minimalist travel items

How To Travel Like A Minimalist: Packing List And More

Traveling like a minimalist means striking the balance of finding comfort while away from home, but not being weighed down by excess stuff either. Choosing minimalist travel has changed my packing process entirely and made everything easier for me.

Hi, I’m Ryan

Having a minimalist mindset while traveling has taken all the hassle and headache out of my traveling experience. Packing light allows me to have what I need without being weighed down, and focus on the experience of the trip itself.

What Is Minimalist Travel?

Minimalist Travel Packing List: Essentials Only

When I’m packing for any trip, I divide my needs into smaller categories to make the packing process more manageable and keep track of what I actually need. I start with my travel capsule wardrobe, then pack my toiletries. I prefer to organize things into packing cubes to keep the chaos at bay while on the move.

Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Traveling with a well-planned capsule wardrobe is the move for any vacation, especially if you’re trying to travel like a minimalist. Clothes are a major culprit that take up a lot of space in a suitcase or bag. Create your own capsule wardrobe to minimize your luggage.

To do this, you’ll want to think through several things. Check the weather for the entirety of your trip, and choose items that will work with the climate you’ll be in. It’s also important to pack high-quality, staple pieces that can be worn more than once, especially for longer trips where you’ll have access to a washer and dryer.

Similar to personal uniforms , capsule wardrobes work best when you have a few base pieces like neutral shirts and pants, and then accentuate with only a few pieces that can give the outfit an entirely new look.

A Basic Travel Capsule Might Include

• Two T-shirts
• Two long sleeves or tank tops
• Two pairs of shorts or jeans
• One dress or suit
• Sweater or swimwear
• Four pairs of underwear
• Four pairs of socks

My own capsule wardrobe is pretty simple, but you can make it as decorative or basic as you prefer. Of course, this basic list will need to be adjusted based on the weather on your trip, if you have plans to go out somewhere fancy, or any other trip-specific clothing needs that might come up.

Minimalist Travel Toiletries

Toiletries are probably the second biggest category of travel items that can suck the space from your suitcase. Of course, it’s different for women and men, and it also depends on how basic your daily routine is.

If I’m going to a place that doesn’t provide basics, I tend to pack a two-in-one bar that can I use as my shampoo, bodywash and facewash — my favorite is the Duke Cannon’s Midnight Swim Bars or their Shampoo Pucks in Gold Rush Scent .

For the larger bar, I cut a chunk off to suit the length of my trip put in a Matador flat pack soap bar bag . The pucks come in a small tin which is super convenient. I’m not one to overcomplicate things with multiple products, but I also don’t have temperamental skin or hair.

Basic Toiletries To Pack As A Minimalist

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Conditioner
• Facial cleanser or wipes
• Razor and shaving cream
• Basic makeup
• Daily medications
• Feminine products

When it comes to packing my toiletries as space-consciously as possible, I use Gotoobs to hold my liquid toiletries , which have never leaked on me, and I put that in a bag inside my larger toiletry bag where I keep everything else. This saves me space and keeps my liquid toiletries separate to help prevent leaks or spills in transport.

Toiletries You Can Travel Without

• Extra lotions or skin creams
• Entire makeup bag
• Multiple hair styling tools
• Hair accessories
• Nail polish
• Essential oils or perfumes

Ryan’s Minimalist Toiletries

My personal toiletry kit has a two-in-one soap puck, deodorant, razor, comb, tooth brush, toothpaste tablets, and a nail clipper. I use the shampoo puck as body and face wash, then also use it for shaving.

The two white tablets in the photo are mini hand towels that expand — those along with the face wipes are a godsend when you’ve been traveling for a long time and need to wash up when you don’t have access to a shower. The Purell packets are also good because their size won’t bring much attention as a single use packet going through airport security.

For longer trips, I’ll often add shaving cream, a mini sewing kit, and lotion.

Minimalist Daily Travel Essentials

One of the best things to do when it comes to packing the rest of your miscellaneous daily items is to have a central location in your home where these items live regularly. This could look like a catchall tray, a storage bin, or a backpack or travel bag.

Keep daily essentials like chargers, electronics, a water bottle, and more in this spot. Then, when you’re preparing for a trip, you can move all of your essentials to your luggage quickly. You’ll save yourself the mental space of having to fish through your closet or under your bed for your lesser-used items that are still essentials.

Daily Essentials For Minimalist Packing

• Charging cords
• Keys and wallet
• Cash and credit cards
• Identification (license/passport)
• Refillable water bottle
• Book/notebook
• First-aid kit

Ryan’s Daily Minimalist Essentials

When I’m packing my minimalist travel bag, I usually put all of these daily essentials in a separate travel bag than my clothes and toiletries. If I’m flying, this is what I fill my carry-on with for easy access. Even if I’m road-tripping in a car or travel van , I usually put these items in a carry-all pouch that goes in my backpack.

Ryan’s Daily Items Packing List

• Modern Coup Admin Pouch
• Benchmade Bugout Pocket Knife
• Smooth Precision Pens – Bolt Action Pen V2.2
• Anker Compact737 Charger
• Herschel Slim Men’s Wallet
• Field Notes Notebook
• Griffin Mini-Cable Kit
• Human Gear Go Bites Duo Utensil Set

Trip-Specific Items For Minimalist Travel

Once I’ve covered all my daily essentials and basic needs, I usually have about half a suitcase of room left to focus on items specific to my trip. This could be anything from ski gear to a surfboard to your bridesmaid dress to a nylon tent and off-grid camping cookware .

I don’t know about you, but the process of packing always feels super tedious and mentally draining to me. Covering all of your basics first is one of the best ways to pack like a minimalist and make the packing process way less daunting. You knock out all the more thought-intensive categories first, then just focus on the fun stuff.

How To Pack Like A Minimalist: Best Travel Gear

In addition to having a packing strategy and following a packing list, using savvy packing gadgets can help you travel light. Investing in these simple products can make your minimalist packing life a whole lot easier.

Four Piece Packing Cube Set

GoToobs And GoTubbs By Humangear

Packism Clear Toiletry Bag

Like I mentioned in my advice above, when I pack my toiletries, I like to separate my wet toiletries from my dry toiletries. These small, clear toiletry bags by Packism are an ideal size to store all my liquid toiletries and then nestle into my larger suitcase or carry on.

Matador Toiletry Bag And Soap Bar Case

General Medi Store First Aid Kit

Nomader Collapsible Leak-Proof Water Bottle

Build A Minimalist Travel Backpack For Solo Travel

For me, traveling solo has been something that has set me free and given me experiences that I could never have had by just staying home. In the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of traveling 23 countries including Canada , Australia , and several European and Latin American countries .

Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks For Solo Travel

Fitting all of the belongings I need into a simple travel backpack always provides me with a deeply freeing feeling. Choosing a minimalist travel backpack that will support you fully, last for years without tearing, and have room for all your travel gadgets and gizmos is a must.

I have a couple of personal favorite travel backpacks that I would recommend for regular use. The first one is the GoRuck GR1 . The GR1 is ridiculously sturdy and ideal for strenuous hikes or camping trips. I also love the Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack . It has an extremely strong hip belt and sturdy shoulder straps, and multiple compartments for storing all the gear you might need.

Other Popular Minimalist Travel Backpacks

• Minaal Carry-on 3.0
• Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
• Matador SEG42
• Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC
• AER Travel Pack 2

How To Pack Your Minimalist Travel Backpack

Figuring out how to pack your travel backpack is a whole other can of worms. Of course, this will also heavily depend on where you’re going on your trip, how long you’ll be gone, and what your essential needs will be.

There are a few things I make sure to always have with me when I pack my minimalist travel bag for camping, off-griding, or any kind of basic travel.

Travel Backpacking List

• Basic hygiene supplies
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Water treatment supplies
• Snacks/food
• Map/compass/GPS
• Small tools/repair kit

Does Minimalist Travel Make Life Better?

• How will you pack like a minimalist on your next vacation?
• What items will you pack verses go without?

Thanks for this article. I’m planning to visit some family living in Mexico and bought a overhead suitcase to use for traveling..made a stateside trip and and stuff it with what I thought I’d need for a 3week trip..with your list ideas, I’ll make smarter packing & weight decisions..looking forward to hassle freely out of country trip more now..

Great post. Very helpful. Thank you.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

name (required)

email (will not be published) (required)

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

The Best Minimalist Travel Packing List for 2024 (free download)

Minimalist travel has gained popularity as an eco-friendly and stress-free approach to exploring the world. It’s not about sacrificing comfort but rather embracing the freedom (and lighter luggage!) that comes with a pared-down travel checklist. Here’s our guide to putting together your minimalist travel packing list, allowing you to focus on experiences over possessions.

Although I strive towards minimalism at home and while traveling, I am no longer able to travel with only a backpack. But the principles of minimalist packing still help me to travel without checking luggage and that’s a huge help in these days of travel disruptions and lost luggage. So, if you’re like me, embrace your own version of a minimalist traveler. You’re traveling light and efficiently, and that’s the most important thing.

This post may include affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase something or take an action on one of these links. This is how we are able to run this website.   DISCLOSURE

Best Minimalist Packing Tips & Strategies

Curate a Capsule Travel Wardrobe : Spend some time picking versatile, mix-and-match basic wardrobe essentials that will work at your destination. A ten to twelve piece wardrobe in neutral colors can create different outfits, suitable for various occasions and climates. It’s a good idea to choose lightweight, odor-resistant fabrics like merino wool to keep your packing light and easy care. (especially important if you won’t have access to a washing machine)

If possible, pack Multi-Purpose Accessories : Choose accessories that are multi-functional. For example, a sarong can have different purposes; it can be a scarf, blanket, or a picnic tablecloth. Choosing items that do double duty is an easy way to save space in your bag.

Travel Shoes can be a minimalist travel challenge: Well before your trip look for a comfortable pair of shoes that are versatile enough for both walking tours and dinners out. Wear these on travel days, and if necessary, add a pair of flip flops, or similar, to your pack. But limit your packing to two pairs of shoes.

Get to know your Cell Phone (a minimalist packer’s best friend): Your phone can replace many gadgets. It’s your camera, GPS, entertainment center, and travel guide all in one. Explore the phone’s camera settings and load language translation apps, etc., before your trip.

Simplify your Toiletries : Most accommodations provide basic toiletries. Carry travel-sized versions of your essentials and opt for solid or eco-friendly options to minimize waste.

Invest in well-made Minimalist Luggage : Limiting yourself to a carry-on bag and a small personal item (or day pack) keeps you from overpacking. A smaller bag forces you to be selective and mobile, saving time and money on checked baggage.

and last of all:

Don’t expect perfection. Depending on the type of trip you’ve planned you may not be able to pack as lightly as you’d like. If you’re anticipating long trips in cold weather your minimalistic packing list will not be the same as someone off on a week trip to the beach. But that’s OK. It’s not a competition.

Minimalist Travel Packing List: Less Stuff, More Experiences

Essential Travel Documents:

• Passport and visa (if required)
• Travel pouch, wallet, or money belt for secure storage
• Photocopies of important documents
• Travel insurance details
• Itinerary and reservation confirmations
• Local currency and a small amount of cash

Minimalist Luggage:

• Carry-on backpack or suitcase – if buying a new bag, check the weight. A heavy bag can sabotage your packing light strategy.
• Packing cubes or compression bags (pack clothes in colored cubes for ease in organization)
• TSA-approved clear bag for liquids
• Luggage locks
• Travel laundry bag (optional, but will help to keep dirty clothes separate)

Clothing: Put together a capsule wardrobe of well-made, easy-care basics that will mix and match. Try one of our capsule templates to be sure items mix and match.

• Versatile tops (mix of short and long-sleeve) – choose quick-dry, anti-odor if possible
• Neutral-colored bottoms (pants or shorts)
• Lightweight sweater or jacket (depending on the climate)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Underwear and socks
• Sleepwear (optional – some use a lightweight tee and gym shorts)
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• [optional] Dress – choose a dress that can be worn several ways for maximum use
• [optional] Sandals or versatile casual shoes
• [optional] Swimwear

Accessories:

• Scarf or sarong (multi-purpose)
• Travel-sized umbrella or a packable rain jacket
• Minimalist jewelry – limit yourself to what you wear daily

Digital Travel Essentials:

• Smartphone with charger
• Earphones or headphones
• Universal adapter (if traveling internationally)

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal hygiene items (e.g., dental floss, hair brush, deodorant)
• Razor or electric shaver (if needed)
• Menstrual products (if needed)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, any necessary medications)
• [optional – many accommodations will supply this] Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (consider solid versions)

Miscellaneous:

• Medication – prescription and OTC
• Reusable water bottle – Help reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle. Many destinations have water refill stations or filtered water options.
• Snacks for the journey
• [optional] Compact travel towel
• [optional] Travel pillow and eye mask (for long flights or bus rides)

Remember that this minimalist travel packing list is adaptable based on your destination, the climate, and personal preferences. For example, if you’re traveling to a cold climate, you’ll need a few warmer layers. And if your travel is work related, you’ll need to have room for essential items like a laptop. The key is to pack only what you’ll need and use during your trip.

By adhering to a minimalist packing list and travel tips, you’ll find that you have more freedom to savor the essence of your destination. You’ll spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time connecting with the culture, people, and landscapes that will make your travel experience great. So, streamline your packing, lighten your load, and embark on your next adventure with a minimalist mindset. And have fun!

Download our minimalist travel checklist . Add and subtract additional items to make minimalism fit your needs!!

This post is part of our  Travel 101  series of posts that will prepare you for your trip. If you’re just beginning to plan, the first thing I’d suggest is that your read our comprehensive blog post:  Pack Light, Travel Easy

Pin for later!

Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review (2024)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from traveling tulls.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Entertainment

10 Minimalist Travel Essentials – a Minimalist World Traveler Kit

Minimalist travel is an art. It takes a lot of time and practice to master it, and there are many variants. In this context, one of the primary challenges is to find your essentials. Once determined, those essentials will form the basis of your minimalist packing list, creating a set of core items that work on any journey. On this basis, here is my minimalist world traveler kit.

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy  here .

Whether you want to travel full-time or go on a two-week adventure, minimalist travel essentials will simplify the journey. 

I’ve been on the road more or less continually for the last three years and never carry more than two carry-on backpacks.  The two bags fit all of my camera gear, electronics, clothes, and toiletries. 

Some sacrifices are necessary, but you don’t have to travel ultralight to benefit from minimalist travel principles . 

My 10 minimalist travel essentials – how to travel the world full-time 

The following components make up my minimalist packing list. They work in every environment and score points with their versatility and durability. 

1. Two backpacks

First and foremost, a minimalist world traveler kit includes backpacks. 

I don’t particularly rate those huge 80L backpacks that many first-time backpackers use.  They are cumbersome, impractical, and highly conspicuous. In my 1,000 plus days on the road, I’ve never used a big bulky backpack. 

They are also outdated.  In 2006, there weren’t many alternatives, but today, hundreds of forward-thinking companies produce smaller, more low-key backpacks that are much better-suited to long-term travel. 

Enter PacSafe. For the past couple of years, I have been using their Vibe 40L and their VentureSafe 45L . 

I used to travel with an 80L wheeled duffle bag, but I have downsized to the two PacSafes for more comfort and public transport suitability.

I nowadays use the Vibe as a carry-on, mainly for camera gear, and the VentureSafe as my primary luggage.  Both are discrete, stylish, and extremely durable. They can handle deserts, tropical rainforests, and snowy treks.  They also have world-leading safety features, making them excellent companions for rougher cities. 

2. A foldable day-pack (and a dry bag) 

Inside my two PacSafe bags, I keep a foldable day-pack and a dry bag for beach expeditions. 

One of the secrets of minimalist travel is to combine various pieces of luggage and gear into one another. That’s where foldable day-packs come into play. 

The EagleCreek 25L is well-made and sturdy, but most importantly, it folds into a miniature piece that you can easily store in your main backpack. 

As such, it works perfectly for day trips and short excursions. 

For water sports and beach trips, I also pack a 10L EarthPak dry bag .  It doesn’t take up too much space and becomes a life-saving item when you’re carrying expensive electronics on a Southeast Asian island-hopping barge. 

3. A water bottle 

When it comes to minimalist travel essentials, a reusable water bottle is an unmissable component. 

A while ago, I invested in a GRAYL self-cleaning water bottle , and I have not been disappointed.  Usable both in cities and in the wild, the GRAYL purifies water and also keeps your beverage hot or cold.

I stopped buying plastic bottles a long time ago, and the GRAYL has been a driving force in regard. 

4. Packing cubes 

Packing cubes are excellent for minimalist travelers thanks to their versatility and organizational benefits. 

By dividing your luggage into different sections, you always know where everything is.  As such, they will save you valuable time and also simplify the task of organizing your luggage. 

5. A travel wallet with important documents

To keep your passport, credit cards, flight tickets, and other documents safe, use an RFID-proof travel wallet.

Akin to backpacks, PacSafe is my go-to brand for travel wallets.  Their V200 has a sleek minimalist look, high-quality materials, and perfect divisions for all your necessary documents. 

6. Two pairs of shoes 

Many first-time globetrotters ask themselves how many pairs of shoes, pants, and other essential clothing items they need. 

Everyone has different travel priorities, but I found that packing two pairs of shoes works well for long-term minimalist travel. 

