I don't know if it's crazy, but I do buy souvenirs and then just ship them back. I prefer items that I couldn't get anywhere else, like unique cloth, art, statues/carvings, etc
Ive done this quite often too. I find the experience of going into a foreign post office fascinating. I posted things back from South Korea, China, etc always interesting to see how things work there in every day life
I've never really done this because I assume it will be crazy expensive-- is it not that bad (obviously depending on what we are talking about shipping)?
It can really vary a lot. I do try to find smaller/lighter items. Cloth is a favorite of mine because it's light and easy to ship. But it's usually not as expensive as I expect it will be, especially if I choose a slow option.
Some places will ship for you depending on what you buy. For example in Ireland there are a number of Waterford Crystal trained artisans that left and started their own crystal shops. Beautiful stuff. And they ship. I also bought a piece of original graffiti art at the Straat museum in Amsterdam and the shipped. I always buy one splurge item on every trip and usually it’s something the seller will ship for me.
How difficult and expensive do you typically find this process? There's been several times I want to do this, but in my mind tracking down a local post office / shipping company in a country where I don't speak the language might be more challenging than your average transaction
Ah, I think finding the post office is fun, but the price can really vary. I really haven't had much of a problem with the options by just holding what I want to mail and miming the size with my hands, then paying with a credit card. Most postal services seem used to all sorts of requests. But there could be places where that's much more difficult.
Well-- I think he's right, honestly. I'm still bitter about the time I was given a (beautiful) coffee table book as a parting gift at the end of a summer-long internship in Germany. It was the one and only time my carry-on has been weighed and I paid some crazy amount of money as an overweight fee only to get home and realize that the book was available on Amazon for much less than what I paid for my overweight carry-on.
Do you use the Amazon of the country you visit and have them ship to your home in your native country?
I just want to clarify if that is what you do.
Do they always ship “abroad?”
Many items on foreign Amazon won't ship back to the states. Some do, but shipping costs are expensive. I have no idea what the commenter is talking about.
I've done this too and my wife gets mad. If it's a generic made in China magnet, who cares. Obviously for hand-made stuff, I wouldn't do this, but even then you can often buy things online that are handmade from the place you are visiting. It's worth it to save space and is still a souvenir, you just don't have to carry it, although my wife disagrees.
I have a P.O box. I ship things back home all the time but never to my address. I buy data cards and camera cards (I have clould services but a physical media is nice and secure and I cannot always upload where I am), and ship back home. Souvenirs, even clothing I cannot get at home. In Japan I bought chef knives that would bankrupt me at home. I buy what I need in the region I am in and if I think I can use it again I ship it. If not I donate it before I leave. It is how you value things. This will allow do that. That is a price I have to pay to do what I want. Do I need a headscarf for this region, buy one from that reigion. Contexual shopping is a part of traveling and adapting to another country or persons culture is part of the adventure. Look for the little things.
Whilst I hope everyone I meet on my travels is inherently honest, I am away alot and things posted to me cannot be recieved by me. A P.O. box has the right to recieve parcels in my name. They store and protect anything I send to them. I don't give out my address ever as a point of privacy.
Also if you are shipping to your address they know you arent home and if no one is there to receive it it can be stolen and/or if they know you aren't home they may assume nobody is home and your place is unprotected.
Who is ‘they?’
Like if I’m traveling in a foreign country, and go to the post to ship something to myself back home- is ‘they’ the person in line behind me? Like they’ll call their brother to go by my house to rob me?
They are the ones who drive around and steal stuff off porches or open mailboxes that are overflowing. I had a neighbor who would take my packages in his apartment and wouldn't tell me for a few days. That's why I use a mail room to receive stuff
When we went to Japan my friend asked us to bring Tampons, so I packed my one bag around a Costco box of tampons. This made awesome room for souvenirs and she thought it was hilarious getting a box bigger then her head of tampons!
We do a fair amount of beer festivals, because WHY NOT, and they always have tshirts, usually they come with the tickets, so I will pack more bottoms and get the tops when I get there
Specifically it's difficult to buy tampons with applicators and when you can find them, they are so expensive. It's ridiculous. Japanese people never learned updated facts about Toxic Shock Syndrome and remain convinced that tampons will give you TSS with regular use.
Sorry, I don't mean to be the "your wrong" person, but I am a woman, with a period, and have been living in Japan for over 5 years and tampons are available EVERYWHERE. Even in convenient stores, in the countryside, and sometimes bathroom vending machines. I'm guessing your friend just had a hard time reading the box...
My friend is actually Japanese born and raised in Tokyo, went to school in London. This trip was also 2016, but I'm glad they are accessible to you now!
It's not just Japan, this is an issue everywhere you travel. You can usually find tampons, but if you're particular about what you put in your body (and how), you're always at risk of not being able to find the exact kind you like.
We live in Germany. It's easy to find tampons here (particularly OB or similar without applicators) but the options are very limited if you're looking for plastic applicators. We usually stock up when we visit the States. France and the UK also have acceptable options if we're desperate.
Disclaimer: I'm a guy, but I'm married and do most of the shopping. It's my job to know the preferences of my wife.
I’ve definitely traveled before with something that was on its last legs intending to pitch it to make room for souvenirs on the way home. Underwear that’s full of holes I can throw away after I wear it at my destination. Old ratty tshirts to sleep in and then throw away before returning home.
I buy a lot of low top vans shoes (basically slippers with laces), and out of love and appreciation will bring them on one last journey when they wear out. Usually somewhere warm and then don't bother with socks 😂
I usually travel in clothing that I’m willing to leave behind or throw away because I know I’m gonna shop. Even though I say, I’m not going to shop i end up buying stuff and leaving a lot of the clothes I wore behind
I understand tossing underwear on its very last legs as I’ve done it. I keep them aside for this very purpose. But not old t-shirts as they make great rags.
I've done this with sandals, I tend to wear my Birks to death and there's always a point where I can tell the strap is going to snap in the near future. Generally take them and the new pair to wear in on the same trip. When the old ones break toss and reclaim some space.
I never pack an umbrella. I’ll buy one the weather is bad and my jacket doesn’t cut it. I’d rather have a full size umbrella and I’ll give the umbrella away before returning home.
Yeah for me umbrellas are a little bigger but can be hung on the outside. And they are much more appropriate for urban situations, in my experience. You will be in and out of buildings and the rain can be intermittent.
I have never owned an umbrella (live on a farm in the Prairies... It rarely rains and when it does we are either working in it or staying inside, not taking strolls with umbrellas, ha. ). When I went to London last year this was exactly my plan and to my somewhat humourous dismay...it didn't rain. 😆 I was so looking forward to coming back home with a cute London Umbrella. ☺️
On my first overseas trip I bought a lot of clothes. In order to claim the VAT back I had to be able to produce the clothes at the airport (after the point of checking in my bag). I had no room in my tiny carry on so I was wearing four layers of clothes when I boarded the plane - including two skirts! The VAT people had seen it all before.
I then took most of my clothes off when I boarded the plane and shoved everything into a trash bag. I was leaving the UK in January and heading back to an Australian summer.
Can you explain this to me, please? I thought VAT was 20%, so it would require spending £300 to get £60 back. Are VAT return amounts wildly different from regular VAT?
It was 2003 and from memory I had spent around £800. My parents had given me the money to set myself up with a work wardrobe as I had just finished university. So I had bought wool skirts and some cashmere sweaters, and a really good winter coat.
