How To Travel With Only a Backpack

Many travellers have learnt how to pack efficinetly so that they can travel with only carry on luggage. This blog will show you how you can travel with only a backpack.

Let’s first consider the benefits of only travelling with a backpack

• Save time at airports – Get ready to avoid check-in queues and problems with ‘overweight’ luggage’ and head straight through security.
• Save money – Sometimes airlines charge you check-in luggage so by not taking any you’re actually saving money!
• Reduce stress – You don’t have to worry about your suitcase when you don’t have one! And also you don’t want to be lugging it around a busy city as well.
• More freedom – You have one less thing to worry about when choosing what activities you go as you don’t have to consider where you will keep your suitcase and can also be more spontaneous for activities.

Now we’ll consider how you can travel with only a backpack. The following list will be tips on how you can save space and pack smart.

#1 Wear your bulky items

This is probably the best tip in our list. Bulky items can take up a lot of space in your bags so the best thing to do would be to wear them. Things like thick jackets and trousers are the best examples of what we mean.

#2 Pack your backpack it right

The way you fold your clothes is important to save space. You can either roll them up as this helps to minimise space and avoids creases in your clothes. Or, you could either group them together as daily packs.

Be sure to check out Travel Dave’s tips on how to pack clothes in a backpack 

#3 Consider the weather

We understand that when you choose your clothes you have to consider the weather, and normally when its cold ou expect to be carrying thicker items but that doesn’t always have to be the case if you want to travel with only a backpack.

You can still layer multiple thin layers to stay warm rather than pack a thick coat. Also, you can get jackets that fold and fit into a small pocket-sized bag.

Just to let you know, check out our ultimate travel tips for backpackers blog for more great advice!

#4 Pack items that you can wear multiple occasions

It’s not about being a fashion icon but rather seeing whether you can wear multiple items for different occasions.

The best clothes are the ones that can be mixed and matched with other colours. Opt for plain T-shirts and thing shirts as these can pass off for formal events and casual events.

#5 Choose accommodation with a washing machine

Opt for accommodation where you can wash your clothes as that way you can pack less knowing that you will be able to wash them.

Here at Safestay, our hostels and hotels have washing facilities as well as ironing facilities for you! Next time you are planning a trip to anywhere in Europe be sure to check us out!

#6 Use Packing Organisers

This is a great tip to make sure you separate your items and also make all your items square in shape. This will allow for easier arrangements in your bag rather than packing obscure items together.

We recommend your items as the following;
Clothing, Underwear & Socks, Laundry, Medical kit with ziplock bags & Chargers / Tech.

#7 Toiletries

As you’ll be taking your bag on the flight you will be restricted to travel-sized luggage. But that’s okay as firstly it’s easier to fit them into a small backpack and it’s a lot easier to buy them locally saving space in your luggage and is also one less thing for you to worry about

#8 Search for compact items

If you need to take a specific item that is normally quite bulky you can bet that there is a smaller and more compact version on the market. For example, instead of taking a big towel, you can opt for the thin microfibre towels! We’ve got exactly those towels at Safestay which you can buy and use for your whole travels!