“I refuse to compromise my stylish looks, my elegant clothes and having smart outfits for my many moods in exchange for a bit of convenience and a few hours saved on vacation. Is that clear?”
This is what I would retort to my husband at the onset of every packing stage before a big trip. He assures me this is not a sacrifice but the liberation of a truly professional traveler. I do not like to admit it too loudly but unfortunately, he is right! I may put up a fight but I have rarely ever checked in luggage in the last 3-5 years – check one of many occasions in my post Smart Tips for Travelers, with all my luggage on a 2-week trip to Italy. I have learned over the years of serious travel – 100,000 flying miles per year is no joking matter – a combination of business and pleasure, national and international – that I can have style, variety, smart looks, all my necessities, a few luxuries and still never check in luggage!
Update: A Premium Product on Fearless Traveling for you.
The blatant truth is this:
I never once regret not checking in luggage. Not once!
I often regret when I check in luggage. Often!
If I can do it, any one of you can do it. There is a way and it’s easy and empowering and I am going to show you how – but only after I tell you why – so that you can take back the reigns of control and truly enjoy traveling.
As an American Airlines frequent flyer, I can check in luggage for free if I so desired. That annoying new fee is not the issue here (believe me, that alone might have stopped me!). After years of abiding by hubby’s imploring on this matter, I must say that today, you cannot pay me enough to hand over my luggage – my beautiful clothes, shoes, delicates, accessories, *stuff*! – and hope that it shows up unharmed and untouched – and preferably at the same time as my own arrival – on the other side of the states or the world.
Don’t get me wrong. I like American Airlines and statistics are probably on your side if you check in luggage and expect it to arrive safely and on time at your destination but do you really, truly, need everything you are taking and must pack it in such a way as to require all that room, so that you then need to part with your belongings?
To check or not to check in luggage, that is the question!
Let’s examine Top 11 Reasonsyou should never check in luggage, be it for a week long vacation or a 3-week get-away – in fact, I met a darling independent and stylish American traveler, Pat, in La Guardia on her way to a 3-week getaway to Eastern Europe and her suitcase was smaller than mine! (If you are reading this, Pat, this post was inspired by you!)
1. You never part with your belongings! Yes it may be insured and yes it may just be a few hours delayed coming in from another flight but is it worth the hours on your precious vacation and the nerves in your already-stressed state of being?
2. You never (ever) wait at the baggage claim again – ever! You never linger until that merry-go-round dumps your luggage (which, somebody explain to me, is always last in line, no matter how early or late you check it in!)
3. You can wait for standby to get on an earlier flight or different route! Airline security forbids you from doing this if you have checked in luggage. In other words, you buy freedom of passage to changes in your itinerary!
4. You walk off the airplane and make a bee-line for transportation out to the city!(See #2 for underlying reason)
5. You bypass the baggage fees which is becoming only more expensive with stringent airline budgets! Note: This does not guarantee safe and timely arrival of luggage with you at destination. It is only a fee and I am notorious about avoiding fees.
6. You carry all your belongings without the assistance of a giant airport buggy! This is the enormous airport buggy which is sometimes unavailable, sometimes not free and always slow to maneuver.
7. You look less like a tourist and more like a professional world savvy traveler! No matter how rarely or often you travel, I assure you this is an impressive habit to acquire. For more, check out what great pieces of advice world travelers have shared in Vagabond Quest’s great travel post.
8. You learn to live with creative simplicity – in your wardrobe and in your mind! My friend, Raam Dev, is my hero here, even though I am no where near to becoming a minimalist digital nomad.
9. You can take planes, taxis, metros, trains, boats and easily manage all of your belongings! Most trains and metros in the world do not even have specific luggage compartments and if they do, it’s likely far from your seat and out of your sight.
10. You learn to give the illusion of a full wardrobe without having one at your disposal! More on packing on the next post but one small tip: chic and smart accessories such as scarves, jewelry, headbands, using blacks and whites, and thin, nice layers for changing climates.