I take one pair of rugged outdoor shoes and one pair of white sneakers. I use the former in nature settings and the latter in urban environments. 

When it comes to minimalist travel footwear, the crucial point is versatility . Choose shoes that are discrete and inconspicuous. 

If you travel over long stretches, your shoes will need to suit different occasions. White sneakers, as an example, work both in a casual setting and a semi-formal atmosphere. 

Better still, they can be paired with almost anything – from jeans to chinos and suit trousers. 

All-terrain shoes, on the other hand, should also be usable in a casual environment.  Don’t take mountaineering or trekking shoes if you only spend two days of your two-month trip in the mountains.  You can always borrow special-purpose shoes in particular situations, but your primary footwear should focus on multi-purpose items.

7. A foldable rain jacket 

No matter where you go, a foldable rain jacket is an indispensable piece on your minimalist packing list. 

Choose your rain jacket according to two criteria:

• it shouldn’t take up much space in your luggage. As such, it should fold into a small piece; and
• it should be a high-quality, rain-persistent item. 

8. Clothes for 10 days 

There is an eternal debate among minimalist travelers on how much clothing you need to travel the world.

A straightforward answer doesn’t exist, but in my experience, the ideal solution is to take clothes for ten days.  You could find yourself without a washer for a week, which is why you need some spare items. 

Take discrete colors and always pack outfits , not individual items.  As an example, don’t pack college t-shirts with big logos that make you stand out everywhere.  In that same vein, don’t take brightly-colored items that only fit one specific color combination. 

Choose your clothes with adaptability in mind, and only take pieces that go with different outfits. 

9. Lightweight toiletries 

Toiletries are part of my minimalist travel essentials, but I’ve scaled down a lot over the years. 

The simple truth is that you can find almost anything at your destination. That’s why there is no point in filling your luggage with easily replaceable toiletries. 

Limit your toiletries to essential products, and buy the rest on the road. 

10. Versatile travel electronics 

Finally, any modern minimalist travel kit will include a wide variety of electronics. 

As a photographer, around 30 percent of my luggage contains camera gear. I travel with two mirrorless bodies, three lenses, a Gorillapod, memory cards, etc. 

Aside from camera gear, the following are some of my most vital travel electronics: 

• a laptop: I work online, so my Macbook Pro is my most prized possession; 
• a travel adapter: you may need it to cater to different plugs around the world. I use an EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter ;
• an unlocked smartphone: keep in mind that you may need to change SIM cards; 
• a power bank: I use the Ravpower PD Powerbank ;
• noise-canceling headphones: a critical item on long-haul flights. I use the Bose Soundlink ; 
• Portable Bluetooth speakers to listen to your music in your hotel room or Airbnb. My favorite small speakers are the Anker Soundcore Mini ; and
• external hard drives: if you work as a creator, those hard drives are lifesavers. I use a LaCie 4Tb Rugged HD . I usually carry a few smaller spares.

You may need other electronics depending on your travel style, but those are the ones that secure both peace of mind and productivity on the road.

Useful links on 10 Minimalist Travel Essentials – a Minimalist World Traveler Kit

• more in the category “Design”
• more under the topic “Travel”
• read My 10 Principles of Minimalist Traveling
• read The Best Minimalist Purchases to Simplify Your Life

Don’t miss a beat! 

[mailpoet_form id=”5″]

Meet Kathy, the mindful mind behind the words at minimalistfocus.com. With an innate ability to distill the essence of life down to its purest form, Kathy's writing resonates with those seeking clarity in a cluttered world.

Related Post

How ceiling lighting design elevates home aesthetics and functionality, structural wooden pins in furniture making, what are cad skills and how to improve, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• Travel tips

Minimalist Travel: My Minimalist Packing List for Every Trip

The more I travel, the more I am obsessed with creating the perfect minimalist packing list.

I started travelling solo with a 75-litre backpack that literally broke my back. But I thought I needed everything!

Then I graduated to a 55-litre backpack which I thought was a huge feat. Then I downsized even more and put all my belongings into a 33-litre backpack. 

And for the last five years, I’ve been travelling with a 24-litre backpack which is actually advertised as a daypack. I can manage one bag living with that backpack and can live for a few weeks and even up to 5 months. 

So after travelling solo for more than 19 years, I can honestly say I am closer to creating the perfect minimalist travel packing list and I am going to share it with you in this post.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

Tips on creating your own minimalist travel packing list

After years of travelling and revising my minimalist packing list, I can honestly say I am quite happy with my current minimalist travel packing list.  

As a budget-conscious solo female traveller who works remotely, it is important for me to have a minimalist travel packing list where I can fit all my belongings into a carry-on that weighs less than 7kg . I like having a small backpack to move around easily and save money from checking in my luggage.

I use the following minimalist travel packing list for almost all my trips . But mind you, I mostly go to warmer destinations like Singapore and Bali and do not have any particular activities (i.e. multi-day hiking, snorkelling, etc.). And the travel packing list is tailored for females (I am not familiar with what toiletries or other things men have to bring).

Please use this minimalist packing list as a guideline to create your own packing list . Everyone has their own personal likes and dislikes, and your trip may require you to bring certain items that are not part of this list. Use this list as a base and build on your own minimalist packing list that suits you. 

My Minimalist Packing List for Females

Whether I’m leaving for 2 weeks or a few months, this is how I start packing:

I use two bags for every trip: my travel backpack and my travel daypack .

And I have 4 groups of items:

• Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Dry and Wet Toiletries
• Other Necessities
• Items for Travel Daypack

Below I outlined each of these 4 groups of travel items in detail and include photographs of the actual items in my backpack. Keep reading and find out exactly what I bring for each trip.

1. Travel Capsule Wardrobe

I always start packing one of my most important travel essentials : my mix-and-match minimalist travel capsule wardrobe . I roll all my clothes into two  small packing cubes and put my shoes in a shoe bag.

Here are all the components to my travel capsule wardrobe (see list below and photo above):

• 2 Tank tops
• 2 pairs of shorts
• Set of clothing for sleeping/working out
• 4 Underwear
• 1 pair of socks
• Nike Free RN Flyknit sneakers
• Birkenstock Mayari Sandals
• Havaianas Slim Flip Flop Sandals

2. Dry and Wet Toiletries

My minimalist toiletries are separated into two different bags : one for all my dry toiletries and another for all my wet toiletries .

Dry Toiletries

First, I use my Muji hanging toiletry bag for all my dry toiletries:

• Lush Seanik Shampoo Bar *
• 2 Chapsticks
• Nail clipper
• Cotton pads*
• Safety pins

Wet Toiletries

Then I put my wet toiletries in Muji clear case which is excellent for storing travel-sized toiletries . The transparent toiletry bag replaces the re-sealable plastic bag at airport security screening.

I separate my dry and wet toiletries because of airport security checks. Each passenger must take out all the liquids, gels and aerosols (in bottles 100ml or less) and put them in a transparent bag. And you have to take it out of your carry-on luggage for x-ray screening. So having a separate transparent toiletry bag is really handy.

These are the toiletries in my transparent toiletry case:

• Toothpaste*
• Facial cleanser*
• Face cream*
• Contact lens solution*
• Contact lens case

*Note – I only bring enough products for a few weeks. I will have to replenish these items at my destination or make my own DIY eco-friendly toiletries .

3. Other Necessities

There are other necessities that are not part of the mix-and-match wardrobe and toiletries. These items are little gadgets and knick-knacks that I can’t live without and are always part of my minimal packing list.

See the main picture of this blog to see these items:

• Universal travel adapter
• Xiaomi selfie stick/foldable tripod with Bluetooth remote
• First aid kit and medicine
• Canvas bag for groceries/laundry
• Laptop charger
• Mobile phone charger
• Set of utensils including fork, spoon, knife, chopsticks and metal straw
• 5 medium size ziplock bags (not pictured)

4. Items for Travel Daypack

And finally, I put things that I never want to lose in my Fjallraven Re-Kanken travel daypack. Even if I lose my travel backpack (unlikely because I don’t check-in my backpack but *knock on wood*), I would still have these essential items with me. It is harder to replace these travel items so I rather have them with me at all times.

Plus, I like to have these essentials close to me when I am on the plane so I can have access to my laptop, book, travel document, etc. These items are:

• MacBook Notebook 12″ + laptop bag
• Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
• Muji blank notebook
• 2 Muji pens
• Coach wallet/wristle t with cash, 2 credit cards, 2 ATM cards
• Small pouch with passport, backup cash ($100USD), 2 headshot photos, paperclip (for changing SIM cards)
• Squeeze water bott le
• Prescription eyeglasses + case

Minimalist travel: how I put everything together

It is important to get a lightweight backpack especially if you want to pack everything in your bag and weigh less than 7kg .

I love using my Wanaka Adapt Backpack because it is light, has 3 main compartments and it fits my Muji packing cube perfectly (I didn’t plan that!) Even though the backpack is advertised as a daypack, I love using it as my regular travel backpack.

Since there are 3 compartments, here is how I organize my travel backpack:

• Top pouch: other necessities like first aid kit, medicine, canvas bag, utensils, extra ziplock bags
• Main compartment: 2 packing cubes, dry toiletry bag, and wet toiletry bag (placed on top so I can take it out for security check at the airport)
• Bottom compartment: shoes and other necessities like chargers, selfie-stick, universal adapter

Recommended – What to get a Minimalist Traveller who doesn’t want anything

Final words on a minimalist packing list

If you want to travel like a minimalist, I would encourage you to use my minimalist packing list as a guideline and create one that works for you . I think the best minimalist list for travel is the one that suits your travel style and your needs.

And if you are into hiking, you can also use the same principles to create a minimalist hiking gear list .

Part of creating a minimal packing list is to challenge yourself to pack less . I know it is easier said than done, so please don’t be discouraged and keep trying. It definitely takes a bit of practice.

Let me know in the comments if there is anything you are struggling with or you have other minimal travel packing tips you want to share yourself.

Thank you for reading my post on minimalist packing list

You might also like these other posts on minimalist travel:

• How to pack 7kg carry-on luggage
• How to create a minimalist travel wardrobe for every trip
• How to pack the perfect minimalist travel toiletry kit
• My 10 must-have essential travel items for every trip
• How to find the perfect minimalist travel backpack
• Minimalist backpacking: 10 packing tips to help you travel light
• Minimalist hiking: my minimalist hiking gear list
• 10 best gifts for minimalist travellers
• How having a minimalist mindset helped me save money to travel

Like this post? Pin it to your Pinterest board!

queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Minimalist Toiletries: How To Pack The Perfect Minimalist Travel Toiletry Kit

Pack like a Minimalist: How to Pack 7kg Carry on Luggage

Minimalist Hiking: My Minimalist Hiking Gear List

What kind of utensil set do you pack that passes security? Specifically the knife and fork. Thanks! Nice article.

Hi Nadia, My set of fork, spoon and knife is similar to the one I linked except mine is not made with wheat straw. Mine are plastic and have been bringing them on trips every time and have no issues with security. Even though they are plastic, I’ve had them for a long time and just want to use them until they break lol then I will get a new biodegradeable set. Hope this info helps! Thank you for your comment! 🙂

David Parker

I have a similar set of fork, spoon, and knife. However, mine is not made with wheat straw. They are plastic, and I have brought them on trips every time and have never experienced any security issues. I have been around the plastic ones for quite a while, and I want to use them until they break, and then I will replace them with a biodegradable set. Thanks for your help!

Hi David, I have a similar outlook on using existing things and replacing them with a more sustainable option. It is a waste simply to throw out what you have – you might as well use it until you can’t. Thanks for your comment!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Japanese Food Culture: 11 Must Try Food in Japan

Taiwanese food culture: an introduction to 22 must eat food in taiwan , ms travel solo.

• Minimalist Travel Gear – What to Pack and Why

Check this out if you’re new to one bag travel, I break down the basics of minimalist packing clothes, electronics, and gear

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link, we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. Please read our full policy below , thank you for your support!

Howdy folks, I want tell you about some of the basics of minimalist travel gear. The idea is simple, carry a small bag, and take less stuff. But there are some important tips and tricks you need to know to keep yourself happy and safe before venturing forth into the unknown.

What minimalist travel gear do experienced travelers bring that allow them to pack so light? How do you pack for travel without looking like a disheveled hippy? How do you stay safe while traveling with minimalist travel gear and avoid being robbed or losing your stuff? We have the answers to all these questions and more.

The key to minimalist travel is simple, bring only one small carry-on size bag, and no more. This will limit the amount of clothes and stuff you can take. You find quickly discover what’s really important to you when you force yourself to fit all of your possessions in a single bag.

If this is your first adventure into minimalist travel gear, I would recommend starting out with a maximum carry-on size bag. Most airlines are trimming down size requirements, but generally the standard is 9 x 14 x 22. This size will fit in the overhead (not under the seat) of most carriers. The goal is to eventually work down to an even smaller bag, but this is a good place to start.

There are a lot of good options to hold your minimalist travel gear. Sometimes the options can be overwhelming. There are a ton of good choices, and no right answer. The bag you choose will depend on your preference and travel style. A good place to start researching bags is the Comparison Table from One Bag Travels . It lists many of the most popular minimalistic travel bags, with links to reviews.

Bring basic, stylish clothing that can be worn together, and are interchangeable. Avoid bringing “outfits” and clothes that only goes with one other thing. Instead, opt for clothes that can be mixed and matched. Think basic neutral colors, solids or simple patterns.

Tip: If you are going to a cooler climate and need to bring a jacket, you can wear it on the plane. Clothes on your body don’t count!

Fabrics should be either natural fibers like merino wool , or sturdy, quick drying synthetic fabrics. Avoid thick, bulky cotton clothes, and sweaters. Merino wool is expensive, but it is a natural antibacterial fabric, which won’t hold odors. You can wear them day-after-day without the need to wash. Synthetic fabrics also tend to hold less odors than cotton. They are lighter, pack smaller, and you can wash and dry them quickly.

Shoes can quickly fill your travel bag and are the bane of good minimalist travel gear. Avoid the urge to bring shoes for every activity. Bring only one pair of sturdy, versatile, walking shoes or boots. You may choose to bring a second pair of sandals, flip-flops, or flats, if they pack small.

• Electronics

Repeat after me, “I do not need to bring my laptop to Paris.” They are big, and just distract you from your trip. With electronics, less is more. Minimalist travel gear does not allow for large or heavy laptops or cameras. Focus instead, on small multi-purpose gear. Smart phones can double as cameras , maps, guide book, language translators, and actual phones (gasp!).  Unless you are a professional photographer, or on business and need a laptop for work, leave these items at home.

One smart phone, and one e-reader or tablet is all you need. You can store hundreds of books, guidebooks, and maps on your tablet. The phone can be used for everything else. Unlock your phone before you leave and buy a local SIM card with data when you arrive at your destination to save on international roaming fees.

Minimalist travel gear fans rejoice! TSA has made our lives easier here. No more full-size shampoo bottles exploding in the overhead. You are allowed as many 3.4 sized containers of liquids or creams as you can fit in a quart sized bag. Really all you need to do here is to buy some 3.4 oz bottles and fill them with the products you currently use. Put them in a sturdy freezer bag so they don’t leak.

Preventing Theft

This part is my favorite. Have you heard the story of the bear and the campers? When a bear approaches, one camper begins to put his shoes on. The second camper says “why are you putting your shoes on, you can’t outrun a bear?” at which point the first camper exclaims “I don’t need to outrun a bear, I just need to outrun you!”

Your equipment doesn’t need to be theft-proof. It just needs to be more theft-deterrent than the person next to you. Most of the dangers of travel are mitigated by following a few simple steps, one of which is carrying one bag with minimalist travel gear. A bit of redundancy with your valuables helps as well.

Leave the watch at home

Have you ever known a traveler that got an expensive piece of jewelry stolen that they didn’t take with them? Of course not. Don’t take flashy valuables with you when you travel, and you won’t be a target. Leave the gold watch at home. You can’t lose what you don’t have.

Carry two forms of ID, and credit cards

Does the thought of getting pick-pocketed or mugged when abroad scare you? Do you think that would ruin your trip? What if it didn’t have to? What if losing your wallet didn’t affect your ability to enjoy your trip in the slightest? I’ll tell you how.

This is slightly contrary to the minimalist travel gear theme here. But these items are small so we get a pass. Take two of everything, and keep them separate. Two forms of picture ID, passport and driver’s licence (or other picture ID). Take two credit cards, two debit cards, as well as a paper photo copy of all your ID and cards. Include a small amount of cash, enough to get a hotel and eat for a day or two. Take one set with you, and hide one set in your luggage which you will leave in a safe place in your hotel room when you are out.

Losing your identification or credit cards is no fun. They are also difficult to replace while abroad. With 2 cards you can simply cancel the lost one, and continue your trip as planned. Replace it when you get home. If you lose your passport, all is not lost. You will have to visit the embassy to get a replacement passport. But with a second form of ID, as well as copies of all your cards, this process will go much smoother. A little extra cash (in local currency) will help you survive until you can get these things done.

That’s it! Take a smaller bag, this forces you to carry less stuff. Bring quality, interchangeable clothing, in neutral colors, and good shoes. And exercise a few simple rules of safety. Now you’re ready to take on the world with your minimalist travel gear without the distraction of excessive luggage!

Affiliate Disclaimer

I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.

