Minimalist – thepeacefulhappyvegan

I used to be the worst at packing light. Just for reference, I used to take a full-sized large luggage and a carry on with me….to Vegas ( I live in Los Angeles). Don’t laugh, even if you’ve never packed this way, you probably know someone who has. I was one of those people who just had to take everything. Full size shampoo bottles, 4-5 pairs of shoes, and an insane amount of outfit choices.

We decided to go to New Zealand and Hawaii in the spring of last year. My fiance said he was only going to bring a carry-on. “WHAT?!!!!” I said. He then suggested we both try to take a carry-on only. Mind you, this was a 12 day trip. I was very hesitant, as this left little room for option. Packing is usually a stressful time for me, I get so worried about what I might forget. This time around, it was different.

Instead of feeling stressed, I felt the opposite. When I really thought about it, I never did wear all the clothes I brought before. I was ready to take on the challenge. I ended up packing 2 pairs of jeans, a few pairs of leggings, about 5 tops, two sweaters, and a bathing suit. I have a small rain jacket which I packed into my carry-on, and I wore a heavier jacket on the plane, as well as my heavier pair of shoes. I took two pairs of pajamas, a small bag of toiletries and makeup, socks, and undergarments. (we purchased cheap beach towels and accessories in Hawaii)

Here are some tips I have for packing light and efficient

Roll your clothes! Don’t fold your jeans and leggings, roll them, it takes up less room.
Bring your own quick drying wash cloth. If you are traveling to another country realize that not every place supplies those small wash towels we are all familiar with. In Ireland, we found this to be the case sometimes. I also like to have my own small wash cloth, it feels cleaner. On amazon you can find a brand called Lunatec. They dry in 5-10 min! You can shower, pack your stuff and throw in the dry towel. Lunatec Travel Washcloths
Two pairs of shoes only, you can get away with three if the third is a pair of flats or sandals. This made my trip to New Zealand so easy. Boots and a pair of Nike’s is what I took. The boots matched with everything and looked nice for going out at night. Then on the days I wanted to explore, my Nike’s were super comfortable.
Buy a travel blow-dryer or straighter if you must have them. I have a small travel dryer by BabyLiss that I purchased on amazon. It works great, and when folded is smaller than the size of my hand. I usually bring this because we tend to say in rentals opposed to hotels. BaByliss Travel Hairdryer
Minimize makeup. Try finding a small makeup bag, and tell yourself you can only pack what fits inside. I use a travel makeup palette similar to the one shown here. Almost everything you need in one place.
Packable Jackets are life! I have a Cole Haan rain jacket that is perfect for day and night. It was pricey but I’ve used it so many times. Best part is that it folds down quite small.
Do laundry in another country or state. My fiance and I had a fun time finding a laundry spot in Paris. After we started our laundry, we sat outside and people watched while having some coffee and snacks. This will allow you to pack less clothes.
Space bags! If you are still unsure about packing light, or really want that extra sweater. Pick up some space bags by Ziplock. They are great, they provide a vacuum seal by rolling the air out by hand, and they are re-usable. Ziplock Travel Spacebag
Bring only one “night” outfit. You will kill yourself if you try to bring multiple outfits to wear at night. What I’ve learned is that if you throw on a jacket, scarf, and add a piece of jewelry it can dress up a day outfit quite nicely. If you have scheduled events, this is a different scenario, but for basic travel, just have one nice outfit, just in case.
Dryer sheets and a trash bag. I always bring dryer sheets. I put them in a small bag and poke a few holes into the bag. My clothes always smell fresh, and If I decide to do laundry, I can use the sheets. The trash bag, or other bag I use for dirty laundry.
Pack for the best case scenario! If your going to another state this is an easier concept to grasp, but it remains true for international travel as well. Remember these other countries will have everything you need if you forget something. You’ll even find familiar brands abroad, like Dove, Pantene, ect. (I’ll probably bring my own products on my next trip, as I am trying to transition to vegan products, but I’m sure other countries have these as well).

