'Flying Naked' Is An Extremely Cost Saving Travel Hack That May Or May Not Be Worth It

What's the least-cumbersome thing you can carry onto a plane? You've read up on how to pack light, but just how light can you go? A modest suitcase? A small satchel? Maybe a fanny pack? Oh, wait — how about nothing at all?

This minimalist travel style is known as "flying naked," and it's a growing fad in influencer circles. As TikToker Giovanni Fares put it: "I am packing absolutely nothing with me to Paris, other than the clothes on my back and, you know, essentials like a computer and a water bottle and all that jazz." The concept is about as simple as it gets: bring only yourself, a set of clothes, and whatever you can fit into your pockets. But it does beg the question: What do you do after your first day? Wear the same outfit again and again? Walk into stores and buy whatever you need, then dump it just before your return trip?

Naked flying appears to be a direct response to ever-climbing luggage fees. As airlines continue to punish travelers for bringing things with them, naked flyers avoid paying extra by bringing only themselves. The practice is strongly tied to Jonathan Yevin, a traveler and writer who has long specialized in zero-luggage travel. The trend has continued with a generation of mostly younger social media stars, who are challenging themselves to explore the world as unencumbered as possible. There are pros and cons to this tactic, and not everyone is cut out for naked travel.

The ideal naked traveler is young, healthy, and has few responsibilities. It's impossible to travel with an infant and not bring accoutrements — diapers and wipes — so new parents should just forget it. Medications usually take space, as well; special equipment, like EpiPens, CPAPS, and inhalers can be brought in a carry-on bag, but you probably don't want to store them in your pockets. Naked travel isn't for the vain, either; cosmetic products require room, and even simple things like razors and deodorant are awkward to carry on your person.

If you want to give this a shot, a short trip is easiest. While Jonathan Yevin is known for keeping a breakneck itinerary, zipping from one far-flung city to the next, most of us have to acclimate to such a minimalist lifestyle. There are several practical ways to do laundry while traveling, and you can wash, dry, and re-wear your single set of clothes.

If you're staying in one place and truly committed to avoiding bags, you can purchase cheap outfits and keep them at the hotel, then donate them to an individual or cause before leaving. This can be a thoughtful and effective charity effort, especially in communities that struggle with poverty or limited resources. You'll save money on luggage fees, so you may be able to afford more trips, which in turn can help hone your skills.

There's a happy medium, though: just pack light. Bags come in every shape and form, and at a certain point, you're bound to run out of pocket space. Most airlines permit a carry-on bag that is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, and weight limits are rarely enforced (like they are for checked bags). There's also the "personal item" category, with a typical size of about 18 by 14 by 8 inches.

That may not seem very large, especially when your personal item is supposed to fit under the seat in front of you, but it's luxurious compared to the cargo space in your outfit. You can store toiletries and a set of spare clothes, so you have something to wear while you're washing the first set.

Many of us are okay with looking a little rough on the road, especially in rugged locations, where your body accumulates sweat or dust the second you step outside. But buying disposable clothes can seem wasteful, and donning the same garments for days on end gets old. There's a lot to recommend bringing only the essentials, and even a naked traveler like Giovanni Fares (the guy from TikTok, above) might benefit from leaving his laptop behind. The only question now is: What do you consider essential? While you're experimenting, here are packing tips that will ensure you look your best while on vacation.