Minimalist travel, Is it something you should try?
Imagine a life without limits—the freedom to explore and experience all that the world has to offer.
Minimalist travel can make this dream come true.
With fewer belongings weighing you down, you can fully immerse yourself in new cultures, landscapes and adventures.
You’ll be free from the burden of possessions and worry-free when it comes to storing and transporting your stuff.
Your luggage will be lighter, your wanderlust greater, and your sense of exploration boundless!
Forget being tied down—minimalist travel will give you wings to take off on an adventure like never before.
So what are you waiting for?
Embrace the lightness of minimalist travel and start by checking out these hints and tips to really boost your confidence and make your next trip incredible!
Invest in a Well-Organized Travel and lightweight Backpack
My no.1 rule is purchase your bag first, I like to start of with a 24L backpack which is tiny compared to most people’s backpacks when they travel.
The reason for buying it so small is because I have never been pulled up for it being to big, so I never get charged for carry-on backpacks, even though at times it definitely weights more than 10kg.
Additionally being so small has very limited space for the things that I pack.
Which in turn makes me really consider everything that I put into the bag.
Next think about 3 things your bag should have, Separate compartments where you can store, travel documents, batteries, water bottles and of course your clothes and belongings.
The backpack should also be waterproof.
Honestly this makes a huge difference when you can continue your journey and now worry that your belongings might end up being soaked.
and finally, no. 3 you want your backpack to be comfortable.
It’s actually incredible how much weight can be stored within a backpack that is the size of carry-on luggage.
After I have all my clothes, drones equipment, laptop and other things I can tell you that the bag would most likely come closer to 15kg for me.
But because it is comfortable I find it not to be a nuisance and even after a whole day of hiking, it’s not very problematic.
Research your destination
One of the most important things you need to do when packing light is research your destination.
Sure, it’s not as glamorous as picking out flights or finding a great place to stay, but it’s absolutely essential if you want to really enjoy yourself.
When you research, you arm yourself with knowledge about the customs, culture, and environment of the area you’re visiting – information that can really elevate your experience.
You may discover hidden gems or ancient ruins tucked away off the tourist trails, or amazing locals to remotely collaborate with on projects.
Researching also helps you plan for potential disasters, such as natural disasters or political unrest, so you know what to expect during your journey and can take steps to protect yourself.
Additionally by researching your destination you are able to figure out what kind of gear you should be packing.
Will you need more swimmers, jumpers or even jackets is the question.
Additionally it will remind you of what travel documents you should have when you arrive in a country, such as a travel Visa.
Bring Only Essential Clothes
I’ve stayed in Iceland for over 3 years, and one thing I notice over and over again is that even when I have more clothes, I tend to continually wear the same ones over and over.
So here is a great start to how you should decide what to pack.
Pack clothes that you already enjoy, because chances are, even when you do go travelling you will most likely wear the same things over and over again.
As mentioned in the previous heading, make sure to research the destination first so you know what essential clothes you might need when you travel.
Such as a jacket, gloves, beanie, rain jacket etc.
My Personal preference ultra Minimalist Packing List for clothes is:
1 x pair of pants – I recommend jeans
3 x shirts/ one of them a nicer button up shirt
3 x extra pairs of underwear
3 x socks
1 x hoodie/ jacket
1 x pair of shorts/ which double as swimmers
1 x pair of shoes that are lightweight, comfortable to hike in and look nice for when I go to restaurants.
I try not to pack bulky items because It saves space in my bag + if I am ever cold I prefer layering up, which in turn works better for staying warmer.
Opt for plain colors and fabrics.
Can you imagine going on your dream vacation without having to rummage through a giant suitcase full of clothes?
With the right trick – the secret is in colour matching and fabric – you can make sure that all your wardrobe essentials fit into just one bag and still look great!
The magic of minimalism means you need fewer pieces of clothing that serve multiple purposes – which saves space and money.
For example: pick out a few simple basics in neutral colours like black, white, grey, or navy blue and mix them up with bright accent colours for maximum versatility.
Choose fabrics that are lightweight, quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and durable.
With minimal packing, you’ll feel lighter on your feet knowing that you’ve got enough clothing to last you throughout your entire holiday – and you won’t have to worry about missing out on the fun because of dreaded excess baggage fees.
Select fabrics that are odor-resistant.
Have you ever been on a backpacking trip and noticed the smell of your clothes starting to get rank?
It can be embarrassing, not to mention uncomfortable and unhygienic.
But what if you could say goodbye to stinky clothes forever?
You can, if you switch to items of clothing made from materials that don’t stink!
Lightweight, breathable, and stylish garments are the best choice for the modern traveler who needs to stay comfortable, stylish, and fresh even in the most adventurous locations.
With clothes that don’t stink, you don’t need to bring backups and spares as often.
Say goodbye to odours with these 3 fashion-forward fabrics:
1. Merino wool – this incredibly soft and luxurious material is naturally resistant to bacteria, meaning it won’t retain unpleasant smells.
