My next journey: Around the world with no luggage
Today I'm excited to announce my latest travel project: the No Baggage Challenge.
Starting Saturday I will embark from New York on a journey that will take me around the world without using a single piece of luggage. From late August to early October I will explore 12 countries on five continents, crossing the equator four times, without carrying so much as a man-purse. The few items I do bring (including a toothbrush, an iPod, and a few extra items of clothing) will be tucked away in my pockets.
Why try such a thing? Well, for starters — as someone who’s spent much of the past 16 years traveling to various corners of the world — the idea of hitting the road without any bags sounded like an intriguing challenge. Not to mention a whole lot of fun.
But I also see my journey as a field-test for a more philosophical idea — that what we experience in life is more important than what we bring with us.
To follow the journey in real-time, please visit my Bootsnall-sponsored blog (ScotteVest, a travel-clothing company, is my other sponsor):
Be sure to check out the sub-pages that describe the journey, including:
2010-08-19 09:18
This will be an interesting trip! You'll be able to get in and out of the airports quicker. Look forward to reading about your "no baggage" trip.
2010-08-19 11:25
Sounds fascinating. Where will you be doing your writing?
2010-08-19 12:08
Cheers! I'll write on my iPod, using a bluetooth keyboard. Videos on how that works (or fails to) will come in time, so keep an eye on the rtwblog...
2010-08-19 21:25
Wow, I'm kinda speechless.
Here I was thinking how cute I was for my million-and-one uses of a bandana (the greatest traveling item/tool ever) -- and now this!
Some of the most interesting (and hilarious) stories are born in times of sudden need. Just be sure not to begin taking generosity for granted.
Give us a reminder later in the month when you leave, I'm super interested to follow along. Sweet website btw.
2010-08-19 21:29
And by later this month, I meant... two days from now? Was reading the "late August" timetable on the website. Yay!
2010-08-19 23:47
Whoa! I'm curious to see how you deal with the laundry issue and dry clothes. Sure you can wash the clothes, but what about drying? Unless you buy clothes along the way which could be affordable in SE Asia but other places might take up a lot of time. Good luck with the trip!
2010-08-20 09:33
[...] My next journey – Around the world with no luggage: And while I am on the topic of travel, holy crap! Ralf Potts (of Vagabonding fame) is traveling [...]
2010-08-21 23:10
According to Rolf, whom I head the pleasure of meeting tonight, he says he does go thru shirts pretty fast and is curious himself to see how it'll all work out. He brought 'method detergent' in a small bottle in one of his 18 pockets. Does anyone know what that is? Will be watching closely as this journey unfolds. Very inspiring. I think we are all too attached to our 'stuff'.
2010-08-24 08:58
[...] out Rolf’s website (and funny video) for more [...]
2010-08-24 12:28
[...] announced last week, Rolf’s latest travel project is the No Baggage Challenge — a journey that will take [...]
2010-08-24 15:39
Wow great article. Sounds like you’re a well experienced traveler. I like the way of your doing this. Wish you all the best.
Read this article to learn about Environmental Friendly Travelling
2010-12-18 00:02
[...] may know, Vagablogging’s ringleader Rolf Potts recently took a quick trip around the world traveling with no luggage whatsoever in the No Baggage Challenge. The trip took the idea of traveling light to an extreme, yes, but it [...]