How to Travel 12 Countries with No Baggage Whatsoever 473 Comments
Starting tomorrow, travel writer Rolf Potts will embark on a trip that will take him around the world without using a single piece of luggage. This post will explain how he’s going to do it, and there’s a kick-ass giveaway at the end…
For six weeks he will explore 12 countries on five continents, crossing the equator four times, without carrying so much as a man-purse. The few items he does bring will be tucked away in his pockets. Though he’s a seasoned minimalist traveler (famous from his book Vagabonding), he usually travels with a single overhead-bin-perfect backpack, the Eagle Creek Thrive 65L. It’s been his go-to bag for the last 3-4 years.
So why attempt to travel the world with no luggage at all?
Rolf sees his journey as a real-time experiment in traveling ultra-light, and “a field-test for a more philosophical idea — that what we experience in life is more important than what we bring with us.”
While circumnavigating the globe with no luggage sounds like a clear enough proposition, it can raise a few semantic issues. What, for example, counts as a bag? Rolf has set up a set of ground rules to guide his own journey, including:
- No bags on the journey (not even a man-purse or grocery store bag, unless the latter is used en route to a meal).
- No borrowing items from his cameraman or using his cameraman as a pack mule.
- Borrowing or buying items along the way is permitted but excludes bags.
Since most people don’t travel with a film crew, Rolf’s advice for the average no-baggage traveler is a bit broader than the rules he’s set for himself. Here are 8 key tips from Rolf on how to plan and execute a no-luggage journey.
In Rolf’s words…
1) Manage the journey from your mobile phone.
A smartphone could well be the most important tool for a baggage-less traveler. It can store your boarding passes and other important documents, make phone calls from virtually anywhere in the world (with a swappable SIM card) and even act as a miniature blogging tool.
I recommend an iPhone with a foldable Bluetooth keyboard, which allows you to fit your mobile office inside a single jacket pocket. The iPhone can be loaded with a series of applications to replace everyday day items carried on a normal trip. The Kindle app lets you leave behind bulky books, and Genius Scan lets you use you iPhone’s camera as a makeshift scanner so you can quickly save receipts and email them to yourself on the fly. Wikihood utilizes the phone’s GPS to serve location-relevant Wikipedia articles, which is a unique and interesting alternative to a guidebook. Throw in your favorite currency converter, phrase book, and flight tracker, and you’ve got a single device in your pocket more powerful than its dead-weight paper counterparts.
Some recommedations:
TripTracker by PageOnce
Lonely Planet series of phrase books (multiple links depending on language)
_blank">Currency converter: “Currency”
2) Keep your footwear simple and practical.
With no bags, the only shoes you’re going to want to bring is whatever you’re wearing from day to day.
I’m traveling with a pair of Blundstone boots I bought in Australia in 2006. I’ve worn these boots all over the world the past four years, from Paris to Ethiopia to the Falkland Islands, and they’ve served me great. They work for hiking in remote environments, yet they’re easy to slip off and on at airport security.
Some travelers might prefer Chaco or Teva sandals (if nothing else to save packing socks) — and I won’t fault them for that — but my Blundstones look nice enough that they will get me into places where sandals might seem too informal. You are on your feet constantly when you travel, of course, so whichever footwear you choose to bring (be it sandals or boots or running shoes), make sure you aim for comfort, simplicity, and durability.
(Note from Tim: I opt for darker-colored Keen Newport Bison Leather Sandals. If you use black or dark socks, since they have closed toes, you can easily get into restaurants or even pass for business casual if you tuck the tightening strings in.)
3) Buy or borrow certain items as you go.
An old vagabonding adage goes, “Pack twice the money and half the gear.”
The same notion applies to no-luggage travel — even if you’re only packing a tenth of the gear. If a journey takes you to a beautiful beach region, odds are you can buy rubber flip-flop sandals there for a few dollars. If a given city is rainy, cheap umbrellas should be in plentiful supply — and if you get sick, the world is full of pharmacies (many of which are better-suited to cure local ailments that whatever medicine you might have packed).
Should you travel your way into cold weather, thrift stores are a good place to buy a warm jacket (which can be given way to a needy person or left in a hostel swap-box when you leave). You can also borrow things from other travelers along the way. You don’t want to be obnoxious about this, of course, but most travelers don’t mind sharing a spot of toothpaste or a couple of aspirin, and asking for these kinds of things can be a great way to strike up a conversation at the hostel or on the hiking trail.
4) Be disciplined and strategic with what you choose to bring along.
Packing light can be enough of a challenge when you have a small backpack, let alone when you have to keep all your gear in your pockets. This in mind, don’t bring anything you’re not going to use every day.
Nail clippers can be borrowed along the way; rain ponchos can be purchased on rainy days. I left my razor out of the equation (it was better to let my beard grow and then get a hard razor shave in Morocco), and before the trip I cut my hair so short I won’t ever need shampoo. Any big-box retailer should have bins of tiny deodorants and collapsible toothbrushes to keep your toiletries micro-sized. Camping stores will sell 3-ounce snap-top storage bottles that work well for toting concentrated laundry detergent or multipurpose liquid soap. Err on the side of minimalism; you can buy or borrow items along the way.
5) Wear travel gear with strategically located pockets.
If you travel without any bags, this means whatever gear you bring will have to fit in your pockets. My journey is co-sponsored by ScotteVest, an Idaho-based sportswear company that specializes in travel clothing with multiple pockets.
Most of my gear fits into the ScotteVest Tropical Jacket, which has 18 pockets of differing sizes. A majority of these pockets are accessed from the inside, which (a) is a nice deterrent against pickpockets, and (b) saves me the “dork factor” of looking like I’m traveling the world dressed like a confused trout fisherman. I can carry a majority of my gear in this jacket without looking ridiculous — plus the sleeves zip off, so I usually wear it as a vest. I’m also wearing a pair of Ultimate Cargo Pants from ScotteVest, though I’ve packed light enough that I rarely have to use the large cargo pockets. ScotteVest isn’t the only company that makes travel gear with utility pockets, of course; your local camping outfitter or travel-specialty store should provide you multiple gear options, and you can choose the clothing that best fits your needs.
6) Use a minimal rotation of clothing.
Essentially, you’ll want to travel with little more than the clothes on your back — but you will want to bring a few spare clothing items to keep things fresh and ensure you won’t get too stinky.
Given that I wear cargo pants, a travel vest, socks, underwear, and a short-sleeved t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt on a typical day of my trip, I keep one spare t-shirt, two extra pairs of socks, and two extra pairs of underwear in my pockets.
Each night I wash the day’s socks, underwear and t-shirt in the hotel/hostel sink, and these items are dry enough to pack by morning. I’ve been washing the cargo pants about once a week (and I have yet to wash the travel vest). Some people take short no-luggage trips with even fewer clothes, but my arrangement isn’t bulky and ensures that I always have a rotation of fresh socks, underwear and t-shirts.
(Note from Tim: Here what I pack for an uber-light trip, in this example less than 10 pounds total. ExOfficio underwear are a lifesaver.)
7) Utilize the postal system for souvenirs and extra gear
With airlines baggage fees quickly spiraling upward, many travelers these days are saving money and hassle by mailing certain items to one or more destinations along their itinerary.
If, say, you’re traveling from warm climates into cold climates, you can mail your warm clothing to the first cool destination (just make a pre-arrangement with the hotel you’ll be staying at in that location). On that same token, traveling without luggage doesn’t mean you have to forgo buying souvenirs — if just means you won’t be able to carry them. To solve this problem, just hit the local post office and mail that Balinese mask or Latvian amber or Syrian silk home.
This is actually a strategy that can be employed when you’re traveling with luggage: The souvenirs you find along the way might be nice, but there’s no sense in dragging them along with you. It’s worth the expense to ship them.
8) Remember: Travel is about the experience, not what you bring with you.
In the end, that remember that going without luggage and packing ultra-light need not be an extreme act. It isn’t a contest, or a rite of travel-superiority: It’s just a great way to eliminate distractions and concentrate on the experience of the journey itself.
Freed of baggage, there’s little to forget or lose on the road. You don’t have to stow anything, guard anything, or wait for anything (aside from the occasional train or bus): You can just throw yourself into the adventure and make the most of your travels.
###
Afterword: So how’s Rolf doing? How’s he actually holding up? Check out his progress here, in real-time on the RTW (Round-The-World) blog.
Question of the Day (QOD): What tricks for light travel have you learned along the way? Please share in the comments. The more detail, the better.
Prize of the Post: Leave an answer to the QOD by this Sunday at midnight PST (8/22), and one of the best comments (hard to objectively say one is “best”) will get a Sonos ZonePlayer 120 ($499 retail) and two Klipsch speakers ($389 retail)! Just download the Sonos app for iPhone/iPod Touch, and you’ve got a killer home stereo system that can play just about anything, including Pandora and Rhapsody.
The goodies will ship directly from me in an S5 box (as I now have a new S5 setup). Look forward to your tips!
Posted on August 20th, 2010
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473 Responses to “How to Travel 12 Countries with No Baggage Whatsoever”
August 20th, 2010
3:18 pm
Huge fan of Rolf Potts! This is great news.
August 20th, 2010
3:22 pm
Now that is impressive. I have done 5 countries will a 34 litre bag but now I feel less of a man. Well played Rolf, well played.
August 20th, 2010
3:25 pm
That’s a really cool concept, but is it really all that comfortable to have all your gear strapped around you and extra undies and socks popping out of your pockets?
I’m really interested to hear how this turns out…
Hopefully it’s a liberating experience that we can all learn from.
Thanks Tim and Rolf…
Chris Dunn
August 20th, 2010
3:25 pm
bring and wear clothes made with high-tech fabrics. usually have less mass (lighter), dry quick and easy to wash!
August 20th, 2010
3:27 pm
Have a most excellent adventure Rolf. You seeem to have it nailed – use the resources of your destination – most hotels have all the basic toiletries and they are small and if your clothes come in the teeny tiny dri-fit variety available so readily now it is easier to put socks in your pocket. How about a collapsible water bottle? It is hot near the equator!
August 20th, 2010
3:29 pm
Hey Tim and Rolf, great post!
Rolf, I just finished reading Vagabonding, as I’m considering doing something similar this Winter now that I’ve freed up my time and location. I’m looking forward to following your journey around the world on your blog, so congrats man.
Good luck, travel safe!
-Steve
August 20th, 2010
3:33 pm
One of the best tricks I’ve learned for light travel actually comes from my Search and Rescue training – test what you need, before you actually need it! I tend to pack what I think I need, and then go on a shorter trip somewhere. Items that I don’t use, don’t need, or that I can find better alternatives for get dumped, no question. Also, make sure everything you have is multipurpose (making it, therefore, a better alternative). For example, take a leatherman or something similar rather than a switchblade, cargo pants rather than jeans, a waterproof jacket w/ a hoodie rather than a jacket, poncho, and hat, or a pouch w/ room for documentation, phone, and money (one of the ones that tourists often wear around their necks) rather than carrying them all separate. Vests work wonders as well, but the more multipurpose things you carry, the less you will have to bring with you.
You may not always be the most fashionable, but you definitely are traveling much lighter. I’m using a similar technique for moving back to college after summer break, and it’s done wonders so far.
November 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
I’m an ultralight backpacker – hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail with less than 9lbs w/o food and water.
This is a habit I got into early on – whenever I got back from a trip, I would go back over my packing list and note the things I didn’t use. A lot of people carry stuff they NEVER use but by the time the next trip comes around, we forget.
I still think I would prefer an ultralight backpack to the vest (really, you’re just using wearable luggage) but it’s a cool idea. I’m sure the vest’s inside zip pockets would help in areas with pick-pockets.
Safe travels!
-Brad
August 20th, 2010
3:36 pm
QOD Response:
Before I start packing, I’ll close my eyes, and imagine running through my daily routine and what I’ll be doing that day from the time I wake up to the time I’ll go to sleep. And I make note of everything I need along the way. For example, “I wake up, brush my teeth (pack toothbrush and toiletries), put on my clothes(pack a pair of jeans,shirts), going swimming(pack swim shorts) .. etc. I run through the entire day as best as I can estimate. And what I dont imagine needing, I dont pack. Then I do a final ‘phone, wallet/ID, cash’ check. Because really with those 3 things, you can handle most any situation you encounter, whether you forgot to pack something you needed or forgot to make arrangements of some sort.
August 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
Instead of a cotton t-shirt, bring a dri-fit shirt. You can easily wash it in any shower or sink, and they dry so quickly you dont really need a spare.
I also normally wear short ankle socks, but if you wear bring knee high socks (only under pants for me) you can actually carry quite a lot of small light items, and more securely than in your pockets. Extra credit card, cash, passport, even stuff like a tooth brush or comb.
If I am going to be swimming I will wear biking shorts underneath my regular shorts or pants. You can drop your shorts, go for a swim, the bike shorts will dry off a lot quicker and you can put your clothes back on over them once they are dry and be comfortable all day. Traditional bathing suits are much too bulky for this.
If you have a nice camera, utilize it. I took high resolution pictures of all of the maps I would need, and my camera allowed me to zoom into the picture with incredible detail. You could even pop into an internet cafe to review them, instead of bringing a lot of maps. This is a simple trick to compact a lot of documentation.
August 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
When I travel I wear a pair of Mountain Hardware Hiking pants that have zip of legs. That way I have a pair of pants and shorts all in one.
August 20th, 2010
3:41 pm
I have to agree with the two statements:
1) Ex officio underwear has been a lifesaver. They make other things too! Socks, shirts, convertible pants…in general, their whole line is geared toward minimalist travel. It is durable, easy to care for, comfortable and prevents the “stinkies” when you are traveling!
2) iPhone with or without a keyboard…plus certain apps such as Kindle or iBooks app…the development and extension of smartphones (iPhone is the BEST!) has certainly been a game changer. I don’t think I have carried a laptop on a trip since the first iPhone was introduced. I will admit that lately, when I don’t have to be ABSOLUTELY minimalist, I am carrying an iPad….which is the same idea….light, thin, LONG BATTERY LIFE, and allows things like Kindle and iBooks and Zinio, magazines, newspapers, maps, weather, flight information, etc….(just like iPhone, but more capacity and longer battery life)…not quite pocket sized, but certainly easy to carry.
These are the two things that have changed my travel the MOST and reduced my load the MOST. I can’t say that i have travelled without ANY bags….but I am certainly able to deal with a smaller bag and many less pounds as a result.
Last couple of plugs – many companies make shoes that fold or pack flat for easy travel. Some of these also have removable insoles so that you can have more or less support depending if you are riding on the airplane (and don’t really need thick insoles) or walking a lot (in which case you can slip the insoles in). I won’t plug a specific brand here…many places have them.
The PacSafe company makes a variety of small pouches all the way up to large bags that lock up tight, can be anchored to immovable objects (like a door or desk), and cannot be cut through by the usual tools….these are VERY useful for travel in situations that you won’t have a safe but want to secure that iPhone or iPad from theft. Highly recommended.
Happy travels!
Paul
August 20th, 2010
3:42 pm
Wouldn’t this raise red flags in some places? Not traveling with anything.
August 20th, 2010
3:44 pm
Wow, I’d love to do that. I still think I need to take my netbook. I think I can get down to mini carry on, But no less. I have a problem with the theory though. Having to explain to customs officials why you have no luggage, not even a carry on for international trips. I realize that “officially” they can’t detain you for being uber-efficient, but I know these guys….their gonna ask….and ask…and break you down until you admit to a variety of crimes just to get out of the inquisition room. It might be worth trying this a while to make a documentary. “How I saw 12 different country’s security system in 15 days”.
:-)
August 20th, 2010
3:44 pm
Best light weight travel tip! Wear wool. Wool has natural antimicrobial agents that keep the stink to a minimum. Wool is the best fiber for temperature regulation, meaning that you need to remove and add less layers during exertion. Wool also absorbs moisture into the fiber, so if you are sweating it will not look like you are. It takes 30% of the materials weight in moister for you to feel wet vs 5% in cotton or synthetic. There are some great wool brands out there that have made stylish functional pieces that are great for in the city or in the woods.
August 20th, 2010
3:58 pm
I’ve found that, especially as a woman, the bag that fills up the fastest is the one filled with costmetics/bathroom items. To combat this, I:
*Pack makeup that does double duty – like a lip/cheek/eye stain; tinted moisturizer with SPF.
*Pack 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner that can also serve as body wash and shaving cream.
*One razor with multiple cartridges usually takes up less space than multiple disposables – but razors are something you can easily buy at your destination. Same with feminine hygiene products, so don’t give in to the urge to pack extra “just in case”.
*Pack a rubber band, elastic headband and bobby pins instead of tons of product and styling tools. If you’re spending the trip hiking, this is a no-brainer, but this also helps you lighten your load and feel comfortable with a night out, dinner in a restaurant, etc.
August 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
My tips
1. If you’re looking for a good all-in-one soap/shampoo/facewash I recommend trying the baby aisle of your local (or destination’s) department store. I found a great ‘GAIA’ brand ‘Bath & Bodywash’ that is soap and sulphate free, with some orange oils for zest.
2. Crocs don’t just make dorky plastic sandals — you can get the same lightweight sole with slip on loafer stylings up top. I love my pair of funky herringbone patterned loafers. Good for casual wear, and if going somewhere more ‘dressy’, people will just think you’re a hipster!
3. Twitter. A great tool for making a local friend or two in each destination before you leave. Great for a quick answer on a local topic.
Bonus: My sister bought an iPad before she went on an extensive european trip (she was going to lug along a full laptop) and it’s proven it’s worth. Incredible battery life, good size screen for maps etc . If you need a little more than a smart phone, it seems to be a reasonable alternative.
August 20th, 2010
4:04 pm
I enjoyed rolf’s book. I think you need to add another point that would perhaps be the biggest tip for many.
Point 9:
Choose who you travel with carefully. If your wife is one of those people that has to take the hair straighteners, then you’re going to have a problem traveling light!
You will probably need to compromise, consider splitting up for a while or get them to read rolf’s book!
I’m off to Thailand for my honeymoon is Dec and yes I have the slight issue of having someone else’s opinions who matter to me to consider!
August 20th, 2010
4:05 pm
In my travels I’ve noticed that having a handkerchief takes the place of a hat, towel, bag for small items you find (like stones at the beach), a way to mark and recognize baggage and muzzle the annoying person on a crowded bus (haven’t really tried this last one yet…). So one small piece of clothing, that can be worn on a head, neck, wrist or ankle, allows you to not carry as much on trips.
Very good tips above! Will make my next trip backpacking Europe easier with less stuff!
August 20th, 2010
4:06 pm
We always make sure our long-sleeved t-shirts contain SPF or are sun shirts (some people call them rash guards). With a good hat on our heads and long pants, we don’t have to pack sunscreen or bug spray, nor do we have to apply any of those nasty chemicals to our bodies.
Great post. It’s tough to travel this lightly with two small kids, but we sure try.
August 20th, 2010
4:08 pm
Man… With all of those awesome tips above, how are we suppose to compete!?
I haven’t done a ton of “extended journey” traveling, but when I do travel I like to only bring my backpack. The best tip I have is to use a checklist to make sure you have the “essentials” (things that can’t be replaced when you get there). Stuff like medication, passports (yes, people forget them!), phone, etc.
When your checklist pimpgame is tight, you feel extra chill when you pack and you’re on the way to the airport. Anything you bring on top of the checklist is just “icing on the cake”… Or weights holdin’ you down… :)
The timing of your post is funny… Since (I might) have your attention. Is there a way you would be interested in raising $500,000 for a school (or three!) of your choice and me buying $5,000 worth of your new book when it’s released?
If yes, click over to my webzone (when you have some free time) and scan the latest blog post (you’re more than welcome to skip the rambly video). :)
August 20th, 2010
4:14 pm
Zip off pants! Having a single pair of pants that can be used in hot and cold is invaluable. They might be ugly, and you have to carry the lower leg parts once you’ve removed them, but they give you a lot of options (like being able to wear longs pants in cultures that require them) without having to add an entire extra set of bottoms.
August 20th, 2010
4:15 pm
Hey guys.
Very impressive!
One of my travel light favorites is swapping the underwear for light weight, quick drying board shorts for a few reasons:
-Its a good excuse to get in the nearest ocean/river/lake daily.
-You can keep cash/visa/passport in the pocket which is hidden under your pants if you get into trouble.
-And obviously you can just wear the board shorts if its too hot for pants.
Make sure you have one pair of boxers for when board shorts are too wet.
Enjoy the travels and remember “the only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck”
Peace.
Levi
August 20th, 2010
4:15 pm
Hey Tim,
great post! This is my first time visiting your site. I’ve skimmed through your book a couple of times at Barnes and Nobles, but today I decided to abuse my privileges. In 3 hours I read half of 4 hour work week, and completely lost track of time.
No worries, I did purchase 2 books :)
Didn’t mean to hijack the message board but thanks for putting out this awesome book!
August 20th, 2010
5:17 pm
Welcome to the party! No problem on the hijacking (you didn’t really hijack, after all)… I figure we’re even after two books :)
Tim
August 20th, 2010
4:17 pm
As a fan of Rolf’s book Vagabonding (hopefully I’ll be able to join the ranks of Vagabonds after grad school), this was a great post in many ways that aren’t even immediately evident. The eighth point is really one that I want to expand on: excessive luggage creates unnecessary distraction. From the brief world-travel I have done, I’ve found that a more concise travel pack not only helps you focus on the locations you tour, it also forces you to appreciate the few items you do pack.
Because we can go to a store here and get a 5-pk of black shirts for about two bucks a shirt (I believe your friend Kevin Rose has about a hundred of these), we see these hugely important items as almost disposable. When accessibility to cheap essentials is restricted because you’re on-the-move and busy touring, we perceive items taken for granted in a totally different way. Traveling light is an easy way to reset your subconscious notion (and order) of the importance of objects on a fundamental level.
August 20th, 2010
4:18 pm
Great article, I’m looking forward to reading more about the journey!
Question:
How do you go through airport security? (with liquids, etc)
My guess is dump it all in a bag you can throw away when you get there, but I’m curious anyway.
Contest Entry:
When traveling through western Europe a few years ago I learned the value of a super-light day pack.
We made a circle through Switzerland, Italy, and France and I was using a regular suitcase, with wheels! (I was total amateur).
I happened to have a nylon drawstring backpack (the kind athletes use to carry shoes and stuff) that I started using as a day pack.
For the size and weight it holds a good amount of gear, it has no pockets and draw string at the top that are over your shoulders so it’s fairly impervious to pick pockets, and it folds up smaller than a wallet weighing only a few ounces.
http://www.amazon.com/Ensign-Drawstring-Backpack-Black/dp/B000HLS2DO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1282345972&sr=8-3
Second Entry:
I can’t take credit for this one, but I wanted to share anyway:
Karol Gajda, of Ridiculously Extraordinary, recommends aLokSak’s for doing laundry in sinks of questionable cleanliness, or when you have no sink at all.
They are basically extra-heavy duty ziplocks, and also fold up extremely small.
http://www.ridiculouslyextraordinary.com/15-minutes-clean-clothes-anywhere-in-the-world/
Looking forward to your trip updates!
Lucas
August 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Currently I’m using a 40 litre bag. There is a pack list on my site but I’m really digging your no bag rule! I might have to take my DSLR along though. I don’t think I want to go anywhere with out that.
As for light packing tips:
1. Sign up for a checking account that refunds ATM fees
2. Borrow, beg, and don’t steal
3. If you do have to pack a bag, I find that rolling your clothes helps a lot
4. Just remember that 9 times out of 10 where you are going will have what you need
Ohh and have fun!
August 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Hi Tim and Rolf
Excellent post, thank you.
This is a trick I learnt from a friend in the British Royal Marines. Fleeces and mid-layers can be bulky to pack/carry. Instead, carry a cashmere sweater. Benefits are: they are very light and pack small; can be casual or smart if needed; can be worn effectively under a outer-layer; and can be easily washed in shampoo/conditioner – it is hair after all!
I also carry a bluff – a tube of material that can be pulled over your head. Benefits: can be used in cold weather as a scarf; in sun to protect your neck; used as a hat or sweat band/bandana when folded/rolled… I have also used it as a mini towel, water filter, helmet padding, impromptu bandage and a small bag…
I also really like by Under Armor Heat Gear T shirts, they: wash well, dry quickly and hold their shape.
Rolf – have a great trip. Tim you are inspiring.
Regards
Mark
August 20th, 2010
4:22 pm
People are always amazed that I travel with only a lap-top sized bag. They are surprised because I am a girl and we’re not usually associated with light travel, and also because I can get by for weeks with this teeny bag.
My tricks are that I bring only one pair of pants (jeans) and I wear them on the plane. You can really go for weeks without washing jeans without anyone noticing (and if you do need to wash stuff, there’s always laundromats, or friends). I bring only a few shirts and one light, wrinkle-free black dress which I can wear for nicer events. For shoes I wear tennis shoes on the plane and pack one pair of gold flip flops that pass for nice dress shoes since they’re gold and sparkly. I also wear a hooded sweatshirt on the plane which works for rain or cold weather and doubles as a pillow when traveling.
The hardest part is your toiletries (at least for us women, and especially when we wear contacts). I simply minimize the make up (an all-in-one gold powder works for eyeshadow and, when mixed with chapstick, as a lipgloss), foundation and mascara and that’s it. No jewelry. Toiletries are brought in small travel sizes (including a comb) and if I run out on the road I just buy or borrow some. (If visiting family I never bring things like toothpaste or shampoo, I just use theirs).
Finally, my favorite trick is to pack my bag with dryer sheets. It keeps my clothes smelling nice and when they get funky I can rub the dryer sheet on it to mask the smell. Double bonus- dryer sheets reportedly work as a mosquito repellent.
I learned all of this after backpacking across Europe. You realize that it’s far more comfortable to wear your clothes a bit stanky than to lug around lots of luggage.
August 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
Thanks guys….Great post! I am definitely going to pick up some of that clothing.
I work as a freelance designer and programmer and am in love with photography. On my first few overseas trips my computer and photo gear took up most of my baggage. Now I just rent the gear when I get there and make sure I get insurance. I use Dropbox for all my files and software. Now I’m much less worried about losing gear and am free to travel and take side trips with just a backpack. Some companies even let me borrow a laptop when I get there. People love to lend things to travelers, you just have to ask.
Good luck Rolf, we look forward to hearing about your journey.
-Rich
August 20th, 2010
4:29 pm
I am going to europe this fall/winter. Also I’m training for a marathon so I really have to bring my running shoes but I need to have boots as well. What do I do then?
August 20th, 2010
4:30 pm
One tip that have served me well: Only pack clothes that will dry quickly (even better if you can roll them in your towel, compress and have them come out dry). Can get away with much less clothing if everything can be washed at a moments notice. Plus, materials that dry quick tend to be lighter than your typical cotton shirt and jeans.
August 20th, 2010
4:37 pm
My trick to ultralight travel is the mobile phone (as you mentioned) — but I like to call it my “travel computer”. An iphone, ipod touch, or android device can replace more than a dozen things in your backpack: An alarm clock, movies and music for flights and train rides, TripIt for travel confirmation documents (no printouts), Evernote for taking pictures of receipts and remembering phone numbers and plans along the way (no paper notes) as well as journaling (no moleskine), Kindle or Stanza for books, Skype for calling and texting internationally from wifi spots, the built in camera for replacing your camera and video camera, Lonely planet guidebooks (along with tons of other guidebook apps and sites), Chase or USAA bank apps for depositing checks from wherever you are (and in the future you should be able to replace your wallet with some bank apps). Otherwise, grab your passport and extra pair of those ex officio boxers and you’re ready to travel.
Being a digital traveler can make you a ultralight/minimalist/paperless traveler.
August 20th, 2010
4:39 pm
nice! I also wanted see you along side Rolf in this video! =)
August 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
Love the idea!
Bon Voyage, Rolf.
