Traveling Like a Minimalist
my travel essentials
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Traveling has always been very stressful for me, especially on my journey to minimalism. I want to pack light, but then I’m constantly stressed that I’m forgetting something or that I won’t be prepared for some part of the trip. However, we are Modest Minimalists, so we bring everything we’re going to need and nothing we don’t :).
Because of this, I made it a goal of mine to find the best products for traveling, make a fool-proof guide for packing, and create outfits that will work on any vacation.
In this blog post, I’m sharing the 9 best products for traveling. I’ll be reviewing:
So if you’re ready to take the stress out of traveling and trying out a never-ending list of products that may or may not work, keep reading!
1. Away: The Bigger Carry-On (Away Travel)
This suitcase has become a go-to gift for me. Each person that has received one has been absolutely thrilled! They have thought of everything, from a TSA-approved lock to a snap-in laundry bag. You really can’t beat the quality, especially with their lifetime guarantee.
Available sizes (from smallest to biggest): The Carry-On, The Bigger Carry-On, The Medium, The Large
I have the pink Bigger Carry-On and couldn’t be happier! This is the size I would recommend for most people, and it’s the size I always give as gifts. It’s enough for a weekend or week-long trip (depending how much you pack). The regular, smaller carry-on seems better suited for a child or someone that packs really, really light.
2. Jewelry Case (Amazon)
When I first opened my Amazon package, my boyfriend said, “Oooh, fancy.” Because that’s how this looks. The emerald velvet fabric looks very luxurious and the compartments are very well thought-out. I just used this for the first time, and it was a great addition to my luggage.
3. Noise Canceling Headphones (Amazon)
I didn’t realize what I was missing out on until I tried out these headphones. I’m not a huge “music person”, so I usually just stuck with my earbuds / now AirPods, thinking there wouldn’t be much of a difference. Boy, was I wrong. I highly recommend these, especially if you’re flying. They completely tune out the roaring of the airplane, and the sound quality is superb.
4. MakeUp Eraser (Amazon)
Okay, I say all of the items on this list are essential, but this one is ACTUALLY essential. For every day of your life. I had to part with my old makeup remover wipes after they started irritating my face and once I realized the environmental impact single-use wipes have. I’ve tried other off-brand versions, and they’re okay, but the MakeUp Eraser is worth the marginal price difference. Mulan’s sleeves must have been made with this. All you do is add warm water, and all of your makeup comes off with ease, including waterproof mascara. It’s actually magical. You just wash it with your towel load and can use it over and over again. I’ve had mine forever and it’s still holding up well. Bonus: it takes up very little room in your travel bag.
I also have the smaller erasers (for when I’m wearing daily/minimal makeup) and the toner puffs, and they are equally as amazing.
5. Retractable Lint Roller (Amazon)
This retractable lint roller is another one that’s great to have even if you’re not traveling. Having the regular lint rollers that stick to everything when you’re not using them drives me bananas, so the retractable-ness of it is a game-changer. It’s also small enough to fit in your purse or carry-on without adding much bulk. Also, they come in cute colors.
6. Mini Fabric Steamer (Amazon)
This is one that I bring dependent upon my plans and outfits for the trip. The mini fabric steamer is essential for weddings or other places you dress up for. Look at what you’ve packed. If you have a lot of easily-wrinkled items, make sure you bring this along.
7. Travel Perfume Bottles (Amazon)
These come in a set of two with a few different color options. You can pour your perfume into this with the included funnel, and you won’t have to worry about your bottle breaking or being too many ounces for your carry-on. I also use these for my smaller sample perfumes that you have to dump out because it’s just messy and annoying.
8. Mini Pill Organizer (Amazon)
I never thought I could be passionate about a pill organizer, but here we are. I’ve tried several different ones; always the same problems: too bulky, too small, the pills fall in different compartments… the list goes on. This is the perfect size, I throw it around in my purse and it’s never fallen open, and you can tip it upside down and shake it side-to-side, and the pills will still stay in their section. I keep this in my purse daily, then make sure I’m stocked up for a trip.
9. Kindle Paperwhite (Amazon)
If you are a book-reader, a Kindle is essential for traveling. Books are heavy and take up a lot of room, and a Kindle is the best solution for packing light. There are hundreds of books available to buy, and they’re usually cheaper than buying paperback or hardback books. I recently upgraded my old Kindle to the Paperwhite because it’s WATERPROOF! Very important for poolside or bathtub reading. If you haven’t seen a Kindle yet, I will warn you that the screen is not super high-quality like an iPad or your phone, and everything moves a bit more slowly. I only say this because I was a little blind-sided by the screen. However, this allows for more comfortable reading and your eyes won’t hurt after, like they would on an iPad.
Big time reader? Sign up for the Kindle Unlimited Membership for access to over 1 million ebooks that you can read on any device!
Have you tried any of these products? Did I leave out anything that YOU love? Let me know in the comments below! :)
Find your inspiration for short Fall nails here! All are from my favorite polish brand, Olive & June!