Hello Reader,
Traveling can be stressful, even before you leave for the station. Packing used to stress me out, and to be honest, it still does a little.
I would pack weeks in advance to make sure I was doing it right (even though I was still overpacking). These days, I often pack the day or night before, after finishing the last load of laundry before the trip.
I Used to Be an Overpacker: Here's What Changed
I have said in the past that I was a habitual overpacker. A few things have changed over the years; both my mindset and technology have made packing and traveling more efficient for me. I want to be clear that packing is still a challenge for me, and sometimes I do not follow my own advice.
When I started traveling on Amtrak long-distance trains around 2013, I carried an old Dell laptop in a school backpack and a 24-disc case full of DVDs and CDs—a lot of weight just for entertainment. These days, all of that fits on my iPad and phone. I keep visuals on the iPad and audio on my iPhone, and if I remember my headphones and USB-C dongles, the system works well. (On my last trip, I forgot my USB-C and Bluetooth headphones!)
But technology isn't the only reason I pack lighter. Often I use public transportation or walk when I arrive, and packing light makes that so much easier!
Additionally, luggage has changed. When I started traveling, modern travel carry-on-sized backpacks were in their infancy. Most travelers used traditional suitcases, duffel bags, or whatever luggage they already had in a closet. When I started, I used a school backpack with a cheap 25" rolling luggage, packed to the gills. It worked, but it was inefficient and dragged me down as I traveled.
Today, travel backpacks are designed specifically for modern travel. Additionally, there are smaller personal-item-sized backpacks that are lightweight and make traveling better, like my new Aer bag. Both include laptop compartments and are sized to meet airline carry-on requirements. They help you stay organized while carrying less, if you are physically able to use one.
While I do have a 25" suitcase, it stays home more than it is used. If I am using rolling luggage, my 21" is used for most trips, whether for a weekend or a week.
That said, there is no shame in starting with what you already have. I began traveling with inexpensive luggage and, as I gained experience, learned which features mattered most to me. Once I understood my travel style and needs, I gradually upgraded my gear.
I still use rolling luggage for some trips, mostly when I am getting picked up, like when visiting friends or family. Modern travel gear has given travelers more options. Combined with lighter electronics, it is easier than ever to travel light.
Of course, better gear only goes so far. The biggest change was still my mindset.
What Changed My Mindset
Technology helped, but the biggest change was in how I thought about packing.
I used to pack for every possible situation and for each day of the trip. If I were traveling for ten days, I would pack enough clothing for ten days, with maybe a few spares.
Then I began paying attention to budget-conscious international travelers and to digital nomads to see how they were doing it.
Many of them pack surprisingly little because they plan to do laundry during their trip. Instead of packing for ten days, they might pack for three or four days and wash clothes along the way, depending on their adventure. They use capsule packing, in which everything works together—shirts pair with multiple pairs of pants or shorts, creating more outfit combinations with fewer items.
That idea completely changed the way I travel.
Now, if I'm gone for ten days, I may pack enough clothing for only three or four days. I plan for some downtime during the trip and either find a laundromat, use a hotel laundry room, or wash a few items in the sink. The older I get, the more I value that planned downtime. While washing clothes in a sink at your lodging or on the train is not glamorous, it is less annoying than you might think.
When I buy clothing, I look for quick-dry pieces. If needed, I can wash them before bed, and they are often dry by the next morning, if not sooner. While not glamorous, this approach works well, and I feel fresher. Every item I leave at home makes travel easier.
On trains, lighter luggage means less to carry through stations, less to lift into overhead racks, and less to keep track of during your trip. If you have a room, luggage can take up a lot of space. If you have ever needed to carry your bags up Superliner staircases, you know the challenge.
It also gives you more flexibility when transferring between trains, buses, hotels, and airports.
Choose Luggage for the Most Restrictive Part of Your Trip
Another point I would like to make is to consider the most restrictive part of your trip when choosing your luggage.
For example, on an upcoming trip with my niece Mack, the train and flight segments would work well with a travel backpack. However, part of the journey involves a bus connection, and I don't want to put a backpack containing my computer under the bus with the checked luggage. Nor do I want to bring another backpack to put my stuff in during that part of the trip. Because of that, I am bringing a rolling carry-on instead, along with an Aer bag that I can take on the bus.
The same idea applies when you're combining trains and flights. Amtrak's baggage allowances are generally more generous than airlines', so if part of your trip involves flying, airline carry-on and checked baggage restrictions may determine which luggage makes the most sense. Most airlines no longer have free checked bags. Also, if you fly and are not checking a bag, you need to follow the 3-1-1 rule. So take into consideration all of those little things.
When planning a multi-mode trip, choose luggage based on the leg of the journey with the strictest restrictions, not necessarily the one with the most generous baggage policy. It is cheaper to figure this out at home than at the airport or other transportation hubs.
The Real Benefit of Packing Less
Packing lighter isn't just about saving space; it can also save you money, time, and energy. The less you bring, the less you have to keep track of, and the easier it is to travel. You will never leave a bag in the back of a rideshare or taxi if you never need to put your luggage in the trunk.
When packing, start by asking yourself one simple question: "Will I really use this item, or can I buy it there IF I need it?" If you bring something on two or more trips and never use it, seriously consider leaving it at home next time. The only exception is items like a first-aid kit or emergency supplies that you hope you never need.
A few other pieces of advice: budget a little extra for things you forget or discover you need while traveling. If you're taking a trip and were planning to buy a souvenir anyway, choose something useful—a sweatshirt, light jacket, or long-sleeve T-shirt that serves double duty.
This takes pressure off your packing list and gives you flexibility for unexpected needs. Just remember to leave some extra space in your luggage if you plan to bring souvenirs and treats home.
I can't think of a single trip when I came home wishing my bag had been heavier.
Question For You
Is there anything you would like to see covered in this Newsletter? Am I missing anything? Please reply to this email to let me know.
What Is Kev Up To?
I've been enjoying this time of year. I've been back to a couple of walks per day—some solo, where I catch up on podcasts and phone calls, and others with friends. The nice thing is that I sometimes take three walks in a day, and the last two are with different friends!
This week, I'm packing and getting ready for my upcoming trip with my niece. We've traveled together before, but not for this long or overnight like this on our own. I've been in contact with my sister and have all the necessary paperwork, including a note confirming my permission to travel with her.
I'm excited and nervous about this trip, but I'm ready. Oh, and for my birthday next week, I upgraded my flights to first class. I'm flying down and meeting my niece at the Pensacola airport, where we'll take the Greyhound. The price wasn't too bad, and it saves me time by letting me board at the front of the plane—first on, first off. I have a layover in Atlanta. Some of you might know which airline I'm taking.
Thank You!
June is my birthday month, and for no particular reason, I'm offering you 49% off in your first month on Patreon. If you join, you'll receive a postcard from me, and you can cancel at any time. Use code 15CE5. The older I get, the bigger that discount gets!
If you'd like to help keep Travels with Kev rolling, click the green button below to visit my support page.
Anyone who supports via PayPal receives a postcard. If you use the button below and reply to the thank-you email, I’ll send one your way, too (if you don't reply, I cannot send you one).
Patreon members receive a postcard each month as part of their membership. I’m about to create a fresh batch of postcards and am excited to start sending them out!
Until Next Week!
Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith
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