Since we live a nomadic lifestyle, we feel like we are pretty experienced with traveling. We have a list of minimalist travel must-haves that we always pack because they make our life so much easier.

Not having to worry about fitting bags into overhead compartments, overpacking, or even waiting on baggage you had to check instead of a carry on makes such a difference when it comes to traveling. We can pack lighter because of our minimalist travel essentials.

By avoiding being weighted down, we move around easily and enjoy a less stressful experience. Minimalist traveling is all about the less is more and making sure what you do bring along serves a purpose.

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Versatile Clothing

To elevate your minimalist travel game, you'll want to opt for versatile clothing that can easily transition from day to night and withstand various weather conditions.

One way to do this is by creating a capsule wardrobe, which consists of a few essential pieces that can be mixed and matched. Consider packing items such as a neutral-colored dress or skirt (or dressier pants like ABC pants from Lululemon for guys) that can be dressed up with heels at night or paired with sneakers during the day.

Kelsey has a rule that the item has to serve at least two purposes. So something she can wear to the gym plus can be dressed up for going out.

Another packing tip is to choose fabrics that are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. This will not only save space in your luggage but also make it easier to pack and unpack quickly. Look for materials like cotton or linen blends that are breathable and comfortable in warm weather.

When it comes to layering, think about bringing items like cardigans or jackets that can easily be removed if the temperature rises. Scarves are also great accessories that can add style while providing warmth when needed but don't take up a lot of psace.

Neutral colors like black, gray, or dark blue will allow for more versatility and ease of mixing and matching. Overall, choosing versatile clothing for your minimalist travels will not only save you space but also provide comfort and style throughout your trip.

Multi-Purpose Gadgets

With a multi-purpose gadget, you can have more with less. Portable tech has become an essential for minimalist travelers as it helps space while on the move.

From compact chargers like this Anker Slim Charger to versatile adapters, there are many gadgets that can make your travels more comfortable and efficient. The more functions it has the better.

One of the most popular multi-purpose gadgets is a power bank. This way you can charge several things at once instead of packing a bunch of chargers for all of your electronics.

Anker is one of our favorite brands and we have had our current power bank so long they no longer sell it. But when we do get a new one, we are definitely going to get an even slimmer one to save even more space.

It not only charges your phone but also other devices such as tablets, cameras, and portable speakers. A compact power bank with multiple USB ports can keep all your devices charged without taking up too much space in your bag. Just remember if you are going to carry it on a plane it cannot be too big (less than 27,000 mAh).

Another must-have gadget is a universal adapter that works in different countries. With this space-saving tool, you won't have to worry about carrying multiple adapters for each country you visit. You simply plug it into the wall socket and then connect your device to it using a USB cable.

A quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is also an excellent investment for minimalist travelers who want to enjoy their music or movies on-the-go without disturbing others around them. If you don't want to listen to anything at all, just use them for their noise-cancelling ability.

These headphones come with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, long battery life, and foldable design making them easy to pack. Kelsey loves the Bose Quiet Comfort line of headphones while Phil recently got the Sony WH-1000XM5 and thinks they are the best pair he has ever had.

Lastly, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot can be a lifesaver when traveling abroad where access to public Wi-Fi may be limited or insecure. A pocket-sized hotspot device allows you to use high-speed internet anywhere in the world by connecting to local networks or through SIM cards purchased from local providers.

Lightweight Luggage

Packing for a trip can be made easier with lightweight luggage. It allows you to easily maneuver through airports and saves space in your car or hotel room.

The right luggage can make all the difference when it comes to traveling light, so consider investing in top brands such as Away, Peak Design, or Tumi. These brands offer durable and stylish options that will hold up during even the most rigorous travels.

When packing for a minimalist trip, it's important to choose a suitcase that is small enough to carry on but still has enough space for your essentials. Look for features like multiple compartments and expandable zippers to maximize storage while keeping everything organized.

Consider using packing cubes or compression bags, like these ones from Eagle Creek, to further organize your belongings and save space. In addition to choosing the right size and style of luggage, there are some useful packing tips that can help you travel lighter.

• Pack only what you need by making a list of essential items before you start packing.
• Stick to versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched rather than bulky outfits for each day.
• Roll clothes instead of folding them, which not only saves space but also helps prevent wrinkles.

Remember that lightweight luggage doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or style. With top brands offering a variety of options, it's easy to find something that fits both your needs and personal taste.

Travel-Sized or Solid Toiletries

When traveling, it's important to pack efficiently and effectively. One way to do that is by using solid or powdered toiletries instead of liquids, which can leak and take up valuable space in your luggage.

Solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars, soap bars, and toothpaste tablets, are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for minimalist travelers. Plus, they often come in reusable packaging, which is better for the environment than single-use plastic containers.

Many airports around the world have limitations on how many liquids you can pack so opting for a solid option may give you more wiggle room. Using solid toiletries can also help you save money in the long run since they tend to last longer than their liquid counterparts.

If you're not a fan of solid toiletries, consider making your own powdered versions instead. This way, you can customize the ingredients to fit your needs and preferences.

For example, you can make a DIY dry shampoo by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cocoa powder (for darker hair) or arrowroot powder (for lighter hair). You can also create a natural toothpaste by combining baking soda with coconut oil and peppermint essential oil.

If you need to bring a liquid version, try finding one in the smallest size available. The smaller the better since that means more space for other necessary items.

Reusable Water Bottle

By bringing a reusable water bottle, you can stay hydrated on your trip while also reducing single-use plastic waste and helping the environment.

Hydration on the go is important, especially when traveling to hot or sunny destinations. Instead of constantly buying bottled water and contributing to plastic waste, invest in a reusable water bottle that you can refill at any time.

Not only is using a reusable water bottle more eco-friendly, but it's also cost-effective in the long run. Many airports and tourist destinations now have refill stations available for travelers to use, making it easier than ever to stay hydrated without having to purchase expensive bottled water.

You can up your travel water bottle game even further by getting a foldable water bottle like the Hunu Cup. This lets you pack it in your suitcase when going through security and then open it up later to get your hydration on.

Light Weight Laptop

Getting work done while on the go can be an important part of traveling even for minimalists. You want to be able to be productive while on the road while also staying as lightweight as possible.

It's important to choose a laptop that is lightweight and durable, so it can handle all the bumps and bruises of travel. Kelsey uses a Macbook Air while Phil uses a Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360. Really any laptop will work as long as it is durable enough to travel with.

Consider investing in a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Express VPN. This will allow you to securely access the internet no matter where you are in the world.

Plus, it will protect your data from potential hackers or snoops who may be trying to steal sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi.

Bring What You Need

No matter what items you bring, always remember to consider if you truly need everything you are packing. We have our go-to items and ideas but what works for us might not be the best fit for you.

The more you travel, the better you will get at figuring out what works for you and your style of travel. Also, think about each trip individually because what you need to pack will vary based on the destination and plans.

On your next trip, consider packing for a minimalist travel adventure and see how much stuff you can leave at home. You might be surprised by how much fun you can have traveling with so little stuff.