PSA: A hostel owner roasted my packing list and saved me $200

Last summer I was planning a 3 week trip through Portugal and had my usual overpacked system down. I was bragging about my giant roller bag and a backpack to a hostel owner in Lisbon, and he just laughed. He said I was wasting money on baggage fees and wearing myself out before I even started exploring. He told me to ditch the roller and get a 40 liter backpack, only pack 5 days of clothes, and wash them in the sink every few nights. I thought he was crazy, but I tried it for a weekend test run at home first. Next trip to Spain last month I did exactly that and saved $80 in checked bag fees alone, plus I felt lighter hauling my stuff up three flights of stairs. Has anyone else gotten a reality check from a local that totally changed your travel style?

2 comments

2 Comments

riley_schmidt19h ago

Sink laundry saved me too. Still hate wearing wet jeans.

grace_allen1d ago

Wait, was that hostel owner actually trying to help or just being a jerk about your luggage? In my experience, locals often have the most practical advice because they live with the reality of narrow stairs and cobblestone streets. I started doing the sink laundry trick a few years back and it honestly saved me from lugging a heavy bag through train stations. Your mileage may vary of course, but packing light changed my whole travel vibe once I got over the initial fear of not having enough options. The key for me was accepting that I'd wear the same three shirts and just deal with it.