QOD: When leaving one country and moving to another one buy a bottle of a local popular alcohol in the departure country at the airport eg. top Tequilla in Mexico, Flavoured vodka in Russia (ask for the special sealed plastic bag when buying to avoid issues at security gates / connecting flights). It’s a fantastic way to get some good friends soon after the arrival in the hostels, camping places etc. talking about the place the bottle comes from and later borrow stuff you are missing easily ;-)
August 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
I have found that as a solo female traveler (and emergency-preparedness nut), that the two most versatile and useful things to tote around are MAXI-PADS and DUCT TAPE. I generally take 3-4 pencils and wrap lengths of tape around them to avoid the heft of a roll. That way, I get pencils, too! Not only can a pads and tape be used to seal off a large wound, but my two favorite life-savers thus far have been:
1) After placing my shoes too close to the fire while rafting in Mexico, I needed to protect my feet for the next 2 days of portaging, until the pick-up point. I put pads on each foot, and taped them on. Walked over rocks, steamy sand, no problem. The tape stayed in place while wet.
2) Recently on an overnight bus ride in Guatemala, the speaker across the isle was mal-functioning and very loud. The young couple with a baby directly under it were going nuts, as were the rest of us in the vicinity. When the attendant couldn’t fix the speaker, I whipped out 2 pads and the tape. Instant muffler.
I guarantee that as my travels continue, I will have many more uses for these gems!
August 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
-have your computer live off a bootable usb drive to be used a library or friend’s computer
-bring an empty drawstring bag for odds and ends
-cell phone with some sort of hands free device is excellent for traveling
-cary extra cash hidden somewhere, and keep several stashes in case one is compromised
-if possible, befriend a guide to help you around the city you’re in
-in a new location, wandering around is not always a bad thing. watch for people who look like they know what they’re doing and follow (not too creepily)
-fluids, especially water are very helpful when on a train, bus or plane to stay healthy
-via dan pink’s travel tips: make sure your nose is properly protected (Bacitracin), it’s a place where germs fester
-the best place to go to the bathroom is at a hotel; the hotel’s lobby should have a ‘public’ bathroom
-photocopy your important docs (passport, etc) and place them separate of your luggage for safe keeping
August 20th, 2010
4:42 pm
I’m looking forward to checking out Rolf’s journey! I’ve been wondering since I read about it whether I could manage purse-less travel. Maybe a bucket list add, travel sans everything. Cool flashlight in the video.
A tip for travelling photographers:
If you don’t already have one, pick up a new carbon fibre monopod. There are versions that double as walking sticks and those that collapse into a pocket or backpack portable size. They hardly way anything but add needed stability for low light conditions or HDR shots.
A monopod can also be used as an arm if you want to hold the camera away to take self-portraits.
Tim – Just say no to socks with sandals. (Unless you’re in Japan) ;)
Alles liebe.
August 20th, 2010
4:43 pm
Really enjoyed this post, thanks to both of you, Tim and Rolf.
I have a pair of casual Puma sneakers (Roma stye, brown on brown) that have proved priceless for me in my travels. They were: comfortable to walk around in, durable, yet light and thinly-soled, and — most importantly — were appropriate in many situations. Wearing the same pair of shoes, I felt appropriately dressed for academic lectures in Beijing and nightclubs in Barcelona. Granted, the other components of my attire required a backpack (kudos to Rolf for his extremely light-traveling), but if you do have a backpack and know you’ll be in diverse dress code situations — like business casual for academics and dress-to-impress (if that’s the term?) for bars or clubs — having only one pair of shoes can be huge. Needless to say, I also felt comfortable wearing the shoes in Rome, the shoe’s namesake.
Thanks again for the post.
Scott
August 20th, 2010
4:43 pm
Hey Tim, here is my list:
I go for the Light! Light! Light!
- I always travel with a single carry-on backpack and never with luggage.
- I use small travel size containers from Walmart or sample size items (shampoo, soap, mini folding toothbrush..etc. BTW, there are types of soaps that you can use for your face, hair, body, as shaving soap and for hand-washing clothes!!)
- I always use all-purpose or multi-purpose clothing and wear zip-off pants/shorts especially with several pockets on the legs. And, I roll my clothes.
- Money belts you can wear like a belt
- I wear quick-drying and breathable “shu-sandals” (they are crossover between the shoe and a sandal). I have one of these: http://www.zappos.com/chaco-paradox-gun-metal (Yeah, not cheap but they last long!)
- I also pack one scarf in my bag. Yeah, colorful scarf. They are very handy! Can make you look stylish and for instant respectability…
- Aquapac (Water resistant bag) find a good one here: http://www.saveandcheap.com/index.php?c=SportingGoods&n=51576011&i=B003R2SJ0Q&x=Aquapac_Keymaster
- Always carry small sharpie or a pen inside of your little neck pouch. BTW, neck pouches keep everything organized..even outside of the airports.. Example: http://www.rockcreek.com/sea-to-summit/travelling-light-neck-pouch/?ref=RCO_googlebase
- Small digital camera, nowadays I use my phone…I also use the same phone to type in daily journals.
- Light wristwatch with a built-in alarm
- Finally, I always leave some space in my bag for small souvenirs. Don’t get carried on with the big items. Pick smaller but meaninfull souvenirs.
Do it just like Gandhi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind.
August 20th, 2010
4:44 pm
Great post!
As for QOD, I have learnt the hard way that it is really nice to lose stuff on the go! I had my dirty clothes in a plastic bag within my main bag, after a few days at a hotel was in a hurry to take the boat to the next destination and simply forgot to pack the plastic bag with my dirty clothes back in the main bag. At least my backpack got a couple of days clothing lighter!
Pretty expensive tip, but if you take some clothes you know you’re not using/going to wear anymore(we all have those!) it’s nice to give/throw them away as you go along.
August 20th, 2010
4:53 pm
Rolf, awesome idea and good luck. I’m confident this can be done.
My wife and I just traveled around Italy with our 6 & 8 year old kids for six weeks with just small backpacks. If you’ve ever tried to load up a backpack for a 6 and 8 year old you would know that they really can’t carry much weight. My wife had a small Kelty pack and I had a midsize Northface pack with neither of them being completely full, nor did we have items strapped on the outside.
I’m sure Rolf will manage just fine.
August 20th, 2010
4:53 pm
Great post, Tim. As a high schooler, I’ve never traveled truly solo before, but I’ve learned a few things about the practice from reading books and blogs here and there. There are several, but I’ve listed the ones that I have tried to apply on trips.
1. The bundle approach (roll apparel like a snail shell, then tighten it with a string or a rubber band) is a great way of saving space.
2. Pack versatile clothing and other items, and realize that you don’t need more than two or three changes of clothes at most.
3. Bring extra money, not only for souvenirs and emergencies, but also to cut down on cheap yet relatively bulky things such as socks and undershirts.
4. If there’s a smaller and/or digital version of something essential, use it and not the bigger/physical version. By going with the electronic editions of my summer reading and using online test prep, I avoided the hassle of lugging books around as I visited several relatives along the East Coast over the course of a week.
5. Expensive rentals are a natural part of travel, and bringing the bag of golf clubs or the skateboard is not worth the amount that it will cost you to rent the item for a day.
6. For novices (myself included), set a limit on the amount of things you’ll bring before you proceed to pack. Pack so that you can meet this goal, then try to shrink your luggage to just over half of what you’ve included.
This is something I’ve learned from experience, but when traveling in a group, as I did a few years ago, it’s easy to skip bringing items like ties–just mooch off of friends. Just rely on principle 2 and bring a shirt that is unlikely to clash with other colors. You’re not likely to get denied, especially when your speaking event starts in ten minutes.
Don’t pack the night before you leave. Just like writing an essay, you will need some time to cut down on the extraneous bits. “Draft” your luggage several days in advance by packing everything as if you’re ready to leave (write items down if you don’t want to physically pack them), and let the contents of your bag mull about in your head. You’ll end up naturally trimming down what you’ve brought as you fail to find instances in which you might use the useless items.
August 20th, 2010
4:54 pm
Ah the good old days…
A few kilos ago
A couple of decades ago
… and a child ago :)
August 20th, 2010
4:55 pm
Tim -
When you travel do use a smart phone with an extended keyboard or bring a laptop?
August 20th, 2010
5:15 pm
Hi Chris,
It depends on the duration and what I’m doing. If super extended, I’ll usually bring a laptop these days (writing, after all), but I’d like to try the smart phone with keyboard. The trick might be only using it overseas, as I don’t want email in my pocket in the US. That might change, but we’ll see.
Tim
August 20th, 2010
4:56 pm
Packing light is all about optimization. My teenage daughter packs so she has choices and brings twice as much as anyone else…my teenage son wears basketball shorts and t-shirts, so he’s easy. My wife is a smart packer and backpacked through Europe for 4 months in the early 80′s with a 75lb pack on her back – she vowed to never do that again – meaning pack that much. I have traveled to Europe and China on business for week-long trips with a carry-on – key is to get stuff that needs to be cleaned done at the hotel or if possible a local dry cleaner. (2x the $ and 1/2 the stuff) Learn to use the iron in your room if you need to press something. Pack single colors so you don’t need 2 different color pairs of shoes and belts. Leave toiletries at home except for what you absolutely cannot get at the hotel for free or in the sundries shop if you need to buy it.
I plan on getting an iPad before my next trip so I can leave my laptop and books/magazines at home. I’ll even pdf docs I need and store them on it for reference. If something needs to be printed – email it.
That’s my take on packing light!
August 20th, 2010
5:00 pm
Great Article! I especially liked the links to the gear. I love outdoor and travel gear and use a similar Eagle Creek Backpack when I travel.
One of my favorite travel tips… turn your underwear inside out after a few days’ wear. It feels like a fresh pair. While you are washing your undies in the sink with barsoap, wear your swim suit as underwear. Commando is always fun too.
And, if I am traveling on a budget and purchase food from a grocery store or farm stand, I found that a cloth napkin is great as a makeshift lunch table (on a sandy beach, random bench, etc). It also works as a spill rag, towel etc. Along with that, I do as much research about where I’ll be visiting before I go (including train schedules) so I know what to expect.
I look forward to reading more about this journey. Props!
August 20th, 2010
5:04 pm
Traveling light?
- Pack a bag of bags. I use little nylon bags with draw strings that my mom sewed for me when I was in scouts.
- Pillow case can come in handy as an extra bag or — stuffed with a fleece outer layer — an actual pillow
- 35 mm film canisters make great waterproof containers. Even if you don’t take a film camera — and who does any more — throw some allergy medication of your choice in one and some benedryl in another. I react with different climates, cultures sometimes.
August 20th, 2010
5:05 pm
Leave the children at home. They seem to required luggage in inverse proportion to their size!
August 20th, 2010
5:09 pm
Tim, I know you’re a fan of traveling and you promote it every time you get the opportunity. But I wish, just once, you’d recognize how much damage flying via jet travel does to the ozone layer of our planet. You do nothing to minimize your carbon footprint by flying as much as you do.
August 20th, 2010
5:09 pm
Great tips above, Rolf and Tim. My two favorite things for light travel are a light poncho (~$10) and Nivea Active3 (~$3-4).
You can always shove the poncho deep down in your pack, and if you don’t need it, great, it only weighs about 6 ounces. But it’s come in handy waiting for those buses on the exposed mountain roads in Panama, and it will cover you and your pack. That way you don’t need full, heavy raingear. It’s great for impromptu picnics on wet ground, too.
The Active3 (and they have generic versions too at target) you can put in a tiny 2-ounce squeeze bottle — it’s shave gel, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner, and it excels at each. It’s really reassuring to know that I have what I need to get clean, in case I get to my destination too late to go to the local store.
Happy Travels, all!
August 20th, 2010
5:12 pm
Having done a fair amount of solo-traveling myself (3 years with extended stays), the best trick I have, after learning the language and buying local, would probably be my Samsonite Silhouette 7 hard-side carry on suitcase (packed with my Eagle Creek packers). Before I get flamed for not using a backpack or convertible backpack (I have a great Osprey Waypoint 80), I find for most of the travel I do, a solid messenger bag (my Chrome bag, or the multipocket Samsonite Attachable Tote that has dry pouches etc.), and my rolling hardshell work perfect. With the hardshell I can pack it with anything rest assured it won’t be broken on the other end, I look way more together when checking into hotels along the way, I am way less of a mark for con-artists, I can straddle my luggage when on a cramped subway, rather than taking up space for 2 with a back pack, I avoid the uncomfortable and unseemly sweaty back when going from point A-B in warmer climates, and I can move easily from one mode of transport to another.
While I recognize that the post is about ultra-lightweight travel (an interesting exercise), I think the most practical way to travel is to avoid checking luggage at all costs, feeling comfortable in urban environments, and avoiding being lumped into any particular traveller stereotype.
Oh, one more thing, if you use deodorant, bring your favorite along with you, because some countries have some pretty lame and unhealthy options!
August 20th, 2010
5:21 pm
I’ve only done a couple of major trips (more than a week) out of the U.S., and my early attempts involved a very steep learning curve. So my main “tips” for light travel are a few what-not-to-do’s that I learned the hard way:
-Don’t bring your old boy scout MagLite. A tiny LED keychain flashlight is plenty for finding your way around the hostel or your backpack at night.
-Don’t bring your Leatherman Multi-tool when a simple penknife is plenty.
-Don’t bring a sleeping bag when you’re hosteling. It’s likely that the hostel’s sheets are cleaned more often than your own. (especially if you’re a college-age single male)
-Don’t bring a 1-pound padlock for hostel lockers. A decent little luggage lock is enough of a deterrent to keep your things safe while you’re in the shower.
I have more, but those are the most dramatic (and embarrassing). I hope others can learn from my mistakes.
August 20th, 2010
5:24 pm
Cheers, everyone! Not a lot of time, since I jump on the subway to JFK in 24 hours, but you have some great ideas going here.
@Jan: I’ve often worn boots and packed running shoes in my travels (not when I’m going bagless, though). If there’s any way you can get out of bringing the boots, though, go for it. You can do a lot of the same activities in running shoes (though to be honest I tend to favor boots).
@Peatt: Love the female travel tips! Those cracked me up…
Great tips, everyone — keep them coming!
August 20th, 2010
5:27 pm
My wife and I did backpacking in Europe for 24 days. We used the Osprey rollybag/backpack combos. Rolling them in the airport and packing them on the cobblestones was perfect. We traveled in April so I had a Helly Hansen heavy nap fleece that had big inside pockets and zipper outside pockets that worked beautifully.
The backpacks are the only thing coming with us on a two week trip in November to Singapore. That and 18 month old twins! :)
August 20th, 2010
5:29 pm
This is kind of long, but you did say the more detail the better… so, here goes.
My first rule of light travel is that my bag has to fit under the seat in front of me in an airplane (if I’m taking one). So this immediately restricts my packing options.
I pack one change of clothes and do my laundry in the sink daily if possible so my clothes are always clean. I don’t pack formal clothes because I rarely go anywhere too fancy when I’m on vacation. If I find I need a skirt or better shoes, I can go shopping at my destination.
My favorite pants to travel in are a dark gray pair of convertible pants/capris/shorts I found on the clearance rack at REI a few years ago. They have velcro pockets (so I have an audible alert when they open), dirt doesn’t show up on them, they dry fast, I can sleep in them if I’m sharing a room with a travel buddy, they’re weather-adjustable, and they don’t look too manly. Even when I’ve packed other pants, I end up only wearing the others when I’m doing laundry.
I pack the bare minimum for toiletries. Most hotels have all I need either for free or in a vending machine in the lobby. Or the convenience store a block over has them. I usually bring at least a toothbrush that folds over into itself , some deodorant, and a couple pieces of makeup.
I pack as few electronics as possible, or an extra charged battery instead of a charger. The space cords take up for laptop, cell phone, and camera chargers is obscene. I figure if I’m traveling, why do I need to be hanging out behind a computer screen or texting about nothing important with my friends? I can do that a home for much cheaper. Also, public computers and telephones seemed to be readily available most places I’ve traveled.
I also learned the hard way that light travel is made less spectacular if my travel companions are not also light packers. I once traveled with a friend who packed two gigantic duffel bags and a backpack for a two week trip. He ended up wearing the same (very stinky) clothes for the entire trip, and we spent forever waiting to check and claim his baggage at the airport.
I could go on forever with more of this, but those are the highlights.
August 20th, 2010
5:39 pm
Great post, thanks Tim & Rolf. I especially like the advice about only a few changes of clothing, underwear, etc., then washing what you’ve worn. I did that on a 5 week trip through Mexico and Central America. It worked great. I haven’t traveled that way in a while though, need to get back to it.
For the QOD: I really like a money belt or small pouch that hangs around the neck, inside my shirt. Its great to put your backup credit card/cash and things you want to keep close like your passport (on days you’re not going through customs). It keeps everything inside safe and difficult for somebody to take off of you, but also ads one more organizational “pocket” for keeping those valuable things separate, so you don’t accidentally drop your credit card out of your pocket, when you’re pulling out some dry socks for the hick back from the swimming hole.
August 20th, 2010
5:43 pm
Great video and blog. I am glad http://www.scottevest.com can help.
Scott Jordan, CEO
August 20th, 2010
5:44 pm
I highly recommend a mini quick-dry, microfiber towel (I use one from REI), ExOfficio boxers, and Smartwool socks. Having gear that dries quickly and will stand up to repeated washings is essential. Lastly, skip the guidebook and talk to people!
August 20th, 2010
5:49 pm
Rolf/Tim:
Great post! I think this idea is phenomenal! I have always wanted to try traveling light. I haven’t had a chance to read all of the tips yet. The only thing I would add is that a spare iPhone battery may be helpful, Best of luck to you Rolf!
Brad
August 20th, 2010
5:52 pm
i will ask how you get trough airport security with all that stuff and do we need to do that if you can get a nice small backpack which can be so comfortable so you wont feel it with those few items you take with you.
August 20th, 2010
5:52 pm
Harmonica. Put a harmonica in your pocket. Even if you don’t know how to play it. Music opens door and provides opportunities to for conversations.
I would also include sunglasses and aspirin
.
Happy travels.
August 20th, 2010
5:58 pm
I am a former infantry Marine, and although this may not apply, the 3 things I made sure were in my pockets before going out on patrol, were a knife (in case I needed to stab someone), a tourniquet (in case I got shot), and some baby wipes (in case I needed to take a shit). I say this in all seriousness. When push came to shove, those were my 3 essentials.
August 20th, 2010
6:00 pm
Here are a few tips after 30+ years of business and leisure travels across all continents:
- Bring the iPhone / iPad with USB cable, headphones (Bose or Apples) and adapter (this will be your home office, camera, bookstore, movie screen, boarding card, phone et cetera. only use WiFi hotspots)
- Store all your data in the cloud and access via apps (music, movies, docs, spreadsheets, mail, photos et cetera)
- Use a Timbuk2 messenger bag (medium or large) as they work well for both business and pleasure
- Travel in comfortable jeans, shirt and trainers; pack shorts / swim trunks, travel socks and briefs, flip-flops, PJs and a few shirts; a blazer if for work
- Use the PJ to sleep in on long-hauls to keep your clothes fresh; grab a shower at the airport lounge
- Wash your clothes at the hotel or local laundromat for a few bucks while having breakfast
- Two credit cards and passport; no wallet
- No need to bring any hygiene products as the airline, airport lounge and/or hotel can always provide that for you
- Utilize the airport lounge to shower, eat and work / communicate – all free
- Make extra sandwiches from the breakfast buffe to use for lunch / backup
Buy or borrow anything else; the world is more commercial than we’d like to think. Be okay with wearing the same jeans for a few days.
The above allows you to travel in style, light-weight and don’t look like a bag packer or a corporate drone. It enables you to easily leave the airport and head off out on adventure as soon as you land.
Here is a prezzo I made before the arrival of the iPad about traveling smart: http://www.slideshare.net/perhakansson/how-to-travel-smart-fast-and-simple
I’d like at some point to travel around the world in only the clothes I’m wearing, two credit cards, passports and an iPhone. But that’s another story and challenge.
Best / Per
August 20th, 2010
6:06 pm
My tip:
Disperse your valuables in different locations on your body (internal pockets, external pockets, moneybelt, etc.)
This simple concept has saved me so many times I’ve lost count. No need to be overly paranoid or let it stop you from traveling, but still: nothing derails a trip like a stolen passport. Credit cards (which if possible should be favored over massive amounts of cash and debit cards) and such are somewhat easier to recover, but it’s still a pain and can interrupt a trip in major ways if you are not prepared for it.
In Rolf’s case, presumably he will have to have all his valuables on him at all times, unless he is comfortable leaving them at his hotel lock box or with a friend. As an expert traveler, I’m guessing he’s probably not too worried about it because he has a system down. And that is key to this tip: develop a system.
Before you head out to the market or clubs (pickpocket heaven), the airport (a little more secure), or a border crossing (depends on where), carefully consider exactly what valuables you will need to access. Place them accordingly for both security and ease of access. In most cases, I’ve found the following system to be the best:
Put some small change/bills in an external pocket, preferably zippered (hint: wear pants with zipped pockets). You can access this easily for small purchases, and the loss is negligible if it is stolen. Keep larger bills, credit cards, immunization records, passport, and photocopy of passport in deep internal pockets or a money belt/necklace, but NEVER keep your main source of $$ in the same place as your passport. Ideally, each valuable should be in a separate internal pocket, with thought given to the priority of each valuable and the security of the pocket. Never keep these things in a bag attached to your body, and for that matter, never carry a purse or a bag that only has one point of contact with your body (i.e. messenger bags, camera bags, etc.).
Depending on the clothing and planned itinerary, each system will be a little different. But the key is to think about it carefully and implement it at all times. After a while it becomes second nature. A little forethought can save a lot of regret and hassle.
Love the blog and the book, Tim.
August 20th, 2010
6:13 pm
#3 Buy or Borrow
Though I love the premise of this journey, if meant to promote a long term lifestyle, please remember that you will find very generous people along the way, but reciprocation is expected. It wouldn’t really be fair to always be the borrower…..
August 20th, 2010
6:15 pm
I teach recreation (yes, it’s a real job) and have a general rule when backpacking when it comes to going ultralight. Anything (aside from clothing which varies greatly season to season and location) that one brings must as a rule serve more than one purpose. For example, what purpose will your toothpaste serve outside of being toothpaste…..no purpose is the answer you are looking for….ditch it and borrow or ask for some when you check into a hostel, hotel, etc. Contact lenses? Ok, I’ll give you that one. Great use of the vest by the way. If you go by the dual/multiple purpose rule – you can shave come serious weight. And…I agree with Peate, duct tape is a must…ditch the safety pins…you’ll only end up pricking yourself along the way. wrap the duct tape around one of your other multi-purpose items (using the sunscreen tube as a duct tape holder makes it multipurpose).
Have fun!
Kevin
August 20th, 2010
6:18 pm
Great stuff! Here are a few tips/tricks I have used
1) smart phone and ear bud headphones. Already covered, but amazing
2) REI nylon cargo pants. Similar to above. These things are amazing–dry, sun proof, dry super fast, come clean from almost any stain, the legs zip off to for shorts! I wore them every day on the Race Across America (RAAM) a few years ago.
3) Vibram KSOs. Love these shoes. They look odd, but if you go with the all black they blend in a bit more. Awesome for hiking in wet and dry conditions.
4) TRX suspension trainer. Packs in bag and can be set up almost anywhere to do some cool exercises. Of course, knowing bodyweight drills requires zero equipment and is highly effective. A couple jump stretch bands can help too.
5) Trade skills – I do some movement work that most times allows people to move better and without pain, many times in minutes. This works great to trade for virtually anything. Most people have a few slightly or major painful issues. Get them out of pain and you can get tons of cool stuff and an instant friend for life.
6) lightweight fleece – works great when it its cooler and makes a great pillow at night too.
Keep up the great work guys!
rock on
Mike T Nelson PhD(c)
August 20th, 2010
6:28 pm
When I travel for work, they are usually short trips of about 3 days. I economize on space by wearing the same pair of black pants pants and shoes each day, and just packing shirts to switch out. It may not be for everyone, but it saves so much space, and I guarantee no one notices.
The space this saves allows me to pack my gym shoes and workout clothes. I always pack clothing made of cotton or wrinkle-proof material so that I can roll it up to maximize space. The ultimate result is being able to make a 3 day business trip with nothing more than a small backpack.
August 20th, 2010
6:50 pm
There are some great suggestions here, I’ve definitely been taking notes. Of late, my light travel has been camping with kids. (Don’t let the ads fool you, kids, once they are past the baby stage, don’t require more stuff! A single bottle of bubbles has often been the only added entertainment.)
The best suggestion I have is to live your everyday life in a simple way. When you’re doing that, you find what you “need” away from home is simple.
If you are used to living light, traveling light occurs naturally.
August 20th, 2010
6:51 pm
I’ve met travellers who do the borrow toothpaste, shampoo etc thing and I wanted to say it’s really freaken annoying. Don’t expect other people to look after you.
It’s a personal preference but I’d rather carry more stuff with me than spend precious holiday time doing handwashing and running around shops looking for basic items. I’m especially wary after travelling through SE Asia and not being able to get things dried overnight in the humid weather… damp knickers – urrrghh!
I guess I’ll never be an ultra light packer because I have other priorities for my holiday time and I’d rather die than wear nylon or technical fabric on hols.
My packing light tip is definitely to cut the shoes. They are the worst. One of my male friends is trying to convince me I can travel with one pair but it’s not working. I’ve cut down to two pairs though.
August 20th, 2010
6:54 pm
My light travel tip is to take a water bottle with you. It can be a Sigg, Kleen Kanteen, Lifefactory glass, Nalgene, old milk jug, etc. The point is to take a re-useable water bottle with you. This not only helps to keep you hydrated while traveling (especially important for air travel), but also reduces the amount of crap that ends up in landfills. Double win! As long as the bottle is empty when you go through the TSA checkpoint, you are all good. Next, skip the water fountain and ask the friendly Starbucks, Caribou, Peets, etc. coffee person to fill up your bottle when ordering your double tall soy skinny mocha latte frappachino. The filtered water the coffee houses use is typically better than what comes out of the water fountain.
August 20th, 2010
6:54 pm
QOD-
ok, this is going to sound really obvious- but bear with me-
I really like bringing a backpack- but bringing it about 75% empty. Having it on my back like that gives me a sense of peace (it’s like a reminder of how light I’m traveling and how easy it is to move around with all my stuff) and it’s a great tool to have if you need to get something from point a to point b easily while you’re on the road/on foot.
Now, can I have that expensive item please? Thanks in advance-
http://www.amazon.com/JanSport-Superbreak-Classic-Backpack-Black/dp/B0007QCQGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qlEnable=1&qid=1282355160&sr=1-1
August 20th, 2010
6:58 pm
Hey guys
Warning: contains secret girls business. (but not for princesses!)
Traveling with “feminine hygiene products” is a nightmare for a variety of reasons. One tip from me – menstrual cup (eg Diva Cup). I won’t say any more – chicks can Google it if interested.
And as tempting as it is to get the smallest thong possible for underwear, take up a bit more room and get boy-leg undies in black. They can double as swimmers, pyjamas and even shorts.
Rock on Blundstone boots from Australia; Tim, ban the sock/sandal combo!!
xx
August 20th, 2010
7:05 pm
Cool post! What a creative challenge – I hope things go well for those involved.
Last summer I hitchhiked and backpacked over 1,000 miles around the Midwest and Canada. I was only allowed an average-sized backpack and could only spend money on myself at dire need (the only money I spent on myself was on a McDonald’s breakfast my last day in celebration and chewing tobacco to keep me occupied while walking).
The key was developing a fearless confidence and learning to truly care about other people. It is difficult to muster up enough courage to invite yourself into other people’s lives, but your initial reluctance diminishes rapidly after a few skipped meals or cold night outside (especially without a blanket…one of my worse ideas).
Three tricks I found useful:
1. Practice. I spent three months before the trip hiking, biking and sleeping in ditches to imitate worse-case scenarios. My feet still got blistered and I still hated trying to sleep in 40-degree weather covered in dew, but I was prepared and knew I could manage those problems.
