Monday Minimalist Tip
Nothing like a trip to remind me of the value of today’s tip, which is to “travel light.” When I leave home, I seek to bring the items I need and leave those behind that I won’t need.
So for each trip I take, I like to do these things:
- Put the city I will be visiting into my weather app on my phone about a week or two before I travel. Once I know the temperatures and weather to expect, I use that to guide the items I will need.
- Think simple, how can you use one items in a variety of ways?
- Clothes that can mix and match
- Shoes that are versatile, but you can walk in
- Coconut oil for washing face, shaving legs, lip balm
- Consider comfort, bring your favorite tea, a good book on the Kindle phone app, a cosy scarf that dresses up your outfit, those fun earrings you always get compliments on, warm socks for the plane, a water bottle to stay hydrated, layers for choices of looks and temperatures indoors and outside. I wore my glasses for comfort on our 5:35 AM flight, so I could sleep on the trip there.
- Know what items will be at your destination, such as a hair dryer, iron, coffee pot, mini refrigerator, gym, pool, etc. Some will mean you can leave things at home, while the gym and pool might require you bring a swimsuit and workout clothes.
I just came back from a 4-day trip to San Jose for a Brendon Burchard conference and here is what I brought:
OUTFITS for this trip included these. Just a few items allow plenty of mix and match options.
CLOTHES: Cotton shirt and shorts to sleep in or workout in, sweater, zip up jacket, 2 dresses, 2 tops, black leggings, 2 pair of underwear, bra (not shown), socks and Birkenstocks
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS: Expandable grocery or tote bag, scrunchie, hairbrush, tea, shampoo, conditioner, style prep for hair, toothbrush, floss, tongue scraper, toothpaste, meds, arnica cream, coconut oil, contacts, contact solution, glasses, glass case, cuticle scissors, meds, bandana, deodorant, sm. first aid kit, eye mask, earplugs, homeopathic sleep aid and makeup.
I put the items above into smaller bags for ease of finding them. The gree is my “sleep kit”, the white is my shower kit, and the silver is my makeup kit. Liquids are in the clear bag packed at the top for easy access during security checks.
Add on items of swimsuit, 2 tank tops and jewelry (1 necklace and 2 earrings).
Clothes fit in these Eagle Creek bags. I pack items that won’t wrinkle and wear on flight any items that will wrinkle.
Upon returning home, I take time to notice what did I not use? Can I go without it next time? Was there anything I needed that I didn’t have?
AFTERWARDS: These are items I didn’t use. Next time I’d leave behind those 2 tanks tops I added last minute and my turmeric lemon water drink items. Turmeric is too staining to travel with. I’d still bring the sleep kit items as they are light and of value if a roommate snores or wants to read.
Always remember you will get items during your trip to take home too. Don’t leave home with a stuffed bag, unless you bring another expandable bag to carry them in.
I noticed my friend Berry, who came to the conference with me, also travels light. She had some cool things I had not considered…such as dried nuts, instant oatmeal and a neat small hot water pot set that plugs in. She also brought a metal water bottle which allowed her to put hot tea in it at the hotel or via a coffee shop at the airport. These are great upgrades for my next trip!
What are other tips you have for traveling light, but having what you need? Please list in the comments below.
simple up 
8 Comments
I love this, thank you so much for taking the time to share your ideas and thoughts.
I turned 50 this year and life has taken on a much more relaxed feel.I actually have time to be organised in advance of trips etc.
I’ve also started to build a capsule wardrobe for the whole year, a bit of a daunting task, but I was tired of looking at everything and not being able to decide what looked right.
I will be following you closely for your hints and tips.
Wishing you a great time on your new adventures.
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Thanks for your support on the simple journey Cate. Sounds like your doing well and loving your new freedom!
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I love this post. I’m fairly new to the traveling light policy and had major success on my last trip 🙂 Everything in a small duffle bag. Made my travels SO MUCH EASIER!
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I love being hands free and no check-in luggage. It make travel more fun! Glad you like it too.
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We’re headed out of town soon for a long weekend, and I’m going to try and just bring my backpack, not a suitcase. Wish me luck!
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Let me know how it goes! Cheers!
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I so enjoy posts like these! You did such a great job of packing light while maintaining versatility! I especially liked the 3/4 tunic with leggings outfit, very cute it and it suits you well!
I recently took a month long trip to CA with two young children and while I thought we had packed pretty efficiently I quickly realized (after 10 minutes in a busy airport) we had too much stuff! I am inspired to pair down even more next trip. One tiny duffle ‘a la Kathy’ for each person!
Oh and the tiny water heater/tea/oatmeal idea—genius!
Wow, this is my first time commenting…I didn’t realize I had so much to say ;))
Shalom for now! Thanks for another great post.
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Diana, I am so glad you replied! Your comments matter. I find each trip a new opportunity to learn what I need versus don’t…just stopping to pay attention when you get home about what you didn’t use will guide you. Happy travels to you and your family! Kathy
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