Any revenue I receive from One Bag Travels is from affiliate marketing relationships, meaning if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the one bag/minimalist travel community, not just brands that I receive a commission on. Sometimes a company will send me a free product to review, I am however under no incentive or obligation to give them a favorable review.

The continued existence and success of One Bag Travels relies on the support of my readers. I believe providing thorough, honest, unbiased information is the best way to grow this support. I put a lot of work into my reviews, if you find this information was helpful in your decision, we encourage you to purchase through one of our affiliate links, at zero extra cost to you. This support allows me to continue providing the best reviews and content for you. Thank you for your support!

You may also like

Argentina Packing List (2.5 Weeks with a 28L Carry-On)

My Argentina Packing List for 2.5 weeks with a small 28 liter carry on. Some warm weather gear, minimal clothes, laundry on the road.

• Winter Packing List for Europe

Heading to Europe this winter? Bulk up on minimalist clothes that will allow you to layer, mix and match, and stay warm and dry while you're shopping for nutcrackers and at a German Christkindlmarket =)

• Cold Weather Packing List for One Bag Travel

Lightweight Layers Allow You to Mix and Match Minimalist Clothes for Cold Weather Travel.

• All Backpack Reviews
• Carry On Backpacks
• Duffel Bags
• Travel Gear
• Carry On Packing List (For One Bag Travel)
• Travel Backpacks
• Buy It For Life Travel Bags
• Carry On Luggage Dimensions (Updated for 2019)
• Travel Backpack Size Comparison Table
• Personal Item Luggage Dimensions (Updated for 2022)

One Bag Travels Facebook

One Bag Travels

One Bag Travels is committed to providing the independent traveler with the best gear and reviews. We strive to help you find the perfect one bag to travel the world!

Privacy Policy

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest One Bag Travels reviews right to your inbox.

Unpacking the Magic of Minimalist Travel Packing: A How-to Guide for the Modern Wanderer

We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Find out more here .

Unlock the Ultimate Guide to Airline Luggage Allowances

Don’t get caught off guard by unexpected baggage fees! With this comprehensive eBook, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Do you ever find yourself hauling an overloaded suitcase up a flight of hotel stairs, panting and wishing you’d packed less? You’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll in 2019, 62% of travelers admitted to overpacking, with 34% saying they never wear all the clothes they bring. It’s time to shed the extra weight and embrace the art of minimalist travel packing.

• Less luggage means more freedom, ease, and enjoyment during your travel
• The essentials-only packing list for minimalists
• Expert tips and techniques for packing light
• Benefits of minimalist packing for your travel and overall lifestyle

Lightening the Load: The Appeal of Minimalist Packing

Traveling light isn’t just about saving on baggage fees. It’s about simplifying your journey, enhancing your experiences, and adopting a mindful approach to travel. As Yogi Bhajan rightly stated, “Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

Packing Like a Pro: The Minimalist’s Essentials

When it comes to minimalist travel packing, less is definitely more. However, what does ‘less’ actually look like? Here are some essentials that should make it to your packing list:

• A capsule wardrobe comprising versatile pieces
• Travel-size toiletries
• A small bag of electronics like a phone, charger, and adapter
• Important travel documents
• A reusable water bottle and snacks

The Science Behind Packing Less

It’s no secret that packing light is a game-changer for the modern traveler. Rick Steves, a renowned travel expert, articulates this belief, emphasizing that “packing light is essential for happy, hassle-free travel.”

Packing Techniques for the Minimalist Traveler

Once you have your essentials sorted, the next challenge is to fit everything in your bag efficiently. Here’s where packing techniques come into play:

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them
• Use packing cubes to organize your items
• Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane to save space

Benefits of Minimalist Travel Packing

Adopting minimalist packing habits can revolutionize your travel experiences. Some of the benefits include:

• Increased mobility
• Less stress about lost or stolen items
• Saving money on baggage fees
• Greater focus on experiences rather than possessions

The Minimalist’s Guide to Clothing

Packing clothing for a trip tends to be one of the most challenging aspects of minimalist travel packing. You want to look stylish , yet you also need to consider comfort, practicality, and varying weather conditions. Start with your absolute essentials, such as underwear and socks. Next, consider your activities. If you’re hiking, pack appropriate gear. If you’re dining at fancy restaurants, pack a versatile outfit that can be dressed up or down. Aim for a capsule wardrobe: choose clothing items in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Opt for lightweight fabrics that can be layered. Always remember that it’s better to do a quick wash halfway through your trip than to lug around excess clothing.

A Deep Dive into Toiletries

Toiletries are another area where travelers tend to overpack. A key principle of minimalist packing is to embrace travel-size items. Most toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste can be bought in travel sizes or transferred into smaller containers. Another tip is to embrace multi-purpose items. For example, a bar of soap can be used for washing your body, face, and even your clothes in a pinch. Such mindful approaches not only save space but also promote sustainable travel practices.

The Art of Letting Go

The cornerstone of minimalist travel packing is the art of letting go. It’s about releasing the fear of “what if I need this” and trusting that you’ll be able to navigate any situation that arises. Embrace the journey with an open mind, carrying with you the essence of Yogi Bhajan’s wisdom, “Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light”. It’s time to step out of your comfort zone, lighten your load, and embark on your travel adventure. Minimalist packing is not just about the stuff you leave behind; it’s about the experiences and memories you make along the way.

Wrapping Up

By following these steps, you can transform your travel experience from a burdensome task into a joyful adventure. It’s time to ditch the excess baggage and embrace the liberating art of minimalist packing.

What is minimalist travel packing?

Minimalist travel packing is the practice of bringing only the essentials when traveling, thereby reducing the weight and size of your luggage.

Why should I pack minimally?

Packing minimally allows for greater mobility, less stress, and more focus on the travel experience itself.

What are the essentials for minimalist packing?

Essentials for minimalist packing include a capsule wardrobe, travel-size toiletries, essential electronics, important travel documents, and a reusable water bottle.

What are some good packing techniques?

Good packing techniques include rolling your clothes instead of folding, using packing cubes, and wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane.

Who are some advocates of minimalist packing?

Prominent advocates of minimalist packing include travel expert Rick Steves and spiritual teacher Yogi Bhajan.

References:

• OnePoll (2019)
• Steves, Rick. Rick Steves Europe
• Bhajan, Yogi. Yogi Bhajan

This post is also available in: English

You Might Also Enjoy

One response to “Unpacking the Magic of Minimalist Travel Packing: A How-to Guide for the Modern Wanderer”

Kevin, your post took me right back to my days as an amateur astronomer. Remembering those nights under the stars, I can’t help but wonder if you’ve ever had the chance to peer through the eyepiece of a Dobsonian telescope? Your insights into the Andromeda galaxy were spot on. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the impact of light pollution on our ability to observe celestial bodies. Also, have you considered looking into the role of dark matter in the universe? It’s a fascinating subject that could add another layer to your blog. I remember one night, I was out in the Mojave desert, the milky way was so bright it was casting shadows. It was then I truly understood the vastness of the universe. Keep up the great work, Kevin. I’m looking forward to your next post. 🌌🔭

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Featured in

GET CONNECTED

Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates!

SUB TO NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest travel tips, packing hacks, gear reviews, and bargain deals straight to your inbox. We hate spam, so we’ll send only the most important stuff.

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact

Plan your trip

• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

The perfect minimalist packing list

Use this minimalist packing list to banish the clutter in your life, live more simply, and travel the world without your bags holding you back from all the adventure that awaits you.

Rachael Let's Grow There

Sep 09, 2023

Travelers and digital nomads alike love packing light because they aren't tied to their belongings and are free to roam about as they please. Not only is a heavy bag cumbersome and annoying, but it may end up holding you back on your travels. A needlessly bulky bag could mean getting through TSA is significantly longer or it could make it difficult to find enough overhead space to store your bag on your flight.

Freeing up as much space as possible in your luggage enables you to live more simply and ditch bad habits that just bring more clutter to your life. Minimalism requires a mindset shift that takes consistent work.  A newcomer to minimalist packing may just assume that they need to bring less next time, but it is actually a strategic lifestyle change that involves a lot of foresight and planning to get the hang of! 

Becoming a minimalist packer requires lots of time, dedication, and the ability to separate your wants from your needs. You should first strive to achieve the  minimalist travel mindset before diving into experimenting with minimalist packing techniques . This will give you a more open attitude about letting go of old or unnecessary items and ultimately free up space for when you start the packing process.

What do you need to bring for on trip? What do you want to bring that you don't really need? What are you bringing "just in case" that you know you won't really use? What packing categories can you simplify and which are excessive to begin with? These questions should be at the forefront of your mind when you're setting goals to pack like a minimalist .  

First things first: get a smaller bag

Choosing the best travel backpack  (or luggage) for minimalist travel is no easy task. But, if you start packing with a small carry-on bag, you are forcing yourself to use only that bag to put all your belongings in. This is a great way to start packing like a minimalist! Starting off with a smaller bag in the first place will set you on the right path towards a lighter, more practical way of traveling .

Downsizing is easier if you don't have any extra room in your bag to pack unnecessary items you may never use on your trip. It might be easiest to stick to carry-on luggage only , and if possible, to eliminate the need for your flight's overhead storage bin by having a bag that fits right under the seat in front of you. 

The best bags are able to compartmentalize what's on your packing list so that everything is organized and accessible. Travel backpacks, daypacks and cross-body duffel bags are perfect for carry-on only travel . 

Only the essentials

Now it's time to analyze your packing list . Whether you're considering what to pack for long term travel or for a short trip, t his is the process that will help you determine what things are essential and what are non-essential and can be left behind altogether. Here are some questions that can help you narrow down your packing essentials :

• What items do I love?
• What habits do I have that can be cut out from my routine temporarily? (These could include straightening hair, wearing jewelry, etc.)
• Is this item too heavy?
• Are there any travel-sized versions of this item that I could bring instead?
• How often do I actually use this item while traveling?

Let these questions serve as a guide to help you decide what you will be packing and what you don't really need to bring with you.

You might be saying to yourself, "Okay, but just what are the essentials I should be taking with me?" You'll want to be sure to bring your passport, ID, cash, and credit cards with you. Of course, bring your phone, its charger, and headphones to keep you connected with your family while you're away, take photos of memorable moments, and keep yourself entertained in your down time.

Other essentials you'll want to include in your carry-on are a light jacket, your toothbrush, comfy walking shoes, a water bottle, and any prescription medications you might need. These are the basics that you'll need as you travel. Anything else of importance such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste can be purchased in your new destination.  

Create a capsule wardrobe

If you know you are an over-packer especially when it comes to clothes, then you may be in need of a capsule wardrobe! A capsule wardrobe is basically a trendy name for a super small but useful collection of clothes you love and can be cycled through each week. 

Basically, a capsule wardrobe includes a few pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched, maximizing the space in your bag as well as the time it takes to pick an outfit each morning! 

If you already know that each piece goes together well, choosing an outfit suddenly becomes a breeze.  A good capsule wardrobe includes clothing you' ll need for the following categories:

• Formal Attire
• Accessories

You can adjust these categories of your capsule wardrobe based on your lifestyle or what type of trip you'll be taking . With this in mind, collect all the clothing you'll need for each category, and then reduce! How useful is each piece? How well would they match with other pieces in your capsule wardrobe? How well does each item fit you?

Now choose 9 tops, 5 pants, and 3-4 pairs of shoes. Always strive for choosing even less than this depending on the length of your trip, the season, and what categories you need to include. Voila! You have now successfully crafted your very own capsule wardrobe that will prove to be an incredibly smart choice in your quest to pack like a true minimalist .  

Keep reading: 

• How ecotourism benefits the environment and local communities

Top 13 tips on how to make sustainable travel a reality

• Carbon neutral travel: how to reduce your carbon footprint

Limit your toiletries

This one is really up to your personal preference. Those who practice minimalism closely might decide that the only hardware they need to bring is a toothbrush. Others who are newer to travel packing could choose to bring miniatures of each liquid , cleanser, or small tool they will need. All of these items can be tucked away into a small toiletry travel pouch that will be readily available if you should ever need it.

As a rule of thumb, remember that you probably don't need every little balm and cleanser you would normally use in your daily routine. Strive to also eliminate non-essentials in your list of toiletries as well. You definitely do not need to wear a full face of makeup or have perfectly gelled hair while you travel, so be sure to figure out which products and habits you can leave at home.

Shoes and Accessories

Again, depending on what season it is in the area you're traveling to as well as the activities you have planned, shoes and accessories will vary .

Open-toed shoes like flip flops or sandals are a must for any trip so that you can lounge in comfort. A nice, well-worn pair of walking shoes is also a good idea, as these babies will likely become your best friends as you explore the world city by city! You can leave it at that or add in a pair of boots or fancier shoes for a night out on the town.

When you think about accessories you probably think of jewelry, sunglasses, and hats. However, accessories involve much more than simply putting the finishing touches on your favorite outfit.  People pack accessories because, for whatever reason, these items provide some level of value to them . 

For instance, it's a no-brainer to bring an adapter for when the plugs change up on you in different countries. Ear plugs will help you rest and recharge on your trip. If you' re into travel journaling , that might be something to bring to record your thoughts and collect your memories in writing.

With accessories, the possibilities are endless, so choose them wisely! Too many accessories can add up and create a chaotic mess in your bag for you to sort through. This would defeat the entire purpose of minimalism! Your accessories can add flair, but most importantly, they should be tools that make life on the road a lot easier. 

Which gadgets to bring along

Speaking of tools, technology is the mother of tools! 

Every traveler is different. Some pack the bare minimum of gadgets just to get by. Digital nomads bring a lot of gear with them to create content on the go , so their bags tend to include a lot more gear, such as a DSLR camera, several lenses, their laptop, etc. 

How do digital nomads pack all that fancy gear into a carry-on only, you ask?  There are so many options out there in terms of small bags with huge storage. So, if you need to take all your gear with you on your next flight, don't worry, you can still be a minimalist! Check out the Worldpacker's digital nomad packing list to learn more.

You've finally chosen everything you’d like to bring on your next adventure, but how do you fit it all in your especially tiny carry-on? Some space-saving packing strategies to try are:

• Roll your clothes or use the KonMari method to fold them as small as it gets
• Stuff socks or underwear into a hat to keep the hat from losing its shape
• Wrap belts in the collars of your shirts to keep the collar stiff
• Put your shoes at the bottom of the bag and stuff them with socks and underwear too
• Wear your bulkiest item so it doesn't add to the weight you're carrying 
• Toss in some dryer sheets to keep your clothes smelling fresh when you unpack
• Put small cords and accessories in a sunglasses case
• Use a pill case to store your rings and jewelry so they don't get tangled
• Packing cubes!

Utilize every nook and cranny in your bag, but don't try to fill it completely . This leads to over-packing unnecessary items and over-packing. There are lots of clever ways to pack your carry-on , and most of them prove to be good decisions in the long run. 

Here's our perfect packing list for men and women , for any destination, in any climate, for any occasion! Of course, some items on this minimalist packing list are specifically for females , but for the most part, what I've provided here is gender-neutral and can be used by anyone looking for a solid foundation of what to pack for minimalist travel .

I've included everything you'll need to pack in your carry-on to ensure you're prepared for anything life may throw at you while you explore.  Keep in mind that any toiletry that is a liquid doesn't have to be packed , but instead can be bought when you get to where you're going. Plan to wash your clothes each week as you travel, and make sure your outfit pieces can coordinate with each piece's color scheme easily.

• Passport/ID
• Credit cards/cash
• Water bottle
• 3 t-shirts (also for sleepwear)
• 1 blouse/button-down shirt
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 1 light jacket
• 1 dress/special occasion attire
• 1 pair leggings
• 1 pair pants
• 1 pair shorts
• 1 bra + 1 sports bra
• 3-6 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of underwear
• 1 bathing suit/swim trunks
• 1 windbreaker
• 1 packable down jacket

Toiletries (travel-sized)

• Mini hairbrush/comb
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• Moisturizer
• Contacts/contact solution
• Hand sanitizer
• Tiny first aid kit with bandaids
• Diva cup (for the ladies)

Limit your makeup to the three most used products in your makeup arsenal. A good start would be:

• Lipstick (for when you’re feeling fancy)

Shoes & Accessories

• 1 pair walking shoes
• 1 pair open-toed shoes
• 1 pair dress shoes
• Hair ties + bobby pins

Optional Items

• Dry shampoo
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Prescription medications
• Journal/pen
• Laptop, charger, external hard drive
• DSLR camera, lenses, batteries, SD cards

Whether for two weeks or for a month, this minimalist packing list will serve you at the beach in Southeast Asia, or while exploring cities in Europe during the winter months .

Finally, remember that becoming a minimalist packer requires lots of time, dedication, and the ability to separate your wants from your needs. Use the tips and packing list I've provided to inspire you to achieve the minimalist travel mindset and begin experimenting with minimalist packing techniques .

What are your experiences with minimalist travel? Tell me in a comment below!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

May 23, 2019

interesting topic thank you

Rachael (Author)

Jun 03, 2019

Thanks for reading!

Jul 30, 2020

This was totally helpful, thank you! I’ll be following this on my first WorldPackers experience :D

Mar 28, 2023

Lovely tips!

