Okay, so I’ve always been that person lugging around a suitcase that probably weighs more than I do. You know, the one at the airport desperately trying to shove another pair of shoes into an already overflowing bag. So, naturally, the idea of minimalist travel intrigued me. Intrigued and terrified, if I’m being totally honest. I mean, could I really survive a week-long trip with just a carry-on? It seemed impossible. But, you know, influencers were doing it. Blogs were praising it. So I figured, why not give it a shot? Famous last words, right?
The Allure of Less: Why I Wanted to Try Minimalist Travel
I think part of the appeal was the freedom. The thought of breezing through airports, not waiting at baggage claim, and generally feeling lighter (literally and figuratively) was incredibly tempting. I mean, who *wants* to pay extra baggage fees? Plus, the environmental aspect. Less stuff equals a smaller footprint, and that’s something I’m trying to be more mindful of. It seemed like a win-win-win. Of course, the reality ended up being a little more… complicated. I also watched Marie Kondo right before I started planning, maybe that had something to do with it.
My Minimalist Packing List (and Where It Went Wrong)
Okay, the planning stage actually felt pretty good. I meticulously curated my wardrobe. Everything had to be versatile, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to layer. I even bought those fancy packing cubes. You know the ones. They are supposed to compress everything and save space. I rolled my clothes instead of folding. I felt so organized! My initial list was pretty solid: 3 pairs of pants, 5 tops, a light jacket, a swimsuit, and minimal toiletries. But then…the “what ifs” started creeping in. “What if I need a fancy dress? What if it gets unexpectedly cold? What if I spill coffee all over my favorite shirt?” Before I knew it, I had added two extra tops, a bulky sweater “just in case”, and a pair of heels that I knew I would probably only wear once (if at all).
The Great Toiletries Debacle
Ugh, toiletries. That was my downfall. I bought travel-sized everything, which, honestly, are often just as expensive as the full-sized versions. And I STILL managed to overpack. I had three different types of face cream! Who even needs that on vacation? I even bought a solid shampoo bar, which, spoiler alert, ended up disintegrating into a soapy mess in my bag. I ended up using hotel shampoo anyway. What a waste! So much for eco-friendly travel. I honestly think the TSA agents were giving me the side-eye.
The Trip Itself: A Comedy of Errors
The first few days were fine. I felt smugly efficient. I skipped the baggage carousel, sailed through security, and had room to spare in the overhead bin. But then… I realized I had only packed one pair of comfortable walking shoes. And we were doing a LOT of walking. My feet were screaming by day three. And remember that “just in case” sweater? It turned out to be completely useless in the surprisingly warm weather. It just took up space in my backpack. And the heels? They never left my bag. They just made it heavier. Oh, and I did spill coffee on that favorite shirt. Luckily, I had that extra top. Small victories, I guess.
The Moment I Snapped (and Bought Another Bag)
The turning point came when we were at a market, and I found this amazing hand-woven scarf. It was beautiful and unique, and I knew I had to have it. But…there was no room in my carry-on. Absolutely none. After a solid 15 minutes of internal debate (and a slightly embarrassing near-meltdown), I did what any rational (or maybe not so rational) person would do. I bought another bag. A cheap, flimsy tote bag that I stuffed the scarf into, along with a few other souvenirs that I “needed.” Suddenly, I was back to lugging around multiple bags. So much for minimalist travel! I felt defeated.
Lessons Learned (and Maybe Some Regrets)
So, what did I learn from my minimalist travel experiment? Well, first of all, I learned that I am not a minimalist. At least not yet. I am a “what if” packer, a souvenir addict, and a lover of comfortable shoes. Maybe someday I’ll be able to truly embrace the minimalist lifestyle, but for now, I’m okay with a little extra baggage. It’s part of who I am.
Honestly, I regret not packing my trusty walking boots. Those blisters were brutal! And maybe I could have planned my outfits a little more strategically. But hey, live and learn, right?
Would I Try It Again? (The Jury’s Still Out)
Honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe for a weekend trip. But for anything longer than that, I think I’ll stick to my regular-sized suitcase. I mean, who even cares about baggage fees anyway? Okay, I still care a little bit. But not enough to sacrifice comfort and convenience.
Maybe next time, I’ll try a modified version of minimalist travel. I’ll pack less, but I’ll still bring those essential items that make me feel happy and comfortable. And definitely more comfortable shoes. That’s non-negotiable. Plus, I’ll leave room for that amazing scarf. Because sometimes, a girl just needs a beautiful scarf. Who knows what the future holds for my packing habits? One thing’s for sure, it’s a journey!
