One Bag Travel

For the smart and frugal traveler

This site will guide you through tips on traveling light. I'll also take you through the best way to save money and get the most out of your European travel. From booking hostels to train schedules, I'll help you prepare for an inexpensive, life changing, and memorable trip.

Cliffs Notes: 1 bag, a weeks worth of clothes, staying in hostels or bed and breakfasts. We're talking minimalism for maximized fun.

Rick Steves Convertible Carry-On

Rick's bag started it all. Throwing out the conventional ridged size of wheelie luggage in exchange for a backpack that's flexible, lighter, and supplies just as much space. Where the weekender lacks in visual appeal, it makes up in well thought out design. Plenty of compartmentalized pockets and storage gives you up to a weeks worth of clothes and toilets.

This bag also meets carry on requirements 21″ x 14″ x 9″.

Check it out on RickSteves.com

EBags Weekender Convertible Carryon

One week? Two weeks? A month? It doesn't matter how long you're staying. You'll just need one bag... Meet eBags Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Carryon. With plenty of hidden pockets and storage spots, this backpack is ideal the organized traveler.


The bag maximizes space while still meeting all carry on bag requirements 21″ x 14″ x 9″.

Check it out on Amazon.com.

I'm able to pack a weeks worth of clothes, toiletries, sweater, jacket, and any gifts to and from Europe. Packing right and knowing you might have to sacrifice bringing your favorite pillow will allow you to become a true minimalist and your back will thank you for it.

This is my simplified packing list. It's everything I bring with me in the bag or in my pockets while traveling.

Check out a detailed description of the items in the Gear page.

  • 5 Shirts
  • 2 Trousers
  • 3 ExOfficio boxers
  • Light jacket/Sweater
  • Wallet & Passport
  • Dopp kit (toiletries)
  • Light weight absorbent towel
  • Day bag (doubles as pillow)
  • Combination lock
  • Point and Shoot camera
  • iPhone + Charger
  • eReader
  • Plug converter
  • External Battery Pack
  • Ear plugs + Sleep mask