In previous decades, flying somewhere out of state or out of the country meant packing multiple bags of luggage to take with you. You would then have to shuttle your luggage to the airport then the hotel and back again, which can be a tedious and exhausting experience.
If you were particularly unlucky, you might even experience a problem like a luggage delay, a luggage mix-up, or even damage to your suitcase on top of the steep luggage check-in fees.
But the modern travel experience has evolved, and the same goes for people’s perspectives on how to travel. Now that flights are much cheaper and travel arrangements are much more flexible, today’s passengers have mastered the art of traveling light.
Luxury travelers, in particular, have begun to embody more minimalist philosophies when packing for their trips. It’s no longer about showing off multiple statement suitcases filled to the brim with clothing and other items—it’s now about conveying a genteel and urbane mindset of packing little and letting technology and travel smarts take care of the rest.
If you count yourself as a luxury traveler or if this nouveau luxe sensibility appeals to you, consider going luggage-free and traveling extra light.
By doing things like exploring luggage delivery, hiring boutique services to curate your travel wardrobe for you, and buying leggings online for additional clothing needs, you’ll be able to free yourself up and enjoy what truly matters on the journey. Below is your guide to different approaches in luggage-free traveling and how to make this travel philosophy work for you.
What is Luggage-Free Travel All About?
First off, it’s important to note that luggage-free traveling is a fairly new phenomenon, and that an understanding of what it entails might differ from person to person. While some people engage in luggage-free traveling to be thriftier and to avoid steep check-in baggage fees, others do so out of a sense of mindfulness or for heightened convenience while they’re at the airport.
All they need to do is show up to board their flight while innovative luxury travel services take care of luggage-related matters.
If you wanted to experience the true lap of luxury while traveling, what services would you be able to take advantage of? Here’s a quick look into the possibilities:
Luggage Delivery Services
Through third-party luggage delivery services, you actually have the option to transfer your bags or suitcases from your doorstep to your chosen destination without having to drag any of them to the airport. These services eliminate the physical hassle of transferring luggage to and from the carousel and from your travel car all the way to your accommodations.
This option allows you to relax more while you’re actually in transit, as the only thing you’re accountable for at the moment is what’s on your person and what’s in your carry-on bag. Additionally, using a service like this ensures that you never have to deal with lost luggage or damaged bags.
Luggage Valet Services
On top of luggage delivery services, you can also pursue luggage valet services. Leave your belongings at home while the luggage valet service prepares a totally separate set of travel-exclusive clothing, accessories, toiletries, sports equipment and sportswear, and more at your destination. When these aren’t in use, your luggage valet service can store them in a private space so you don’t have to manage the storage yourself. Only when you call them with your plans for arriving will they bring out your secondary luggage and give you access to your spare travel wardrobe.
Wardrobe Management Services
To take the luxury even further, there are also companies that handle wardrobe management services for VIP clients. This involves taking the client’s measurements for new travel-exclusive pieces, like suits or winter coats, as well as professional cataloging, closet organization, and garment care services. You can count on these services to manage your travel closet for you and to take good care of your custom clothing while you’re up in the air.
While these services are at work, you don’t have to take anything with you save for travel essentials and a day bag. If there’s anything lacking, you can always purchase it at your destination.
Why Join the Trend of Traveling Luggage-Free?
What are the best reasons to explore one of these luggage-free services for yourself? Here are the top three benefits of ditching check-in luggage, booking a custom service, and traveling extra light:
You’ll Feel Extra Pampered During Your Travel Experience
Ideally, travel is supposed to be fun and relaxing. You should be brimming with excitement to arrive at your destination instead of worrying excessively about lost or mishandled luggage. The luggage-free approach will allow you to imbibe this anticipation and feel extra pampered while you’re on your way.
You’ll Feel Lighter When Going Around
Carrying around less luggage on your journey will also relieve you of unnecessary physical strain. You’ll feel lighter at the airport, which also means that you can move faster and have an easier time in transit.
You’ll Get to Focus on the Full Travel Experience
Since you’re bringing fewer things with you to the airport, you’ll also be able to concentrate on the little details of your flight, such as meals and duty-free shopping. Don’t rule out the possibility that you’ll enjoy your trip even more with less luggage on you!
The 4 Best Tips for Traveling Extra Light on Your Next Vacation
Below are some additional tips for succeeding at luggage-free luxury travel:
Use Technology to Plan a Fully Luggage-Free Trip
Even if you won’t be taking a lot of physical items with you, you’ll still need to put in some effort to ensure that you’re on top of all your resources. This includes downloading digital copies of your essential documents and making a contact list of all the services you’re engaging with, among others.
Choose a Base Travel Outfit with Several Layers
While you’re a distance away from your luggage, you have to make good use of what’s on your person. That means dressing comfortably, choosing versatile clothing items, and assembling outfits with multiple layers that you can easily add or remove. You can dress up or dress down even further when you get to your luggage on the other side.
Plan the Items You’ll Need to Buy
Lastly, if you want to do some shopping at your destination so your outfits reflect the locale’s fashion trends, make a shortlist of the shops you want to visit and the clothing pieces you want to get. Doing so will ensure that these stops are included in your itinerary and that you’ll have the items ready when you need them.
Final Words
Whether you’ll choose a completely luggage-free route for your next trip or plan a luggage-free excursion in the farther future, go with the approach that best suits your travel needs. At least you know your options—and that it’s possible for you to have a truly luxurious travel experience without the (literal and figurative) baggage!