The Standard One Bag Travel Packing List

Imagine preparing for a trip and discovering you are only allowed one bag at the train terminal, or you have to pay for extra luggage at the airport. That may be frustrating, especially when in a rush or low on cash. How many times have you asked “Is it possible to travel far distances with one bag? How can I fit all my essentials into one travel bag?

This idea would be alien to you if you’re a chronic over-packer like I once was. However, with little planning and following a checklist, you can travel anywhere in the world with one travel bag containing all your essentials, well, maybe except Antarctica. This article explores the idea of a one-bag travel packing list, discusses its benefits, and highlights the essential packing list for one-bag travel.

Essential packing list for one bag travel

Rather than wondering how to fit all your items into one travel item, spend more time thinking of the irrelevant items. Carry with you only what you need for the trip. Here are six essential items to fit into one bag for your travels:

1. Bag

Your bag choice will evolve as you consider what you need to bring and how you will prefer to carry it. When picking a bag, ensure you consider the following:

• Size: Start from the largest dimension your airline will allow. But first, consider the duration of your trip. You can put your items into a smaller bag if your trip is short.
• Weight: Most airlines weigh your luggage before boarding, so a better option would be picking a lightweight bag. It means most weight comes from what is inside the bag and not from the bag itself.
• Storage: Choose a bag with multiple storage pockets. Both inside pockets and pockets that you can access from the outside. Also, you will benefit from leaving a little space for extra items, such as purchases from your trip. Duffel bags, backpacks, and suitcases are part of your many best options.

2. Clothes

Clothes and shoes take up most of the space. Consider reducing the pairs of underwear and/or washing dirty underwear. Adopt a very effective folding skill to reduce the space the clothes will take up. Since you can’t fold shoes, consider taking neutral colour pairs. A pair of slippers and possibly sandals, only if it’s important.

3. Electronics

A laptop can be swapped with a tablet. A mobile device with a great camera can replace a heavy DSLR camera. Using a gear pouch to collect and keep your cables organized helps reduce the space consumed. While packing, remember to ask yourself, “do I need this piece of electronic equipment?”

4. Toiletries

The first step in organizing toiletries is to get yourself a good toiletry bag with spaces and pockets. Plan your liquids, so you know how many tubes you will need to pack.

Substitute with non-liquid products. For example, you could buy shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo bars to save space. Also, getting your toiletries in small sizes is an effective way of saving space.

5. Bonus items

A bonus bagging travel hack you should adopt is using compression travel cubes. It helps organize your bag, keeping your clothes in a different compartment from your toiletries. With the help of these organizational bags, it’s easier to pull out certain items (let’s say a cord) without emptying the contents of the entire bag

• A wine opener
• Personalised utensils
• Basic medication
• A compass
• Safety pins
• Inflatable travel pillows.

Bonus tip

A bonus bagging travel hack you should adopt is using compression travel cubes. It helps organize your bag, keeping your clothes in a different compartment from your toiletries. With the help of these organizational bags, it’s easier to pull out certain items (let’s say a cord) without emptying the contents of the entire bag.

A bonus bagging travel hack you should adopt is using compression travel cubes. It helps organize your bag, keeping your clothes in a different compartment from your toiletries. With the help of these organizational bags, it’s easier to pull out certain items (let’s say a cord) without emptying the contents of the entire bag. It helps organize your bag, keeping your clothes in a different compartment from your toiletries. The first step in organizing toiletries is to get yourself a good toiletry bag with spaces and pockets. Plan your liquids, so you know how many tubes you will need to pack.