Best Minimalist Travel Accessories (7 Must-Have Items)

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You’ve probably seen people travel with one bag and wonder, how does everything fit?

Welcome to minimalist travel. Here, you only need the basic stuff while packing all the necessary items.

Read on as we share the best minimalist travel accessories for a stress-free holiday.

The Best Minimalist Travel Accessories

Most-loved Accessory

Compression Cubes

Best Carry-On

Samsonite Omni

Best Power Bank

INIU Portable Charger

Now that you know what you need for minimalist travel, let’s take a closer look at the best minimalist travel accessories.

These must-have items will minimally, safely, and conveniently accommodate all your needs.

1. Samsonite Omni PC Luggage: The Best Carry-On

If you want a sturdy carry-on, the Samsonite bag is easy to maneuver and fits on most airline overhead bins.

While airlines check bag sizes, as long as yours can fit on the overhead compartment, you are good to go. 

If you are new to minimalist travel, choose the maximum size carry-on measurement, 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

It will carry all your gear, from clothes and shoes to toiletries and gadgets. Ensure you have light material clothes in packing cubes, as they also take up little space in your bag.

Pros

  • Solid hard shell and comes in multiple colors and sizes
  • Sizeable 360-degree spinner wheels for easy movement
  • Combination lock for safety
  • Can expand to accommodate more luggage

Cons

  • The zipper closure is prone to damage with regular use
  • Will not fit luggage for more than one person 

2. Tripped Compression Packing Cubes: The Most-loved Packing Accessory

Get the air out of your clothes and pack light using these expandable bags. Not only will they fit enough for three to four days of travel, but they are also durable. Roll your clothes to get in as much as possible to utilize the space.

Packing shoes is also convenient using cubes or shoe bags. They help separate them from your clothes, especially when they get dirty.

In this case, these packing cubes can fit two pairs of shoes, one versatile walking shoe, and light sandals. 

Pros

  • A tough, water-resistant material that keeps out moisture
  • Have an easy lift handle
  • Are affordable
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Will not fit bulky or several large-size clothes
  • Material is light and may tear if overfilled with stiff objects

3. Bagsmart Travel Bag: The Most Versatile Toiletries Organizer

Hook up this medium-sized portable toiletries bag for easy access. The bag opens up to a fantastic display of all your products.

It will carry all you need, with plenty of space left over for those duty-free purchases.

While minimalist travelers avoid carrying full-size toiletries, with this bag, you can load it up as you wish.

The material will not absorb any dirt or liquid spills, and in case of leakage, wipe it dry with a damp cloth. It is perfect for those guilty of having too many beauty products.

Pros

  • Waterproof fabric which prevents leakages
  • Has numerous transparent pockets for individual storage
  • Large handles that allow for separate handling
  • Can fit full-size containers

Cons

  • The large size may be too big for a carry-on
  • Small items may slip off the pockets

4. Tessan European Travel Plug: The Best Travel Adaptor

Charging your iPhone in Europe has never been easier with this small international power plug. Besides the convenient use in whichever country you are in, it has numerous slots for you and your companions.

Of course, with minimalist travel gear, the fewer electronics you take, the better.

Unless you are on a work trip, you only need some gadgets. Nevertheless, this plug will keep all your electronics fully powered anywhere you go.

Pros

  • The type C outlet is compatible everywhere
  • Can charge up to four devices at a go
  • Lightweight and compact size to fit in a small carry-on
  • Has a blue indicator to show when power is on/off

Cons

  • You will need a voltage converter for 110V and 125V electronics
  • Will not work in the UK

5. Vancropak Weekender Bag: The Best Travel Backpack

If you would rather carry a backpack for your weekend trips, this is your best minimalist travel bag.

It comes in various sizes, all expandable to fit all your must-have items. Although the shoulder straps are well padded, the side handle is handy when resting your back. 

You can also open it up and load your packing cubes easily, as it can accommodate clothes for three to four days.

