Flying naked, the trend of traveling "naked" saves money

When we pack , we usually do so thinking about every possible scenario: what if we decide to take an impromptu excursion or extend our trip? What if the weather forecast is wrong or the air gets chilly after sunset? In recent months, however, we've also learned to travel by embracing the philosophy of minimalism to avoid paying for carry-on luggage (sometimes more expensive than a plane ticket) or to avoid fines.

Now, some are experimenting with an even more extreme minimalist approach : travelers who decide to "travel naked" and follow the "Flying Naked" trend. Don't worry, it's not about stripping off on the plane, but rather traveling without checked baggage, taking only the essentials .

What is the “Flying Naked” travel trend?

In practice, the "naked travel" trend involves carrying only the essentials , forgoing extra carry-on or checked baggage . Besides saving time at the airport, this "less is more" philosophy also helps keep costs down, which often exceed expectations. The deliberately provocative term describes the practice of flying with only your smartphone and wallet, avoiding additional expenses that can quickly add up, as numerous posts and reels on social media demonstrate.

The advantages are clear: no extra costs , zero risk of losing your suitcase, and a smoother, stress-free travel experience. Upon arrival, there's no waiting at the baggage carousel, and the freedom to move around immediately without worrying about what to wear.

While it's true that younger generations are driving this trend, the idea knows no age limits. Thanks to its spread on social media, what began as a practical gesture has transformed into a full-blown travel trend .

How to fly while saving on carry-on luggage

How do you go without luggage ? Those who follow the "naked travel" trend have developed ingenious strategies : for short trips, they fill their pockets with essentials and layer items to optimize space. For longer trips, however, they prefer to ship their backpack by mail , often costing less than airline fees. In some situations, they even manage to stash essentials in small travel bags.

Among the various testimonies is that of a 28-year-old Irish teacher who chose to "fly naked" when she moved to Australia. Instead of paying over $480 in extra baggage, she mailed her suitcase, saving $600. Since then, she has used the same trick on other flights, hiding her bag under her coat or wearing as many as seven sweaters. Although she admitted to feeling anxious, she always managed to sneak her luggage into the hold and only take it out after boarding.

But where does this trend come from? It's the result of practical needs: many travelers perceive baggage rules as complicated and sometimes think airlines are exploiting them to make more money. Just think of the controversy surrounding Ryanair's new carry-on baggage rules .

How many of you will feel bold enough to set off with just your wallet and phone ?