After gaining some experience traveling, I have learned that the best way to travel is to travel light. Carrying a backpack as a carry-on can save time at the airport and reduce the risk of losing your luggage. I've also learned this from Drew Binsky, and I will take some of his recommendations to avoid problems en route.
In my case, since I will be traveling with my clothes, my laptop, and the rest of my electronics, I will use two backpacks as carry-ons: For my big backpack, an Osprey 40L Porter series, I will carry around 90% clothes, and in my small 18L bag, I will carry 90% valuables. The logic behind this is that if I were to get robbed or mugged, I would throw my big bag at the perpetrator and run away with my small one. In other words, the small bag never leaves my side.
Content in my Big Bag:
- 7 t-shirts
- 1 long sleeve Under Armour
- 1 light sweater
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 pair of khaki pants
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of athletic shorts
- 7 pairs of socks
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of shoes (1 gym shoes and 1 sandals)
- 2 non-metal belts
- Swimsuit
- 1 hat
- 1 microfiber towel
- 1 poncho
- 1 lightweight blanket
- 1 travel pillow
- 1 laundry bag
- 1 small padlock
Content in my Small Bag:
- 1 laptop
- 1 camera
- 1 smartphone
- Chargers and cables for electronic devices
- Universal power adapter
- 1 power bank
- 1 pair of earphones
- 1 small notebook and pen
- Travel documents (passport, boarding passes, etc.)
- Some cash and credit cards
- 1 small first aid kit
- 1 reusable water bottle
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- Travel-size toiletries