Updated 2026
Shoppingbags aren't free everywhere. This simple fact impacts RTW travel more than you'd expect.
Where Bags Cost Money
Many countries charge for shopping bags at stores and markets. Some places don't provide bags at all.
Europe, Australia, and some Asian destinations charge for bags. Africa and parts of Latin America often don't provide them.
The Cost
Individual bags might cost 0.10-0.50 USD. Over months of shopping, this adds up.
More importantly, you might not have bags when you need them. Then you're buying them or overpaying for them.
The Solution
Carry reusable bags. A few lightweight foldable bags solve the problem.
You're prepared for markets, grocery stores, and spontaneous shopping. You're not caught without bags.
Additional Benefits
Reusable bags are useful for organization. Keep different items in different bags.
During laundry days, use bags to organize clean and dirty clothes.
When packing for flights, bags help organize items in your main pack.
Environmental Angle
Plastic bags are environmental problems. Using reusable bags reduces your impact.
In many places, using reusable bags is culturally valued.
The Practical Reality
Reusable bags weigh almost nothing and pack to almost nothing.
The solution is trivial to implement. Carry 2-3 lightweight foldable bags.
They solve a real problem repeatedly throughout your RTW trip.