Travelling light? Carry-on baggage: overseas travel

[OakLeaf]

I won't put too fine a point on this.

There are two basic requirements. (1) You don't care what your shoes look like, and you don't plan any activity that requires a particular kind of shoes. (2) You don't plan to make a record of your trip [since electronics like computer or tablet+keyboard and/or photography equipment take up a LOT of space and pretty much fill one carry-on].

Then there's the laundry issue. The only way to make this work is by wearing every item of clothing you plan to bring, for a flight that may last 9 hours or longer. So, when you arrive at your destination, all your clothes stink. Is it humid at your destination? You can wash out your clothes in the sink (which I do during a trip), but they may not dry for days. BTDT. So I usually bring three days' worth of clothes that I can rotate, plus two sets of workout/running clothes (one to wear, one to wash) and one nice outfit.

I know people who get by traveling without luggage. They don't mind smelling bad, and they neither exercise nor dress up, so they have no need for more shoes than they wear on the plane. I'd love to be able to travel lighter, but I have my limits, and they're on the other side of that line. At the very least, I just can't go that long without either a run or a gym workout, and I don't really see the point of traveling if I can't go someplace nice at least once. And I really try not to stink.


You can save a lot of time and possibly a little money by shipping luggage to your destination. But shipping through customs is more hassle than it's worth to me, for international trips.

Seasons have a lot to do with it also. Obviously you can travel much lighter in summer than in winter. Traveling at change of seasons is worst, since you need at least a couple of outfits to wear in any weather.

[BodhiTree]

Shootingstar, I would really enjoy seeing you have the self confidence to talk about your experiences without comparing yourself to others every time.

Be secure in yourself. Tell about your choices, the foods you enjoy, the way you like to ride, the clothes that make you feel good, how you like to travel. Stand proud and tell about yourself without mentioning someone else's choices, foods, bike, riding style, clothing, and so on.

You have a lot to share. You are unique. Let yourself shine!