The 'one bag only' crowd is missing the point of budget travel

I mean, I get wanting to pack light to save on airline fees. But some people act like carrying a duffel bag is a moral failure. Last year I flew to Denver with a 40 liter backpack and a small shoulder bag, and it saved me $60 on checked bag fees. But I also had to buy a $25 jacket there because I didn't pack one. The whole thing cost me more than if I just paid for a checked bag upfront. Idk, maybe it's just me but the 'minimalist' thing feels more like a flex than an actual hack. Has anyone else had a 'minimalist' trip that ended up costing more?

2 comments

2 Comments

jennysullivan1mo ago

I read somewhere that the whole one bag thing started with people who travel full time for years, not people taking a long weekend. Those folks have their systems dialed in and it works for them, but they make it sound universal. I tried the minimalist approach for a 10 day trip to Chicago and ended up doing laundry in a sink three times because I packed too light. For me, the $60 I saved on bag fees got eaten up by buying toiletries and a hoodie I left behind on purpose. Your mileage may vary and all that, but I think some of those people forget that not everyone travels the same way they do.

foster.charles1mo ago

Right there with you, that whole one bag hype is overrated for normal trips.