More about this topic

Responsible travel for the solo adventurer

Why you should embrace the minimalist travel mindset

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

Master the Art of Minimalist Travel with these 10 Expert Hacks

As an experienced minimalist for the past 8 years and a seasoned traveler for 10, I’ve learned some minimalist travel hacks for simpler expeditions. You can indeed pack smarter and enjoy a fantastic journey at the same time. If you’re seeking hacks to streamline your packing and travel lighter, consider tips like making a plan, choosing the right gear, and staying organized.

Are you tired of overpacking, wasting money, and dragging around heavy luggage? I get it. On my initial trips, I lugged a check-in bag, carry-on, duffle, and backpack, thinking I needed my whole bathroom and kitchen with me.

However, I quickly realized that every item I bring adds weight and hassle that I need to keep track of. All of this takes away from being in the moment of our adventures so I opted to pack more intentionally. Over the years I have been able to compile a list of my best minimalist travel hacks and these are my top 10!

1. The Art of Wise Packing

Packing for a trip is a bit of a science. You should start by making a detailed list of essentials , then ruthlessly cut it in half, keeping only what you truly need. Think versatile, neutral-toned clothing that can be mixed and matched. For longer trips, plan to do laundry or take advantage of laundry services.

For women, a  stylish bra  that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for allure is the holy grail for the traveling minimalist. The ideal travel lingerie must meet the criteria of being lightweight, space-saving, multifunctional, and, of course, glamorous. Opt for bras that offer excellent support and can complement multiple outfits, ensuring you’re ready for any occasion.

A convertible bra with detachable straps can be a game-changer, serving as a strapless option for evening wear, crossed-back for sports activities, or standard for everyday use. This versatility not only saves space but also stretches your budget, as one bra can essentially serve many purposes.

Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. You can stuff socks, belts, and undergarments inside your shoes to make the most out of every inch. Also wearing your heaviest items on the plane can reduce the weight of your luggage and free up space.

Before leaving on a trip I now take the time to plan out my outfits and see which items I can get multiple uses out of. I start by creating a mood board on Pinterest of outfit inspo (looking for ones with pieces I already own). Next, I lay out the outfits on the bed and take photos with a sticky note on it saying what day I plan to wear them.  This makes it easy when getting ready in the morning.

2. Stick to Carry-On Sized Luggage

We live in the golden age of packing efficiently with advanced products and designs that maximize space. You can start committing to a carry-on-only bag to avoid the wait and potential loss of checked luggage. Another bonus is not having to pay the hefty fee for bringing the extra bag.

I have been able to take long trips to much farther places with just a carry-on and personal item.  As well as traveling to colder climates. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit and how creative you get when you’re forced to scale back.

3. Simple Trips Are the Best Trips

Not every adventure calls for an extensive packing list . Planning a trip that revolves around one main activity or event can simplify your planning. For example, a hiking trip means packing only for the trail. Or a festival trip means only one focus outfit while the rest can be laid-back and simple.

An overly elaborate itinerary can lead to over-packing and a more stressful experience. Start by planning your trips based on bucket list experiences , focus on what’s truly important then tailor your packing list accordingly.

Since starting to travel more I created a bucket list and now try to prioritize my trips on experiences that are on it. This allows me the time to take in the local culture and reflect on my personal growth, rather than mindlessly checking off a long list of sights. By keeping it simple you’ll have a more meaningful trip. 

4. Chase the Sun

Weather can dictate much of your packing requirements. You can consider choosing destinations with a consistently warm climate or during warm times for destinations with multiple seasons.  Packing a light jacket and a couple of layers can be sufficient and take you a long way.

Traveling in milder weather or summer makes for less bulk in your bags, and fewer wardrobe changes, too.  I once spent a weekend by the beach and only took a backpack filled with bikinis and a toothbrush. Plus let’s be honest, who doesn’t love soaking up some extra sunshine?

5. Multi-Purpose Items Are Multi-Winners

My best minimalist travel hack is to use items with multiple uses, they will be your best friend. A sarong can be a beach towel, picnic blanket, or a shawl. A Swiss Army Knife comes in handy in a multitude of situations.

Tote bags can act as packing cubes, and a canteen can store more than water. Don’t get me started with bandanas but the list goes on. With multi-purpose items, you not only save space but also invest in things that contribute to a clutter-free travel lifestyle.

6. Use Cloud-based Documents

Lose the physical clutter and go digital with important documents. Store the backups of your passport, and IDs on a cloud server as well as your travel insurance info , and itinerary for easy access.

This way, you’ll always have your important documents on hand and can avoid carrying unnecessary papers that can get lost, damaged, or stolen. I recommend checking out providers like Google Drive, One Drive, and iCloud who all give you around 5 GB of storage for free. This amount is more than enough for travel documents.

7. Bring Your Snacks to Save Money

Airport snacks can quickly add up, both in cost and calorie count. By bringing your own, you’ll save money, eat healthier, and ensure you have familiar foods on hand. Pre-pack dried fruits, nuts, or energy bars in a reusable snack bag for an in-flight pick-me-up that doesn’t require a stop at the overpriced kiosk.

Traveling more like a minimalist comes with some perks, like saving money on travel , and worrying about mundane things much less. But the biggest one is the reduction of your environmental impact. Bringing your own snacks ensures you can pack with less waste and sustainably sourced ingredients. 

8. Organization is Key

Staying organized on the road can make a world of difference in maintaining your travel-minimalist goals. Separate your items in your luggage using various pouches or packing organizers. Labeling these can help you quickly find things, especially when on the move, and it offers a neat way to repack everything after going through security checks.

By creating a packing system and finding a place for everything you can make packing your belongings much more easier. Remember to keep important things you need the most near you like your passport or earbuds on traveling days. Another tip is to make a master packing list (which you can also store on the cloud) and go over it before every trip.

9. Invest in Quality Gear

While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in high-quality gear can sometimes save the day in minimalistic travel. A durable, well-designed backpack or pair of shoes can go for many trips without needing a replacement. Look for lightweight, sturdy items that suit your needs.

You should assess your travel style and see where you are better off at splurging. For instance, if you are a hiker then hiking gear is where you can upgrade. If you’re into swimming then scuba diving gear is where it at. The money you save from not checking in bags can go to a better, long-lasting piece of luggage or equipment.

I love snorkeling and plan to invest in prescription goggles so I can have better vision underwater. Another item that has greatly improved my travels is my walking shoes specifically made for plantar fasciitis which I developed in recent years.  These shoes not only provide the necessary support for my feet but also double as fashionable walking shoes.

10. Cut Down on the Shoes

Speaking of shoes the last minimalist travel hack is to cut down on your footwear. Shoes are often the heaviest and bulkiest items in your luggage. For many trips, a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of sandals or casual shoes are all you need.

If you’re taking a business trip , wear the dress shoes on the plane and bring sneakers in your bag. Streamline your choices to what can accommodate the most types of activities and outfits. Now I am a fashion girl so this one is hard for me.

My rule is no more than 3 pairs and I can wear one on them on the plane. What you can pack are boots (hiking/rain), sandals (dressy outfits/beach), and tennis shoes (lots of walking/casual outfits). This method allows you to cover most activities you will encounter on your travels.

Remember, the goal of these minimalist travel hacks is to optimize your adventure with less physical baggage and mental clutter, not less enjoyment. Some key takeaways are to organize how you pack, plan your travels around warmer climates, and accommodate bucket list experiences.

By strategically preparing for your trips, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking a world of simple, stress-free travel adventures.

Happy exploring!

Minimalist Travel – Guide to Success From a Happy Traveler

Travel writer Rick Steves once said that there are two kinds of people: those who pack light, and those who wish they had. But what is more stressful before a trip out of town than figuring out what all to pack?

Minimalist travel involves planning and packing lightly, with only the most needed items, to help ensure easy travels and great experiences. There is minimal, ultra-minimal, and extreme minimal travel, each with a unique approach to travelers’ needs, and all aimed at living happier experiences.

When packing for a trip it is easy to get overwhelmed with the what-ifs and just in cases. What if it rains? I should bring a nice outfit just in case I meet the love of my life. But 9/10 times you just end up with a heavy suitcase and a raincoat you never wear. By planning ahead about what is absolutely necessary to pack and weeding out the what-if and just in case choices, you can get better at minimalist travel.

What Does Minimalist Travel Mean?

Minimalist travel is a form of travel where a person only packs material possessions that are absolutely necessary. This frees up space and weight and mental energy, allowing them more freedom to enjoy their travels and be present in the moment in the places they are visiting.

Ultra Minimalist Travel

Ultra minimalist travel, like minimalism travel, is the art of packing as little as possible to be able to explore your destination as easily and comfortably as possible. It involves including only the very most essential items for comfort and visiting.

Extreme Minimalist Travel

Extreme minimalist travel aims to fit all necessary belongings in one bag and mostly consists of sustainable and reusable goods. This is a “backpacker” type of approach. Since single bags can fit on most carry-ons on airplanes, buses, trains, and easily in cars, this method usually allows for the most flexibility and ease when traveling.

Here is a helpful video providing insights into one-bag travel:

How Do I Travel in a Minimalist Way?

Planning ahead is the key to traveling in a minimalist way. Often time over packing comes from impulse decisions and not giving yourself enough time to plan what you really need for your trip. Thus, having a good packing plan and ensuring the items one has each serve one or multiple important purposeds, helps ensure the objects can be minimal so the experiences can be great.

What Does a Minimalist Carry?

Minimalists carry only the necessities for their trip. They also carry a smaller bag- this essentially forces you to pack only what you can carry in the smaller bag and question what you need versus what you don’t. A couple changes of clothes, any medicine you take, comfortable shoes, toiletries, etc.

How Can I Pack Less Clothes for Travel?

Firstly, using a smaller bag or only a carry-on so you don’t have any choice but to pack light. Plan ahead as well, check what the weather will be for your trip so you know what clothes to pack based on the weather and what activities you’ll be doing.

Planning ahead is the key to traveling in a minimalist way.

How Do You Pack Minimalist for a Week?

Start with packing only half a week worth of clothes and limit the amount of shoes you pack. There are very few places you can travel that won’t have some kind of laundry facility. Plan what you’re going to pack in advance based on the weather, and what you plan on doing that way you can avoid packing anything “just in case.”

What Are the Most Forgotten Items When Traveling?

Phone chargers get forgotten at home often because we typically charge our phones before we leave and forget to pack them when we leave. Umbrellas are often forgotten as well, we sometimes think idealistically of vacation weather and pack based on what we hope the weather will be rather than what it really is.

How Do I Pack Minimal for a Vacation?

  Pack what you know you will wear, and items of clothing that you can mix and match to make different outfits. Layout everything you plan on packing before packing it so it’s easier to sus out what is necessary and what is not.

Benefits of Minimalist Travel

Helpful insights:, minimalist travel gear.

While carrying fewer things is a key element of minimalist travel, having the right minimalist travel gear can help make that easier. Some items serve multiple purposes, have less weight, make packing easier, and make traveling faster. Let’s explore some of these helpful items.

Minimalist Travel Bag

There are many options for minimalist travel bags, should you choose to go with a larger bag for travel. What you’re looking for is enough space to carry your belongings without being so big that you end up overpacking. Having a travel bag can be good for longer stays, and if you don’t plan on moving around too much from city to city.

Some recommendations are:

Minimalist Travel Backpack

Backpacks are the ideal travel tool for short trips (under a couple weeks) especially if your trip entails city hopping or a lot of movement. It’s all the belongings you need that can be easily carried on your person at any and all times. Backpacks tend to have compartments and pockets that make carrying your phone and wallet not only easier but more accessible.

Some travel friendly backpacks are:

• Transit Backpack
• Smart Backpack
• Osprey Backpacks

Best Minimalist Travel Wallet

When traveling, we tend to need more documents on our person. IDs, passports, different currencies. It’s important to have a wallet that works well to hold all your important papers while also being secure for wherever you might travel.

Recommended wallets:

• Coffee Run Wallet
• Lojel Travel Wallet
• Bellroy Travel Wallet

Minimalist Travel Wardrobe

When packing your clothes, you want to keep in mind outfits that are versatile and practical. It’s good to prepare for the worst when it comes to the outfits you pack, but without proper planning that can quickly lead to overpacking. Check the weather, only bring a rain coat if it’s supposed to rain, and if you’re caught by a sudden downpour, no shame in stopping to buy an umbrella. There are many lists online for minimalist wardrobe choices such as this one and many others.

Minimalist Travel Shoes

What shoes you bring depends on what your trip entails. Only bring the shoes you know for a fact you will wear and the ones you do bring should be comfortable. Just like all your minimalist packing decisions, the shoes you wear should be consciously chosen based on your needs for travel. Though you don’t have to buy a new pair of shoes for every trip you take, here are some recommendations of good pairs:

• Patnoflex Travel Shoes
• Vivo Barefoot Shoes
• Allbirds 

Minimalist Travel Makeup

Your friends who wear makeup can tell you that it often takes up a lot of space, especially while traveling. There are a few solutions to the chaos that is traveling with makeup. The first thing to consider is what makeup you find absolutely necessary to your trip if any. SPF is always a must, no matter where you’re going. Full coverage foundation might not be necessary for snorkelling and a bold lip might get a little messed up during skiing. So based on the activities you plan on doing, plan accordingly with your makeup. There are also travel makeup kits made for the minimalist traveler like:

• The Subtl Beauty Starter Pack
• Bare Minerals Rescue Kit
•  Loads Everyday MVPs

Minimalist Art for the Traveler

Once we’re back home, it’s nice to have things to look at, to inspire, and to remind us of the world around us. Minimalist art can help enhance out living spaces, and put beauty around us. We also might want art to be a part of our personal journey, by getting minimalist tattoos to represent places one has been, their growth, and the personal journey they’re traveling on.

Minimalist Travel Posters

If the aesthetics of minimalism are what attract you, then there are many options for minimalist art that you can bring home to remind you of your trip. It’s always best to purchase souvenirs from local artists, posters are no exception, but you can still help local artists with posters that remind you of your time. When traveling minimally, your bags have already been meticulously ordered so there likely isn’t a lot of room for souvenirs.

There are a couple things you can do! Firstly you can see if there are local artists in the area you’re visiting who sell their art online. That way you can support local artists and wait until you have the space to house their art. You can also check out online shops like Etsy for minimalist style posters of the places you’ve been.

Minimalist Travel Tattoo s

If you like permanent art displayed on your skin, tattoos can be a great souvenir for a trip. They don’t take up extra space like most souvenirs, and are a great reminder of a trip well travelled—if you can handle a little pain. Getting a small piece of ink in the places you visit can be a great record of the places you’ve been and you are helping local tattoo artists in their business.

Other Resources:

• Minimalism Lifestyle – Learn to Live a Simple Lifestyle
• Packing Light – Having Fewer Things for Happier Travels

Packing is usually the worst part of traveling, that and having to lug your heavy suitcase around a new city. This is why minimalist travel can be so helpful to travelers. All it takes is a little research and a little planning before hand.

Related Topics:

What should you not forget when traveling.

The most common items forgotten while traveling are socks and phone chargers. Luckily these items can be bought pretty much anywhere in the world. Always remember your passport or ID, currency for the place you’re going and a list of phone numbers of people you can call in case you make a habit of forgetting your charger.

What Is a Minimalist Packing Party?

A minimalist packing party is a gathering or party where a group of people pack up their homes as if they were moving out. You have one day to pack up everything in your home and then when you unpack everything you get to decide what is really necessary for you to own and what you can give away.

Similar Posts

Self Love – Putting You First Feels Great and Helps Others

Self-love is something we don’t do enough of, given the hectic lives we tend to lead.  We focus so much on others and work that we tend to leave ourselves out, which can only lead to exhaustion.  Self-love is something that should be practiced every day to take better care of ourselves and improve our…

Zorro Circle – An Effective Method to Make Personal Change

The Zorro Circle is a stepwise way of achieving big goals by taking small steps.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a big project at work or home and are not sure how to achieve it, read on to learn this method for the greatest chance for success. The Zorro Circle is setting small goals, learning…

Good Simple Living – Enjoying Experiences over Things

In today’s frantically-paced world, more and more people are turning towards good simple living. Whether they are purging their closets of possessions or clearing their schedules for more self-care, simple living is the lifestyle trend that is changing the way people live. Good simple living is deliberately choosing to simplify one’s life by making changes…

Affirmations – Guide to the Practice with a List of Ideas

Affirmations are positive, self-affirming statements that can set the tone for your day, increase your self-esteem, and help you be more successful in everything you do.  No matter how you incorporate affirmations, they can only have a positive effect on the things you do. Affirmations are those statements we make to ourselves to set the…

Letting Go – How to Have More by Carrying Less

Letting go of memories and emotions can be challenging when we hold on to things from the past.  We’re going to talk about letting go of different things like experiences and people to help you move on. Letting go is important to maintaining our well-being and moving on with life.  We all have experiences, things,…

How To Become A Minimalist – Learn and Live the Simple Life

Becoming a minimalist doesn’t have to be a complex process, it’s a meaningful exploration and pursuit of what really matters.  We’re going to review how you can become a minimalist with just a few steps. Becoming a minimalist is converting to a lifestyle of more intentional living and focusing more on experiences and relationships. It…

Minimalist Travel: 20 Genius Tips for Normal People to Pack Light

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Read more here .

