Simpler travel all comes down to dialing down the stress of a trip. Start at the beginning by simplifying your packing. What you pack, and what you don’t pack for a trip can result in simpler travel.
Most people I know love to travel and hate to pack. There is always stress and anxiety about what to bring. Is this enough? Do we have the right stuff? Did I forget anything? Will my suitcase be too heavy? And if you have children, you get to ask those questions for everyone!
With a little less stuff and stress, we could all enjoy simpler travel. I used to be a chronic overpacker. No matter where I was going, I brought too much stuff. Now there are 3 things I never pack anymore. Packing is stressful but it doesn’t have to be. These packing tips will help you stress less about your next trip.
3 Things I Never Pack Anymore for Simpler Travel
For my own peace of mind and simpler travel, there are 3 things I never pack anymore. Leaving them behind helps me stress less and enjoy traveling more. The reason there are so many funny packing memes out there is that we can all relate. “I haven’t worn these since I bought them so I should definitely bring them on a 3-day trip.” or “Going on a trip. I need about 4 outfits. I’ve packed 35 just to be safe.” And, my favorite …
If I feel nervous that I won’t have what I need on a trip, I remind myself that I’m probably going to be able to access what I need when I arrive. I prioritize simpler travel over packing everything I could possibly need. I usually don’t have to buy extra things, but I know that I can pick up a toothbrush or an extra shirt if I need one.
1. Before I take a trip, I leave extra shoes behind.
One time I went to Mexico for less than a week. I brought 5 pairs of shoes plus the ones I was wearing, and then I wore flip-flops for the entire trip. What was I thinking? Now I only wear or bring shoes that I can walk comfortably in for miles. I don’t bring new shoes on a trip because I know that’s asking for pain and suffering. Life is just too short to wear uncomfortable shoes, no matter where I am.
2. I don’t pack aspirational items when I travel.
Why do we think we’ll be different people on vacation? I’m still me and I still like wearing and using the same things even when I’m in a different state or country. I used to bring extra fancy things in case there was an extra fancy thing to do. Now, unless it’s planned in advance, I only bring the things I would usually wear.
Planning for every possible scenario when traveling never results in less stress when packing. Instead pack for the reality of your trip. If something unexpected comes up, you can figure it out when it happens. Really though … you probably won’t need those extra things. Instead, simply bring your favorite things that fit the climate of where you are visiting. Trying to break in new shoes or a new style while traveling usually just adds more stress.
3. Now when I travel, I never pack apologies for outfit repeating.
I wear the same things over and over again at home (without apology) so I feel even more comfortable outfit repeating on a trip. At home I dress with 33 items or less every three months, and for simpler travel, I pack like a minimalist. Instead of trying to manage too much stuff, I want to spend my trip exploring and enjoying a new city or country.
A great way to experiment with packing light and simpler travel is to pack for half of your trip. Start by practicing with your own stuff and not for children. Once you have a little practice, you’ll feel more comfortable paring down in other ways. If you are going to be away for a week, ask yourself what you need for three or four days. I was recently traveling for two weeks and I packed for one. Don’t be afraid to outfit-repeat. People barely notice what you wear in your day-to-day life. It’s unlikely anyone will notice or care while you travel. I won’t apologize for outfit repeating or for these 9 things.
If you aren’t sure if you are packing too much, track what you use on your next trip. Notice the shoes and shirts you never wear, or the extra things you brought that never made it out of your suitcase. Then, make a simple packing list in your notes app for your next trip. Don’t include things you don’t really need. Pack less, stress less, and enjoy your next trip even more.