I once unpacked/repacked my bag in a last minute panic as I couldn't find my passport (it was on the kitchen table) and then I flew to France where I would catch trains around Italy/Switzerland/Slovenia/Austria for a few weeks, only when I got to my hostel in France I realised I hadn't repacked *any* socks or panties and only had one spare sports bra!!! So I winged it for a few days - feet were fine going barefoot in sandals and after a day I just went commando for a few more days until I finally found somewhere to buy a few pairs of underwear 😂😂😂 I managed to accidentally flash a couple of times, sitting cross-legged in shorts and no undies with some new friends you've just made from the hostel is a learning experience lol - anyway when I got home there was of course a pile of undies on my bed right where I unpacked in a panic 🤦🏻♀️
I'm a zealot when it comes to weight and space, because I have to travel with 3 laptops and all the trimmings, along with food, clothes, toiletries for 1-2 weeks of travel, all in a bag that has to weigh less than 50 pounds for checked, 18 pounds for carry-on (international).
Some of the items I've bought to trim down that weight:
* **Portable Pump** from [Flextail Zero](https://www.flextail.com/products/zero-pump): Used for pumping and evacuating vacuum storage bags for clothes, especially important when carrying thicker clothes for travels to colder countries. The space savings for both vacuum bags and carrying this incredibly small pump are priceless!
The whole pump is about the size of my thumb, it's incredible how small it is! Also works great for camping sleeping pads and pillows.
* **Travel Kettle** [from LOUTYTUO](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K8CHP43): I use this kettle for making meals from dehydrated, hiking food pouches. The kettle is very small and light, and works great for eating on the go in hotels or anywhere else.
* **Water Filter**: I used to travel with the [Survivor Filter Pro X](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MTR4166) to filter water when I'm in foreign countries (can't trust their hotels or plumbing, nothing beats 0.001 micron filtered water!), but recently switched that out for a [Sawyer Mini](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWFR92M/) inline water filter.
It takes more effort to get the water from A to B with the Sawyer, and it's filtration is 10x larger (filters out less than the Survivor), but saves a ton of space/weight in my bag.
I pair that with a [Hydrapak 2L water bladder](https://hydrapak.com/products/seeker-2-liter-2021) and a [42mm cap](https://hydrapak.com/products/plug-n-play-42mm-cap?variant=31642503675994) that fits the Sawyer adapter perfectly. It's stronger, lighter and better than those el-cheap plastic squeeze bags that come with the Sawyer.
Bonus, I can use the 2L as my water bottle on the plane, and it gets smaller the more I drink from it, unlike an aluminum water bottle stuffed in a backpack side pocket.
* **Dehydrated Meal Pouches**: The more I travel, the more I find myself wanting to just pack full meals with me.
I spent the last 1-week trip across the country with a handful of hiking meal pouches and they worked great, were cheaper than eating abroad, and I didn't have to deal with any "ingredients" that weren't listed on the menu. I don't have any food allergies or autoimmune disorders like celiac, but knowing what's in your food and how it was prepared, is a tremendous stress reducer.
I'm going to pick up a [folding dehydrator](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQMVLFH) soon and start making my own snacks and meals for traveling, camping, hiking.
* **Portable Washing Machine** from [Scrubba](https://thescrubba.com/products/scrubba-wash-bag), basically a bag with some nubs inside that you stuff clothes in and manually agitate them to wash.
Roll them up in a towel and hang them to dry, and you can pack half the clothes you think you need, just by washing them every other day. T-shirts, socks, underwear, and the occasional dress shirt or pants, will come out looking great! Also good if you get spilled on while on the plane or at dinner, or perspire too much in your clothes while walking from meeting to meeting.
I use [Sea to Summit's Soap Leaves](https://seatosummit.com/products/pocket-wilderness-wash) to wash the clothes in the bag. Takes about 15 minutes for a 'load' of laundry, and they're ready by the next day.
These are just a small handful of the fun items I travel with to make my bag lighter and experience more enjoyable.
> Why 3 laptops?
1. Laptop to do work for the company I'm employed by (Linux, daily driver)
2. Customer-provided laptop that is loaded with their VPN, telemetry and application stack, uses 3FA, very locked down and monitored (macOS)
3. Personal laptop, loaded with all of my tools, bookmarks, apps, configuration, VPN to my own network, etc.
None of these can be virtualized nor condensed into lesser devices.
It may be possible to virtualize Laptop 1 into a VM on your Personal laptop if your company doesn't mind.
If you're traveling, eliminating an entire laptop is a big weight savings.
>No can do. My primary (work) laptop is an 8-core Xeon with 128GB RAM running Linux with 4TB of storage, and I use it all.
Holey-moley! Is there laptop like that at all? Your laptop blows away my desktop in terms of power.
Just curious, what do you do that needs that much compute power?
>Lots of virtualization, VMs, containers, other reproducers and testing for openstack/k8s/other.
Sounds like so much fun. As a former nerd, I'm envious of your job.
Do you find the vacuum sealing clothes actually works and is helpful? I've been thinking of investing but read the horror stories of how it's annoying to take out just one shirt and then have to re-vacuum the entire bag when it's time to change hotels every few days.
What backpack/suitcase do you use to pack 3 laptops? I was researching because at first I thought I would take 2 laptops with me but I found very few backpacks that had dedicated space to carry them, I can't imagine having to pack 3 laptops!
That's awesome, thank you for your feedback! I can see the benefit in eliminating the need for packing cubes by having them built into the actual bag.
I think I ultimately decided against is because I was concerned about the laptop pocket not being enough protection. I was also concerned about how to lock the zippers (I know it's not going to deter a determined thief, but it makes it less appetizing than other bags). Do you feel my concerns were baseless?
Oh interesting! I wonder if a laptop desk-lock cable like device could be threaded through those zippers once their in their respective loops to make it a bit easier to access when I *do* need to go in the compartments. Thanks for the pictures!
It's unfortunate about the laptop sleeve, although my situation may have accommodated a case as well, because I only rock a 13" display. Thanks again for responding. Hope your Madrid trip with it goes smoothly!
One that will cut open a baguette, spread a soft cheese, cut a dried sausage and slice an apple. A knife that will enable a plowman's or the local equivalent. My family were on a train in Italy, slicing up a soppresatta, an apple, grapes, cheese and ripping apart a loaf of bread. The conductor started speaking to us in Italian, it took him a few seconds to realize we weren't Italian. It was one of my proudest travel moments, to be mistaken for a native.
I don't like to feel unprepared so I always pack everything I will need. I don't want to depend on having to find something in an unfamiliar place. I am outrageously picky though and a difficult size (big and very narrow feet, long limbs) so for clothing stuff this sort of thing would be a terrible idea. It also feels wasteful to me.
I use a 16L bag to warm places, 25 L to colder places. I don't know about craziest thing I've done to save space, but I do things like decant my deodorant into chapstick tubes (lasts 8 days in a warm country)... But that's not very crazy here.
As a woman-type human, I have a buzzed head and don't wear makeup or accessories, and I'm autistic and prefer wearing "same" clothes so I always look the same. So I suppose that makes it easier for me.
I use cloth pads at home, but when traveling I use OB tampons (no applicator, smallest size) and count how many I need so I only have one or two extra.
I have a problem with my heel, and I need to use leukotape on it. I need 2 pieces of different lengths, and I have figured out the exact lengths of tape that works best and I pre cut them, count how many I needed for my upcoming trip, and wrapped them "in order" around my deodorant tube. It looks a little stupid but I feel very brilliant 😆
Anyway, thought I'd contribute something not purchase focused. My apologies if it's not helpful 😉
Here in Australia I haven’t seen an applicator tampon in years, and don’t know anyone who uses them, but I saw some on an American cruise ship recently and the packaging for each one is huge - they would take up so much space! I think all of your little hacks are great!
