Minimalism can make travel more comfortable and convenient, whether you are an experienced adventurer or making your first journey abroad. Minimalist travelers tend to forgo baggage storage fees, avoid carrying unnecessary items that add weight, and opt for versatile gear designed specifically for their journeys.
Minimalism may incur upfront expenses, but in the long run, it can save money by reducing airline baggage fees and permitting more spontaneous excursions that make each journey special.
Start with a carry-on bag.
Minimalist travel is defined as packing as light as possible and traveling only with carry-on bags. This style of travel is suitable for trips of any duration, ranging from weekend getaways to yearlong journeys, with one bag fitting all your essential items for the journey if necessary (instead of sinking laundry or finding laundromats along the way).
Minimalists generally travel with a small backpack or suitcase that fits their travel needs and distance. A general guideline suggests packing no more than nine tops, five pants, and three pairs of shoes at any one time.
When selecting items to pack, it’s essential that they’re versatile pieces that go together seamlessly. Minimalist travelers often pack versatile running shorts and Teva sandals, which they can pair with multiple outfits; they also pack a few shirts or dresses that they can style according to the event or occasion.
Grisdale suggests selecting a carry-on bag equipped with multiple pockets and dividers to make it easier to keep track of smaller items like chapsticks, tweezers, and hair ties. He also advises searching for compression bags or miniature versions of items you frequently use, such as toothpaste or shampoo, which could save space and weight.
Minimalism’s ultimate aim is to create an effortless travel experience. No matter if it’s your first or fifth trip abroad, adopting minimalist principles will help you avoid overpacking and spending money on unnecessary souvenirs that won’t add anything meaningful to your memories.
Don’t pack too much.
Minimalism’s goal is to strip away unnecessary items and only bring what is absolutely necessary, making your trip more enjoyable in terms of weight and space consumption. There are numerous tools and hacks to help make packing lighter, such as mini or micro versions of commonly used items and collapsible or compressible gear. Each replacement may only save a few ounces, but if done for each item in your bag, it can lead to significant savings of liters and pounds!
Using multi-functional items is another effective way of keeping your luggage light. Minimalist travelers value items with multiple uses, which allows them to reduce the number of items they must pack for their journeys. Convertible clothing and accessories are an excellent example; these versatile pieces take up minimal space yet can still be utilized in multiple ways!
Other ways to keep your luggage light include using a clear toiletry bag that meets airline liquid regulations and is easily accessible in hotel bathrooms without taking up too much counter space. Another great choice is the Osprey Ultralight Zip Organizer, which takes up minimal space but provides effective organization while on the move.
If you need gear for an activity, renting it might be wiser. This is especially beneficial for gear that you will use frequently, like hiking backpacks or snorkeling gear.
Those prone to overpacking will find minimalist travel an enjoyable and stress-free experience on their next adventure. Simply carry fewer bags and experience less hassle along the way!
Don’t bring too many accessories.
Minimalism necessitates a shift in perspective that takes consistent effort to implement. This involves identifying which items you use most frequently and trimming back your pack to just those essentials; this reduces both space usage and the weight of your belongings.
Traveling light is also an economical and eco-friendly solution; packing less means avoiding costly baggage fees when checking luggage and incurring overweight fees in general. Every extra kilo you add increases greenhouse emissions from transportation vehicles.
A few key accessories can add flair to a minimalist traveler’s bag, yet a pair of collapsible chopsticks could prove indispensable when out and about if you enjoy eating Ramen noodles or want to avoid using plastic cutlery. Snow Peak Wabuki chopsticks, weighing only 1 oz, feature an easily findable webbing carry case and paracord lanyard, so they’re easy to locate in any bag!
Other essential minimalist travel accessories include a travel-sized toiletry bag, compact umbrella, and lightweight flashlight—such as Prometheus Light’s Beta Quick Release V2 flashlight that fits easily onto keys—that are highly popular minimalist travel items.
Minimalism offers great freedom. Without carrying around an overwhelming backpack, you’re free to pursue opportunities as they arise and enjoy local culture without tourist traps—plus, doing laundry on your trip is a bonus!
Keep it clean.
Minimalist travel entails keeping it simple by focusing on the essentials and removing excess baggage, choosing experiences over material items, and being mindful of environmental impact. While minimalist travel might not always be an effortless journey, it can serve as a great learning experience and help anyone pack more efficiently while living more mindfully.
One of the key components of minimalist travel is keeping your luggage tidy. A disorganized backpack can quickly turn into a frustrating nightmare that makes finding what you need difficult. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly wash your clothing and pack only essentials. Doing this will reduce dirty clothing accumulation while saving time when packing for an adventure.
One effective strategy for traveling with minimal bags is to pack multifunctional items that can perform multiple functions at the same time, such as a spork that serves as both a spoon, fork, and knife. Packing this way saves not only space, but also weight!
Minimalist travel can be an ideal way to reduce stress during vacation and focus on fully experiencing your surroundings while learning the important life lesson that less is more when it comes to happiness. Adopting minimalism in your travels can lead to more meaningful adventures that will endure and evoke fond memories for years to come. Cora Gold is a writer and editor for Revivalist magazine; when not on assignment, she loves traveling with her family and exploring new destinations.
Make the most of your space.
Minimalist travel involves making lifestyle changes that take time and dedication, but its rewards can be transformative. From saving money on flights and hotels to leading more mindful, sustainable lives, here are several ways that minimalism can enrich your travel experience.
As part of your minimalist travels, keeping things simple when packing is of utmost importance. Don’t overpack with souvenirs and extra toiletries that only add weight. Instead, use clever packing techniques, such as compression bags, to compact bulky items flat. Packing cubes also help save space while organizing everything more effectively.
One way to keep it simple when traveling is by selecting versatile clothing and accessories. A pair of jeans can easily transition between casual and formal events, while a lightweight jacket can serve as an outer layer against cold-weather travel. Plus, space-saving solutions such as multi-use items like sporks provide functionality such as spoon bowls, fork tines, and knife functions all in one product!
As with anything else, less truly is more. Traveling minimalistically can save money and stress by eliminating baggage fees, but more importantly, it teaches us mindfulness and health through learning to let go of excess possessions. Learning how to pack light and travel like a minimalist makes your adventures even more enjoyable while focusing on the experiences and memories that matter most! So if you’re ready to embrace minimalist travel for yourself, start here with these helpful tips and see just how enjoyable your next journey could be!
