Thanks to Eddie Schmid of WhereIveBeen.com (@whereivebeen on Twitter) for these great ideas for the baggage fees blues.

Miffed about all these airlines charging exorbitant baggage fees? I know — the nerve. But look at it this way: Like all the financially inconvenient decisions companies are making for us these days, therein lies an opportunity for some fresh self-reflection.

Let’s get new-agey for a moment: Visualize yourself hunched over your carry-on bag during your next packing experience, trying to calculate the utility of your hairdryer over your crisp new pair of penny loafers. This event will drive you into the slippery slope of Luggage Existentialism, a budding philosophy that may force a larger question: Do I really need the hairdryer or the penny loafers… at all?

Like… whoa, bro. But hey – keep reading, I’ve got some ideas…

Okay, yeah, a little flower-childish. But have you ever considered just straight-up backpacking it? It doesn’t have to be limited to college kids or Bear Grylls or these aforementioned flower children — it’s a lot easier than you might think, and it can feel infinitely more freeing once you’re on the move. And for those particularly steamed about the baggage fee hikes, backpacking represents a fairly efficient silent protest (remember, rationalization is key).

If you’re feeling adventurous, the fall and winter stands as good a time as any to pack up the bare necessities and voyage into the great unknown. Time it right, take some risks, and keep a cool head and the thrill (and price) might surprise you. Here’s a head start on some of the better launching pads for your backpack jaunt!

Where I’ve Been suggests backpacking in Peru – read more!

Where I’ve Been suggests backpacking in Dublin and Beyond- see why!

Where I’ve Been suggests backpacking through Istanbul – the time is right!