Minimalism has been having a moment in the home space for the past decade or so—and for good reason. Living with, and requiring fewer items is the quickest way to a clear mind and a more freeing way of life—and that extends to travel as well.
If you’re planning a trip and want to feel as free and unburdened as possible, you’ll want to consider channeling your inner minimalist as frequently as possible. The following tried-and-true tips will help ensure you have the best trip possible without having to lug around any extra stuff with you.
Research, But Don’t Plan
Minimalist travel should leave room to explore and take in a new place at a slower pace—you don’t want to schedule a full itinerary. This doesn’t mean that you should show up at your destination without any prior research, though. Research and read about where you’re going, perhaps book tickets or tours that might sell out.
Otherwise, consider going into your trip with an open mind and see where it leads you. This is the best way to really see the city like a local and coming back home feeling relaxed rather than overtired from scheduling too many activities into the day.
Go Carry-on Only
It should come as no surprise that going carry-on only is one of the biggest perks of traveling like a minimalist. Consider the clothing you’ll actually wear during your trip—not the items your fantasy self would wear—and take pride in the fact that you’ve worn every garment you lugged with you at the end of your trip.
Going carry-on only will also make it easier to get from point A to point B. You won’t have to worry about paying for additional baggage fees at the airport and you’ll easily be able to take public transit when your luggage is a manageable size. If you’re worried about running out of clothing while on your trip, consider booking accommodations with laundry or schedule a couple of hours at a local laundromat.
Opt for Accommodations with a Kitchen
Opting for accommodations with a small kitchen unit is another great way to optimize your trip as a minimalist while saving some cash as well. There’s something to be said about shopping at the local grocery store or farmer’s market and turning your ingredients into a great home-cooked meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy or take up too much time, either. Sometimes the best meals while traveling are a simple charcuterie board that features local produce, cheeses, and meats.
Don’t Schedule Shopping Trips
Shopping can easily become a default activity while traveling—but if you want to travel like a minimalist, avoiding unnecessary impulse buys is key. Instead of checking out the local shopping malls or tourist souvenir shops, fill the browsing void with museum visits. You’ll get the same satisfaction of treating your eyes to pretty things but instead of spending on items you probably don’t really need, you’ll be double-dosing with culture and history.
Go Digital
Have you ever gone on a trip only to realize you’re lugging a file folder’s worth of paperwork back with you? From paper boarding passes to brochures, the paper clutter can add up quickly. Going digital as much as possible will avoid this burden while also being more eco-friendly on-the-go.
