As an experienced minimalist for the past 8 years and a seasoned traveler for 10, I’ve learned some minimalist travel hacks for simpler expeditions. You can indeed pack smarter and enjoy a fantastic journey at the same time. If you’re seeking hacks to streamline your packing and travel lighter, consider tips like making a plan, choosing the right gear, and staying organized.
Are you tired of overpacking, wasting money, and dragging around heavy luggage? I get it. On my initial trips, I lugged a check-in bag, carry-on, duffle, and backpack, thinking I needed my whole bathroom and kitchen with me.
However, I quickly realized that every item I bring adds weight and hassle that I need to keep track of. All of this takes away from being in the moment of our adventures so I opted to pack more intentionally. Over the years I have been able to compile a list of my best minimalist travel hacks and these are my top 10!
1. The Art of Wise Packing
Packing for a trip is a bit of a science. You should start by making a detailed list of essentials, then ruthlessly cut it in half, keeping only what you truly need. Think versatile, neutral-toned clothing that can be mixed and matched. For longer trips, plan to do laundry or take advantage of laundry services.
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. You can stuff socks, belts, and undergarments inside your shoes to make the most out of every inch. Also wearing your heaviest items on the plane can reduce the weight of your luggage and free up space.
Before leaving on a trip I now take the time to plan out my outfits and see which items I can get multiple uses out of. I start by creating a mood board on Pinterest of outfit inspo (looking for ones with pieces I already own). Next, I lay out the outfits on the bed and take photos with a sticky note on it saying what day I plan to wear them. This makes it easy when getting ready in the morning.
2. Stick to Carry-On Sized Luggage
We live in the golden age of packing efficiently with advanced products and designs that maximize space. You can start committing to a carry-on-only bag to avoid the wait and potential loss of checked luggage. Another bonus is not having to pay the hefty fee for bringing the extra bag.
I have been able to take long trips to much farther places with just a carry-on and personal item. As well as traveling to colder climates. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit and how creative you get when you’re forced to scale back.
3. Simple Trips Are the Best Trips
Not every adventure calls for an extensive packing list. Planning a trip that revolves around one main activity or event can simplify your planning. For example, a hiking trip means packing only for the trail. Or a festival trip means only one focus outfit while the rest can be laid-back and simple.
An overly elaborate itinerary can lead to over-packing and a more stressful experience. Start by planning your trips based on bucket list experiences, focus on what’s truly important then tailor your packing list accordingly.
Since starting to travel more I created a bucket list and now try to prioritize my trips on experiences that are on it. This allows me the time to take in the local culture and reflect on my personal growth, rather than mindlessly checking off a long list of sights. By keeping it simple you’ll have a more meaningful trip.
4. Chase the Sun
Weather can dictate much of your packing requirements. You can consider choosing destinations with a consistently warm climate or during warm times for destinations with multiple seasons. Packing a light jacket and a couple of layers can be sufficient and take you a long way.
Traveling in milder weather or summer makes for less bulk in your bags, and fewer wardrobe changes, too. I once spent a weekend by the beach and only took a backpack filled with bikinis and a toothbrush. Plus let’s be honest, who doesn’t love soaking up some extra sunshine?
5. Multi-Purpose Items Are Multi-Winners
My best minimalist travel hack is to use items with multiple uses, they will be your best friend. A sarong can be a beach towel, picnic blanket, or a shawl. A Swiss Army Knife comes in handy in a multitude of situations.
Tote bags can act as packing cubes, and a canteen can store more than water. Don’t get me started with bandanas but the list goes on. With multi-purpose items, you not only save space but also invest in things that contribute to a clutter-free travel lifestyle.
6. Use Cloud-based Documents
Lose the physical clutter and go digital with important documents. Store the backups of your passport, and IDs on a cloud server as well as your travel insurance info, and itinerary for easy access.
This way, you’ll always have your important documents on hand and can avoid carrying unnecessary papers that can get lost, damaged, or stolen. I recommend checking out providers like Google Drive, One Drive, and iCloud who all give you around 5 GB of storage for free. This amount is more than enough for travel documents.
7. Bring Your Snacks to Save Money
Airport snacks can quickly add up, both in cost and calorie count. By bringing your own, you’ll save money, eat healthier, and ensure you have familiar foods on hand. Pre-pack dried fruits, nuts, or energy bars in a reusable snack bag for an in-flight pick-me-up that doesn’t require a stop at the overpriced kiosk.
Traveling more like a minimalist comes with some perks, like saving money on travel, and worrying about mundane things much less. But the biggest one is the reduction of your environmental impact. Bringing your own snacks ensures you can pack with less waste and sustainably sourced ingredients.
8. Organization is Key
Staying organized on the road can make a world of difference in maintaining your travel-minimalist goals. Separate your items in your luggage using various pouches or packing organizers. Labeling these can help you quickly find things, especially when on the move, and it offers a neat way to repack everything after going through security checks.
By creating a packing system and finding a place for everything you can make packing your belongings much more easier. Remember to keep important things you need the most near you like your passport or earbuds on traveling days. Another tip is to make a master packing list (which you can also store on the cloud) and go over it before every trip.
9. Invest in Quality Gear
While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in high-quality gear can sometimes save the day in minimalistic travel. A durable, well-designed backpack or pair of shoes can go for many trips without needing a replacement. Look for lightweight, sturdy items that suit your needs.
You should assess your travel style and see where you are better off at splurging. For instance, if you are a hiker then hiking gear is where you can upgrade. If you’re into swimming then scuba diving gear is where it at. The money you save from not checking in bags can go to a better, long-lasting piece of luggage or equipment.
I love snorkeling and plan to invest in prescription goggles so I can have better vision underwater. Another item that has greatly improved my travels is my walking shoes specifically made for plantar fasciitis which I developed in recent years. These shoes not only provide the necessary support for my feet but also double as fashionable walking shoes.
10. Cut Down on the Shoes
Speaking of shoes the last minimalist travel hack is to cut down on your footwear. Shoes are often the heaviest and bulkiest items in your luggage. For many trips, a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of sandals or casual shoes are all you need.
If you’re taking a business trip, wear the dress shoes on the plane and bring sneakers in your bag. Streamline your choices to what can accommodate the most types of activities and outfits. Now I am a fashion girl so this one is hard for me.
My rule is no more than 3 pairs and I can wear one on them on the plane. What you can pack are boots (hiking/rain), sandals (dressy outfits/beach), and tennis shoes (lots of walking/casual outfits). This method allows you to cover most activities you will encounter on your travels.
Conclusion
Remember, the goal of these minimalist travel hacks is to optimize your adventure with less physical baggage and mental clutter, not less enjoyment. Some key takeaways are to organize how you pack, plan your travels around warmer climates, and accommodate bucket list experiences.
By strategically preparing for your trips, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking a world of simple, stress-free travel adventures.
Happy exploring!
