Angela Killian

I’ve always romanticized the idea of backpacking, but the older I get the more I realize that I’m too old for that shit. Sure, you meet a lot of interesting (and no doubt penniless and / or of college age) people and get to see the world on a dime, but if I go on vacation I want to be able to enjoy it and not eat instant noodles the whole time or sleep in dirty hostels.

I didn’t know there was a word for my preferred type of travel until I googled it. “Flashpacking” is basically a backpacker with a higher travel budget.

As a flashpacker, I frequently stay at places found on airbnb. I can’t say enough good things about this website! You have unique options that are budget friendly and also high end. My favorite part about airbnb properties is that you have access to full apartments with a kitchen and washing machine. I don’t have an oven or washing machine in Thailand so I’m overzealous about these things on vacation.

Below are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years as a flashpacker when it comes to packing your suitcase / carry on.

 

1- Definitely bring a carry on

Women – use a large purse that can double as a weekend or day trip bag if need be.

Men – use a small backpack for the same reason as above.

You never know when you will take a day trip or fly to another location where you cannot check a bag. I have left my huge suitcase in train station lockers before and picked it up days later. If you rent a car, you can leave your large bag in the trunk and bring your carry on bag inside if you will only stay 1-2 nights. So many options!

Inside the carry on: nuts, granola bars, travel sized toiletries, headphones, charger USB cord (most planes have a USB input so you can charge your gadgets), vitamins, emergen-c powder, thermal back patch (because I’m getting too old to sit on a plane for 10 hours) wallet, passport

 

2- Bring a small collapsible bag

My grandma taught me this trick and I used to think it was ridiculous, but you never know what you might want to purchase on vacation. You could also use this as another weekend / day trip bag. Even if you don’t buy anything or use the bag, it doesn’t take up any space in your large suitcase.

 

3- Bring your own coffee

After numerous trips I realized that it’s not always easy to get coffee first thing in the morning. Hotels usually have facilities in the room, but airbnbs are hit or miss and you don’t want to be an angry morning person. Take control of your caffeine addiction – plan ahead. I bring Starbucks VIA everywhere I go. The packages are tiny, lightweight and only cost about $1 USD per serving. I pack some in my carry on and checked bag.

 

4- Bring your own wine

This is another brilliant idea from my grandmother. Once again, I thought she was crazy until we were all hanging around the hotel room (starving and thirsty) and she busted out the cocktail peanuts and wine from her suitcase and saved the day. I buy the twist-off kind so you don’t have to worry about a wine key, although you could totally pack that too. You can always buy more bottles at duty-free shops, but it’s good to have at least one already packed for “emergencies”.

 

5- Bring your own laundry detergent

Whether you use coin laundry or have access to one at your hotel / apartment rental I highly recommend brining your own detergent and softener. Most of the time you can buy it at the coin laundry place, or some airbnb hosts will have it there for you, but nothing is more annoying than having to buy a full container of laundry detergent that you will have to either leave or pack in your bag and lug around for the rest of the trip. Mini-marts sell these single use packets which are lightweight and don’t take up much space. Or you could buy the little pods and pack them in a Ziploc baggie. Plus you can use the detergent to hand wash items when you don’t have access to a machine.

 

6- Bring wrinkle release spray

Most hotels have irons, but since I am a flashpacker, I don’t always stay at hotels. Most of the time I am either camping, staying at B&Bs or airbnbs. None of which can guarantee an iron and nobody wants wrinkled clothes. Spray your clothes and hang them in the bathroom before you take a HOT shower. This will pretty much get the job done. There are plenty of websites that can teach you how to make your own wrinkle releaser too!

 

7- Don’t bring a hair dryer

I rarely use a dryer on my hair while on vacation. It’s nice to have, but it takes up a lot of space in your luggage and is unnecessary. I’m always surprised by how many B&Bs offer hair dryers and many airbnbs have them as well. If there isn’t one in your room, call the reception desk. Sometimes they have them available to borrow.

 

8- Bring a flat iron / curling iron with dual / universal voltage

This contradicts not bringing a hair dryer, but at least you can groom your hair a little bit after it has air dried. Here’s a list of some option ranging from $13 USD up to nearly $300 USD. You will still need to use a plug converter, but at least you won’t fry your appliance or set the room on fire.

 

9- Pack a converter

Nothing is more annoying than searching for a convertor on vacation and I have done it many many times. They are readily available at the airport (super overpriced). Some hotels have converters in the rooms, but don’t count on it. You can charge devices using your USB cord, but don’t plan on the TV / radio at your accommodation to have an input. Order a convertor online if you can’t find one at a store near you.

 

10- Use a suitcase instead of a large backpack

This takes away the “glamour” of backpacking, but I am too old to carry 50 pounds on my back through airports and train stations. The only downfall is that you may have to awkwardly carry it up flights of stairs if your accommodation doesn’t have an elevator. I HATE using a backpack because you have to take everything out to see everything you packed. With a suitcase, you can simply open it up and everything is mostly visible. No need to totally unpack at every stop.