How to travel with no luggage at all (and what this teaches you)

“Enjoy reallocating your energy into the experience [when you travel with no bags], because experience is the medium of our lives.” – Jonathan Yevin

Jonathan Yevin is a travel writer known for his minimalist approach to traveling. He is recognized as a pioneer of “no-baggage” travel, having embarked on many voyages around the world with only a passport, money, phone, and toothbrush. He has written for Rough Guides, Fodor’s, Frommer’s, Conde Nast Traveler, Outside, Matador Travel, and been profiled by Lonely Planet, Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report, Travel & Leisure, Details and Maxim. 

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf starts by speaking with show producer Justin Glow about their experiences together in traveling with no luggage in 2010 (3:00) before interviewing Jonathan Yevin about his first trip without baggage and the difficulties he faced (12:00); his basic no-baggage “kit” and what not to bring (21:00); the philosophical underpinning of his minimalist travel approach (43:00); and strategies and tips for people getting started with travel minimalism (48:00).

Notable Links:

• Rolf’s 2010 No Baggage Challenge blog
• No Baggage Videos, produced by Justin Glow, from 2010
• LG V20 (phone)
• Rolf’s 2015 interview with Jonathan Yevin
• Q&A with Jonathan Yevin, no-luggage traveler (2010 interview)
• Why This Man Travels Without Luggage (2016 CNN Traveler interview)

This episode of Deviate is brought to you by Tortuga Backpacks, which set the standard for the best, most durable, organized, and comfortable travel backpacks. Tortuga products also include daypacks, duffels, and other travel accessories, which are all made with the traveler in mind and have been featured by Wirecutter, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Carryology, and many other industry outlets.

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.

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