My rule of thumb: make sure you always have your passport, phone, and wallet, don't overstress the rest. Anything else you forgot can be bought in a pinch.
Shirts, pants, underwear and socks from sport stores that sell hiking clothes dry quickly. Buy small empty plastic containers from MUJI and fill them with any liquids you want to carry onboard. For women: conditioner doubles as shaving cream/gel for legs and armpits. For long haul flights, bring sheet face masks and use them.
Spot on, Esme! 👏 I love your tips especially the quick-dry hiking gear. I’m a big fan of Uniqlo’s Airism line for exactly that reason: super light, dries in no time, and packs down small.
I haven’t packed a checked bag in 10 years. Usually one carry on and small back pack with day trip items. That’s all I take even for international trips of more than 10 days.
This is very useful. Especially the Flight Delay Survival kit, no more tedious waiting for airport wifi downloads or queuing for a plug socket. I need another portable charger!
Haha, fair! Team two-wheeler, I see you. I used to be loyal to the tilt-and-drag too until my shoulders staged a mutiny at JFK. Spinner it is… for now 😅✈️
A lot of my time out there was spent in rougher places let’s say. I had one of the travel spinners, it was not good on the rockier roads. So lesson learned. But if I am going to Miami for a week, yeah, I see the spinner. If I am doing an NGO trip to South America, 2 wheels.
I have a million miles on United, and I hate roller bags. A soft-sided carry-on is the way to go. If you're the pilot, then the plane isn't going anywhere without you. If you travel for a living, you will inevitably need to (literally) run to make a connecting flight. It is far easier to pick up your bag and sprint than to try to drag a roller bag behind you, especially if you're running up or down stairs because the escalator is too crowded.
In addition soft-sided luggage is easier to squeeze into an overhead bin. You can also use your bag as a pillow or sit on it.
FWIW, my bag of choice when I was flying every week was the Aeronaut from Tom Bihn.
I include a laundry kit for stays more than 3 nights. Clothes line (I prefer a guy line to the stretchy ones), 6 clothes pins (come in handy for other things as well) and laundry sheets. I also have a tiny sewing kit and safety pins.
Absolutely! And you can even use it as shaving cream in a pinch, conditioner works great for that too, especially for us guys. Multi-purpose travel wins! 💪🧴✈️
Thanks so much, Phil really appreciate you sharing it! 🙏 And yes, great idea. In-sink laundry and clothing rotation is definitely worth a deep dive. I’ll queue that up for an upcoming post! 👕🧼✈️
I usually pack 5 pairs and plan a quick laundry stop around day 4-5. Sometimes I carry 10 pairs, this is not heavy and does not take so much space anyway. Lightweight fabrics make this super easy, and it helps me keep everything streamlined without compromising hygiene or comfort. It’s all about smart planning and a little flexibility!
If this is a carry on those are children’s shoes!!
My rule of thumb: make sure you always have your passport, phone, and wallet, don't overstress the rest. Anything else you forgot can be bought in a pinch.
I do exactly the same, it’s kind of my final check before leaving home, along with my license, medical, and vaccination card. ✅✈️
Exactly this. I always check these three items as I get into the cab - anything else, you can buy or manage without.
Shirts, pants, underwear and socks from sport stores that sell hiking clothes dry quickly. Buy small empty plastic containers from MUJI and fill them with any liquids you want to carry onboard. For women: conditioner doubles as shaving cream/gel for legs and armpits. For long haul flights, bring sheet face masks and use them.
Spot on, Esme! 👏 I love your tips especially the quick-dry hiking gear. I’m a big fan of Uniqlo’s Airism line for exactly that reason: super light, dries in no time, and packs down small.
Great info!
thank you!
I haven’t packed a checked bag in 10 years. Usually one carry on and small back pack with day trip items. That’s all I take even for international trips of more than 10 days.
Love it! 🙌 You’re living proof that carry-on life isn’t just possible, it’s better.
Much better. Less hassle. More mobile.
This is very useful. Especially the Flight Delay Survival kit, no more tedious waiting for airport wifi downloads or queuing for a plug socket. I need another portable charger!
Lost me at spinner.
Haha, fair! Team two-wheeler, I see you. I used to be loyal to the tilt-and-drag too until my shoulders staged a mutiny at JFK. Spinner it is… for now 😅✈️
A lot of my time out there was spent in rougher places let’s say. I had one of the travel spinners, it was not good on the rockier roads. So lesson learned. But if I am going to Miami for a week, yeah, I see the spinner. If I am doing an NGO trip to South America, 2 wheels.
FYI that the anker magpro charger was just recalled—I had the same one and had to end up tossing it due to fire risk!
Awesome 👍🏼 thank you for sharing this!
You are welcome!
Ok man 😂👍🏻👍🏻
I have a million miles on United, and I hate roller bags. A soft-sided carry-on is the way to go. If you're the pilot, then the plane isn't going anywhere without you. If you travel for a living, you will inevitably need to (literally) run to make a connecting flight. It is far easier to pick up your bag and sprint than to try to drag a roller bag behind you, especially if you're running up or down stairs because the escalator is too crowded.
In addition soft-sided luggage is easier to squeeze into an overhead bin. You can also use your bag as a pillow or sit on it.
FWIW, my bag of choice when I was flying every week was the Aeronaut from Tom Bihn.
https://www.tombihn.com/products/aeronaut-45?variant=42635496554685
Love this, Slaw. Practical wisdom from a million-miler respect! 🙌 That Aeronaut looks solid too. Thanks for sharing!
Just because it’s a roller bag doesn’t mean you can’t pick it up if you had to sprint 🤷♀️
these are just the hacks I need. My overpacking has gotten worse, in light of increased bag fees and reduced carry on sizing! thank you
This is priceless.
I include a laundry kit for stays more than 3 nights. Clothes line (I prefer a guy line to the stretchy ones), 6 clothes pins (come in handy for other things as well) and laundry sheets. I also have a tiny sewing kit and safety pins.
You can use the hotel shampoo as clothes washing soap.
Absolutely! And you can even use it as shaving cream in a pinch, conditioner works great for that too, especially for us guys. Multi-purpose travel wins! 💪🧴✈️
I shared this article as a note...finally a useful write-up on this topic. Excellent work.
Might I suggest one that explains about doing in-sink laundry? Clothing management while on a trip is something that people ask about a lot.
Thanks so much, Phil really appreciate you sharing it! 🙏 And yes, great idea. In-sink laundry and clothing rotation is definitely worth a deep dive. I’ll queue that up for an upcoming post! 👕🧼✈️
5 pairs of underpants and socks for 10 days? 🤢
I usually pack 5 pairs and plan a quick laundry stop around day 4-5. Sometimes I carry 10 pairs, this is not heavy and does not take so much space anyway. Lightweight fabrics make this super easy, and it helps me keep everything streamlined without compromising hygiene or comfort. It’s all about smart planning and a little flexibility!
Perhaps he's a NYC police officer and will be running around barefoot.