How to Travel Like a Minimalist
From packing light to streamlining your itinerary, here’s how to cut out the excess and have your best trip yet.
Leave the jam-packed luggage and overflowing itinerary behind and instead hone in on the essentials for a less stressful trip. You don’t have to stay in austere hotels or purchase specific products to travel like a minimalist. While the right gear and packing light can keep your bag’s weight at a minimum and get you out the door faster, it’s not just about what you bring. Instead, it’s about freeing up space in your bag and in your day so you can travel with ease no matter your destination.
Packing Light in a Single Carry-On Bag
Say goodbye to exorbitant bag fees, long waits to check or retrieve baggage, and the stress of lost luggage. You can’t beat the convenience and simplicity of a single rolling bag or comfortable backpack, especially if you are flying. Pack the items you will need during the flight in a separate small bag that can stow under the seat inside your suitcase. Quickly pull this smaller bag out of your luggage at the gate when you’re ready to board and tuck it back in when you land to keep your hands free at the airport.
Going on a road trip? While you can technically fill the whole car, limiting each passenger to a single bag will streamline your journey and make loading and unloading at each stop a breeze. A tote bag, small backpack, or weekender are great for 2-3 night stays. Otherwise, your normal carry-on bag will fit everything you need.
More: Make the most of any bag with these packing hacks
Make a Packing List, and Cross Items Off
Never unpack unused items again. Make a list of everything you want to bring, and promptly remove 25-50 percent of it. Cross off everything that isn’t essential, like that extra pair of shoes and any unnecessary duplicates. If you still have space once everything you truly need is packed, you can sneak in something extra. Don’t forget, you can always rent, borrow, or buy when you get there.
Extend Your Wears
While it’s not advisable to rewear your underwear, most clothes can be worn at least twice before they need a wash. Some clothing made for travel can go even longer thanks to antibacterial fabric. For long trips, pack 5-7 days worth of clothing and do laundry as needed at your vacation rental or a local laundromat, or use the hotel’s washing service.
Bring Double-Duty Items
Make the most of your space with items that pull their weight. Look for essentials that have more than one purpose. A Turkish travel towel can also be used as a scarf or wrap, a pillow, and a beach or park blanket upon arrival. A container of snacks on the plane can be refilled with leftovers or things to munch on while you sightsee. Also, consider clothing that can be worn more than one way.