CindyTraveling as a minimalist can be a challenge, especially if you’re a chronic over-packer. However, if you’ve always packed for vacation by throwing every shirt, shoe, and swimsuit into your suitcase, you could definitely benefit from a more minimalist approach. Traveling with less will actually leave you more time and energy to focus on your trip, and you may be surprised to see how much fun you have when you’re focused on your vacation instead of all the stuff you brought along.
The thought of traveling as a minimalist might be a little intimidating. However, you’ll be surprised to find that, if you do it right, minimalist travel can be an incredibly relaxing and uplifting experience.
Minimalist Travel Guide
Pack lightly.
One of the biggest problems people face when going on vacation is overpacking. Bringing more than you need might sound like a good idea. However, the odds you’ll actually need all that extra stuff are slim to none.
Instead of wasting your time packing a bunch of stuff you won’t actually wear, force yourself to put a little thought into the process. Don’t let yourself fill your bag with things you want – focus on the things you need instead. How many days are you traveling for? Will you easily be able to do laundry on your vacation, or do you need to bring clothes to last the whole trip? What are the chances you’ll run into bad weather? Can you bring items – jeans, sweaters, cardigans, or shoes – you can get more than one wear out of? Having a capsule wardrobe helps a lot with this process.
Don’t just be critical when it comes to your clothes, either. Consider your toiletries and makeup. Opt for travel-sized bottles of your favorite shampoos or conditioners, or leave them behind altogether if you know your hotel will have some in stock. Think about your electronics and technology. Do you really need to bring your laptop, or will your phone let you take care of everything you need to while you’re away?
You’ll thank yourself when your well-packed carry-on fits easily into the overhead compartment. And you’ll save money travelling light too.
Don’t over plan.
Taking a trip can be exciting, especially if you don’t get the chance to travel much. It can be tempting to overbook yourself and pack each day’s agenda with way too many things to do. When you do this, you’re setting yourself up for failure at worst and a stressful, restless vacation at best.
Give yourself a little time to breathe and take a minimalist approach the next time you consider your travel itinerary. Opt for the layover that doesn’t force you to sprint across the airport. Put one or two things on the plan for each day, but give yourself time to wander and see what you can find to explore. Give yourself room to say yes to the opportunities that come your way. If you’re traveling between cities, spend at least a few nights in each so you can slow down and really get a feel for the place you’re in before moving on to the next one.
Opt for simple accommodations.
Splurging on the hotel suite might be the right choice for special occasions, but for most vacations, you’ll get more out of your experience if you adopt a minimalist approach when it comes to your accommodations. After all, you’re not likely traveling just to stay at the hotel. Vacations should offer a chance to relax, to explore a new place, and to seek out new experiences.
Make sure to choose a hotel that’s clean, safe and comfortable, but don’t go crazy. Instead of spending extra money on your hotel stay, you’ll have more to spend on delicious food and experiences you’ll share with your family and friends during your travels. At the end of the day, you’ll find those to be the things that stay with you when your trip is complete – not the quality of the hotel sheets.
Taking on these simple minimalist travel hacks will save your sanity and your money the next time you go on vacation. If you already live simply at home, then minimalist travel is an easy adjustment to make. But even if you haven’t yet embraced a minimalist lifestyle, travel is a great place to start!
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