are made of......this wouldn't have been so easy 15-20 years ago when most of my clothes fabrics were thicker, heavier and more inclined to wrinkle. Fabrics have made remarkable progress in the last ten years.....thank goodness.

[chx]

Well, I like to carry around my (extremely comfy) pillow... that does not make going around with a single bag easy :)

[High Roller]

I find that most trips requiring me to bring a tuxedo will require a checked bag. In theory it would be possible to one bag with a tux, but in practice I find that a trip requiring a tux is usually a trip that has a difficult mix of formal and casual events.