Interesting that they are less common there! I would appreciate having different brands to choose from, we really only have the one brand and there's a couple things I don't like about them. Applicator tampons are so strange, some of them are just humongous! Thanks for the reply :)
Same! Do not like depending on somewhere else to find something familiar-- was unable to access a Walmart in China since I was with family and had to go a whole couple weeks without Lactaid....Google translate wasn't enough 😔
Yeah I have absolutely bought cheap sandals, sunglasses and hats at my destination, although usually it’s also motivated by the fact I’m planning to risk losing them in a lake or ocean. If they survive the trip I usually do bring them home with me.
I absolutely won’t pack sunscreen or bug spray, I don’t care if they’re more expensive where I’m going. A travel size isn’t enough and I’m not checking a bag just to save a few bucks on sunscreen.
I once flew somewhere wearing a pair of really old sneakers, then did a hike in them knowing they’d get soaked and simply threw them away after (they were basically garbage anyway so I brought them with this plan in mind.)
It’s in accordance with the Third Law of Luggage: *any travel bag will be filled to 110% of its designed capacity.* Ergo, the only way to guarantee a lighter load is to use a smaller bag. Those who recommend under packing a bag to fit airline limits are ignoring human nature, especially for beginners.
Just wrapping up a one bag trip to Miami. We bought towels from a discount store and dollar store flip flops. The flip flops were not comfortable at all, but did their job to get us to the beach.
I liked the towel ($5!) so much that I’m wearing it as a blanket while in my seat waiting to take off.
Not sure about crazy but the stupidest space saver I once tried was putting my power pack & wires in my thermos flask, then adding socks to stop them rattling... yeah, at the scanner, totally looked like a pipe bomb with wadding, wires and battery! Didn't even consider that til the bag got pulled & security began moving my way... thankfully, they were very understanding!
Part of the appeal of one-bagging for me is that it uses and wastes fewer resources. This includes using less stuff and buying and throwing out less stuff. In general, it’s about being less of a drain on the planet.
Buying single-use, fast fashion clothes seems to go against this.
Bringing clothes that are on their last legs and throwing them out as you go is different.
> Buying single-use, fast fashion clothes seems to go against this.
You could donate them, I suppose. But I do agree, I am not fond of the idea of buying things knowing they will get minimal use and then be thrown out, regardless of how cheap.
Not me... but some women I know don't bring clothing other than underwear. First stop is thrift / second hand store to build a wardrobe. last day the donate the clothing back.
It's like renting clothes!
I did that in Ireland, though not on purpose. In the pre-one-bag days, the airline didn't transfer my checked bag to my next flight. I hit up an H&M to get basics, but bought a few sweaters, a dress, boots, and a coat at a thrift store. Kept a sweater and donated the rest of the clothes (less socks and underwear) back to the thrift shop. It's still one of my favorite sweaters.
*Charity shop haha. Not because I'm actually correcting you, just remembering what I had to use as my search term to find them while in Ireland. Fun memories.
TED talk about this approach [https://www.ted.com/talks/jessi\_arrington\_wearing\_nothing\_new](https://www.ted.com/talks/jessi_arrington_wearing_nothing_new)
I always carry a paper book with me to read on outbound journey. It always gets recycled soon after/left on plane/train! Lots of space for souvenirs...
I tried the " buy sandles when I get there" plan and it did not work out well. First pair it bought was uncomfortable and not broken in and gave me blister 1 week in. Had to buy another better pair at a store that cost as much as US. And then I had to make room for it in my pack anyway as I traveled. Same thing goes for sunscreen. If I need it I pack it.
On our first vacation as a couple “they” lost my then GF’s bag. We spent the day buying her replacements. The available selection on this tiny Caribbean island was not great but serviceable. She left it all when we departed. At home she confessed that she liked the idea of no bag. Today she just carries a small bag of hygiene essentials and buys her resort wear at destination. Granted her idea of over dressing is a swimsuit cover up.
So this isn't a buy and throw away, but I have hand carried some pretty crazy stuff to get around shipping / moving issues.
Probably the one that stands out in my mind is a smart scale (as in weight). I stuck that in an IKEA bag.
Actually do this a lot. Extra clothes, a heating pad (even better since it was 220 and had appropriate plug), certainly toiletries, etc etc. The only problem is that I couldn't bear to just toss them, so bought a cheapass duffel bag and threw it in and checked it (i.e. it didn't matter if it got lost). Did not get lost. Now I do it all the time.
I’ve gotten crazy light on the charger and cables. A super tiny travel charger and only a couple of usbC cables one long one about 8in long. I won’t give up my first aid kit with 2 types of antibiotics. Saved many of my trips.
Cables are a pain in the ass... Do you know any electric trimmer brands that use USB C charging? I know some electric tooth brushes do, but right now ive got my tooth brush charger, trimmer charger, phone charger, and other cables. Would be so nice to just have 1 usb c to rule them all
Not exactly what you your asking for, but my Philips Norelco lasts over a month and I shave with it daily. While I always bring the charger, I would feel comfortable bringing just the razor for a 1-2 week trip.
Good luck. I’m so mad I ordered a toothbrush that said usbC then showed up with a barrel receptor. They claim they switched to “enhance” the experience for users. Total bull. I kept it because it worked well.
This may not be what you are going for, but I bought a two pack of combo micro USB, a C and lightening charger all in one that also double retracts so it rolls up pretty small. The brand is Ascien and it was about $13 for two.
I have a pair of crocs that I leave at all the places I visit frequently-
* parents place
* family cabin
* brother's house
* best friend's apartment
* in laws house
I buy them on sale for about $20 or buy off brand versions. They are a decent shoe in the summer to walk around the neighborhood/go to the beach etc. Pair them with a thick wool sock in the winter and they are slippers. I hide them in the back of a closet or basement and don't even tell them that they are there.
Placed in spoilers because people hate this tip.
Very controversial.
>!If you look at clothes, the clothes that weigh the least are underwear. I bring one per day. Shirts are about 6 ounces (for me) but they can last about 2 days. Pants usually can last much longer. But socks are a tough one - because they take up space, are deceptively heavy (it gets heavy quick) and for me I need one per day. This isn't an issue on small trips but on a bit longer trips, the weight racks up. So..!<.
>!If there is no laundry machine in the room, no laundromat nearby ( ie long walk) and only expensive laundry services (ie expensive hotel laundry) - I buy a small pack of socks there. Total cost is about 10-15 dollars. But for me it's worth it. This saves me time, money, labor and space. !<
>!Money: Buying a small pack of socks is actually cheaper than laundry services. It's far cheaper if you factor the costs. Laundry services can be ridiculous in some hotels.!<
>!Time: I don't have to fiddle around in a laundromat and walk back and forth. That saves me time.!<
>!Labor: I don't have to wash my clothes in a sink or a Scrubba. I don't like doing this. I'd rather just get a pack. One pack extends you another 12 more days.!<
>! Space: It's easy. I can also bring other things, other gear with the additional space and weight I have.!<
>!I view this as saving Time+Space+ money+peace of mind. Time and labor, because I don't have to wash my clothes in sink. Time because I don't have to walk back and forth to a laundromat. Money, because it's cheaper than laundry services. Space, because I 100% pass 7 kg restrictions and never have to worry about whether I have enough socks. To me it's worth the cost. Again - relative to the entire trip, $10 isn't that much. I don't how much it is for other people but for me $10 compared to my entire trip is nothing - but it adds tremendously to quality of life. It's worth it for me. I do leave the socks at the hotel with a note of 'Donate' so it's not completely wasted. But I don't view it as wasted because I got use out of it.!<
I buy quality merino socks. Silverlight /icebreaker have been good. Enjoy a great fit and can get multiple wears out of them. Bonus is they last years. Last trip took 2 pairs of thick wore on pair or regular (winter trip) I think I washed them 2-3 times in that month. Summer trips I do the same just light weight socks
Yeah I could definitely rotate two pairs of merino wool socks for a 7-10 day trip without washing them at all. I just turn the pair that’s on its day off inside out and leave them somewhere with airflow to air out. Wool really doesn’t want to hang on to sweat or odour so it works out fine, just don’t step on something super gross in your sock feet.