Are you looking to travel light and avoid the headache of packing and lugging around too much stuff? If so, this guide to minimalist travel is for you! From packing smart to choosing the right luggage, here are the best minimalist packing and travel tips to help make your trip a breeze.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your next minimalist vacation today!

What does “minimalist travel” mean?

Minimalist travel means applying the principles of minimalism to your trip, packing light, and traveling with only the essentials. It can also mean being intentional with how you spend your time, money, and energy on your vacation.

Consider this the complete guide on how to pack like a minimalist, whether you’re a family who wants to pack minimally for your next trip or an extreme minimalist who wants to travel around the world with only a backpack!

After you read these minimalist packing tips, you’ll be able to decide how much to bring and what to leave off your list to pack less and have more fun.

The Best Minimalist Packing Tips

1. bring carry-on only.

This minimalist packing tip is number one for a reason. It’s the simplest way to travel lighter! By bringing only a carry-on bag, you have no choice but to downsize your list and pack minimally.

After all, you can’t bring everything when you’re limited to such a small space.

Not only do you avoid the extra fees for checked baggage, but it also helps ensure your luggage doesn’t get lost! Trying to find and get your stuff back would be a headache; if you don’t, it could cost you a pretty penny to replace everything.

Given that claims for stranded baggage have jumped as much as 30% since 2019, it’s a good idea to keep luggage close at hand to reduce the likelihood that it gets lost or mishandled.

2. Choose the right minimalist luggage

One of the most critical minimalist travel tips is to choose the right luggage. You want something durable, easy to carry, and lightweight – the lighter, the better!

Airline standards for carry-on are 21 inches or 55 cm max height but check with your airline before you fly to ensure you comply with their requirements.

Keeping these factors in mind, here are a few popular minimalist luggage options:

• Samsonite Base Boost Upright Hand Luggage (our luggage, in Black)
• Tortuga Travel Backpack
• Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage (30+ colors)

3. Keep a minimal list

It can be tempting to over-pack when you’re going on a trip but resist the urge! One of the best minimalist travel tips is to make a packing list and then edit it until you’re only bringing the essentials.

Start by brainstorming everything you think you might need for your trip. Then, go through each item and ask yourself:  “Do I really need this?”  You’d be surprised how much you can eliminate from your list of things to pack when you get honest about what is and isn’t essential.

One of my favorite minimalist packing hacks is to use the Google Keep app to create my list.

I create separate lists for each family member and check them off as I pack. Make sure to keep the list instead of deleting it because you can repurpose the same list to make sure you don’t forget anything when you’re packing to go home!

4. Limit electronics

Electronics are often heavy, so limiting yourself to 1-2 devices can lighten the load. Luckily, for most people, a smartphone is all you need to perform most of your daily tasks.

However, if you are traveling for work, you might need to bring a lightweight laptop and charger. Likewise, a small camera, lens, and a few accessories might be on the must-bring list for serious photographers or videographers.

5. Travel adaptors

If you’re relying on your smartphone for communication and navigation, bring a travel adaptor to keep it charged. Make sure you choose the correct adaptor for the location you are traveling.

6. Minimize your toiletries

For shorter trips, you don’t need to bring an entire bottle of shampoo or body wash when a smaller amount will do. You can save a lot of luggage space by choosing travel-sized toiletries or decanting your liquids into smaller bottles.

The standard travel container size for liquids, gels, and aerosols is 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Place all of your liquid containers in a transparent and resealable plastic bag of up to 1 liter in size.

If your hotel or Airbnb includes these items or they can easily be purchased locally, then you might not need to bring any at all.

7. 2-in-1 or multipurpose soap

Bringing a small bar or bottle of multipurpose soap can save you a lot of space in your luggage by cutting down on how many toiletries you need to bring.

We used a drugstore 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash for our kids, but I have minimalist friends who swear by Dr. Bronner’s castile soap , which has up to 18 uses, including shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, and more!

8. Go for simple matches and fabrics

If you already have a  minimalist wardrobe , then you know one of the best ways to reduce the total number of clothing items you own is to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of different looks.

The same principle applies to packing for minimalist travel.

Choose clothing items made from simple fabrics that can be easily washed and opt for neutral colors that can be paired together so you can easily swap tops and bottoms.

Don’t forget to keep the climate in mind when making your choices. Cotton and linen are breathable and excellent for warmer temperatures, while wool and fleece can keep you warm in cooler weather. Synthetics are more resistant to wrinkles. 

Take all of these factors into consideration when you are packing!

9. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane

Wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane will save you a lot of space in your suitcase. Bulky coats, heavy boots, and big hats can quickly eat up all the room in your luggage, so it’s best to put them on your body instead.

This minimalist travel habit has the added benefit of keeping you warm on the plane. Airlines keep cabin temperatures on the low side, which purportedly reduces the risk of passengers fainting, so you’ll be less likely to feel the chill.

10. Two pairs of shoes

When packing minimal for travel, it’s important to remember that you can usually get away with only bringing two pairs of shoes, at maximum.

One pair should be comfortable walking shoes, and the other should be more casual that can be dressed up or down.  Extreme minimalist  travelers can wear one pair of shoes while globetrotting for years, so two isn’t that big of a stretch!

Check out this extreme minimalist travel video – it’s unbelievable!

11. minimalist folding hacks

When trying to fit a lot into a small space, it’s essential to utilize every inch. Rather than lying items flat in your suitcase, try standing them up on their side.

This will help you make the most of the limited space and keep everything more organized; read the complete guide on  how to fold clothes vertically here .

You could also try “ranger rolling” your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.

Ranger rolling is a military folding technique that’s found its way into mainstream use because it’s so practical; it’s accomplished by folding clothes into thirds and then rolling them from bottom to top.

12. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a minimalist traveler’s best friend. By compartmentalizing everything in your suitcase, you can make the most of the space and keep your belongings organized. Not to mention, it makes unpacking a breeze.

This minimalist travel hack is a lifesaver if you’re a frequent traveler.

13. Dirty laundry bag hack

This is one of my favorite minimalist packing tips! Particularly if you travel with kids who are messy eaters like mine, it’s helpful to be able to keep soiled or stinky clothing apart from the rest.

In that case, bring a laundry bag like this one along with you. They are lightweight and fold up easily to store in your suitcase, taking up barely any space. When clothes get stinky or dirty, you can plop them in the bag to wash at your leisure and keep them separate from the clean clothes until it’s time to return.

We took one of the largest laundry bags from our set with us and only filled it up about halfway. Which brings me to the next point on this list…

14. Wash clothes in the sink

When my minimalist family of 4 traveled to Spain for two weeks, I packed half the amount of clothes, KNOWING that I would need to do some laundry while we were there.

The Airbnb amenity list informed us there was on-site laundry, but when we got there, we found there wasn’t any laundry detergent actually to wash our clothes. This was  no problemo  for us because I used another of my favorite minimalist travel hacks, which is to wash clothes in the sink, after which I hung them on the balcony to dry.

While I went low-maintenance and used dish soap that our Airbnb provided, you could also bring your own in a small bottle.

15. Experiences over souvenirs

It’s like the popular  minimalist quote  says: “ Collect memories, not objects .”

Instead of buying a bunch of cheap tchotchkes that will end up in the back of a drawer or cluttering up your bookshelf, spend your money on unique experiences. For example, go zip-lining through the rainforest or buy tickets to take the kids to the local zoo or aquarium.

After all, experiences make the best souvenirs!

Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. – Unknown

16. Save money by cooking yourself

This minimalist travel tip is to help you save money on food. Eating out can be expensive when traveling, so the more you cook and eat at home, the more money you will save!

Most of the time, when we travel, we pick a location with a kitchen we can cook in, so that we can eat two meals each day at home. This allows us to save money and splurge on one excellent dining-out experience every day – which is essential to us as eating good food is one of our top priorities when traveling!

We prepared for this trip by  doing a no-spend challenge  and keeping our budget on track.

✈️ Want to travel, but you’re short on cash? If you have trouble saving money, grab this FREE 2-page budget planner to help you spend less and save more. You can also read this guide on the best tips and ideas for budgeting like a minimalist here .

17. Portable charger

If you’re going off-grid or might find yourself in situations where you don’t have access to electrical outlets to charge your devices for a while, you might consider taking a portable charger with you.

This lightweight device can be a lifesaver, especially if you rely on your phone for GPS; just remember to keep it charged up before you go!

18. Minimalist travel with kids

If you’re traveling with kids, it helps to pick a place to stay with amenities you need for feeding, travel, and sleep.

While our kids are older, we did appreciate that our Airbnb had strollers, car seats, Pack’ N Plays, high chairs, and other family-friendly items that would make traveling with kids easier. (You can find a list of such amenities on the website or app listing.)

We did bring our own waterproof and foldable picnic blanket for the beach, but our host provided sun umbrellas, sand toys, and chairs to enjoy the beach to the fullest without needing to bring or buy these bulky items ourselves.

READ MORE: 10 Minimalism with Kids Tips That Can Save Your Motherhood

19. Pack a few medications

No matter where you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to pack some medications and first-aid items in case of an emergency. We packed a few band-aids, acid reflux tablets, pain relievers, etc.

20. Downsize your to-do list

One of the best things about minimalist travel is that it encourages you to consider what’s important to you and your loved ones. When material possessions do not bog you down, you can focus on experiences and making memories.

While it might be tempting to try and pack your schedule with a million different activities, it’s often better to choose a few key experiences you really want to have and savor them.

Downsizing your to-do list will help you be more present and better appreciate your vacation. It gives you space to be intentional with how you spend your time, reduces stress, and allows you to slow down.

When it comes to minimalist travel, less is  definitely  more !

Minimalist Packing Lists + Essentials

I’ll let you in on a dirty little secret: there’s  no such thing  as a one-size-fits-all minimalist packing list because minimalist travel essentials vary widely from person to person and trip to trip.

What one minimalist traveler dubs an essential on their must-pack list might be completely disregarded by someone else.

Please keep that in mind as you read through this list of ideas for packing light.

We consider this an ultralight packing list that still includes everything we need to be comfortable traveling as a minimalist family of 4 for two weeks in Europe with carry-on luggage only. This is NOT an extreme minimalist packing list, but more of a guide to minimal packing for normal people. 🙂

You can also watch the pack with me video linked below from our trip to see us in action.

Minimalist Packing List for Women (2 Weeks)

Here is the exact packing list I used for our two-week trip to Valencia, Spain; it’s a summer packing list because it was mid-July when we traveled there.

The next time we travel in cold weather, I will update this blog post with a winter packing list!

• 1 pair of linen pants
• 1 light linen jacket
• 3 bottoms (2 skirts, 1 pair of shorts)
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1 bra (strapless, nude color)
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 pair of socks
• 2 pairs of shoes (one pair of flats, one pair of waterproof sandals )
• 1 bathing suit
• sunscreen ( Shiseido )
• 1 pair of pajamas
• contacts + glasses
• 2 ponytail holders
• travel-sized moisturizer
• travel toothpaste
• eyebrow pencil + shadow
• lip balm (Aquaphor)

Minimalist Packing List for Men (2 Weeks)

• 1 light hoodie jacket
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of swim trucks
• 2 pairs of shoes (sandals + sneakers)
• 5 pairs of socks
• travel hair spray + creme

Minimalist Kids Packing List (2 Weeks)

• 1 pair of pants
• 1 light jacket
• 4 bottoms (shorts)
• 5 tops (T-shirts)
• 1 bathing suit (bottom + sun shirt)
• 1 pair of goggles
• 2 pairs of shoes (flip flops + sneakers)
• 3 pairs of socks
• kids sunscreen
• 2-in-1 shampoo + body wash

Our Minimalist Travel Essentials

• 1 laundry bag (to hold dirty laundry)
• packing cubes
• travel adaptor
• portable charger
• facemasks x 8 (may be required to board airplane)
• medicine (acid reflux tablets, medicinal tea, etc)
• waterproof picnic blanket
• 1 extra large beach towel
• smartphone (I have the iPhone XS Max in Rose Gold )
• camera + accessories (optional)

Final thoughts about minimalist traveling

Packing light doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the essentials – in fact, minimalist travelers often find that they enjoy their trips more because they’re not lugging around tons of stuff in a heavy suitcase or cluttering up their hotel room.

Following these minimalist packing and travel tips, you can learn how to pack smart and travel lightly without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Do you have a minimalist travel tip to share? Drop it in the comments section below; you might help another aspiring minimalist in the future!

Pin this minimalist travel guide to save!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

4 Essential Minimalist Travel Tips for Less Stress and More Adventure

Inside: Use these minimalist travel tips to reduce your stress on your next trip so you can have more fun!

A guest post by Cora Gold

Have you ever gone on a trip only to come back with feelings of exhaustion and buyer’s remorse? Vacation is supposed to be an opportunity to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life.

However, it can become the opposite when you’re preoccupied with overpacking, buying useless souvenirs, or wasting money on tourist attractions that aren’t really worthwhile. 

Minimalist travel offers a unique perspective on the world around you. You open the door to more meaningful stress-free adventures by simplifying your journey and shedding unnecessary baggage.

And even if your trip is less adventurous and more like taking the family to see relatives during the holidays, you too can benefit from some of these minimalist travel tips.

Here’s why you should give minimalist travel a try. 

What Is Minimalist Travel?

Minimalist travel embodies a mindset that emphasizes simplicity, intentionality and consciously reducing material possessions.

It involves traveling with only the essentials, eliminating unnecessary baggage, and focusing on experiences rather than material accumulation.

The goal of minimalist travel is to strip away the excess, allowing individuals to move more freely and be present in the moment. 

Minimalist travelers don’t come to the airport with excess baggage — they take whatever can fit into a single suitcase or even just a backpack.

When they arrive at their destination, they focus on experiencing the world around them and appreciating the things that money can’t buy.    

The Benefits of Traveling Minimally

Packing lightly is the first step in a minimalist trip. Traveling light isn’t just about saving space — it’s a lifestyle that improves every aspect of your journey.

Shedding excess baggage opens the door to a world of possibilities, from financial savings to ease of movement and a more organized experience. There are many benefits to living more simply and traveling with less.

Here are some of the most notable benefits of traveling minimally.

1. You Save Money

Costs can quickly add up when you’re traveling, and airlines aren’t shy about charging extra for checked baggage and excess weight.

If you pack only what’s absolutely necessary and adhere to carry-on limits, you can sidestep these extra charges and avoid the temptation of indulging in unnecessary purchases during your trip. 

Better yet — if you manage to fit all your belongings into a backpack, you get to skip the baggage queues entirely. 

2. It’s Easier to Get Around

Picture this — you’ve been flying through the night after hours in the airport, exhausted and ready for the hotel, but you still have to stand and wait at baggage claim for several suitcases.

Once you’ve collected them, you need to haul them on and off trains and buses, carry them up flights of stairs, or drag them through cobbled streets. 

With less luggage, maneuvering through crowded airports, bustling city streets, busy markets, and navigating public transport becomes a seamless experience.

You can easily switch between modes of transportation, whether it’s hopping on a bus, climbing stairs, or strolling through narrow alleys, without the burden of excess weight slowing you down. 

Have you ever come home from a trip and lamented that you only used a small percentage of what you brought? Even if you’re only staying in one spot, that is a lot of extra hassle to keep up with for things you don’t even end up using.

Save yourself the stress and pack less.

3. You’re More Organized

With a minimalist approach, everything has its designated place, making it a breeze to find essentials and keep chaos at bay. Imagine a neatly packed bag where each item serves a purpose.

No more rummaging through mountains of stuff just to find your charger or that one pair of socks.

There’s even research to suggest that having fewer options makes us less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed when making a decision. Recent studies reveal that one-third of adults have such high levels of stress that they struggle to make decisions.

Decision fatigue is real and not something that you want to experience while you’re traveling.

Packing fewer options will make it easier for you to decide what to wear each day, saving time and reducing stress. 

You’re also less likely to accidentally leave something behind when you have fewer items to keep up with.

How to Embrace Minimalist Travel

Minimalist travel isn’t just about what you pack but how you approach your entire travel mindset. Here are some practical tips to seamlessly integrate ways to live as a minimalist into your travel routine.

1. Pack Lightly

First and foremost, packing lightly is the key to traveling minimally. Opt for things like travel-sized toiletries or transfer your essentials into compact, reusable containers to save space and weight.

If you’re taking any liquids in your carry-on, they need to be less than 3.4 ounces per container , making travel-sized products the wiser choice. 

Embrace the roll, not fold, technique for your clothes to maximize suitcase space and minimize wrinkles. Pack these rolled items into packing cubes — a game-changer for traveling — keeping your belongings organized and making unpacking a breeze.

Pack versatile, timeless options that you can mix and match to serve multiple purposes. 

When it comes to shoes, resist the urge to overpack. Choose footwear that complements multiple outfits and activities.

Bring two to three pairs of shoes on your trip — one for walking, one for more formal events (if needed), and, if you’re traveling to a warmer climate, one pair of sandals. 

Creating a list of the essentials and sticking to it rather than grabbing everything you think you might want will help you to travel lighter.

2. If You’re Second Guessing It, Don’t Pack It

Minimalist travel is all about making intentional choices and your packing decisions should reflect that. If you find yourself hesitating over whether to include an item, take a step back and question its necessity.

A lighter load means more freedom and flexibility, so be discerning about what earns a spot in your suitcase. Trust your instincts — if you’re on the fence, leave it behind. 

