Usually, when it comes to travel stressors, they are things like taking a pet on a plane, packing what you need, currency conversion, the weather, and making everything go according to plan. All of these are common stressors that basically everyone deals with. It’s hard to enjoy traveling, even luxury travel if this is what you’re dealing with. With that said, however, there’s still one thing you really need to keep in mind, and that’s other factors that can ruin your trip.
Sure, a missed or canceled flight instantly does, but so can an overbooked hotel. But there are some things you can control, and there are others that you have no power to control whatsoever. So one thing you can control is your luggage. Now, chances are high that you’ve seen people lugging their suitcases everywhere in touristy locations. Sometimes, even on hikes, this is seen, too. It looks extremely uncomfortable, right?
Well, some areas like Kings Cross left luggage, sometimes even museums have luggage lockers, and sometimes hotels will even hold luggage too. But you can’t always count on locations and businesses being accommodating. Sometimes, you might be better off just ditching the suitcase and instead traveling lighter. So here’s exactly why!
You Need to Think About Mobility Limitations
One of the most significant drawbacks of lugging a suitcase everywhere is the limitation it imposes on your mobility. Whether you’re navigating crowded airports, bustling city streets, or narrow cobblestone alleys, maneuvering a heavy suitcase can be cumbersome and exhausting. You’re not only annoyed, but everyone surrounding you is annoyed with you, and sometimes no space, even public transport, will accommodate this wither.
On top of that, you might not even be able to explore the destination you want to either. You may find yourself restricted to touristy areas or confined to the vicinity of your accommodation. Again, luggage lockers are not everywhere, and nowadays, more businesses and tourist areas won’t allow large bags. This means that you just might be missing out on hidden gems and authentic experiences that lie off the beaten path.
The Hassle
In general, there’s just so much hassle to all of this. Is it really worth it? It’s not just having a tired arm pulling the luggage for minutes or hours at a time; it can go beyond that. From the anxiety of keeping track of your belongings to the frustration of dealing with lost or damaged luggage, relying on a suitcase can detract from the enjoyment of your journey.
On top of that, pickpockets also track down people with luggage because they’re easier targets. Do you want to be an easier target? But even on top of this, there’s still more stress and hassle! Just think about it for a moment; lugging a heavy suitcase up flights of stairs, onto crowded public transportation, or through unfamiliar terrain can be a logistical nightmare. You’re going to be so drained, it’s not worth
Lack of Flexibility
Another downside of having to lug that luggage everywhere is the lack of flexibility you’ll need to deal with. You can’t do anything impromptu, and you’re not able to do nearly as much as you’d hoped because of all of this, too. While traveling doesn’t need to be too loose or too rigid, it’s still nice to at least feel you can do what you want when you want, and having to carry luggage around really doesn’t allow for any of that.