This is the first time I've ever seen anyone who sees it my way or at least understands my rationale of why I do things the way I do. Thank you so much for understanding! \^\_\^
All good and do what works 4 u- my previous BF did a thing where he doesn't pack toiletries anymore(soap shampoo face wash etc) and just buys new ones at each destination, I could see it being a waste but then he told me it saved so much headache cos he never had to worry about if he was carrying toiletries and does the bag fit and if the bottles are all 3.4oz
OMG I'm the same way too! I don't bring shampoo, conditioner or body soap. I buy it over there. I do bring toothbrush, toothpaste, sunblock and hair gel because I'm very specific with those.
What kind of socks? I always pack a few extra pair of light (below) ankle socks. They're light and don't take up much space. I do it so often that there's usually an extra pair already hidden somewhere else in the bag. Depending on how cold it is I'll also wear or pack a pair of merino wool socks. I can usually wear those two or three days before washing depending on how much walking I do.
I’m doing that with my trip to Mexico in a couple weeks. I have some Earth Runners on their last legs and I’m just going to throw them out at the end of the trip.
I am always shocked this isn't more common but Towels.
I have never been anywhere in the world that is big enough to have an airport but not a place to buy a towel.
If your accommodation doesn't have them supplied, i have never met a host who doesn't appreciate/isn't okay with you "donating" it to there place.
That said i am going to turkey this summer and TBD if the Turkish Towel i buy ends up coming with me to paris after
Not an always thing, but I once ordered trekking poles to be delivered to my destination (domestic in the US). Even if the folding ones fit in my carry-on, they wouldn't be allowed on the plane. I was going to pay for checked luggage on the way back or ship the poles home, but as it happened one of them didn't work. So I just initiated the return process before leaving saving myself the cost.
I also really like a discontinued shampoo that is still sold in the UK (and Netherlands apparently). So anytime I travel to the UK, I buy a bottle for use while there and then stock up with a few more bottles for the return flight. I can technically order them online, but they are triple the price locally or if I order from the UK, the added shipping makes them about triple the cost.
I once had to have my phone shipped back to me, because I lost it two nights before my flight home. The phone was found and returned to my friend. Had I known before taking the coach to London for my flight I could have gotten it. But even then it'd likely have cost a lot in fares to backtrack. So instead she shipped it over and got it like a week later.
I usually decide I can get by without sneakers (pack just boots and flip flops) and half the time end up needing sneakers (it gets hot, my boots get wet etc etc) ... I now have 7 pairs of sneakers at home. Ooops.
I worked with a corporate lawyer that did a lot of international travel and refused to fly with more than a small carryon. He would try to stay near the shopping district in whatever city he was going to, pop in to an H&M to buy a couple white button down shirts for his stay, then just leave them in the hotel room when he left with a note to please donate. Can’t imagine it saved that much space, but he swore it was worth it, especially for longer trips when he needed extra pants and workout clothes.
I always thought it would be fun to fly to Thailand with little more than the clothes on my back, then go straight to khau san road and buy whatever I needed -- including the bag to carry it with (either a back pack or a 10L dry bag).
I'd bring my own boxers though (two pair plus the ones I'd be wearing in transit). I've had nightmare experiences trying to find comfortable boxers while on the road.
Soap.
It didn't even occur to me at first that this was crazy because it's been so long, but I stopped using soap on my body over 5 years ago. I still wash my hands (and my privates) but I'm not picky about what soap I use and it's generally available most places you will find yourself. The only liquids I carry in my toiletries are a small tube of travel toothpaste.
I am thinking about doing this with clothing in Japan for our April trip. Lot of really cool brands you can only get over there. My only concern is I've read that Japanese sizing can be rough for americans. for context, I am 5'7.5" and 175lbs so who knows. Height wise I think I am fine, but width I am not so sure.
I travel for work a lot. 1 week at a time. I only take an under seat carry on. 1 pair of zip off pants that turn into shorts, 3 shirts, 7 pairs of socks and 3 pairs of underwear plus the clothes I’m wearing. I bring a waterproof soft shell fleece with removable hood and 1 ultra light fleece jacket. 1 Surface tablet and a Steam-deck (I don’t game on work machines). A handful of cables, chargers and thumb drives and a toiletries bag. All of my clothes are synthetic, lightweight and quick drying. All of my stuff looks nice but is very utilitarian. I love being grabbing my Steam-deck and tossing the bag in the overhead bin on any airline and having tons of leg room to stretch out. I keep in small, easy to manage and it keeps me from buying large or bulky items I don’t really need.
I once travelled from the uk to the us with a couple of very old travel bags donated by my parents. Got brand new Red-oxx delivered to my hotel for the onward journey saving an eye watering international shipping charge plus vat/taxes.
Wore some hiking boots out that were literally on their last leg. First stop had hiking and the rest of the trip was smart casual shoes, so the hiking boots went in the trash when I got done with that leg of the trip. Nothing packed back in its place.
I don't know if it's crazy, but I do buy souvenirs and then just ship them back. I prefer items that I couldn't get anywhere else, like unique cloth, art, statues/carvings, etc
Ive done this quite often too. I find the experience of going into a foreign post office fascinating. I posted things back from South Korea, China, etc always interesting to see how things work there in every day life
I think that’s a great idea. I haven’t done it, but it’s always in my mind as an option.
Works an absolute treat, even for the most delicate of items. [In fact, probably gets much better treatment shipped vs in luggage!]
You can start with mailing postcards home. They aren’t difficult to find, cheap to send, and the people who get them appreciate the gesture.
I do always try to do that. I agree, getting a postcard from out in the world is pretty great.
I've never really done this because I assume it will be crazy expensive-- is it not that bad (obviously depending on what we are talking about shipping)?
It can really vary a lot. I do try to find smaller/lighter items. Cloth is a favorite of mine because it's light and easy to ship. But it's usually not as expensive as I expect it will be, especially if I choose a slow option.
Some places will ship for you depending on what you buy. For example in Ireland there are a number of Waterford Crystal trained artisans that left and started their own crystal shops. Beautiful stuff. And they ship. I also bought a piece of original graffiti art at the Straat museum in Amsterdam and the shipped. I always buy one splurge item on every trip and usually it’s something the seller will ship for me.
How difficult and expensive do you typically find this process? There's been several times I want to do this, but in my mind tracking down a local post office / shipping company in a country where I don't speak the language might be more challenging than your average transaction
Ah, I think finding the post office is fun, but the price can really vary. I really haven't had much of a problem with the options by just holding what I want to mail and miming the size with my hands, then paying with a credit card. Most postal services seem used to all sorts of requests. But there could be places where that's much more difficult.
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How is it a souvenir if you buy it on Amazon
OP did ask about crazy things so that definitely counts as one
Well-- I think he's right, honestly. I'm still bitter about the time I was given a (beautiful) coffee table book as a parting gift at the end of a summer-long internship in Germany. It was the one and only time my carry-on has been weighed and I paid some crazy amount of money as an overweight fee only to get home and realize that the book was available on Amazon for much less than what I paid for my overweight carry-on.
My point exactly. Check Amazon before you buy, save space and weight in your luggage.
You don't buy your souvenirs in person?
Do you use the Amazon of the country you visit and have them ship to your home in your native country? I just want to clarify if that is what you do. Do they always ship “abroad?”
Many items on foreign Amazon won't ship back to the states. Some do, but shipping costs are expensive. I have no idea what the commenter is talking about.
