How often have we found ourselves wondering why we brought all of these items along only to wear a few of our favorite outfits the whole trip? A few years ago, Kyle and I took a trip to Mexico for our 5th Anniversary. We decided that we would take our backpacks and fit whatever we could inside. That trip was a turning point for me. I realized that I could be good at this minimalist idea! We eventually had two children but still carry-on our luggage for every flight. It could be for four days at the beach or ten days in Europe.
Whether you already have minimalist travel style on lock or are looking for tips and tricks to look your best while traveling without dragging around 100 lbs of luggage, I have curated an outstanding list for you to check out! From outfits and shoes to accessories, I will run through what we take along to make each trip so easy every time.
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Outfit Picks
Jumpsuits
I have never felt comfortable in a romper and would have never considered a jumpsuit. I feel like a troll-shaped blob of fabric when I try them on. Well, this jumpsuit changed my mind. I got brave enough to try it and now I own it in three colors and a 3rd in the long-sleeve version. I have two of everything I love, not sorry about it! It is affordable, comfortable, and makes me feel confident. It is perfect for a full day of any method of travel or an evening out on the town! You can dress it up or down with the accessories and shoes you wear and they are easy to roll for packing!
Camisoles
A camisole is the base of every outfit I wear. A core layer in cold weather and a centerpiece in warm weather. They are small, easily packable articles. I take two or three with me on every trip. They come in every color you could imagine. They come in different cuts and fits, with some better suited as an undergarment. There is a camisole or fitted tank for every occasion.
Favorite Brands: Amazon Basics, Kalon, Victoria’s Secret
Cardigans
A light to medium size cardigan is a must for every trip. This piece will help moderate your comfort in a place that has a high swing from the heat of the day to cool nights. Of course the cardigan goes hand in hand with your favorite camisole!
These are easy to mix and match so there are endless opportunities to create a new look with just a few of these combos!
Favorite Brands: Active Life, Old Navy, and anything at TJ Maxx!
Vests
I only became a vest person over the last few years. I used to think they were for grandpas only. Now that I’ve come to my senses, they are the perfect jacket for your core! I love pairing thinner ones with a long sleeve tee or base layer for cooler but not freezing temperatures. Also an excellent choice for hiking!
They have probably come a long way in the last decade as far as style goes!
Favorite Brands: Columbia
Long Sleeve Base Layers
One of my favorite pieces of clothing!!! They are perfect for an underlayer in freezing cold weather, alone, with a vest, etc. They are so versatile! They have also come a long way in the design department. A long time ago, when I first started hiking more, they basically came in black, and snowflake print. Now they have lots of colors and thicknesses for your perfect application!
I particularly love the one with thumb holes.
Favorite Brands: REI, Columbia, Cuddl Duds, Carhartt
Shoe Picks
Picking the best shoes for travel may be the most challenging part. They typically take up the most space and can be specific to a single outfit. The right choice depends on the type of travel you are doing. We do a lot of walking and outdoor activities when we travel but don’t necessarily want to pack our hiking boots. I have spent years fine-tuning my shoe collection to meet these needs. I have three basic shoe choices for traveling and some thoughts on hiking boots.
Sandals
In my favorite pair of Merrell sandals, I have walked miles of uneven terrain, gone kayaking in the river, and have worn them to formal events. I have owned these leather sandals in black and brown for approximately ten years. I went as far as to beg Merrell to bring back this particular model because I love them so much! They are low profile and easy to stow. I just acquired a pair of leather Chaco sandals that I am excited to test! Stay tuned!
Favorite Brands: Merrell, Skechers, Reef
Tall Boots
When I purchase a pair of tall black boots, they become my everyday shoes between September and April. I walk miles at a time in them, so they need to be reliable. I buy leather due to the wear and tear I put on them. My current pair of boots are from Franco Sarto. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could walk more than 5 miles daily comfortably in Prague. Another excellent example of footwear that I use for casual and formal occasions.
Favorite Brands: Eddie Bauer, Franco Sarto, Cabela’s, Fly London
Slip-On's
For air travel, I choose slip-on shoes like this pair of Skechers. I also have these in two colors! They are comfortable, cute, and versatile. They provide plenty of support for longer walks. They are lightweight if you would rather stow them in your suitcase than wear them.
Favorite Brands: Skechers, Steven Madden, Sanuk, Teva
Hiking Boots
When we are planning for hiking heavy travel, we will pack our boots. Kyle and I each have multiple pairs of Forsake Boots (shocking, I know). They are as functional as they are fashionable and don’t take up too much space. My favorite part about Boston-based Forsake is that they are an environmentally responsible brand. As a Climate Neutral Certified company, I appreciate their efforts in reducing their carbon footprint.
Favorite Brands: Forsake, Asolo
Luggage & Accessory Picks
Leather Backpack Purse
Fashion meets function! Having a large enough bag for a full day of adventures is imperative when traveling with children. I knew that a backpack was the best choice. When you have your belongings secured to your body, it makes it difficult for anyone to steal. What I like the most about this backpack is the zipper on the top. It is the only route into the main section of the bag. If a pickpocket were to try to get in there, they would be touching my neck and pulling my hair. It has front zippers that lead to long, thin pockets. This area is great for maps and small, low-value items. There are two open pouches on each side for water bottles. I bought this particular bag for a trip to Europe in 2019 and have used it every day since. If you plan to do a lot of walking, a backpack will be the best for your back. This bag is also perfect for the airlines that allow you to have one personal item besides your carry-on. It is large enough to fit plenty of things for you and your family for the duration of the flight and it fits underneath the seat.