11. You do not attract the attention of an entire crowd as you blend in quietly upon your entrance into a city! This is mostly true for European cities with cobbled-stone streets and narrow passages for even pedestrians.
Perhaps this has sparked your interest to consider more drastic (!) options on your next trip or vacation, be it for a week or three. Perhaps you will stick to your own habits and not change a thing. Perhaps you will draw a strong argument against all my reasons in the comment section and we will have a nice dialogue about the whole thing!
Whatever you end up doing with your luggage, remember to travel, travel far, travel often - travel to new places, travel back to your favorite places, and do not allow the sweet comfort of home to keep you from seeing the world – and from seeing it now rather than “someday” – because whoever you may be, it is my sincere belief that the world away from your home has something incredible to offer you, something that can only be achieved through travel!
NOTE: This is only Part 1 of the Travel like a Pro series focusing on why you should never check in luggage. On Friday, Sept 17, Part 2 shares details of my packing style and showcases my just-packed luggage to 3 countries, 2 climates for 20 days! Promise to reveal serious trips for the serious traveler in you so do not miss it!
Now your turn. Please share your thoughts and your travel tips and rules on luggage, packing, and if you think you could commit to never again check-in your luggage.
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{ 60 brilliant comments, Care to add another? }
i travel every week, and still love your travel tips… my favorite farnoosh quote is “traveling is the essence of all prolific living”… great blog!
michael
Thank you so much Michael for giving me a first real smile of a very hard day – safe travels to you and thank you for reading prolific living!
I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a while now and this is the first time you have made me impatient for one of your posts. After just returning from two weeks in Paris and Barcelona with three bags between my husband and I (one checked); I was thinking about trying to do just the carry on thing. I can not wait to see what you packed to maintain your style and to see more about the bag you used. Also, what do you do with the things you purchase on your trip?
Dear Sarah, welcome back – what a great tip you must’ve had and you still went rather light compared to average travelers for two weeks. Of course we are shooting for the star, as pro travelers. I promise to reveal all my not-so-grand but simple and logical secrets on Friday’s post – suffice it to say that yes, the bag you take matters and I do shop when away and if it spills over my limit then we may check in one luggage – rarely though- and never on the outbound flights – so come back for Friday’s post! I’ll make it worth your while – I just finished taking all the photos of my luggage right before our departure!
I love #1, #2, #7, and #9! When I recently took the shuttle from the domestic terminal to the international terminal at the Delhi airport, I watched as people struggled to fit their three suitcases per-person into the shuttle with them. For me, my single backpack sat comfortably on my lap.
Besides, I hate the idea of departing with my stuff… especially when I’m so far from home where losing important stuff could be a huge problem! When you’re carrying everything with you, only a major disaster would cause you to lose your stuff (in which case, your stuff would be the last thing on your mind anyway!).
Thank you for sharing these awesome tips, Farnoosh! (And thank you for mentioning me!) I’m looking forward to Part 2!
Raam, hello my hero! If anyone can attest to this one, it is you – the world savvy traveler after 6 months on the road with JUST a backpack – and I dare say you looked very good in all your photos. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, all of which resonate with me greatly – especially the one about parting with our stuff! I expect your tips to add to mine on part 2 on Friday. Thanks for being here, Raam!
You make quite a compelling argument here!
For some reason, during my 11 years of traveling, I’ve almost always checked my luggage, even though I only carry one 40 liter backpack at all times (which is small enough to carry on the plane). It seems a bit strange after reading this post, although, I don’t mind the extra wait when I arrive to a new place as it gives me a few moments to get my bearings before being surrounded by taxi drivers, tour desk and dozens of other people all trying to offer me services! If you’re arriving in a place you’ve been to before, then this might not be such a concern…
But I absolutely agree that traveling with only one small suitcase/backpack is the way to go, just for the mobility benefits alone and the resulting freedom. Within minutes, one can pack everything up and be on their way, without needing any assistance at all.