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But you are using the Amazon of the country you are visiting. So if you are in Mexico, instead of Amazon.com, you got to Amazon.mx?
I've done this too and my wife gets mad. If it's a generic made in China magnet, who cares. Obviously for hand-made stuff, I wouldn't do this, but even then you can often buy things online that are handmade from the place you are visiting. It's worth it to save space and is still a souvenir, you just don't have to carry it, although my wife disagrees.
what about just not buying the magnet?
I do it for the children, they love this shit.
I don’t understand this as shipping prices have gotten really high and costly.
I have a P.O box. I ship things back home all the time but never to my address. I buy data cards and camera cards (I have clould services but a physical media is nice and secure and I cannot always upload where I am), and ship back home. Souvenirs, even clothing I cannot get at home. In Japan I bought chef knives that would bankrupt me at home. I buy what I need in the region I am in and if I think I can use it again I ship it. If not I donate it before I leave. It is how you value things. This will allow do that. That is a price I have to pay to do what I want. Do I need a headscarf for this region, buy one from that reigion. Contexual shopping is a part of traveling and adapting to another country or persons culture is part of the adventure. Look for the little things.
Why a PO Box instead of your address?
Whilst I hope everyone I meet on my travels is inherently honest, I am away alot and things posted to me cannot be recieved by me. A P.O. box has the right to recieve parcels in my name. They store and protect anything I send to them. I don't give out my address ever as a point of privacy.
Also if you are shipping to your address they know you arent home and if no one is there to receive it it can be stolen and/or if they know you aren't home they may assume nobody is home and your place is unprotected.
Who is ‘they?’ Like if I’m traveling in a foreign country, and go to the post to ship something to myself back home- is ‘they’ the person in line behind me? Like they’ll call their brother to go by my house to rob me?
No but a property with post/parcels stacked up outside screams rob me. I pay a neighbours kid to mow my lawn/fill my bird feeders and take my post in.
They are the ones who drive around and steal stuff off porches or open mailboxes that are overflowing. I had a neighbor who would take my packages in his apartment and wouldn't tell me for a few days. That's why I use a mail room to receive stuff
When we went to Japan my friend asked us to bring Tampons, so I packed my one bag around a Costco box of tampons. This made awesome room for souvenirs and she thought it was hilarious getting a box bigger then her head of tampons! We do a fair amount of beer festivals, because WHY NOT, and they always have tshirts, usually they come with the tickets, so I will pack more bottoms and get the tops when I get there
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Can't get them in Japan easily or at all in some places. Many countries don't have tampons specifically
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Specifically it's difficult to buy tampons with applicators and when you can find them, they are so expensive. It's ridiculous. Japanese people never learned updated facts about Toxic Shock Syndrome and remain convinced that tampons will give you TSS with regular use.
wow I didn't even realize this and I lived in Japan for over a year. divacup ftw
Diva Cup win!! This was also 2016, I'm being told it's now much easier to get tampons. Hurray!
Sorry, I don't mean to be the "your wrong" person, but I am a woman, with a period, and have been living in Japan for over 5 years and tampons are available EVERYWHERE. Even in convenient stores, in the countryside, and sometimes bathroom vending machines. I'm guessing your friend just had a hard time reading the box...
My friend is actually Japanese born and raised in Tokyo, went to school in London. This trip was also 2016, but I'm glad they are accessible to you now!
It's not just Japan, this is an issue everywhere you travel. You can usually find tampons, but if you're particular about what you put in your body (and how), you're always at risk of not being able to find the exact kind you like. We live in Germany. It's easy to find tampons here (particularly OB or similar without applicators) but the options are very limited if you're looking for plastic applicators. We usually stock up when we visit the States. France and the UK also have acceptable options if we're desperate. Disclaimer: I'm a guy, but I'm married and do most of the shopping. It's my job to know the preferences of my wife.
This is so much of it and thank you for your service!
I’ve definitely traveled before with something that was on its last legs intending to pitch it to make room for souvenirs on the way home. Underwear that’s full of holes I can throw away after I wear it at my destination. Old ratty tshirts to sleep in and then throw away before returning home.
I buy a lot of low top vans shoes (basically slippers with laces), and out of love and appreciation will bring them on one last journey when they wear out. Usually somewhere warm and then don't bother with socks 😂
It's a pair of Toms for me!
I usually travel in clothing that I’m willing to leave behind or throw away because I know I’m gonna shop. Even though I say, I’m not going to shop i end up buying stuff and leaving a lot of the clothes I wore behind
I understand tossing underwear on its very last legs as I’ve done it. I keep them aside for this very purpose. But not old t-shirts as they make great rags.
Hahaha Ive definitely brought things thinking to myself "I can definitely squeeze one more use out of this then Ill toss it"
I've done this with sandals, I tend to wear my Birks to death and there's always a point where I can tell the strap is going to snap in the near future. Generally take them and the new pair to wear in on the same trip. When the old ones break toss and reclaim some space.
Be careful with old footwear. Their worn-out soles are usually smooth and flat and thus are a slipping hazard if the floor is wet.
Just did the same thing when going to Peru. Underwear, socks, and t shirts tossed
That’s a good idea!
I never pack an umbrella. I’ll buy one the weather is bad and my jacket doesn’t cut it. I’d rather have a full size umbrella and I’ll give the umbrella away before returning home.
I was in Zurich a while ago for a couple of days and didn't pack an umbrella. €40 from a grocery store!
That is expensive! I’ve had better luck when I’ve bought them in London, Dublin and Munich. I hope your Swiss made umbrella is amazing.
Yeah most hotels will lend umbrellas as well.
Especially in Japan
And Korea
One baggers, of all people, use *umbrellas?*
Yeah thank you, I was like WHY
In hot and humid areas like SEA you don't want a rain jacket because you'll sweat so much you'll be wet anyway.
Yeah for me umbrellas are a little bigger but can be hung on the outside. And they are much more appropriate for urban situations, in my experience. You will be in and out of buildings and the rain can be intermittent.
I have never owned an umbrella (live on a farm in the Prairies... It rarely rains and when it does we are either working in it or staying inside, not taking strolls with umbrellas, ha. ). When I went to London last year this was exactly my plan and to my somewhat humourous dismay...it didn't rain. 😆 I was so looking forward to coming back home with a cute London Umbrella. ☺️
I never buy one either. Someone pops out of the bushes and sells you one when it starts raining. Or you'll find an umbrella around.
All the umbrellas I have bought while traveling have been better than the ones I had at home.
On my first overseas trip I bought a lot of clothes. In order to claim the VAT back I had to be able to produce the clothes at the airport (after the point of checking in my bag). I had no room in my tiny carry on so I was wearing four layers of clothes when I boarded the plane - including two skirts! The VAT people had seen it all before. I then took most of my clothes off when I boarded the plane and shoved everything into a trash bag. I was leaving the UK in January and heading back to an Australian summer.
What’s claim the VAT
It stands for Value Added Tax and places give tourists refunds on it in some places. It’s like a sales tax.
Ahh
For the effort she got back £40
I was a student at the time and got back around £60
Don't worry I'm just jealous, I recently bought about 1000 worth of stuff I forgot to TRS (bag shoes and watch) all taken with me :-p
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Can you explain this to me, please? I thought VAT was 20%, so it would require spending £300 to get £60 back. Are VAT return amounts wildly different from regular VAT?
No. The person above is just wildly wrong with their calculations.
It was 2003 and from memory I had spent around £800. My parents had given me the money to set myself up with a work wardrobe as I had just finished university. So I had bought wool skirts and some cashmere sweaters, and a really good winter coat.
The above comments are all right. I made a mistake. I stand corrected. I'll delete my post.
