Remember when carry-on backpacks were... carry-on?

I'm not usually one to go on rants, but I just came back from a few months in Southeast Asia, and I need to vent a little.

Not too long ago, traveling light meant carrying your backpack through airports without worrying about extra fees. Back then, airports in Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond were full of travelers going around with those HUGE backpacks on their backs.

Now, every major airline seems to treat a cabin backpack as a luxury item, charging exorbitant fees for it. And it's not just low-cost carriers like AirAsia and VietJet, but also many flag carriers have turned this common travel practice into a costly hassle.

And these new fees not only pinch our wallets but also force us to reconsider the very essence of our minimalist, flexible digital nomad lifestyle.

So, what’s my approach to this maddening situation? Here's what I've been doing lately to try and survive this new policy they added:

1. Reassess and downsize your gear.

As usual, downsizing is the place to start. I’m rigorously curating my packing list, even more than I did before, ensuring I only bring the essentials. This not only reinforces my personal commitment to a more minimalist lifestyle but also helps me keep those fees at bay.

2. Compare policies.

Before booking any flight, I’m using Skyscanner and Google Flights to filter airlines with friendlier carry-on allowances. I spend extra time researching baggage policies and even signing up for fare alerts from carriers that offer generous allowances, even if it means taking a less obvious route.

3. Opt for alternative transport.

Whenever possible, I explore alternative travel options. Buses and trains always come with more relaxed baggage rules, so I've been reworking my itineraries to include these options, reducing the number of flights where carry-on fees would hit me hard, especially if I'm going to countries that are close to my current location.

4. Plan ahead with backup options.

When I know I must fly with a carrier that charges extra, I factor in those costs and adjust my budget accordingly. Sometimes, I even consider upgrading to more premium flag carriers, which usually cost more, but at least I get some extra perks and a better flight experience, so I know that I will save on stress when getting to my destination.

What can I say more, my nomads friends. It sucks that it's come to this.

That feeling of freedom and spontaneity is definitely taking a hit when you have to meticulously plan around potential luggage shakedowns. That golden era of saving some money on low-cost flights with your life on your back seems to be fading.

🗞️ What's new in the nomad world

• El Salvador is rolling out its new nomad visa. Remote workers seeking a cool Central American adventure now have a fresh opportunity. El Salvador has launched its digital nomad visa to boost the local economy and create a welcoming environment for those looking to blend work with a taste of this well-kept Central American secret.
• Goa's taxi scene is under fire. In India’s coastal paradise, rising frustration surrounds a rampant taxi mafia that’s preying on tourists. Travelers—including many digital nomads—are grappling with unreliable rides and inflated fares, sparking a growing call for stricter regulation in the region. Another good reason to explore new destinations in India and not obsess over this popular hub.

👀 What else...

• Since 2022, some travel insurance providers have tightened their policies, making it harder for Russian citizens to secure global coverage. And even if a provider still offers policies, they often aren’t designed with Russian digital nomads in mind. To help with your insurance hunt, we’ve put together a list of the best nomad insurance options for Russian citizens.

✨ Our favorite nomad quote for this week

“People don’t take trips. Trips take people.” — John Steinbeck

💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you

Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:

• Advanced Operator (Polish and English) at Invisible Technologies
• Cloud Solutions Architect at Canonical
• Senior Software Engineer at Webicient
• B2B Social Media Specialist at BruntWork
• Account Director (Sales) at Hype Partners Ltd

💡This week's pick (to make your life easier)

I don’t think I’ve ever properly shared my go-to backpack that’s saved me from paying any baggage fees lately—CabinZero Adv Pro 42L. This thing got me through 3 months in Southeast Asia, including every budget airline you can think of (yes, even AirAsia!)

• It fits in every sizer cage I’ve come across—9 different budget airlines so far. The structure helps it keep its shape, no awkward squeezing or side-eye from staff.
• The clamshell opening is really awesome. Makes getting through airport security way less stressful—grab the liquids pouch in seconds, no digging.
• It’s helped me stick to carry-on only, even with all my random market finds. Minimalist but practical.
• Got caught in a surprise monsoon in Da Nang, and my laptop came out dry. Can’t say the same for most people around me.

That's all for this week.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Threads if you want to get in touch with other members of the FN community.

We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

Written by Luca Mussari

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. After leaving a corporate job in London, I co-created Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace remote work and find happiness wherever they go.

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