The Minimalist Packer’s Checklist: Travel Light, Live Large

Let’s get one thing straight: dragging a 70-pound suitcase up cobblestone streets while your taxi driver laughs in fluent French is not the vibe. Minimalist packing is freedom, darling — and I'm handing you the ultimate checklist for traveling light while still living large. So grab your carry-on (or just a backpack, you brave thing) and let’s get this trip started!

Melissa Ridge

5/17/20251 min read

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Let’s get one thing straight: dragging a 70-pound suitcase up cobblestone streets while your taxi driver laughs in fluent French is not the vibe. Minimalist packing is freedom, darling — and I'm handing you the ultimate checklist for traveling light while still living large.

So grab your carry-on (or just a backpack, you brave thing) and let’s get this trip started!





The Minimalist Packer's Must-Have Checklist

1. Your Travel Essentials

  • Passport, ID, and Travel Insurance

  • Phone & International eSIM

  • Digital Copies of Docs

  • Travel Adapter & Portable Charger

2. Clothing (The 3-2-1 Rule)

  • 3 tops

  • 2 bottoms

  • 1 jacket

  • 2 pairs of shoes (one comfy, one cute)

  • 5 pairs of undies (because you’ll wash, babe — you’ll wash)

Bonus: A scarf. It’s a pillow, a cover-up, and a fashion statement.

3. Health & Beauty

  • Mini toiletries

  • Prescription meds

  • Sunscreen (don’t age prematurely for Instagram)

  • Travel-sized skincare faves






4. Transport & Transfers

Avoid overpriced airport cabs and book smarter:

5. Accommodation & Experiences

Ditch the stress and lock down deals:

6. On-The-Go Gear

Pro Travel Hacks

  • Lost luggage? Get compensation with Compensair

  • Book boat rentals with SeaRadar and live your yacht life fantasy

  • Need a spontaneous getaway? Check Aviasales for last-minute deals

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