2. Don’t be discouraged when you fail. For every ride I hitched, meal I shared or friend I made there were dozens of cars and people who passed me by.
3. Actually listen. Most people offered me something small, like a 5-minute ride to the next town. See those 5 minutes as an opportunity to establish trust and build a relationship – don’t be afraid to be honest or get personal. The more authentic you are with people, the faster you gain their respect.
My best success using this method was turning a 5-minute ride turned into two days of hospitality and a +200 mile ride to Milwaukee. Caring pays!
Another trick is using a VA to manage your life while you’re gone. Spend time learning how outsourcing and who to hire. Automate everything you possibly can – your VA(s) should be doing everything in the month or two before you leave. Having a VA will help you setup processes for most of the unimportant things in your life and letting them do everything will force you to stop micromanaging. The key is to do this BEFORE you leave so you can step in and do damage control in a secure environment.
Once you’re on the road, your life should be automated. Take your time. Let experience guide you and remember: serendipity cannot be planned.
Tips for outsourcing:
1. Find a ghostwriter to take care of your writing needs during the trip. Find/train someone who can mimic your stylistic needs, then call them a couple times a week to feed them travel notes or plan new content.
2. Don’t manage the trip planning yourself – tell the VA what you want and let them set it up. Again, you should train them BEFORE you leave. Use them to setup appointments, measure travel distances and routes, contact local hosts on sites like CouchSurfing, etc…
Hope these tips help future travelers.
August 20th, 2010
7:11 pm
QOD Response:
Find ways to have multiple uses for everything. This reduces our gear load considerably. Phone for calls, flashlight, itinerary tracking, music, Internet…
August 20th, 2010
7:20 pm
The ultimate tip for travelling light is to make friends with locals during your journey. Not only does this improve your travel experience and teach you more about the local cultures, you will be surprised by the extent to which complete strangers will help you on your journey.
This is often in the form of a free dinner, a shower, a bed for the night, but more importantly (for travelling light), these wonderful people will often kindly supply (or let you borrow) the things that you need for life on the road, often in the quantities you need (a refill of shampoo, some soap, some water for the road, etc.). This will help you to avoid carrying so much cargo.
Of course, it is vital never to take advantage of people’s generosity. However, if you are open-minded and genuine, you won’t need to anyway.
Good luck Rolf!
August 20th, 2010
7:23 pm
For the QOD:
For me, the biggest gain for travelling light has been something I actually found here, Evernote. With the ability to use the iphone app to quickly take pictures of things and then discard them (great for bills/receipts etc.), as well as easily searching through any information / documents that I may want (Travel insurance details, flight info for example) that I have already stored in there have saved on the need of carrying a load of stuff around with me.
One of the handy things I have recently found myself using it for is keeping track of things I want to pick up. On a recent trip over the course of the week, whenever I saw something I felt was worth buying and taking home, I would take a picture of it, note where it was and tag it as ‘To Buy’, then on my last day, I spent a couple of hours going around, picking the bits and pieces up and off I went. This also had the advantage of actually saving me time, as I didn’t need to do the ‘umming and ahhing’ over a purchase when I could do it later in some downtime, like waiting for a bus. It also allowed me some time to decide if I really wanted something or not, without the hassle that either going back and deciding I didn’t really want it, or later finding something better would cause, while allowing me the freedom to spend my time as I wanted, without carrying around that amazing souvenir I found in the morning all day.
Long story short – Evernote has been by far my best find in a long time, and it has amazing uses in almost any situation, including helping travel light!
August 20th, 2010
7:25 pm
QOD Answer:
Tim, you said the more detail the better. Well, as we all know it is usually more difficult for a woman to pack light. There are certain problems that woman can not avoid such as menstruation. I have found that is it difficult to lug around boxes of pads and tampons everyday so there is a solution called the “Diva Cup”. The Diva Cup is a silicon cup that is reusable for up to a year. It is easy to pack, washable with soap, and wearable for 24hours without being emptied. I am now able to be superwoman with this device.
I have also used “secret stash” a detachable bra pocket to store extra money.
“Go Girl” a feminine urination device where woman can pee while standing. It is very discreet, easy to pack, easy to clean and safe than sitting in public restroom. I use it usually for camping outside.
A lot of women do not like to talk about these issues and do not that there are solutions. I hope that I have not disgusted you guys.
August 20th, 2010
7:37 pm
This is a very fascinating post, but as a fashionable woman that is currently planning her own round the world trip for February 2011, I find it very disheartening that comfy, functional travel products are geared for men. The ones that I have seen for women are for women with no sense of style. I’m racking my brain to figure out how to only take one bag on this trip and maintain the “glamour element” but so far, I am stumped as to how to accomplish this.
August 20th, 2010
7:50 pm
light beer:)
August 20th, 2010
7:52 pm
In more than a decade of traveling around the world from a year to just a few weeks, I can say that traveling light is certainly the way to go.
I still can’t go as light as Rolf, nor do I think I’d want to, but for me, that means carry-on only whenever possible, no matter the length of the trip or the destination.
I find zip lock bags of all sizes invaluable for organizing. I use them in place of bulkier toiletries bags. I put clothes in the larger ones and when I go through security, it makes it much easier if my bag is searched.
I also make my own “guidebooks”, culling the best of what I can find on the web before I go into a single document, rather than bringing an out of date printed heavy book.
August 20th, 2010
8:02 pm
The best things I like to bring with me when I travel are : Travelon Soap Toiletry Sheets (one kind is enough to wash your hands or clothing, or taking a shower) and 4 or 5 Buff multifunctional headwear.
When the weather is too warm, dip a Buff in cool water and wear it around your neck or around your head. Also a nice filter to avoid breathing sand or dust during a storm.
A Buff replaces a scarf around your neck when it’s getting cold, and hides your hair when it’s getting wild. You may also use a Buff to wash yourself.
The macabi skirt is supposed to be great also because it’s multifunctionnal and dries fast, but I didn’t try it yet.
Great article, very inspiring !
August 20th, 2010
8:11 pm
I have continually reduced my travel load. Generally travel with a half full backpack but have traveled with nothing but stuff in pockets. Here are some observations:
1. A baggie with duct tape, heavy duty rubber bands, safety pins, handkerchief. etc. Any of these things can be awesome in emergencies.
2. Travel clothesline – cant wash clothes in hotel rooms without it. I’ve even used the rubber band plus the hair dryer usually in hotel bathrooms to turn the bathroom into a giant ‘dryer’ – just band the trigger shut of the hand dryer and leave it in the holster pointed at the clothes. Don’t go to sleep though!
3. This is a huge lifesaver – a small travel allowable bottle of coconut oil. I use this stuff for: shaving oil, hair oil, moisturizer (hand and face), um personal lubricant, etc. Its totally natural, smells nice, and in a pinch it’s an emergency food ration. You laugh, but after being stranded for 36 hours without food during a trip somewhere I chugged it for a quick couple of hundred calories.
4. ex-officio underwear. Wear on, bring one – all you need.
5. I got one of of the Macati travel skirts. You can roll/fold this up to pocket size. Same goes for vibram footwear – it can be packed small.
6. Make sure everything you have can be charged via usb, and then bring either a notebook or one usb/outlet adapter and forgo the individual adapters (for your phone, etc). I typically charge everything I need – camera/phone, etc – off my laptop overnight.
7. When you plan on bringing stuff, decide whether you are bringing something because you need it or because you are using it to avoid people. Why bring three books with you, you should be out socializing.
8. A pair of nice jeans, that can be worn to a night out, a pair of shorts you can swim in (any athletic shorts), and the macati’s are all a man needs when traveling. Wear the jeans on the plane.
9. No need to bring copies of travel docs – store on gmail somewhere. Print them if you need them.
10. Eyewear. Contact lenses need very little care. I can travel overnight with just the lens case filled with saline, no need to bring a bottle. And, in a pinch, if you have to, tap water is fine to store them in. It’ll hurt your eyes the next day but you’ll survive.
August 20th, 2010
8:15 pm
here’s a simple and small piece of headgear with multiple functionality. it can be worn as a:
pirate bandana
headband
hairband
mask
neckerchief
wristband
scrunchy
bakaclava
sahariane
cap
and more
it’s called Buff from http://www.planetbuff.com
just a little piece of flexible cloth. it comes in a huge varitey of colors and can be worn at leisure and formal settings.
used to wear it under my bike helmet when I went through sicily on bike for 2 months last year. it absorbs sweat and keeps your head cool in the sun.
worn as a wristband it gives you a rockstar kind of extra accessory (for those who want to stay in style on the road!)
greetings,
Juergen
August 20th, 2010
8:16 pm
I prefer to look poor when I travel. It minimizes the chance that I’ll be targeted by criminals or con men (or women!).
I don’t bring spare clothes. My favorite travel attire is mesh shorts and an undershirt in tropical locales. Benefit being, you can simply buy new ones instead of washing them, and they keep you cool even during midday exertion. For shoes, I wear loose archless slip-on cheap hard-rubber sandals. They allow my toes to spread and my feet to breathe, and they wash easily and dry immediately. Arch support is bad for your feet.
I don’t like pockets. I don’t like odd things bumping against me when I walk. I have a comfortable leather man purse that hangs at hip level and doesn’t interrupt my stride.
For geekery, some combination of smartphone with optional USB keyboard or a mini laptop will do. You also might use Dropbox, a USB stick, or a virtual desktop application to access your data from internet cafes. Be aware that Dropbox would work poorly in low bandwidth situations, and a USB stick might have security issues with exposure to multiple international internet cafes, unless you are running a virtual machine off of it.
For info management on the hoof, I recommend a combo of audio recorder (probably your smartphone) for capturing inspirations, and a pen and notepad for practical information you will need to access again, e.g. addresses and phone numbers. Don’t rely on your smartphone for practical information, because it is unreliable: low battery, data loss, water damage, you’re using the phone and can’t look anything up, etc.
Don’t make schedules. Keep all plans tentative.
Food is a big one for those of us with sensitive stomachs. I don’t eat food prepared by anyone but me. I buy fatty meat and cook it myself in the hostel microwave or whatever, then eat it with disposable silverware. (I live on an all-meat diet.) In a pinch, I go for something simple like plain white rice. A single meal can cost you a week of illness – it’s not worth it.
My #1 travel tip: Walk up to the pretty girls you see with your mind blank and your heart filled with desire. Be direct about your romantic interest. A girl will appreciate your appreciation of her beauty even if she doesn’t want to date you. That habit should make you plenty of instant friends who will usher you into an interesting mix of local life. With a pretty local girl on your arm, you will find easy introduction to others whom you would like to meet. You do not have to consummate any relationship for this to work.
August 20th, 2010
8:20 pm
thanks Tim for the great post
i have been working on this same problem for the last month can’t wait to share my findings with you ill compile the stuff and post it in about 3 to 4 hours
I am in Bangalore India right now getting ready to leave to NY on the 11th i hope this post makes it on time
this post is going to make history
August 20th, 2010
8:31 pm
Howdy all!
Great stuff, Rolf.
QOD
The Boy Scouts gave me a keen sense for packing light.
It’s always a game between my fellow scouters to see who can pack and get by with the least (but most useful) gear.
Many times, we would head up a gear truck that would run our heavy loads to our final destinations (great for canoeing outings and long trips).
Usually, one or two people would head up the truck. We even had a team drive a trailer across country to meet up with us and deliver gear (while we flew and effortlessly hiked around national parks). We’ve encountered groups that provide transportation services within the parks and it’s a great way to enjoy your travels but still have the benefits of using gear at the end of the day.
This reminds me of Rolf’s “utilize the postal service” suggestion.
I was wondering if anybody else was familiar with any delivery services on a larger scale?
Depending on where you are headed, these tools can be a great addition to lighten your load/pack without losing usefulness:
ENO Hammocks- (http://amzn.to/cjwSBL) Durable, lightweight, super well-built. Eliminate being on the ground at night (bad flooding experiences). Great health benefits too.
SwissCard- (http://amzn.to/d4VFZJ) Fits in your wallet. Streamlines a ton of tools.
Best in Travels,
TFH
August 20th, 2010
8:31 pm
I like to wear a baseball cap (Redsocks) when traveling. It protects against weather (sun and rain) and bad hair days. I also have an old Air Force Grunts jacket that my brother bought at a thrift store 20+ years ago that has a great arm pocket. it’s light while still being warm, and I can use it as a blanket.
August 20th, 2010
8:38 pm
I’m a girl and I travel with the same purse I use to carry my laptop/textbooks at college. It might be cheating, but I *like* having a small bag and I *need* my laptop for coursework. I use a simple system when I pack to travel solo.
1. Dress for the airport wearing layers. I live in Seattle. Departing & arriving with a bikini under jeans & tank and a jacket over is always okay.
2. Wear sturdy, flexible shoes. Black flats work best for me.
3. Bring essentials: hairbrush, toothbrush & paste, shampoo. Credit card & passport. For me, makeup and sunglasses.
4. Electronics: 10″ laptop, cell phone, charging equipment. I never bring a camera, since I go for the experience and can always find photos online or use my cell phone’s camera.
5. Only bring clothing that will definitely be worn. On my last trip, I brought two dresses, shorts, a shirt, a scarf/towel, and an extra swimsuit for swimming/underwear. Used it all. Didn’t need anything extra.
Seattle being what it is, I tend to flee to the south or travel during warmer months. This scheme definitely doesn’t accommodate cold climates. Rolling clothes into bags and sealing out the air doesn’t work for me — I pack too much and can’t access it easily.
August 20th, 2010
8:41 pm
QOD:
Since there are way too many great posts I’m just going to stay with a short answer. Since we’re talking about absolute minimum, I am taking this to the extreme :) Just take a passport, one credit card, and a toothbrush (can take the FlyClear card too to speed up airport times).
These are really to me the only necessities if you are going to travel extremely light, since obviously you legally need the passport, and you need a form of currency. The toothbrush is one thing I definitely don’t want to borrow! The clothes you are wearing can be washed every night.
Thanks for the great post, and good luck to you Rolf!
Paul
August 20th, 2010
8:52 pm
QOD: Bring/wear WinterSilks long underwear–amazingly warm but balance heat well, and lighter than anything else you’ll find. Can cram them into tiny spots and they’re practically weightless.
August 20th, 2010
9:00 pm
Silk boxers Idea.
If you’re a boxers man, you could wear 2 pair of silk boxers. One over the other. Less to fill your pockets and ultra light. Simply rotate, washing the inside pair each night. Silk dries quickly.
bon voyage.
August 20th, 2010
9:06 pm
Travel Tips:
Give-N-Go underwear able to wash daily and dries quick.
A compact travel towel – micronet is cool but still needs innovation
The OHSO Marko Travel Toothbrush is fun!
A wallet belt
Micro Fiber Socks
the ultimate cargo pants rock!
One question. What about going though security? The number of fluid containers you have could cause some problems.
Uber cool quest! Good Luck! I’ll follow
August 20th, 2010
9:08 pm
To travel light, travel with a friend. That was items can be divided between the two (toothpaste, shampoo, aspirin etc.) While this might seem obvious, I’ve got on multiple trips where members of my group will carry multiples of the same item. For me, I just break down the trip to bear essentials, clothing,hygiene, and passport/money. Since I don’t have a smart phone, I usually shut it off for most of the trip, but keep it handy for emergencies. Yet one could easily go without it. I 100% agree on the usefulness of any smart phone on your trip, but I could also see that as a distraction. For me, the temptation would be to strong to check blogs, facebook, twitter, etc. Again if you travel with a friend, chances on you can use his smartphone for things like GPS, weather alerts, etc. But again, interacting with the people there is the point, so reliance on any technology could be hazardous. Either way great post, good luck Rolf, and keep up the great work Tim. Excited for the new book!
August 20th, 2010
9:13 pm
QOD: Practice.
90% of success at anything in life is attained during practice and preparation, not the actual actions themselves.
You can “travel light” without leaving the house. Pack yourself as if you were leaving, and live out of that bag in your own home for a week. Or three. Just because there’s a stove and a refrigerator, maybe a washer and drier, doesn’t mean you have to use them. Treat your home as if it were a hotel or hostel, and simply ignore any item that wouldn’t be there on a trip.
I’ve used this method over the last year, and I’ve never even managed to travel yet due to time constraints (because I’ve not yet implemented my Muse and found my Ferrissian Escape Vector). It’s simplified and improved my regular life so much I have no doubt I’ll be able to travel light and agile.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
August 20th, 2010
9:27 pm
Fun challenge – let’s see.
1) Plan by design – if you have a firm itinerary set, use WolframAlpha.com to look at the kind of climate variation you can expect where you’re going at each place, and plan accordingly. I personally like cargopants (REI Nylon are a decent choice) with removable legs at the knee – great in the summer, where a normally cool area can jump in temperature dramatically.
2) Plan by experience – before embarking on a longer quest, take a shorter one. Recently I traveled Hokkaido, and packed everything I thought I would need. I took two bags – a mini-suitcase, and a backpack – everything I needed was placed in the mini-suitcase, and as I needed them throughout the trip, I would transfer them to the backpack. By the end of the week, my backpack contained the few items I needed. The suitcase and everything inside it could then be safely donated.
This helps not only in helping break down expectation vs. reality, but also gives a psychological boost in that, as you’ve survived with the backpack before, you can easily do so again. It’s great for beginners to minimalistic packing.
3) Reducing common items:
Laptop – as mentioned, can be reduced to an iPad or iPhone, depending on needs. In addition to all the points mentioned above, they can also be used to store a decent amount of photos, so as to reduce the need for multiple SD cards. The Apple camera-connector is useful here, and small enough to fit in your camera pocket.
Multiple pairs of anything – DriFit or similar such water/stain/etc. proof materials are great – if you need to do something fancy at a moment’s notice, it’s always great to have a spare t-shirt, but a dark colored DriFit shirt can be run through a faucet and dry on your skin before you shake the hands of anyone important.
Underwear – depending on temperature, I’ve sometimes substituted these for a light pair of waterproof running shorts, which are typically small enough to not be terribly uncomfortable (similar to wearing boxers) and can be used as a bathing suit quite easily.
4) Temperature variation – A small, thin washcloth can be easily tossed into a pocket (or you can use a t-shirt for this same purpose, if you bring an extra one) – when the temperature climbs, soak it in cold water and place it on your neck. The blood running through your neck is cooled (similar to how placing your wrists under running water can cool you down) and simultaneously protected from the sun. You can drape it over your head to protect from heat in much hotter areas as well. In cool weather, you can heat the cloth (very carefully) in a dryer, in a pan (over a fire or set on low heat), or in a pinch in a microwave, then wrap it around your neck to keep warm.
5) Ultimate minimalism (building off Potts’ ideas)
- Eliminate mobile internet/phone – while I think it’s better to not remove your sole means of contacting people, the world has enough internet cafés that you could do this if you really wanted.
- Grab a phone with a higher end camera and replace your camera. This is my favorite – the iPhone 4, for example, has a good enough camera to reduce the need for a dedicated one.
- Buy on-location. Eliminate everything other than clothes and camera-phone (+ keyboard if needed). While deodorant in some countries is laughable (I’m looking at you, Japan), it’s good enough to use in a pinch, unless you smell terrible. Shampoo/soap can be borrowed if you’re going anywhere with people, and what can’t be borrowed can be picked up in a convenience or dollar-type store for pretty cheap.
- While I’m personally involved with WeDrink (charitybottle.com), I’m hesitant to recommend taking a bottle along – it really depends on where you’re traveling. It adds a ton of weight when full (which I guess could be used as a weapon in a pinch), and while you could treat one as a mini-pot and boil water in it (make sure it’s stainless steel), in most areas where you’d want to boil or iodine the water you’d probably be better off buying bottled. If you’re traveling through all first(ish) world countries, then it’d be a decent thing to carry.
Personally, I leave with a money-clip (credit card, some cash, ID), passport, quick-dry running shorts (with extra change of underwear), 2 pair socks (replaced from convenience stores when they get unhandwashable), pair of light boots, pair of cargo shorts (with zip-removable legs), DriFit t-shirt (with 1 extra), and either a suitcoat or a pocket-filled vest that contains a camera phone (typically iPhone) with earbuds, and a set of earplugs. Everything else I need I buy as I need it.
August 20th, 2010
9:49 pm
I have two tricks that helped me in my travels:
- Couch Surfing (http://www.couchsurfing.org/) for sleeping for free anywhere in the world. The people there are so friendly and they introduce you to their culture and day to day life (something you might entirely miss if you’re “just traveling”)
- Greet and meet! Talk to people everywhere, get in a habit of starting a story that they can relate to. You’ll soon be making a lot of friends in all the countries you’re traveling.
My goal for 2012 is to make a trip through Europe befriending people in every country I go to. Since I just ticked off my last goal (parachuting) I hope I can also make this one happen!
August 20th, 2010
10:06 pm
I love when you do traveling posts, Tim.
ESPECIALLY when they involve Rolf!
August 20th, 2010
10:09 pm
QOD:
My Swedish parka ( see e.g. http://www.outdoor-supplies.co.uk/zencart/images/Swedish%20Fur%20Lined%20Parka%201.JPG or http://www.rddusa.com/images/products/Army-Jacket/Swedish-Military-OD-Work-Jacket.350.jpg).
I find it useful because:
1. With its classic cut, fabric and color you can combine it with tons of other clothes – even with a suit (think mod). –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off (this is of course geography-dependent and won’t work for e.g. me in Nepal).
2. It has huge pockets where you can put lots of stuff you would normally wear in a (small, city-tour) backpack –> you don’t need a backpack –> you don’t look like a tourist waiting to be ripped off. Plus: you will not get pick-pocketed as easily, esp. if having your hands in the pockets.
3. You can use it as a blanket (or pillow) in e.g. (night) trains. Or when having a picnic.
4. As it has a removable lining, I can use it in any season of the year resp. geography I travel.
5. Having buttons instead of zippers you don’t run the risk of not being able to close the jacket when needed. Plus: the buttons can easily be closed even when wearing gloves. Plus: If opting for a backpack, you can use the jacket as a cape, thereby covering your backpack
August 20th, 2010
10:11 pm
I’ve got no problems carrying a single carry-on bag for 1 week or less. My warhorse is the eBags weekender.
The tricky part is the toiletries:
1) Shaving – Gilette Atra Mini (from eBay) and 20 Atra cartridges, plus a small bottle of ShaveSecret shaving oil. It all fits in a soap dish, and it’s TSA-friendly. You can also trim the handles off of disposable razors to make them fit in the soap dish.
2) Teeth – I keep a tooth powder bottle in my travel toiletries kit and use it whenever I’m on the road. It’s a bit pricey, so I only use the tooth powder when on travel.
3) Other toilietries (Contact lens solution, shampoo). Put them in 2 oz nalgene-type bottles (available at camping stores, some ‘mart’ stores). I don’t even bother w/ shampoo and soap if I know I am staying in a hotel that will have them.
August 20th, 2010
10:12 pm
QOD:
With your pair of cargo pants go to a tailor and have them sew pockets inside of your pants. It’s a great place to hide valuables while you are traveling that are not easily accessible to thieves. You can also have them attach zippers to any outside pockets for the same reason.
Bring clothes that can be mixed and matched with each other to help you change things up from day to day. With 6 pieces of clothing you could have a 9+ different combinations of outfits rather than just 2 or 3. Also, be sure to bring clothes that you can layer for even more combinations and for colder weather.
Roll your clothing items to be able to store and access them easily. More importantly, rolling them keeps them from being wrinkled.
If you need a guidebook for where you are going. Rip out the pages you need and only take those with you. Guidebooks are heavy and take lots of space.
Bring items that have several uses such as duct tape (wrapped around a pen so you don’t have to bring the whole roll) or conditioning shampoo (laundry, wash hair, condition hair, wash body, shaving cream).
Who needs a razor? If you are careful you can use just the cartridges (without the handle attachment) to shave, saving you space since the cartridges alone are small.
August 20th, 2010
10:25 pm
I also agree with the idea about using a backpack but with a bit of a twist. I pack a children’s backpack because then it makes me have to take less things on my trip. You think you can’t get a lot in a children’s backpack, but there are actually a lot of compartments and if you pack cotton like the one guy said up there then you can actually get a lot of stuff in it.
Just make sure you remove your kids’ toys. One of mine had a toy knife in there that i forgot to take out and I guess you can imagine how that all went. Not fun. I thought it was funny, but don’t laugh about it at security as you probably know alreADY.
August 20th, 2010
10:36 pm
QOD Response:
USB Micro (as in size of device, not size of connector) Charger, car especially. In my experience ALL cars have 12Volt DC outlets, but most countries have various voltages for AC wall outlets, making it harder to charge your devices in a hotel then it would be in a taxi, rental car, or plane.
iPhone for everything, and make sure it all syncs up, just in case it decides to go AWOL in someone else’s pocket. Where is My iPhone is always a nice thing to have active when you’re traveling and have heavy investments in your precious device. Also, credit card for everything, just in case again, and it can be monitored easily from the aforementioned iphone. Now just to find a way to make it sonically wash your pants while you walk around with it in your pocket!
August 20th, 2010
10:42 pm
Simple. Selvage denim theory.
It’s a huge subculture in Japan in here in the United States.
1 pair of selvage denim worn continuously.
Jeans do not need to be washed as often as people think. You can go week’s/months without washing them (and no they don’t stink like you would think); and they look cooler each day as the denim form’s to your natural body movements.
Up and down the Pacific NW, I left home with one leather jacket and one pair of selvage denim CONTINUOUSLY. Not only did my clothes look cool as they were “broken in” my pack was light as a feather. You can’t chase tail looking like fisherman; this is a hip alternative.
-Do let me know when I win.
Richard
August 20th, 2010
11:01 pm
My tip is for those who visit the same hotel weekly. As oppose to taking your stuff back and forth weekly, you leave a bag of your stuff, you don’t need to take back home but will need when you return, with the bell boy with a nice tip. They’ll hold it at the hotel for a while until you get back. This way you won’t need to take your stuff back and forth weekly
August 20th, 2010
11:04 pm
Travelling Light Tip:
1) Put all of the clothes you want to bring on the floor
2) Remove 3/4 of them
3) Merino (superfine wool) is the perfect clothing for travel. Try it – you’ll never look back.
4) Network extensively with friends before you leave. Hopping from friend to friend of friends to new friends is a great way to see a place through a locals eyes (and to wash clothes etc!) Having a tripit / olde school IndyJunior flash map on your blog can help people to meet up with you / think of people you can stay with.
5) Remove more clothes ;)
August 20th, 2010
11:17 pm
Making social connections. As MANY as you possibly can. This makes traveling light 1000X better for me personally. Someone who already lives there can give you any hook up and the details of whatever you may need. Browse forums, make connections. Best travel tip…Ever.
ps. Adage of pack twice as much money and half the stuff rings truer than ever.
August 20th, 2010
11:20 pm
I’d love to share my thoughts from my recent trip to South America. I think a lot of the things can be purchased locally, including underwear and contacts. I stopped doing laundry at one point and started buying t-shirts and pants. I brought a small backpack but in retrospect, I could’ve just brought a medium-sized purse. I use my friend’s camera whenever I need to record as I am not a obsessive picture taker.
Anyhow, here are my 5 (and only five) essential items:
1.
Must-have Jacket: Northface Women’s Venture Triclimate
Why: waterproof exterior shell (better than a rain coat) and a removable warm second layer. Flexible and very stretchable, wear both layers on mountains and either one of the two when the weather is warm. The hood is attached/adjustable. There’s the two hand pockets, both inside and out of the coat with zippers, very secure for all valuables, I wear the inner layer to sleep with my passport, etc.
2.
Must-have Sun Glasses: Ray-Ban RB3025 (women)
Why: they are Ray-Ban, they are red, and they are Aviator. Instant celeb status.
3.
