The origins of my militant packing ways – 6 weeks, 4 outfits in Southeast Asia

Those who know me well will know that I can be challenge to travel with. I have many rules. The most important rule is to pack light. Whether I go for 6 days or 6 months, I refuse to check bags. Everything must fit in a carry on. (4 wheels good, 2 wheels bad)

The origins of my militant packing ways date back to trip to London, Copenhagen and Italy shortly after the euro emerged (The dollar was worth more than the euro at that point!). I had been to Europe before but I wanted the quintessential backpacking adventure so I borrowed a childhood friend’s backpack and filled it to the brim. Fast-forward to rainy cold London in January and 2 hours of me walking around, lost and unable to find my hotel. Imagine the same scene in Florence, Rome, and Vienna—pint size Sarah with a backpack larger than me and probably the same weight. My back and neck were wrecked! The pack would later be lost for 2 weeks after a massive snowstorm in Copenhagen—there may have been an instance where I cried to the lost baggage clerk about my interview tapes that I describe as priceless. It was all a little traumatic. The risks associated with “traveling heavy” are too great and too burdensome.

Travel is supposed to be a time for adventure, discovery, self-reflection and freedom. Apart from the sore back, I realized that I only wore a handful of outfits I packed. There were few things I really needed. After airlines started charging for checked luggage (and now carry-ons), my view became more firm. Pack as light as possible!

My poor baby sister (6.5 years younger) is subject to my travel rules and has been drafted into my lite travel military. After explaining the 7 kilo rule to her for airasia and jetstar – the discount airline carriers that will fly us around – she was on board and embraced my ways.

So, you ask, what am I packing? I am taking a small backpack (pictured above) that fits easily under my seat. Two pairs of shoes: 1) plum colored brooks walking shoes and 2) sturdy outfits. My four outfits: 1) linen pants with florescent orange quick dry shirt, 2) black flowy dress, 3) lululemon white pinstripe pants with white and grey striped shirt, and 4) black track shorts with ems quick shirt that looks like dress shirt. Wa-lah! All fit easily in my small backpack and I achieve a new record.

Sarah

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