Great post Farnoosh! And thanks to Raam for leading me here with his RT tonight
Thanks to Raam indeed for I love to learn how other travelers are doing things – I have actually seen people who check in luggage that could easily fit in the airplane and have only a small personal item with them. Some people don’t like to carry the luggage around from airport to airport until destination – and I do agree with that to some extent. Both my carry ons for next trip are backpacks and one can go over my shoulder so there is merit to what you say too. I still prefer not to check things in! Let me know if you do the same next time. Thanks Earl and come back for part 2 on Friday!
Farnoosh,
Zenguy and I have traveled light to many countries in Asia and Europe. Traveling light means you can bring some goodies home
But now traveling with kids is another thing whole together, these little ones seemed to be needing so much.
You seemed to be carrying a huge bag that seemed to weigh as much as you! Be careful of your back! I know I have busted mine in carrying things.
No matter how little stuff you will take, I am sure you will be stylish, I am sure of it!
Preeti, what a great point!! You are right. Yes the backpack to Japan was heavy – because I was not quite pro at doing this so I took everything I could but still listened to my Zenguy
! – No matter, you are right as there is nothing more important than our health – It also has a shoulder strap but it distributes really nicely and I have packed even less for my trip which starts today…..thank you thank you for being here!! And sharing your thoughts of before and after kids……as long as you still travel, I think you are doing more than many others in your circumstances and I hope you decide to write about some of these great travels to Asia and Europe!
Now this was a good one. Very useful for all, or at least all that travel or plan to travel.
I have plenty of horror stories to share about luggage and airlines and each of them could’ve been resolved by simply carrying my luggage with me!
Peace
JK, oh please, spare us the horror stories, I make up enough in my mind as it is!
! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for that vote of confidence on luggage…..hope you come back for part 2 Friday.
Spot on – the exact same reasons I travel with just one bag. I enjoy the simplicity of just having a few choices of what to wear, and only having to cart around one small bag
Dear Anthony, welcome to prolific living. One bag is even more impressive! Great to hear your advice, which is even more dramatic than mine! Thanks!
Farnoosh,
I’ve had my luggage delayed so many times on the flight from Paris to Montpellier, often arriving several days later. I’ve also strained all my muscles a zillion times dragging an overload of luggage from a European train station to a nearby hotel.
This is a lesson I dearly need to learn. As you know, I’m not too keen on traveling as I feel a responsibility to cut down on my oil use given the environmental crisis we all face. But chances are, a time will come when I do need to travel. Having your personal knowledge under my belt, I know will make it much, much easier.
Ready and waiting for installment two!
Dear Sandra, how nice of you to share your thoughts – I was not even privy to the local European flights and their way of handling things – but it is such an inconvenience to have something delayed a few days – when you may only be at your destination a few days! If and when you hit the road again, I am here to share all and any tips you may wish to hear….thanks so much for your support always!
Hi Farnoosh. I can’t wait to read part 2 of this. I’m definitely not someone who travels lightly. The mere thought of not packing everything I can get my hands on brings great anxiety. I do, however, know that your husband is right. It would be so liberating to travel without packing up my whole life and checking it in at the airport.
Dear Nea, I’ll work extra hard on part 2 just for you – I was just like you and perhaps more stubborn than anything. Every trip brings more wisdom and yes, funny as it sounds, it is best not to pack up your whole life for all you really need are a good pair of shoes, some nice clothes, sunscreen, a camera, a map and a willing heart to set out to explore. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Ahh, this makes me want to travel, travel, travel. I’m a little like that comfy being – I get comfortable at home and say, “one day” far too often. But, when I do travel, I travel light and I don’t check in bags. Having items stolen right out of my bags (by baggage handlers, I assume) and another time waiting six hours for bags just to off load from a plane, have taught me to never check them. Your love of travel is contagious, Farnoosh. Can’t wait to meet in Vegas at Blogworld.
