{"id":24235,"date":"2018-06-01T10:47:49","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T01:17:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=24235"},"modified":"2022-11-07T15:51:50","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T05:21:50","slug":"packing-travelling-minimalist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/packing-travelling-minimalist\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Packing & Travelling Like a Minimalist"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are two types of packers – the meticulous list-makers who start folding clothes a month in advance, and the overnight rushers who, 99% of the time, forget something. Neither way is right or wrong, but there is another style of packing that\u2019s somewhere in between,\u00a0The minimalist traveller. <\/em><\/p>\n

If the mere thought of packing, forgetting something or lugging around 20+ kilograms on your back stresses you out, it\u2019s okay. We\u2019re going to teach you how to turn from meticulous or messy to minimal. First up, let\u2019s define it.<\/p>\n

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Travelling with minimal gear means more experiences like this.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

What is a minimalist traveller?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Okay, you\u2019ve heard of the \u2018van life\u2019 movement? Or small houses in the woods? Both lifestyle choices celebrate minimalism. A minimalist traveller is someone who carries very little and chooses quality over quantity. There\u2019s an art to minimal travelling (and probably a science to it, too).<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no frantic packing or agonising over a \u2018packing list\u2019. Minimalists follow their intuition and won\u2019t listen to any \u2018top 10 packing essentials for Paris\u2026 or Alaska\u2026 or China.\u2019 They follow their gut and remain calm by packing smart with the essentials.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t freak out if you don\u2019t see yourself as a minimalist. It\u2019s an approach to travel (and life) that comes with experience. Often, when you\u2019re being frugal with money, like backpacking Asia in your 20\u2019s. Luxury, all-inclusive holidays won\u2019t always teach you this. But that\u2019s okay \u2013 you can\u2019t learn intentionally.<\/p>\n

\"Walking<\/p>\n

You can adopt a minimalist mindset no matter what kind of adventures you go on.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Adopt the minimalist\u2019s mindset when you pack<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To become a minimalist, the most important part is accepting the mindset shift. Don\u2019t listen to that annoying inner voice that tells you \u2018pack this!\u2019 It comes with practice. The more you travel, you learn what to value and how to pack according to your destination.<\/p>\n

But, if you\u2019re just starting out on your adventures, focus on developing the mindset. A simple tactic is to question yourself. Pick up an item and second guess whether you need it or not. Think of scenarios where you\u2019ll use it. Train your mind to focus on quality, not quantity. It requires a dash of creativity to envision how something can be repurposed.<\/p>\n

Like hairdryers, ladies. Do you really need one? If you\u2019re staying in hotels, chances are they have one. If not, do the \u2018I\u2019m on holiday\u2019 look and let those waves go untamed. Most toiletry bottles are big and take up a lot of suitcase real estate. Buy small travel-sized bottles and pour your products into them to save space.<\/p>\n

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Getting into the minimalist mindset is where you need to start.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Know the difference between want vs. need<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Get comfortable with simplicity and know how to separate what you want<\/em> from what you need<\/em>. It\u2019s simple. If you can still continue your day successfully without that item, it\u2019s a want. For example, \u2018will I still be able to read if I don\u2019t have this book?\u2019 If you\u2019ve answered yes (because you\u2019ve got another book or can read on your laptop or iPhone), don\u2019t bring it. Use this approach for everything you pack.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing fun about lugging around lots of heavy gear when you travel. You’ll likely pay more for your bag on budget airlines, but more importantly, you can risk missing out on cool experiences. Years ago, after having just got into Prague, I was walking to my hostel and stumbled upon a walking tour. I heard they were good and had some time before check-in, so I joined the group. It ended up being a fun walk and I made friends who were actually staying at my hostel. We went out for dinner that night and to this day, we still keep in touch.<\/p>\n

This is what travel is all about: embracing spontaneity. Had I been carrying a huge rucksack, I probably would have thought twice.<\/p>\n

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Do you really need to pack a bunch of books? Edit down your stash when you travel.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

How to pack for all seasons<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Melbourne gets labelled as the all seasons in one day<\/em> city. Trips to places like this challenge the minimalist but there\u2019s one word that will be your secret packing weapon: layers.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re hiking in the NSW Blue Mountains, soaking up rays on the Greek Islands or exploring the streets of New York City, layering your clothes will work. Tights can be styled with a dress and worn out to dinner on a cooler night – as well as worn as a bottom layer if you\u2019re hiking. You just need to adjust the layers, based on the temperature.<\/p>\n

Pack versatile items and think in the way of layers. What can you dress up or down? What can you wear independently or as a layer, if it\u2019s cold? This should guide you through the packing process. It\u2019s also important to make sure you\u2019ve got the right gear. If you\u2019ve got a huge suitcase, it\u2019s going to be hard not to fill it up. Get your gear right first, then packing will be easier.<\/p>\n

I use a 70L lightweight backpack<\/a> with a small, detachable bag. All my clothes go in the big rucksack, then I store the miscellaneous items (that I\u2019ll want on the plane) in the smaller bag.<\/p>\n

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Versatile items that can be layered and fit into a smaller bag are what you need.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Here are some of the essentials that are always with me, regardless of the location or season:<\/h2>\n