You don’t need to bring yourself multiple options for everything. Think about the last trip you took and which items you actually used. By sticking to your list and not impulsively adding extras you can avoid overpacking.

3. Skip the Overrated Tourist Traps

A destination’s most famous tourist attraction is often not the best use of your time. Do you really want to spend time waiting in lines or fighting crowds just to snap a picture of the Eiffel Tower?

Usually, the more memorable parts of a trip are the experiences you just stumble upon, like a hidden gem on a side street in the city. 

Save your time, stress, and money by skipping the tourist traps. While you can set an itinerary, be flexible and go with the flow. You never know what you’ll find when you keep an open mind. 

4. Don’t Go Overboard on Souvenirs

Let’s be honest. Souvenirs are something you don’t need more of . While it’s tempting to amass a collection of trinkets from every corner of your travels, minimalist principles encourage a more mindful approach.

Choose quality over quantity and opt for souvenirs that really resonate with you or for none at all.

Avoid accumulating a surplus of keepsakes that add weight to your luggage and, in the long run, might lose their significance. Skip the magnets, keychains, and mugs that will only create clutter when you get home.

If you really want to buy a memento of your travels, consider one of these more meaningful ideas: 

• A small piece of art made by a local artist
• An article of clothing or jewelry made locally (hint: not a mass-produced graphic t-shirt) 
• A sticker (while still not a necessary purchase, it won’t take up any space and can be a nice compromise for kids who want to get something at a gift shop)
• A postcard (if you didn’t get the picture you wanted this is a great way to remember a place you went or to send to a loved one)

Minimalist Travel: Less Baggage, More Fun

Embrace the benefits of minimalist travel by packing only the essentials and focusing on experiences that truly matter.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time adventurer, incorporating minimalist principles into your travels can lead to a more fulfilling, intentional, and enjoyable journey. 

Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of Revivalist magazine. She loves writing about family and living life to the fullest. Follow Cora on Twitter , Facebook and Pinterest .

What’s your favorite minimalist travel tip? Let us know in the comments section!

Sign up on the form below to get weekly decluttering tips and inspiration sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also get the free 5 Areas to Declutter in 10 Minutes Checklist to help you get started decluttering today.

One Comment

I bring a few outfits, so I will not need to find laundry, but I make sure one outfit is the quick dry type of material, so if I do have a spill, or need another change of clothes, I can wash them out, roll up in a towel and hang and they will be dry and ready to wear the next morning.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Top Minimalist Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

Any seasoned traveler knows it’s best to pack as light as possible, especially for international travel. Take a minimalist approach when setting off on your next adventure and ensure that only the essential items make the final cut.

To help you with this process we have put together a minimalist packing list and a section on  what to wear for minimalist travel . You’ll also see a section on what NOT to bring, as well as FAQs about this popular approach to travel.

What to Pack for Minimalist Travel – 17 Essentials

1. packing cubes.

Once you use packing cubes to organize your suitcase, you’ll never go anywhere without them! These help keep your items compact and allow more space in your suitcase or duffel bag. Plus, you’ll know exactly where your different clothing items are. This set also includes 2 large laundry bags, so you can easily keep all your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

Travel enthusiasts know the importance of having a portable charger with you on the go. Having your phone die on you is one of the worst feelings, but there is an easy way to prevent it! This portable charger is ultra-compact, taking up the same amount of space as a lipstick! It will charge your device quickly and leave tons of extra space in your bag for other necessities.

3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A good VPN is a must-have to ward off credit card theft. It provides an extra level of security to help you keep all sensitive data, like passwords and credit cards, from being hacked. Going on someone else’s WiFi always poses a risk to your data. Invest in a VPN and you’ll breathe a little easier knowing your data is safe and secure – it is well worth the cost!

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

4. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

Whether it be camping, hiking, yoga, backpacking, you name it – a travel towel is a great item to have! We recommend getting a lightweight towel made with soft and compact microfiber, which helps absorb water and makes the towel easier to pack and travel with. This ScorchedEarth towel also dries a lot faster than other models.

5. Jet Lag Relief Pills

The worst way to start a trip is with exhaustion as soon as you step off the plane. Avoid the jet lag slump and take one tablet as your plane takes off. You’ll start your vacation feeling energized and refreshed, and get to skip the immediate hotel nap!

6. Universal Power Adapter

Electrical outlets can differ greatly depending on where you’re traveling to. Purchasing a universal power adapter is an excellent investment for minimalist travelers. It will work for 100+ countries, and save you the headache (and cost) of buying a new adapter for each individual country you go to!

7. Foldable Daypack

A lightweight and foldable backpack is the key to carrying all the essentials on your next minimalist trip. The double-layer bottom piece makes this particular backpack extra strong, and allows you to carry even more on your travels. Plus, the breathable mesh shoulder straps help relieve shoulder stress, and the multiple compartments help keep everything organized and easily accessible.

8. Neck Wallet

You can never be too safe with your valuable items when on a vacation. A neck wallet is a foolproof way to hide your belongings from pickpockets or thieves. This wallet is hands-free, RFID safe, and incredibly easy to conceal! Use it to store your credit cards, passport, and anything else with personal information.

9. Bug Spray

Depending on where your minimalist trip brings you, bug spray may or may not be an essential item. Either way, it’s better safe than sorry! We recommend bringing this plant-based insect repellent. The refreshing lemon eucalyptus scent is much more pleasant than that of most bug sprays, and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy after application.

10. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Everything on your minimalist trip should be compact and easily packable – an umbrella is no exception! We particularly love that this mini umbrella comes with a waterproof case as well. It only weighs half a pound, and fits easily into any purse, tote or backpack.

11. Travel Insurance

Not only can travel insurance cover costs if your luggage gets lost or stolen, or if cancellations to your flights occur, it can also front a medical bill if by chance you end up needing to see a doctor on your vacation. Don’t take any chances by not investing in travel insurance – we don’t travel without it! We found that the best way to choose a travel insurance that fits our needs is to use TravelInsurance.com . They make it easy to compare policies from top companies so you find the travel insurance plans that fits your needs.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

12. Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag

We are big fans of ensuring that travel products are completely organized. A hanging toiletry bag does just that, keeping all of your products upright to ensure no spillage. This particular bag has 16 leakproof pockets, two large zipped pockets and a mesh section to maximize storage space. Easily hang it anywhere in your hotel, hostel or other accommodations!

13. Waterproof Sneakers

The best way to pack minimally is to utilize dual-purpose clothing, accessories and shoes. Waterproof sneakers are a must-bring, since you can wear them for a quick jog, a hike, a stroll around town, and even in unexpected cases of bad weather. Sneakers are the perfect travel shoe, as they are comfortable and allow you to be on-the go with minimal soreness.

14. Shampoo Bar

Shampoo bars are not only an excellent travel hack, they are environmentally friendly as well. 80 Billion plastic bottles disposed of around the world each year are from shampoo and conditioner, and companies like Ethique are fighting against this! This bar is the equivalent of 3 bottles of shampoo, and fits much more easily into your suitcase.

15. Travel Toiletry Containers

Travel-sized bottles for your toiletries are a smart way to ensure that all of your products are in TSA approved amounts. These leak proof bottles are lightweight and easy to clean, and come equipped with labels so that you know what is what. There are 4 3oz bottles, 2 cream boxes, 2 toothbrush covers, and a washing face brush.

16. LifeStraw Filter Water Bottle

Hydrating is the key to staying healthy on any trip. It is also much better for the environment to buy a reusable water bottle rather than waste plastic cups. Plus, this LifeStraw water bottle filters water so you know it’s clean and safe! This is certainly an investment worth making, especially since you won’t need to pay for a separate water filter and reusable bottle.

17. Large Duffel Bag

It goes without saying you are going to need some sort of suitcase or bag to hold your belongings. To keep things as minimal as possible, a large duffel bag offers up a roomy interior and can stretch more than a hard shell suitcase. This AmazonBasics duffel has top loop handles that make it easy to lift and carry. Also, the bag is collapsible and can be conveniently stored.

Other Minimalist packing list items not to forget

• First-Aid Kit Pouch
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Feminine products
• Mini Hairbrush
• Travel pillow
• Kindle Cover
• Vacuum Storage Bags
• Hand sanitizer spray

What to Wear for Minimalist Travel

It can be difficult to pare down your wardrobe for traveling. You might have an abundance of cute blouses and dresses at home, but when it comes to packing for a trip, you have to kill some darlings to be efficient! Try bringing items that have dual purposes – for example, waterproof sneakers can be worn all day while exploring the city, and you don’t even have to worry about rain ruining the fabric. Fashionable joggers are great for sleeping and going for a leisurely walk. Of course, there are some staple clothing and accessory items that you shouldn’t be without, like a classic T-shirt and a pair of sunglasses. What Men Should Wear for Minimalist Travel? – (Click to expand) Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Packing for the Seasons in Minimalist Travel

Spring: lightweight jacket, long pants, t-shirt, cardigan, sunglasses.

Spring can be one of the trickier seasons to pack for. Right off the bat, you’ll want a lightweight jacket and/or a cardigan to bring with you as you’re out exploring for the day since a chill can sneak up on you at any moment. Usually, you’ll want longer pants like jeans as opposed to shorts, and a short-sleeve T-shirt as your go-to casual outfit.

SUMMER: Tank top, T-Shirt, Shorts, Sandals, Sneakers, Sunglasses

Most likely, you are going to be rather warm on any summer vacation you’re taking! Pack your favorite tank top and shorts as your staple outfit, and play it safe by bringing both sneakers and sandals. Even if you’re indulging in a beach vacation, you might want to throw on comfier shoes for going out into town or going for a longer walk. Also be sure to grab a short-sleeve shirt as well, if you ever want your shoulders covered and extra protected from the sun.

FALL: Light Sweaters, Jacket, Jeans, Sneakers, Boots

Boots are a definite must-bring for a fall trip. Try to grab a sturdy, durable pair that can endure any kind of weather, and will also look dressed up for spending the day out and about. Jeans are my go-to pants for the fall seasons, as denim screams “fall” to me. Bring a couple of your favorite light sweaters and a jacket. If there’s room leftover, a short sleeve shirt is a good idea as well in case of any slightly warmer days.

WINTER: Warm Layers, Heavier Sweaters, Jeans, Snow/Waterproof Boots, Fleece Lined Leggings or Athletic Pants

Winter is certainly the hardest season to pack minimally for! Break out your heavier sweaters for those extra chilly days, and fleece-lined pants to keep you cozy in low temperatures. Make sure that whatever boots you bring are waterproof, as you might be dealing with snow and slush and wouldn’t want them to get ruined on your trip. Warm layers are key, and don’t forget your warmest, coziest winter jacket!

What NOT to bring on a minimalist trip

1. don’t bring snacks:.

These can easily be purchased once you reach your destination. Aside from a snack or two to nibble on while on a plane, train or in the car, you won’t want to bring any snacks from home as they will weigh down your suitcase and are quite annoying to lug around.

2. Don’t PACK heavy books:

Like snacks, a book or two is totally fine to bring on a trip. However, don’t try to bring your whole library along with you, no matter how long the trip is! Books can get heavy, and the odds are that you will spend so much time out enjoying the new city or town you’re in that you won’t crack open the pages of that Hemingway novel on your vacation.

3. Don’t TAKE multiples:

Avoid bringing multiples of any toiletries, clothing, accessories, etc. unless you have a really good reason to suspect you’ll need them. Worse comes to worst, you can always run to the nearest pharmacy to grab some Advil, sunscreen, feminine products, you name it. Your shoulders will thank you when your duffel bag isn’t weighed down by 3 bottles of bug spray or 2 tubes of toothpaste!

4. Don’t BRING unnecessary valuables:

Needless to say, traveling always poses a risk to your valuables. Especially if you plan to stay in a hostel or Airbnb with other guests, you never know who might have access to your bags and less than honorable intentions. While some valuables are necessary to travel, like your ID and passport, leave any unnecessary items at home (credit cards you won’t use, excessive amounts of cash, sentimental jewelry, etc.)

5. Don’t PACK full-size toiletries:

This might be a no-brainer, but particularly if your vacation is less than two weeks long, there is no need to lug around full-size bottles of shampoo or conditioner. Grab those miniature versions – or better yet, pour what you have at home into travel-size toiletry containers!

FAQs about minimalist travel

1. what is minimalism.

The definitions of minimalism may vary, but at its core minimalism refers to living with (or in this case, traveling with) only the things you really need. Cutting out clutter and non-necessities is vital for adhering to a minimalist lifestyle. Each item you bring on a minimalist trip should be intentional and purposeful. If you want to learn more about the minimalist concept, check out  this article  that sums it up.

2. How do you know what to bring on a trip?

There are a few different ways to figure out what you should and shouldn’t bring on a trip. Start with researching your destination and what other travelers have found useful when visiting. Take a good hard look at your wardrobe and your products and think about which have the most purpose. There will almost always be a time you forget something or bring things that you end up not even touching, but the more you travel the more you will get the hang of minimalist traveling!

3. What if you forgot to pack something you need?

This is a concern that many travelers have, and often what bars people from embracing the minimalist travel style. While packing, try to think logically about what you would do without any item. If you forget an over-the-counter medication, you can grab that at a nearby pharmacy. If you forget a makeup product or favorite top, it might not be the end of the world! Nine times out of ten, you can either grab what you need from a local store or will be just fine without it. Always check that necessities like your ID, passport, credit card, and phone are packed before leaving the house.

4. What are the benefits of minimalist travel?

The first benefit that might come to mind about minimalist travel is, of course, saving money. By checking fewer bags at the airport, spending less on products and clothing, and learning to get by with just a few essentials, your wallet will certainly be thanking you. It also makes a trip much less stressful if you only have one bag with you, versus lugging around multiple suitcases, purses, etc. and feeling weighed down by all of your belongings.

5. Isn’t it better to play it safe and pack more items?

Sometimes, yes. But if you really want to attempt minimalist travel, keep your suitcase or duffel bag on the lighter side. As mentioned previously, most items can be easily purchased if you forget anything.

6. How much should you bring for a week-long trip?

For vacations of a week, try to think about whether or not it makes sense to bring a full 7 outfits or mix and match (and re-wear!) pieces on your trip. If there is going to be laundry at your accommodations, even better! You can likely get by with just a few staple clothing items, and the necessary medications and toiletries. The amount you bring will also depend on if you’re staying at a hotel with toiletries, visiting friends who will have essential items, etc. Consider the logistics of your trip and eliminate items that don’t serve a purpose!

7. How can you pack light for long-term travel?

This is one of the most challenging ways to travel minimally. For long-term travel, you will clearly need more items than for a trip that is only a few days in duration. Think about the kinds of weather you are likely to encounter, where you will be going on your trip and other technical considerations. You will probably have to bring multiple bags with you but focus on products that are multi-purpose and on leaving behind any clothing items that remain unworn in your closet at home. It’s certainly tough, but doable!

• Minimalist Toiletries: How To Pack The Perfect Travel Toiletries Kit

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

Need tips on packing a minimalist travel toiletries kit? Look no further!

Are you a minimalist packer, or do you find it hard to resist the temptation to overstuff your suitcase? Travelling light is achievable when you plan well and choose the right items, including minimalist toiletries.

In this post, I reached out to   Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel  for her thoughts about using travel size toiletries, as she has been using them for some years now in her minimalist toiletry bag! Here’s what she has to say about minimalist travel toiletries, how to pick the best minimalist toiletry bag, and which travel toiletries you shouldn’t leave home without.

Best Minimalist Travel Toiletry Bag

⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 | Brand : Sea to Summit

In a rush? The best way to organise your minimalist toiletries is with this Hanging Toiletry Bag . It’s a smaller bag, so you won’t be tempted to overpack. As a bonus, there’s room inside to stow your clear plastic liquids bag – once you clear airport security 🙂

Minimalist toiletries and containers that meet TSA rules can be a great time saver at airport security.

Simply packing less stuff means you won’t need to worry about the cost or hassle of lugging checked baggage with full-sized shampoos and other bulky bottles. Or the wait at the baggage carousel after your flight for your checked travel bag to arrive!

How To Pack The Perfect Travel Toiletries Kit Using Minimalist Toiletries

Using carefully selected minimalist toiletries can also have environmental benefits. Sustainable products create less waste, reduce packaging, and use fewer resources. And travelling light means fewer carbon emissions too!

Organise Your Dry Toiletries With A Minimalist Toiletry Bag

A minimalist toiletry bag is a must-have for minimalist travellers. After all, keeping your dry travel toiletries organised is much easier when they are all in one place: this is where a minimalist toiletry bag comes into play.

Your minimalist hanging toiletry bag  will keep your dry toiletries organised. Its design features a large main compartment and pockets to store smaller toiletry items, including makeup brushes. They are perfect for minimalist travellers and digital nomads who only want to carry the bare essentials, as you can identify what’s inside each area without rummaging through multiple compartments. A huge win 🙂

This is the best bag for your minimalist toiletries because you can hang it up in even the smallest bathroom – perfect when you lack counter space for your toiletries in your room or bathroom.

Use TSA Approved Travel-sized Bottles (100ml or less)

Do you save the tiny plastic bottles you get as samples when you buy cosmetics? They are the perfect size for your minimalist toiletries kit and a great sustainable option. Just rinse them out, then refill the bottles with your liquid travel essentials!

