Thoughts on traveling light

On my first trip to France (for what was originally an eight-month exchange program), I carried two extra-large suitcases packed to the brim, a large backpack, and a guitar. I remember trying to figure out how on Earth my beloved Altec Lansing speakers and subwoofer would fit in the suitcase. Thankfully, they didn’t make the trip. I still find all sorts of knick-knacks brought along on that first trip.

My travel hygiene used to be horrendous, packing much more than necessary on trips. Two distinct periods of my life helped me realize there was another way to travel. In 2015, during a transition period and while moving cities, I lived out of a suitcase and stayed with friends while finding solid ground. Then in 2018-2019, while living the nomad life, traveling through Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, I carried a 60-liter backpack during that time.

It was during that last trip that traveling light became second nature. I obsessed over which items yielded the most use: lightweight clothing, shoes, and tech items. How little could I bring and still be comfortable?

In 2019, I traveled to Morocco for a week with a tiny 18-liter backpack, about the size of a small tote bag. Later, my wife got on board too and started traveling light as well. On our three-week engagement trip to Singapore and Bali in 2019, we carried a single 42 liter Eastpack Travelpack (my absolute favorite travel backpack).

One day, I’ll write a post detailing my packing routine and the items I carry on trips. But for now, here are three helpful tips for traveling light:

1. Buy a good carry-on suitcase or backpack and commit to only packing what fits inside.
2. Get in the habit of washing clothes, either by using your hotel’s laundry service or by dropping them off at a laundromat.
3. Remember that you can always buy or borrow items in an emergency—don’t pack useless “what if” items.

As I look forward to trips to Singapore, the United States, Dubai, and Thailand in the next two months, it’s satisfying to know I can always count on carrying everything I need on my back.