Katie, that is the best thing you could take away from my post – I am happy for it -and I know that at the very least I will see you at Blogworld. Your story about stuff stolen scares me. I like to think the best about the baggage handlers and those who work a hard job at airports but it’s just awful. I am sorry you had to come to this decision the hard way – and glad you got the travel bug. Thank you so much for commenting, as always!
Girl, you are speaking my LANGUAGE! Traveling light is kind of like a sport in my family; we all compete to get down to the smallest bag.
My tip would be to avoid trying to wear “travel” clothes. Wear something that you feel lovely in! If you really love it, you’ll love wearing it several days in a row, anyway.
An added benefit of traveling light is the awesome freedom from worrying about what to wear; you can concentrate on the adventures at hand.
Thanks Farnoosh!
xo
Alison, glad we speak the same language. Traveling light – I doubt anyone would play this game at my family but me and my husband. I love your advice on wearing something that you feel happy and lovely in! I do that without thinking about it but it’s truly key to packing the right clothes! Thank you so much for your lovely thoughts – and for the thoughts from Tim Ferris.
Luggage – 1596, from lug (v.) “to drag;” so, lit. “what has to be lugged about” (or, in Johnson’s definition, “any thing of more bulk than value”). In 20c., the usual word for “baggage belonging to passengers.” (from Wikipedia).
Luggage is always too heavy, especially when you have to drag it from one place to the other. And remember now, luggage literally meant to drag bulk stuff around! How nice..
I guess your luggage describes who you are. Are you looking for security in your life, then you probably travel with a full suitcase. Are you creative and willing to take a risk? Well, less is more!
Traveling with children means you need some stuff. And I have to be honest, on our travels with our kids I’m sometimes glad that we took all kinds of things and clothes with us.
In practice you always use less than you have packed in your suitcase or backpack. In daily life we have so much stuff surrounding us, we have forgotten that we actually don’t need that much…
Emiel
Emiel, thank you so much for the definition! It is amusing and adds to the whole effect of what I am trying to say in a comical way! And the link of luggage to identity – I do like it. I have no idea what it’s like to travel with children – I do know however that there are some minimalist Moms among my friends who make me proud and amazed so while the little darlings may seem to need much, there is always room to take a few things out if need be – although sometimes the security of having something “just in case” may outweigh the unnecessary stress. Thank you for weighing in those great thoughts!
People often think that they need a lot of stuff to travel. Bags and bags filled with “essentials” this is simply not true. I have been traveling across Europe for 4 months now with things that fit in ONE BAG. It was big enough to check, but close enough that maybe I could have gotten it on if I was willing to argue.
You really need a lot less than you think you do while traveling. You do not need a set of clothes for every day of the week that is why they invented laundry.
The advantages of traveling light are many from simply the convenience of not waiting to the minimalist aspects of having simply what you need!
If I can survive for months out of one bag and small laptop case. (I still refuse to use a man purse though) Anyone can make it for a few weeks with the same or less.
The purpose of travel is to be mobile and get around, not to spend hours messing about lugging 100 pound bags to and fro.
Sorry I got to the conversation late…again
I will attempt to be more timely with my comments for Fridays post!
Steve, that makes me laugh – this is simply not true! Yes, you are right – it is *not* true!! You attest to way more long term traveling so having your own testimonial is a great addition here, thank you! You do need a lot less – 24 hours into my 3 week trip and I can honestly say I already think I brought too much – with all my light packing! I’d love to hear you talk about how you manage months out of one bag – but thank you so much for your thoughts and do weigh them in again on my Friday post – although keep in mind you are far more drastic than even moi – which is great!
You put it so spot on!
Went to Canada a few months ago for a week with only a backpack:
– 3 pairs of clothes
– Computer
– Cash/Debit Card
I’d been once before and finally understood that it was completely unnecessary to tag along everything. Why? Street markets!
As soon as I got there, my friend and I went through downtown and I ended up picking up a handful of really cool indie shirts for $1 a piece – had robots and stuff on them
This may not be as possible for true business people but when you just want to get around easy without all those headaches, that’s the way to go.
Use these tips everyone!
