r/zerobags

I've been increasingly pensive about how I define "Zero Bags".

So, all of us know well that the storage capacity difference between a bulky jacket and a tiny purse is minimal. That's why we allow (and encourage) posts with small handbags/purses on this sub.

But beyond that, I think my personal definition is zero permanent bags on your person.

A collapsible/foldable bag. A plastic bag you got from the convenience store to carry your lunch back to the hotel. A mesh bag for holding your laundry.

These bags are ephemeral. They fold out, appear, as if by magic, on your travels. But at the end of the day, as you journey onwards, they disappear again. Folded up into pockets, tossed in bins, zipped into a sleeve. Bags that can't accumulate clutter, souvenirs or junk -- because soon they'll be gone again.

So that's what zero bagging means to me. An embrace of the beauty of the ephemeral.

I’m curious, what do you do to stay safe while traveling?

For me, I always share my iPhone location with my family, check in with them daily, and use a special code word so they know it’s really me and not someone pretending to be me. I also never share cabs with strangers (yes, even the attractive ones 😂), and I don’t tell people where I’m staying. If you’ve ever watched Taken, you probably understand where I’m coming from!
I also like to blend in as much as possible when I’m traveling. Before I visit a country, I do a little research on what people typically wear there. I don’t try to stand out as a tourist if I can help it. I love dressing like the locals and keeping things simple and practical. And let’s talk bags for a second because I love a good crossbody bag or cute little fanny pack worn across the chest. My current favorite is a basic black Michael Kors bag. Nothing flashy, but cute and functional. There are also some really great anti-theft bags on the market if that’s your style.
One of my favorite travel accessories is a Clutch Loop. It’s an anti-theft tether that attaches to your phone and extends when you want to take photos, then retracts back toward you. It gives me extra peace of mind in crowded areas, especially in big cities.
Funny enough, I buy a lot of my anti-theft gear from rave stores. I also enjoy going to music festivals and raves, and phone theft is a huge issue in those spaces. A lot of the anti-theft products designed for festivals work incredibly well for travel too.
Another thing I do is never post my travels in real time. You won’t find me posting on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter/X, TikTok, or anywhere else while I’m actively traveling. I wait until I get home before I start posting photos and videos from my trip.
Honestly, it confuses people all the time especially my coworkers and some of my family too.
I’ll come back from vacation and someone will say, “Wait, name, you went somewhere? You didn’t post anything?”
Then, I’ll start uploading photos, and suddenly, they’re like, “What the heck? When did all of this happen?”
I just laugh and tell them I never post in real time.
Part of that is for my own safety while traveling, but it’s also to protect my home. If people know you’re out of town, they also know your house might be empty.
To help with that, I have a doorbell camera and additional cameras inside my apartment to keep an eye on things while I’m away. They’re only in common areas like the living room and hallway never in bedrooms or bathrooms. They help me keep an eye on my home, my pets, and anyone house-sitting for me, who is usually a family friend or one of their kids. Everyone knows the cameras are there, and it gives me peace of mind when I’m on vacation.
These are some of the ways I stay safe and help my family know I’m okay while I’m out exploring the world.
So now I’m curious:
What safety tips, routines, or habits do you use when traveling?
I’d love to hear what works for you and maybe pick up a few new ideas for future trips! 🌍💜✈️

Hey,

I’m planning a 4 month trip in South America (Colombia → Peru → Bolivia → Brazil) backpacking, and I’d like to travel light but still be comfortable.

A few questions:

• I’d really like to bring a guitar (important for me)

• any

• tips for flights + getting around with it?

If you have real setups (weight, packing lists, experience on the road), I’d love to hear them.

Thanks 🙏