Must-have servant / guide / mother: the iPhone
Why: get the following iPhone apps and it’ll be like having access to essentially everything you have access to at home: hostelwrold, tripit, lonely planet, skype, white noise (soothing sound to falling asleep), Jiwire (best global wifi finder), Trippo Voicemagix (type –> translate into sound), bank of america (pay bill online, find nearest ATM), and I could list out 10 more apps… (e.g., vuvuzela, flash light, google earth, etc etc.)
4.
Must-have medicine: Pepto Bismol and Cipro. (in pill forms)
Why: you should get fully vaccinated before you go abroad, so the myriad of ways you can fall ill abroad basically gets narrowed down to stomach problems of varying severity. (not including sexually transmitted diseases, if you are not careful!) For minor stomach problems, just pop some pepto, I’ve never found a foreign medicine as awesome as my pink friend. For major viruses (puking for 2 with a clear virus attack): pop 3 Cipro pills, one per day. It kills everything in your stomach (so don’t take this unless you are really dying), but you will definitely get better no matter what, in fact, hospitals in all of south America will not give you anything better than Cipro, it’s the best.
5. postcards of the Brooklyn Bridge.
why: I give them away as gifts – to new friends, hostels, local families, kids. I give them a postcard picture of the Brooklyn Bridge, and I tell them that’s sort of my home, and that represents one of the most beautiful aspects of America in the most amazing city possibly in the world, and I tell them if they’re ever near the bridge, that they should give me a call. I write my email address on the back.
August 20th, 2010
11:24 pm
I highly endorse Blundstone boots (aka “Blunnies”) as a comfortable and versatile travel shoe for men and women. These boots are Australian icons and I have owned many pairs over the past 25 years. I have travelled all over Europe, the US, Central America and North Africa with them on my feet.
Even though they’re work boots you can wear them into a boardroom or a fancy restaurant without raising any eyebrows. They have excellent grip so are great for hiking (but not safe for horse riding). The elastic sides mean they’re easy to get on and off for countries where they don’t wear shoes indoors.
The only drawback is that because they come up to your ankles they’re not ideal for hot weather. But none the less, you won’t look like a total dork if you wear them with shorts.
Proper preparation is a good idea. If you buy the black ones (a bit more formal) you’ll need to put a bit of black shoe polish on the edges of the leather upper, because it’s raw and therefore white. It’s also a good idea to waterproof the leather. I prefer Dubbin (http://www.josephlyddy.com.au/dubbin.htm) but I’m sure regional variants are available. Put the boots in the sun after you’ve applied the waterproofing so the leather really soaks it up. Happy tramping!
August 20th, 2010
11:38 pm
In most countries customs will not let you take fluids onto the plane so you’ll probably get some of your toiletries taken off you. Why not ditch them and buy them in-country?
August 20th, 2010
11:44 pm
Hey.
Been reading for a while but first time commenting. Awesome post–the tips here and on your “10 lbs. or less” post are priceless!
Most of the things I’ve learned about travelling have been from mistakes. I’ve only been on real out-of-state vacations a handful of times but every few weeks I like to take a little adventure around the city :)
The author said it best, “Err on the side of minimalism…” When I went to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage last year, I brought a nice bag full of things that soon realized I didn’t need at all. A quick example is the couple surgical masks we kept since my group wanted to be safe against swine flu and other diseases especially within large crowds. But, the second we landed, there were people near bus stops or local mosques passing out surgical masks (which weren’t even necessary if you have a scarf/bandana).
The lesson I learned: It’s good to have some handy items, but I don’t have to be ready for every possible outcome (as there will be help along the way).
Anyway, one great trick I always find helpful is to keep a hard glasses case that snaps closed when travelling. It doesn’t have to be big or anything fancy. I have to wear glasses, and I refuse to get contacts. So, this is big for me (and I guess anyone who likes to keep some nice shades around). The glasses case works well at night and other times when you don’t want to wear your glasses. It keeps them protected at all times (if you’re going swimming, etc.), and you won’t have to worry about waking up finding bent up glasses next to you if you have to sleep in a tight spot. During the day, you can use them to keep small valuables in, and they’re fairly safe against everything (since they snap shut and are hard). Also, I tend to find a case easy to keep track of (and harder to steal) inside a pocket since you’ll always feel it because of its size/shape, yet it won’t be too obtrusive if you have other things in a pocket. So, that’s my tip for travelers who are tied to their glasses (and I hope it wins me a nice sound system, lol).
Good luck Rolf! And, keep up the great work Batman… er, I mean, Tim.
August 20th, 2010
11:47 pm
Great Post.
I have logged over 120k air-miles since last October and I have these 3 tips to share.
Keeping track: There are many services out there, but I found an obscure site here http://my.flightmemory.com which allows you to log your flights. The bonus is the site offers the ability to order a cool poster with all of your travels mapped – a great update on the atlas and colored markers.
Packing: A trick from my grandfather – do a “dressing visualization”, starting at your feet, and work your way up – once for work, once for play – that way you won’t forget the cufflinks or socks !
Travel: Always remember to pack your sense of humor, ability to be gracious and impeccable manners. Modern travel is fraught with many aggravations – being polite (pleases & thank-yous), a genuine smile and going with the flow is more likely to speed you through your journey and get you to your destination relaxed, than being a cranky fusspot.
Happy travels.
August 20th, 2010
11:57 pm
Thanks for awesome tips guys. Love the lady above’s tips on duel purpose gold sandals and just one “little black number” for smarter occassions.
Hope my wife will take cognisance!
Anyway my tip to packing size (but not weight) down is to use a vacuum cleaner. For example, if you will only need warm clothes two weeks into your trip, put them into a refuse or ziplock type bag, suck out all the air by holding the mouth of the bag over the vacuum nozzle and then quickly tape or zip shut. I find refuse bags best. Also great for clothes you won’t wear again- just ask housecleaning if you can use the vacuum for 2 minutes.
Looking forward to Superhuman Tim! Hope the surveys helped.
Andre
August 21st, 2010
12:15 am
This is retarded. I want to enjoy my travels so rather than bringing everything I need in one convenient easy to roll suitcase I will instead spend all of my time shopping for toothpaste and deodorant, standing by my sink naked washing the only clothes I have and begging people along the way to borrow stuff.
Oh, by the way, I have to do it all with underwear in my pockets…and have a jacket with 18 pockets full of s$&t. Plus, my hair looks like crap, my shirt is wrinkled, I can’t do anything or go anywhere that requires grooming like a nice restaurant or night club.
Let’s be completely uncomfortable, limit our options and have to search and buy every little necessity of life for our whole trip to avoid rolling a suitcase for five minutes. And do this in the name of enjoyment?
Why not go camping without a tent, or fishing without a pole… After all, the point of fishing is to enjoy fishing… Not to have a pole. Drrrr!
Love the Blog Tim… Your content is often so good you can occasionally pawn off retarded stuff like this and people wii assume it must make sense and will aspire to it.
I’ll take the road less travelled… If I ever get too weak to roll a suitcase from the plane to the cab and the cab to the room, I’ll start a blog, pawn off some retarded non fix fixes and use my proceeds to hire an entourage of people to carry my stuff in their cargo shorts for me. One dude to carry toiletries, one my IPad and a hot Norwegian model to carry my underwear.
Peace
August 21st, 2010
12:17 am
This is retarded. I want to enjoy my travels so rather than bringing everything I need in one convenient easy to roll suitcase I will instead spend all of my time shopping for toothpaste and deodorant, standing by my sink naked washing the only clothes I have and begging people along the way to borrow stuff.
Oh, by the way, I have to do it all with underwear in my pockets…and have a jacket with 18 pockets full of s$&t. Plus, my hair looks like crap, my shirt is wrinkled, I can’t do anything or go anywhere that requires grooming like a nice restaurant or night club.
Let’s be completely uncomfortable, limit our options and have to search and buy every little necessity of life for our whole trip to avoid rolling a suitcase for five minutes. And do this in the name of enjoyment?
Why not go camping without a tent, or fishing without a pole… After all, the point of fishing is to enjoy fishing… Not to have a pole. Drrrr!
Love the Blog Tim… Your content is often so good you can occasionally pawn off retarded stuff like this and people wii assume it must make sense and will aspire to it.
I’ll take the road less travelled… If I ever get too weak to roll a suitcase from the plane to the cab and the cab to the room, I’ll start a blog, pawn off some retarded non fix fixes and use my proceeds to hire an entourage of people to carry my stuff in their cargo shorts for me. One dude to carry toiletries, one my IPad and a hot Norwegian model to carry my underwear.
Peace
August 21st, 2010
12:29 am
Travelling light has always been somewhat of a pain for me; I’m a hoarder and hauler at heart. But I have managed to find some tricks.
Electronics: I carry something that has all the functions I need, is compact and has a small charger. So instead of taking my 80GB Cowon A3, watch, cell phone, camera, and laptop, I take just my cell phone. It has all the functions of the other gadgets, but is smaller and I only have to bring one charger.
Toiletries: I hoard trial size and samples of toiletries just for trips if I can’t get the toiletries there. Colgate wisps replace toothbrushes, and I carry a collapsible brush/mirror to fix everything. The only full sized thing I bring is sunblock!
Souvenirs: Most of the time, I stick to postcards. “Isn’t it nicer to receive a snapshot and stamp that’s been processed through multiple postal services than something you’ll never use?” I reason.
Clothing: I like organizing things in plastic bags, so my clothes are usually packed in plastic bags, folded or rolled (whichever saves the most space), and then sat on (Yes, sat on) so the air is completely removed. In terms of content, I stick to a set of underwear (aka, bra, panties, socks) per day, with the max number of sets being 3 since I can wash them at night and pack them. T-shirts are good for 1-2 days wear before washing, so for a week I bring 2-3, and a good pair of jeans can last a week without washing. I wear a pair of sneakers, and usually have a pair of cheap, flimsy slippers (I typically grab them from airlines) for wearing in a bathroom or hotel on me. And I’ll usually wear one sweater or hoodie for the occasional cold moments. When it’s winter, I find that layers of lighter clothing (which can be washed and packed quickly) are better than heavy sweaters and pants, and that my tall winter boots are quite the storage space for extra socks, tights or anything soft really. (Us girls don’t have nice deep pockets in our pants, so we use what we have.)
When travelling light, I forget jewelry, accessories and extras that I use at home, and go with the flow. It’s easier and more enjoyable than fussing over something spilt or missing in my luggage.
August 21st, 2010
12:36 am
Thanks Rolf and Tim for this fascinating blog post, the adventure and for everyone’s fantastic tips and hints.
I’ve been traveling the world for 2 1/2 years full-time… and honestly haven’t become the world’s lightest packer (where I can, I usually pay for help with my bag! *L*) …
However, as far as light on the paper docs, I utilize my iphone and ipad extensively…. Dropbox is my lifesaver for myself, my VA team and family… can access it from anywhere. I store ALL of my important docs in dropbox. I also use Evernote to capture many extras.
When I’m pushed to leave my camera and video behind, I bring only my Kodak Zi8 http://tinyurl.com/2emqv8v (not an affiliate link)
*** *** ***
Here’s my secret key!…
Since 2006 I’ve had a ‘salt rock’ which is a polished rock of salt on a rope, used for underarm ‘deodorant’… I bought from a market in Cairns (Australia) in Sept 2006, and I’m STILL using it! Best investment ever for $9, and I NEVER have underarm stink! Saves my clothes from smelling also, and can reuse my clothes on several occasions before washing..
I pack a long T (or 2) (usually black) and several short-T’s to get a new ‘look’ with minimal packing.
One pair of jeans..
several pairs of black Tights (one long, one three quarter)
and a pretty ‘flowing’ colourful top that can be folded and doesn’t crease.
One pair of black fancy ‘ballet’ shoes and sometimes fancy black flip flops – this is for evening dress
I also pack stocking socks – which are easy to wash and dry, and pack lighter in my bag.
I usually take mini-toiletries, or buy at my location/s. Or borrow those of family and friends when I arrive.
Really pleased to get such a great pool of resourceful tips from your blog post.. thanks!
You are so inspiring, and bring out the best in so many people around the world..
Keep being Awesome
(to you Tim, and Rolf! …and to all the contributors to the blog comments!)
Katie Joy – The Global Butterfly!
August 21st, 2010
12:51 am
QOD Response:
Travelling light for be best starts at the beginning. I suggest forcing yourself to buy a bag a lot smaller than what you ‘think’ you need. Carry on only is a must!
This will not only force you to really prioritize your packing but after realizing that you never have to wait for your luggage after getting off the plane you will do anything and everything to pack as light as possible as often as possible.
Simple but effective.
August 21st, 2010
1:10 am
Great post. I hope you have a great trip Rolf. Before I put in my two cents I just want to say there are many excellent tips in the posts. For myself, I learned through painful experience that the lighter I packed the more enjoyable the trip.
1) I use solid toiletries like shaving soap, shampoo bar, mini deodorant stick and a small folding tooth brush. A good quality disposable razor is also a must for me as I look awful with a beard. All fit into a small ziploc bag. This is principally my back up until I get what I need locally.
2) An iPhone (unlocked) for music, reading (Kindle, Free Books) email, maps, notes, Skype, TripIt, phrase books etc, .Probably my most valuable travel tool I have. No paper books.
3) A small encrypted USB drive that have scanned copies of credit cards (2), passport and other essential info in pdf form in case they are lost or stolen. An alternative is to set up an email account before you leave with the scanned copies of your information, but save it in the Drafts folder. Do not send it! If the need arises you can access the account and obtain the information that way. Of course, this works best in an area where you can get access to a computer with a printer.
4) Use the bundle method when packing clothing as per onebag.com and only use a carry on bag (soft sided no wheels). Clothing should be multipurpose, lightweight and dry overnight when washed.
5) I purchased a Scottevest Essential Travel Jacket which has 19 pockets for storing items. Very versatile and good for thwarting pickpockets.
6) A collapsible water bottle (eg. Source, Platypus).
7) Vibrams KSOs instead of runners if you wear them. I get some odd looks at times but they are a good icebreaker for conversations.
8) Eat locally. Don’t bring food unless it is to eat on the plane. I once made the mistake of packing 12 boxes of Kraft Dinner in my luggage then having to explain to the customs officer on the other end that the orange powder in the packets was not Canadian cocaine (it is to some I guess) but the cheese powder used in making it.
August 21st, 2010
1:17 am
Some great tips here – I normally travel with nothing but a crumpler laptop bag so that I can carry on with my CyberGypsy lifestyle. I would find it hard to get my life into less than one hold luggage bag though.
I also like to paraglide, which creates one more bag, but recently there has been a revolution in the weight of paragliding kit so that it is possible to have all of your kit in one small rucksack. Pop in a laptop, a pair of undies and suddenly you have a flying machine and your ability to work in something that you can carry around with you on your back.
Is this an obsession perhaps?
August 21st, 2010
1:17 am
My advice is very simple, but it’s surprising the difference it makes.
Don’t bother bringing a towel along.
Alot of hostels provide towels for free (or for a minimal cost), in which case they are dry, clean, and do not become a damp mess in your pack. Alternately, if not provided, you can often use a tshirt as a towel and (if it is a warm enough a place), just wear it and it will dry off. Even microfibre towels are more bother than they are worth for the most part.
August 21st, 2010
1:19 am
Some great tips here – I normally travel with nothing but a crumpler laptop bag so that I can carry on with my CyberGypsy lifestyle. I would find it hard to get my life into less than one hold luggage bag though.
I also like to paraglide, which creates one more bag, but recently there has been a revolution in the weight of paragliding kit so that it is possible to have all of your kit in one small rucksack. Pop in a laptop, a pair of undies and suddenly you have a flying machine and your ability to work in something that you can carry around with you on your back.
Is this an obsession perhaps?
August 21st, 2010
1:19 am
My tip for lightweight packing is to bring a thin pashmina shawl (some uses might only work for us ladies :-). On first look it doesn’t look like an essential thing to bring but I have used mine everywhere.
* When spending a lot of time in a bus, train or plane it is really nice to have as a blanket
* Ever slept in a too cold room? Use as an extra blanket.
* Throw over your shoulders when you need to look dressed up.
* Wear it draped under your jacket for extra warmth.
* I usually travel with kids so it is often used to wrap a cold child after a swim.
* Works as a picknick blanket.
* Can be used to wrap around a sprained ancle or a twisted neck for some extra warmth.
Other than my trusty pashmina I bring my Vibram Sprint. They are great for walking in and since I bought mine in black I also use them as my nicer shoes when traveling. The Sprint together with a nice wrinkle free black dress and my trusty pashmina I look ready for anything.
I had fun reading all the tips, not everything would work for me but I got some new ideas.
August 21st, 2010
1:24 am
Sounds like an awesome adventure.
QOD: My advice is to always have colour photo copies of all travel documents stashed away somewhere with a few dollars or Euros. You never know where you could be stranded…
Good luck, will follow progress.
August 21st, 2010
1:35 am
QOD. I work and play from odd locations and often find a short day trip turns into a one or two day stay. I might spend several days in a remote cabin, go on a road trip, or to an all night LAN party at a friends place.
To prepare for this I have a Kifaru X-ray pack setup as my office/travel luggage/day pack/BOB. I take it pretty much everywhere, and it’s made unexpected overnight trips a breeze. I toss it into my truck, wear it while riding my motorcycle, or use it as a carry-on when flying.
It is constantly evolving.
If I wish I had something with me more than twice, I add it.
I periodically empty all the pockets and remove the things I don’t need, as my needs change.
I always look for things that perform more than one function or take up less space. (for example, once my Iphone 4 gets here I’ll stop carrying a digital camera)
Since I never know if I’ll have to be dressed for business, casual, or some unexpected adventure, I carry this change of clothes:
- a pair of black Lululemon yoga pants that are lightweight, comfortable, and look like dress pants.(These don’t have an elastic waist like their current pants.) I can wear them with a t-shirt, golf shirt, and have even worn them with a shirt and tie to a company christmas party. When these die I’ll look have to find something equivalent from somewhere else.
- a lightweight merino wool sweater. Many have mentioned the magic of merino wool. Warm, moisture wicking, odor fighting magic.
- a pair of silk socks in summer, or Ulfrotte merino wool in winter. (black)
- a pair of Lululemon or Exofficio boxers.
- TAD Gear softshell jacket.
I pack it all into a lightweight Kifaru zippered pouch to keep it clean and organized. (I use two other kifaru pouches, one for my toiletries, one for my office supplies.)
This change of clothing, combined with whatever I leave the house wearing covers me for most scenarios. I can dress up or down, layer for warmth, and have a few combination’s of clothing if I’ll be seeing the same people for a few days.
My quest to create a lightweight, multifunction, multiday wardrobe really came together when I found Sanuk shoes though. They’re basically sandals with a canvas top, and the ones I use look just like loafers. Light, comfortable, and look equally at home in a nice restaurant or on the beach.
August 21st, 2010
1:46 am
Many travelers still make the mistake to bring too much stuff onto the road to feel well prepared and less scared. The truth is this is not what travelling is about. It’s about leaving behind what is known to discover new. This includes equipment, people and thoughts.
August 21st, 2010
1:56 am
1. Go modular for temperature changes. When going to warm places, you can get away with almost nothing. I use ExO everything: underwear, polyester pants, t-shirt. Add UnderArmor ColdGear long sleeve mock + leggings, a pair of liner gloves, and a simple rain jacket (such as the Marmot Ion), and you can easily survive down to 40F, and you’ll dry off in minutes.
For that one, ditch the sandals… my FiveFingers Flow are my best hot-to-cold weather friends. Also, I’m from Oslo, Norway, so people from SoCal might need the same gear for 60F :-)
2. This: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ES6KPM/
August 21st, 2010
2:37 am
The idea of doing things on a smart phone reminds me of how Ray Mears talks of hunter gathers going into the bush with just a knife, parang or an axe. This lets them get all they needed from the bush and at the same time they are so light that they don’t impede progress. The idea is similar to what you are talking about: the baggage actually takes away from the trip.
Great idea look forward to the footage.
August 21st, 2010
3:08 am
Good post. I made a nice trip across 15 european countries in 30 days with just a little 40 ltr backpack. I used a pinstripe jacket with a hoody under it for clothing which I could combine for any occasion and worked very well.
August 21st, 2010
3:09 am
#QOD
Bring knowledge instead of stuffs.
1. Think through all your potential needs and make a huge list.
2. Show this list (online or offline) to someone who has actually been to your destination (e.g. a local!) and ask whether they were real neccesities or just imaginary ones & is there any other suggestions she/he might add to the list.
3. Ask for tipps about how he/she would solve those real-world problems using local resources, possibilities. (>borrow his/her brainstorm)
4. Buy him a beer/her a mojito for the good advices.
5. So you have a list with REAL neccesities & some seasoned advice from an experienced dude.
6. Have a glass of good red wine (optional) and generate a huge brainstorm to find intellectual (not material) LOCAL solutions to all the needs on your list > so you don’t have to bring any “tool” to fulfill them. (except for your brain of course but you can’t leave without it anyway)
7. Highlight the best alternatives and save this information
(7+ if you are not satisfied with the results, try harder drugs &/ ask more experienced fellaz)
8. Pack up your credit card, cash, passport, (Smart)phone & a spare undewear and drop-in.
May the knowledge be with you.
Bonus: Learn a magic trick/skill that can be used as a substitute for money > you might trade that for anything in case of emergency (think street musicians)
Game on.
August 21st, 2010
3:14 am
I don’t think i could have added anything to the conversation about the physical baggage, sooo, without sounding too pretensious….
Can i suggest cutting down on mental baggage is just as important as the physical stuff.
I don’t mean ‘leave your preconceptions behind’ or anything new agey like that.
I mean…
1) No Worries
The only things i travel with that i have to worry about are my passport, and a credit card. You could have everything else stolen (including the clothes off your back) and you’d still be more or less fine.
2) Better to have the memories of a real experience than the photos of a fake one.
If you spend your entire time behind a camera (as i’ve seen others do) then you’ll miss out on the important stuff. Besides, no one wants to see your 10000 photo travel montage – keep it down to 5 or 10 photos that really mean something to you, and let your memories fill in the blanks.
Extra tip: no seperate camera – use your phones one, let others take the photos.
3) No pressure.
- Get an open return ticket – travel where you want, when you want – save the appointments until you get back to work. (see: Round the world tickets, EuroRail ticket, local last minute budget airlines)
- Travelling with others, let them know ahead of time that you will enevitably fall out – when you feel this happening, be honest, talk it out.
- If travelling with others for a long time, every now and again split up and do your own thing, this will take the pressure off and reduce animosity.
Cheers.
August 21st, 2010
3:41 am
QOD response:
I’ve learned to travel light and simple by following and living by these quotes. Let me try to explain my interpretations.
#1 “survival is about balancing risk with benefit”
-To get around, know your limits, don’t overcompensate, under compensate, be prepared, but not too prepared where you lose the opportunity for spontaneity for adventure and life experience.
#2 “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end”
-Live simply and give back to where ever you go. You’ll require less and less each time you give because you’ve become so full by your experiences. hey the quote explains itself =p
#3 Don’t forget your toothbrush. Seriously. Bad Breath can speak a lot of languages =D
August 21st, 2010
4:01 am
If not staying in hotels and have to provide your own towel, bring a travel towel (chamois). I first encountered these when learning to platform dive, you tend to dry your self each time you exit the pool to stay warm.
They’re tiny compared to a normal towel and you can ring them dry enough to dry you in seconds. If you’ve ever read hitch-hikers guide to the galaxy you’ll this is the most important item a traveller can have!
@Tim if you’ve never tried platform diving I’d imagine you’d enjoy it (I’ve just read your blog entry on learning to swim!).
(sorry if this is a double post I don’t have time to read them all this morning!)
August 21st, 2010
4:22 am
I disagree with idea number 7 because sending stuff around the globe with postal services is extremely expensive. I tried to send a bag with clothes from the USA to Europe and they had to charge me >150 dollars for that….
August 21st, 2010
5:02 am
QOD
1. Travel with thin undergarment singlets (tank tops). These are super light, cheap, dry quickly and take up almost no room in your luggage. You can buy them from almost any supermarket. Perfect for hot climates. Nice to sleep in. Just the easiest piece of clothing for your top half.
2. Buy swimmers with good pockets. These are not as fashionable as traditional board shorts but the pockets will do you well. Being swimmers, they are easy to wash and are quick dry. The pockets will have zippers or Velcro to deter pick pockets. They will replace traditional shorts and swimmers all in one.
3. Waterproof camera such as the Olympus uTough. I found this to be an amazing tool on my travels. Even more so if you are a solo traveller. One of the issues I used to have was that if you were going swimming on a beach or pool, you dont want to leave your valuables on the beach. Every currency I have come across in the world is water proof. So just pack your camera, cash and hostel key into your swimmer pockets and your good to go. Swim with all this stuff in your pocket, and never miss a photo opportunity. They are super study and obviously water proof. They can be used as a scanner. Can take under water photos and video.
4. Go bare foot. Obviously this is a no go in airports and in cold climates, but if you are in beach country, dont even bother buying flip flops. Go caveman styles.
5. Dont wear clothing with logos or brands. The plainer the better. This will not be so obvious if you are on a long trip and you have heaps of photos wearing the same thing. Also, if you are staying somewhere for a longer period of time, it wont be so obvious that you are wearing the same clothes over and over.
6. On that note, choose dark colours. You will be able to wear them longer without wash, and permanent stains (which will definitely happen) wont be so obvious.
7. Smart phone tips:
1. Use the screenshot option on the iPhone (power + home buttons) to take screenshots of google maps so you can find your hostel off line.
2. Create a folder just for tickets. Cache this folder (pre load it) before you leave the internet zone. This will have flights, hotels etc in the folder. It will mean they wont get pushed out after 50 emails come through. These can be very helpful to show taxi drivers or follow directions form the airport.
3. There is an app called White noise. This is basically an app that plays sounds such as rain falling. Combine this with a set of noise cancellation ear buds and it kicks the crap out of traditional ear plugs. No more 5am disturbances in hostels.
4. Always pick the bed next to a power point if possible.
5. Turn off WIFI and 3G when not using. Saves loads of battery.
7. If you are carrying a net book, choose one with a long battery life. This can serve as a portable recharge for your smart phone when power plugs are limited.
8. Try and have all your devices charge off USB. This will save significant space and weight on chargers and cables.
Hope these tips help all the light-weight travellers out there!
August 21st, 2010
5:09 am
Quick edit on the above:
Point 7.2. I am talking about folders in your email account. Eg Gmail or Yahoo.
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Another quick note, dont spend months and months preparing. Dont buy stuff before hand. Dont try and go over every possibility in your head and with everyone on the internet. That, in my opinion, defeated the purpose.
Enjoy your life at home. Then enjoy your travels abroad. Dont waste your time at home reading every little detail of the destination you are headed too.
Just follow Ralphs quote: “Pack twice the money and half the gear.”
chances are stuff will be cheaper there, or you wont even need it in the first place. An example of this is I bought a sleeping bag when before I left. 9 months later and I have used it a few times, but I definitely didnt need it. And I could have easily bought a $10 blanket and thrown it 3 times over instead of spending $150 on a sleeping bag…
Go to your destination with the bare minimum. Then build if you need too. I would even go as far as saying dont buy a guide book or even plan where to go. Just rock up and start talking to people. You will figure out what to do on the road. This is how you build your own resourcefulness!
Experience, don’t plan.
August 21st, 2010
5:14 am
I mostly travel in Japan and I used to lug all kinds of crap around. Now I carry a very light college style backpack (Jansport). I only carry one extra shirt, pair of underwear, and socks. Those plus camera and cell phone. Everything else I do without or buy when needed.
On my way home I always send my stuff with Kuroneko (UPS like shipping company). That way it`s a relaxing trip home with no baggage what-so-ever.
PS. Cargo Pants FTW (for the win)!!
August 21st, 2010
5:19 am
I am on a business trip right now, living out of a backpack… these are my favorite articles and I love everyone’s suggestions. I plan to rethink my packing system again from these new ideas. My suggestion is to write out a packing list. By the time I was done writing it, I crossed off 1/3 of my list.