Murlu, another pro traveler and one with a great unique tip – buy your clothes at your destination….It may not work with every style or every trip purpose but the idea is great – in fact, sometimes I do this with my toiletries or other essentials. Thank you so much for adding your travel thoughts!
Love this Farnoosh…while I sometimes do check baggage I do pack light and have the smallest of the checked in bags – ie one size up from the carry-on size. I reckon I could cut down to the carry-on size as that bag is rarely packed to the full AND I find that when I travel there are always items I end up not wearing. My issue is though that while I know I could put all my clothes etc into a smaller bag, I do like to carry a smallish tote/soft briefcase (in addition to my handbag) for books (OK I now have a kindle so that may solve that), camera (mine is not one of the teeny pocket sized ones), laptop, travel papers… I’ll await your next post to see how you manage all this additional paraphernalia.
Hi Sue, lovely to see you here again – packing light is the key I think and from what you say, I think you may have no trouble – if you decided to do it – to not check in luggage. I do hear you on the books- as you know I am an avid reader, although you surpass me in your reading habits – but yes, the Kindle or other ereaders solve that issue…I also am a proud owner of a Canon 50D with at least 2 lenses now so one of our 4 bags (2 carry on, 2 personal items) IS our camera bag….Friday post should add more clarity so do come back and thanks again!
I agree wholeheartedly… I can’t believe for years the time I wasted checking in baggage and waiting to get it at the baggage claim. It’s so liberating to sail through the customs area and be on your way!
It does take a little effort when you’re packing to be minimal and get the most out of your pieces, but it forces simplicity and in the end, it’s so worth it.
Happy travels… looking forward to reading more about your trip!
Hi Mary, me too long ago but we live and learn and savvy travelers are not born in one day so don’t worry – it IS liberating to sail through customs. I did it again today and it was fast but yes, it takes heaps of planning in advance which is well worth it. Thanks again and hope to hear your thoughts on the Friday post!
This is a good post. I never really thought of these things before, but now I realize that is can be a very good thing to not have to carry a lot of luggage. It’s like, the less the you can carry around the more you can breathe and enjoy life. Can’t wait for the other parts!
-Gabe
Hello Gabe, nice to see you here – Yes, it’s easy to look past all of it but when you think about it, you can change your outlook on travel and mobility and enjoyment of the process by a few small and smart changes. I am working hard on part 2 and would be great to hear more of your thoughts. Thanks again!
Hi Farnoosh, I have to confess to not even thinking about not checking in my luggage. I was wondering how on earth you get away with just taking your clothes in hand luggage and for 20 days! Didn’t think I would enjoy a travel tip post, but this was totally fascinating and you put up a great argument.
Hello Steven, how nice to see you here. I think you can fit more than you can imagine in a hand luggage – and still not “stuff” it to the max. I used to put the opposite argument up with my husband and he finally persuaded me to seeing his (better) ways…The details to be revealed on Friday. Thank you for your comment here!
Farnoosh,
This post totally set me thinking! I have never been a light traveler – not before having a kid and certainly not after one kid! But, that does not mean I don’t want to be one. Each time I try and fail. I am keen to read your Friday’s post to learn your packing strategy.
Yet, I feel, I can’t go that light because traveling with a kid is a different ball game altogether. The needs seem to be endless…there’s always – “what if” and more “what if”! haha…
Besides, I have weak shoulders. I can’t even carry a laptop bag for more than a few minutes. So, backpack is not for me. But, yes, my arms are strong and I guess, suitcases will work well.
I may not be able to go as light as you but there’s plenty of room for improvement at where I am today!
Waiting for your Friday’s post
Hi Rashmie, I am so glad you enjoyed the post – and that it got you thinking. You do not have to have a back pack – you can have a very nice rolling back that is still allowed on the airplane and then a small personal item to take with you over your torso so it distributes the weight not on your shoulders but rather on your upper body. I think a nice backpack does a good job of distributing on the back and not put too much weight on shoulders and lower back if we observe good straight posture. I can imagine traveling with kids different but as you say, we can all improve more! I will have to share with you my details on Friday – thank you so much for your comment here!