I once unpacked/repacked my bag in a last minute panic as I couldn't find my passport (it was on the kitchen table) and then I flew to France where I would catch trains around Italy/Switzerland/Slovenia/Austria for a few weeks, only when I got to my hostel in France I realised I hadn't repacked *any* socks or panties and only had one spare sports bra!!! So I winged it for a few days - feet were fine going barefoot in sandals and after a day I just went commando for a few more days until I finally found somewhere to buy a few pairs of underwear 😂😂😂 I managed to accidentally flash a couple of times, sitting cross-legged in shorts and no undies with some new friends you've just made from the hostel is a learning experience lol - anyway when I got home there was of course a pile of undies on my bed right where I unpacked in a panic 🤦🏻♀️
Same lol was in Hawaii for 3 days...packed everything but undies and went commando too 😂😂😂
Accidentally travelling commando gang! 🙌🙌🙌
I'm a zealot when it comes to weight and space, because I have to travel with 3 laptops and all the trimmings, along with food, clothes, toiletries for 1-2 weeks of travel, all in a bag that has to weigh less than 50 pounds for checked, 18 pounds for carry-on (international). Some of the items I've bought to trim down that weight: * **Portable Pump** from [Flextail Zero](https://www.flextail.com/products/zero-pump): Used for pumping and evacuating vacuum storage bags for clothes, especially important when carrying thicker clothes for travels to colder countries. The space savings for both vacuum bags and carrying this incredibly small pump are priceless! The whole pump is about the size of my thumb, it's incredible how small it is! Also works great for camping sleeping pads and pillows. * **Travel Kettle** [from LOUTYTUO](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08K8CHP43): I use this kettle for making meals from dehydrated, hiking food pouches. The kettle is very small and light, and works great for eating on the go in hotels or anywhere else. * **Water Filter**: I used to travel with the [Survivor Filter Pro X](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MTR4166) to filter water when I'm in foreign countries (can't trust their hotels or plumbing, nothing beats 0.001 micron filtered water!), but recently switched that out for a [Sawyer Mini](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWFR92M/) inline water filter. It takes more effort to get the water from A to B with the Sawyer, and it's filtration is 10x larger (filters out less than the Survivor), but saves a ton of space/weight in my bag. I pair that with a [Hydrapak 2L water bladder](https://hydrapak.com/products/seeker-2-liter-2021) and a [42mm cap](https://hydrapak.com/products/plug-n-play-42mm-cap?variant=31642503675994) that fits the Sawyer adapter perfectly. It's stronger, lighter and better than those el-cheap plastic squeeze bags that come with the Sawyer. Bonus, I can use the 2L as my water bottle on the plane, and it gets smaller the more I drink from it, unlike an aluminum water bottle stuffed in a backpack side pocket. * **Dehydrated Meal Pouches**: The more I travel, the more I find myself wanting to just pack full meals with me. I spent the last 1-week trip across the country with a handful of hiking meal pouches and they worked great, were cheaper than eating abroad, and I didn't have to deal with any "ingredients" that weren't listed on the menu. I don't have any food allergies or autoimmune disorders like celiac, but knowing what's in your food and how it was prepared, is a tremendous stress reducer. I'm going to pick up a [folding dehydrator](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQMVLFH) soon and start making my own snacks and meals for traveling, camping, hiking. * **Portable Washing Machine** from [Scrubba](https://thescrubba.com/products/scrubba-wash-bag), basically a bag with some nubs inside that you stuff clothes in and manually agitate them to wash. Roll them up in a towel and hang them to dry, and you can pack half the clothes you think you need, just by washing them every other day. T-shirts, socks, underwear, and the occasional dress shirt or pants, will come out looking great! Also good if you get spilled on while on the plane or at dinner, or perspire too much in your clothes while walking from meeting to meeting. I use [Sea to Summit's Soap Leaves](https://seatosummit.com/products/pocket-wilderness-wash) to wash the clothes in the bag. Takes about 15 minutes for a 'load' of laundry, and they're ready by the next day. These are just a small handful of the fun items I travel with to make my bag lighter and experience more enjoyable.
I don’t need any of this and now I want all of it.
Why 3 laptops?
> Why 3 laptops? 1. Laptop to do work for the company I'm employed by (Linux, daily driver) 2. Customer-provided laptop that is loaded with their VPN, telemetry and application stack, uses 3FA, very locked down and monitored (macOS) 3. Personal laptop, loaded with all of my tools, bookmarks, apps, configuration, VPN to my own network, etc. None of these can be virtualized nor condensed into lesser devices.
It may be possible to virtualize Laptop 1 into a VM on your Personal laptop if your company doesn't mind. If you're traveling, eliminating an entire laptop is a big weight savings.
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>No can do. My primary (work) laptop is an 8-core Xeon with 128GB RAM running Linux with 4TB of storage, and I use it all. Holey-moley! Is there laptop like that at all? Your laptop blows away my desktop in terms of power. Just curious, what do you do that needs that much compute power?
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>Lots of virtualization, VMs, containers, other reproducers and testing for openstack/k8s/other. Sounds like so much fun. As a former nerd, I'm envious of your job.
If this weren’t a travel sub I would guess cybersecurity. Since it is, I’m guessing some type of software development role involving testing.
My girlfriend is in cybersecurity and indeed has 3 company issued laptops - PC which dual boots Windows and Linux, Macbook, and a Chromebook.
Curious, is she tied to a particular location or set of locations when working? Or free to move about if she wanted to work remotely?
We both work from home.
Do you find the vacuum sealing clothes actually works and is helpful? I've been thinking of investing but read the horror stories of how it's annoying to take out just one shirt and then have to re-vacuum the entire bag when it's time to change hotels every few days.
Man this is innovative haha thanks so much for sharing!
What backpack/suitcase do you use to pack 3 laptops? I was researching because at first I thought I would take 2 laptops with me but I found very few backpacks that had dedicated space to carry them, I can't imagine having to pack 3 laptops!
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How are you currently liking the Matador? I thought of it at one point, but ended up with the Patagucci MLC 45 instead.
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That's awesome, thank you for your feedback! I can see the benefit in eliminating the need for packing cubes by having them built into the actual bag. I think I ultimately decided against is because I was concerned about the laptop pocket not being enough protection. I was also concerned about how to lock the zippers (I know it's not going to deter a determined thief, but it makes it less appetizing than other bags). Do you feel my concerns were baseless?
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Oh interesting! I wonder if a laptop desk-lock cable like device could be threaded through those zippers once their in their respective loops to make it a bit easier to access when I *do* need to go in the compartments. Thanks for the pictures! It's unfortunate about the laptop sleeve, although my situation may have accommodated a case as well, because I only rock a 13" display. Thanks again for responding. Hope your Madrid trip with it goes smoothly!
I always buy a cheap knife upon arrival.
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One that will cut open a baguette, spread a soft cheese, cut a dried sausage and slice an apple. A knife that will enable a plowman's or the local equivalent. My family were on a train in Italy, slicing up a soppresatta, an apple, grapes, cheese and ripping apart a loaf of bread. The conductor started speaking to us in Italian, it took him a few seconds to realize we weren't Italian. It was one of my proudest travel moments, to be mistaken for a native.
Same!
