In 2016, we traveled abroad, and I vividly remember overpacking, wheeling our oversized bags through unpaved streets, thinking there had to be an easier way. A few decades later, after applying many minimalist habits to our lifestyle, we learned something extraordinary about simplicity; it is freedom!
We now travel light! I like to call it “hands-free” packing. We love having both hands free when walking through the airport, especially with our kiddo.
Our last trip was to Europe during the winter months, which included three countries, four cities, and a total of 7 flights. It was planes, trains, and automobiles! We traveled so light the transitions were seamless.
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After many years of overpacking, we have discovered 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 the start to the end.
Take a peek at 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 wait for our bags that “hopefully” will arrive and continue to our destination while lugging our precious cargo. We later have to re-pack, playing a not-so-fun game of Tetris, and most likely have added more items than we came with because we “had” to buy souvenirs. Souvenirs have a funny way of grabbing our attention and dollar with the promise to savor the moment. Lastly, arriving home, we have to unpack our over-packed bags and wash more laundry than necessary.
Before packing for your next endeavor, here are some great questions to ask:
- What do we NEED to bring for on trip?
- What items can we do without (hair dryer, curling iron, different products)?
- What items are we ok with managing (pads, jewelry, excessive make-up)?
- How can we simplify this?
- Will we be purchasing items or gifts to take back home?
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Our minimalist packing list can be used by men, women, and even children. Of course, remove the items that do not pertain and add some to fit your needs. Our list is a solid foundation for what to pack for minimalist travel. The list will include items for winter, 20 – 40 degree weather; for any other season, you will likely pack less.
Keep in mind 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 3 – 4 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.
1. 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.
2. 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 through the airport, making all parts of travel more enjoyable. Here is an excellent option for a backpack. We traveled for ten days, and everything fit comfortably!
3. Pack Essentials First
All other items can be replaced; essentials are indeed the thing we NEED to board the airplane. 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 rather not travel with a purse and have to manage it.
- Passport/ID
- Credit cards/cash
- Phone (charger)
4. Pack Practical Clothing
Pack your favorite pieces only; try to keep them lightweight and cohesive colors to mix and match. This list is for a ten-day stay in 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 under ware
- six socks (wool)
- one pair of shoes (waterproof)
- one jacket
- one hat
- one pair of gloves
- one neck warmer or scarf
5. Minimize Make-up & Accessories
Bring only the essential products to feel put together; less is better.
- Concealer with SPF
- Mascara
- Lipstick or chapstick
- Sunglasses
- Hair ties
6. Pack comfortable shoes
Pack ONE pair of comfortable shoes unless you are traveling 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, and it’s best to take good care of your knees and lower back. Waterproof shoes are a must when traveling during winter; wet feet could lead to discomfort or a common cold.
7. 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 (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 1 book for downtime
- Think less but better
- For kiddos – bring some coloring books, playing cards, and snacks (only what fits into their bag)
- When traveling abroad, bring a plug converter
- Socks and under are most important; pack plenty in case you can not 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
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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 and live more simply.
We challenge you to try traveling with less; you may be surprised the benefits outweigh the comforts of having all the “what if” and luxury items with us.
Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash