“Backpacker’s tickets” have honestly saved my life. If you don’t already know, they are the cheapest of the cheap when it comes to airline tickets. Yes, you will load the plane last. Yes, you will probably be in the middle. And finally, yes you will not have access to overhead bins. When I first read this while booking a ticket for my first solo trip my over-packing mind thought “how will I bring every thing I need without at least a carry on?” But after extensively going through each item I thought I needed, I found ways to minimize my packing list but still bring my must-have’s.
One of the most important things in this journey is making sure that your one personal item is a spacious backpack. Now, I’m not talking packed to the ceiling type deal but you can pack your typical day hiking bag to the brim and it will still fit under your seat. Some of my favorite backpacks are High Sierra, and Teton. They are usually light weight, have a water bladder, and built to last. You don’t have to drop tons of money to get a nice bag though. TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Ebay, and even Facebook market place usually have some great deals on usually very expensive backpacks.
Next is learning how to pack in a more *minimalist* manner. I know at the time it really feels like you do need all 5 sandals, 12 sundresses, 8 bikinis, and 7 pairs of leggings but I promise you will survive (beautifully.) You can still have all of your essentials, while still managing to get away with not paying the ridiculous fee’s to check a bag. Sort out all the items you want to take, immediately get rid of any of those items you are packing in case you “might need them.” 90% of the time those items sit in the bottom of my bag and never get worn, so why even pack them.
From there, try to bring pieces that you can wear multiple times, and know what you can sacrifice. So maybe instead of bringing three pairs of black hiking leggings, just bring one. Or bring a skirt that you can wear with multiple tops, things like that! This saves you a lot of room if you can get multiple outfits out of one piece. Lastly, with shoes make sure you are wearing your bulkiest shoes (ex; hiking boots) on the plane so you can save room in your bag. My personal rule for shoes is to bring 1 pair for comfort and 1 or 2 pairs for fashion.
If you are a blogger like myself, most of us are also packing a camera and a laptop for editing. These things can take up HUGE amounts of space. Try to narrow down what kind of shots you are going to take, and from there decide what lenses you need. I try to bring just one if I’m only bringing my backpack because as I said, lenses can get pretty bulky. Lastly, REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN BUY. Travel size items are sold nearly every where, why take up space bringing your own travel size items when you could purchase the same ones there?
Thanks so much for reading everyone if you want to check out how I travel on a budget, click here!
13 thoughts on “How to Pack With a Backpacker’s Ticket”
Deserted_Queen
Wow. So much to learn. I thinking of adding travel to my blog. I had so much to learn.
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Enjoyfreebies
I never heard of a backpacker’s ticket before. But I do always carry a backpack with me when I travel. It is so multipurpose to fit your laptop, electronics and other personal belongings that you just can’t afford to lose in case something happens to your luggage. These are excellent tips.
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Francisca Garreton
I have watched a documentary on Minimalism and this made a huge difference in my traveling packing! Thank you so much for your great traveling tips, I had no idea that there was a Backpackers ticket.
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Arnab Majumdar
Never heard of backpackers ticket before, but its definitely worth the check, plus save money. Thanks for info
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mdaisi
I don’t travel much but traveling with a Backpacker’s tickets definitely sounds like a good idea, especially if you are going on a solo trip. Thanks for sharing.
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krish
Yes..travel light…most of us tend to carry to much stuff…a little planning can help us save a lot..
Thank you for the nice writeup..
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alison netzer
I never knew about the backpackers ticket. Cool. We are about to teach the kids to pack in a small under the seat backpack for 4 1/2 day so we don’t have to pay baggage fees. This is very helpful. Just wondering how to tell my 13 year old daughter she doesn’t need 5 bikinis, 12 sandals etc…
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Lauren Russell
Hahah I have the same problem as your daughter
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TheKitchenDoc
Great advice. I love your instagram account. Such pretty pictures.
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kidneyfornikki
I have never heard of those tickets before! I don’t think I could survive sitting in the middle with no overhead access. However, my son could use that! Thanks!
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angie
those tickets are new to me , may have to check them out
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Lauren Russell
They aren’t labeled as backpacker’s tickets but that’s just the nickname!
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XoLivi
Such great tips! I would need lots of practice packing like this though haha
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