2. Polyester – this lightweight, easy-care fabric won’t trap odours so you can enjoy your clothes for longer. It’s also quick drying, perfect for active lifestyles.
3. Bamboo – this sustainable fabric is anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic and odourless. And it’s breathable too, so you can stay cool and comfortable no matter what you’re doing.
Minimalist folding hacks
Rolling your clothes can reduce bulk, which allows for more efficient packing of clothing, and other small items.
It also maximizes space in tight spots like suitcases or backpacks and can make getting organized a breeze.
With a little practice, rolling your gear right can be easy and even a lot of fun.
Also consider getting yourself a dry bag which you can use to squeeze any excess air out of your clothes when packing.
Dirty laundry bag hack
It’s simple, just pack a lightweight, waterproof laundry bag or a plastic bag before you leave home, and use it for your dirty laundry as you go.
That keeps all your necessary wash items in a single bag and when you reach your destination, all you have to do is unpack, throw in the wash, add some laundry detergent and voila!
You’re ready to go. No more sifting through piles of smelly clothes to find what you need to clean
Laundry can be done in the sink.
I tend to rent out a room with an onsweet if I have a full load of dirty clothes to do.
Rooms usually come with a hair dryer, which makes it easy to dry clothes but also I can hang out all my wets around the room to air dry.
No need to drag yourself to the laundry machines or wait for the washer and dryer at home.
With a little soap, hot water, and a bit of elbow grease, you can feel fresh and have clean clothes in no time.
First, gather your clothes and fill the sink with hot water.
Add a few drops of detergent and let your clothes soak for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with cold water.
Let them dry or if you are in a hurry use a hair dryer or house heater.
And then you’re all set!
Enjoy the freedom of doing your laundry wherever you go.
It is advisable to wear the heaviest clothes when travelling on an airplane.
Have you ever been on a plane that was icy cold?
It’s not an experience you want to repeat.
That’s why when we fly, the smartest thing to do is wear our heaviest clothes.
Why?
Because air travel can be unpredictable – temperatures can dip low in flight, so it’s best to be prepared.
Plus, wearing your heaviest clothes offers a hidden perk – you don’t have to pay hefty baggage fees on overweight luggage!
No more lugging around extra stuff just because it’s too chilly! Instead of worrying about the cold, bring along some cosy layers and enjoy the journey in comfort.
Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane and get ready for adventure.
Re-Evaluate Your Toiletries Bag
Honestly, when it comes to toiletries when Minimalist traveling you will quickly find that most of them will not be necessary.
Specially that they come in bulky packaging, can sometimes be to much to take onto planes and more importantly you are going to places where no one will care how you look.
Save on taking cosmetics with you, save on unnecessary weight in your bag and give your skin and hair a chance to breathe.
Always make sure to pack your toiletries in a see through zip lock bag as it is a necessity at the airports.
What I take as a male are
– toothbrush
– toothpaste in tablets
– body wash
Wear Comfortable & Versatile Shoes
Having the right shoes means the difference between a fun journey and a disappointing one.
Comfortable and versatile shoes provide you with the best of both worlds: you can tackle any situation from sidewalks to sandy beaches, and still stay stylish.
I usually go for sneakers that are Navy or black as they go with jeans and look kind of elegant if combined with a nice Shirt.
You can go to restaurants and not feel underdressed while there.
Multi function Electronics as opposed to many different electronics
Multi-function electronics are the perfect choice for you.
Not only can they lighten your load and save space, but they also allow you to do more with less.
Whether you’re travelling, hiking, or just out and about, having a device that can do multiple things is a big plus in any situation.
With one device, you can easily listen to music, take photos and videos, check emails, watch movies, play games and connect with friends on social media.
This could be a phone or a tablet, or a lightweight laptop.
You could also get universal travel adapters with multiple USB ports to save you from having to carry around different plugs for each country you plan on visiting.
By reducing the amount of electronic devices you have you are not only going to take up less space in your bag with the devices, but also charging cables, and then again be more efficient with charging them.
And as an added bonus, you will have less things that can get stolen and or broken on your journey.
So next time you go traveling, think to yourself, do you need a huge DSLR camera or will the newest Iphone camera be enough.
Universal travel adapters
As mentioned in the previous tab, buying a Universal adapter with multiple ports is an essential item.
One Universal adapter can keep all of your electronics charged and because they are becoming so compact these days they will save you plenty of luggage space in your bag.
Having multiple ports can also mean you can charge all your devices at the same time, which in turn will save you plenty of time.
Universal travel adapters work in most countries around the world but also most of them on the market offer additional protection.
Such as surge protection and fuses that will save your devices in the instance that there is an unstable electricity connection in the place you are visiting.
Add a Portable charger to your minimalist packing list
If you have consolidated your electronics and and have a portable charger with you then you can always make sure to top up your electronics when they are running low on juice.
If possible you can get portable power banks that have a decent amount of charge, but also act as a work hub.
Meaning you can charge and connect multiple devices from one power bank.
I have a battery pack that has wireless charging, a space for MicroSD cards, and 4 ports to charge and connect with other devices.
