Signora Sheila

The thought of traveling with just one small carry-on seemed not only impossible to me, but a bit of a nightmare. But I now see that the real nightmare was lugging around so many bags! Especially since we didn’t even use everything we took along!

Then I discovered onebag.com and realized what a lifesaver one-bagtravel can be for travelers. But especially for those who travel frequently like salespeople, truck drivers, missionaries, ministers, and so on – and even some bloggers!

And the secret to going one-bag is simple. Just do laundry as you go! Many garments are quick-dry, even when hand-washed. And for heavier items, like jeans, just find a laundry mat or laundry service. Almost every country has them, at least in the cities.

Plus a trip to the laundry mat can add a touch of real life experience to your travels. Meet some locals, practice the language, and soak up the cultural experience. So let’s examine some of the amazing benefits of traveling with one bag!

13 super advantages of one-bag travel!

🧳 1. No baggage claim lines

With no checked bags, you can breeze past the baggage carousels. And you might even be first in line to snag a taxi or board the bus!

✈️ 2. Reduced risk of missed connections

Many entry points require bags to be collected and rechecked. And with long lines, it’s too easy to miss your next connection.

🛃 3. Shorter customs inspections

Customs officials are usually less likely to stop you if you only have one small bag. And if they do, the inspection should take far less time!

💰 4. No extra baggage fees

Hey, traveling costs enough as it is. Why add to it? Plus you can treat yourself to something special with the money you save! By saving on travel, we were able to treat ourselves to some famous Viennese coffee and the original Sacher Torte at the historic Sacher Cafè!

🔎 5. Reduced risk of lost or stolen bags

The airlines can’t lose or damage bags you’ve never checked. And you’re less likely to lose or forget your own luggage if you’ve only have one and keep it with you!

😊 6. Less Stress

Both your trip and your stay can be less stressful. Not having piles of luggage to keep track of or clothes to dig through can bring a real sense of peace and freedom!

📅 7. It’s easier to change your itinerary

Because getting around is so much easier, you may be able to deviate from your schedule, and even add fun side excursions. Why let excess stuff you don’t even use keep you from great new experiences?

🚉 8. Move around easier and save your back

It’s no fun dragging lots of luggage up and down stairs (and Europe is filled with them) is not fun. And neither is traveling with a backache caused by excess baggage!

🧭 9. You won’t stand out so much

Stand out as a helpless, confused tourist, that is! Zipping around with just one small bag makes you look confident, and less of a target for tourist gimmicks and thieves.

👚 10. You’ll probably use everything you take

I’ve killed my back dragging unnecessary stuff that we never touched, but I say never again!! Now I usually use every item we take!

💵 11. You can save money

With airlines continually cutting baggage allowances and charging for bags, it just makes more sense to travel light! Plus it might free you up to use public transportation, which is not only cheaper, but can be a great cultural experience!

Travel light! Why trade the adventure of new experiences for the hassle of lugging lots of stuff around?

Signora Sheila

“But,” you asked, “what if I don’t pack enough?” Well, we’ve been traveling with just one carry-on bag for years, and that hasn’t happened yet. And even if it should, we’d rather buy a useful souvenir like a new T-shirt than a dust-collecting bauble!

He who would travel happily must travel light.

Antoine de St. Exupery

📷 Image credits: purse; luggage