Alternatively, it’s worth investing in refillable bottles that are  TSA-compliant .  

All You Need to Know About the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

Pack a tsa-approved clear plastic bag for liquid toiletries.

Separate your liquid items from the other items in your hanging toiletry bag . Pack them in a TSA-approved, quart-sized clear plastic bag, making your liquid toiletries easy to identify and remove at airport security. It also removes any worries about liquids spilling and soiling clothes or other items in your bag.

Now you know what to bring for a successful minimalist toiletry kit while travelling!

Avoid Packing Toiletries You Don’t Need

But wait, that is not all! When packing minimalist toiletries for a trip, you must consider every item you pack and only bring products you truly need.

Which items are necessary for your trip? Do you need that eye cream? Could a regular facial moisturiser do the job? Try to limit yourself and stick to the essentials only. 

Look out for products that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a nourishing facial oil could also work as a body oil or an intensive hair mask.

Could you use your lip balm to replace lipsticks or a combined shampoo and body wash rather than separate products?

Switch Liquid Toiletries For Solid Products

Solid toiletries were such a game-changer for me! As strict TSA rules limit the liquid products in your carry-on bag, why not save your liquid “quota” for products without a solid alternative, like facial toner and sunscreen?

However, shampoo, conditioner, and soap are easy to swap from a liquid to a solid product. The bonus is that solid shampoo, conditioner, and natural soaps are often lighter than the liquid version and don’t take up as much space: perfect for your minimalist toiletries packing list.

During the year 2020, I switched all of my liquid products for Lush solid alternatives. Not only do these lightweight bars last up to 80 washes (equivalent to 4 months!), but they also have an enchanting aroma that lingers long after each use. It is without question one of the most minimalist and eco-friendly approaches!

Refill Toiletries Locally

Last but not least, remember that you can likely replenish your minimalist toiletries at your destination. Local products will most likely suit you when you visit a country with a different climate!

If you need help finding the right minimalist toiletries during your trip, try some quick online research or check reviews and recommendations for products available in the country you’re visiting.

Additionally, asking locals for their opinion on specific items always helps. Most people love talking about their homes and what products they use or recommend. It can help you understand the local culture and minimalist toiletries you should consider purchasing.

Travelling does not have to be complicated! With the minimalist approach to packing toiletries, your trips will become hassle-free, smooth, and enjoyable.

How to Pack Hand Luggage Like a Pro

Discover 15 minimalist packing tips …

What is in My Minimalist Toiletries Bag?

Here’s precisely what’s inside my dry toiletry bag and my clear plastic liquid bag on every trip I take. I’ve picked everything carefully, opting for eco-friendly products where they are available!

What Is In My Dry Toiletries Bag?

• Bamboo Comb
• Lush Shampoo Bar
• Wild Deodorant
• Minimal make up
• Nail clipper
• Menstrual Cup
• Washable Cotton pads
• Bamboo Qtips

What’s in My Clear Plastic Liquids Bag?

Faqs about minimalist toiletries.

Are you thinking about switching to high quality minimalist toiletries? If so, here are some FAQs to give you some more information:

How Do You Minimise Toiletries?

Find the essentials that work best with your lifestyle and stick to those products when packing.

Try to bring sustainable products like solid soaps and shampoo bars instead of liquid versions – this will also help save you space on your trips. Additionally, look for refillable items to use during your travels.

Lastly, research the products available at your destination before you leave! This will ensure you have all the essential minimalist toiletries on hand during your trip.

What Are The Necessary Toiletries?

For most trips, you’ll need shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand sanitiser, toothpaste and a toothbrush. All these are available travel-sized for your minimalised accessories travel kit. 

You may also want a razor, cotton Pads, Q-tips, and sunscreen. And remember to pack your facial moisturiser and a lightweight, folding hairbrush. Bamboo is the perfect choice for minimalist toiletries, as it only takes up a little space and adds little weight to your bag .

A travel first aid kit is essential for your trip. Pack band-aids, antiseptic cream, and any other necessary items to help you deal with minor injuries on the go. Along with some vital medicine that could help you in emergencies (anti-histamines, diarrhoea tablets, painkillers, and so on).

Pro Tip: Remember to pack liquids from your first aid kit in your clear plastic bag to pass through airport security.

What Toiletries Does A Girl Need?

Women often need to pack more toiletries! Here’s how to keep it minimalist with your toiletries: 

Makeup:  Instead of packing your whole collection of eyeshadows, mascaras and contours, bring the essentials.

Face Masks : Pack a minimalist sheet mask or an all-natural clay mask to give your skin some TLC during your travels.

Tweezers:  Make sure to pack a lightweight tweezer and a pocket-sized mirror to tame those pesky eyebrows or chin hairs!

Period/personal hygiene products : Moon cups and washable period pants are a sustainable alternative to pads or tampons. 

You may also want to include reusable makeup remover pads, solid perfume and body scrub.

How Many Toiletries Should You Have When Trying To Be A Minimalist?

The number of toiletries you pack will depend on the length of your trip and your personal hygiene needs. Fewer items are always better, so stick to the absolute essentials.

No matter the length of your trip, ensure that you pack minimalist toiletries that are travel-sized and packaged in eco-friendly containers. This will help to keep your toiletry bag light and compact, so you can enjoy your minimalist lifestyle while travelling.

What Are Toiletries?

Toiletries are essential items that help us to stay clean and comfortable. They include a range of products such as soaps, shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, toothpaste and more.

Depending on your needs, you can customise your minimalist toiletry kit with travel-sized versions of these products that will only take up a little space in your bag.

Toiletries fit into two categories: skin care and hair care products.

Skincare toiletries include facial cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums and masks. They help keep your skin looking healthy and free from blemishes or dryness.

Hair care toiletries include shampoos, conditioners and styling products, all of which help keep your hair looking clean and healthy and styled the way you want it.

Final Thoughts – Minimalist Toiletries

Travel-sized containers are helpful when travelling, making packing much more straightforward. You can usually buy replacements on the road; that extra space in your bag could be handy!

Remember that less is more when packing your toiletry bag for a trip. Pack only the essentials and focus on quality items that will last you the entire duration of your travels.

Are you ready to choose minimalist toiletries in eco-friendly containers for your next trip? Ditching unnecessary items and embracing carry-on travel is a great zero-waste way to care for yourself and our planet simultaneously!

You’re all set for a hassle-free adventure next time!

Pin for later!

Related Posts:

• Can Laptops Go In Checked Luggage? Will My Laptop Be Safe?
• Can You Take Honey On A Plane? Complete Guide (+TSA Rules)
• Can You Bring Protein Powder on a Plane? Best Packing Tips
• Can You Bring Flowers On A Plane? TSA Rules For Cut Flowers 💐

Can You Bring Tea Bags On A Plane? Best Tips For Tea Lovers 🫖

• Can Electric Toothbrushes Be In Carry On Luggage? Travel Tips
• Can You Bring Scissors on a Plane in A Carry On Or Checked Bag?

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

Similar Posts

Planning A Trip To Egypt? 9 Top Things You Must Do 🇪🇬

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of…

Guided Tours vs Independent Travel in 2024: Expert Tips

Train Travel in the UK: How To Travel Around Britain by Train

How long is the flight from UK to Australia?

How to Fly in a Wheelchair: 5 Best Tips for Easier Wheelchair Travel

38 Gifts Ideas for Minimalists [Simple & Practical]

It’s challenging to find perfect gifts for people who already have everything they want. I’m talking about those who choose to live with very few possessions. To keep your gift out of their white elephant dumpster, here are a few tips on the best gift ideas for minimalist men and women .

Before we dive in, however, I’ve got a confession — I’m a minimalist myself, so it feels strange to be compiling a long list of things to give to people who don’t want a lot of  stuff in their lives! But, irony aside, I’ve tried to focus on gifts that are likely to come across as thoughtful, useful, and on-target.

Men and women with the “less-is-more” lifestyle don’t always value things so much as experiences — high-quality consumables, subscriptions, travel, stylish but versatile clothing, and other choices that reflect their simpler lifestyle. Give them quality essentials and they’ll know you see them for who they are.

So when shopping for a picky someone, consider one of these gift ideas for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, travel, or other special occasions. Here are my best gift ideas for for minimalists.

Best Gifts for Minimalists

• Practical Stuff

Minimalist Travel Essentials

Clothing & accessories, books & audiobooks.

• Consumable Gifts

Memberships, Gift Cards & Experiences

• Rules for Minimalist Gift Buying
• Final Thoughts: Gifts for Minimalists

Practical “Stuff”

“Practical” is always welcomed by minimalists for every occasion from birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Father’s/Mother’s Day, and major holidays. Practical items make everyone’s lives a little easier, which is always a good thing.

Headphones : AirPods Pro 2

A tangle of cords? Nobody wants that. Give the gift of untangled audio bliss with Apple Airpods Pro headphones. And while you’re at it, why not get extra credit by pairing these with an annual Spotify subscription? Give a great pair of gifts like these and no one will blame you if you bask in the gratitude.

BUY AT AMAZON

Journal : Moleskine

Journaling can be rewarding, especially for minimalists. They can organize their thoughts on paper, which may be what led them to a simpler lifestyle in the first place. Encourage the habit with the old-school gift of a high-quality journal. They’ll feel duty-bound to write only nice things about you.

Pen : Space Pen

Life’s too short for cheap, messy, and unreliable pens, especially when journaling. Choose something silky-smooth and versatile for your less-is-more friend. Fisher Space Pens write upside down, underwater, and through butter. A joy to use, and rumored to promote a zen state of mind. What’s not to like?

Water Bottle : Titanium Aurora

Single-use plastic containers suck. Long-lived water bottles like the Titanium Aurora are part of the solution. They come in a rainbow of colors as well as double-wall insulated models for hot or cold liquids. There’s even a sake bottle model. Practical, lightweight, and perfectly suited to minimalism.

BUY AT SNOW PEAK

Handmade All Natural Candles : Etsy

Men, women, and children — a flickering candle can captivate and calm us by shifting our focus to living in the moment. That’s a fairly good definition of minimalism. Relax, and listen to the whispering flame. And then there’s the clean aroma of melting beeswax, my personal favorite. Inhale deeply.

BUY AT ETSY

Plants : Lively Root

Plants are quiet and soothing companions that don’t demand our attention the way pets do. Plants enrich our living spaces, and tending them is a metaphor for simple living. (Disclaimer: I am, however,  not  a pacifist when it comes to the dandelions in my front yard. Those I tend to in a very different way.)

BUY AT LIVELY ROOT

Bare essential travelers are obsessed with shedding as much as possible, especially when traveling. Here are several minuscule gifts for the nimble traveler in your life:

Minimalist Backpack

Traveling with too much stuff means paying exorbitant gate fees or having to check your bags at the airport. Minimalists often opt for a single carry-on to avoid nasty fees as well as the freedom to leave the terminal immediately, while everyone else waits at the luggage carousel. Check these out:

BEST MINIMALIST BACKPACKS

Packable Day Pack : Matador

Talk about minimal! This tiny packable daypack compresses down to fit inside your coat pocket. And since it’s waterproof, packable, and practical, it’s a very thoughtful present for a shrewd and unpretentious traveler. Many folks use such bags on their trip home, for packing souvenirs and gifts.

BUY AT MATADOR

Passport Holder : Wanderings

A friend dropped his passport while getting into a cab in Chile. He eventually found it (shredded) and now has this RFID-blocking full-grain leather holder to avoid a repeat. For savvy travelers constantly on the go, this passport holder is a convenient, must-have safeguard as they race hither and yon.

Travel Towel : Packtowl

A lightweight and versatile microfiber towel can trim a lot of bulk from a travel bag. Bulky cotton towels don’t work for one-bag travel, so frequent fliers almost never pack them. Instead, they grab compact, cushy and very functional towels like this one to dry off. Someone you know will love this.

BUY AT PACKTOWL

Wallet Kickstand : Nite Ize

This is a useful and lightweight accessory for digital nomads. It’s a wallet-sized kickstand/easel thingie that lets you prop up your phone or tablet next to your laptop. It also works well for taking on-the-go zoom calls or watching movies , MMA bouts, or YouTube cat videos on cramped airplane tray tables.

Mini Toiletries Kit : Sea to Summit

Single-use plastics are a planetary cancer. Don’t trust your personal care items to resealable sandwich bags — this mini-toiletries kit from Sea-to-Summit is reusable and will keep those disposable bags out of the landfill. This is sturdy, transparent, and TSA-approved, so it’s very carry-on friendly.

Minimalists love simple, well-fitting clothing that’ll pair well with the rest of their wardrobe. Below, I’ve included some of my favorite clothing brands and accessories for those who want to add some simple style to their closet.

Clothing: Wool&Prince or Wool&

Minimalist travelers pack fewer clothes and need garb that’s odor-resistant. Wool&Prince (men) and Wool& (women) check all the boxes by offering premium wool clothes that are stylish, versatile, and sweeter smelling. Help a traveler stretch the time between their washer loads!

BUY AT WOOL&PRINCE

BUY AT WOOL&

Minimalist Shoes : Xero

Sleek, simple, and ultra-comfortable Xero Shoes can make people think they’re wearing clouds, not shoes. And when you’re walking all day, navigating streets and concourses, that’s a blessing. Xero Shoes supportive design promotes a healthy and fluid walking motion that syncs with a simpler lifestyle.

BUY AT XERO SHOES

Minimalist Sandals

We previously compiled this list of the  best barefoot sandals  for running, hiking, and travel. If the minimalist in your life is an open-toed sort, they’ll love one of these airy sandals. They’re lighter than regular shoes, have roomy toeboxes, and help keep your feet cool and blister-free.

BEST MINIMALIST SANDALS

Analog Watch : Fossil

Complex smartwatches aren’t for everyone, so consider giving your minimalist traveler a tried-and-true analog watch as a simpler alternative. Seniors especially love these since they grew up talking about “o’clocks” and writing in cursive. Weird! That aside, check out this minimalist watch from Fossil.

Minimalist Wallet for Men : Slimfold

A bulky, inefficient wallet is an overstuffed lump in your pocket that cramps your style and hurts your posture. The minimalist in your life will thank you for this thin wallet from Slimfold that will allow him to keep all his cards, cash, and ID in a smaller and elegant package. Simplicity rules!

BUY AT SLIMFOLD

Minimalist Wallet for Women : Travelambo

Minimalist women don’t want purses like my Grandma’s with its load of gum, bobby pins, bandaids, a bible, and other contents of the black hole. This much simpler and organized budget buy holds the essentials and not a speck more. Now, isn’t that a metaphor for the life we all aspire to? I think so.

Wool Socks : Darn Tough

It’s inevitable — we all buy socks as gifts at some point, but why not choose those rated for  a lifetime  of use? No more big toes sticking out, no thin spots on the heels, and no sagging elastic uppers. Darn Tough makes socks with lifetime warranties that also stay odor-free far longer than most. Boom, gifted.

BUY AT DARN TOUGH

Books make great gifts for minimalists. They are the gift of knowledge and can also allow people to escape their mundane surroundings by teleporting their imagination to a zillion different places without ever leaving their chairs.

Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Just because someone has dedicated their life to living with less doesn’t mean they’ve perfected the craft. In my experience, minimalism is a life-long learning process that requires periodic refreshers. This book reminds us how to declutter and keep things pointed in the right direction over the years.

Digital Minimalism

Everyone’s guilty of staring at their phones and getting stuck in zombie doomscrolling and consumerism. This book by Cal Newport explores practical ways to declutter and gain control of your digital life, which can be a key element in regaining control of your personal time and purpose.

The Joy of Less

If you know someone just starting out as a minimalist, or simply wanting to hone the craft, The Joy of Less offers excellent insights into the positive aspects of simplifying. Author Francine Jay explains how choosing to have less actually gives you more: More time, more insight, and more freedom.

Essential: Essays by the Minimalists

Don’t want to read an entire book on minimalism? Here’s a collection of the best essays from TheMinimalists.com, and it’s a masterclass on simplicty and core values. It’s full of practical everyday techniques from successful 30- and 40-somethings who have gotten off the hamster wheel and back to basics.

Stop Overthinking

No one wants to overthink their lives, but it’s a hard habit to break. Don’t obsess and complicate things — read this and rediscover your deeply-held values that are currently buried under mental chatter. Author Nick Trenton shares practical tips for achieving more focus and less noise in your head.

Atomic Habits

This book focuses on tiny changes that produce remarkable results. Author James Clear asks (and answers) the key questions: What sparks good habits? What drags us down into bad ones? This book taught me that rock-solid habits give me more time going forward by making small but effective changes now.

Walden, or Life in the Woods

When pondering minimalism, Henry David Thoreau often springs to mind. But all too often, his 1854 classic book about escaping to the simplicity of nature is ‘more revered than read,’ so why not give the gift of his full insights? Let your deep thinker friends read the whole thing and decide for themselves.

Consumables

We all crave good food, drink, and other consumables that can bring a little joy to our day. Here are some of the best options to consider if you’re searching for a gift that won’t gather dust or get tossed in a closet shortly after you give it.

Foundational Nutrition Supplement : AG1 by Athletic Greens

It’s not easy to maintain a balanced diet in a world of fast and nutritionless eats, so grab your loved one some AG1 nutritional supplement powder. It’s packed with vitamins, prebiotics and probiotics, and phytonutrients that’ll bolster the immune system and keep them running at 100%.