Favorite Brands: Yaluxe, Steve Madden, Coach, Lewis N. Clark (RFID)
Packing Cubes
I will admit, I refused the idea of packing cubes for a long time. Looking back, I realize it was silly of me. I thought they would take up space and be useless. I was dead wrong. I knew that I needed to level up my organization if we were going to fit ten days of clothing for four people in two carry-ons for a trip to Europe. Having to plan for one adult and one child’s wardrobe per carry-on means that I have to have items arranged well and separated. Each of those items must be crucial to our system. These packing cubes helped me immensely. I will recommend them all day long.
Favorite Brands: Yamiu or Veken
Thread Wallets
You won’t be surprised to hear that I have two Thread wallets. The first style (bottom left) is a stretchy band that fits around credit cards and cash. I use this wallet every day! Its low profile design allows it to fit in my front pocket. They have many different designs to match your personality.
The other style (top right) is called a vertical cardholder. The top pocket has RFID blocking for card protection and more space. For certain events or going out on the town, you may want to carry as little as possible. Instead of a bulky wallet, they are the perfect minimalist design.
If you would like $5 off your first purchase, head over to their site using this link: threadwallets.com
*Not an affiliate, just a fan!
Favorite Brands: Thread Wallets
Cellphone Tether
Cellphones: people take them everywhere. A phone may be the most universally essential item no matter where in the world you go. I was worried that someone might snatch my phone. I looked at a few ideas that wouldn’t make me look like an oblivious tourist and found this wrist strap. I am so happy with how this works that I have had it on my phone ever since. It keeps people from taking your phone out of your hand, and it helps secure it if you drop things as much as I do.
Favorite Brands: BlackRapid
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I’m the worst packer! I’ve gotten better, but I always end up taking way too many pairs of shoes. These are great tips – and I’ve become a fan of the jumpsuit recently, too.
This is such a helpful post! I am definitely one who always packs TOO MUCH – I could learn from you and the way that you are able to bring all that you need, and just what you need. Thank you for writing this!
I have been known to pack outfits that I never actually wear on our trips. I do need some minimalist tips. I have resisted the idea of packing cubes, but maybe need to re-think this!
I want to be a travel minimalist but I just can’t quite get there. I am better though!
This post is brilliant! Thanks so much for these ideas. We plan to do Europe this summer (hopefully) and will be taking carry ons. I always struggle with shoes–comfortable, but stylish and multipurpose.
You speaka my language! Traveling light. Can’t say I’ve always been like this tho. Haha
Love the jumpsuit and shoes are really important for sure!
Great tips and advice for traveling light and with ease! Thank you for the suggestions!
Wow! I love the layout of this post! I try to pack as little as possible as well so I don’t have to check luggage, but then I also like my carry on to be light because I have to carry it. lol. Great tips and recommendations!
Same!! haha! This sounds exactly like me. I wish I didn’t have to carry anything ever at all.
I wish I didn’t wear kid size shoes – some cute things here.
I typically travel with a backpack no matter how long the trip. These are some great suggestions for those who need to pare down their packing!
I really liked your personal take on minimalist packing. I see so many basic lists, but I appreciated your specific recommendations and unique suggestions 🙂
I love traveling light! Great tips!
Camis and slip on shoes are my favorites! So many options!
Great post! I love the jumpsuit. And the phone strap. I will be looking into that! Thanks for sharing these great tips.
I just bought my first set of packing cubes. They are great.
Packing cubes are key – but I still overpack! One day I will get somewhere with just one suitcase. Maybe. Hopefully. Probably not. A girl can dream!
I’m a minimalist by nature and traveling is no exception. I always bring a few pairs of leggings because it’s versatile and I can match it with any tops. Great tips!
yes!! Do you have a favorite brand of leggings?
I agree that slip-on shoes are great for air travel. They come in handy when going through security and you have to take your shoes off/on. I also second packing cubes! We are a family of 6 and try to minimize how much luggage we take as well. Each of us have a different colored set of packing cubes and it’s definitely simplified things for us and we are able to pack so much more than I thought we could. I’ve never seen the wrist strap for the phone, but I can see how it would be very useful when traveling. Thanks for sharing your list.
Excellent idea on the different colored packing cubes! That’s a great idea, thanks!
As a solo traveller, I have learned to pack lean, there’s no one else lifting my luggage for me!! I love my packing cubes, have used them for years, the sense of organization and ability to find things makes me very happy.
Great ideas! I love the jumpsuit. I want one so badly.
I’m with you! No matter whether it’s five days in a US city or two weeks in Europe, I only take a carry on. I’ll check out those backpacks and thread wallets!
Great tips. Comfy shoes are a must.
These are really great tips! I hope to travel more with my children and the less we take the better!. Thanks!
Love the options to choose from. I switched from a big bulky purse to a small wallet and it was one of the best things I have done for traveling and everyday. Thanks!