P.A.S. GUIDE TO TRAVEL

Just to clarify before you read the article, the hard-sided suitcase and packing system I describe is for extended trips—lasting at least a month, up to a year, or even indefinitely. It is also for shorter trips where you need to bring a larger than normal amount of stuff, it’s not intended for shorter one- or two-week trips. I’ll be writing separately about the carry-on-only system I use for those. A key point I want to convey (but forgot to add) is that everything you truly need for an amazing, fulfilling life can fit in a single checked bag. I’ve spent decades traveling the world with nothing but one checked bag, one carry-on, a satchel, and a photojournalist vest. I’ll update this in the future to reflect all that, in the meantime hope you like it.

MY LOVE OF STEAMER TRUNKS WAS BORN

Introduction to Steamer Trunks: A Moment in Joe vs. the Volcano

The first time I ever saw a steamer trunk was while watching Joe vs. the Volcano with my dad in the theater (I think I just aged myself). In the movie, Tom Hanks visits a rather fancy luggage store on Fifth Avenue. The salesman asks him if he’s traveling “light or heavy,” and, impressed that Hanks is embarking on a “real journey,” he presents a premier steamer trunk—“handmade of the finest materials” and “watertight like a steel drum.”

The Fascination with Steamer Trunks: A Relic of Travel’s Golden Age

Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by these relics of a bygone era of travel, when people journeyed with entire wardrobes. Some steamer trunks have built-in bars, while others feature vanities complete with actual drawers that look like they belong on a bedroom dresser. This also introduced me to the idea of bringing a few luxuries from home along on your travels.

THE EVOLUTION OF TRAVEL PACKING

The Evolution of Travel Packing Trends

When I first started traveling, it was somewhere between the era of lugging around a humongous backpacker’s backpack and the era where everything you bring had to fit into a single carry-on. I didn’t like either option.

The Practical Pitfalls of Backpacker Culture

I thought the backpacker’s backpack looked silly and was impossible to organize (they were also crazy expensive back then). On the other hand, the idea of traveling with so few items that you have to turn your underwear and socks inside out to wear them twice seemed equally ridiculous to me.

Challenging the Conventional Wisdom of Travel Comfort

The thinking at the time seemed to be that traveling in the developing world was supposed to be difficult, so why not make it even more inconvenient and uncomfortable? Or maybe it was because it was easier to jump on a boat or a moving train in India with just a backpack.

Inspired by the Elegance of Early Explorers

Looking back at that movie—and many others I’ve seen over the years—I’m reminded of how the great British explorers would venture into the deepest jungles. Every morning, they’d shave in front of a mirror hung from a tree, with a bowl of water to rinse their razor sitting atop a steamer trunk. Or they’d sip afternoon tea in the middle of a Middle Eastern desert, drinking from fine china teacups balanced on the lid of a steamer trunk.

Refining Travel with Simple Comforts

Those films planted an idea in the back of my mind—that I could bring some luxuries with me during my travels, no matter how remote the destination. Nothing as extravagant as fine china or an entire bar, but simple comforts like enough clothing so I wouldn’t constantly be stuck in a cycle of doing laundry. Or a stash of Morton’s Seasoning Salt and enough Pete’s Hot Sauce to not only last the entire trip but also to hand out a few bottles as gifts (this was a thing back in the day).

HARD-SIDED CHECK-IN SUITCASE: THE MODERN-DAY STEAMER TRUNK

A Reliable Packing Method for Global Travel

Over the years of traveling and living around the world, I've relied on this packing and organization method. I’ve managed to fit all my gear, personal items, clothing, and electronics into a hard-sided suitcase with room left over for a luxury travel item or two, souvenirs, and other knick-knacks I picked up along the way.

Living Anywhere in the World with Just One Suitcase

With just the items in your modern-day steamer trunk and what you carry on during transit, you can live anywhere in the world indefinitely. I’ll cover packing and gear for in-transit situations and weekend trips in a separate article.

Why a Hard-Sided Suitcase is Essential

This check-in suitcase will carry the bulk of your clothing and gear from Point A to Point B. The reason for choosing a hard-sided suitcase—besides my personal fondness for the steamer trunk—is the rough treatment your bag will endure while traveling on everything from planes to trains to automobiles, especially in the developing world.

