By InvestingTravels.com
When it comes to traveling as a couple, everything seems magical: sunsets over new cities, sharing gelato on cobbled streets, snuggling on long train rides. But there’s one decision that can make or break your trip faster than delayed luggage: Should you share a suitcase?
This was the burning question that rocked a recent Atlas Obscura Podcast episode, where hosts Dylan Thuras, Johanna Mayer, and Amanda McGowan debated one couple’s eyebrow-raising travel proposal: two small backpacks and one shared checked bag—for a 10-day international trip.
Sound reasonable? Or a red flag? Let’s unpack (pun intended) what this really means for your relationship—and your sanity.
✈️ The Setup: Two Backpacks, One Big Bag
The anonymous question came from a listener preparing for her first long-haul vacation with her boyfriend. His idea? Travel light. Really light.
“Instead of two carry-ons plus personal items, we’ll each take a small backpack and share one checked bag for all our clothing,” he suggested.
What followed was a flurry of alarm bells—and laughter.
🤯 Why This Idea Unsettled Everyone
Even the podcast hosts, experienced travelers themselves, were thrown. Sharing a single suitcase on your first international trip together? That’s more than just a luggage decision—it’s a compatibility test.
Let’s break down the reasons it might (or might not) work.
🧠 Pro: It’s Practical—In Theory
Some people prefer to check one large bag and float through the airport without overhead bin stress. If you’re both light packers and organized, one shared bag could be efficient.
Affiliate Tip: Use a large, organized suitcase like the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with packing cubes to keep things tidy and separate.
😬 Con: Zero Personal Space
Mixed contents = mixed feelings.
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What happens when socks go missing?
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Do you both agree on what constitutes “essential”?
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What if one of you shops halfway through the trip?
Even podcast host Amanda joked:
“Someone’s going to be responsible for hauling that bag around—and it’s probably him.”
🎒 A Better Strategy: Shared Philosophy, Separate Bags
If you’re aligned on minimalism and simplicity, great. But still, give yourselves space.
Use:
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Two carry-on backpacks like the Osprey Porter 46
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Shared toiletry kits (Leakproof Travel Bottles)
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Compression cubes to manage space and separation
This gives you flexibility while traveling together—but not living out of each other’s pockets.
🧳 What Travel Experts Actually Do
Podcast host Dylan revealed his own approach:
“I hate rolly bags. For family trips, we do two big backpacks and a checked bag. But we’re considering going full carry-on just to avoid the hassle.”
Even his kids, ages 8 and 10, carry their own backpacks.
Affiliate tip: Traveling with kids? Check out the Deuter Kids’ Backpack for small but sturdy luggage they’ll be proud to carry.
❤️ Relationship Dynamics in a Suitcase
Let’s face it: packing habits reflect how people think about planning, space, and control. Sharing a suitcase too early in a relationship might lead to unexpected friction—like arguments over how many shoes are “too many.”
And that’s okay.
Sometimes, the smart move is this:
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Pack light.
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Pack separately.
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Pack with empathy.
✅ Tips Before You Try the One-Suitcase Strategy
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Discuss packing habits ahead of time (Do they fold? Roll? Cram?).
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Use separate packing cubes inside the same suitcase.
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Set expectations—who carries what and who packs what.
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Have a Plan B: If it doesn’t work, no shame in buying a second bag halfway through the trip.
Final Verdict: Should You Share a Suitcase?
Sharing a suitcase isn’t inherently bad—but it’s a logistical and emotional commitment. It works if you’re synced on priorities, trust each other’s organization skills, and are traveling light.
If you’re not sure? Do what Dylan’s family does:
“Everyone carries their own backpack. No arguments. No back pain. No regrets.”
🧳 Our Travel Packing Picks
💬 What Do You Think?
Have you ever shared a suitcase with your partner on a long trip? Did it go smoothly—or did someone end up sleeping with the packing cubes?
Tell us in the comments—or better yet, send us your travel horror story and we might feature it!