When I connect it to my laptop I can charge my phone and send files between my drone and computer.
If I’m on the run and need a top up I have fast charging ports that will top up any of my decides that use Micro USB cables.
Make sure to leave some empty space in your pack.
When travelling light, it’s important to include some extra space in your minimalist packing list.
That little bit of empty space can add a whole lot of freedom to your journey.
Whether you’re an experienced packer or a beginner, leaving a bit of empty space in your bag allows you to pick up souvenirs, pack some extra food for a day trip, or give you the freedom to buy necessities that you might have not thought about when you first started your trip.
Unplanned adventures are always the best ones – and being prepared for them is key.
It’s also a great way to practice minimalism – the idea that less is often more.
Make the experience of travel stress-free and keep it light. Leave a bit of free space in your bag – and carry the spirit of adventure with you!
Experiences over souvenirs
When it comes to minimalist backpacking, experiences are so much more than souvenirs.
You can explore places that you have never seen before and get a glimpse into a whole new culture and way of life.
You’ll be able to create lasting memories instead of just collecting trinkets and photographed postcards.
Instead of bringing home physical items, bring home the stories and moments to share with your friends and family over dinner.
Experiences will give you a deeper understanding of these places and their peoples–discovering things that no souvenir could ever replicate.
30 Minimal travel packing tips that will make your life easier.
- Buy a small 24L bag before you start packing for your trip. In doing so you will be forced only to pack the most important things in it. Also saving money on baggage storage, and airlines.
- Throw the hotel bar soap into your dirty laundry bag so it doesn’t stink up your suitcase for the rest of your trip.
- Carry multiple waterproof compression bags with you. You will be able to store your dirty laundry in it but also squeeze out all the air from each bag, providing you with more room for other important things. ( You can also use them as reusable shopping bags)
- Buy a smaller lighter laptop so it does not take up space and weight to much in your bag.
- Buy devices that use USB-C charging ports so one charger can charge all your devices.
- Collect travel- and travel-sized toiletries from your hotels and refill them whenever you stay at another hotel.
- Get a backpack with a harness system to take the weight off your shoulders
- Get a waterproof bag to protect it from the weather.
- Bring a power bank to keep your smartphones/digitals charged when you’re on the go
- Pack Black – One pair of black jeans, 3 black T’s will get you through a long trip.
- Find a pair of workout shoes which can also be casual walking and touring attire.
- You can get by on “Five of Each” (5 pairs socks, 5 undershirts, 5 underwear etc) almost in definitively.
- Once every 3 months, take EVERYTHING out of your briefcase. Challenge everything. When was the last time you touched it or used it on a trip? Throw it away or leave it at home if you will not need it overseas.
- Wear the thicker jeans and the heavier jacket along with the bulkier shoes in the flight!
- Pack for the right season
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You can find cheaper, yet comfortable accommodations for your travels. Look for hostels or budget-friendly guesthouses which you can find on Airbnb.
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Knowing a few basics about the language, culture or traditions of the place you are visiting will make it easier for you to navigate and interact with locals.
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To make the most of every day, create a daily schedule that outlines when you want to wake up, when you wish to sightsee, and when you would like to rest.
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Unexpected delays, mishaps, and confusion come with travel. Make sure that you leave room for surprises and be willing to adapt if something doesn’t go as planned. Keeping an open mind can lead you to unexpected discoveries!
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There are lots of apps out there designed to help make your travels smoother. Use them!
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Instead of spending all your money on activities, take advantage of free experiences in each city you visit. Consider strolling through a local park or taking a free walking tour.
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Don’t rush from one destination to another just for the sake of checking destinations off your list. Embrace minimalism and slow down, allowing yourself time to really get to know each destination.
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Quality, lightweight items that don’t take up too much space should be a priority for minimalistic travelers, as they hold up better and last longer.
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Make sure to bring items such as your passport, driver’s license (if applicable), credit/debit cards, and supplies like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
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Food can add up quickly throughout your travels so stick to items that won’t break the bank but still provide the sustenance needed to enjoy each day.
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learn how to live with less without sacrificing enjoyment. Leave material items behind and focus on experiences that will leave lasting memories and will help you appreciate the beauty of your destination.
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Opt for public transportation whenever possible – it’s generally cheaper than taxis and a great way to get a taste of local culture.
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Bring snacks and refillable water bottles
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bring along an international SIM card and one small device, such as a tablet or smartphone, so you don’t miss out on any important emails or calls while travelling
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Use compression cubes and hanging organizers to maximize the limited space you have while traveling.
Is Ultra-minimalist travel right for you?
So, the next time you’re considering taking a vacation, why not take on a minimalist holiday?
Not only are they more eco-friendly, they are also less expensive, allowing you to make your money go further.
There’s no need to sacrifice luxury; you can still experience beautiful places and new cultures without spending excessively.
Give yourself the freedom to explore and enjoy your travels without overindulging in unnecessary items.
Embrace the journey with joy and enthusiasm and take away meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
