How I Traveled the World with Just One Backpack for Years/我如何只用一个背包环游世界多年

My Hacks for Smart and Light Travel Packing in South America/南美轻装智游：我的实用打包技巧

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Are you tired of lugging around heavy suitcases, paying extra luggage fees, and struggling to find what you need when you’re on the road? I’ve been there, and I’m here to share my personal tips on how to pack smart and light for your travels.

Whether you’re a solo traveler like me or exploring the world with a companion, these hacks will help you travel with ease, especially if you plan to travel in South America.

Pre-Packing:

1/ Make a Packing List:

Before you start packing, create a checklist of your travel essentials. This simple step will save you from over-packing and ensure you don’t forget anything crucial.

I always keep a digital list of my essentials and electronics.

2/ Choose Warm Destinations:

Opt for places with warm or hot weather to save on extra expenses. Cold climates often come with bulky clothing and heating costs.

When you’re on a budget, living somewhere warm is a more affordable option. So, either pick a tropical destination or visit during the warm season.

Thankfully, many popular South American tourist destinations fit this approach. Cities like Medellin and Cali in Colombia, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and most of Brazil, for instance, are great examples.

3/ Multi-Purpose Items:

Look for items that serve multiple functions.

For instance, a gym towel can double as a beach cover-up, towel, and picnic blanket.

I also own a versatile Decathlon Running Multi-Purpose Headband that can be used in multiple ways, including as a hat, scarf, facial mask, and even an eye mask to help me sleep.

4/ Learn to Hand Wash:

This skill can drastically cut down on the number of garments you need to pack.

Personally, I typically bring only three pairs of socks and three sets of underwear (T-shirts and panties).

I wash one set each night during my shower and wear another while the first set dries. This way, I always have clean and fresh undergarments, whether it’s T-shirts or panties.

It’s a simple trick that means you don’t have to pack loads of clothes.

5/ Embrace Minimalism:

Understand what’s most important and can’t be replaced.

For me, it’s

• legal documents like passports and vaccination records,
• working purpose electronics (iPad and mobile phone for me, laptop for you),
• essential electronics, such as universal adapters
• a unique piece of white slim shirts that highlights my style and body perfectly

However, anything special that holds personal value to you.

6/ Shop at Your Destination:

Don’t stress if you forget some items. Many destinations offer the things you might need.

This includes toiletry items, hygiene products, and cheap clothes for labor/sports purposes.

Pack Light (What to Pack):

1/ Prioritize Versatility:

Pack light by choosing versatile clothes that can be mixed and matched.

As a solo male traveler,

• I prefer lightweight, easy-to-hand-wash garments for warm destination.
• A mix of dark-colored clothing and white shirts always creates a stylish and practical combination for a guy.
• Skip jeans; they take up space and are hard to hand wash.
• Opt for shirts without underarm parts to stay fresh longer and
• Try a gym towel instead of a regular one

2/ Choose the Right Bag:

In my opinion, a carry-on bag should suffice, saving you money on checked luggage fees and making it easy to move around.

3/ Essentials in Your Carry-On:

Keep important items like medications, passports, credit cards, and critical documents in your carry-on or handbag with you. This ensures you’re covered even if your checked luggage is delayed.

4/ Wear Bulky Items:

If you’re carrying bulky clothing items, like a heavy jacket, wear them during your travel to save space in your bag.

This works well when traveling to warm places. For example, in Medellin or Cali in Colombia, or Brazil, my hoody is my only bulky item, and I wear it while moving, either on a bus or in flight.

5/ Limit Shoes:

Shoes can take up valuable space, so restrict yourself to a few pairs that match various outfits.

I carry only 2 pairs: my trusty sneakers, a pair of slippers, and I no longer bring leather shoes for formal occasions as I’ve never needed them while traveling in South America for the past two years.

6. Tech Essentials:

Don’t forget chargers, adapters, and electronic gadgets. Keep them organized in a separate pouch to avoid last-minute stress. I once lost my electronic toothbrush charger and had to buy a whole new set — believe me, it’s a painful experience.

Packing Smart (How to Pack):

1/ Roll Your Clothes:

Learn the art of Army (Ranger) Rolling. Think of it as making a clothing burrito.

To roll your clothes properly, lay the item flat, fold the bottom two inches inside out to create a pocket, and then roll tightly.

This method doesn’t necessarily save space, but it keeps your clothes organized for longer.

2/ Pack in Layers:

When packing your backpack, arrange heavier and bulkier items at the bottom, with lighter ones on top.

If you can, keep less frequently used items at the bottom and frequently used ones on top for easier access.

3/ Use Packing Cubes:

Packing cubes are fantastic for staying organized and making it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase.

That’s all for my packing tips to travel smart and light. With these tricks in your pocket, you’re all set for a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Bon voyage, pack efficiently, and savor every moment of your journey! Safe travels!

