PSA: A hostel owner roasted my packing list and saved me $200
Last summer I was planning a 3 week trip through Portugal and had my usual overpacked system down. I was bragging about my giant roller bag and a backpack to a hostel owner in Lisbon, and he just laughed. He said I was wasting money on baggage fees and wearing myself out before I even started exploring. He told me to ditch the roller and get a 40 liter backpack, only pack 5 days of clothes, and wash them in the sink every few nights. I thought he was crazy, but I tried it for a weekend test run at home first. Next trip to Spain last month I did exactly that and saved $80 in checked bag fees alone, plus I felt lighter hauling my stuff up three flights of stairs. Has anyone else gotten a reality check from a local that totally changed your travel style?