Because minimalism is cute until you forget nail clippers in Hungary

Here’s a somewhat comprehensive list of what I’ve figured out after many many kilometres, dingy airports, and that stomach-dropping feeling when you believe you lost something. If you want a more comprehensive list, I’ve recently posted what I usually bring that covers everything.

1. Backpack > Suitcase
If you’re rolling a suitcase across cobblestone streets in Plovdiv, I’m sending you strength (been there, done that). I understand there is a need to bring suitcases sometimes when moving, but if you can help it, just use a backpack – please save yourself! From narrow train corridors to check-in at the airport, I’ve found that backpacks are better suited in almost all scenarios. I usually use a 40-50l one that could pass as carry-on if not stuffed to the brim.

2. Packing Cubes = Sanity
Life’s too short to dig through a pile of socks to find your charger. Packing cubes are the GOAT of staying organised when your closet is your bag. Make sure to see if they are the best fit for your backpack as sometimes just carrying one or two smaller cubes is better than having those large ones that are impractical.

3. Travel Adapter
Tut tut tut, I know you’ve made the mistake of not bringing an adapter with you for a trip or perhaps being too sure of your knowledge of them and didn’t think you needed one. For your future self: make sure to grab one that works in multiple countries and has USB/USB-C ports (and make sure to match your cable beforehand). Bonus if it doesn’t buzz ominously when charging your devices.

4. eSIMs
Don’t get trapped in airport SIM card hell. I don’t have a phone with eSIM, but my dad does, and it does ease the process in those worrysome first hours of a new place. Although they don’t provide a phone number (for taxi apps, for instance), having that backup in case your hotel booking gets cancelled or you can’t move money from one bank account to another, is life saving.

5. Minimalist Wardrobe (Depends on climate of course)
Year round-wise I think of a good but not horrendously expensive pair of hiking trousers (looking at you fjallraven) a Paris of thermal leggings, maybe a loose pair of trousers that can be doubled up as pj’s if all hell breaks loose, long sleeve, short sleeve and linen shirts, jumper, turtleneck, lightweight coat. Good idea to have spare underwear but don’t go overboard (also looking at the girlys who pack 7 pairs of underwear for a weekend trip) keep it reasonable keep it sensible. If you have any doubts, refer to your backpack/suitcase of choice and see if it fits *comfortably*.

As a wise old crone once said, “Please test your gear/packing setup before you venture into the wilderness of the world”

6. Shoes: Choose Wisely
You need one pair that can walk 15k steps, climb ruins, and not get your socks soaked in a puddle. Think practical, not pretty, when it comes to shoes. Also, flip-flops live on a carabiner for mysterious hotel bathroom floors and beach days.

7. Microfiber Towel
It dries fast and packs small – what more could you want? From airbnbs where you can’t find the towels to airbnbs where you can actually find them and quickly deciding you’re better off using your own, I’d opt for bringing a towel with you in the first place for longer trips, and a microfiber one at that.

8. Digital Tools
– Google Translate (you can download the languages you need beforehand)
– Maps.me (if you’re the sort to put your faith in google maps but still err on the side of caution someplace new)
– Wise or Revolut (for cheap currency conversion and not crying at ATM fees.
– Notebook app (just any notebook app you can open quickly with no hassle when a georgian man is telling you a phone number in Russian and the numbers are quickly becoming one identical syllable)

9. Kindle or Tiny Book
You’re bound to have downtime on trains, in parks, or cafes. Travel feels better with stories – especially when they’re not just your own.

10. Tiny Rituals
Bring one small thing that keeps you grounded. A journal. Your favourite tea. A playlist that makes any room feel like yours. Find little anchors that make the nervy moments more tolerable.

11. First aid kit

A handful of plasters and some essential oil to keep mosquitos at bay will keep the doctor away.

12. Comprehensive toiletry kit

As previously mentioned, going on a hunt in Győr to find nail clippers at the edge of town isn’t preferable, so just save yourself the bother and double-check that you have what you need. And if you’re stuck for what to bring/not to bring, take a moment to analyse what you use on a daily basis and also what is 100% needed when push comes to shove; better to have an extra thing in tow than to be stingy on space.

That’s the short list. You might find that you don’t need much to have a good day. Just a good pair of shoes, a flexible mindset, and maybe a decent playlist for the ride.

Thank you for reading!