Traveling with only one small travel daypack is a talent that must be mastered. Even the most experienced travelers struggle with the temptation to overpack, and most would admit to cramming additional goods into their luggage at the very last minute. Though, as they say, practice makes a man perfect. And I’ve perfected my packing abilities to the point that everything happens to fit within one backpack, whether it’s for two months or two days.
It’s both freeing and exhilarating to be able to travel with only one carry-on bag. When you’re carrying hefty luggage, it’s inconvenient to pull around town on public transportation, and airlines will charge you extra costs. With all that baggage, you’re less inclined to venture off the main road, and it’s tough to locate your belongings when and where you need them.
So, if your New Year aims to travel lighter and carry less, keep the following tips in mind.
Learn everything you can about the cultures of the places you’ll be going to.
Many tourists are unfamiliar with cultural conventions, so it’s crucial to respect the culture of the nation you’re visiting. Doing some preliminary study about what to expect will help you avoid upsetting someone unintentionally. Tipping in the United States, the influence of the Spanish siesta on corporate trading hours, and the prohibition of littering, smoking, or spitting openly in Singapore can all confuse customs for individuals unfamiliar with them.
Don’t pack for more than seven days.
Is it essential to have ten shirts? Most likely not. Don’t take something that you won’t be able to wear more than once as it won’t dry quickly overnight.
Of course, if you’re going on a hike and will be sweating all day, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to wear your shirt again (but keep a powdered detergent in a ziplock bag in case!). If you’re only going sightseeing, you shouldn’t have any trouble wearing some of your outfits twice. Choose tested favorites, and don’t bring more clothing than you’ll need.
Lightweight Clothing
Consider the fabric of your clothes! Only include garments that can be quickly folded up and stored in your backpack. This type of clothing is easy to transport, saves room, and quickly dries if you need to do washing while on your vacation.
Remember to wear dark-colored clothing.
It’s preferable if you consider the fabric, as well as the color and functionality of your clothing. Darker clothing hides stains better and is easy to match with whatever pair of shoes or jeans you bring with you. Dark t-shirts may be used to dress up for a beautiful meal and worn down for an athletic event.
Take all of your medications for an emergency.
Traveling may make you feel as though you’re unstoppable. I’m sorry for disappointing you; you still have a lot to learn. If you become sick, your medicines will easily be available in your bag. This can be easier than finding the local drugstore and the same drug. Bring a variety of vital medications that you may use to treat any ailment. Even if you don’t use it, it’s better to be safe than sick.
Download Offline Maps.
The data is saved in the app as soon as you open Google Maps for the city you’re in. Even if your WiFi connection is lost, the app will still be able to show you the city streets and remember any previous searches. As a traveler, this is really useful since you can embark on life-changing activities while still being lost in a city. You may now do so with confidence, knowing that Maps tell you where you are and how to get back home. This makes Offline Maps the most indispensable tool.
For More Space, Wear Jeans and a Jacket
When traveling, put on your heaviest and bulkiest apparel! For instance, you can wear jeans and a thick jacket on the aircraft. This will save most of your pack space taken up by these two goods. This rule also applies when you’re traveling with hefty hiking boots. If it’s too hot for a jacket, wrap it around your waist or the straps of your pack.
Only carry two pairs of shoes at a time.
Bring no more than two pairs of shoes. A sneaker suitable to be worn for sports activities and going out for casual dine-outs should be your footwear option. If you have to pack a second pair of shoes, make it a pair for more formal situations or fine dining.
Only pack the bare minimum of toiletries.
Only bring toiletries that you cannot find at your location. Unless you’re heading to a remote or ultra-rural place, buying toiletries before you arrive will save you a lot of room.
When staying in a hotel, they will supply you with the necessary amenities most of the time. Shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and soap are all recommended. Toothbrushes, razors, and toothpaste will almost always be accessible. You’ll discover that buying toiletries on the road is simple and frequently less expensive.
Bring your favorite travel ebooks.
While traveling for long periods of time, reading is one of the best ways to pass the time. Books, on the other hand, are inconvenient. They also use up a lot of space in your backpack. However, ebooks are small enough to fit on a Kindle or other electronic reader. You can find the best 2 in 1 laptops under 500 dollars only. This can help you keep your ebooks, guides/maps, and work all in one place
Only carry one book if you must go with one. After you’ve finished reading, exchange with other tourists who are always eager to deal. Alternatively, visit the hotel/hostel library, where guests can swap books.
Don’t fold your clothes; instead, roll them.
Roll your garments instead of folding or balling them inside your pack. You’ll be shocked how much room you can save this way. This also allows you to sift through your backpack’s contents more effectively without having to empty everything.
Purchase a Quick Dry Towel!
I initially purchased one of these excellent towels at my local sporting goods store as a spur-of-the-moment purchase. It has, however, swiftly become one of the first items I pack. This item may not be necessary if you are staying in a hotel. If you’re like me and stay in hostels, though, this may be a lifesaver. It may even be used as a beach towel.
Prioritize your packing by putting the most critical items first.
Finally, remember to bring your essentials first—underwear, t-shirts, socks, and other stuff you will undoubtedly need. Unless you run out of space during packing, leave the less important stuff, so you don’t have to dig through your suitcase to find them. Check out the finest travel bag reviews when you’re looking for your new trip companion.
You should bring some plastic bags with you.
Nothing is more annoying than having a damp towel or wet clothing hanging about in your bag. If only there were a way to separate and keep your soiled or damp garments from your nice clean ones while you’re on the road?
Hello, plastic bags are indeed a hero. Plastic bags take up very little room, have various functions, and are always useful to any baggage.
Conclusion
Your first large trip will come with a flood of traveling tips, whether you conduct your own research or ask others for their opinions. You’ll be taught to be careful and keep away from dark passageways, but no one will teach you the important backpacking techniques that will get you through each day.
So, practice this advice and follow this straightforward but essential backpacking advice to avoid learning the hard way.