August 21st, 2010
5:27 am
I can’t wait to follow Rolf’s adventure :)
#QOD:
I also travel using my jacket as my main luggage. One hack that has been essential for me to *move house* without paying surcharges on weight, and to do so on no frills airlines has been to tear a whole in my jacket pocket and use the inside as storage, thus taking advantage of the airline’s luggage loophole in a more extreme way compared to what Rolf is doing. The jacket I do it with is double layered and I have squeezed up to 20kg into it. I also put a large strong shopping bag into the pocket, so once I pass through security (and they never care about how much stuff is in it) I put the jacket itself into the bag so there is no discomfort in the airport and when flying.
I showed how I moved house recently this way in this video.
One other tip I mentioned in the video is what always gets people’s attention in the video as the coolest trick: I travel with a large bulky towel (I don’t like the micro fiber one), but when I have a small bag there is usually no room for it, so I wear it like a superhero cape and put my jacket over that. Nobody at the airport notices that I am ready to save the day at a moment’s notice. This could also work with clothes (tucking something into your collar and having it hang over your back).
I’m not quite a minimalist, but I do have my travel hacking ideas ;)
August 21st, 2010
5:31 am
In response to the QOD: I think a sarong is the most compact, multi-purpose item I take whenever I travel. I use it as a towel, as a sheet, as a skirt/dress, picnic ground cover, head-covering for the blazing sun, curtain, basket for picking veggies and many more spontaneous uses. It’s thin and dries quickly and rolls up very small. I’d pack one of those in my cargo pockets, Rolf! A sarong has saved the day many times for me.
I definitely have digital copies of all important documents including passport and all travel docs. And I digitally store all contact information of people I meet instead of collecting scraps of paper and cards along the way.
August 21st, 2010
5:39 am
Nice post
just back from vacation around Europe and bought one small bag
What I would suggest and would like to offer to Rolf is a SIM card from my company maxroam that covers him everywhere in the world for voices and data.
you have my email guys, drop me a mail and I can express it to his next destination
August 21st, 2010
5:42 am
What allows me to travel the lightest is learning a language to a functional competency (conversational) before I go. Having that dialed, it helps me tackle more than half the problems I might encounter along the way. I learn by using the Pimsleur language series, and cram more lessons along the way (mp3′s on my iPod). I skip learning reading and writing, but for Latin-based languages, I usually figure it out as I’m there.
A smartphone with an e-dictionary is a bonus. The iPhone is useful because you can write Asian kanji on some applications and have it translated.
Stuff-wise, I like taking a few ziploc freezer bags (with the little zipper tab) because they’re so re-usable. They lock in odor (not freshness) for laundry, are waterproof for wet clothes, can hold water (camping), hold food, separate items, hold documents, and much more.
Since my travel style varies from backcountry trekking to dancing a storm in the city nightlife, I go with Salomon GTX trail running shoes that’s waterproof and grippy for the outdoors, but look slick enough (if cleaned) to get me into clubs. If I go Latin dancing, I put duct tape on the soles of my shoes to kill the friction allowing me to do more turns.
Besides language and ziplocs, having lots of time is the greatest asset. Traveling ultra-light is necessary if I’m whilrlwind traveling or trekking, but if I base myself somewhere, then I only have to travel super-light.
August 21st, 2010
6:07 am
1. Question every single little thing you bring. Which follows into…
2. Follow principles of minimalism. Only bring what is essential. Less is more.
3. Don’t hold yourself back. Travel is a life to be breathed into.
4. Can’t follow #3? Fear-set. Fear-set everything.
I feel that in any venture in life, should really focus on the fundamental principles that govern that are. All else is career-work.
August 21st, 2010
6:26 am
QOD:
I’m a total convert to Red Oxx luggage. It’s built to last and has a lifetime warranty! Our most recent addition is a triangular day pack. We just went through 19 days in Europe and I had it with us whenever we were out. It’s very comfortable to wear and a good size to carry a few extra things like a light weight jacket, camera, etc.
Ditch the carry-on with wheels! You loose space in the luggage to the wheels. My main bag is a Red Oxx Air Boss and I can comfortably fit everything I need in it and it easily fits in an overhead.
A carabiner hook is great to hang a water bottle to another bag or belt/belt loop. I’ve been using one of the newer metal bottles that has a large loop on the lid that the hook works well on.
I do pack essential toiletries since I don’t want to spend my trip time finding stores to buy what I need on the other end. If I know I’m going to use it, I bring it. You can get shampoo in a bar soap and powdered toothpaste to reduce the issues with gels and liquids. I use a mineral salt crystal for deodorant and it travels well.
I’m not sure how someone with no baggage is going to carry around a pocket knife or leatherman tool if plane travel is involved…
August 21st, 2010
7:28 am
I LOVE this journey that Rolf is going on and I am so looking forward to the updates along the way!
My best tip is for the women – who are usually totally under-represented in the “tip” arena for light traveling IMO :)
Having lived and traveled in a variety of foreign countries I have found that unless you are in Europe tampons can be VERY DIFFICULT to locate (sorry guys if this makes you uncomfortable)…Rather than packing a bunch of extras or trying to figure out just how many you will need I highly recommend the Diva Cup instead. (Bonus benefit: it’s a very “green” solution even when not traveling!)
August 21st, 2010
7:35 am
The iPhone is a terrible travel phone due to its incompatibility with most other computers that you will find on your travels. You cannot mount it as a drive, so it cannot be used as a data storage/transfer device. It is very difficult (if not impossible) load new media files (i.e. music or movies) without iTunes which is NOT found on most cafe/hotel/hostel computers. So basically, what you leave home with is it.
You are better off with a smartphone that is not crippled by Apples proprietary software.
On the plus side – it does do mapping and browsing very well!
I love my iPhone at home, but I travel with my Nokia N810 – older but reliable and compatible plus a built-in keyboard.
August 21st, 2010
7:45 am
I like Rolf’s experiment, I may try a messenger bag traveling soon, I think I’ll take my laptop wherever I go because I run my business on it for now. I hope Rolf has the book on kindle, so I may finally get around to reading it on my laptop.
I’m traveling light in Taiwan right now, 1 bag, and 1 small messenger bag. It’s about the experience, though it’s important to make it something you want, not just listen to others who tell you what they think it’s about. Meaning, do what you want, not what I or whoever says is best for you, unless you really trust our tips and want to use our experience as a guideline. I’m writing a post right now on everything I carry.
My first tip, learn to purge.
1. Pick a bag size which is not too big and allows you to blend in if you wear it around town. I picked a 28L bag which seems small though it has more than enough space for my items. Pack the bag to the max (unless you’re cool with less stuff already).
A bag bigger than 32L is a pain to carry around town if you are walking around a lot.
When you restrict yourself to a certain smaller sized bag (than you’d usually pick) magic happens. You start packing less because it just doesn’t fit. You’ve already started purging and prioritizing what was important to bring with you and what you could buy while you were there.
2. With your full bag at your destination, start mercilessly cutting things (by this point you should be annoyed having to move stuff around and repacking your bag to get to that one item under all that stuff).
Mail these things back home, or to family you can keep it with. You could always give them away or exchange them as Rolf mentions.
At this point as well while you are cutting stuff out of your bag, you should notice there are just some things you rarely if ever, use. Do you really need that camera stand you may never use?
If you’ll use it, keep it, though think about it deeply. I almost brought a portable standing desk with me on my travels because I like to work while standing (it’s better for the back) though I didn’t bring it luckily.
For cutting clothes, following Rolf’s tips about always having a fresh pair ready is a great idea. 2-3 pairs of socks, undies, and shirts. The ExOfficio and wool clothes which avoids “stink” are great items to have 2-3 of (2 if you plan to wash everyday).
3. Choice of clothes utility is important. If your clothes can convert or your shoes serve many purposes, you’ll need less stuff (wanting less is a whole new ball game).
Convertible pants are great, they usually have cargo pockets and you can covert them to pants or shorts based on what is best for the moment. Darker the better, so you can blend in fine in whatever environment.
I mentioned before the wool clothes which avoids stink, this clothes is expensive though it works great. Of course if you are vegan or non animal products type, use synthetic stuff. It may smell, though it dries fast for an easy wash. Neutral colors which go well with your pants.
Underwear which avoids “stink” works well. Two pairs of ExOfficio and you can go a week with no wash (though you can wash them). I got 3 pairs as a disclaimer.
Socks, get socks which avoid “stink”.
Bring light weight biking/running shorts for when you wash your pants/work out/swim.
Shoes, enough to wear to nicer places and good enough for hiking/ being active. I bring flipflops though you can buy these cheap wherever you go if you don’t want to lug them around.
4. Handwash your stuff.
It was mentioned in another comment, the aloksak bags are great for washing clothes in and compressing stuff.
Handwashing also allows you to clean your stuff daily or every few days so you don’t need so much.
5. Digitize your documents/use an all in one tool such as the new iTouch coming out next month (Where the do you get an unlocked iPhone for travel?)
Scan all your needed documents to your computer/dropbox/internet cloud.
Use the iTouch to have all your travel confirmation numbers, map out wherever you’re going when you have wifi, currency conversion and whatever else apps you want/need. The iTouch doubles as a phone with Wi-Fi via the skype application. The next iTouch coming out is rumored to have a camera on it, so you may be able to not need a video camera or camera if you just want pictures for memories.
Use a mail scanner service/forwarder. This is a biggie, if you run a business, or want items shipped internationally, it’s easier getting a company who works for you to do it than your mom or siblings. These services can scan your stuff and you can access it via internet or have them shipped to them and have them ship it to you. If you crave almond butter, you’re definitely going to have a hard time finding it here in Taiwan.
Digital books on your kindle app for iTouch or iBook make for light weight no book carrying traveling. Not all books are available yet so read all the books you want before your travels or just ship them back and forth.
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Now if you bring only a carry on bag, this will already reduce what you can bring in terms of toiletries on planes.
A lot of stuff you’ll need can be purchased where you are going. Though you’ll have to bring some of it with you or buy it from the United States or your country and have it shipped internationally. A lot of businesses don’t ship internationally, though if you pick up a shipping service as I mention above, that company will ship it to wherever you pick.
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I read through all the tips previously just to see what folks mention (and to see which things I could apply to my current travels) and I understand I’ve repeated some of their stuff (even if I didn’t read it, I’d still write the same tips).
The single best tip I have for light traveling. Pack enough for what you need (literally) and enough of what you want to be comfortable. It’s you traveling, not the folks who tell you what you should do. Take their tips if you know it would help you and you’d be comfortable with it.
August 21st, 2010
7:45 am
This is for tall people especially: pants (whether jeans or not) take up an incredible amount of space. Pack shorts if you can because they take up much less space in luggage. If you need pants or jeans for whatever reason, bring one pair and wear them while traveling. This allows you to use a smaller bag or have more space for other items.
August 21st, 2010
7:50 am
When I visited London for 10 days in chilly November, I took 2 silk t-shirts and 2 pairs of silk long underwear pants. I put on a clean set after my shower each night to wear as PJs, then the next morning wore them under my clothes and a light Gore-Tex jacket. To clean them while staying in a hostel for less than $20 per person per day, I wore that day’s silk underlayer into the phone-booth shower stall each night, lathered my underarms and other smelly bits with unscented bar soap, then stripped off the silk to rinse under the shower spray and hung them up to dry in our 3-person hostel room while we were out sightseeing all day. Silk also rolls up very small when packing.
August 21st, 2010
7:56 am
I traveled for 5 years full time. Here are a few things I picked up along the way.
1. EARPLUGS – sleep, crying children, and the very real danger of hearing loss caused by airplanes
2. People in the service industry give the best advice – naturally you’ll spend a lot of time talking to other travelers, but seek out bar tenders, cab drivers, bouncers, cashiers, etc. They’ve heard thousands of stories and have a better feel for what’s going on outside the tourist traps. Also, being friendly can mean the difference between making the next flight, getting the rental car you wanted, or learning something cool.
3. Polyester wrinkle free dress pants are not that different than dorky travel pants. They dry fast and they’re comfortable, but look a lot better. Get dark colors with some sort of pattern so it won’t show stains. I had some Perry Ellis pants that could take a beating. The same goes for synthetic dress shirts, often hand washable but don’t scream backpacker.
3. Mesh ditty bags and a couple tiny carabiners – I’ve got a few made by Outdoor research in different sizes. You can store wet or dirty clothes on the outside of your pack and they won’t make everything else funky. You can kind of dry your swim trunks this way.
4. Mint soap – Dr. Brommers is pretty awesome. In a pinch, minty soap can be used as shampoo, toothpaste, and detergent. The tingly stuff makes you feel cleaner than you are. Sometimes washing your face in an airport sink can be the difference between losing your mind and being ok. If you leave it on for a couple minutes you get a bengay type effect on sore muscles.
5. iPhone/iPod charger that uses AA batteries. The elusive outlet can never be found when you need it most. Batteries are available everywhere.
6. Most hotels and anything bought with an American Express come with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee. Often hotels change prices for special events. They will tell their central booking there’s no vacancy when they have several rooms available for walk-ins. This is used to get around the corporate policies, guaranteed rooms for platinum/diamond members, or to prevent you from booking with your hotel points instead of cash. When these things happen, remember, if they do this, you aren’t going to be satisfied and you can just call corporate the next day and your stay is free. Also if you even have problems call the number on your points cards rather than the publicly available number. Wait times are much different.
7. When a flight is canceled call the travel agent or airline direct while you wait in line. It allows you to beat the people in front of you to the limited seats on the next flight.
8. Stereo cable for plugging your ipod into other stereos, rental cars, etc.
9. Books on tape on your ipod – learn something in your down time
10. Be willing to let go, be unprepared, and improvise.
August 21st, 2010
7:58 am
when it comes to business travel it seems the red oxx air boss is the way to go, but what about their sky train bag for leisure travel? should I choose this one over the Eagle Creek Travel Gear Thrive 65L Bag? I guess the build quality of the sky train is better, but the eagle creek seems more modular with its day bag.
also where can I get some decent looking socks that dry quick like the exofficio boxers? the ones from exofficio look to much like hiking.
August 21st, 2010
7:58 am
Your iPhone can double as your camera…to take even less. With MobileMe service from Apple and the iDisk you can easily upload and download files you need with any web browser. It also syncs with your iPhone Mail/Contacts/Calenard, etc. so you could just use a computer in an internet cafe anywhere…full keyboard.
August 21st, 2010
7:59 am
The best light-travel approach I have learned is to have a love for simplicity, which requires one to have a lack of clutter.
When I was just twelve, I had the opportunity to stay with a family in Sanlucar de Barremeda in the south of Spain. My Spanish was already great, and I went there for an experience from which I could learn their culture and language, so I brought no guidebooks, no dictionary, and no itinerary.
I learned there that bringing as little as possible, meaning I brought no smartphone or iPod or books, allowed the freedom, the almost mythical “escape” or “getaway” one sees in travel adverts.
It was the best trip of my life! I didn’t have hotel comforts, like a television or pool, so I made time to talk with the family and any of their visitors, and swim in both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic (Sanlucar is one of very few places in the world where one can easily swim between them). I learned more Spanish in two weeks than in four years of school.
I recommend leaving everything at home. I would go so far as to say that I would rather bring a friend or even an acquantance than to bring my iPhone.
I hope to see more people learning to travel for this type of experience. I hope that soon people will “travel through Europe” instead of “backpack through Europe.” Happy Travels!
August 21st, 2010
8:00 am
When I had my quarterlifecrisis, I quit my job, hopped a flight to Seattle and hiked the Pacific Crest Trail for two months straight. I did this in the worst, Coleman lantern way possible. I had a 50 pound pack on my back that included: a tent, extra pair of shoes, pots and pans, knife and tools, coal (yes, coal), map and compass, and far too many clothes. At the end of the trip, I learned through a sore back and bloody feet that I had it ALL WRONG.
Now, 12 years later, I am a corporate management consultant and am on the road an average of 29 days a month. Up In the Air has nothing on me. The most important tip I’ve learned is to drop necessary items. I do not carry a laptop with me. At every turn of the road, there is a computer available. The only gear that I actually carry on me are my blackberry, a 1 gigabyte SanDisk memory card, and a digital camera. The memory card works in the camera but also cracks in half and has a built in USB adaptor to plug into any computer. I store a majority of my important documents here and the rest are stored digitally online. I wear a light black jacket that has 7 interior pockets and 4 exterior pockets. When I am suited up, I can carry everything just in those pockets for my day trips (including a water bottle). I do have a carry-on that I use on these business trips that keeps my suits and a few personal items (toothbrush, etc). Whenever I’m not wearing my jacket, I still keep all of the pockets filled with my various road needs, and so it still helps me stay organized and compact.
Even though the rule of the road is to “Reduce Reduce Reduce,” anything additional that you choose pack may just be your lifesaver. The “useless” coal briquettes that I packed with me on my wilderness adventure made it possible to start a fire underneath a downed tree during a rainstorm. Let them laugh, I say.
Happy travels everyone!
August 21st, 2010
8:04 am
QOD:
The Undisputed King of Ultralight is Andrew Skurka. This guy is in the middle of a 4,720 mile hike/ski/raft around the borders of Alaska! He carries extremely minimal gear and has inspired me to do the same. Check him out here: http://www.andrewskurka.com and here: ngadventure.typepad.com/blog/andrew-skurka/ if you haven’t heard about him yet, I promise my advice to look him up will be worth the prize!
I recently went on an 45 mile, overnight ultralight/fast backpack trip. We carried no water or food as both were available in the Utah wilderness we were traveling in. Less is more! (more fun, more energy, more adventure etc.)
-Shaun
August 21st, 2010
8:05 am
The ExOfficio underlayer is key. With two pair of undershorts and undershirts (one worn, one packed) you’re good for your trip. They repel odors, wash out quickly, and dry overnight. Wear a quick-drying shirt and pants, pack another one of each. For socks, I love black Thorlos – they wick away moisture, don’t absorb odors, dry quickly, and most importantly provide great cushioning.
I still like sleeping in cotton – that’s my weakness, I guess – but with my cheap, carryon-friendly ebags convertible backpack, I have plenty of room for that single indulgence.
August 21st, 2010
8:07 am
QOD: 2 items:
a bandana–so many uses and ways to configure–you can’t go wrong
and a journal for keeping a leaf, a note of inspiration. I too am about the experience and capture it as it comes to mind–so I love rite in the rain journals. No matter what is happening in the elements –http://www.riteintherain.com/
I find that the less you have the more your mind can be creative!
Have a blast and be safe.
August 21st, 2010
8:20 am
If I know exactly where I am going to be, I send stuff ahead. This works especially well when traveling to several areas in succession with quite different climates. Hotels will hold items for registered guests if you have prepped them appropriately. When you are ready to move on, just box up that set of gear / apparel and send it home, along with goodies for those at home who will store your stuff.
I save product samples that come in magazines and catalogs. An open pouch stored in a snack-size zip-lock can be used for days, and then tossed. The range of products is vast enought to cover any conceivable personal care need, perhaps with the exception of deodorant. If you can’t scavenge these, you can buy samples on some dedicated websites.
I keep a very small spray bottle of alcohol-based body spray when I travel in the company of others: Deoderize the bathroom between users (very appreciated), spray shoes and gel sole liners, spray underarms of those fast-dry tech-fabric items that seem to hold B.O. forever, spray toilet seats in questionable locales, spray the hotel phone. This is obviously a female strategy, but guys on the receiving end will appreciate it. And a very little goes a long way.
Never travel without good humor. It makes going without all the things you wish you had brought much easier.
Have fun! Be safe!
August 21st, 2010
8:21 am
Great ideas!!!! Thanks for sharing!
I pack pretty light for a woman. Here are a few of my tips.
One pair of shoes – comfortable & multi-purpose
I roll my clothes – they do not get wrinkled and it makes more room.
multi- purpose makeup – bare escentuals mineral make up weighs just about nothing.
August 21st, 2010
8:22 am
Almost forgot.
11. The black backpack or suitcase get’s lost. The neon pink bag get’s brought to you by girls who think it’s funny and remember you. You can spot it from across the airport and no one picks it up by mistake.
August 21st, 2010
8:26 am
Great post, and great comments. As I can find myself spending days – and sometimes weeks in the Canadian backcountry, I have a system that has saved my back on many trips.
When I first woke up to the minimalistic thought process I was 35 km in with a pack that was uncomfortably heavy. My days of wanting to be the group mule had ended. That night at the hut I tore my pack apart and spread my things out so I could see them all (that is not the suggestion BTW…). From that day forward I kept a small list of the things I used each day. The next trip, I only brought the things I used. All the contingency items got left behind. What used to be a daily tally is now done at the end of a trip. Anything I didn’t use? If yes, it gets pulled off the list for the next trip.
Also, in light of the iPhone comments, I agree with Strathy that it is horribly restricted. I’d recommend an Android phone (you can get pretty much all the same apps – if not yet, then by the time I am done typing this comment) as you can connect to any type of computer that you may find.
On the battery life front I’d forgo any other type of charger system for a USB solar charger. As the backcountry is one of the places you can’t buy batteries, the Brunton solar USB charger has become an indispensable part of my kit. It can easily be strapped to the outside of my pack and can allow me to use my phone to track my adventures by GPS as well as keep a full charge so I can turn on some white noise when one of my trekking buddies decides to saw logs all night. Plus, it saves the environment – one battery at a time ;)…
This is my fave as you can get it in a 6, or 12 watt panel. The 12 watt can power 2 phones so you can get your buddy to carry both in trade for giving him/her the gift of power!
http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=409
Thanks for all the tips…I have to go revise my gear list now!
Eric Petersen
August 21st, 2010
8:29 am
Tim -
I was recently in this experience of having to travel light and be VERY, VERY creative! I just recently retired from the corporate grind and now spend my days traveling and pursuing other dreams (Yup, at 38 years old, thanks to you!!).
Anyways, I just got back from a trip to Europe – 4 countries in 30 days. I was so busy in the time leading up to the trip that packing was certainly an afterthought. I literally packed my stuff (in one very small suitcase) one hour before I was supposed to head to the airport – and subsequently did not do a very good job at it. As a result, here are the lessons that life decided to teach me:
1. Take 2 minutes and do some research on the weather – I don’t know what I was thinking when I packed thick jeans and long sleeve shirts for Seville, Spain. Not only did I never wear these items, they were bulky and took up too much room in the suitcase. Take a moment to research the weather so you know what to pack – unless spontaneously combusting in the town square is your thing!
2. Recycle – Clothes are inexpensive. Real Estate (in your luggage) is not! I quickly gave those bulky items mentioned in Suggestion #1 to some homeless woman. By the end of the trip, certain clothes/items I bought along the way – i.e. a 5 euro beach towel for laying on the beach in Monterosso, Italy were also given away.
3. Make a mind shift. Get over it! – I really was bummed at first that I did not do a good job packing. Until I saw my 4’10″ friend lugging 4 bags through every airport, train station bus terminal, etc! Yes, I did not have nearly the cutesy clothes to wear for every occasion like she did. However, I quickly realized that when you are marveling at the beautiful statures in Florence Italy, you quickly forget that you don’t have the prettiest dress on. Heck, even the statue of David there isn’t wearing clothes!
4. Have a “hub”, if possible. Florence became my hub. The place I was staying there allowed me to store our luggage while I left for several days or a week to explore other countries. This way, I could easily travel with just a small backpack, but still have access to other items, if needed.
5. Keep things in perspective – This goes along with Suggestion #3. I can’t tell you which shoes I wore in Monte Carlo, Monaco. However, I can describe to you in great detail the fabulous sandwich I ate there or how I felt walking through the Hotel du Paris and Monte Carlo Casino.
6. Everything has to do double duty. I washed clothes in the sink every night with my shampoo. I also used it to not only clean my hair, but lather it up as shaving cream, too. One of my dresses was one of those stretchy tube dresses, so sometimes I would just pull it down to my waist and Voila! – it’s a skirt!
7. Leave it Behind! – And for those of us who want to make sure we still have room in our luggage to bring back items, pack clothes you plan to throw away or toiletries that are half bottles. You use them up and throw them away on your trip and now you have more space in your suitcase.
Laurie
August 21st, 2010
8:33 am
Use inexpensive disposables whenever possible to minimize weight and conserve space. For example, you can purchase online disposable cotton underwear, individually wrapped in plastic, air expelled. These weigh very little, take up almost no space, yet do the job exceedingly well. Best of all, you don’t have to bring the dirty garments back home on the return trip and face the drudgery of laundering. These are available for both men and women at http://www.onederwear.com.
August 21st, 2010
8:36 am
Lol, more stuff. I’m surprised no one has mentioned http://www.backpackinglight.com Full of the most obsessive ultralighters around. The staff and readers take an very scientific approach to backpacking, from measuring carbon monoxide in stoves to testing heat retention in down jackets. We’re talking people who cut off zippers to save weight. Large reader base with many people experimenting, making their own gear, etc. Ryan Jordan, co-founder, and a couple partners traveled 600 miles in the heart of Alaska with 20 lbs of gear plus food with no resupply. http://backpackinglight.typepad.com/2006_arctic/2006/05/across_the_arct.html His blog is really good too. More on philosophy and decluttering http://ryanjordan.com/
August 21st, 2010
8:37 am
Lol, more stuff. I’m surprised no one has mentioned http://www.backpackinglight.com Full of the most obsessive ultralighters around. The staff and readers take an very scientific approach to backpacking, from measuring carbon monoxide in stoves to testing heat retention in down jackets. We’re talking people who cut off zippers to save weight. Large reader base with many people experimenting, making their own gear, etc. Ryan Jordan, co-founder, and a couple partners traveled 600 miles in the heart of Alaska with 20 lbs of gear plus food with no resupply. http://backpackinglight.typepad.com/2006_arctic/2006/05/across_the_arct.html His blog is really good too. More on philosophy and decluttering ryanjordan.com/
August 21st, 2010
8:38 am
I always find that shoes are the hardest part of packing light. This is much less of a problem now that flats are in style! I can wear my all-purpose comfy walking shoes on the plane and pack one pair of cute, somewhat fancier flats for going out. The other trick I use is the choose a color scheme. For me this is usually greys and blacks and a few colors that match. That way my shoes and bag will always match and I can mix and match anything I bring to create different outfits with half the clothes.
August 21st, 2010
8:40 am
I always carry a copy of my passport’s picture page and leave a copy with a friend/family back home when I travel to other countries. If you ever lose your passport, it is much faster/easier to get a replacement if you have a photocopy of the picture page.
Nowadays, you can forgo the paper copies by keeping digital copies on your smartphone/flashdrive/computer. This advice applies to any other important travel documents you may need. Of course, be sure to safeguard this information as well as the originals.
Cheers,
EJ
August 21st, 2010
8:46 am
Why carry a cellphone in the first place? Travelers over thousands of years never had cellphones and they found remarkable places and diaried their journeys.
Wanna be minimalist? Leave it behind and panhandle for coins, or bring a phone card.
August 21st, 2010
8:47 am
QOD Response: Ladies, if you’re like me, you might like to travel with something a little more…girly – I love having a skirt or dress because I love to dance wherever I go! I’ve found the best way to travel light (before I purchase one of those ScotteVest Tropical Jackets – amazing – or make one myself), is to wear a dress (wool is best) and smartwool black leggings with a thick-strap tank top (for comfort) underneath and probably the ScotteVest or something similar (I’ve always used a bag + very packable raincoat/trench with hood by Nau, so this will be a first). This allows you to keep warm on the plane/train/bus, be dressy if you need to be, and have clothes that are easily washable and dry quickly. I wear hiking boots sized like trainers (I prefer Merrell) and gaiters from EMS (any will do – I making sure they are waterproof). They help with warmth, bug protection, and actually look quite stylish. Plus, they pack to fit in a pocket inside my new vest. Otherwise, I definitely agree with the water-bottle suggestion (use a carabiner or shoulder strap to be totally hands-free), sunglasses, and smartphone. Isn’t technology useful!
