Have you ever thought about traveling light? Going somewhere but only carrying a few items that actually matters?
Disclaimer though, you don’t have to be extremely wealthy to have a minimalist lifestyle. I put this disclaimer because these days the movement is often portrayed by relatively middle class people, who have money to buy stuff later and are secure. It’s ironic that they are preaching the lifestyle to many of us and always buy the high-end minimalistic look but guess what, you don’t have to be wealthy before you start getting into minimalism or being a minimalist. In fact, I really remember someone in the past mentioned minimalist life is basically poor in terms of materials which isn’t wrong either. But obviously, it doesn't mean you have to look like a pauper. I also notice a different mindset between people who don't have a lot of money vs people who do. Like my family, we used to always buy a lot of stuff when we had the money because we didn’t know if we could afford it in the future. Often what happens is, sometimes the stuff we buy aren’t being used and are practically useless. It’s really hard to change that mindset and even growing up, I almost fell into the same trap but I got out of it and chose my way.
Now back to traveling minimalistically, in the past it was much easier for me to pack very light because my duration of travel was always short. Then, I got my first luggage because I started bringing more and more stuff but eventually since I am back to “backpacking” until an unforeseen time, I relied on a duffel bag once again. I choose the duffel bag because it’s easier to carry and mine can be converted into a backpack and even folded. With a very flexible travel plan and all, I tried my best to pack everything I needed that suits different types of weather. Even so, there are some of the things that I packed that I didn’t find the use for or have yet to find. Maybe this summer you’re going somewhere for a flexible time, maybe you can check out my recommendation of what to pack and some of my tips for traveling light. And yes, I am a woman and if you think I need too much, I don’t because somebody said my bag was too small.
Make everything portable friendly or better, has foldable feature
You will save so much space if you carry items that are foldable and also portable friendly. From toothpaste to raincoat, almost everything I own can be folded. I saved so much space and even the weight by choosing portable friendly items. Some of the things that aren’t portable in my case would be my keyboard and camera that are a bit bulky but since they have their own home at my tech bag, that’s fine.
Check the weather of your destination or be a weather agnostic
You can care about the weather but you can also be a weather agnostic, that means, you don’t care what weather it’s going to be, you’ll pack something that works for those weather. It was proven to be working when in Lombok, the weather was very unpredictable. Now, I live off a 3 sweatshirts, 3 trousers, a dress, one fancy dresses just in case I’d be invited to a party(not gonna happen but kinda nice to think about it) sometimes I wear that when I want to feel fancy. 3 plain T-shirts, 2 cardigan, and buttoned shirt that I can always mix and match. Also, shoes, flip flops and sandals that can be worn anywhere to any ocassions. Do not forget umbrella, hat, bag rain cover and portable raincoats.
Do not bring too many toiletries and just carry travel sized items
Unless you have your preferred brand, keep them home. Chances are where you go, they’ll have the basic soap and toothpaste. To save money on toiletries, I just use the soap provided by my accommodation but for the toothpaste, I have a special needs, so I always bring the portable one but eventually purchased one because I know that I’ll finish them in my travel duration. There’s a perk by just using generic brands because I can always find them everywhere I go and won’t matter if it’s even outside the country.
Learn how to fold properly
If you still only know the basic way of folding things, let me tell you, Stop! You can either fold your things into a burrito or even do square tricks that will help you save space and make sure all things you need fit into a simple 20 L or even 30L bag. There are a lot of guides on youtube about folding properly.
Bag inside a bag
It may sound funny to you but it helps. Having some dedicated place for a group of things will make organization easier so you won’t have to dig your bag just to find something. I especially have a dedicated place for gadgets and also toiletries and feminine care. Some bags are also used to store smaller shirts and socks.Sometimes, I keep snacks and money in those pockets then I'll feel like Christmas when I find them.
All pockets matters
Like what I said in my title, all pockets matters. I leverage all my pockets to store undergarments, very thin shirts, medicines, small snacks, socks, and other smaller things that could fit into pockets. Pockets are also a way to save a lot of space when traveling. Even if you’re tempted to bring an unnecessary thing, you’ll still find a space or two.
Do laundry when you can
It may be sucks or even be strange to do laundry but it helps save space especially when dirty clothes inflate the size. Not to mention, you will have fresh clothes by doing your own laundry using the sink. If there is a laundry place nearby, you can simply use the service. But if nothing is around, water, soap, and sink are your options. When I was camping, that’s what I did to keep my things clean and also help me save weight and space. Even when I am staying at hotel, I still wash little things and bring the rest to the laundry place.
In the end, traveling minimalistically gives you more room to explore around. It’s way easier from moving from one place to another without having to worry about our belongings and carrying it around. And even when you get too comfortable, like I often do, it's also still nice to know that if I have a spur of ideas to move, it will be way easier.
Mac's Pinmapple Travel List
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |
Hello Mac,
Really nice article and I am hoping to see more articles like this I will do a similar one as a post prompt. It is so very important for people to realise that yes, minimalism comes in many forms, which start from the mindset.
I hate to think that people actually go out to spend a lot of money to have a minimalistic "look" when inside they crave so much more.
Also, it differs from poverty, because many people who cannot afford materialistic things, crave and have that strong desire to do so with the idea that they would be happier.
I like your suggestions of what to pack. It all makes so much sense.
It's always great to read your posts :)
We need more minimalistic article here. I wanna learn more from people because I think some other people have interesting ways to lead their minimalistic life which I am very keen to know. It's bad to be honest when there are crafted expensive look just be called a "minimalist" and it seems like some people do that just because the aesthetic and not because what it actually offers. Anyhow, I am also happy that you're also checking my stuff. So, it's mtual!
I can totally relate!! I was never a fan of bringing a rolling suitcase during my travels. I love putting everything in my backpack. I even realized that you can save so much space if you roll all your clothes (it works pretty well for me!) and I make sure to utilize all pockets -- whether it's for candies or change 😂
Rolling suitcase is a nightmare! been there done that. Making tiny burrito baby definitely safe so much spaces and yes, pockets is where you find all sort of Christmas feeling.
Laundry is such a hassle when traveling, which is why I bought this washing bag. It's small and works wonder when traveling.
OMGGGGGGGG you just showed me another money saving hack! It's definitely money saving because if I do 10x laundry a month that's def equal to that washing machine bag. I just saw the product and it's so compact like my other stuff. Thanks for sharing that :D you just save a life!
I hope it works well for you, if you decide to get it. I've put mine through the paces, and it's been great.
Very entertained by this, I think so too, when I want to travel I always fill up the bag or bag that I have, For me, we carry a bag or pouch, rather than empty, we better fill it with full
haha that's right! but you can always travel very light!
Yes. bro can i have your Instagram name
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Woww! This was a much needed minimalist packing article. And that scrub wash bag is such a life saver while travelling. Thank you for sharing this article.❤️
Hi Mac, your post sparked wanderlust. I like the "Christmas find" in pockets 😁 I used to do burrito rolls for clothes in the past but I now use the Konmari fold in my luggage since they're folded that way in the closet anyways.
Konmari is also what I do at home but for my luggage, it's waay easier to just fold it like that.