Are you tired of bringing so many just-in-case items for your vacations? This is the ultimate minimalist travel essentials checklist, that will ensure you have everything you need while packing light.
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Packing for any trip can be stressful and overwhelming. Wondering what to pack, what you will need, and just-in-case items and clothing. There is so much to keep in mind. The best way to stay stress-free is to bring the bare essentials. Whether you are heading on a weekend getaway, a business trip, a long trip, or a short trip we’ve got you covered with the ultimate minimalist travel essentials.
In this guide, we will break down the best minimalist travel essentials so you can pack smarter. It is possible to still be comfortable, stylish, and functional by also packing light. These tips and tricks will change the way you pack for every trip from here on out while still ensuring you have everything you will need.
We will focus on the best lightweight travel essentials, multi-purpose travel items, space-saving travel essentials, compact travel essentials for packing light, and so much more.
This post is all about the ultimate minimalist travel essentials.
There are so many benefits to packing in a minimalist packing style. Not only are you saving space but you are also reducing stress, having to carry a lot less, can stay organized a lot easier, and ultimately you can be more flexible with your trip plans this way.
Having less to carry helps you move around easily from location to location With having only the minimal essentials it is so much easier to stay organized while traveling. Lastly, you can be more flexible with your travel plans and save money by traveling only with a carry-on and avoiding luggage fees overall enhancing your travel experience.
For packing for 2 weeks in a carry-on check out the blog post “HOW TO PACK FOR 2 WEEKS IN A CARRY ON“.
When choosing minimalist clothing items to pack for your trip it is very important to choose capsule clothing that you can easily mix and match with other items to create multiple outfits. A good idea is to pack neutrals so that they go with everything.
I would bring light-colored pants and dark pants. For tops be sure to pack beige, black, white, and neutral colors so they are very easy to mix and match. A pair of leggings is always a good idea and they can be paired with almost anything.
It is also important to bring clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily and is low maintenance. Also, bring laundry detergent sheets to wash clothing in the sink or bathtub so you can have clean and fresh clothes while traveling.
Clothing to pack:
Spring or Fall Tips – Lightweight layers like long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Waterproof jacket and umbrella. Waterproof walking shoes.
Summer Tips – Light breathable fabrics like cotton or linen materials. Shorts, t-shirts, and swimsuits for beach destinations or pools at accommodations. Comfortable walking sandals.
Winter Tips – Thermal Layers, sweaters, and a winter coat. Scarf, hat, and gloves for cooler areas. Snow boots that are also waterproof and comfortable to walk in.
When it comes to toiletries only pack the essentials and transfer all large bottles into smaller travel-size ones. Also, be sure to have a toiletry bag that is waterproof. This travel toiletry bag is the best one, it is waterproof, has a hook to hang on doors, multiple compartments, and a zipper closure.
Some minimalist toiletry essentials that you should bring include:
Try and pack minimal tech and gadgets by getting multi-use items like a 3-in-1 charging pack for the Apple watch, iPhone, and AirPods. Get a portable charger that has all the cords attached already. Bring an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle instead of bringing bulky books. Get a universal travel adapter that has all attachments in one so you don’t have multiple pieces for it.
Some minimalist essential electronics and accessories you need to add to your packing list:
These smart accessories keep everything organized and are practical without adding bulkiness to your bags:
Keeping organized while traveling will make your life so much easier. Packing cubes make packing a lot easier because they help you stay organized throughout your trip. I like to separate all my items by clothing type like bottoms, tops, undergarments, socks, etc.
The set contains all different sizes which is great. They are super durable. There is also a handle on the bigger cubes for easy access and you can take them out and carry them if needed. By using packing cubes you will save so much space in your luggage and they will help you stay organized.
These collapsible water bottles are one of a kind and a must-have travel essential. They are leakproof and available in many different colors. One of the best features is that you can neatly collapse them when not in use to save space in your luggage or purse. They are super durable and shatterproof. It is important to stay hydrated at all times.
Having a travel laundry bag is great. It keeps all dirty clothes separate from clean clothes and if you do decide to go to a laundry mat they are neatly packed in this bag. The bag folds up compact when not in use. The material is waterproof and will keep all smells in when tied up. Great essential.
This foldable daypack is also another great bag to pack when traveling. This bag has come in handy so many times on my travels. It folds up super compact and it is easy to just toss anywhere and can be used for so many different things. It is great to use as a day bag when you want to bring extra items on your day-to-day travels. The bag can be used as a carry-on bag if you want to bring a change of clothes and other items on the plane with you. Also can be used for an extra bag if you buy souvenirs or items that may not fit in your main backpack.
Belt Bags/ Fanny Packs are truly the greatest invention for traveling. This belt bag has become very popular over the last few years for every day and especially for traveling. I wear mine as a crossbody bag and keep the bag right in front of me for easy access and security. It has quite a bit of room and fits your phone, small wallet, passport, headphones, etc. Comes in many colors and is super durable and cute.
Whenever traveling you want to make sure you have all your passport, money, and travel documents ready to go. You want to make sure your transportation is all set, and you want to make sure your accommodations are good to go whether it’s a cottage rental, Hostel, Airbnb, Hotel, or whatever it may be. Make sure all passports are not expired if traveling internationally. You want to make sure all your travel insurance is ready. And it is always hand to carry cash in case cards are not accepted. Along with packing like a minimalist, having all of these essentials listed here will ensure you are traveling stress-free. These items are an absolute must to add to your minimalist packing list:
For a backpacking travel guide check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR BACKPACKING EUROPE“.
For the ultimate Europe travel checklist check out the post “THE ULTIMATE EUROPEAN TRAVEL CHECKLIST THAT YOU NEED“.
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