Holy awesomeness Farnoosh! I have to say, I like Steve A., never thought I would enjoy a post about traveling like I did yours, But *dAmN* I loved it!
I have to admit I felt “relieved” after reading this! It’s as if I didn’t know I was carrying emotional baggage around traveling, luggage and stress. (Pardon the pun lol)
Very valuable post and extremely inspiring! Now I know if you can do it, I can too! (Travel light and still kick ass that is)
Thank you so much. You never cease to amaze and inspire me.
Tony, you exaggerate but I love it – so I have no choice but to agree with your flowing compliments
! Seriously I am so very glad you think so! I have to talk more about packing in the next post but I do mention that it is – to me anyway – a psychological process and we can learn so much about who we are from the way we pack for a trip! You are terribly kind and a dear friend, thank you for the lovely comment and lovelier RT yet!
I love the idea of simplifying and how traveling with one bag makes one focus on this. I’ve started doing that recently but I have found two things that bothers me:
People with carry on bags that are so large that the overhead bins get so stuffed they can’t fit them all and the feeling like I’m getting on a third-world bus with everybody jostling and vying for where their bag will go, not to mention the extra boarding time it takes loading all of it. If people brought small bags (and if airlines truly enforced the size limits) it would be a lot better.
Lastly, there are times when I’ve had a layover of several hours at an airport and it’s nice NOT having a bag to carry around.
Still, the key thing I like about it going smaller is truly getting rid of the stuff I think I need, but I don’t. Looking forward to your packing post.
Excellent points, John! Let me share my thoughts with you on it – Professional and savvy travelers (and yes I consider myself one) never hold up the line to the airplane more than all of 10 seconds. If I go into 15-20 second range as I get myself into my seat, I have gone over. People who bring those over-stuffed bags onto the airplane are not savvy travelers at all and not checking luggage does not equate that, I assure you. Their problem is not that they did not check in luggage. It is that they brought TOO MUCH! I do admit that not having all your belongings in a large airport may be easier than having them. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us!
This was interesting. 20 days with no check in luggage is quite impressive. I would not know how to pull it off. Even if I did my wife would be sure to make up the balance. I’m pretty efficient for short trips though. I will take it all into consideration… if there is one thing I believe it is that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.
Hi Rob, women are the harder of the two sexes to convince when it comes to this, trust me
! Which is why I am so proud of myself for truly subscribing to this theory now – and I would be most happy to hear your thoughts on Friday’s post about packing…! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I’m all for traveling light but I am sensing that I yet have to learn a lot from you: The Teacher!
Abubakar, thank you for the fun title – I am happy to share what I have learned along the way. I think we learn the best lessons well by making our own mistakes first but I still hope to avoid it for some of us! Stay tuned for the Friday post!
I wildly love the idea of packing lightly and not having the hassle of checked luggage. However, I’m not remotely good at it. It is an incredible mystery to me. I do plan the packing and I do pack early enough to give it another check when I pull out more items…yet, I still manage to over pack and sadly even check in a bag for a little weekend trip.
I have a lot to learn from you, travel guru.
Dear Aileen, thank you for giving a thumbs up to traveling lightly – even if it’s something new to you – believe me I were there and it was so stressful during the packing AND during the trip – now things are much better and I am – as we speak – writing Friday’s post even on vacation so I hope sincerely that some of the tips I have learned the hard way will be useful for you…..keep an eye out for it, and thank you for being here as always!
Farnoosh,
I’m not there yet however I’ve been packing less…a lot less. For me it’s hauling my suitcase from place to place over the vacation that drags me down. Hubs is like yours but I haven’t gotten the message yet! Love the photo with backpack in Japan!
Hi Tess, it all starts with packing less for most if not all of us….And hauling it around is no fun – so the lighter the better….And believe me it took me a while to get the message. Let me see what I can pull together on those lessons for Friday’s post! Thanks for your comment as always!
