2016, I traveled abroad, and I vividly remember overpacking and wheeling oversized bags through unpaved streets, thinking there had to be an easier way. A few decades later, married with a family, I quickly adapted to the new call of life. Things need to be simplified to run smoothly. Applying some minimalist principles is just plain practical. We are not minimalist; however, we find much value in it; it is freedom! We now travel light; we love having both hands free when walking through the airport, especially with our kiddo.
Our last trip to Europe was during the winter months. It included three countries, four cities, seven flights, planes, trains, and automobiles! We traveled so light that the transitions were seamless. We have discovered that packing less means more freedom and less to manage. Becoming a minimalist packer requires time, dedication, and the ability to separate your wants from your needs. Letting go of unnecessary items leaves room for a great experience from start to end.
Our ultimate minimalist packing tips for a ten-day stay.
- Commit to not checking a bag
- Travel with a backpack
- Pack Essentials First
- Pack Practical Clothing
- Minimize Make-up & Accessories
- Pack Comfortable Shoes
- Toiletries are Optional
There’s nothing like discovering your own perfect minimalist packing list. When preparing for travel, we often overpack, adding the “what ifs” and luxury items we are accustomed to having. Nothing can be more cumbersome than managing baggage through the airport while trying to enjoy a trip. In addition to managing baggage, there is an additional cost to check our bags, on average $25-$89 per bag. After disembarking from the aircraft, we await our bags, hopefully arriving, and continue to our destination while lugging our precious cargo. After enjoying a trip, we repack and play a not-so-fun game called Tetris. We most likely added more items than we came with because we had to buy souvenirs. Souvenirs have a funny way of grabbing our attention and dollars with the promise to savor the moment. When arriving home, we must unpack our over-packed bags and wash more laundry than necessary. Is there a better way to travel? A simpler way?
Before packing for your next endeavor, here are some great questions.
- What do we NEED to bring for the trip?
- What items can we do without?
- What items are we ok with managing?
- How can we simplify this?
- Will we be purchasing items or gifts to take back home?
How to pack for travel. This is a solid foundation for what to pack for minimalist travel. The list will include items for winter, 20-40-degree weather; you will likely pack less for any other season. Remember that toiletries can usually be purchased when you reach your final destination and do not have to be packed. Plan to wash your clothes every three to four days, and at best, select clothing with the same color scheme. Also, packing lightweight clothing helps with the weight of your bag. After a long trip, your knees and back will thank you.
Commit to not checking a bag. Having only a carry-on ensures your luggage will stay safe; you will not have to wait for your bag, and it will cost less. Your luggage will always be with you, a piece of mind when traveling abroad.
Travel with a backpack. A backpack allows easy travel through busy airports and cobblestone, unpaved streets. You are ready for any terrain. Plus, you can carry the drink of your choice, coffee, tea, or water, through the airport, making all parts of travel more enjoyable.
Pack Essentials First. All other items can be replaced; essentials are indeed what we NEED to board the airplane. Passports, credit cards, phones, and chargers are essential. Your list might be different, but the idea is the same. It is best to keep these secure at all times. I like using a money belt to access the items quickly and keep them safe. I would rather not travel with a purse and have to manage it.
Pack Practical Clothing/ Pack your favorite pieces only; try to keep them lightweight and cohesive in colors so you can mix and match. This list is for a ten-day stay in the winter months and can/should be customized to your travel needs.
- Three pants
- 2 thermos (merino wool)
- two pajama pants (I packed gym pants so I could also use them as lounge ware)
- one pajama top (I packed a Henley top, which makes it useable for daily wear if needed)
- one fleece (optional – I liked to have it as another extra layer and also use for lounge ware)
- two tank tops (layers are essential for winter)
- three long sleeve tops
- two bras
- Ten underwear
- six socks (wool)
- one pair of shoes (waterproof)
- one jacket
- one hat
- one pair of gloves
- one neck warmer or scarf
Minimize Makeup & Accessories. Bring only the essential products to feel put together; less is better.
- Concealer with SPF
- Mascara
- Lipstick or Chapstick
- Sunglasses
- Hair ties
Pack comfortable shoes. Pack ONE pair of comfortable shoes unless you travel for a special occasion, such as a wedding. Shoes are essential while traveling, and comfort and quality are everything! Even if it is not planned, there will be lots of walking. Waterproof shoes are a must when traveling during winter; wet feet could lead to discomfort or a common cold.
Toiletries are Optional. Unless you are camping, these can be purchased at your final destination and often included with your stay. If you want to bring them for ease, pack only travel-sized items.
- Mini hairbrush/comb
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Nail clippers
- Tweezer
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Moisturizer
- Contacts/contact solution
Extra Packing Tips
- Don’t try to fill your bag; this leads to over-packing.
- Roll your clothes or fold them small
- Wear your bulkiest item, which is usually your jacket.
- Secure all small items in a small bag.
- Put liquids in a double sandwich bag
- Use Packing cubes; this will help to stay organized
- Only travel with a carry-on
- Never take valuables or things you are not ok with losing
- Pack one book for downtime
- Think less but better
- Bring the kiddos some coloring books, playing cards, and snacks. Packing only what fits into their bag.
- When traveling abroad, bring a plug converter
- Socks and underwear are most important; pack plenty if you cannot wash clothing.
- Be selective when purchasing souvenirs; consider what the locals would purchase.
- Consumables are some of the best gifts to give.
- keep a list of what you used or did not use for future travel
Whether traveling for a long weekend or multiple weeks, minimalist packing will ease your travel and make coming home easy with less unpacking. Packing light allows us more freedom to roam about. Try traveling with less; you may be surprised the benefits outweigh the comforts of having all the “what ifs” and luxury items with us.