The Size Will Not Limit Your Mobility

If you think you won’t be able to take a motorbike taxi with a big check-in bag, think again. If a family of four can ride on a single moped in Southeast Asia, then you and your suitcase certainly can too. Just make sure to tip the driver well for the inconvenience. That said, it’s probably easier to just get a cab.

The Convenience of a Stationary Base Bag

This is the bag you’ll leave at your primary hotel or wherever you’re staying. The only time you’ll need to worry about it is when getting it from your home to your hotel in-country. You won’t be dragging it around beyond that.

SECURE (KINDA) AND PROTECTS YOUR STUFF

The Practical Security Benefits of a Hard-Sided Suitcase

A hard-sided check-in bag will offer some added security for your belongings while in transit and at your hotel, but only to the extent of deterring an unsophisticated thief armed with something like a penknife. The real advantage is that it keeps your stuff somewhat secure, protects the contents from being crushed during rough handling, and reduces the risk of the bag accidentally tearing open.

Enhancing Accommodation Security with Simple Tricks

Where it does enhance security is at your accommodation. You can wrap a bicycle lock around the suitcase and secure it to a bedframe, making it just enough of a hassle that a thief will likely move on to an easier target. This is especially useful if you’re staying in a hostel with a bunch of randos in a shared bunk room.

Capacity, Durability, and Unexpected Lifesaving Potential

The primary reason for using a hard-sided, full-sized suitcase is its capacity and ruggedness. Plus, if your ferry goes down in the middle of the night, it will float—and you can use it as a makeshift liferaft before a Siamese crocodile eats you.

You Can Still Use a Patchouli Pack if you Want

By no means am I saying you should not use the traditional backpacker’s backpack. But unless you’re being dropped off in the deepest part of the Amazon jungle, you’ll be able to wheel a suitcase to a taxi and then into your hotel without any trouble. If you prefer the old-school backpacker’s backpack out of nostalgia or tradition, I get it.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORGANIZATION IN TRAVEL PACKING

Organization is the key to avoiding frustrations like, “Where did I pack that?” and “Oh my God, I forgot to pack that!” Before packing cubes, your only real options for keeping things somewhat organized in your suitcase were big Ziploc bags or Tupperware.

Packing cubes: the key to organized travel

Packing cubes eliminates the need to unpack everything just to find a pair of socks. Simply place the cubes on a table or shelf, and you’ll have easy access to all your essentials. They also make it a breeze to repack or transfer items into a backpack for a weekend trip—or even just a day out—within your larger journey.

RECOMMENDED CUBES

CLOTHING CUBES: EFFICIENTLY ORGANIZING YOUR WARDROBE

You’ll likely need at least two large cubes: one for socks and underwear, and another for shirts and pants. You can also stuff gym or sleep clothes into one or both of these cubes followed by bennies and scarfs.

The 10-Day Clothing Rule for Long-Term Travel

For simplicity, pack 10 days’ worth of clothing if you’re going on a long trip or planning to stay in a country for at least a year. After seven days, do your laundry or have it done, giving yourself a three-day buffer for clothes to be washed and dried. Adjust your packing based on the length of your trip, keeping in mind that laundry usually takes about a full day to complete.

Managing Dirty Laundry on the Go

Include a hotel laundry bag for dirty clothes and a large Ziploc bag in case you need to move before having the chance to do laundry. Nothing is worse than having stinky socks mixed in with your clean clothes.

TOILETRY CUBE: ESSENTIALS FOR HYGIENE

Organizing Toiletries and Essentials for Travel

This cube holds all your toiletry items, medications, electric razors, bug spray, sunblock, and other essentials you’d typically use in a bathroom or vanity. You don’t necessarily have to use a packing cube here; I use a travel toiletry bag that can hang open.

Quick Tip: Preventing Liquid Spills in Your Luggage

Place anything even remotely liquid into individual Ziploc bags, then put those into a larger Ziploc. This extra layer of protection can save you the agony of discovering that nine bottles have burst open all over your belongings because your driver drop-kicked your bag into the back of a tuk-tuk.

SHOE CUBE: KEEPING YOUR KICKS FROM DIRTYING EVERYTHING

A Home For Your Sneaks

Pretty self-explanatory—you put your shoes in it. Keep a few small bathroom garbage bags in the same cube for dirty shoes. I like to store them in a small Ziploc bag since they can come in handy for other purposes as well.

