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Throughout my travels, I've learned a lot about packing. My fellow travelers have too.
I want to share some tips with you so you don't have to pay for extra luggage on your next trip.
Signed World Cup Legend Jersey. Every Day. Free.
For 10 days during the World Cup knockouts, Kalshi is giving away a signed, authenticated jersey from a different soccer legend every 24 hours. One winner per day. The roster: Di María, Ochoa, Dempsey, Modrić, Falcao, Varane, Ferdinand, Villa, and the grand prize: Messi's actual game-worn jersey from the match he scored his 800th career goal. It's free to enter in the Kalshi app. Every daily check-in earns you an entry toward Messi. The more days you show up, the better your odds. Download the app and start entering now.
Free to enter. App required. No purchase necessary. 18+, U.S. only (excl. NY & FL).
First Rule: Less is More 🧦
I've been on both sides: claiming my baggage and just starting my trip once I get off the plane. If you ask me, the second kind of plan is 100 times better than waiting an eternity for my luggage.
How many times has it happened to you that you don't use everything you pack for your trip, and half your suitcase comes back untouched? I bet it's happened more than once.
When you take a long trip, you probably want to pack more because "if something happens," you'll feel more comfortable having the tools to deal with it. But what if I told you it's not necessary?
For long trips, you have the advantage of being able to wash the clothes you've packed and wear them again; no one will judge you. When you take short trips, you don't need 30 changes of clothes for three days, I promise.
Photo by Elaine Tu on Unsplash
Think of it this way: less luggage = less stress and more freedom.
It also means you'll have more time to enjoy your trip and less time to worry about your things. I experienced this firsthand and learned from it so you don't have to.
Traveling Light Actually Changes Your Trip ✈️
Traveling light isn't a nice-to-have; it's a completely transformative experience. I'm convinced that checked baggage isn't the best option based on two key points: You don't have to wait hours for your suitcase to appear on the carousel, and you'll never again have to worry about it getting lost or never arriving at your destination.
It sounds vague, but once you try it, it's hard to stop.
Photo by Heather Gill on Unsplash
Okay, if these reasons aren't enough, I'll give you more that will probably convince you otherwise. You have more freedom of movement. Going up and down the stairs in that Parisian hotel isn't pleasant; I'm serious. The same could happen to you in Korea or Japan. Moving freely through crowds is easier when you have little luggage.
Now, if your plans change at the last minute and your itinerary shifts, getting around will be a breeze. About to miss a connection? Well, you won't have to worry about your checked luggage, and you'll be able to move faster.
Messi's 800th-Goal Jersey. Win It. Free to Enter.
Kalshi is giving away a different signed jersey every day through July 7. Modrić, Falcao, Varane, Ferdinand, Villa, and others. Every daily entry stacks toward the grand prize: Messi's game-worn jersey. Check in daily in the Kalshi app and share to earn a bonus entry.
Free to enter. App required. No purchase necessary. 18+, U.S. only (excl. NY & FL).
The Moment of Truth 📋
Useful tips for having minimalist suitcases that actually work no matter your destination.
Make a list: Write down (yes, on a piece of paper) all the items you plan to bring. Medicines, keys, electronics, toiletries, clothes.
Sort by Bag: Decide what will go in your personal luggage and what will go in your carry-on.
Mock packing: Once you've divided your belongings by suitcase, pack them. This practice will help you better organize your space. When you're finished, weigh and measure everything. This must STRICTLY comply with the airline's size requirements.
Cut back and repeat: Carefully analyze which items are necessary and which aren't. Will you need them at midnight, or can you wait until the next morning? Can you buy them at your destination? By answering these questions, you can refine your packing.
Photo by Evgeniy Beloshytskiy on Unsplash
Doing this allows you to better organize your ideas and your luggage. It's much better than randomly adding things to an open, disorganized suitcase.
Small Changes, Big Spaces 🧼
The details make all the difference; they save you from problems and losses.
Carry your products, don't lug them around. I understand you want to bring your shampoo, but you don't need a liter when you're traveling for 10 days. Use travel-size bottles. You'll avoid TSA issues and lost products. If you switch from liquid to solid toiletries, you can skip this step. Friendly reminder: solid products last longer than commercial liquid products. They're also kinder to your body, your suitcase, and the environment.
Reuse containers: Some stores give you containers with product samples. When traveling, these containers are very helpful.
A spare bag: Spills can happen, so pack a spare airtight bag. This will protect your clothes and belongings from spills in case something goes wrong.
Fold with intention: Learning to fold clothes is a skill that comes with experience. But some tutorials on how to fold your travel clothes work wonders. Using packing bags to compress your clothes is also a great way to save space in your suitcase.
Adjust properly: luggage straps exist for a reason, and using them prevents your belongings from shifting, getting damaged, or creasing. Use them.
Photo by Rachel Beck on Unsplash
Once you learn to travel light, there's no going back. Trust me.
Trial and Error 👕
Changes don't happen overnight. I don't know any traveler who started with a small suitcase on their very first trip. This is something you learn and perfect over time and with more travel. Many travelers begin with large suitcases and gradually change their habits to make the travel experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Things to remember:
Choose a capsule wardrobe. Pieces that are easy to mix and match. With fewer clothes, you create more outfit options.
Wear the same clothes every other day. You don't need to pack a different outfit for every day of your trip. Repeating outfits is perfectly fine.
Research and read about the experiences of other conscious travelers. Someone who has had a similar itinerary to yours. Learn what worked and what didn't.
Accept that traveling light will force you to repeat outfits—that's okay. Over time, you realize that nobody cares, and practically no one even notices.
Photo by Emile on Unsplash
The hardest part is the first trip with light luggage; after that, all the others become easier. Little by little, you'll realize that traveling light is a one-way ticket.
See you next time,
Signed World Cup Jerseys. One Given Away Daily. Free.
Kalshi is giving away a signed, authenticated jersey from a World Cup legend every day through July 7. Ochoa, Modrić, Falcao, Varane, and more. Grand prize: Messi's game-worn 800th-goal jersey. Enter free in the Kalshi app and check in daily to stack your entries.
Free to enter. App required. No purchase necessary. 18+, U.S. only (excl. NY & FL).