How to travel with one bag

Here's a nice wikihow article:


How to Travel With One Bag
In this age of airline fare wars, globalization, and the Euro, traveling across multiple borders is increasingly common. Combined with the horror stories of lost luggage that never made it to the baggage claim, the option of traveling with just one bag is becoming more and more attractive. Unless your trip is highly specialized or requires carrying certain items, it is possible to travel and even live indefinitely out of one bag. Here's how.

Steps
Get a bag with shoulder or back straps and plenty of pockets. The bag need not be huge, since one will not carry much.
Gather the following:
Three changes of clothing (at most)
Laundry detergent for washing by hand (powdered is much easier to handle than liquid, and allowed on airplanes.)
A universal sink stopper (available at any hardware store). A rubber ball is a good alternative.
A portable clothesline (available at any camping or travel goods store)
Toiletries
Pack using the "bundle" method: wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. Stuff underwear and socks into shoes to save space and to prevent crushing shoes. The bundle method saves the most space and also prevents wrinkling.
Buy toiletries in miniature or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into smaller travel bottles. Save hotel/airplane toiletries so you can pack them the next time you travel.
Put toiletries that could leak (shampoo, gel, etc.) in plastic bags to avoid the hassle of having your clothes covered in liquid soap. Bags are also useful if clothing doesn't completely dry overnight.
Due to airline security issues, you should use solids rather than liquids. Shampoo is available in solid soap-block form. Better yet, purchase toiletries at your destination to avoid security issues. They may be cheaper too depending on the currency.
Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Portable electronics often run on batteries, and shaving, of course, can be done by hand.
Mail home or give away items not necessary for traveling, such as finished books or souvenirs. Trading books is a great free way to keep one's travel library fresh. Also check out www.bookcrossing.com - here you can leave books for others to pick up and find books wherever you might be in the world that others have left behind (bookcrossers leave notes about the books, you can read where the book's been, reviews, etc.). You should be able to fit a sheet of labels in your bag to stick on the books...or better yet print them out from a public computer in an internet cafe...

Tips
Even if you are checking one main bag, be sure to take one change of clothing and all your important items (documents, prescriptions, etc.) with you in a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed or lost.
Most youth hostels have laundry rooms and most hotels have laundry services.
If you must carry more clothing, try to pack things that are disposable or cheap to replace. This can apply to underwear, T-shirts, jeans, etc.
Bring one set of basics for each day of travel: underwear, socks, etc. If the trip is more than 5-7 days, then plan on washing clothes.
An alternative to packing extra clothing wearing the layered look. For example, you could wear a sweater with a shirt underneath. This is a good idea anyway, since it helps you cope with unexpected weather changes.
If the trip is longer than a few days, you may consider doing what certain travel writers do: take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination (if possible). Buy insurance to cover any damage your stuff may incur when it is shipped.
If you are bringing a purse, try to fit it in your larger bag. That way, you'll have less stuff to lug around.
Wear clothing with pockets whenever possible so that your essentials (ID, passport, credit card, money, hotel key) are on your person at all times.
Make 2 photocopies of the front and back of your credit cards, travelers checks, passport and ID. Leave one at home with someone you can call, and keep one in a secure place at your destination. That way if anything gets stolen you will have the information when reporting it. If you have access to a scanner, you can scan everything and email it to yourself or store it securely online. A digital camera works pretty well as a 'scanner.'
Keep money in several different places (your pants pocket, your jacket, two different places in your purse and/or main bag), so you won't lose everything in the event of a robbery.
If you don't own clothing with pockets, you don't need a new wardrobe. Get a money belt or pouch. These items can be hidden underneath your clothes. Under the sole of your shoe is a good place to keep larger bills.
Consider fast-wicking (drying) expedition clothing. These clothes are designed for frequent washing, high durability, and are rated by "zones"for specific climates.
An empty compactable duffel bag can be attached to your main bag and can be used if you find yourself in need of more than one bag.
To prevent shampoo bottles from leaking, take a good size piece of plastic (like a piece of trash bag or sandwich bag) unscrew the lid off of the shampoo, cover the hole and then screw the lid back on. Make sure the plastic is sticking out around all sides of the lid.
With clothes that you aren't concerned about wrinkling (T-Shirts, Jeans, Underwear, etc.), you can minimize the space in the bag by rolling them up rather than folding them.
Using a PDA to read books will save space and weight even when taking the charger into account - and you can download new books at any internet cafe (or WiFi hotspot with the right hardware). Be sure to pick one with good battery life and screen.
If you are going for a longer trip or holiday, consider buying a local wardrobe once you have arrived at your destination - not only will you travel much lighter, you'll end up not looking like a tourist!
Consider mailing some items ahead - pick light-weight, bulky items to mail.
Pick neutral colors so your outfits are easier to match.
Wear hand-washable travel underwear such as Ex-Officio Boxer-Briefs (not a shameless plug, they're just the best), which are extremely breathable, keep you comfortable, and air-dry within hours.

Warnings
Buy locks for zippers on your bag. Tourist attractions and public places often attract pickpockets. However, recognize that a locked-up zipper can cause problems at airport security (unless you have a TSA-approved lock) and potentially attract the attention of thieves. Consider this option wisely: A 'locked' bag may dissuade opportunistic theft, but if someone is determined to get into your bag, they will just cut it open with a knife (e.g., backpacks). You will then have the additional problem of having to replace your bag in a foreign country.
Avoid fanny packs. Not only are they unfashionable, they draw unnecessary attention and make you look like a tourist (read: prime mugging target).
As an alternative to locks, consider using small cable ties. Although not a complete deterrent, a helpful tool to add an element of protection while letting customs/security cut through if need be without destroying a nice lock.
Try to avoid putting valuables in any checked bag - that's the best theft deterrent! Bring valuables onto the plane in your carry-on bag.
Always make sure your carry-on bags have ID tags on them in case you leave one in the airport or on a plane.
Check the TSA website for restricted items before packing.

First

My first post on this site with sample sentences:

Tips for Traveling Abroad
For detailed information about steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, see How to Have a Safe Trip. Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer:
Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help us contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.
Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
Contact us in an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.