Solo Nomad Travels

Tip: Travel with carry-on only

For me, it’s the only way to travel. I never want to stand around the baggage carousel at some airport, waiting for my backpack to show up – or worse, hoping it shows up. After it failed to arrive once, I started packing all my essentials in my carry-on backpack. Then I asked myself, why take more than just the essentials?

Nowadays, I can easily fit everything I need for a week or even three months into my carry-on backpack. Alongside my laptop and clothes, I also pack 1kg of protein powder, diving fins, and a snorkel. How do I do it? I’ll explain that in a bit.

Minimalist packing list for warm countries

If you’re like me and drawn to far-off, sunny destinations, chances are your travel spot will be affordable. That also means you’ll likely have access to regular laundry services. So, you don’t need much clothing. Plus, you might find a new favorite piece of clothing while you’re there, so it’s worth leaving some space in your carry-on for new finds.

Minimalist wardrobe for warm destinations

• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 pair of long, thin, airy summer pants (for sun protection if you get sunburned or to protect against mosquitoes)
• 1 lightweight summer dress
• Optional: 1 favorite dress or going-out dress
• 1 blouse/long-sleeved shirt or light-colored shirt (not black, as it’s too warm in the sun; also for sun or mosquito protection and to look professional in video calls)
• 3 t-shirts
• 3 pairs of underwear (yes, really)
• 1 bra + 1 sports bra
• 1 sports outfit (ideally, your shorts can double as workout shorts, and the same for a t-shirt. In tropical countries, I don’t end up working out as often as I do at home, so one multifunctional outfit is enough.)
• 1 bikini or swimsuit
• 1 “pajama” (ideally pieces that can be worn during the day too. I usually take a very, very thin dress.)
• 2 pairs of socks (one short, one long – the long ones for the rare cold hours on planes, buses, or in overly air-conditioned spaces)
• 1 warm sweater or thin jacket (again, for those few cold hours)
• 1 pair of flip-flops or other water-resistant shoes (because you don’t want to stand barefoot in many showers)
• Tip: In Asia, you can find very affordable Birkenstock-like shoes made of rubber. They also double as leisure shoes.
• 1 pair of sandals (comfortable for sweaty feet and longer distances, ideally nice enough for going out)
• 1 pair of trekking or running shoes – I go for trail running shoes; you can climb a mountain, go jogging, or do extended city tours with them.
• Scarf or bandana (can protect against smells or cold)

If you want to make this even more practical: Don’t bring any white clothes. Dirt shows up quickly, as do yellow sweat stains after frequent wear. Plus, you’d have to separate white clothes when washing. And of course, wear one of each category of these clothes on your flight.

Cosmetics and liquids in carry-on luggage

While more and more airports are lifting the 1-liter liquid restriction for carry-on luggage (check this before you travel), you’ll often still be limited to what fits in a small zip-lock bag. If you’re staying longer, you can always buy shampoo or deodorant at your destination. However, no matter how affordable the country is, these items are often more expensive than in Germany. So, I bring as much as I can:

• Shampoo – in bar form (there are so many good ones available now. Best to try them out before you go).
• Conditioner – if your hair gets too dry from saltwater and sun. Also available in bar form or small packets.
• Sunscreen (if you’re going away for a while, bring several 100ml tubes of your favorite sunscreen. It might not be available at your destination or could be twice as expensive as at home).
  • My personal recommendation: Choose reef-friendly ingredients. This not only protects the coral reefs and the ocean but is also increasingly required for boat tours.
• Face cream
• Face cleanser – also available as a bar
• Tweezers
• Razor
• Makeup (I don’t use much when travelling, as I’ve found that I don’t want to put powder or concealer on top of sweat, saltwater, and sunscreen).
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush (if you’re going away for a long time: DM has a bamboo toothbrush with three replaceable heads. This way, you won’t create unnecessary plastic waste in countries with poor waste management systems).
• Toothpaste
• Mosquito spray (depending on your destination, it might be worth buying locally as not all mosquito repellents work the same).
• Hair ties (bring plenty, they always seem to get lost).
• Nail file (preferably one without a metal tip, as it will be confiscated at security).
• Brush or comb
• Small mirror
• Jewelry – the less you bring, the less you have to worry about.

