Beware of Your Baggage — It’s Heavier Than You Think: A Traveler’s Hard-Learned Lesson

How smart travel planning—and knowing what really matters—can make your journey smoother from the start.

When I set out on my first journey across Europe, I was wide-eyed, excited, and ready for adventure. I thought I had everything figured out — flights booked, reservations made, itinerary planned, and bags packed. What I didn’t realize was just how much “baggage” I was actually bringing with me.

And no, I’m not talking about emotional baggage (that’s a topic for another day). I mean literally, the heavy, wheel-busting kind — the kind I kept validating with every step across centuries-old cobblestone streets, questioning every item I had stuffed into a one-ton suitcase. I don’t remember if I was charged for the extra weight I was carrying, but I probably should have been.

When I landed in Dublin, Ireland, all I could think about was getting settled in and heading off to one of those famous Irish pubs I’d read about — for a pint of Gat, or “the Black Stuff,” as they call Guinness Stout. It was the first item on my bucket list, and one that would quickly go back on the list due to the pure enjoyment of drinking it. That’s not cheating, is it?

But before I could enjoy that tasty brew in the company of happy Irish locals, I had to navigate the many cobblestones between the bus stop and my accommodation. What looked like just a few blocks (and a dark alleyway) soon stretched into what felt like miles — and with every step, I grew thirstier. My dream finally came true after a bit of hard work and stubbornness, I was rewarded with my first of many pints.

The next day, as I looked into my bag, and realized I didn’t need half of what I had packed. I was completely embarrassed by some of the silly things I thought were essential. Dreading the thought of dragging all that junk across Europe, I went on a mission and found a shop on the other side of the town square that sold travel gear and accessories.

I found a backpack that was large enough to hold everything I truly needed — and limited me to what I didn’t. I no longer had to worry about those pesky cobblestones. With the leftovers separated from the essentials, I packed up a good-sized box and shipped it back to the U.S. with a sigh of relief. The backpack worked like a charm and became the perfect accessory for the minimalist travel lifestyle I was now embracing.

Nearly twenty-five years later, things have changed a lot — but some stay the same. I’m older now, and the young backpacker of the past has turned into a wiser, more experienced traveler. Or so I thought. As it turns out, I was about to make the same mistake all over again.

After selling nearly everything from my old, materialistic life, I tried to squeeze the last few remaining items into two fifty-pound suitcases — the airline limit. I had to make painful choices about what to keep and what to let go of — not easy for someone who grew up in a family of proud hoarders who never threw anything away.

Unfortunately, I’d forgotten the lessons from that first overseas trip. Once again, I felt like I’d done a great job paring down to the bare essentials — my personal “best of the best.” This time, the journey would be more permanent; as I was planning to stay abroad for much longer. I was ready for my new minimalist travel life. But reality hit hard again the moment those wheels met Europe’s ancient cobblestones.

So, if you’re preparing for a long-term trip or even your first European getaway, take it from me: beware of your baggage. Or at least, make sure you have a good plan or the means to let someone else handle it for you. I chose not to — it’s a guy thing, I guess — and I could have made my second trip a lot easier. The route to my new flat involved multiple legs to complete: a plane, a metro, a train, and finally a cab. This was definitely not a Point A to Point B trip.

A Few Practical Travel Packing Tips

Pack Smarter, Not Heavier

Before you even get to the airport, use a small luggage scale to weigh your bags. Trust me — nothing ruins the start of a trip faster than the steely-eyed airline attendant telling you your bags are over the limit. This simple "Packing Light for Europe" tip can save you both stress and extra fees.

Think Through Every Step of Your Journey

Plan out how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel — step by step. Will you need to take a bus, train, or metro along the way? That short ten-minute walk you see on Google Maps can easily turn into a marathon in real life, especially when hauling heavy luggage.

Pre-Book a Ride or Have Directions Written Down

Use a cab or ride-share service to get straight to your destination. Have the name and address of your final destination written down clearly — especially if you don’t speak the local language. Nothing says “lost tourist” like trying to pronounce a street name you can’t even spell.

Always Check If Your Accommodations Hava an Elevator

It might seem like a minor detail — until you’re dragging five bags up three narrow flights of stairs after a twelve-hour flight. Do yourself a favor and confirm this before you book your room. Your back will thank you later.

Final Thought: Travel Light, Live Freely

Traveling isn’t just about the destination — it’s also about the journey, and what you don’t bring with you. Every extra pound of luggage adds weight to your journey, both physically and mentally. So before your next trip, take a moment to ask yourself: What am I really needing for this trip?

I’ve learned that the best adventures begin when you finally let go of what you don’t need — because excess baggage can really put a damper on a good Drift.

And if you do lighten your load, that just gives you a good excuse to buy that nice pair of shoes you’ve always wanted.