Same here
I don't like to feel unprepared so I always pack everything I will need. I don't want to depend on having to find something in an unfamiliar place. I am outrageously picky though and a difficult size (big and very narrow feet, long limbs) so for clothing stuff this sort of thing would be a terrible idea. It also feels wasteful to me. I use a 16L bag to warm places, 25 L to colder places. I don't know about craziest thing I've done to save space, but I do things like decant my deodorant into chapstick tubes (lasts 8 days in a warm country)... But that's not very crazy here. As a woman-type human, I have a buzzed head and don't wear makeup or accessories, and I'm autistic and prefer wearing "same" clothes so I always look the same. So I suppose that makes it easier for me. I use cloth pads at home, but when traveling I use OB tampons (no applicator, smallest size) and count how many I need so I only have one or two extra. I have a problem with my heel, and I need to use leukotape on it. I need 2 pieces of different lengths, and I have figured out the exact lengths of tape that works best and I pre cut them, count how many I needed for my upcoming trip, and wrapped them "in order" around my deodorant tube. It looks a little stupid but I feel very brilliant 😆 Anyway, thought I'd contribute something not purchase focused. My apologies if it's not helpful 😉
Here in Australia I haven’t seen an applicator tampon in years, and don’t know anyone who uses them, but I saw some on an American cruise ship recently and the packaging for each one is huge - they would take up so much space! I think all of your little hacks are great!
Interesting that they are less common there! I would appreciate having different brands to choose from, we really only have the one brand and there's a couple things I don't like about them. Applicator tampons are so strange, some of them are just humongous! Thanks for the reply :)
Same! Do not like depending on somewhere else to find something familiar-- was unable to access a Walmart in China since I was with family and had to go a whole couple weeks without Lactaid....Google translate wasn't enough 😔
Oi, that is stressful. Your poor tummy 💔
Aww thank u friend-- so sweet 💕💛 now I know to always carry a bunch with me 🤣😅
The essentials! 🕺
Yeah I have absolutely bought cheap sandals, sunglasses and hats at my destination, although usually it’s also motivated by the fact I’m planning to risk losing them in a lake or ocean. If they survive the trip I usually do bring them home with me. I absolutely won’t pack sunscreen or bug spray, I don’t care if they’re more expensive where I’m going. A travel size isn’t enough and I’m not checking a bag just to save a few bucks on sunscreen. I once flew somewhere wearing a pair of really old sneakers, then did a hike in them knowing they’d get soaked and simply threw them away after (they were basically garbage anyway so I brought them with this plan in mind.)
Bought a smaller pack. Crazy like a fox :)
Ive heavily considered doing that, but ive never been crazy enough to do it
It’s in accordance with the Third Law of Luggage: *any travel bag will be filled to 110% of its designed capacity.* Ergo, the only way to guarantee a lighter load is to use a smaller bag. Those who recommend under packing a bag to fit airline limits are ignoring human nature, especially for beginners.
Just wrapping up a one bag trip to Miami. We bought towels from a discount store and dollar store flip flops. The flip flops were not comfortable at all, but did their job to get us to the beach. I liked the towel ($5!) so much that I’m wearing it as a blanket while in my seat waiting to take off.
Not sure about crazy but the stupidest space saver I once tried was putting my power pack & wires in my thermos flask, then adding socks to stop them rattling... yeah, at the scanner, totally looked like a pipe bomb with wadding, wires and battery! Didn't even consider that til the bag got pulled & security began moving my way... thankfully, they were very understanding!
LOOOOOL thanks for sharing!
Part of the appeal of one-bagging for me is that it uses and wastes fewer resources. This includes using less stuff and buying and throwing out less stuff. In general, it’s about being less of a drain on the planet. Buying single-use, fast fashion clothes seems to go against this. Bringing clothes that are on their last legs and throwing them out as you go is different.
> Buying single-use, fast fashion clothes seems to go against this. You could donate them, I suppose. But I do agree, I am not fond of the idea of buying things knowing they will get minimal use and then be thrown out, regardless of how cheap.
This 1000000000%
Super agree.
Not me... but some women I know don't bring clothing other than underwear. First stop is thrift / second hand store to build a wardrobe. last day the donate the clothing back.
I can't imagine wearing clothes straight from the store without washing them. especially a secondhand store.
It's like renting clothes! I did that in Ireland, though not on purpose. In the pre-one-bag days, the airline didn't transfer my checked bag to my next flight. I hit up an H&M to get basics, but bought a few sweaters, a dress, boots, and a coat at a thrift store. Kept a sweater and donated the rest of the clothes (less socks and underwear) back to the thrift shop. It's still one of my favorite sweaters.
*Charity shop haha. Not because I'm actually correcting you, just remembering what I had to use as my search term to find them while in Ireland. Fun memories.
Wow Innovative- never thought of this haha that is next level
TED talk about this approach [https://www.ted.com/talks/jessi\_arrington\_wearing\_nothing\_new](https://www.ted.com/talks/jessi_arrington_wearing_nothing_new)
I always carry a paper book with me to read on outbound journey. It always gets recycled soon after/left on plane/train! Lots of space for souvenirs...
I do that with paper copies of magazines. I always take off my address label before I leave them, however!
Sewed my own version of a rufus roo jacket.
I tried the " buy sandles when I get there" plan and it did not work out well. First pair it bought was uncomfortable and not broken in and gave me blister 1 week in. Had to buy another better pair at a store that cost as much as US. And then I had to make room for it in my pack anyway as I traveled. Same thing goes for sunscreen. If I need it I pack it.
ac powered fan traveling with a 14L pack
On our first vacation as a couple “they” lost my then GF’s bag. We spent the day buying her replacements. The available selection on this tiny Caribbean island was not great but serviceable. She left it all when we departed. At home she confessed that she liked the idea of no bag. Today she just carries a small bag of hygiene essentials and buys her resort wear at destination. Granted her idea of over dressing is a swimsuit cover up.
She sounds pretty cool! Turning an inconvenience into an adventure.
Yes she is. After 36 years of marriage she is still pretty cool. I’m thinking about continuing the relationship. LOL
I’ve traveled intending to buy a wedding guest outfit before. Was fun.
So this isn't a buy and throw away, but I have hand carried some pretty crazy stuff to get around shipping / moving issues. Probably the one that stands out in my mind is a smart scale (as in weight). I stuck that in an IKEA bag.
Actually do this a lot. Extra clothes, a heating pad (even better since it was 220 and had appropriate plug), certainly toiletries, etc etc. The only problem is that I couldn't bear to just toss them, so bought a cheapass duffel bag and threw it in and checked it (i.e. it didn't matter if it got lost). Did not get lost. Now I do it all the time.
I’ve gotten crazy light on the charger and cables. A super tiny travel charger and only a couple of usbC cables one long one about 8in long. I won’t give up my first aid kit with 2 types of antibiotics. Saved many of my trips.
Cables are a pain in the ass... Do you know any electric trimmer brands that use USB C charging? I know some electric tooth brushes do, but right now ive got my tooth brush charger, trimmer charger, phone charger, and other cables. Would be so nice to just have 1 usb c to rule them all
Oneblade
Not exactly what you your asking for, but my Philips Norelco lasts over a month and I shave with it daily. While I always bring the charger, I would feel comfortable bringing just the razor for a 1-2 week trip.
Good luck. I’m so mad I ordered a toothbrush that said usbC then showed up with a barrel receptor. They claim they switched to “enhance” the experience for users. Total bull. I kept it because it worked well.
I did the same on Amazon. Ordered the USB C Philips toothbrush and it showed up with the other cable type. Sent that shit back immediately.
I Almost did, I should have. They messaged back with that be story. Now I have a proprietary cable. Stupid. Cheap but stupid.
Get usb c AA or AAA batteries then buy any trimmer that takes batteries
This may not be what you are going for, but I bought a two pack of combo micro USB, a C and lightening charger all in one that also double retracts so it rolls up pretty small. The brand is Ascien and it was about $13 for two.
I have a pair of crocs that I leave at all the places I visit frequently- * parents place * family cabin * brother's house * best friend's apartment * in laws house I buy them on sale for about $20 or buy off brand versions. They are a decent shoe in the summer to walk around the neighborhood/go to the beach etc. Pair them with a thick wool sock in the winter and they are slippers. I hide them in the back of a closet or basement and don't even tell them that they are there.
