What are the key principles of 1-bag travel?

A great resource for minimalist travelers is the site One Bag, One World: News, Reviews and Community for Light Travelers.  One post in particular makes it clear that 1-bag travel is not for everyone, and lays the groundwork for traveling light. The authors offer these 7 principles:

1) Pack only those items you really need.

2) Don't pack any of the items you usually bring along “just in case.”

3) Each item you pack should pass this 2-step screening:

• “do I really need this?” and 
• "will I use it enough to justify packing if for the entire trip?”

4) Don't count the days and pack underwear, t-shirts, etc., for that number of days.  Learn the fine art of hotel-room laundry.

5) Pack clothing appropriate for 1-bag travel.  Quick-drying, wrinkle resistant, and easily mixed/matched with other items to create multiple sartorial combos.

6) Pack just enough toiletry items to get started -  then replenish as you travel.

7) Everything you pack should fit in 1 bag small enough to stash in the overhead or the seat in front of you.  And the bag should be wheel-less (read why here!)

“One bag travel is not about the bag. It’s not about the packing list. It’s about the mindset.”

Check out my e-book on the topic, A Guy's Guide to 1-Bag Packing: Minimalist Travel Secrets That Save You Time and Money, now available at Amazon!

photo:  freeimages.com