Over the past few months, I’ve learned to appreciate respective forms of minimalism. Surely, it takes discipline and a shift in lifestyle to consider, but once I began my practice, I started experiencing whole clarity.

I’ve incorporated the art of minimalism while traveling interstate and abroad, and as hard as it may feel like in the beginning, I’m slowly learning to let go of materialism. Traveling with the bare minimal has taught me to not crave such worldly desires – such as new fads and trends, and I truly learned to leverage all my belongings.

So, when I travel, I usually just bring a backpack. Yes, one backpack and nothing bigger than that. People are always shocked and question how I do it? Backpacking your first time makes you realize that you really don’t need much to survive. We have so much clutter at home that we constantly believe ‘without this, I cannot live.’ That is totally wrong until you challenge yourself to come out of your norm! What’s wrong with re-wearing the same shirt and pants for 3 days? My friends think I’m gross for doing this, but who are you trying to impress?!

Traveling with this minimalistic mindset, people then ask me what essentials I need to bring on every trip. Without thought, I collectively came up with 4 essential, must-brings.

1. Travel Laptop Backpack,Business Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College School Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook – Grey

First and foremost, of course my backpack. I’ve done a lot of research on the best backpacking bags online and came to the conclusion that this is the right one for me. This backpack has 2 huge storage units that hold the majority of my belongings. This is where I store my clothes, shoes, laundry, and it is also designed to hold your laptop. The medium and smaller units are large enough to hold all your accessories, electronics, chargers, etc. Wanna know something even cooler? It even has a port outside of the bag where you can charge your phone. Isn’t that amazing?! Yup, no more tryna hide your portable charger and having half your wires stick out of your bag. It’s life changing, man.

 

  

 2. Power Plug Adapter – International Travel (Sand Grey)- w/4 USB Ports Work for 150+ Countries – 220 Volt Adapter – Travel Adapter Type C Type A Type G Type I for UK Japan China EU Europe European

Ok people, if you love traveling abroad, this is the #1 thing you NEED. A universal power plug adapter. Why is this so important? Because not all countries have the same adapters. Simple. And since you don’t want to be buying a new adapter for every trip you go on, it’s convenient to just have one! Fact – I used a completely different adapter in Korea than I did in Japan. You’d think they’re same, but you’d be fooled!

The nice thing about this adapter compared to others is that it comes with a case. Not all options on Amazon gave that option, but this additional feature helped me make my final decision.

 

 

    3. Patagonia LW Travel Mini Hip Pack Backpack Black

If you don’t like carrying around purses and bags like me, this fanny pack is more than enough. Piggy backpacking on minimalism, this pack is big enough to hold all the essentials throughout the day, which includes my phone, hand sanitizer, vaseline, and a tissue. That’s literally it. You really don’t need anything else…in my opinion. It’s perfect if you like to do nature-y things, like hiking and walking around scenic-like places because you become hands-free.

FYI – this pack is fashionable too – I’ve gotten a few compliments on my outfit (because of the pack) and I’m literally the last to be up-to-date with the newest fashion trends.

 

   4. 4monster Microfiber Towel, Travel Towel, Camping Towel, Gym Towel, Backpacking Towel, Hiking Towel, Fast Drying Super Absorbent Travel Case

I do admit, most places you’ll stay at – Airbnb, hostels, hotels, all supply towels. But there are some people out there who don’t like sharing towels and would prefer just using their own. This microfiber towel is perfect if you’re that type of person since it literally soaks up all the water once used and drys within minutes. If you are a backpacker who is always on the move, this towel is the perfect add-on item for you. It even comes with a case – just roll up the towel and zip it up in the case. Sanitary since it doesn’t touch all your dirty clothes in your backpack.

 

 

Overall, I never forget to pack these 4 must-brings when traveling. Besides the backpack, the power plug adapter, Patagonia fanny pack and microfiber towel are all small enough where it won’t make a huge disturbance in my luggage. Traveling this lightly has continuously helped me practice my new motto of living a minimalistic lifestyle. I started humbling myself, my bank account, realized how privileged I am for all the luxuries I own, and am continuously decluttering by the day.