The Primary Benefits of One Bag Travel and Why It's Worth Trying.
There are many benefits to one-bag travel, some obvious, and some more subtle; below is a list of the primary benefits and how they can improve your travel experience, from the most obvious to lesser-known benefits.
1. No Luggage Fees
Luggage fees add up over time, especially for frequent or long-term travelers taking multiple flights; the average cost to check a bag across major U.S. airlines is $31.29 for the first bag and $42 for the second bag.
While one-bagging can be expensive, the savings alone from luggage fees can more than make up for an initial time investment in planning, testing, and prepping for one-bag travel.
2. No Lost Luggage
An estimated 0.4% of bags are mishandled (lost, delayed, damaged, or pilfered) by airlines, this means that for every 250 flights you take, you might expect to lose your luggage one of those times; this is extremely low, but it does happen, and if you fly enough, it's only a matter of time.
One-bag travel eliminates this issue and makes getting through security and customs a breeze.
3. Easier Travel
Backpacks simply make for easier movement, whether you're walking through a busy airport, walking over cobblestone streets, or walking to your Grab/Uber; when you're on the move, backpacks are ideal.
It's worth noting here that roller luggage is ideal for waiting; waiting in airport lines, waiting at customs lines, waiting for trains, etc., but hey, you can always take the backpack off. :)
4. Flexibility and Spontaneity
Traveling light gives you the freedom to be spontaneous. When everything you need is on your back, you can easily change plans, hop on a last-minute flight, or extend your trip without worrying about checked luggage or finding a place to store your luggage for the day.
The same is true for unplanned changes - canceled flights, late trains, broken down buses, failed boat engines (yes, these have all happened to me), checked luggage ties you down in these moments, but when you have everything on you, it's easy to adjust your plans.
5. Transportation Options
If you're traveling long-term and have any intention of visiting Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, India, or any island, you'll be happy to have a backpack. Backpacks give you the flexibility to rent a scooter, motorbike, or bicycle while traveling - this benefit alone is worth any sacrifices that need to be made.
Even if renting a motorbike isn't for you, you'll still benefit from being able to ride one; since motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and rickshaws are the best way to get around in these parts of the world.
6. Maximizing Travel Days
One-bag travel allows you to utilize full travel days and take advantage of layovers or train stops.
If you've ever taken a red-eye flight or overnight train, you know the pain of lugging around luggage for eight hours while waiting for your hostel or hotel to open; or even worse, trying to fit your luggage in a train station or airport locker,.
Backpacks can either 1) fit in short-term storage lockers, or 2) be taken with you while you explore, in either case, it's much better than dragging a full suitcase everywhere!
7. Simplified Packing Process
An unsung hero of one-bag travel: simplified packing.
When you have a small, dedicated travel pack, prepping for trips is easy. You no longer have to spend hours agonizing over what to bring or how it's all going to fit, you already know, and it may even already be packed.
This may be a bit extreme, but I keep a travel-ready bag, separate from my "home" possessions - it has everything I need to hop on a plane at the drop of a hat. I never think about how I'm going to pack, because I'm already packed, at all times, for any destination.
Preppers have bug-out bags, one bag travelers have pack-out bags. 🤷🏼
8. Minimize Decision Fatigue
Similar to the above, less choice can help eliminate decision fatigue.
A limited number of clothes and tools leads to a simpler life; whether at home or traveling, you don't have to think about what you're going to wear, because you only have a few, well-planned outfits.
Plus, it's always easier to find what you need when you're only carrying the essentials.
9. Quality over Quantity
Since the number of items you carry is significantly reduced, you can invest in high-quality travel clothes and gear. This can save you money in the long run, as these items are built to last and can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
Plus, they often have features that are useful whether traveling or at home, like water/stain resistance, antibacterial properties, anti-theft pockets, or a packable design.
10. Eco-Friendly
While not immediately obvious, one-bag travel has a lower impact on the environment over time, as travelers tend to opt for high-quality, longer-lasting products, while learning to make do with less. And as simple as it may sound, one-bag travel means you can walk or bike versus drive, take a motorbike instead of a car, or take a bus instead of a taxi; these little things add up over time, even if it doesn't feel like it.
11. Mental Freedom
Lastly, one-bag travel offers something priceless: freedom.
Not just freedom of movement, but mental freedom.
Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, everything you own, owns a bit of you, and it takes up mental space in your head.
If you've ever spent hours cleaning out a closet, and at the end, when you finally trash or donate all the extra stuff... and it feels like a weight being taken off your chest, or if you've packed for a trip but for some reason don't feel settled until you're in the Uber on your way to the airport... that sense of relief is your body disconnecting from the weight of things.
"That sense of relief is your body disconnecting from the weight of things."
Chuck Palahniuk (or Tyler Durden - whichever you prefer), said it best, "The things you own end up owning you."
The less you have, the less you worry, and the more freedom you feel - this is true for travel and life in general - but travel is a good starting point.
Letting go of unnecessary baggage, both physical and emotional, leaves you with more headspace to focus on what's important - exploring, connecting, adventuring... i.e. travel.
I could go on for hours about the psychological benefits of traveling light, but your best bet is to experience it for yourself.
That is why you're here, right?
Read Next: The Challenges of One-Bag Travel
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