We all know how good the minimalist lifestyle is for the environment and personal well-being, but it takes a lot of emotional bravery to get rid of the things you own.
When it comes to travel, packing and carrying less makes the trip easier and way more enjoyable. To achieve that, however, you don’t have to end up with a single pair of clothing and a smartphone in your suitcase. Instead, we offer starting your minimalist traveller life with a few items that will ease you into traveling light.
Instead of taking one paper book along, carry as many as you want in one e-reader, which is also five times as light as a single paperback. It allows you to jump between the chapters or novels, highlight, and make notes effortlessly.
With most e-reader batteries lasting for up to 2 months, you won’t have to think about charging the device while on your trip.
If you are determined to minimize the number of carried devices, you can also download one of the e-book reading apps for smartphones as a substitute. But reading on a smartphone may be not as convenient, especially while traveling. Shiny screens and back-light of smartphones make it difficult to see in direct sunlight. Phones are also more sensitive to environmental factors, such as heat, frost, humidity or sand. For extra adventurous travelers, a waterproof e-reader is a great option.
Compression packing cubes make it feel like you have fewer clothes packed than you actually do.
Compression packing cubes save luggage space and keep the inside of your suitcase in order. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing you to find a system that works best for you. You can organize by types of clothes or outfits for different days. Families on the move can have personal cubes for every member.
They also save time, as it is so much easier to find something when everything is organised in neat cubes.
Packing fewer clothes for a trip means they have to be comfortable and easy-to-wear. The ones made from natural materials serve the purpose just right.
Garments made from natural materials, such as wool and cotton, are great options: they let your skin breathe and keep the moisture level around your body optimal. Unlike linen or silk, they don’t wrinkle or require special care. Wool is naturally odour-resistant and an insulator which keeps you warm without the need for many layers.
Clothes made from natural materials may cost more but they are high-quality and hold up longer, ensuring an elegant and stylish look even if used heavily.
Since minimalism is also about protecting the environment, it is worth mentioning that natural fiber clothing is generally more sustainable than synthetic fiber. Natural fibers are plant materials which decompose quickly and are less toxic.
One sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes will save you more luggage space than anything else. All you have to do is find a truly comfy and fashionable one.
The shoes have to be durable enough to endure walking on challenging terrains while sightseeing. Natural leather-made shoes is a good option for its strength and waterproofness. Being a natural material, leather also allows your feet to breathe, it doesn’t get dirty fast and is relatively easy to clean.
Make sure you pick the style of the travel shoe carefully, too. If you want to take a single pair instead of several, it has to serve multiple purposes. Pay attention to the color and style: to match your different outfits and occasions, it has to be neutral.
Discover some of the best women shoe brands for traveling here.
Minimalism isn’t just about reducing your clutter; it is also about reducing waste. One of the simplest ways to do that is to use a reusable water bottle while traveling as well.
A travel water bottle like that is a perfect way to avoid buying plastic ones on your trip. Not only does it help reduce waste - it also saves money as you only need to buy it once.
The bottles differ in color, design, size, and material, so you will find one that matches your style easily. In any case, all of them are much more fashionable than any single-use plastic one you could find.
Finally, they have multiple practical features that come in handy while traveling. For example, the ones made from insulated stainless steel and are triple-walled can keep your water ice-cold or tea hot for up to 24 hours.
Every product on your minimalist trip should be there for a reason—or, even better, for multiple reasons. Three-in-one personal care products save room, weight, money, and the environment.
There are liquid soaps which can be used as a shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, laundry detergent, fruit and veggie wash, and more. Moisturizers can be perfectly combined with sunscreen.
Also, having fewer bottles in your toiletry bag makes it easier to keep it clean and in order.
Modern minimalists want their smartphones to carry out a role of as many devices, things, and functions as possible. That said, increased phone usage requires more equipment to support it.
Travel tech organizer bag helps to keep your headphones, chargers, adapters, and power banks in one place, hassle-free. When you need one of the gadgets, you don’t have to spend time digging through your handbag.
With this organizer, you can carry all the tech essentials in a neat way and forget the panic over the prospect of a missing cell phone.