THE JUNK DRAWER CUBE: ORGANIZING MISCELLANEOUS

For Miscellaneous Essentials

This cube should be small to medium-sized and will hold miscellaneous items and extras you won’t need every day but are still essential for traveling overseas.

Keeping ods and Ends in One Place While Traveling

This cube is essentially a catch-all for other smaller pouches or gear you’ll be bringing with you. It helps keep miscellaneous items organized and easy to access.

Quick Tip: Using Ziploc Bags for Easy Organization

Group similar items in Ziploc bags to make them easier to find later (e.g., administrative documents, electronic cords, flashlights, etc.). Think of it as a portable junk drawer.

OPTIONAL CUBES

LUXURY CUBE: BRINGING COMFORT

Rejecting Spartan Travel: The Case for Simple Luxuries

This cube holds the items that make settling into your room—and your life—a little more comfortable, no matter where you are in the world. As I mentioned before, I reject the idea that travel, whether in the developing world or anywhere else, should be a spartan experience. Even when traveling domestically in the U.S., I still pack my luxury cube.

Personalizing Your Luxury Cube to Reflect Your Passions

Over time, this cube will evolve into something personalized to you or your hobbies, reflecting your unique style, interests, and passions. Whether it transforms into a miniature art studio, a portable gaming cube because of your love of video games, or even a small sewing machine you use to fix fellow travelers’ clothing and backpacks, it will truly become an extension of who you are.

The Evolution of My Luxury Cube: A Portable Kitchen

Over the years, my Luxury Cube has evolved into a mini portable kitchen, divided into two halves. On one side, I store U.S. condiments and food items like Duke’s mayo, Ranch dip powder, Texas Pete hot sauce, Morton seasoning salt, popcorn butter powder, chopsticks, and a stainless steel camping mess kit.

-3-in-1 Breakfast Maker Station @ Amazon.com

RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING

FIRST AID KITS

There are two categories of Travel First Aid Kits:

• General-Purpose First Aid Kits

  -Also known as a Travel First Aid Kit

  -Specifically includes items related to traveling

  -Used for everyday boo-boos, and contains household meds

• High-Risk Kits for Remote Destinations

  -Also known as an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK), Stop the Bleed Kit, or Tactical First Aid kit.

  -Used for bleeding or penetration injuries

  -If not treated immediately, are fatal

TRAVEL FIRST AID KIT

Customizing Your Kit for Destination and Activities

A travel first aid kit is a compact, portable collection of medical supplies and over-the-counter medications to treat minor injuries, illnesses, and emergencies while traveling. These kits can be customized based on your destination, the activities you’ll be doing, and your personal medical needs.

HIGH-RISK FIRST AID KIT (IFAK)

The High-Risk Trauma Kit: Preparing for Severe Injuries

This kit is specifically designed for high-risk activities where there’s a possibility of severe bleeding or penetrating injuries. The items in this kit are especially valuable in areas where ambulance response times are slow or non-existent. Originally developed to keep a soldier alive just long enough to reach a field hospital, these kits are equally relevant for travelers venturing into regions with unreliable—or even non-existent—emergency services.

Why Emergency Medical Gear is Essential for Remote Travel

If you’re on a jungle expedition or traveling in rural areas, emergency response times can range from several hours to even days. In such situations, a severely injured person might waste critical time waiting for a taxi or trying to find someone willing to transport them to a hospital. Having the knowledge and equipment to extend survival time after a serious injury is something every adventurer should prioritize.

Learning Life-Saving Skills Before You Need Them

It is extremely important to understand how to effectively use the contents of an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) before attempting to use them. You can take an online course that covers essential first aid skills, such as wound packing, tourniquet application, and airway management is you can not attend a live class. Or at a minimum watch instructional videos on YouTube that demonstrate proper techniques before you purchase an IFAK.

PRE-PACKAGED FIRST-AID KITS OR IFAKs

The Convenience of Pre-Made First Aid Kits

It’s easier and more convenient to buy a pre-made kit rather than assembling one from scratch. These pre-packaged kits come with essential medical supplies ensuring you have a complete kit to start with. You can then customize it by adding any additional items that suit your specific needs.

Expert-Selected Essentials for Organized Medical Gear

This not only saves time but also comes with a pouch or case specifically made to keep medical items neatly organized. The items in a pre-packaged kit are usually selected by a medical professional who knows what they are doing.

WARNING!

