Minimalistic traveling is all about packing light and being prepared for the unexpected. Safety should be a top priority when planning a trip, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. By following these 10 must-haves for minimalistic traveling with safety in mind, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
From having a valid passport or identification card to packing a small first aid kit, these essentials will help you stay safe and organized while on the road. Remember that while minimalistic traveling can be a great way to simplify your journey, it’s important to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.
10 Must Haves for Minimalistic Traveling
Passport or identification card: This might seem like an obvious choice, but this is way we check like three times before we walk out the door that we have our ID/Passport. If you forget this before getting to the airport, it’s a good sign you might want to slow down and make sure you checked your list twice. Make Santa proud.
Make sure you have a valid passport or ID card if you plan to travel internationally. Keep it in a safe place, such as a money belt or hidden pocket. Additionally, make sure you make a copy of your passport. It’s been my experience it’s best to lock up your actual passport, and keep a copy on your person.
Travel insurance: Travel insurance can be a worthwhile investment for many travelers. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage, and other mishaps.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are planning a high-risk adventure, travel insurance can be especially valuable. It can provide coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation in case of an emergency. If you think you’re accident prone, want the peace of mind, or consider insurance a wise investment, make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency medical care, trip cancellation, and lost or stolen items.
Cash and credit cards: Make sure you have a mix of cash and credit cards for different situations. When I landed in Sydney a few years ago, I had no Australian dollars and was relying on my cards to get me through the first part of the trip.
I went to three different fast-food places, ordered the food mind you, and my card was declined. I tried this at three separate places, and only embarrassed myself each time. I finally hit an ATM so I could grab lunch. Keep some cash in a hidden place, such as a money belt or a discreet wallet for emergency situations.
First aid kit: Pack a small first aid kit with essentials such as band-aids, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication. This is especially true if you’re traveling to a country that has questionable water. A simple water straw is lightweight and portable.
Portable charger: Make sure you have a portable charger for your phone and other electronic devices. This can come in handy in case of power outages or if you’re away from an outlet for an extended period of time.
Also, if traveling overseas make sure you’re getting the correct outlet plug. I’ve used this one before and it works on a variety of outlets. It’s lightweight, charges several items at once, and is inexpensive.
Travel documents: Keep all important travel documents, such as your passport, flight itinerary, and hotel reservations, in one place. Consider making copies of these documents and keeping them in a separate location. For me, this would be train and bus tickets.
In my travels most of this stuff can be purchased online with the tickets accessible online as well. But if you’re low on power and don’t have access to your tickets on your phone, a paper backup is a good idea.
Comfortable walking shoes: Pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes for exploring your destination. They should be broken in and provide good support. Cabs, Uber’s and public transportation are great for making your way across town or to a far off sightseeing tour, but when it comes to walking all day and checking out the sights, your shoes will make or break your enjoyment.
Lightweight and quick-dry clothing: I managed to pack a two week trip into my 20 liter CamelBack pack. I stuck with the roll method for my clothes, and maintained a minimalistic lifestyle, but it worked.
Clothing that is lightweight, quick-dry and hides dirt well is great for these kinds of trips. This will make it easy to wash and dry clothes in a hurry, and will take up less space in your luggage.
Personal hygiene items: Pack essentials such as toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, and any personal hygiene items you need. Keep in mind the airlines only allow a small amount of liquid, so keep the personal hygiene to a minimum, or it could be confiscated before fly out.
Handkerchief: So this is one you won’t see very often, but on my travels it’s become essentail. If i’m hiking in the woods, I can soak it in water to keep cool. And if it’s freezing cold, I’ve wrapped it around my neck like a old western to help keep me warm. Lastly, I got the sniffles in Tangiers one day, and it served it’s original purpose.
Conclusion of Minimalist Traveling Tips
By following these 10 must-haves for minimalistic traveling, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.