We always start laying out our stuff weeks in advance. I know, that’s crazy, but for us it helps simplify the items we will take and keeps our excitement level up.
Travel Philosophy
No checked luggage! One backpack per person for the airplane overhead (and a small under the seat carry-on). The one being skillfully modeled by Janice is the Rick Steves model. Janice added all the destination badges after we saw another traveler in Atlanta who had his whole bag covered.
The Liberation of ‘No Checked Bags’
We’ve discovered one of the greatest secrets to stress-free travel: less is truly more. Committing to carry-on bags only is more than just avoiding baggage fees; it’s a liberating practice that transforms the entire travel experience.
It may sound drastic, but we find that packing light streamlines everything. Here is our typical strategy for a trip which includes relying on occasional local laundromat visits:
The Minimalist Packing List (Per Person)
| Item | Strategy |
| Pants | 2 Total: Wear one pair, pack one pair for me and these for Janice. |
| Tops (Janice) | 4-5 Lightweight Tops: Focus on quick-drying, versatile items that can be layered. |
| Tops (Mine) | 3 Tops: Wear one, pack two (one of which is a heavier sweater). Plus, 5 sweat-wicking undershirts. |
| Socks & Underwear | 6 Total: Wear one set, pack five extra sets. |
| Shoes | 1 Pair Only: The comfortable, versatile pair we wear on the plane. No packed extras. |
| Outerwear | Winter coats for the destination, plus one sweater jacket for the plane. |
The secret to our success is our five-day laundry cycle. We plan all of our trips around stopping at a laundromat approximately every fifth day.
The Laundry Strategy
This has proven to be incredibly easy and often enjoyable:
- Convenience: We typically find a laundromat within two blocks of our accommodation.
- Cost-Effective: A wash and dry usually costs around 7 euros and takes about an hour.
- Time Well Spent: Most laundromats are near a café, restaurant, or bar, turning what could be a chore into a relaxing break—a chance to grab a coffee or a drink and planning the perfect dinner spot.
Embracing the carry-on life forces a focus on experiences over possessions, and we wouldn’t trade that simplicity for an extra pair of shoes.
