Pack Less, Travel Better! 7 Tips for Lighter Luggage and Relief for Your Hands and Spine

A suitcase stuffed to the brim with clothes is passé. Instead, carry-on suitcases packed with the "less is more" philosophy reign supreme on airplanes. Before we discover its secrets, however, it's worth considering what minimalism is and learning tips that will actually make your luggage smaller and lighter.

Minimalism - what is it?

According to the PWN Dictionary of the Polish Language, it means " reducing one's requirements, needs, and aspirations to a minimum ." This laconic definition, however, misses the point. A common misconception is that minimalism is a philosophy of life that involves recognizing one's true needs and getting rid of everything unnecessary. In practice, it can help you reduce not only the size of your closet, basement, or garage, but also the weight of your carry-on luggage . How can you achieve this? Here are some practical tips.

Tip 1: Choose the right suitcase, bag or backpack

A minimalist's suitcase, bag, or backpack should be small. Following the principle of "less is more," for a shorter trip , a cabin bag with a capacity of less than 30 liters or a duffel bag with a capacity of around 30 liters is sufficient. When choosing them, check not only the capacity but also their dimensions, including protruding parts. This ensures that your luggage will fit in the hold of the plane. A bag or backpack of this size will also take up minimal space in the trunk of a bus or rental car, which will take you to the most inaccessible corners of the globe.

Is a 30-liter backpack big enough? According to minimalists, it's large enough to fit the most essential clothes and gear . Buying larger models increases the risk of carrying empty air in your carry-on suitcase, backpack, or travel bag. No minimalist would approve of that!

Tip 2: Pack only the essentials

A flight to Italy on a budget airline. Not for a weekend, but for a week. For a couple of adults, equipped with a small carry-on and a laptop backpack . The internet is full of influencer posts like this. How is this possible? Most solo travelers adhere to the "less is more" principle. According to this principle, you should only pack in your suitcase or travel bag what you will definitely use.

Every travel enthusiast's top-of-the-line list should include a complete set of clothes, basic toiletries, documents, and electronic equipment essential for work or everyday life, such as a cell phone, chargers, a laptop, tablet, or e-reader . You can find a detailed list of essentials for a week-long trip in another post on our blog.

Tip 3: Unpack half your luggage

To minimize the size of your luggage, you might consider reducing your gear by half, and then by half again. How can you reduce the size of your luggage this way? When choosing your items, consider whether you really need a shirt or blouse you haven't worn in a while. If you have even the slightest doubt, leave it at home . This is also a great opportunity to unpack cosmetics you don't use every day. Natural (nude) makeup is one of the hallmarks of modern minimalists! After your first reduction, take up the challenge again and try to reduce the remaining items by another half . This rigorous approach will allow you to reduce your luggage to an absolute minimum.

Tip 4: Choose multifunctional accessories and clothes

Some items are more valuable than gold – they can serve several functions at once! For example, a scarf or oversized sweatshirt, in addition to its basic function, will work great as a blanket to cover yourself on a train, bus, or plane. If necessary, you can also use it as a picnic blanket or a beach towel . You can also use it to protect your head while visiting sacred places like churches, Orthodox churches, or mosques. A scarf tied around the hips can turn into a stylish skirt, perfect for a date at a local restaurant, and worn over the head, it can provide protection from strong wind and sun, helping you avoid ear infections or sunstroke. A large scarf, sweatshirt, or sweater can also be rolled up and used as a pillow , perfect for a nap on a bus or plane. One thing – many uses!

Tip 5: Buy things that don't fit on the spot

Minimalists recommend purchasing some accessories and equipment on-site, upon arrival at your destination. Another option is to purchase items in duty-free at the airport or during a layover or overnight stay between flights. What should you buy extra during your trip to pack less?

Food and drink – Local green spaces and supermarkets often stock affordable, fresh, and delicious exotic vegetables and fruit. It's also worth purchasing drinking water, snacks, and other groceries at the local store.

Hygiene items - toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toilet paper and other hygiene items are often readily available in local stores.

Medicines and pharmacy supplies - by purchasing basic painkillers and antipyretics, plasters and bandages, you will avoid having to take a heavy first aid kit.

Insecticides and insect repellents - in local pharmacies and hypermarkets you will find preparations that protect against insect bites and insects occurring in a specific area.

Maps and tourist guides – these can be purchased from a guidebook or obtained for free at a tourist information office. Importantly, these guides always contain up-to-date information.

SIM and internet cards - if you need a local SIM card or internet access, you can usually buy them locally without any problems.

Tourist gadgets - some original souvenirs and gadgets related to the visited place are sold only locally.

Tip 6: Learn to roll your clothes

When traveling economically, it's worth learning not only how to reduce your luggage but also how to pack it smartly. How to fold clothes so they take up minimal space? We've publishedthe best tricks for smart suitcase packing in a separate article. One of the most fashionable techniques described there is rolling. To roll clothes into a suitcase, place the garment on a flat surface, trying to distribute each piece evenly. Then, starting from the edges, begin rolling the garment upwards . For example, for pants, start with the legs, and for a shirt, start from the bottom. After rolling the garment, tuck the protruding parts into the rest of the rolled-up clothes. Fold the remaining shirts, trousers, and blouses in a similar manner. After rolling all the clothes, place them in the suitcase. Try to keep everything organized and distribute the weight evenly.

Tip: Modify this method depending on the type of clothes and luggage you have. You may find that rolling individual items works better than rolling them all into one large roll.

Tip 7: Go for quality, not quantity

Everyone loves bringing home a souvenir from a trip. The problem arises when our eyes are drawn to half the exotic bowls, mugs, keychains, or hats displayed at the local market. Therefore , choose more expensive, but higher-quality items at the local market. Loved ones will surely appreciate a versatile backpack, a poster with a map of the city we've visited, a tea made with an exotic herbal blend, or a cookbook with local recipes more than just another pendant or fridge magnet. The whole family can enjoy this type of gift!

Secrets of Traveling in the Spirit of Minimalism - Summary

Traveling with less luggage fits perfectly into current trends. It also facilitates many activities, such as van living (living in a van, camper, or van) and light & fast ( a type of mountain climbing). Lighter luggage offers numerous benefits for every traveler. A small bag or suitcase makes it easier to navigate airports or train stations, or to hitchhike . Not carrying excess weight is easier on your back and allows you to move freely, even over challenging terrain. With fewer belongings , it's also easier to keep your suitcase or backpack organized , and if necessary, pack a souvenir or an extra piece of clothing. Some people believe that traveling with less luggage is a way to discover the world and explore yourself. We hope the tips we've gathered will help you with both of these challenges!