Also, Tim, I was at a trade fair this week volunteering for a friend who just opened her own business because of 4HWW and as I was chatting to the guy in the booth next to me he mentioned Pareto’s Law. I said “4-Hour Work Week?” And his eyes lit-up and he said “That’s why I started this company last year!” Instant friendship. I have one year of college left (career change from Primatology to Fashion Design) and I plan to be at that same NYC trade show next year…I wonder how many other people I’ll meet that you have personally inspired to GO FOR IT!
Thank you – love this post – good luck Rolf! (PS: Great Chelsea boots!!!)
Sincerely,
Alex
August 21st, 2010
8:52 am
Ex officio underwear is fabulous. When I travel, I wear a black cami and panties under my clothes–the black cami doubles as a nice top for going out at night, and the two together are a bathing suit. They dry quickly except in humid climates and wear very well.
Rolf could add an extra touch of style by threading his bandana through a belt loop at his hip, and could add a webbing belt with a hidden zippered pouch for a little secret storage compartment for extra cash.
August 21st, 2010
8:54 am
Bring charcoal pills (found in vitamin aisles in stores) – invaluable way of dealing with diarrhea or stomach upset for anything you might eat on your travels overseas. Works better than any pepto anything.
Pills to decontaminate your water, depending on where you go.
Bandaids for cuts and pocket disinfectant like neosporin – band-aids are very hard to find in places like Greece, southern Italy, Croatia, India.
August 21st, 2010
8:56 am
Dr bronners soaps are perfect when you need to pack light in terms of toiletries and cleaning products. The soap can be used to wash clothes, for toothpaste, and even for shampoo.
August 21st, 2010
9:07 am
Tim,
First, some housekeeping. I Thought you might want to know that one of the links came out weird on this post.
”
Some recommedations:
TripTracker by PageOnce
Lonely Planet series of phrase books (multiple links depending on language)
_blank”>Currency converter: “Currency”
”
_blank”> Probably wasn’t how you wanted the 3rd link to look.
Like any other WYSIWYG based web app, these things happen way too often. Ask me how I know, I’m herding cats with 30+ WordPress blogs and counting…
If you just switch over to HTML mode, you should be able to drop in new code in 5 seconds.
Old Messed-Up HTML Code:
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/currency/id284220417?mt=8" target=
_blank”>Currency converter: “Currency”
New Aesthetically-Pleasing Code:
Currency Converter
Now that I’m done with my OCD coding.
—–
My advice is actually fairly opposite of Rolf’s. For standard travelling and first-world tours, I agree 100% with not carrying the whole house with you…
However, most people don’t ever consider that they are 3 days away from total dehydration at any given point. Not to mention food.
You can live for 2-3 weeks without food, but how effective will you actually be after a 7 day fast. I’m guessing you’ll be seeing ancestors you didn’t know you had or talking to trees by that point. Plus your travel mates will start to look like walking Pot Roasts…
Mind you, Micro-Deodorants and changes of underwear are completely necessary. But when the sh*t hits the fan, you have to be able to leave the situation. And that typically means walking to where people aren’t.
This scenario also includes unhappy failures in our convenient lifestyle system. Water mains break, power plants fail, FEMA isn’t very effective. You get the idea.
That said, here are a few items I almost always carry with me:
1. 6 Year Old Hand-Me-Down Timberland Backpack ($1) – Most of us would agree that a backpack is essential for anything above underwear-in-my-pockets travel. Besides, right now my whole business resides in here, including the laptop I’m typing this on…
2. Katadyn Micro Bottle Water Filter ($36) – Filters bacteria, viruses, and ‘some’ of the horrible taste of unfiltered water. You can survive filtering swamp water 160 times if you have to…
3. Katadyn MicroPur Purification Tablets ($8) – For your travel mates who haven’t prepared as well. A better “long term” solution if you will.
4. 2 MRE’s – 2500 calories total. Downside: There is a reason they are called “Meals Rejected by Enemy”.
5. GNC Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($11) – This is just useful for every day life. Stop drinking soda and I guarantee you’ll lose 5 pounds!
6. Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy Sleeping Pad ($64) – I couldn’t have imagined how comfortable this air mat really is. About 1 minute to blow it up and you’ll sleep like a 5-star hotel. This baby folds into a 8″x3″ cylindrical bag and weighs less than a pound! Plus I’m 6’3″ and my feet don’t hang over. Great for sleeping in airports.
7. Pureland Track 300 Mummy Sleeping Bag ($43) – OK, so this isn’t for every trip. It’s around 1 pound, but fairly bulky (12″x12″ cylinder). But it’s great for cold weather climates or any time you expect to be outside over-night.
8. Mechanix Gloves ($30) – There are two reasons for these. First is the obvious, you will need gloves at some point. You may also need to, um, hide your fingerprints somewhere. Hey, when you need it you need it.
9. Signaling Device – Honestly, I’m still working on this one. A mirror works alright for this, but flare guns are ideal. The perfect combo would be a hunting weapon with some type of high-visibility incendiary round for when you need to signal a helicopter. Unfortunately they frown upon these types of devices at airport security…
10. Iridium Satellite Phone ($35/week) – If the country you are in is experiencing the apocalypse, chances are the rest of the world is watching it on TV from a lazy boy. Start calling your cousins “back home” and tell ‘em to come get you…
11. Narcotic Pain Killers – Next time you go get dental surgery, throw some of the left-over drugs into your pack. When you need to push through a bad situation, the last thing you need is a sprained ankle slowing you down. Drug up and fix things properly when you get home.
12. Wad of Cash – This works as well in Rap videos as it does in just about any country on earth. Most things not mentioned above can be purchased.
I know it’s a bit survivalist, but let’s face the fact. Anyone can buy a t-shirt in Thailand and check into a hotel in South Africa. That just takes a wad of money.
Understanding how to exit a sticky situation for several days without running out of food and water is way more important than how your underarms smell today.
Awesome Post Rolf!
August 21st, 2010
9:07 am
I’d like to add a bit to my earlier post, lest anyone think that I’m only joking. Okay, it is rather funny when you whip out a maxi-pad to solve a dilemma, but it is also a great conversation starter, because certain folks recognize ingenuity. I can only imagine what a horrible night I would have spent on that 8 hour overnight bus ride, if I hadn’t been able to sleep. Compound that with a screaming baby and it may as well been a journey to the bowels of hell. The older Danish couple sitting behind the young parents were so relieved that the next morning they bought me coffee.
And, I would have been in terrible shape without shoes in the desert.
So, in all seriousness, it’s vitally important to be resourceful and creative. If you’re going to be an independent traveler, you need to be able to solve your own problems. It’s fantastic when you can help someone else, too! Despite my penchant for traveling light, it is great to be an asset in a group of people! (So I’m not really the borrow-toothpaste-kinda-girl, unless I could offer a trade for something.)
So I also purchase a decent-sized knife after leaving the US, I carry a p38 can opener (which is so small it fits into my wallet), and I carry 3 bandanas on me. The bandanas can be used for countless applications and take up virtually no space. I’ve even used my 3 in place of a swimsuit, by tying 2 together to make a loin cloth on bottom and the other on top. (As long as your parts are covered outside the water, the officials don’t really care much.)
So, again I stress, it’s about RESOURCEFULNESS, adaptability and a willingness to help those around you. And I smile an awful lot and keep myself open to possibilities. Go sit on a park bench and absorb the immediate world around you! Be a good human and you’ll be a great traveler!
(in my earlier post I meant to type “aisle” instead of “isle”. There were no islands on the bus. It wasn’t that big o’ bus.)
August 21st, 2010
9:10 am
CORRECTION:
Apparently WordPress took my fixed HTML code and automatically converted it to a link. Here is the code, broken up into several lines so WP doesn’t convert it. Obviously, you will have to put the code into a single line to make it work..
Currency converter
August 21st, 2010
9:12 am
CORRECTION AGAIN:
Apparently WordPress took my fixed HTML code and automatically converted it to a link. (Even though it was broken up into 4 lines)
Here is the code, broken up into several lines so WP doesn’t convert it. Obviously, you will have to put the code into a single line to make it work..
Currency converter
August 21st, 2010
9:16 am
Don’t worry, Mr. Burngasser. Even though WordPress seems to convert all of your efforts, the code shows up in e-mail notifications.
August 21st, 2010
9:17 am
I give up…you win WordPress. I literally broke up the code and put ——– in between each line.
It took out the ——- and put the code back together!?
WordPress is like a terminator robot of automatic links. It really wants to avoid showing raw HTML code. Here is one more try. Take out all the GG’s (8 total) and you’ll have the clean HTML…
CurreGGncy converter
P.S. – Sorry about all the posts…
August 21st, 2010
9:23 am
While using a minimalist approach to traveling I always remember to never pack anything. Yes, I typed that right, I never pack anything. By never packing one single piece of luggage, I am able to buy the items that I need wherever my destination is. Then once I’m ready to leave, I throw them away. When I board the plane I have my Android smart phone, travel documents, and the clothes on my back. That is all that I need to travel to any destination in the world. My friends have told me that I am crazy for traveling all across the world without one piece of luggage. I usually laugh and tell them that I don’t want to pay the $50 luggage charge. While utilizing this strategy, I have realized that this is the only way to travel and my experiences have been so much greater now that I am not weighted down with useless baggage.
August 21st, 2010
9:27 am
The following ideas are unorthodox. Some are downright gross — I’ll confess that right now. But they work, and will lighten the load significantly.
1. Floss instead of toothbrush/paste. Tooth decay starts with gingivitis, which starts with rotting food above your gumline. Floss cleans this up better than brushing, and travel floss comes in spools the size of a quarter. Don’t just clean between teeth: start above the gumline and sweep the floss across each tooth to remove gunk. Then smell your floss, and take perverse joy in the eye-watering stench of the slime you have just removed.
2. Bad breath? Overlapping but separate problem. You could avoid it entirely by abstaining from meat, coffee and dessert — but that’s overly restrictive. Instead, swish hard liquor to kill bacteria (offers multiple benefits — I prefer tequila), and chew mint leaves or buy mints enroute. In a pinch you can gargle Dr. Bronner’s soap — painful, but leaves you minty fresh.
3. Go commando every third day — your pants are the extra pair of underwear you don’t have to carry!
4. Shave off stinky body hair. Yes, men too. Especially men. That malodorous miasma clings mostly to hair, not skin. Shave it off — armpits in particular — and you simply don’t smell. I wouldn’t wish this task on that hapless Moroccan barber, though. Instead, just ask the hotel desk for a free disposable razor (1st world), or buy one at a time (3rd world).
5. Wash your quick-dry clothes while wearing them. I learned this from a US Special Forces dude while riding my bicycle across Iowa. Buy a universal soap like Dr. Bronner’s. Step into the shower fully clothed. Get wet, soap up, peel off soapy clothes, soap your body, rinse the whole kaboodle, and hang your clothes. Done. Mind-bogglingly fast and easy. Makes it easy to find and focus on washing the stinkiest parts of your clothes: they are adjacent to the stinkiest parts of you.
6. Go swimming at every opportunity. Whether it’s a public pool, hot spring, lake or ocean, you will discharge more body odor by soaking for 20 minutes than by scrubbing for 5. Particularly important for women: rinses the stinky parts you can’t reach, I’ll just leave it at that.
Hope this didn’t ruin too many Saturday breakfasts, folks. Happy traveling.
August 21st, 2010
9:36 am
We’ve been using contact cases to carry extra little items for side trips.
For example, if you need some sort of cream, toothpaste, saline solution, sunscreen, dental floss, etc, etc…You just put a small travel amount in a contact case and label the lid. Contact cases are lightweight, cheap (usually free), easily disposed of, and don’t allow you to carry too much. They obviously fit in your pocket, under your hat, or in your purse.
Thanks again for the article, and great ideas!
Regards,
Travis and Robin
August 21st, 2010
9:41 am
My favorie trick: a towel. Totally and shamelessly “leveraged” from the late Douglas Adams, I might add.
Besides being a “massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have,” (Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy for those who didn’t get it), it’s also a massively useful thing a world traveler – or even a local traveler – can have.
Sure, it’s not as sexy as a nice pair of sandals nor can it scan your receipts like your iPhone can. But a decent-sized towel can serve as a poor-man’s daypack, can dry your stuff when it’s wet and can give you some level of shade and protect you from getting burnt when you’re out and about. You can roll it up really small so it’s incredibly portable and it’s not likely to set off a lot of security freak outs when people run across it. It can also lay over stuff to hide it, and a good towel will dry quickly.
And technically, if push comes to shove, you could always wear it (think about those toga parties you attended back in college…). In theory I suppose you could also pour nutrients on your towel and use it for nutrition by sucking on it, too…but I don’t think I’m going there.
August 21st, 2010
9:42 am
Hi – great idea however if travelling to Europe expect a conversation perhaps with nice customs men – if casually dressed with no baggage – you will have that conversation.
Footwear – any tactical boot designed for warm climate – look smart enough under jeans for entry to clubs , or formal dining – also they are so comfortable you can sleep in them !
Good luck with the trip
August 21st, 2010
9:57 am
Take old stuff and throw it away as you wear it!
On a recent week long trip to New York, I wore one pair of jeans, took 3 pairs of socks ( I wore vibram 5 fingers the whole time without sock and only ended up using 2 pairs! ), 2 pairs of lowe alpine dryflo quick drying underwear, I washed each pair everytime I wore them in the sink at the hotel.
Finally 7 t-shirts, both my socks and t-shirts had seen better days, each day after taking them off I would put them in the fabric recycling can outside our hotel.
My bag was so light when I came back I had room for two ipads!
August 21st, 2010
10:05 am
I read Vagabonding and really enjoyed it. Gave me some great tips about enjoying the journey I took shortly thereafter for a few months.
RE: Point Number 7 about mailing your things forward — wouldn’t that sort of defeat the purpose of vagabonding — or travelling without obsessive itineraries? The postal systems in some countries are painfully slow — how does one overcome that? You’d have to know a month ahead where you wanted to head to, which seems sort of contrary to the idea of vagabonding, and of travelling without baggage (literal and metaphorical).
But a really fun read, nevertheless. I don’t think I could do it, but I’m definitely going to try a smaller backpack than the 14kg whopper I carry around (even though it does fit into overhead bins).
August 21st, 2010
10:07 am
Many travelers still make the mistake bringing too much stuff onto the road to feel well prepared and less scared.
The truth is, this not what travelling is about. It’s about leaving behind what is known to discover new. This includes equipment, people and thoughts.
August 21st, 2010
10:10 am
Great post guys!!
As a women, Here are a few tips that I have learned along the way for optimum light travel…I usually first pack everything I think I will need and then take at least half of it out!
I roll up all my clothing items in the suitcase which provides me more space for sure and try and pack items that are multi-use, the ‘infinity dress’ that can be worn a million different ways and so light weight and great option, cargo pants that can be rolled up as shorts or down as pants and I bring two-sided tape for any wardrobe malfunctions;) I also love taking 1-2 pashminas with me as they are lightweight and can double as a curtain for privacy,a bed sheet, or a beach blanket! I also love cotton mesh bags from supermarkets because they are great for washing lingerie….
In terms of toiletries, dry shampoo is great when you dont have time to shampoo, multi-moisture balms with spf for face/body/lips are also amazing, or egyptian majic cream which is an amazing healing balm and excellent for things like insect bites, rashes and cold sores! just only think it comes in a 4oz tub:( I also take lots of hand sanitizing/baby wipes with me that are awesome for removing stains/makeup/ and cleaning surfaces.
Another tip I learned in terms of cash, I never carry it all in one place, some in the front/back pockets/money belt or whatever, and the rest in my sutcase/carry on..oddly enough, sometimes my luggage is the safest place when you’re a women travelling alone!
August 21st, 2010
10:15 am
Great comments fellow travelers!
I always bring an oversized, universal sink stopper. It’s basically a large, rubbery disk that will seal any sink. Voilà. Your sink can become a temporary laundry tub or a beer/wine chiller (if you add ice).
August 21st, 2010
10:27 am
Years ago I was working in Ohio when a group of people who worked nearby at a motorcycle shop won a gigantic powerball lottery. I was a consultant at Bank One in Columbus Ohio at the time and when we heard about it at work we had a great conversation at lunch about “what would you do if you won?”. There were about seen of us at the table and we slowly talked about it and others started to open up about what they really wanted in life. It was very interesting as people started to talk about what they would buy, what charities they would support, where they would live, and all the usual stuff you would expect.
I sat there and really thought about what I might do and finally I was asked “Dan, what would you buy?” I answered “Nothing.” Nothing! What do you mean nothing!
I said that amount of money conveys the ultimate freedom – you could go anywhere in the world, do anything you want and never have to “own” anything. I said if I felt like living in London for a while I could just jump on a plane, find a nice hotel I liked and buy *anything* I needed there. If decided it was time to live in Rome I wouldn’t even have to pack – just jump on a plane again with the clothes on my back and go to Rome. Again, buying whatever I needed there. I explained that having more money than you could possibly spend actually could mean freedom from the tyranny of having “stuff”, packing and transporting “stuff”, and *anything* could be rented – the best homes across the world, the fastest cars, whatever.
When I finished speaking everyone looked at me like I was NUTS. They couldn’t imagine a lifestyle like that. They all wanted a big house, dream car, whatever.
You guys who actually find ways to live like this *inspire* me! Not having stuff is by far the most liberating thing I can possibly imagine. You can wake up – decide to go skiing in Chile and simply walk out the door and catch a cab and go! I realize I am romaticizing this a bit and we would all want a small bit of stuff to carry around but we could all live much simpler *and* happier lives.
I can never compete with all the travel tips here – but I guess my tip is bring the right mentality with you. Not packing a giant suitcase is a luxury few will ever experience or appreciate.
- Dan Stroot
August 21st, 2010
10:37 am
I spent the last year living the south of France and like any other self-respecting, self-proclaimed world traveler, I traveled extensively throughout Europe. The biggest hurdle for a college student on a budget was circumventing the cheapo airline’s baggage fees. Pretty much anything bigger than a computer case had to be checked for more money than it was worth. So on one particular trip, this is what I did:
Duration: 8 days
When: February
Route: Aix-en-Provence > Barcelona > London > Reykjavik > London > Barcelona > Aix-en-Provence.
First thing to note is that it was winter, ie. COLD. The winter this past year in Europe was exceptionally brutal. It snowed multiple times along the French Riviera, and that just doesn’t happen. So, I wore all the bulky winter coats, pants, gloves, etc to save the space in my bags.
I was living in Aix and visiting friends in each other the other cities, except Reykjavik. My route permitted me to employ a technique developed by NASA–the multi-stage rocket technique. I packed a backpack too large to carry on a plane from Aix to Barcelona and took the bus instead. When it was time to head to London, I left my big backpack with my friend but took what I needed out of it and packed it up into one of those little “string and sack” gym bags. This allowed me to take it on the plane with me at no extra cost. For Iceland, I basically wore everything I possibly could, because it literally was and land of ice. Pretty much all I had left to pack at that point was a few extra pairs of underwear, socks, my toiletries and one of those super light towels recommended in your book, Tim, which by the way may have been the best pre-Europe purchase I made. I was staying in a hostel in Reykjavik, so the towel was necessary because I didn’t want to pay for one there.
My route allowed my to retrace my steps to collect the things I left behind, while also providing me with fresh clothes upon arrival. My camera lived in my pocket the whole time, as did my iPod. The more you layer your clothing, the less you have to pack. The outer layers shouldn’t really get dirty so you’re essentially bringing clean clothes with you on your body. Pretty neat.
Dark blue jeans and a pair of dark Sperry’s are comfortable, casual and will get you into everywhere except the most posh of places.
Just some of the things I figured out while abroad. KaPOW!
August 21st, 2010
10:53 am
This is great for men, but ladies might not want quite that utilitarian of a look. I’ve sewn several of the Saf-T-Pockets garments for myself and used them for traveling (or just local shopping!). It’s great not having to carry a purse. Ladies can make a skirt or pants with inside pockets and a vest or jacket to match, and be able to carry all this stuff, and still look stylish. For shoes, I recommend a comfortable but stylish pair of sandals, such as those that Bass makes. They’re dressy enough for a skirt, but comfortable enough to walk for miles in. I’ve done it.
If you don’t sew, find these garments ready-made or have someone make them for you. They’re awesome!
Finally, if you do this and travel with your family, make sure that the members of your family have similar garments for themselves. If not, you will end up being the pack mule for your family. “Look, (honey, mom, auntie, etc.), you have an empty pocket there. Will you carry my water bottle?”
Can you tell I speak from experience. XD
August 21st, 2010
10:57 am
Wow, thanks for the post Tim and Rolf. And great comments everyone. Tough to add originality to that list, but I’ll try:
My best suggestions are a lightweight gore tex jacket with a hood. Serves every purpose you can imagine and if you get one with good ventilation, it can even be worn on hot days.
Ex Officio has been beaten to death in the comments. Their clothing and undergarments rock. Enough said.
If one must carry soap, Dr. Bronners Peppermint is the way to go. A little goes a long way as soap, shampoo, and even toothpaste.
The absolute best tip I can offer, however, is simply DO NOT WORRY. Mankind survived for millenniums with much less than even Rolf is taking on his trip. If you find yourself in need of something, be stoic. Use it as opportunity to remember Bob Marley’s lyrics . . . “Everything is gonna be alright.” Practice poverty, and you’ll see that it really isn’t all that bad to go without. The worst that will happen is that you’ll be cold, wet, and tired for a time. The best that will happen is that you mark something else off the list of things you thought were necessities in life, and you’ll be happy knowing that you survived a trial and approached your limits–eustress in action!
Godspeed Rolf!
August 21st, 2010
11:03 am
I frequently travel with my dog and the Orvis ToughChew Mat and Crate Pad (http://amzn.to/a8pzFW) with Cordura (think camping dry bag stuff sack) liner alternatively stuffed with an extra dress shirt, t-shirts, slacks and underwear. On my person is usually a backpack with my laptop, reading material, journal and camera. When I don’t travel with my laptop I don’t need the backpack. I don’t bring any toiletry, i can buy them for 99cent at any convenience store in the US. I wear a pair of Vertex Operational Athlete Cargo’s (http://bit.ly/b2mlW8) because of the security pockets for my credentials. I recently started wearing a pair of Timberland Earthkeepers 6″ boots but have been eying the Wolverine 1000mile Montague (no laces). Oh, because I’m not Matthew McConaughey I don’t travel bear-chested and because the airlines frown on that; I usually where a 5.11 tactical t-shirt and generic hoodie. Minus the weight of Rambo my Jack Russell who fits under the seat or checked depending on the airline, or the passenger seat of the car, travel is relatively light.
August 21st, 2010
11:07 am
This one tips comes from recent travel with my sister in Brazil and Argentina.
The most efficient travel item…. The Sarong
This magnificent, light weight item, comes in a multitude fashionable designs and can be serve its master as any of the following.
a dress
a shoulder wrap
a blanket
a skirt
bedding
towel
a make shift bag
head wrap
a rope to climb out of windows
a flag for a pirate ship
bandido mask
I hope Rolf has his Sarong for the journey.
Good luck!
August 21st, 2010
11:11 am
I’ve found that the most important thing has been to pack at least a week in advance. For 3 days, your pack goes everywhere with you. While you work, while you go to the gym, while you go grocery shopping, etc. Furthermore, for those 3 days, you can only use the things in your pack. This does 2 things:
1. Gets you mentally prepared for life on the road, where you may have to go for long stretches of time before being able to put down your pack.
2. Lets you gauge your current lifestyle needs. In college I would travel with almost nothing, now I’m willing to carry something like a booklight, for instance.
3. Sometimes you realize you’ve packed too much, and need to skim down. Sometimes you realize you’ve packed too little, and a little extra weight is worth the inevitable misery you’d face without certain ‘luxury’ items.
Remember, its all about balance. You need to honestly assess the trade off between roughing it and comfortable living you’re willing to face for this particular trip. I always like to travel light, but a hiking trip with buddies is different than a romantic getaway with the girlfriend.
August 21st, 2010
11:14 am
Answer of the day: Comfortable and dry shoes. I know it’s pretty obvious to wear a pair of comfortable shoes with you everywhere but if you’re looking at walking places and really exploring, it will be worthwhile getting yourself shoes that will stay dry and odor-free jumping through the streets of Saigon in wet season or hiking up some cliffs in Canada. Gold Bond Medicated Powder will help with that as well to keep your feet happy. As for shoes, I’d recommend a pair by Patagonia in their Travel series – they meet high environmental standards and are built to last.
August 21st, 2010
11:18 am
great comments as always everyone. my two cents:
- buy cheap clothes everywhere you go. you blend in immediately and the shopping jump starts your fun in the new country/city. I get a small wardrobe for each destination for the time I’m there. way cheaper than you think… if you discover a gem, mail it home to yourself when you move along. or give it back to the place you bought it (typically you’re buying in goodwill type places).
- hit the ground running in a new spot by visiting 5-10 bars/restaurants and coffee shops, etc. for one drink. talk it up with folks and you’ll have a new city/country dialed in within hours. then the adventure begins…
- all you really need is passport/money/contacts(for me)/phone/music/books. have your base setup be something that you can be stuck in an airport with anywhere for 24 hours and be comfortable. I always bring food/water with me at every takeoff from an airport or long trips where things are unknown. control your destiny and be ready to improvise.
- be really relaxed and nice to all service staff worldwide and you’ll be amazed at what they will do for you. smile, make some small talk and notice what sucks about their job (commiserate) and doors will open like magic! Be the ray of sunshine in their day that is filled with plane loads of assholes of every imaginable ilk (I’m sure we could do a massive piece on what everyone on this blog has seen in their travel – I’ve got many).
cheers everyone!
- chris
August 21st, 2010
11:25 am
I’m so inspired to share my tips I couldn’t help but do an all-inclusive post for super-practical and yet still super-hot, stylish traveling girls!
Life-saving and practical:
1. Okoubaka. This is super-powerful stuff. AMAZING. Saved me many times.
http://www.forresthealth.com/okoubaka-spag.-drops.html
http://www.6pm.com/patagonia-poppy-black
August 21st, 2010
11:30 am
It would be easy for me to list what you really need, 1 shirt, 1 pair or shoes, 1 pair of shorts and so forth. But that’s not always practical, going to a wedding? Business trips? Ski vacation? It won’t cut it.
What I do is layout on the bed 2 piles. 1 for necessities – A suit for a wedding, your goggles for skiing, your helmet for a motorcycle trip. You get the idea.
The second pile is “nice to have” extra socks, face cream, etc. I generally lay this out and then try to cut it in half by asking myself – Do I really need this? Do I really need two of these? Can I buy this there? Can I borrow this?
Follow those simple steps and regardless of your trip and you’ll be set. I used this on a recent 3 month trip to South East Asia and managed to bring a complete Professional camera setup (lighting, stands, tripods, lenses, laptop and what not) AND all my clothing in a 45L Salomon pack. I’d chuckle at the people with 80L packs + 40L day pack + a messenger bag trying to navigate their way around from place to place.
Cheers!
Josh
August 21st, 2010
11:36 am
My tip is to start the trip with one less shirt than you want/need. Then find a seamstress in a town you will be in for a few days, show them a picture of a shirt you want sewn and have them sew it for you. You can pick out your own material and color from the local fabric store. I’ve done this in Mexico and it worked out so well that a bunch of my friends tried it also and loved it! It ends up being a unique take home item that you will cherish for a long time and costs a fraction of the price you would pay in the USA. And it is custom fitted.
August 21st, 2010
11:40 am
Holy Crap do I feel old! I’m only 43 but in my 20s I circled the globe 3 times with only a carry on. I have no idea what a DSLR, Ipad, Iphone and all those other acroynms are so I certainly did’t need them on my trips. Maybe they weren’t invented yet! I didn’t even have a camera. Those were the days when you really lived in the moment and enjoyed the experience instead of worrying about blogging, capturing, photographing and documenting it for someone else! My tip would be ~ just go :)
August 21st, 2010
11:43 am
Great stuff, everyone — please keep the ideas coming!
August 21st, 2010
11:45 am
Take plain old bar soap over liquid soap — Less mess and it goes a lot further.
