‘An empty backpack!? Are you crazy?’ I can hear you all crying this already. You’d be mad to leave without anything…right?
There are literally hundreds of websites and blogs out there offering advice on what to pack for your round-the-world trip but I have to disagree with every single one. You don’t need X-amount of pyjamas, a guide book to every single town in the world or a specialised waterproof coat that doubles up as a canoe, a Swiss army knife and a tent.
All you really need is your passport, the clothes on your back, a camera, your toothbrush and a debit card. Simples.
Still don’t believe me…? Here’s why I’ll be leaving home with an empty backpack on my next big trip:
My Top 10 reasons for leaving home with an empty backpack
1. There is no danger of over packing – possibly the biggest mistake that every backpacker makes.
2. You will have loads of fun exploring the markets, haggling for a bargain and picking up some unique clothes so much more fun than a regular trip to H&M.
3. You will honestly be able to pick up everything you need on the road – including a backpack if you decide to go all out and leave with nothing.
4. You will be able to confuse the hell out of the airport staff as you check in an empty bag.
5. You won’t need to lug around a load of stuff you will never need or won’t need for 6 months.
6. You may think you’re going to the Arse End of Nowhere but I can guarantee that even the Arse End of Nowhere has shops and they will be cheaper than at home.
7. What you wear at home won’t necessarily be what you’ll wear while travelling. The latest London fashions look completely out of place in Asia and you’ll want to be in baggy pants and a T-shirt displaying the local beer.
8. There is an amazing sense of freedom when you have barely any luggage and nothing to weigh you down.
9. It isn’t until you’ve travelled with nothing that you realise how little you need in life. This can really be a life changing experience.
10. You’ll have loads of space in your empty bag for gifts, souvenirs and all the great stuff you are bound to pick up along the way!
What do you think about leaving home with an empty backpack? Is there anything you couldn’t leave without?
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