我如何只用一个背包环游世界多年

南美轻装智游：我的实用技巧

是否已经受够了拖着沉重的行李箱、支付额外的行李费用以及在旅途中苦苦寻找所需物品？我有过这种经历，现在我来分享我个人的智能轻装旅行技巧。

无论你是像我一样的独自旅行者，还是和伴侣一同探索世界，这些技巧都将帮助你轻松出行，尤其适用于计划在南美旅行的人。

出发前：

1/ 制定行李清单：

在你开始收拾行李前，先列一张旅行必需品的清单。这个简单的步骤可以避免你过度打包，确保你不会忘记重要物品。

我通常都会在手机里制定一个数字化清单，列出我需要的物品和电子设备。

2/ 选择温暖目的地：

尽量选择气候温暖或炎热的地方，这样可以省下不少开支。

寒冷地区通常需要携带厚重的衣物和支付取暖费用。如果预算有限，生活在温暖地方通常更经济实惠。

因此，要么选择热带目的地，要么在温暖的季节前往。

值得庆幸的是，南美的许多热门旅游目的地都适合这一原则，比如哥伦比亚的麦德林和卡利、阿根廷的布宜诺斯艾利斯，以及巴西的大部分地区。

3/ 多功能物品：

寻找那些具有多种功能的物品。

比如，一条健身毛巾可以充当沙滩覆盖物、毛巾和野餐毯。

我还拥有一款万用的迪卡侬跑步头带，可以作为帽子、围巾、面膜，甚至可以用作眼罩帮助入睡。

4/ 学会手洗：

学会手洗衣物可以显著减少所需携带的衣物数量。

我通常只携带三双袜子和三套内衣（T恤和内裤）。

我每晚在洗澡时洗一套，然后穿另一套，以确保我始终有干净和清新的内衣，无论是T恤还是内裤。

这是一个简单的技巧，可以避免携带大量衣物。

5/ 拥抱极简主义：

明确什么是最重要的，不可替代的物品。

对我来说，包括

• 护照、疫苗记录等法律文件，
• 出差需要的电子设备（对我来说是iPad和手机，对你来说是笔记本电脑），
• 必需的电子设备，如通用适配器，
• 还有一件能够突显我的风格和体型的白色修身衬衫。

当然，还有那些对你个人有特殊价值的物品。

6/ 在目的地购物：

如果忘记了某些物品，不要担心。许多目的地都提供你可能需要的物品。

包括洗漱用品、卫生用品和干体力活的服装。

轻装出发（必备物品）：

1/ 优先考虑多功能性：

选择那些可以混搭的轻便衣物。

作为一个独自旅行的男性，

• 我更喜欢轻便、容易清洗的衣物，尤其是在前往温暖的目的地时。
• 深色衣物和白色衬衫的搭配总能为男性创造出时尚而实用的形象。
• 放弃牛仔裤，因为它们占用太多空间，而且难以手洗。
• 另外，选择没有腋下部位的衬衫，这样能保持清新更久，
• 此外，使用健身毛巾代替普通毛巾。

2/ 选择合适的行李袋：

在我看来，一个随身携带的背包就足够了，不仅可以节省托运行李费用，而且方便携带。

3/ 随身携带必备物品：

将重要物品，如药物、护照、信用卡和重要文件，放在你的随身携带或手提包中。这样，即使托运行李延误，你也能得到保障。

4/ 穿着厚重物品：

如果你携带了厚重的衣物，比如厚外套，可以在旅途中穿着它们，以节省行李空间。

这在前往温暖地区旅行时效果很好。例如，在哥伦比亚的麦德林或卡利，或者巴西，我唯一的厚重物品是我的帽衫，我在移动中穿着它，无论是在公共汽车上还是飞机上。

5/ 限制鞋子的数量：

鞋子占用宝贵的空间，所以限制自己只带几双可以搭配不同服装的鞋子

我只携带两双鞋子：一双可靠的运动鞋，一双拖鞋。不再携带正式场合的皮鞋，因为我在过去两年的南美旅行中从未需要过它们。

6/ 科技必备品：

不要忘记充电器、适配器和电子设备。将它们整齐地放在一个独立的袋子中，以避免最后一刻的麻烦。

我曾经丢失了电动牙刷的充电器，不得不重新购买一整套-相信我，这是一次痛苦的经历。

智能打包（如何打包）：

1/ 卷起衣物：

学会军事（Ranger）卷衣服的技巧。将其想象成制作一种衣物墨西哥鸡肉卷。

要正确地卷起衣物，将衣物展平，将底部的两英寸折叠到内侧，创建一个口袋，然后紧紧卷起。

这种方法不一定能节省空间，但可以让你的衣物保持更长时间的整洁。

2/ 分层打包：

在打包背包时，将较重和较大的物品放在底部，将较轻的物品放在顶部。如果可能的话，将不经常使用的物品放在底部，将经常使用的物品放在顶部，以便更容易取用。

3/ 使用打包袋：

打包袋对于保持整洁并在不拆包的情况下找到所需物品非常有用。

这就是我的智能轻便旅行打包窍门。有了这些技巧，你已经准备好开始一段顺利愉快的冒险之旅了。祝你一路顺风，聪明地打包，享受旅程的每一刻！安全旅行！