Farnoosh, I have always been a minimalist traveller but will now take it to a new level after your tips.
My last trip was to India and I did take a large suitcase, full of clothes to give away. Sadly, my sister did so much shopping it was equally as full on the way back:-)
Arvind, you probably don’t check luggage regularly then if you call yourself a minimalist traveler
! Glad you enjoyed this. I understand the month long trips home to visit friends and family – and of course there are exceptions but if this is the overarching habit, I think I’ll still call you a minimalist traveler! Thank you for adding to our discussion here!
Great article on packing, Farnoosh! I’d like to add one of the items that I was surprised turned out to be soooo very helpful is a packing system eaglecreek.
When I was researching our trip to London and following the Gospel of Rick Steves, he suggested it on his website, and though at first I thought it ridiculous (how can packing stuff into other stuff make packing lighter?!)… it turns out Rick was right!
In particular, his packing list is good start.
Love it, love it and would not travel without it.
Thanks again for the insightful article,
Karen
Karen, thanks so much for commenting – it’s wonderful to see you here. I usually never publish additional hyperlinks in the comments section as a comment policy but I will leave these as I think they will greatly add to the benefit of others given the height of this discussion. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I think Rick is far more professional in packing than me, no doubt!
Hi Farnoosh, thanks for the travel tips. I’ve just recently stepped into the world of “unchecked baggage” and I’m loving. What’s funny is that I’m a backpacker, and used to cutting all the unnecessary weight that I can. The same philosophy never really spilled over into my travel adventures until a backpacking friend recommended Miss Minimalist’s blog to me, where she talks a lot about traveling light.
A couple of weekends ago, my husband and I traveled to San Diego for our wedding anniversary and I decided it was finally time to downsize and ditch the checked luggage. I did it…and it was wonderful! What’s really funny, though, is my husband ended up bringing two bags!! So he carried one on but we ended up having to deal with a checked bag anyway. I’m hoping I’ll have a good influence on him for next time.
After getting a taste of traveling light, I don’t think I could go back. (I grimace when I think back to a previous trip where I was lugging a giant suitcase the four blocks from the metro stop to my hotel in Washington D.C.) No more!
I look forward to your packing list as well. Enjoy your day!
Wow, Adrienne, you are being the height of influence in your relationship on packing. I am very impressed….After getting a taste, yes, it’s hard to go back. Just this morning, on third day of our trip, I was thinking I didn’t bring enough clothes but then I decided to make a new outfit and feel just fine again. I grimace a lot when I think back to my old ways of doing a million things in general, too!! Thank you so much for adding to the article!
Hi Farnoosh,
One thing I have learned after so many years of traveling all over the world, the less you carry, the better. When I first began to travel, I would take so much stuff because I kept thinking of all the possibilities of things that I might need or could need. A couple of transatlantic trips changed that for me.
That said, I prefer to check my bags in because I just don’t want to deal with pushy fellow travelers who shove their way to get a place for their suitcase. However, I have to admit…the airline does not require me to pay for baggage check in because of all the miles I have accumulated. So it does not cost me anything which makes it easier for me to check my bags in.
Hi Nadia, thank you so much for sharing a pro traveler view. The less with us the better, indeed!! I can respect your choice in checking in luggage – I think it really depends on our comfort level in parting with it but it’s great to know that you are a minimalist traveler and pack little for your trips. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Farnoosh – this was wonderful! I had skipped over the packing series because I do not travel much but this is soon to change as Pedram, Pouneh, Neda and I are planning a trip to London next June!! I am super excited and already wondering what I should pack
! Thank you for the very smart arguments you made in this post – can’t wait to read all your tips!! I’m also looking forwarding to discussing London with you in December!
Hi dear Negar, I have a post all about London – just search the archives or the On the Road category! London is a great city, at any time of year but in June, it’s best because it will stay light til about 9 or 10pm at night!! I am very happy you will be traveling and we can talk about these things to your heart’s delight when you visit! Thank you so much for the comment!!
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