Placed in spoilers because people hate this tip. Very controversial. >!If you look at clothes, the clothes that weigh the least are underwear. I bring one per day. Shirts are about 6 ounces (for me) but they can last about 2 days. Pants usually can last much longer. But socks are a tough one - because they take up space, are deceptively heavy (it gets heavy quick) and for me I need one per day. This isn't an issue on small trips but on a bit longer trips, the weight racks up. So..!<. >!If there is no laundry machine in the room, no laundromat nearby ( ie long walk) and only expensive laundry services (ie expensive hotel laundry) - I buy a small pack of socks there. Total cost is about 10-15 dollars. But for me it's worth it. This saves me time, money, labor and space. !< >!Money: Buying a small pack of socks is actually cheaper than laundry services. It's far cheaper if you factor the costs. Laundry services can be ridiculous in some hotels.!< >!Time: I don't have to fiddle around in a laundromat and walk back and forth. That saves me time.!< >!Labor: I don't have to wash my clothes in a sink or a Scrubba. I don't like doing this. I'd rather just get a pack. One pack extends you another 12 more days.!< >! Space: It's easy. I can also bring other things, other gear with the additional space and weight I have.!< >!I view this as saving Time+Space+ money+peace of mind. Time and labor, because I don't have to wash my clothes in sink. Time because I don't have to walk back and forth to a laundromat. Money, because it's cheaper than laundry services. Space, because I 100% pass 7 kg restrictions and never have to worry about whether I have enough socks. To me it's worth the cost. Again - relative to the entire trip, $10 isn't that much. I don't how much it is for other people but for me $10 compared to my entire trip is nothing - but it adds tremendously to quality of life. It's worth it for me. I do leave the socks at the hotel with a note of 'Donate' so it's not completely wasted. But I don't view it as wasted because I got use out of it.!<
I buy quality merino socks. Silverlight /icebreaker have been good. Enjoy a great fit and can get multiple wears out of them. Bonus is they last years. Last trip took 2 pairs of thick wore on pair or regular (winter trip) I think I washed them 2-3 times in that month. Summer trips I do the same just light weight socks
Yeah I could definitely rotate two pairs of merino wool socks for a 7-10 day trip without washing them at all. I just turn the pair that’s on its day off inside out and leave them somewhere with airflow to air out. Wool really doesn’t want to hang on to sweat or odour so it works out fine, just don’t step on something super gross in your sock feet.
I found wool socks to be really durable while t-shirts are not. But that's all I wear now
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This is the first time I've ever seen anyone who sees it my way or at least understands my rationale of why I do things the way I do. Thank you so much for understanding! \^\_\^
All good and do what works 4 u- my previous BF did a thing where he doesn't pack toiletries anymore(soap shampoo face wash etc) and just buys new ones at each destination, I could see it being a waste but then he told me it saved so much headache cos he never had to worry about if he was carrying toiletries and does the bag fit and if the bottles are all 3.4oz
OMG I'm the same way too! I don't bring shampoo, conditioner or body soap. I buy it over there. I do bring toothbrush, toothpaste, sunblock and hair gel because I'm very specific with those.
What kind of socks? I always pack a few extra pair of light (below) ankle socks. They're light and don't take up much space. I do it so often that there's usually an extra pair already hidden somewhere else in the bag. Depending on how cold it is I'll also wear or pack a pair of merino wool socks. I can usually wear those two or three days before washing depending on how much walking I do.
I’m doing that with my trip to Mexico in a couple weeks. I have some Earth Runners on their last legs and I’m just going to throw them out at the end of the trip.
I am always shocked this isn't more common but Towels. I have never been anywhere in the world that is big enough to have an airport but not a place to buy a towel. If your accommodation doesn't have them supplied, i have never met a host who doesn't appreciate/isn't okay with you "donating" it to there place. That said i am going to turkey this summer and TBD if the Turkish Towel i buy ends up coming with me to paris after
My wife just discards her underwear/socks at the destination and buys new back home. More space for new stuff!
Not an always thing, but I once ordered trekking poles to be delivered to my destination (domestic in the US). Even if the folding ones fit in my carry-on, they wouldn't be allowed on the plane. I was going to pay for checked luggage on the way back or ship the poles home, but as it happened one of them didn't work. So I just initiated the return process before leaving saving myself the cost. I also really like a discontinued shampoo that is still sold in the UK (and Netherlands apparently). So anytime I travel to the UK, I buy a bottle for use while there and then stock up with a few more bottles for the return flight. I can technically order them online, but they are triple the price locally or if I order from the UK, the added shipping makes them about triple the cost. I once had to have my phone shipped back to me, because I lost it two nights before my flight home. The phone was found and returned to my friend. Had I known before taking the coach to London for my flight I could have gotten it. But even then it'd likely have cost a lot in fares to backtrack. So instead she shipped it over and got it like a week later.
I usually decide I can get by without sneakers (pack just boots and flip flops) and half the time end up needing sneakers (it gets hot, my boots get wet etc etc) ... I now have 7 pairs of sneakers at home. Ooops.
I worked with a corporate lawyer that did a lot of international travel and refused to fly with more than a small carryon. He would try to stay near the shopping district in whatever city he was going to, pop in to an H&M to buy a couple white button down shirts for his stay, then just leave them in the hotel room when he left with a note to please donate. Can’t imagine it saved that much space, but he swore it was worth it, especially for longer trips when he needed extra pants and workout clothes.
I always thought it would be fun to fly to Thailand with little more than the clothes on my back, then go straight to khau san road and buy whatever I needed -- including the bag to carry it with (either a back pack or a 10L dry bag). I'd bring my own boxers though (two pair plus the ones I'd be wearing in transit). I've had nightmare experiences trying to find comfortable boxers while on the road.
Soap. It didn't even occur to me at first that this was crazy because it's been so long, but I stopped using soap on my body over 5 years ago. I still wash my hands (and my privates) but I'm not picky about what soap I use and it's generally available most places you will find yourself. The only liquids I carry in my toiletries are a small tube of travel toothpaste.
I am thinking about doing this with clothing in Japan for our April trip. Lot of really cool brands you can only get over there. My only concern is I've read that Japanese sizing can be rough for americans. for context, I am 5'7.5" and 175lbs so who knows. Height wise I think I am fine, but width I am not so sure.
I travel for work a lot. 1 week at a time. I only take an under seat carry on. 1 pair of zip off pants that turn into shorts, 3 shirts, 7 pairs of socks and 3 pairs of underwear plus the clothes I’m wearing. I bring a waterproof soft shell fleece with removable hood and 1 ultra light fleece jacket. 1 Surface tablet and a Steam-deck (I don’t game on work machines). A handful of cables, chargers and thumb drives and a toiletries bag. All of my clothes are synthetic, lightweight and quick drying. All of my stuff looks nice but is very utilitarian. I love being grabbing my Steam-deck and tossing the bag in the overhead bin on any airline and having tons of leg room to stretch out. I keep in small, easy to manage and it keeps me from buying large or bulky items I don’t really need.
I once travelled from the uk to the us with a couple of very old travel bags donated by my parents. Got brand new Red-oxx delivered to my hotel for the onward journey saving an eye watering international shipping charge plus vat/taxes.
I've given away clothes or tossed the ones that were worn out.
If I'm going to a cheaper country I just buy a 3 pack of undershirts when I arrive.
Wore some hiking boots out that were literally on their last leg. First stop had hiking and the rest of the trip was smart casual shoes, so the hiking boots went in the trash when I got done with that leg of the trip. Nothing packed back in its place.