The Minimalist Traveler (updated)
Packing tips for a carry-on and backpack ONLY...because summer travel is just around the corner
Pack in a Carry-On and Backpack Only? Why yes, I do.
I am a super light packer for many reasons, and you can read more about that in an older post, HERE. Unlike the photo, I seriously pack NOTHING that isn’t completely necessary (to me), and over the years I have curated the exact items that make their way into my carry-on and backpack with a bit of obsessive precision.
When I’m “double-checking” one final time before my luggage is zipped, below is what I can’t forget. (btw-I’m intentionally not including clothing or toiletries in this list. I’ll save that for another day. Just know, I only take enough to fit into a carryon and backpack, but honestly, that can be a lot).
Hopefully this list will give you some helpful ideas for your next adventure.
Amy’s Packing Checklist
My number ONE forever! We’ve all got our weird little quirks, right? Well, If I forget my sleeping bag I might as well turn around and go home. My mind-boggling allergy to random and unknown synthetic materials makes hotel sheets and blankets my greatest nemesis, but my bestie silk sleeping bag saves the day every time. Honestly, it’s great for comfort whether you have allergies or just dislike stiff and scratchy hotel sheets, and it folds up in its own tiny little bag for easy packing.
Cordless AND Corded Earbuds
I use AirPods for listening to podcasts and downloads from my phone and for listening to free, recorded walking tours in various cities, but I always pack a pair of corded earbuds for all those mid-air movies or if my AirPod battery dies.
Eye Mask, Earplugs and Bettersleep sound machine app
I’m always prepared whether on the plane or in an unexpectedly loud hotel room, hostel, or AirBnB.
NOT at Grandma!!! I used to travel to and from Hanoi annually. I was young and independent, and my legs still killed me on those 12+ hour long-haul flights. Then I got smart. The day I went on Amazon and purchased cute compression socks will live on as one of the smartest days of my travel life. No more pain! No more uneasy flights of not being able to sit still. I’m in love!
The Perfect Blue Jean Jacket
Jean jackets are my staple piece of clothing, whether I’m traveling or not. They go on top of basically everything, wrinkle-free, and add a comfortable layer to basically any outfit or a serve as a handy second layer under a big puffy coat.
Ziploc Bags and One Reusable Shopping Bag
Quart and gallon size Ziplocs save me every time. From airport security to protecting my passport in the rain, to becoming makeshift dirty clothes bags, I never leave home without them. Also, a good reusable shopping bag is essential for European travel, especially. Most markets and groceries don’t offer bags, and they are always perfect for carrying baguettes, cheese, and wine for an impromptu sunset picnic.
I keep a wrap in my backpack for chilly airplanes and restaurants, as an additional scarf for cold weather, and extra comfort for nighttime sleeping.
Detergent Pods or liquid in a travel bottle
Whether staying in an AirBnb with a washer or doing laundry in the bathtub, detergent pods transport easily and come in quite handy. I’m not one to take chances with detergent I’m unfamiliar with in a container I can’t read.
After experiencing an Austrian Christmas market on a Monday when all banks were closed and no one wanted to take my credit card, I will never travel again without my Charles Schwab debit card. It works at every ATM worldwide and there are ZERO transaction fees, which are generally killer on most other debit cards available.
Passport, 2 Credit Cards and a Backup Card in My Apple Wallet, Driver’s License, $40-$100USD, Health Insurance Card, and Travel Insurance Info
Copies of My Passport, Immunization Card, Health Insurance Card, Travel Insurance Info and Flight Info Both on Phone AND on Paper
Journal, Good Pens and Pencils, and a Glue Stick (an sometime a set of travel watercolors)
The glue stick is for all the tickets, receipts, and cards I want to keep in my journal, or any other treasure I want to afix for sentimental memories…otherwise, they get lost before I get home.
Handy in so many ways!
For me, Benadryl is always necessary for allergies or the occasional solid night’s sleep, and sometimes difficult to find internationally.
Small Travel Candle and Matches
Traveling with one eye on the world and the other eye on Jesus is an act of worship, and so necessary for me. I love to take my practice of journaling alongside a burning candle that reminds me of Jesus’ presence even when I travel…plus, some rooms are stinky!
Sometimes when I have the time and space afforded by travel, I get inspired to pursue the ancient practice of write letters to those I love.
Why? Read this!
Phone and MAYBE My Laptop (with Chargers)
Sometimes I add an additional phone cord and block.
Wind Resistant Umbrella/Rain Jacket
I pack an umbrella for every season. It works just as great for snowy street walking as it does for rainy days.
Sometimes I take two pair of shoes, and often I just pack one. One is seasonal and the other or ONLY is always my Adidas leather sneakers. They are comfortable for miles and miles of city walking. They match almost everything, and are perfect protection from the unexpected puddle or downpour.
Just make sure it’s water resistant and large enough to hold a phone, credit cards, room key, and passport. I never leave my passport behind.
All of this PLUS clothes and toiletries in a carry-on and backpack ONLY?
YES!!!
But how?
Compression packing cubes and a little bit of good ol’ fashioned determination save my life and make international travel so, so easy.
You might arrive with wrinkles, but nothing a hotel iron can’t fix! NOTE: if there is no iron in your room, call the front desk. They often have irons and ironing boards available that they will deliver to your room.
Tip: When traveling for more than a week, I try to make sure that halfway through the journey I book a stay at an Airbnb with a washer instead of a hotel. But make sure to stay a few days! European washers often don’t have a dryer, and you’ll need some time for clothes to dry.
Save this list for your next adventure.
And…what would you add?
Happy Travels and Happy Packing!
Amy