3 Months Across the Globe with 3 Backpacks
Traveling with kids is always an adventure, but imagine doing it with only backpacks for an extended period of time!
My recent trip to Southeast Asia with my two children was just that—a bold, liberating, and surprisingly convenient experience. Here's how we made it work and what we learned along the way.
The Convenience of Traveling Light
Opting for backpacks as our sole luggage was a great, albeit challenging, decision that we made for our 3 month Southeast Asia trip recently. Not only did it free us from the hassle of hauling heavy suitcases through crowded airports and busy streets, but it also significantly reduced our obligations. We didn't have to worry about collecting unnecessary souvenirs or managing cumbersome luggage. Everything we needed was literally on our backs, which made moving from one destination to another a breeze.
Lessons from Egypt
This decision was heavily influenced by a previous trip to Egypt, where we overpacked and found ourselves struggling with big bags in busy areas. Navigating crowded streets and bustling markets with heavy suitcases was not only exhausting but also a safety concern. It was a valuable lesson in the importance of packing light and staying mobile, especially when traveling with kids. The experience taught us that less is often more, and that simplicity can enhance the travel experience.
Making the Most of a Limited Wardrobe
One key strategy that helped us manage with limited clothing was choosing the right materials. I packed lightweight wool clothing for myself, which turned out to be a game-changer. Wool is not only light and breathable, but it also has natural anti-microbial properties, meaning it doesn’t need to be washed as often as other fabrics. This kept our backpacks lighter and allowed us to travel with fewer clothes, without sacrificing comfort or hygiene. Next time I plan to do the Wool&Co 100 day Dress Challenge! I would have done that this time but I ran out of time to order things to my house in Ohio, try them on, and return them if needed. Wool can be very pricey upfront so I have not bought any pieces for the kids yet but will slowly over time. I highly recommend compression packing cubes.
The Downsides
Of course, traveling light with kids isn't without its challenges. One of the biggest downsides was the kids trying to carry heavy backpacks. Despite packing minimally, their bags could still get heavy, especially when we had to walk longer distances. To mitigate this, we often redistributed items or carried some (a lot) of their gear in my backpack. My backpack was closer to the size of carry-on luggage but very comfy to carry.
Another challenge was the limited wardrobe. With only a few outfits each, we had to do laundry more frequently and get creative with our clothing combinations. I brought a portable clotheslines and this helped greatly! It was HOT and clothes dried quickly. However, the benefits of traveling light far outweighed these inconveniences.
My daughter, the fashionista, was happy to come home to her wardrobe but she developed a better appreciation for what she has and it fueled her creativity.
Tips for Making It Work
Pack Smart: Choose versatile, lightweight clothing like wool that can be worn multiple times without washing. I also bought a tiny backpack that folded down into almost nothing. This was wonderful for short day trips as were fast-drying towels.
Redistribute Weight: Be prepared to adjust the load, especially for younger kids who might struggle with heavier packs. I would suggest bringing a foldable cart as well.
Plan for Laundry: Factor in time and places for doing laundry. Many places in Southeast Asia offer affordable laundry services. I also used laundry sheets that were so easy to bring along and never messy.
Stay Organized: Use compression packing cubes to keep items organized and make it easier to access essentials without unpacking everything.
Prioritize: For souvenirs-Identify small things that children will enjoy. My children prefer experiences and consumables like local candy over “Hua Hin, Thailand” magnets and the like.
Buy What You Need: If it will cost me $10 (sometimes $20) or less, I buy things when I get there. This is not the case for everything but there are plenty of things I would rather buy locally or just if I end up needing it as opposed to planning for every contingency.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Southeast Asia with two kids and only backpacks was an incredible experience that taught us a lot about the joys of minimalist travel. While there were some challenges, the convenience of traveling light and the freedom it offered made it all worthwhile. Plus, wearing lightweight wool clothing kept us comfortable and cut down on laundry, making our adventure even more enjoyable. If you're considering a similar trip, I highly recommend giving backpack travel a try—it might just be the best decision you make.
Follow up for an upcoming post about Worldschooling!
