Look, I Used to Be That Person
You know the type—the one with the perfectly organized packing cubes, the carry-on only, the smug satisfaction of paying less for baggage fees. That was me. Until last Tuesday in Barcelona.
I met this woman, let’s call her Marcus, at a tapas bar. She had a backpack and a smile. “I haven’t done laundry in 36 hours,” she told me. “But I have everything I need.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
I asked her how she managed. “Honestly? I just throw it all in and deal with the committment.” (Yes, she said “committment.”) And that was it. I was sold.
My First Attempt Was a Disaster
About three months ago, I decided to try it. My friend Dave—who’s traveled more than anyone I know—laughed when I told him. “You’re gonna regret this,” he said. He was right.
I showed up in Paris with three bags and a suitcase. My back hurt, my arms ached, and I looked like a walking Target ad. But here’s the thing: I had everything I needed. And that felt kinda nice.
I mean, sure, I had to drag that suitcase up 214 steps to my Airbnb. And yes, I probably looked like a lost tourist. But I also had my favorite pillow, my comfy slippers, and enough snacks to survive a zombie apocalypse.
But Here’s the Thing About Packing Heavy
It’s not just about having more stuff. It’s about freedom. Freedom from worrying about what you might need. Freedom from the constant “should I bring this?” debates. Freedom to just be.
And look, I’m not saying you should go out and buy a new suitcase tomorrow. But maybe, just maybe, you should give yourself a little more slack. Bring that extra sweater. Pack the book you’ve been meaning to read. Life’s too short to stress about packing cubes.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a journey. There have been moments—like when I had to haul my bags up a flight of stairs in Rome—where I’ve questioned my life choices. But overall? I’m happier. I’m more relaxed. And honestly, that’s what travel should be about.
And Now, a Word on DIY Travel
Speaking of freedom, let’s talk about DIY travel. You know, those kendin yap projeleri dekorasyon kind of projects. I’m not talking about building a house or anything. But maybe, just maybe, you should try making your own travel itinerary.
I get it. It’s easier to just book a tour. But where’s the fun in that? Last time I did that, I ended up on a bus with 87 other tourists, all taking the same pictures, all complaining about the same things. Boring.
So this time, I did it differently. I found a local guide—okay, fine, it was a guy named Javier who worked at the hotel—and asked him where to go. He told me about this little place, off the beaten path, with the best churros I’ve ever had. And you know what? It was amazing.
I’m not saying you should never book a tour. But give DIY a shot. You might surprise yourself.
A Tangent: The Time I Tried to Pack Light Again
Okay, so remember how I said I quit packing light? Well, there was this one time… It was last summer, in Santorini. I thought, “Maybe I can do it. Maybe I can be that person again.” So I packed light. And you know what happened?
I forgot my sunscreen. I had to buy a new swimsuit because mine was completley ruined from the saltwater. And I spent $87 on snacks because I didn’t have any of my favorite treats. It was a disaster. A completley avoidable disaster.
So yeah, I’m back to packing heavy. And I’m not looking back.
Look, travel should be about enjoying yourself, not about fitting into some arbitrary standard of “perfection.” So bring your stuff. Make your own itinerary. And for the love of god, pack your sunscreen.
Anyway, that’s my take. You do you. But if you’re out there struggling with packing cubes, just remember: there’s a better way.
About the Author
Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with 20+ years of experience. She’s traveled to 47 countries, packed way too many suitcases, and still hasn’t found the perfect travel pillow. You can find her on Instagram @sarahjohnson_travels, where she posts pictures of her latest travel mishaps.
If you’re seeking a thrilling yet off-the-beaten-path experience, discover why West Bengal’s adventure gems are calling your name.