Coffee Subscription : Bean Box

Very few are immune to the seductive aroma of coffee. I know I can’t live without it.  A premium coffee subscription can deliver that sweet nectar every month. Give them the gift of focus, and check out this service from Bean Box. (Fun fact: the Finns drink three times more coffee than Americans.)

BUY AT BEAN BOX

Healthy Food Box : Daily Harvest

Minimalists who live clean and simple lives will assuredly appreciate clean and simple food sent straight to their doorstep. Give them the gift of healthy and delicious convenience with a Daily Harvest gift box that’s full of easy-to-prepare smoothies, bowls, bakes, flatbreads, and more.

BUY AT DAILY HARVEST

Chocolate Sampler : Hu

Everyone has room for chocolate in their lives. If someone you love enjoys it, grab this organic fair-trade chocolate sampler. It’s delightfully delicious. Plus, chocolate can always be rationalized as being rich in antioxidants, etc., etc. As if anyone needed yet another reason to love chocolate!

Wine Subscription : Wine Insiders

Pass up that pair of hilarious Michael Scott socks from  The Office  in favor of a top-shelf bottle of wine that’s delivered monthly. It’s even more special when shared with a friend over chocolate and cheese. Yet more proof that high-quality consumables are the kind of experiences that minimalists treasure.

BUY AT WINE INSIDERS

Biodegradable Soap : Dr. Bronner’s

I gift Dr. Bronners because a little bit goes a long way. That fits the lifestyle of many minimalist travelers committed to packing the bare minimum. It’s an iconic, practical, and versatile soap that makes a statement. Plus, reading the entire label will help you pass the time while waiting for your flight.

Minimalists enjoy learning new skills as they rise to life’s challenges. Help them in their journey with a membership, course, or other learning experience that encourages them to enjoy the ride!

Skillshare Membership

Everyone benefits from practical skills. Skillshare helps teach those skills with thousands of enticing mini-courses on topics ranging from freelancer skills for a side gig to professional audiobook narrating. It’s a thoughtful gift to help your friends get their self-development balls rolling.

BUY AT SKILLSHARE

Amazon Prime Membership

Love them or hate them, Amazon is focused on providing near-instant gratification. In that regard, minimalists are like all of us, eager the get their (simpler) things delivered ASAP, without shipping fees. Other perks include Prime Video and Music, making it a multi-faceted and practical gift.

Audible Membership

Nothing resets and defrags my brain during lengthy plane or train trips like a good audiobook. With a membership from Audible, the minimalist in your life can be soothed or uplifted no matter where they are. In fact, one of my recent audiobook purchases was ‘Essays by the Minimalists,’ reviewed below.

Spotify Gift Card

Spotify supports a simpler lifestyle by playing the music people love, when and wherever they want it. If your minimalist friends don’t have this service, they’re missing the boat. No ads, no interruptions, and the world’s largest catalog of streaming music and podcasts as they travel the globe.

REI Gift Card

For outdoor junkies, a gift card from REI guarantees they’ll find something for their passion in life. (And for indoor people, REI may be the catalyst to adopt a simpler lifestyle in nature. Win/win.) REI also has a large selection of rugged, minimalist travel items, including backpacks and comfy shoes.

National Parks Pass

What simpler way is there to practice a simpler outdoor lifestyle than with a National Parks Pass? Parlay your sleeping bag purchase into a week in Rocky Mountain National Park or one of 63 other US parks. When it comes to memorable experiences, nothing tops the majesty of these national treasures.

Five Simple Rules for Minimalist Gift Buying

If you’ve looked through this list and still don’t have a clue what to buy the minimalist in your life, the least I can do is offer up some advice to help you keep searching. Here are five rules to keep in mind as you keep looking for that perfect present.

1. If You’re Going to Buy A Minimalist Clothing, They’d Better Love it

The minimalists I know own fewer items of clothing than most of us, so they emphasize high-quality, versatile, durable, and stylish stuff. Pay close attention to what they choose to wear.

Instead of getting them a pair of novelty socks or a goofy tie they’ll never wear, consider buying garments that you know will match their minimalist lifestyle. If you have any doubts, consider purchasing an accessory like sandals or a belt instead.

2. If You’re Buying a Minimalist a Thing, They’d Better Need it

Don’t be shy about asking people what they need. Not only will you avoid getting something they already have or don’t need, but they’ll see that you care about their lifestyle.

Remember, minimalists are everyday people. They just prioritize making do with less. That doesn’t mean they don’t need specific items. This list is focused on practical stuff for those with fewer belongings.

3. Buy Minimalists Things They Can Eat & Drink

It’s simple: we all have to eat, and we cherish our most memorable meals. So when you give someone the gift of tasty food & drink, it’s a gentle nod that you understand their discerning lifestyle. From homemade to haute cuisine, the best is always appreciated.

Treat them to a great restaurant, a nice bottle of wine, or even beef jerky subscriptions. Gifts like these can cover a lot of bases, so ask your minimalist friends what kinds of food or drink tickles their fancy.

4. Minimalists Love Gift Cards, Memberships, and Experiences

When a loved one buys me a gift card, it probably doesn’t mean they’re taking the easy way out with a lazy gift. Instead, it lets me know that they understand me and my lifestyle. I can carefully choose something I need and will use, rather than setting aside the item they chose.

Minimalists also love memberships and experiences because, first and foremost, these are not ‘things.’ They don’t clutter a minimalist’s life. To avoid the risk of buying them an off-target item, consider giving them a membership or experience.

5. If a Gift Can Simplify A Minimalist’s Life, Look No Further

People with modest lifestyles don’t get there by accident. It’s usually the result of carefully calculated habits and time management. Overall, minimalists value their time and constantly look for ways to set aside more of it for meaningful purposes.

A gift that simplifies daily processes or habits is the ultimate “I get you” statement for those modest folk in your life.

Which Gift Will You Grab for Your Minimalist?

Minimalists are ordinary people trying to balance the answers to two fundamental questions: Do I own my possessions? Or do they own me? By living simpler lives, minimalists emphasize their inner values rather than the sum of their shiny toys.

When you give a thoughtful gift that reflects their inner values, minimalists know that you truly ‘get them,’ and that makes them happy. And that’s the whole point of gift-giving.

Has this list of gift ideas for minimalists been useful? I hope so. There’s a lot here from my wishlists, so maybe a few of these will also tickle the fancy of those special men and women in your life who choose to live modest lives unburdened by mountains of ‘stuff.’

What gifts are you thinking of giving for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or other special occasions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Kinda Frugal

20 Items You Can Ditch for a More Minimalist Lifestyle

Posted: February 15, 2024 | Last updated: February 15, 2024

Minimalism at home is about more than just an Instagram aesthetic featuring ivory walls, bare shelves, and pristine closets. Beyond decluttering, minimalism embraces simplicity and focuses on what truly sparks joy and adds value to everyday life. Try getting started with a good, old-fashioned purge.

1. Bills, Bills, Bills

Embrace the paperless lifestyle. Start by throwing out those random receipts that take up space in drawers, purses, and wallets. Keep only physical copies of valuable documents—create digital copies, too!

2. Still Planning for 2023?

Stop accumulating old planners. Instead, ritualize transferring important information into a new agenda every year. To reduce paper waste, use online resources like Notion, Google Calendar, and Trello to keep track of appointments and deadlines.

3. No Lid, No Tupperware

Bid farewell to the avalanche of lids and containers that topple out whenever a kitchen cabinet door is opened. Stay safe by tossing out mismatched, stained, or chipped plastic containers.

4. Banana Slicers and Snow-Cone Makers

Everyone has a drawer full of single-use, specialty gadgets that rarely see the light of day. However, the reality is that kitchen utensils are only helpful if they are regularly put to use. Think critically and be honest: does anyone really need an asparagus steamer?

5. I Heart NY Coffee Mugs

A beloved coffee mug is a fundamental part of a good morning ritual—often, the same cup gets used day after day. This begs the question: why own twenty other mugs? Free up cabinet space by paring the collection down to a reasonable number.

6. Keep Your Pantry and Fridge Free of Harmful Products

No kitchen cleanout is complete without checking the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for products you won’t use. Old spices and expired condiments are the most frequent culprits, but punctured or rusted metal cans are the most dangerous. Improperly canned foods can house a fatal toxin known as botulism. Dispose of any unnecessary items to ensure a safe and clean kitchen environment.

7. Curating a Capsule Wardrobe

Let go of clothes that have not been worn in the past year or no longer fit. Focus instead on curating a wardrobe full of good-quality, versatile pieces that make getting dressed a breeze.

8. Pro Tip: Sort by Categories

Instead of cleaning out the entire closet in one go, sort through clothing in stages. Start decluttering by categories: pants, then tops, then sweaters, and so forth. Not only does this prevent cleaning fatigue, but it also breaks down the process into more manageable, bite-sized stages.

9. Clear Out That Old Makeup Bag

Most makeup products last between six months to two years after opening. The mascara should be replaced every three to six months. Expired products are more than just a waste of counter space; they can also contain harmful bacteria that can result in skin irritation, acne, and styes.

10. An Excess of Linens

From college to an apartment, from an apartment to a family home—the linen closet only grows with every move. Limit the collection of towels and sheets to a practical number and consider donating the extras to a local shelter.

11. The Most Expensive Coat Rack

If the treadmill or stationary bike has become a coat rack, it might be time to let it go. Opt for exercises that require minimal equipment or utilize outdoor spaces. The best exercise routine is always the one that actually gets done.

12. Crochet, Candle-Making, and Collecting

During lockdown, everyone suddenly had the time to pick up a new hobby. Now, many desk drawers have become a graveyard for abandoned craft supplies. Consider donating these to someone who will use them.

13. Obsolete Electronics

Get rid of old chargers, broken headphones, and outdated electronics. There is no reason to own a VHS collection in 2024 unless the goal is to preserve these technologies as findings for future archaeologists.

14. Go Through Unused Phone Apps

Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Start by deleting unused apps to free up storage and simplify the layout of that home screen. Use folders to organize them by categories and reduce time spent unnecessarily scrolling.

15. Too Many Subscriptions

In the United States , 86% of households pay for more than one streaming service—and 47% pay for streaming services they do not use. Over time, multiple subscriptions add up to hundreds of dollars a year. Save money by cutting down on unused streaming services.

16. Reclaim Phone Storage

If the number of emails has more than two digits, the time has come to clean out the inbox. The same goes for the camera roll, where screenshots, videos, and selfies take up an almost criminal amount of phone storage.

17. Bye, Bye Tylenol

Everything expires, even medications and first-aid supplies. Check use-by dates on all items in the medicine cabinet, especially prescription medications. Most expired medications become less effective and are not worth keeping.

18. Empty Out the Junk Drawer

All houses have a designated drawer full of miscellaneous items—the final destination for kitchen scissors, takeout menus, and random bits of string. Clear the junk drawer, wipe it down, and find everything inside a designated spot. If the item does not seem to belong anywhere, that is because it belongs in the trash.

19. Baby Blankets and College T-Shirts

Having a life well-lived often means accumulating stuff. However, hoarding a collection of high school trophies is not necessarily the best way to remember the good times. Take the opportunity to carefully sift through keepsakes, explore ways to repurpose or digitally store them as photos, or even consider passing them on to someone else.

20. Going Step-By-Step

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle is a journey, and there is no shame in taking it one step at a time. Decluttering is only the first half of the process. Eventually, letting go of unnecessary items will also create room for a more intentional and fulfilling life .

18 Valuable Items Foolishly Thrown Away Daily

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – this adage holds when we look at the surprising items that often end up in the trash bin. From seemingly mundane objects to antique relics, some discarded items have far more value than we realize. Here are 18 high-value items that people unwittingly dispose of every day.

12 Keys to Embracing a Frugal Lifestyle

To some, living a frugal lifestyle might be sessions of extreme couponing. For others, never paying full price for anything could be a commitment. But what does it mean to live a frugal lifestyle? Are there general rules to follow, or is there an assortment of ideas you cherry-pick from? The first step is to understand what living frugally really means.

More for You

Clarence Thomas Missing Supreme Court Hearing Raises Eyebrows

Netflix's Chilling New Series Debuts With Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

16 Compliments You Didn’t Realize Are Actually Pretty Insulting

Is It Safe To Grill Frozen Hamburger Patties Straight From The Freezer?

One Nigerian entrepreneur's solution for millions of old tires

7 CDs You Probably Owned, Threw Out and Now Are Worth Bank

2024 WNBA draft: Top photos of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink

Joe Biden Now Leads Donald Trump in Ten Polls

Supreme Court snubs House Republicans who dodged metal detectors in Congress after Jan. 6

These Are 10 Smells That Cats Absolutely Hate

New doc uncovers racism and inappropriate behavior at popular retailer

How to 'quiet quit,' from a former teacher who did it for 2 years so she could enjoy a better life while still getting a paycheck

First major wildfire of 2024 raging near popular tourist destination

Country announces major plans to ban of gas-powered vehicles in sweeping new law: 'The evidence ... is clear'

The girl who can’t smile: How a rare disorder became a young woman's ‘greatest gift’

The Dangers Of Storing An Extra Propane Tank In Your Shed (& What To Do Instead)

Republicans Suddenly Cancel Multiple Bills

78 Riddles for Adults That Will Test Your Smarts

Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth

Kate Martin attends WNBA draft to support Caitlin Clark, gets drafted by Las Vegas in second round

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Your 12-year-old emo self stays winning. Giselle Lopez is a case in point

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

A bag becomes a different thing entirely when worn by different personalities — similar to how no one perfume smells the same on two different people. To test out this idea, we invited four different artists to style the same bag into their personal look and lifestyle for one day, dreaming up places across L.A. where they would wear it. The bag? The Acne Studios rivet wine box bag from the brand’s spring/summer ’24 collection. It felt like a bag tough enough to withstand a long day in L.A. and lightweight enough to not drag you down.

In the third installment of the series , Giselle Lopez , a model, stylist and DJ, takes the bag to Mariachi Plaza, where she sees cumbia sonidera bands play on the weekends with friends. For Lopez, the Acne Studios bag summons her inner emo tween who just won’t quit. “I’ve tried colorful styles. I’ve tried classy or minimalist,” she says. “But I always go back to all black, studs, spikes.”

What does rebellious style look like? Enter artist Saturn Risin9

Saturn Risin9, a singer, performer and DJ, takes us to Pirate Studios, where the multi-hyphenate practices DJ sets ahead of the weekend.

April 12, 2024

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a DJ, a model, stylist and I also run a party with my friend Dante called Discoteka. We go as DT:33. We do them monthly and invite a lot of DJs from Mexico or outside of L.A., just to bring in new music and new sounds to people.

Describe your personal style.

I would say my 12-year-old emo self really won. Everything is always inspired by that. I’ve tried colorful styles. I’ve tried classy or minimalist. But I always go back to all black, studs, spikes. Really into punk as well. That has been the main inspiration.

I’ve tried colorful styles. I’ve tried classy or minimalist. But I always go back to all black, studs, spikes.

— DJ, model and stylist Giselle Lopez

Talk to me about dreaming up an outfit around this Acne Studios bag.

I think about accessories first because they always make an outfit. So if you want a choker — which is usually what I like to style myself with, I like cross necklaces, spike chokers, all of that — I usually look at my [other] accessories I have to style, which is a bag. From there I go, “Maybe I want to do a dress, a skirt, see what I have in my closet.” I usually search on EBay. EBay is my No. 1 place to shop. I go on my Notes app a lot. I write down, “black halter top, belt, skirt ...” and then I go back to it.

Designer Bobby Cabbagestalk styles an Acne Studios bag for the future

“I try to design as if I’m in the future, not as if I’m trying to imagine what the future is about.”

April 10, 2024

How does sense of place inform sense of style? How do you travel through L.A. with style in mind?

The party scene in L.A. has always inspired my fashion ever since I started playing out here. I was a little raver girl five years ago, so just seeing all the colorful looks people wear that are very inspired by Japanese culture, Japanese raver fashion, Fruits magazine and all that. I like to mix it up by doing a little raver in there, but also keep it still very punk and dark. I chose [to bring the bag] to Mariachi Plaza because when I first moved here, I spent a lot of time in Boyle Heights, and this became one of my favorite spots. On weekends, they would have cumbia sonidera bands playing here and I would come and see them with my friends. My grandmother is from Guadalajara and my little brother plays in a mariachi band, so I grew up around a lot of mariachi. Seeing men in their mariachi suits, it’s very special to me. It feels like home.

Producer: Mere Studios MUA: Andrés Nuñez

More to Read

Want to travel with style? These 7 items got you covered

April 11, 2024

They escaped a world of fast fashion to teach L.A. how to give old clothes new life

March 28, 2024

Jess Mori’s style philosophy? Always have “an element of discomfort”

March 15, 2024

Julissa James is a staff writer for Image, where she covers culture, style, fashion, art and L.A. She has been with the Los Angeles Times since 2019 and has written for the magazine since 2021.

More From the Los Angeles Times

This teacher will guide you into talking with your dreams. A warning: They will talk back

April 3, 2024

Your guide for what to see, shop and journey for in April

April 1, 2024

Presenting the Spring Issue: It’s time to play

March 20, 2024

An ode to the flower sellers of L.A.’s Flower District