I don't feel bad now about my own packing skills

Love the article, thanks for the link. One of my favorite quotes:
"For a suitcase is never just a suitcase. It is an earthly manifestation of your full-to-bursting emotional baggage, a ballistic-nylon-coated box of shame."

Just understand that his packing technique is not a model, it's a characterization of everything not to do. You cannot look at it as, "I'm better than that". Everything is better than that.

Thanks for the link! It shows the truth of the 'other side' here. Some of us add our vacations on to the beginning or end of a business trip so packing light becomes some unattainable fantasy. Add to that list, those that like a variety of activities/experiences, then it just may not happen. Cheers to those that manage! I do everything from business meetings to swimming/hiking to clubs and fancy dinners. Can't do that in zip off pant-shorts or a scarf and yoga pants. It just proves there is no right way to do it. There is a whole bunch of wrong ways though :) I must admit I envy the travellers moving quickly through trains etc, but I promise I'm having fun too, just miserable in the moving about phase.

Why do those who don't "one bag" travel assume all we wear are zip off pants or yoga pants? I recently spoke to a group of "wanna-be" travel writers about one bag travel. One woman got up and said "I traveled like that in college, staying in hostels, hitchhiking and being dirty all the time." That was their impression. I assured her that I stayed in nice hotels, never hitchhike, shower daily, and, in fact, would classify my travel clothes as "business casual." It's really a mindset. If you want to travel light, you can. That being said, I agree that in some situations, where extra equipment or clothes are needed, that one bag travel may not be for everyone.

My husband and I just returned from 2 weeks in Italy. We each had 1 carry on suitcase and a small bag for misc. items. We agreed it's the only way to travel, and came home with clothes we didn't wear - and believe me, our attire was fashionable and appropriate for the occasion. It's so much simpler when you don't have to worry about checked bags!

Teresa - thanks for the link! The whole time I was reading this, I was thinking, This guy has a real problem. He's attached to stuff in an unhealthy way - that's why he never regrets bringing half of his possessions everywhere! And it sounds like he worries too much about having just the right stuff for every occasion. Can't the jeans that you wear on the hike on Hampstead Heath double for going to the club? No, you won't have your Day-Glo suit or baby rattle, but I'm sure you won't be thrown out or laughed at. I wouldn't want to travel with him!

"No, you won't have your Day-Glo suit or baby rattle, but I'm sure you won't be thrown out or laughed at. I wouldn't want to travel with him!" Funny. I was thinking just the opposite. I'd love to travel with that guy. He knows where the party's at! Last time I was in London in mid December all the ladies were dressed in Catholic school girl uniforms (the Halloween costume version) with pacifiers around their neck and the guys were in Santa Claus suits. It was a riot. Some club thing for the gals and a drunk Santa run for the men folk (and some ladies). Looks like I'm going to have to bring an extra bag this December! Not sure where you get that day-glo suit for my Hubby though. I guess I'll check out my local Tesco when I get there :)

It's all fun and games until someone throws their back out half way round the world from their doctor. I'm always chiding my mom for packing heavy. She literally had shoulder surgery because she hurt herself trying to lug around her 26" suitcase, personal item, purse, and seperate bag for toiletries/makeup (she considers that packing light because it's only one large suitcase). It gets worse, my wife stayed with my mom for a week after her surgery and had to dress her. I can't imagine seeing my MIL naked. As my wife says, "It's one of those things you can't unsee."

I can't imagine seeing my MIL naked. As my wife says, "It's one of those things you can't unsee." ROFL!!! Thanks!!! Methinks the author has some issues, though - BUT as long as he 1)doesn't hurt anyone else with his luggage, and b)can physically carry it - go for it. Sure, my mind works alot like his with all of the 'it sure would be handy to have this and that' and 'I'm gonna get tired of wearing the same outfits over and over - it'd be nice to have some variety', BUT I have to carry my own bag, and wash (by hand or laundromat) those clothes...so it's ONE bag for me. Besides, the next time I need to buy 6 lbs of beer steins on the first couple of days of a 3-week trip...wherever would I put them in a bag full of Day-Glo discowear?!? NOT that I've ever done such a thing (massaging shoulder)...

Agree with Frank II. Taking too much stuff is a sure way to ruin your trip. The Overpacking Guy has the mobile version of Compulsive Hoarding Syndrome. This guy doesn't need a suitcase; he needs to take an Airstream travel trailer with him to Europe.

On the other hand, I came back from 10 weeks in Italy with only my carry-on and personal bag - no clothes left in the carry-on, I disposed of them to make room for purchases (the customs agent was impressed).