Think like a minimalist: What “essentials” would you pack for a week-long vacation?

About two weeks ago a friend from Rome called me, informing me that she was coming to Milan for a week. When I first saw her getting out of the train, I immediately got the feeling that there was something wrong with the picture. She had no suitcase! All she had was bulky beige purse with a long strap, which was hanging from her shoulder.

When I asked her where her luggage was, she just smiled at me and said that she had everything she needed with her. “Everything” included some under ware, 2 t-shirts, 1 pair of shorts, a shawl, a swimsuit, a pair of slippers, a toothbrush, a mouse pad (a souvenir from Rome for me), some make-up and a camera.

Impressively enough my friend stayed with me the whole week and never once did I hear her say, “I wish I had brought another t-shirt with me “or “Why didn’t I pack an extra pair of shoes?”

It got me thinking, how much I actually over pack every time I travel somewhere (even if it is just for a week end) and how simpler and less stressful my trips would be if I packed in a minimalist way (no more struggles with heavy suitcases, no worries about leaving something behind, no need to spend hours packing).

What do you think? Are you a minimalist traveler or someone, who prefers to take an extra sweater ‘just in case’?

Are you capable of living out of one carry-on suitcase for an entire vacation?

What absolute essentials would you take with you for a one week trip?

Share your list of bare necessities that you would take with you in the comment section below!

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Tags: ask the reader, essentials for vacation, minimalist travelling, readers' sharing, things to pack for vacation

nurul

i like your topic today! yes, i'm one of minimalist traveler! of course, just bring something that you really need to wear and to make up. no need bringing any tedious stuff such as comb etc. you can comb your hair just only use ur finger. =) Thanks to make this topic up.!
Arina

Wow! It is amazing to me that you do not need a comb, when you are travelling. I guess it depends on the type of hair that you have and their length. I lost my comb once when travelling and tried to comb my hair with my fingers, but it did not help much. It still looked like I had just woken up.
Countryporch02

I don't like to travel, because I HATE to pack! If I could throw 6 things in a bag and go, it would be great. I think having children makes being a minimalist impossible…but as they are growing up and away….this amused me, because I thought…I can plan adult trips and pack like an adult…how fun! A notebook and pen(to capture all those great ideas), a toothbrush(can't stand to be without), and sorry but I'm nearly obsessive when it comes to germs…and my daughter has even learned to pack Lysol disinfectant….I had to have some of that….thank God it comes in small spray sizes, for travel!!!!!(smile)
GaelicRose

I'm new to this site, my boss just introduced me to it with the quote of the day and I saw the link for traveling. Love this topic! After years of learning my lesson, and paring things down, I can pack enough for a week into a 17 inch carryon rolling bag and a small travel purse. Same clothes worn there are worn back (top is slightly dressy in case needed during the week), all hygiene and cosmetic essentials in travel size, mini curling iron, mini hair dryer (when needed), one pair wrinkle free pants (when needed), two pairs of lightweight denim capris or wrinkle free capris (again depending on destination). Two or three 1/2 or full sleeve henleys (sleeve length depends on destination's weather), pillow (vacuum bagged for space), always a light weight sweater (I get cold below 75) or medium weight sweater/appropriate coat (vacuum bagged), one pair SoftSpots shoes that can be used for dress & daily use (occasionally sneakers are thrown in if biking is going to be done), packet of handwipes, camera/spare battery/charger, and bare minimum undergarments. Everything can be washed in the sink and hung up to dry, so pack light and roll everything to gain space! Oh, and a book, never without a book : ) MP3 player optional.

Great site, Arina, I'll be a regular to it now!
Arina

Hi GaelicRose! I am truly impressed! You must be a pro at minimalist travelling! Everything is very so well thought through (including wrinkle free pants, SoftSpots shoes and travel size cosmetic essentials) and multi-functional. In fact, if one day I'll decide to write an article on all the items one must while travelling, I will definitely turn to you for advice.
In a meantime, I am going to copy this to create my personal packing list.

Thanks again! I'm glad that you like the blog.
Arina

Hi Countryporch02,

I can see why minimalist travelling might be challenging when you have little children to take care of.
A small notebook and Lysol disinfectant (travel size, of course) are two items that you would definitely find on my packing list as well.

A toothbrush and a good book usually are the first two items that go into my suitcase.
nurul

yes! absolutely true, it depends on your hair type but sure, comb is still necessary 'tools' for women rite? haha…
Tallahassean

At least one change of clothing, toothbrush and a comb. Other than that a ball of thread, knitting needles and crochet hook. With that I am good to go. Nothing fancy needed. The luxuries would be a camera, journal and a pen to capture the moments. The camera can capture the moment, but the journal will that moment for all eternity.
http://twitter.com/itsrtimedownher laura blair

i disagree with not being able to pack minimally with children.

i sewed each of my kids (5 and 2) a small bookbag and a small messenger bag. they can fit everything they need for a week in their bags and carry them themselves (including clothes, a few small toys, toothbrush, and, obviously, their pillow pets ) . i have my own bookbag for my stuff. my arms are free to carry the little guy or his stuff if he gets tired.

they each also have a bag that’s about the size of a sandwich size ziplock. you’d be surprised how many tiny little toys they can cram in there.