I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips. My trip to New Zealand was so much easier because I simplified my packing. I didn’t have multiple clothing options everyday, so I spent less time getting ready, and more time exploring. I now feel more organized with a minimal amount of things to pack.

My favorite travel sweater (Cruising through a rainforest in New Zealand)

Happy Travels

Have a peaceful and happy day.

If I could trade in the last ten years of unnecessary items I purchased, and travel instead, I would.

I’ve found that “things” i.e. Clothes, shoes, bags, makeup, tend to get old. I doubt you still sit around admiring that top you just had to have 5 years ago with the same excitement and joy you felt while you were purchasing it. Some of us are just so consumed by stuff, we end up with closets full of crap we don’t use, but swear that we will. This is ridiculous.

In some ways my closet still looks like this, but I have donated lots of clothes and items I don’t use this past year in an effort to reduce the chaos that is my closet. I still purchase things, but only if I know it will be useful in my everyday life and make me happy. Clothes and other material items are something I have reduced buying in 2016.

So why did my mindset change? Why did I start saving more for trips and less for things?

img_0584-copy — Cliffs of Moher, Ireland (photo taken by me)

Ireland!

Almost two years ago I took my first international trip to Ireland with a close friend of mine. This trip popped the bubble I had been living in nearly all my life. I’m not sure why, but as a child I never really imagined leaving this country. I felt comfortable. Small trips locally were fine, but it took Ireland to truly open my eyes to the world. It is a beautifully peaceful country with kind people and chill vibes. Endless green rolling hills filled with sheep that roam free. Life there seems simple, and calm. It was a dream.

“But I can’t afford to go on a trip like that” you might be saying. Yes, you actually can. There are so many cheap travel sites that offer great flight deals. Use apps like airbnb and stay in an apartment for half the cost of a hotel. Trust me, if you want to travel, it is possible, it just takes planning. It may take you several years to save for the trip of your dreams, but it will be amazing. Start small, think about what you spend everyday and make little changes as you go. My biggest hurdle was avoiding shopping for clothes, I used to be at the mall nearly once or twice a week. In 2016, I can honestly remember three times when I purchased clothes, and if I remember correctly, two of those times were online. Now that I know how great traveling is, I realize all the things I had been accumulating just matter less.

Get Inspired!

Go to your local bookstore and pick up a travel book on a country that interests you. You will find many tips in these books that can help with trip planning. If you’ve always dreamed of going to Europe, look into books by Rick Steves. A friend of mine recommended his books, and I am so grateful she did. My fiance and I used his books to plan a three-week European trip last year.

Now, I mention international travel, but for some this is not possible, for various reasons. Try looking into local getaways, maybe your goal is just visiting another state. There are books for this as well. Or, if you are nervous about international travel, try a 3-6 hour flight and a smaller trip first. Work your way up

Scared of Flying

I once was too, as are many people in this world. Try meditation, an app called “Headspace” has a free fear of flying meditation that you can listen to. If you download the lesson before taking flight, you’ll be able to listen to it in airplane mode 😉 Reading spiritual books have helped me better control my thoughts, and have reduced my anxiety in general. My favorite is “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle, I will be discussing him more in the future. We all have fears, but try not to let your fear of flying stop you from travel, there is far too much out there to explore.

Plan today

Don’t wait any longer if traveling is what you want. Start saving today or planning today. This doesn’t mean go and book a flight, it means take a step. Decide where it is you truly want to go and make changes in how you spend your money. Don’t feel pressure to leave the country right away either, remember, you can start small. Memories are precious and priceless. The amount of money you save and spend on your trip will buy you a lifetime of memories that you will no doubt treasure forever. You’ll forget about that cool shirt you bought, those sneakers you just had to have, once your standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or taking a stroll in the rolling green hills of Ireland. Sometimes we just need a new perspective to motivate us, I hope I’ve given that to you today.

Have a peaceful, happy day

Category: Minimalist

Pack less stuff, have more fun