August 21st, 2010
11:46 am
Great tips – heres a couple more …
1. Have couchsurfer.com on your iphone. Great way to bum a bed and have new friends who’ll really like sharing in your adventure.
2. Wear whatever you need to wash into the shower, stream, or under the hose and wash while you wear it – actually easier than trying to wash something in the shower by hand or in a too small sink.
3. Put a collapsible bag that folds into itself and zips closed to a couple of inches square into one of your pockets. Very nice to have when you buy a lunch to take with you on a hike, train, or when you bring groceries or gifts along to a host, or take gifts to the post office to mail home.
4. Use baking soda or salt to brush your teeth with your fingers or your collapsible truth brush. Salt is on every table and baking soda is at the local stores. Better for your teeth and the environment. Also use it to wash out water bottles and add to soap to get stains out of clothes. Make a paste with water to relieve insect bites,rashes, poison ivy. And a little in water relieves indigestion. Here’s a great one – it can be applied to the underarm as a deodorant.
5. Allowing yourself to be bumped from a flight often results in monetary rewards – consider it as an option. My husband and I were in New Zealand on our way home from a month long rv trip and allowed ourselves to be bumped – results – we got to see the Americas Cup sailboats, had a lovely hotel with all meals AND first class seats on the way home the next day cause that’s all they had left.
Have a great time!
August 21st, 2010
11:52 am
Extended wear contacts=no case, cleaner, storage solution, saline, sterile hand soap, or extra glasses for nighttime. Eye drops can be purchased en route when needed. If it’s a toss up between contacts and eyeglasses, remember, contacts are less likely to be damaged or lost (as long as you don’t remove them) and you can buy a cheap pair of sunglasses when you need them instead of hauling around Rx ones. Can be had at http://www.1-save-on-lens.com for about $10 per lens.
August 21st, 2010
11:55 am
Great comments.
Another side to traveling “light”–body weight!
Before taking off on that minimalist jaunt, get rid of some of those extra pounds that can easily creep on as you age.
You will find you have more energy for travel, sleep better (and quieter if you have been experiencing sleep apnea/snoring,) won’t eat as much, can stay on your feet for more hours, get up the mountainside less winded, and may even fit better in seats/beds not made for plus-sized Americans.
It also may reduce your chances of needing medical care a long ways from home.
Most seasoned travelers stay healthy and slim, but you will be surprised what a difference dropping 4-5 pounds can make!
August 21st, 2010
11:59 am
[ARGH. Hit the space bar and published before I was done. Sorry, all.]
cont’d. Life-saving and practical:
2. Benadryl. I was stung by something giant that flew out of some ruins. I’m not normally allergic, but had a massive reaction to this thing. Be prepared.
3. Boric acid, pharmaceutical grade, dispensed in gelatine capsules. This old hippy remedy will save you from ANY type of funk in your junk, ladies. And yes, I love the Diva cup, and yes you can develop problems with rinsing it with various water sources.
4. Items from earlier posts I can’t do without: Maxi-pads and duct tape, a knife, a p-38 and my handy bandanas.
5. Baking soda is amazing. Wash your hair, exfoliate your face, clean your clothes, brush your teeth. fill a sock with it add a couple drops essential oil, and freshen your backpack.
6. Olive oil moisturizes, cleanses and freshens your skin. I buy it where I land and add a couple drops of an essential oil blend that I made with bergamot, mint and lavender. If I’ve been in the sun or on a long bus ride, I feel like a million bucks after rubbing it on. I keep it in a pop top bottle, stowed inside a couple of ziplocs. And hey, if I need to dip some bread in something, I’m ready, too!
Now for the STYLE part. I backpack, but I don’t like to blend in as much as I can with the locals and I want to look good! I rely on minimal, color coordinated items and find that you can do a whole lot more in a dress or skirt than most people would imagine. Truly.
1. I have a longer, cotton dark print A-line dress. Doesn’t show stains, it breaths, it allows freedom of movement (I do hike in it lots.). I can wear it out at night and look dressed up. I pair it and any other girly clothes with:
2: http://www.6pm.com/patagonia-poppy-black These handy shoes are stable for cobblestones, scurrying over rocks, climbing into boats, and can be worn at night. Heck yeah.
3. I like a danskin kick-pleat skirt in black. Same reasons. Allows freedom of movement, dries fast and I look great at night.
4. I don’t pack jewelry. I wear one pair of SCREW BACK gemstone studs and my thumb ring. I buy locally made jewelry for night. It satisfies my shopping urge, keeps me packed light, and I support local crafts people.
5. I take a colorful scarf that works as headgear, scarf, belt. I also allow myself to buy something locally made.
6. I don’t like to sport a day pack so that I can blend in more, and generally buy a mid-size and study bag that slings across my body. It squishes down to nothing, isn’t easy to yank off of me, and I can wear it at night, too. It carries my lip protectant, http://www.burtsbees.com/natural-products/lips-lip-shimmer-gloss/lip-shimmer.html and my camera, scarf, benadryl, etc during the day. It also has enough room to fit in my poi and water bottle and lunch.
7.Tank tops with built in shelf bras are fabulous. Lace trimmed ones go from day to night. Lose the underwire!
8. The cashmere, button down sweater is amazingly versatile too. Very warm, very stylish. (And as someone mentioned earlier, washes well)
9. I love hats. I opt for a black and white San Diego hat co. hat. It protects me from sun and rain, hides greasy hair should I have it. (Oh, if you brush the baking soda through your hair dry, it solves this problem!). The hat shields my eyes for sleep on buses, too. And just looks damn cute. Here’s a pic:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8033516&id=1205318553&saved#!/photo.php?pid=100807325&fbid=2493077365352&id=1205318553
I really hope these tips help some of you out!
Safe journeys all!
August 21st, 2010
12:04 pm
I always wear a toboggan when I travel light. Not only does it keep my head warm when it’s cold out. But it also doubles as a pillow on long train rides and I can pull it down over my eyes to block out the light while trying to get some shut eye.
August 21st, 2010
12:10 pm
Looks like my previous post got eaten. I mistyped my email address, maybe that’s why. Here it is again.
I prefer to look poor when I travel. It minimizes the chance that I’ll be targeted by criminals or con men (or women!).
My favorite travel attire is mesh shorts and a wife-beater style undershirt in tropical locales. Benefit being, you can simply buy new ones instead of washing them, and they keep you cool even during midday exertion. I wear loose archless slip-on cheap hard-rubber sandals and don’t carry spare clothes. The sandals allow the toes to spread, the feet to breathe, wash easily and dry immediately. Arch support is bad for your feet.
I don’t like pockets. I don’t like odd things bumping against me when I walk. I have a comfortable leather man purse that hangs at hip level and doesn’t interrupt my stride.
For geekery, some combination of smartphone with optional USB keyboard or a mini laptop will do. You also might use Dropbox, a USB stick, or a virtual desktop application to access your data from internet cafes. Be aware that virtual desktopping and Dropbox will work poorly in low bandwidth situations, and a USB stick might have security issues with exposure to multiple international internet cafes, unless you are running a virtual machine off of it.
For info management on the hoof, I recommend a combo of audio recorder (probably your smartphone) for capturing inspirations, and a pen and notepad for practical information you will need to access again, e.g. addresses and phone numbers. Don’t rely on your smartphone for practical information, because it is unreliable: low battery, data loss, water damage, you’re making a call and can’t look anything up, etc.
Don’t make schedules. Keep all plans tentative.
Food is a big one for those of us with sensitive stomachs. I don’t eat food prepared by anyone but me. I buy fatty meat and cook it myself in the hostel microwave or whatever, then eat it with disposable silverware. In a pinch, I go for something simple like plain white rice. A single meal can cost you a week of illness – it’s not worth it.
My #1 travel tip: Walk up to the pretty girls you see with your mind blank and your heart filled with desire. Be direct about your romantic interest. A girl will appreciate your appreciation of her beauty even if she doesn’t want to date you. That habit should make you plenty of instant friends who will usher you into an interesting mix of local life. With a pretty local girl on your arm, you will find easy introduction to others you would like to meet. You do not have to consummate any relationship for this to work.
August 21st, 2010
12:19 pm
WOW! I have more stuff with me right now and I am only going from Manhattan to Queens!!! In my defense, That can be a dangerous trip
August 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
Very cool trip. I confessed my jealousy on Twitter.
August 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
While not the world’s lightest packer, I’ve actually been stopped by border security for not having “enough” for my journey in my single carry-on suitcase. My tips?
1. Double-duty everything. A single bottle of conditioner works for washing and styling hair, as well as shave cream and moisturizer. Shampoo bars, not so drying as regular soap, work for all your lathering needs, including laundry.
2. Go mini and go solid. A travel size addict, I use a syringe to top off near-empty bottles before a trip. They’ll fit in the ziplock for security without hassle. Even better are solids/powders: deodorant, lotions, perfume, toothpaste, which won’t hold you up at the security checkpoints.
3. Good earplugs, as others have noted, are a necessity, not only for the plane, but also for blocking out street noise, gunfire, etc…I also carry Tylenol PM for ensuring a good night’s sleep.
August 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
Holy WOW – that’s amazing. Good luck with it all. Where is he going to wash his underwear? I thinks that’s an extra not required, go commando and save the space for something else ;)
August 21st, 2010
12:39 pm
Love Tim, he’s get the system that I want!!! Thanks for everything…
August 21st, 2010
12:59 pm
I like to travel light by carrying only a backpack containing cloths. I have a theory of always carrying my wallet and passport on me so that if my backpack gets stolen or lost, I can still get to my destination. If I ever loose my passport or wallet, I’ll be screwed. So, the one thing I always travel with is this leather money belt from cabelas.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21082-cat21092-cat21174&id=0015660902364a&navCount=0&podId=0015660&parentId=cat21174&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
The leather money belt looks like a regular belt, except it has a zipper running length-wise on the inside. This zipper is the right size for carrying a copy of my passport, cash, and credit/debit cards. The credit cards do not fit, so what I do is CUT the credit card in half length-wise so that the two pieces of the credit card will fit in the hidden zipper.
If I ever loose my wallet and passport, I’ve got a back-up system to get home or on to my next destination. I can use the cash to buy food and other necessities. The two halves of the credit cards can be taped back together and used at merchants and ATM machines(I use my taped Bank of America card all the time). Finally, the copy of my passport will get me a replacement passport.
The items in the hidden zipper adds redundancy to the most basic items I need to travel(money + passport) yet it virtually adds no extra luggage. I’ve never had to exercise this system(I hope I never have), but in theory it should work to get to my destination and allow me to buy the things I need to enjoy my trip.
Thanks
Mike
August 21st, 2010
1:06 pm
Super jealous, good luck sir!
How about this jacket? http://craziestgadgets.com/2008/11/20/jacket-with-40-hidden-pockets-can-hold-a-lot-of-stuff/ this jacket has 52 pockets 40 of them are hidden, Traveling light reduces risks of theft and allows you to blend in much better, the less it looks like you are carrying the less of a target you look like.
20/80 anyone? take 20% of the things you would usually and use them exclusively.
Good travels
August 21st, 2010
1:24 pm
Hey guys.
I was just wondering as I’m fairly young and don’t really have to expense to buy all the expensive gear myself. What would you recommend a newly started hiker purchased to use along with my hike?
Thanks!
August 21st, 2010
1:26 pm
Hmm, can’t say I’m convinced that this is more than an advertisement for that vest.
Rolf advocates slow meaningful travel yet he’s doing 12 countries in 6 weeks, with them being on different continents I assume he’s using a plane which takes up a lot of travel time which leaves 3 days per country on average.
I can see this working for such a short period; I read a blog once (I forgot the name and URL) of an American guy who travelled for 2 years with just 1 set of clothes which he made a lot of secret pockets in and proves it can be done for longer, but I prefer the comfort of a laptop and ability of my SLR camera for longer term travel. Otherwise good tips, I certainly could do with reducing the size of my backpack as it is all too tempting to fill the gaps up.
August 21st, 2010
2:04 pm
Here’s my tip,
Just take what you only need.
The bare amount of clothes, a nice wallet, and a camera/phone.
It might be hard to conceptualize not taking everything you want. But you’ll realize, out on the road, that you don’t need these things.
Having the extra pair of jeans isn’t going to make or break your trip.
And if your making the most of your trip, you won’t care what you have, but you’ll only care about what you are seeing.
PEACE
August 21st, 2010
2:17 pm
Travel tip – dress like the locals. Buy clothes local when needed. You’ll fit in better and fine cheap stuff. As far as a bag goes…plastic bags you get at local stores also work well. They are super light and strong enough to hold your extra clothes, etc.
August 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
QOD response :
It won’t be any use for men, but I’m sure women will know what I mean…
I’ve found a great tool for travelling light and still keeping my legs neat (understand hairless) under any circumstances without having to carry the huge package of products needed to shave or wax…
That’s an epilating paper ! It just takes the place of a quarter of a legal-size sheet. It comes with a small scratch in the back so you can turn it into a globe. Then, you just rub your legs in small circles…
With just this special sheet of paper, you get neat, smooth, exfoliated legs in just a few minutes anywhere without water, electricity and you won’t risk cutting yourself in the process.
I never travel without it, be it for a couple of days or several weeks !
August 21st, 2010
2:27 pm
Correction :
My finger ripped… I meant “glove”, not globe ;-)
August 21st, 2010
2:27 pm
The trick I have learned to travel lightly is to be open to the kindness of strangers. In day-to-day life, I have a hard time accepting things from people without wanting to reciprocate or just feel guilty about it (must be the Protestant, work-for-your-way upbringing).
However, I have found that being open on the road to meals, couches to crash, washing machines, and activity-based clothes and shoes has kept my travel needs light. Of course, it’s difficult to depend on the kindness of strangers, and I definitely don’t go out seeking road friendships with the intention of borrowing/using things, but I have found that an open mindset yields positive results in a non-creepy ‘Secret’ kind of way.
August 21st, 2010
2:39 pm
QOD Response;
In the interest of expanding your comfort zone, as was recommended in the Four Hour Work Week, my best light travel tip is to bring nothing but the cloths on your back and your passport. No money, no credit cards, no charge of clothes, no tootbrush, nadda. The way to do it would be to arrange before you go to work for only food, sheltor and transportation (to avoid work visa complications), at for instance, a local farm. In my opinion, the benefits of doing such an exercise would be tremendous. You would be reminded of the fact that no man is an island, the need to rely on others, and the general goodness of the human race (when you need to borrow necessities or ask for other help). I also think that it would help eliminate the fear of having nothing, as this would simulate it. For those who have already tried to expand their boundaries/comfort zone by flying a free hugs sign or lying down in the middle of a busy night club, this just might take things to the next level.
Sincerely,
Stephen Chartier
August 21st, 2010
2:41 pm
Great point, Rob — I actually explain on trip blog that (for a few reasons, including itinerary-speed) this journey doesn’t really count as “vagabonding” as I define it in my book:
http://www.rtwblog.com/2010/08/why-this-journey-doesnt-really-count-as-vagabonding/
Still, it should be a fun trip, and a good way to get people thinking and talking about traveling light.
August 21st, 2010
2:58 pm
In the interest of expanding your comfort zone, as recommended in the Four Hour Work Week. My best light travel recommendation is to travel with nothing but the clothes on your back and you passport. No money, no visa, not even a toothbrush. The way to do it would be to arrange to work for only food, shelter and transportation (to avoid visa issues) before you go, at say a local farm. In my opinion, this would have tremendous benefits, including being reminded of the kindness of strangers (when you inevitably need to borrow something), as well as being reminded of how little we really need to be happy. An additional benefit, is that this would help elimate the fear of poverty that many would be entrepreneurs experience, as this would effectively simulate it. For those that have tried to expand their comfort zone by flying a free hugs sign or lying down on a busy night club floor, this just might take things to the next level.
Thanks for all the great posts.
Sincerely,
Stephen Chartier
August 21st, 2010
3:03 pm
I always traveled with a cargo zip pants that could be used as shorts and a pair of trousers. Also never fold your clothes always roll them you can fit more. I would never carry more then two outfits because if you ever need more you can just buy an outfit and donate to someone when leaving.
Also after your flight before you disembark from the plane walk over to first class or business class and there are plenty of amenity kits that still have travel size unopened toothpaste tubes, mouthwash and other goodies. I have never had a flight attendant mind and they come in handy to barter with at the hostel.
August 21st, 2010
3:03 pm
Personally I would forgo the toothpaste- soap works just fine!
I bring my kindle with me- I don’t do internet on my phone, and I like to be able to read books. I read a book every couple days, so the Kindle has been great for freeing up room- both when I travel and at home!
August 21st, 2010
3:12 pm
Mine is real girlie
Long hair – get it braided – blended to the back of your head (not so you look like a dangerous christmas tree!!)
Then you can forget about it ….. when you take it out and wash (I’ve had it max 10days) hair looks awesome!
Thanks for the post Tim
August 21st, 2010
3:26 pm
I really like the vest and just the way with the pants it allows you to store some basic clothing. I do question the shampoos and soaps as many airports now with security don’t allow you through with all the liquids. Has something changed? As long as I have my iPhone and the clothing highlighted I think I would be good. Thanks for the Tips. Steve
August 21st, 2010
3:28 pm
Hi Rolf and Tim – greetings from Bolivia and thanks for another great post. Have a safe and fulfilling trip – a TV crew would throw me off, but I’m sure you’ll work it out.
QOD:
Lots of great suggestions above. I agree completely with good footwear (I love me Lowa light weight hiking shoes) and light weight quick dry technical clothing. I also always have a reliable pen with duct tape wrapped around and a key chain size LED flashlight.
Beyond minimizing physical things that weigh you down, i think the most important things to ‘pack’ don’t take any room and will keep you from feeling weighed down.
- An open mind
- Sense of adventure (getting out of your comfort zone leads to many of life’s most awesome moments)
- A ready smile
- An intention to make somebody else’s day better and a willingness to let somebody else do the same for you.
These have served me well in 50+ countries.
Safe and memorable travels to everybody!
Tim and Rolf – If you haven’t been, definitely check out Ethiopia. One of the most stunning places with a unique and amazing culture. I am admittedly biased since my wife is Ethiopian, but I felt that way before I met her. I’ll be there in 2 weeks – feel free to join us in celebrating the Ethiopian new year (9/11) or let me know if you ever need a contact there.
Best,
Daniel
August 21st, 2010
3:31 pm
Have to agree with “Ivan,” my number one necessity for travel is a large, woven cotton wrap. It can become a cover up against sunburn, a blanket or pillow while in transit, a headscarf or sarong for modesty, a bundle to tie things up in, a towel, something clean to sit on, something to cushion a fragile souvenir in your luggage, and an accessory to make the outfits you are wearing again and again look different.
Other must haves are a wireless netbook with card reader for storing photos and documents and the best digital camera you can afford. (For both items choose the smallest size and longest battery life.)
Ziploc freezer-sized bags are great for compressing any number of things into flat, compact packages. Just pack, then squeeze the air out as you zip.
One pair of full-length cargo pants that convert with buttons/ties/zips to calf-length or shorts.
Unless you are pretty sure you can’t obtain a certain medication or a particular toiletry in the countries you will be visiting, buy these as you go. I’ve yet to travel somewhere where a bar of soap or toothpaste is not available in the local market.
August 21st, 2010
3:36 pm
Love the post. I travel (even for business) out of a single teeny backpack, so this was an über-relevant read.
Several posters mentioned how great it is to carry a knife. True! Yet, impossible, really, with TSA restrictions….
Now, not I… but, um, this one guy I know… has traveled for years with a
Swiss-Tech Utili-Key on a keychain. Next to a couple of regular keys (and my trusty LED light) it has never been complained-about, or probably even detected, by gate screening.
http://www.swisstechtools.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=vFj2spSU3GgA
You arrive at your destination with a small sharp blade, a phillips and slot screwdriver, a bottle opener, etc.
The difference between not having ANY tools and having this little guy is the difference between total darkness and dim twilight. With this thing you have options – I’ve opened boxes, hacked open pineapples, cut neoprene, etc in some very remote spots.
The other tip is binder clips (the black spring-metal clips with the fold-back arms). They come in sizes from teeny to huge, and can clamp up things to dry, hold a sheet up to block annoying lights, repair a tent-flap, etc. Similar but different applications to safety pins.
Karl
August 21st, 2010
3:38 pm
Whoops, I linked to the wrong tool.
This is the one I meant, actually has a cutting edge:
http://www.swisstechtools.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=VZ75GDTdP68A
August 21st, 2010
4:10 pm
I just returned from an ultra-light vacation to Mexico, and even though I packed light I realized that I could’ve packed lighter. Here are some tips that I learned:
1. Never wear cotton. Mexico in summer is hot, and I sweat a lot. Cotton just holds that moisture in. When I wear a collared shirt, it’s the Reef Runner from Exofficio, which has armpit vents and plenty of pockets to hold gear, money, passport, etc. I brought cotton T-shirts, which was a mistake. When they would get wet after a day at the beach, it took forever to dry because of the humidity. I have since bought some Nike Dri Fit T-shirts, which are synthetic but almost feel like cotton.
2. Grab some Aloksak bags, which are pretty much heavy duty ziplock bags. I spent a lot of time on the water, but I felt safe knowing my electronics were in these waterproof bags. Another travel hack is to use the big bag to wash your clothes in. Sometimes hostels have nasty sinks and would only get your clothes dirtier if you put them in there. Instead put your clothes in the big bag, add liquid soap, shake it up, agitate with your hand, and hang it up to dry.
3. Bring your iPhone. It was already mentioned, but I can’t say enough how useful my iPhone was on this trip. It’s a phone, mp3 player, GPS, computer, all in a small travel size. I also took the majority of my pictures with my iPhone. I have a nice DSLR camera, but I didn’t bring it because I knew it would just get in the way. Having that iPhone camera allowed me to capture the moments while still being able to experience them free of excess equipment.
4. Less is more. I was amazed at the number of people who “traveled light” while hauling huge backpacks from hostel to hostel. The vast majority of that stuff is not necessary. You don’t need MREs or stainless steel water bottles. By cheap local food from a stand or the grocery store. Also, the only drinkable water in Mexico is bottled anyway. So you’re going to buy a bottle of water, then pour it into your stainless steel water bottle? That’s not smart. I love my stainless steel water bottle (I believe all the clean water propaganda), but I leave it at home.
5. Use your credit card. Carrying around lots of cash at all times is foolish, but you can usually find an ATM in a major (or small) city. Fortunately my bank (USAA) is traveler-friendly and pays back those fees you get for using another bank’s ATM. Also using your credit card ensures that you get the best exchange rate instead of having to settle for that exchange kiosk by the airport that doesn’t realize what the exchange rate is supposed to be.
6. Be flexible. I never planned to spend so much time in Cancun because I thought of it as an American spring break tourist trap. (Of course I wanted to see the “real” Mexico). Well I ended up meeting a bunch of cool people who were just as much real as those who lived in small Mayan villages. My preconceived notions were challenged and I stayed longer because I allowed that flex time into my travel plans.
There are plenty of other tips I could mention, but I figure the longer this comment is, the less likely it is to be read. The bottom line is traveling is about experiencing life, and carrying less baggage (physical or otherwise) facilitates maximizing that experience.
August 21st, 2010
4:16 pm
Good luck to Rolf! I always enjoy my trip more when I’ve got less to carry! Least with the ScotteVest it can be slipped off easily at airport security. Easy is the name of the game :)
Here are some of my tips for the QOD…deep breath – this might be long – sorry :0)
1) Earphone cables really bug me & I’ve broken so many pairs by getting them tangled so I use these retractable ones which are pretty cool http://amzn.to/dy7HFk but my favourite ones are the Sennheiser CX 300-II Precision earphones. They are so comfy and are great at blocking out noise.
2) The Design-Go Quiet Zone ear plugs are also a life saver if you’re staying somewhere that never sleeps. http://amzn.to/aA1jbC plus they have a tiny case so you can always find them as a pair!
3) Wherever I travel I always take a micro-sized tin of Golden Cup/Tiger balm. Is always for sale on ebay.com http://bit.ly/crNV8Q It’s good for hayfever, insect bites, muscle aches, headeaches, nausea etc. Just perfect if you are doing martial arts/sports at your destination.
4) I always find carrying drinks a pain. So this collapsible water bottle is perfect. http://bit.ly/dx9x3A and a toiletry bag also doubles as a drinks cooler!
5) If you don’t have a smartphone but are taking an Ipod it’s sometimes good to record a ‘travel mp3′ before you go, maybe useful phrases, addresses, phone numbers and the like. Saves you carrying extra pages of paper.
6) For all you keen travel photographers the Leica X1 compact digital camera is simply – awesome. It has the same sensor as the Nikon D300 and is the first compact camera to be approved by Getty Images!!! http://bit.ly/7asTAK
7) Travelwash makes washing in a hotel SO easy & lasts for ages! http://bit.ly/d0knkB
8) For a very cold climate I use this http://bit.ly/a1ZALF Shredz Jacket. Has an insane number of pockets but all of which are not visible. It got me through this last winter in NYC and kept me toasty so it must be good! :P This just shows that outdoor wear doesn’t have to be expensive. It also squishes quite well.
9)Having a long thin baselayer to tuck into your trousers saves so much warmth.
10) For changeable weather this NorthFace Flight Series Jacket is perfect. It’s breathable under the arms, ideal for showers and is the only hood you’ll need. North Face clothing is amazing – http://bit.ly/cWTcm2 it’s so light and it folds into a teeny tiny square!
11) A few of my male friends like to wear those zip off trousers (as mentioned before) http://bit.ly/cO7HyX and just wear swim shorts as underwear.
12) If you are taking a bag and if you’re going on long treks a hydration bag is good to pack. CamelBak.com do lots of different ones http://bit.ly/aGRKEV They pack pretty small when empty and it saves stopping to open your bag for a drink every 5 minutes. I’ve seen lots of them used at festivals though I doubt they are designed for beer-use :D
13) TipsyFeet/Feet Fairies (roll-up-shoes) are a good idea (for girls) if you are changing between hot/cold climates.
14) If you’re going to the country/camping and need a torch – get a wind up version that also doubles as a phone/ipod charger. http://bit.ly/cZC3MQ
15) Microfibre socks with a zip pocket http://bit.ly/87ApP5 ideal for keeping emergency cash/keys safe.
16) The Universal Packing List is a website that creates your personalised list based on who,when and where you are travelling to. http://upl.codeq.info/
17) Moleskine pocket notebooks are great for doodling, scribbling phone-numbers & for swapping e-mails with your new travel buddies! Moleskine also do larger city note books with maps included which I love!
18) The Inka pen will write anywhere and is nice and small http://bit.ly/OzPD7
19) If you’re going somewhere really remote and are worried about the quality of the drinking water a filter straw is a necessity http://bit.ly/8XMaUS
20) Tilley.com do lightweight travel clothes that dry overnight too.
21) Remember to cut down your wallet/purse contents, leave your house keys with a family member, give them copies of your passport & credit cards to keep safe and email yourself a copy too.
22) The fingertip toothbrush is good too if you are reaallly packing light! http://amzn.to/bzzisn
23) I’ve stayed in some dodgy hostels/hotels on my travels including a hostel in Paris that set on fire in the middle of the night!! If you’ve got the space a travel personal alarm which also is a smoke detector could be a life saving piece of equipment! http://bit.ly/dD1VOw
There are some simply genius tips on here! This will be a post I check back to time and time again! :) Thanks to all!
August 21st, 2010
4:25 pm
ruthless simplicity and maximum redundancy…i dress in shades of blue so that all my clothes can mix and match and i only pack 80% of my carry-on to give me some flexibility to buy essentials / forgotten (even though i have a good checklist, it happens) on the trip.
also, kids and wife may have to stay home for any trip where the goal is to travel light! just kidding honey (not totally).
great ideas on the comments page!
August 21st, 2010
4:59 pm
BTW, Dr. Bronners (peppermint preferably) is great for soap, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent and even toothpaste. Wow.
