Pack light, travel far: our carry-on-only philosophy

Every one of our trip leaders travels carry-on only, even on the twelve-day routes. It is not about being hardcore – it is about being free. No waiting at carousels, no lost-bag anxiety, no dragging a suitcase up a cobbled hill in Cusco.

The rule of three

Three of everything that touches your skin, worn in rotation: three shirts, three pairs of socks, three of the rest. Wash one, wear one, dry one. Merino wool is the trick – it does not smell, even after a long day, and it dries overnight.

What people always over-pack

Shoes and “just in case” layers. You need one pair you can walk all day in and one you can wear to dinner – that is it. And the place you are going almost certainly sells whatever you forgot.