Research Medication Laws Before You Travel

Before packing any medications for your trip, take the time to research the laws and regulations of your destination country. Some common over-the-counter drugs, such as Sudafed or motion sickness pills, may be classified as controlled substances or even narcotics in certain countries. Instead, once you arrive, visit a local pharmacy where you can find suitable alternatives or consult a pharmacist for recommendations.

The Serious Consequences of Violating Forigen Drug Regulations

Bringing controlled medications even unknowingly could lead to life-changing legal repercussions, watch a couple of episodes of ‘Locked up Abroad’ for examples. So to avoid having to bend at the knees while picking up the soap for the next 20 years, research what medications are permitted and any documentation you may need to carry.

Navigating Medication Access in Developing Countries

In many developing countries, most medications can be obtained without a prescription, so finding what you need usually isn’t an issue. However, if you’re taking a narcotic-based prescription, be prepared for additional regulations and paperwork, as you may need to navigate strict legal requirements to bring or obtain such medications

CASH POUCH

The Importance of a Cash Pouch for Travel

A cash pouch is essential if you’re traveling to a country where you’ll need cash due to a banking embargo or other restrictions. If you’re carrying a large amount of cash (a couple thousand or more), you don’t want to have it on you at all times. During flights and transit, keep all your cash on your person.

Safe Handling and Storage of Cash at Your Hotel

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, store it along with other important documents like your passport in a locking bank bag made of ballistic nylon. I keep mine in my stuff cube, which generally stays in my check-in suitcase, either in a closet or under the bed wherever I am staying.

Increasing Security with Simple Anti-Theft Measures

To enhance security, toss a wireless bicycle alarm (with a remote) into the cash bag or cube. The goal isn’t to create an impenetrable stash but to add enough time and noise to deter potential thieves.

BIGGER STUFF

Managing Loose Adventure Gear Efficiently

"Other" items include stuff like a motorcycle helmet or bump cap, flip-flops, a bonnie cap, and various pieces of adventurer-specific gear such as gloves, an outdoor knife, or even a parachute. These larger loose items can get scattered throughout your luggage, making packing and unpacking frustrating.

Using a Laundry Bag for Organization and Accessibility

To keep all this stuff together and organized I store them all in a cloth laundry bag with a long drawstring. This prevents them from shifting around and making it easier to get to what I am looking for.

Maximizing Space and Reducing Luggage Clutter

And by wrapping the drawstring securely around the bag, keeps everything compact and neat It also reduces all the clutter in my luggage and maximizes whatever space is left over.

LEAVE ANY EMPTY SPACE EMPTY

Avoid Overpacking: Leave Room for the Unexpected

Even with all your packing cubes, a big jar of Duke’s mayonnaise, and your laptop packed in your check-in bag, you’ll still have room for additional packing cubes. Resist the temptation to fill that space just because you have it.

Making Space for Souvenirs and Last-Minute Purchases

You’ll want to leave some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs, last-minute purchases, or unexpected items you may accumulate during your trip. This could be anything from cool local artisan handicrafts to a rug you haggled over the price for hours not realizing it came in a set you didn’t originally plan for.

Preparing for Dirty Laundry and Travel Flexibility

And if you forget to do laundry or run out of time, you might end up needing room for two garbage bags stuffed with dirty clothes. Planning for these possibilities ensures you won’t be struggling to squeeze everything in when it’s time to pack up and head home.

Finding the Balance: Needs, Wants, and Practicality

At the same time, if you do have some extra space, don’t leave behind items that could make daily life in-country easier. Use your best judgment. Over time, you’ll learn to balance what you need to bring, what you want to bring, and what you can bring.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The Art of Packing: Balancing Practicality and Efficiency

Deciding what to bring and how to pack it isn’t just about following a checklist, it’s an art that balances practicality, efficiency, and adaptability. Using a durable hard-sided check-in suitcase provides added protection for all your stuff, combining it with a well-structured packing cube system keeps everything organized and easily accessible.

Packing Smart to Focus on the Journey, Not Your Stuff

By thoughtfully selecting what to bring and how to pack and arrange it, you will maximize space, minimize hassles, and be prepared for whatever adventures or unexpected challenges your trip may bring. Mindfully packing will allow you to focus on the experience rather than worrying about what is in your bag.

Over time, you’ll develop your own system, learning what works best for your travel style and destinations. If you’ve figured out your own packing method, or if you already have, come back here and share what worked for you in the comments.

Adventure Awaits!