August 21st, 2010
5:01 pm
When I travel, I prefer to travel light. Since I also travel for business, there are some things that apply that don’t for personal travel (ie, I have to bring things with me). Here are some of my rules of thumb:
1. Airports – when I go through the airport, I know that when I get to security I am going to have to take off my shoes, unload my backpack, remove my belt and put everything through the conveyor belt. There’s no avoiding it, so here’s what I do:
a) I’m skinny and I need my belt. My pants fall down otherwise (or at least hang down). So, I wear some Adidas track pants which don’t require a belt. That way, I don’t have to remove it nor put it back on afterwards. The pockets are thin which prevent me from carrying loads of things in them which require removal.
b) If you wear sandals, rather than shoes, they are easier to slip on and off getting through security.
c) Watch the coins. Buy stuff *after* you get through security so you don’t have to carry it with you while going through it. If you pay with cash, you’ll put the coins in your pocket. If you put it in your jacket pocket and remove that while going through security, fine. But if you put it in your pants pockets, they make you take them out. Best just to buy stuff after you get through security so you don’t have to worry about where to stash the coins (unless you just put them in the tip jar which is smart thing to do because it’s not cost effective to exchagne them when traveling to another country).
2. I need to bring my laptop with me when I travel for business. I put it in my back pack and take it with me on the plane. Don’t store it in your checked baggage. This means you’ll be carrying it around. To reduce that bulk, don’t take a mouse or any peripherals that you can avoid. If you can get away with it, check the power cord in your checked baggage. It’s additional bulk you’ll have to carry with you. Given that most battery life isn’t great, you probably won’t work much anyways on the plane. I never do.
3. Take a blanket with you on the plane. Some airplanes provide them, some don’t. But I’ve been on more than my fair share of flights where I’ve been very cold and the blanket saved me. If you don’t use it to keep warm, you can use it as a pillow under your neck. It packs flat, too.
4. For personal travel, when it comes to credit cards American Express is basically useless outside of Canada and the United States, and hotels in Europe. Visa and Mastercard work, though. But once you get to the developing world, don’t count on being able to use your plastic cards (credit or debit) outside of major chains. Banks will let you withdraw cash, and that’s your best tool — in the developing world pay with cash. It’s *way* less hassle.
Don’t exchange money with street vendors. I wouldn’t even withdraw US currency within the US and exchange it at the airport. The best thing to do is just to withdraw cash from an ATM in the local country. There is a fee to do this, however, there is also a fee to exchange currency and it is higher than the fees your bank charges you to withdraw overseas. If your bank will not let you withdraw overseas, change banks.
5. And speaking of cash, the best way to carry it is with a money belt, not a fanny pack. Money belts lie mostly flat against your stomach. You put your cash and some plastic cards in there and that way it’s with you at all times. It’s safer to keep your passport in there as well when you travel internationally.
6. How many credit cards is enough? With a high enough limit, you can get by with one or two. Most credit cards now come with anti-fraud protection on them so you’re covered in case you lose it. On the other hand, you might have trouble using it overseas because Visa and Mastercard have anti-fraud detection and can detect anomalies (ie, you usually spend in Seattle and now you’re ringing up charges in Milan?). When this happens, sometimes your card will be refused. The solution for this is to call them up ahead of time and let them know you’ll be traveling… or pay cash.
7. If you’re up for staying in a hostel, then when you land in a foreign city you can go to the hotel advertisements in the airport and check up the cost of a hostel. You can book right there and share a taxi ride to them. This doesn’t work that well in the United States because hostels are much less common, but this tactic works great in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
8. Don’t take stuff with you that you are going to use once – either rent it while you are there or buy it and leave it there. For example, if you live in a colder part of the country and are going some place warm and plan to snorkel, don’t buy snorkeling equipment and lug it with you. You’ll use it on the trip (once per year… though not necessarily once per trip). Buy it there or rent it there and leave it there.
9. You can get around fairly well by taking public transportation and asking the locals for assistance. Taxis in Europe will cost you an arm and a leg (especially Switzerland).
10. While less is more, if you are going to travel and are bringing along one bag anyhow, and you don’t have to lug it around much, then it makes sense to plan how many clothes you need. I *don’t* want to spend time washing my clothes, especially my socks and underwear. I’d rather be doing stuff or chilling out in the evening. If I’m going to spend 10 days in central America, then I take along 10 pairs of underwear so I can change them every day, and maybe 6 pairs of socks (I’ll probably be wearing sandals). It all fits in my checked bag which has wheels so it’s not that much of a hassle, and it packs flat. I might take along four or five shirts as well.
This distances me a bit from some of the advice in this thread, but I’d rather trade off the hassle of the time taken to wash my clothes vs taking along a couple of extra pairs of underwear. Or, worst case, I could simply buy some underwear and socks while I am there and then throw them out when done. Problem solved.
11. You may not realize it, but shoes take up a lot of room in your luggage. At the most, you should take along two pairs of shoes — and wear one of them so you only have to pack one.
12. Kindles are nice, and so are tablet PCs, but I like to read books the traditional way in my hands. I don’t need to recharge them either. I take along a book or two on every trip and sometimes read them, but don’t take along a hardcover book if you can help it. They are heavy and bulky to carry around.
13. Drink plenty of fluid on the plane. The air is recycled and it is thinner, so if you start feeling tired or start to get a headache, there’s a good chance you are dehydrated. Even though I drink plenty of water, one time when I was sick and 3% dehydrated (2% is when you start feeling it) the doctor said I should drink soft drinks, and not the diet kinds, because they had sugar. I don’t normally drink sugary drinks, but I did feel better after I did that. So, if you like Coke or Pepsi, go ahead and have some on the plane to avoid dehydration.
14. If you go abroad and don’t do it regularly, there’s a chance you could get sick. I’ve gotten sick numerous times overseas. Most of the time it’s just my sinuses, but not always. To that end, I ensure now that I always travel with those small kleenex packs in my carry on. I need them in case my nose starts to run because I’ve caught a cold on the plane either on the way there or the way back. Cough candies, just in case (and I’ve needed them) are also good.
However, as I learned on my most recent trip, if you are going to the developing world make sure you have plenty of over-the-counter stuff for something that calms your stomach. There’s nothing worse than having your bowels do multiple sneak attacks on you in the middle of the night. It makes the rest of your trip sh– … uh… lousy.
August 21st, 2010
5:07 pm
Good god, another tip I just thought of:
I am always wearing a bright orange drawstring bag that I got free from my hometown. It not only has a label (proof of origins, etc), which I keep on my back side so that people can’t deduce it without consent. On one of the string on my bag I keep a carabiner, great for hooking all the strings together if I want to run but don’t want the bag to fall off and for hooking the bag to chairs and other such things to prevent easy theft.
August 21st, 2010
5:12 pm
QOD:
1) Bring/wear a long sleeve quick-drying cold-weather base layer from a company like Canterbury of New Zealand or Under Armour. They are quite light, and are great for variable weather. You can wash them in the sink, and they dry very quickly.
I’m on a three-month trip at the moment which has taken me through Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, and now Ireland. When I got to Ireland, it was a lot colder here than any of the other places I’ve been so I picked up a Canterbury of New Zealand base layer. This has become my new favorite travel gear.
2) I always travel with a bandana, and find it especially useful as a sleep mask and impromptu dust mask. I bring a tiny bottle of essential oil, such as lavender or spearmint, and add a couple of drops to the bandana. This can help with both relaxing, sleep, and opening your sinuses if you’re in a place with dust or allergens.
3) I’m a big fan of Dr. Bronner’s soap (liquid). It’s very concentrated and you can use it for everything, soap, shampoo, as well as dish and laundry detergent. I like the almond an tea tree flavors best.
travel well,
–
siebo
August 21st, 2010
5:57 pm
Not a major tip, but I’d recommend bringing the Thai deodorant stone on any long term travel for several reasons.
One, its small. The travel size is only 2.5 ounces.
Two, it lasts forever. The normal sized stone (4.25oz) has lasted me for two years, using it every day.
Three, it saves your shirts. Those nasty underarm stains are actually a result of the chemicals in the antiperspirant reacting with your sweat. Using these instead will save you any embarrassment, which would be especially bad if your interacting with another culture for the first time.
Four, its more powerful than more common deodorants.
Five, it doesn’t contain aluminum like most deodorants. With a suspected link between aluminum and Alzheimers, I’d rather play it safe.
Just my two cents. Happy trails Rolf (and Tim, of course)! Keep us updated!
August 21st, 2010
6:02 pm
We were lucky enough this year to do our first overseas one month family vagabond trip with our 4 kids (ages 7 mos to 5 yrs). This poses special problems for a minimalist backpacker but here are some tips that we recommend (mostly related to travel with wee lads & lasses)…
- huge fans of New Zealand company Phil & Teds. Their products are fun, super light and look cool to boot. Three items we brought along were the Sport Double stroller (light, folds easy, streamlined, carries kids and your crap), travel cot (folds up super compact, weighs 6 lbs) and MeToo chair (clamps to table, light, folds flat, great for pubs, etc. that don’t have highchairs)
- one lightweight water resistant hoodie each (no sweaters)
- 3 sets of tops & bottoms each. This will vary depending on climate, but for boys atleast, you can make one of the bottoms a decent looking pair of swim trunks to function as shorts as well.
- kids are tough to keep clean of course, so we (ok me, not my wife) also made kid’s clothes reversible some days to hide pesky stains. I found myself doing this with my own shirts later in trip as well.
- of course, make sure the clothes are as light and quick drying as possible, and preferably roll up nice without wrinkling much
- love ‘em or hate ‘em you can’t go wrong with Crocs for the kids. We bought stylish little black pairs before the trip and definitely got our money’s worth. Great for wet or dry, nice and light and can be passed down to the younger siblings when outgrown.
- 2 quick drying travel towels to share. First time using and loved them. Great for bathing or the beach, light and don’t stink. We opted for slightly more luxurious, thin terry rather than the Sham-Wow variety
-strong light-weight clothesline and carabiners for hanging laundry and tying up rowdy youngsters (kidding)
-if you have someone in (disposable) diapers, don’t bring along a Costco-size pack. Bring enough for a few days & buy there. Same with other baby supplies and toiletries. So much fun to shop in foreign grocery/drug/dollar stores.
-related to this, make your diaper bag your daypack as well. Keep it light enough to have room for your camera or other gadgets. And preferably one that doesn’t look like a diaper bag. We took a nice little sling pack.
-travel size bottles of multi-purpose baby soap. Can be used to wash clothes or dishes in a pinch too…and no tears.
-share toiletries as much as possible with exceptions maybe of underarm deodorant and toothbrushes
-only allow your kids to take one small toy each if they insist. Chances are they will find new treasures there anyway. Anything they lose interest in, donate locally.
-if you can afford it, your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad can serve as a portable entertainment centre for kids during long transport or when they just get sick of sight-seeing. Less bulky than portable DVD player with multiple discs. Load up with kid friendly books, games and videos (hopefully mostly educational).
Best of luck with your trip Rolf. Love your writing and will enjoy following you.
Jealous,
Craig Tobin (& crew)
August 21st, 2010
6:24 pm
I have been trying to light pack for ever, but it seems that every time I start packing I think I will need everything. I don’t know if it is fear or anxiety for the trip or just because I am attached to “my things”. Girls specially, we tend to use a lot of cosmetic stuff, and personal hygiene products for “those days” and most of the time those two categories are the bulkiest ones in our backpack.
On the other hand, shoes are the “big problem” which one to choose? Am i choosing the right ones? Will they be comfortable? Are they too fancy?
Well, I am learning just from reading the posts. Thank you Rolf and Tim for doing this and encourage people to share.
The only good advice I have so far is do not forget you favorite music!
August 21st, 2010
6:47 pm
Pack a lightweight body chamois – some can pack down to size of a match box and are great to freshen up when you’re feeling dirty and gritty after a day of hiking/sight-seeing/general travelling. Super absorbent for use as a towel after bathing as well!
August 21st, 2010
6:48 pm
As a woman who took 2 large bags to Europe on my first Contiki trip there 15 years ago, I have learned that the narrow cobblestone streets and small staircases do not lend themselves to our huge bags we are used in the states. My greatest travel tip is to get a pair of pants with zippers that can be pants or shorts, bring a cute light dress, and a pair of flats that you can walk the city in or get beautiful at a moments notice in your dress and flats. Less is certainly better when you are in small european hotel rooms and walking the majority of your trip..
August 21st, 2010
7:04 pm
condoms. seriously.
not a trick per se but something that hasn’t been mentioned and shouldn’t be forgotten by vagabonds.. 1 or 2 don’t take up any space but they can save you from so much trouble – on so many levels
don’t underestimate how hard it is to get them sometimes… you might think otherwise but you cannot get them ‘anywhere anytime’. especially at nighttime. and especially when you need one suddenly and unexpected.
you don’t want to go on a quest for condoms when you are in the ‘heat of the moment’. definitely bring condoms.
August 21st, 2010
7:20 pm
How ive survived various headaches by traveling light:
1. ExOfficial Boxers, 2 pairs. odor resistant, stain resistant, doubles as swim trunks, quick dry, amazing.
2. Convertible pants, can be worn for any occasion and double as shorts. i prefer the ones with lots of hidden pockets.
3. Light weight Navy or Black Jacket, perfect for most nights, easy to carry, wrap it up in rubber bands if it doesnt fold into itself.
4. Smart wool socks, they dont smell, easy to wash, quick dry.
5. Bring ONE bag. Find lightweight dark clothes that all match with each other, that are lightweight, quick dry and comfortable and you’ll only need one bag.
6. Leave the laptop at home. You feel so much more free, when you dont have to worry about a 12 yr old snatching up your macbook pro.
7. Universal Charger.
8. Smart phone. This is key. My iphone is used as a book, light, translator, reference guide, map and gps, notebook, alarm clock, calc, ipod, seach engine, newspaper, calender, weather channel, compass, camera/camcorder, oh yea and phone.
9. Reliable boots, brown or black.
10. Dr. Bronner’s Baby mild organic fair trade liquid soap. Amazing, i use it for showering, laundry detergent, shampoo AND toothpaste. If thats not the perfect light travel companion, i dont know what is…
August 21st, 2010
7:21 pm
Last year my husband and I put everything we own in storage and went to Asia for two months, then taught in France for three months. Thus summer we went back to Asia (I head home Tuesday). The whole experience was a lesson in how much I have vs. how much I need.
In our disposable acquisitive society, it can be really easy to spend your life in service to crap. We work to buy crap, then we buy a house then we need crap for the house, eventually we have so much crap we have to buy storage bins to put the crap in, then eventually a storage unit, and so it goes, oh and don’t forget a car to move the crap around.
The experience taught me that you can either spend your life in service to your crap or spend your life in service to your life. Inelegantly phrased but I hope it makes sense.
I now have no house and no car but I still have that storage unit and when I get back to the US will crack open the storage unit and start going through that crap.
Life is essentially a journey and your home is like a big suitcase. Most of us have totally over-packed (myself included). In a world where so many people have so little why do we keep needing more?
Like that really cute dress I just bought (reform takes time).
I am working on reducing all my baggage and being aware of wanting vs. needing so here is my advice.
Start with a small “bag,” that will automatically limit what you can bring more importantly what you can buy along the way.
Before buying something ask: is this something I need? What will become of it after I don’t need it anymore? Can it be reused, sold, recycled? How far did it have to travel to get to me? What was the life like of the person who made it? Does my buying it help make their life better? How far did it have to travel to get to me?
Sometimes you just want to buy stuff that you don’t need (like the dress) but I think if more people asked this, we’d have less people spending their life in service to crap and traveling lightly.
August 21st, 2010
7:43 pm
QOD response:
I would say transitions lenses sunglasses are great especially if you need prescription glasses. No need for sunglasses and reading glasses just one pair for any light conditions.
Thanks for the great post Tim, loved Vagabonding so appreciate all the advice from Mr. Potts.
August 21st, 2010
7:51 pm
Please forget the socks with the sandals. You’ll need to maintain SOME dignity.. I’m praying you’re bringing extra underwear in your pockets. Good luck!
August 23rd, 2010
12:27 am
Hahahaha…. I have no dignity, I assure you :)
Thanks for the comments, all!
Tim
August 21st, 2010
8:37 pm
As a guy who doesn’t pack much body fat, cooler evenings can give me the chills pretty fast. Most gear shops, and bike shops especially, sell hybrid spandex shirt sleeves (yes, just the sleeves) that pack up as small as a pair of short socks and have proven a lifesaver for me on more occasions than one.
August 21st, 2010
8:44 pm
Huge fan of the book, it literally changed my life! Me, Wife and Kids are eternally grateful!
Wish I had a tip but coming up blank with these to compare to. One question though:
Any advice when traveling with kids? Wife and I can travel light but when it comes to the kids, sometimes you have to bring extra to keep them happy. Not to mention from walking around with food stuck to them. Amongst other things :)
August 21st, 2010
8:59 pm
Looks like a great adventure, one I will follow closely.
I suggest a few ziploc bags. Roll them into a tight bundle and wrap several rubber bands around them. You will be surprised how often these things come in handy.
August 21st, 2010
9:20 pm
#QOD
Use your safety pins to pin your extra 2 sets of socks together. This is an easy way to find a safety pin when you need one, as well as, ensuring you’ll never have that infamous “one” sock syndrome.
I use this daily in my life. Each set of socks is pinned together. Saves time not having to sort socks from the laundry as well as grabbing what you need from your sock drawer in a flash
When you unpin your socks you can covertly hide the pin on the inside of one of your socks and it’s right there when you peel them off at night.
Good Travels Rolf.
August 21st, 2010
9:24 pm
Just the post I needed to see for my current trip to Thailand and the Naadi readers of South India in 5 days time.My last trip was a bag dragging nightmare earlier this year and I used about 20% of the stuff I took…AND the weight doubles in the unforgiving sun…..aaaaah !
First time global wandering travelers TAKE NOTE
August 21st, 2010
9:42 pm
For the sake of making it easy for readers to benefit from the comments, I’ve consolidated what I found to be the best portions of various answers to the QOD (QOP?). Call it the SparkNotes version of the comments, if you will. I skipped them this time to avoid a conflict, but I might include some of the tips I previously mentioned once I create a similar post after the weekend ends.
For the most pedestrian travelers:
(Tahira) Don’t bother with toiletries, as you can easily obtain small amounts at your destinations.
(Fiona) If you anticipate being in or near a remote area, test any potentially lifesaving items before they are actually needed.
(PaulR) Replace maps with photos kept on a small camera.
(Dave) Keep in mind that über-light travel might make you the target of some wariness.
(Adam Mayfield) Roll clothes to make packing easier.
(Max) Don’t carry all valuables and IDs in a single pocket, as theft or loss can be devastating. External pockets should only contain amounts of money small enough to not make an impact if stolen.
(Per Håkansson) When heading out of the hotel for a day, pack the free breakfast food to save money on lunch and dinner.
(Ryan) It’s alright with the TSA if you bring a bottle or mug, just empty it before checking in. To get purified water for free, ask to have it filled when ordering at a coffee shop.
(Vinay) Wear dark colors, but not logos, so that stains and repeated wear are less noticeable. Cut clutter by using USB chargers.
(Max) A carabiner–or any other fastener, really–can be used to fasten bags/clothes to large objects, making it difficult to walk off with them quickly.
For light, but not too light travelers:
(bloo) Be picky about the fabrics your travel clothes are made of. Go for quick-drying materials.
(Fiona) Optimize by only carrying multipurpose items, such as handkerchiefs, rubber bands, and zip-off pants.
(Paul) Replace your laptop–among other items–with your smartphone and cloud services. Other users have suggested using a bootable USB drive as an alternative. Use shoes that are compact*1.
(Drew Blaisdell) Similarly to toiletries, readily available items like plain shirts are pretty much disposable, so don’t bother bringing them.
(Richard) Bulky gear can and should be rented onsite.
(Jason M) If a smaller version of an item exists, go with the smaller version.
(Kaila) Velcro pockets can help deter pickpocketing, as they usually provide an audible alert that they’ve been opened.
(Swedy) To cut down on the need for gadgets, hire virtual assistants. They can also be helpful in planning your trip.
(Patrick) For amateurs just learning the process, assemble the clothing you intend to bring, then drastically reduce it.
(Allen) Use American Express services strategically to get discounts and other assistance. Additionally, a bright bag is less likely to get lost than one with plain colors.
(Travis and Robin) If you must bring them, carry small amounts of toiletries in labeled contact cases.
For hardcore/professional light travelers:
(nick samaroo) Only bring the things you need in a mental simulation of a day at your destination.
(Jade Wood) Carefully and pragmatically consider possible scenarios before choosing a travel partner.
(kimberleebob) Don’t pack too much underwear. To refresh a pair, turn it inside out and wear it.
(Kaila) Consider not bringing electronics at all, as they are often available at your destination.
(Audrey) Though mooching is useful, don’t expect to be able to do it consistently unless you return the favor. As kathryn notes, it might be annoying.
(Michael Davenport) The locals can provide the valuable resources of friendship, knowledge, and lodging, and they often do so for free.
(Benny the Irish polyglot) Store items, including a strong bag, within a double-layered jacket while going to the airport, then stuff everything into that bag after passing through security.
For the light traveling MacGyver:
(Peatt Raftis) Sanitary napkins, duct tape, and pencils are all you need.
—
*1. Commentors, including Mr. Potts, seem to favor consolidating footwear by bringing only shoes or boots, not both.
August 21st, 2010
9:44 pm
Hei Tim.
Great post and blog. My tip would be to leave behind anything you had with you, but did not use on your last trip.
Rolf, travel safe and enjoy.
Tom
August 21st, 2010
10:35 pm
I kind of would like to know what it would be like a girl version of this.
August 21st, 2010
10:36 pm
By the way I’m a girl. Just curious because I hate luggage also. :)
August 21st, 2010
11:06 pm
QOD Answer:
A bandana or scarf can be used for tons of stuff, replacing a hat, eyemask, and more.
Carry paracord as bootlaces, a bracelet, etc. The stuff can be used a thousand ways.
Klipsch makes cheap ($40?) earbuds that make decent earplugs when off. With those in and a headscarf over your eyes, sleeping near a crying baby isn’t impossible.
August 21st, 2010
11:14 pm
My tip:
This cocoon sleeping sheet that acts like a sleeping bag (link: http://www.rei.com/product/690012) was the single best thing I took with me on my travel to africa. It’s uber light, warm, comfortable, and protects you from all kinds of weird bugs crawling on you while you sleep. It’s very breathable so you can also use it as a mosquito net.
Its also great if you’re moving from place to place and don’t have the luxury of having a clean bed to sleep in. Just put the cocoon over you and you don’t have to worry about what kind of filth the bed has gone through.
August 21st, 2010
11:39 pm
The best things I have ever brought with me have been a big smile and generous heart. Lame? Maybe. But everything else I’ve ever brought with me I’ve never really needed.
August 21st, 2010
11:59 pm
Wow, people are so incredibly resourceful – fantastic tips. The only thing that I have to add is one I am sure Mr. Potts already practices. A smile, a sincere one that lets people know you see them as equals and wish them all the happiness in the world. Be respectful, humble and kind, if you are lucky enough to travel and have a window into others daily lives – remember that, and share your good fortune. Corny sounding maybe, but it has always been the best “travel aid” I possess.
August 22nd, 2010
12:12 am
I travel in a similar fashion as when I go the the field in the Army. Never pack more than you would absolutely need for the first 72 hours of your planned operations. You can always arrange to have some sort of resupply in 72 hours either by planned cache, air, ground, purchase or just doing without.
Plan on carrying everything on your back, no wheeled luggage or carts. This will help make some decisions a bit easier and a lot more practical when prioritizing. Everything should be able to fit into some sort of ziplock or waterproof bag as well.
August 22nd, 2010
12:56 am
Wow, that Sonos looks cool, so I’m posting more stuff I’ve learned. :)
Having a child has taught me a lot about travelling light.
When my son Alex was born he doubled the amount of gear we carried with us (maybe even tripled), despite only being the length of my forearm.
We travel a lot (he took his first 3 day road trip at 6 weeks old, his first airplane trip at 4 months) and the extra baggage was really hampering my style. (My travel style, that is.)
My wife chose what we carried for him, but I usually lugged it around. After our first flight with him I started to examine what it was I was carrying. I questioned the role of every trinket, gadget and toy and made my own lightweight diaper bag.
It consisted of a small zippered pouch (Kifaru Pullout) with:
- Ziplock bag with a dozen or so wet wipes
- Ziplock bag with one days worth of powdered formula (prior to switching him to formula, I carried food for my wife at all times, as she was the formula.)
- Small baby bottle with one portion of dry formula inside
- Ziplock bag with 6-8 diapers, which I would kneel on to push all the air out, then seal.
- small bottle baby advil
- thermometer.
- small tube of diaper cream.
This was enough stuff that we could spend a day away from home, longer with some improvising. The diapers, formula and wet wipes are bare necessities for a baby. The thermometer,diaper cream and advil were things that if you need them, you really need them, so I always carried them.
It took a while to get my wife weened off her monster diaper bag. I started with trips to the grocery store with just my little minimalist diaper pouch, then longer trips out for the afternoon, then eventually I made her one of her own. Once she realized that with just her little pouch and a change of baby clothes we could spend the night somewhere with our son, she was sold.
We didn’t actually need to carry a can of formula, a whole package of wet wipes, a package of diapers, five changes of clothing, a bottle warmer, toys, blankets and all the other weird baby paraphernalia.
Most of this can stuff be improvised, rented, or done without, especially toys.
Alex happily played with carabiners from my pack, an LED flashlight, my MP3 player, elastic bands, car keys or my sunglasses when we traveled.
We would get hot water from a coffee shop to make him formula.
He has used my jacket and spare shirt as a sleeping bag.(It’s pretty darn cute too.)
We almost ran out of diapers once during an unexpected flight delay. I was contemplating how to make an improvised diaper out of toilet paper and duct tape, but we found some at an airport shop. I was a little relieved and a little disappointed that I didn’t get to try making a duct tape diaper.
We learned to ask hotel staff about what childrens amenities were available, to rent strollers at our destination, to find parks, museums, zoos, playgrounds and pools near our hotel, and many other strategies for keeping us all healthy and happy while traveling with minimal gear.
Many parents are intimidated by the work involved in traveling with their small children. Ironically, adopting a minimalist travel philosophy has made us more relaxed about most travel challenges.
My wife and I realized that as long as our son had food, wasn’t in pain, and didn’t need medical attention, everything else was a minor issue.
We’ve both reduced the amount of stuff we travel with as well, so our combined family luggage is less than it was before we had a son.
Alex is three now, so he no longer needs a minimalist diaper bag. He just needs some spare clothes, and I’ve been thinking of getting him an Ipod Touch soon.
We just found out my wife is pregnant again though, so I’ve been reexamining everything that we carry, trying to figure out what is really important and what is just slowing us down. I’m kind of looking forward to it.
August 22nd, 2010
1:39 am
QOD:
Obviously, everyone here has some great ideas and experiences! I will honestly say the number one recommended lifesaver that ALWAYS seems to come in handy at just the right time: A roll of toilet paper! You would be surprised how many people think this is always available during travels, I have been a lifesaver to fellow travelers MANY a time with this one!
Good luck, Rolf. Safe travels! If you are stopping through Nanjing China, look me up!
- Ron Turner
August 22nd, 2010
2:23 am
QOD:
First Up: Tim and Rolf I love your stuff. Hope to bump into you both some time for a chat.
Anyways: Just finished 5 weeks in Asia with less than 6Kgs of stuff. Most of which I only used occasionally. The philosophy is less is more – to a point. Everything should do more than one thing, and be useful in more that one situation. I’ve been cycling, hiking in highlands, drinking cocktails in fancy bars, and doing all the usual travel stuff. Having just finished a trip in Vietnam this probably has a Asian spin on it.
General
• Sleep is extra important when you are traveling. It will affect how many days of rest you need, your attitude, and make you more/less enjoyable to be around.