Emergency or travel first aid kit

The following items are essential for quick first aid, ensuring you can continue and enjoy your trip without having to search for a pharmacy.

• Painkillers (Tip: If you want them to work quickly, lie on your right side)
• Band-aids for small injuries and blisters
• 1 wound dressing (in case you get a bigger cut)
• Something for sore throat (spray or lozenges)Contraceptives (better safe than sorry)

For Work and play

Other Essentials

• Small padlock (preferably with a combination code! I’ve lost my key before).
• Towel (for drying off after a shower – ideally lightweight, as small as possible, and made of microfiber).
• Beach towel (a sarong is multifunctional: can also be worn as a skirt).
• Sunglasses + case (if you wear prescription glasses, get a case that can hold both pairs).
• Cap or hat for sun protection (often there’s no shade at the beach, so it’s helpful to keep your head cool).
• Rain protection! In tropical countries, I prefer an umbrella + backpack cover (I sweat so much in a rain jacket or poncho that I end up getting wet anyway).
• Sleep mask and earplugs!!! You never know if you’ll have noisy neighbors, snoring roommates, or an overly enthusiastic rooster.
• 1-liter water bottle (mine is aluminum – easy to clean and durable. In more and more countries where you can’t drink tap water, there are now free water dispensers in accommodations. This saves you money and reduces plastic waste).
• Small travel backpack and/or a tote bag (the small travel backpack is great for comfortably carrying water and other essentials over a longer period. The tote bag helps organize your items in your main backpack).
• No brainer: Credit card & some cash (in case your credit card doesn’t work, you’ll have reserves).
• Identification documents (passport, and keep your ID card in a separate place).
• Driver’s license

My extras

If you still have room after packing all the essentials – and I’m sure you will – you can treat yourself to a few little extras that will make life in paradise even easier.

• Snorkel and mask (sometimes even fins if I KNOW I’ll be snorkeling a lot without booking a tour. In Bali, I stayed at a beach with a reef and went snorkeling every day).
• Protein powder (as a vegetarian, it can be difficult to get a variety of plant-based proteins depending on the destination. Sometimes it’s just eggs or eggs and tofu. I like to start my day with something sweet and high in protein, so I bring my powder to make baked oats in a microwave or mix with water if needed).
• Supplements (if you take them at home, bring them along).
• Small fascia ball (if I have a muscle knot, I can use this for quick relief until I can book a massage).
• Insect bite healer – my lifesaver! I could probably sell them on every trip if I brought extras.
• Vibrator (the other lifesaver 😉 – available in very discreet formats that don’t give away what they are at first glance).
• Travel pillow (especially useful if you’re staying in various accommodations or on long journeys. I’ve tried many and my favorite is an inflatable one, as I can adjust it to the perfect height and even sleep well on a bus).
• Small mini towel (instead of disposable wet wipes, I take a small mini towel in a plastic bag and wet it before heading out for the day. It feels much better to wash my face and hands when I’m sweaty and sticky).
• GoPro
• HDMI adapter (to connect my laptop to a TV).
• Aluminum straw (saves plastic and you never know when you’ll need it for your next coconut).
• Clothespins with hooks (super practical for hanging up your daily hand wash).

5 reasons to travel with carry-on only

1. Save Time: Skip the baggage check and get out of the airport faster.
2. Lower Risk: No worries about lost or delayed luggage.
3. Flexibility: Easier to move around, especially with multiple stops.
4. Save Money: Avoid extra fees for checked baggage.
5. Eco-Friendly: Less weight means lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.