In addition, the anti-theft pocket at the back protects your valuables. Backpackers will find this bag suitable due to the durable material that will withstand all elements.

Pros

  • Numerous pockets for organization and space
  • Can expand to fit more
  • Quality lightweight material that is also water resistant
  • Comes in various colors for both men and women

Cons

  • No exterior water bottle compartment
  • Might get heavy if you over-pack it

6. INIU Portable Charger: The Perfect Power-on-the-Go

Do you worry about being unreachable when traveling due to power issues? Then, the INUI power bank will keep your phone on through all airports and cab rides with insufficient power outlets.

It is a high-speed charger compatible with all iPhone and Samsung USB cords.

You can slip it into any pocket, and it will recharge all USB-C devices directly, unlike other power banks in the market.

Furthermore, the risk of overheating or damaging your battery is low due to a Smart Protect system.

Pros

  • Easy to carry due to the slim size and lightweight
  • Fast charging capabilities
  • Has one of the largest battery capacities at 10000mAh
  • Has a 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Takes a long to charge when completely drained 
  • Does not come with an adapter plug

7. Seafew Shoulder Bag: The Safest Crossbody Bag

Taking your travel documents, wallet, money, and phone for day excursions is convenient and safe with this cross-body bag. It is light and small enough for only the essentials.

In addition, the shoulder strap allows you to wear it at the front of your chest, back, or side. 

It also has a handle if you prefer to swing it. Although it is a safety bag, avoid carrying all your valuables during day trips.

Leave all flashy and expensive watches, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings at home or in your hotel room for your safety. 

Pros

  • Fabric is water-resistant
  • Large enough to fit several items securely
  • Mesh fabric at the back is breathable to reduce sweating
  • The drawstring side pockets can hold two water bottles

Cons

  • The strap may come loose often if you overfill the bag
  • The USB charger cord may not function optimally

A Buyer’s Guide To The Best Minimalist Travel Accessories

As a minimalist traveler, always pack light to avoid the headache of unexpected extra baggage costs.

Thanks to convenient travel insurance, you do not have to worry much about losing your stuff from theft or bag loss at the airport. 

Here is a simple buyer’s guide to the best minimalist travel accessories for your next trip.

Luggage

Minimalist Travel Accessories

One of the main ways to recognize a minimalist traveler is their simple luggage. Since you only need one bag, a carry-on is the best option. With less space, you must pack what matters to you.

While airlines check bag sizes, as long as yours can fit on the overhead compartment, you are good to go.

If you are new to minimalist travel, choose the maximum size carry-on measurement, 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Ultimately, the goal is to carry a smaller bag for future travels.

Clothes

Since you are carrying less, pack elegant clothes that you can interchange to match.

For instance, choose a top that can go with every bottom in your luggage and vice versa. Over time, I have discovered that plain or neutral colors are the best choices for basic travel.

Go for light material clothes that will dry quickly, as they also take up little space in your bag.

Linen or synthetics are ideal, as you can wash and go in the least amount of time. Most also come in neutral shades, the best kind for multiple wear.

PRO TIP: If traveling during chilly weather, wear your heaviest coat, which will not count as luggage weight during check-in.

Shoes

There’s no need to take four or five pairs of shoes whenever you travel.

It is a tough decision for women who want a different pair for every occasion. However, minimalist travel dictates that less is more.

In this case, pack one versatile walking shoe to avoid occupying all the space with shoes.

Ensure it goes with all your outfits and will withstand any weather conditions. You can pack an extra pair of light sandals if they fit in the small bag.

Toiletries

Thanks to transport security, minimalists can now enjoy their few toiletries without appearing frugal.

Buy miniature bottles that can fit your creams and liquids, and pack them in a medium-sized toiletries bag. Ensure you check for any leakages beforehand to avoid a messy suitcase.

Electronics

electronics minimalist travel accessories

Please leave your work laptop behind for this trip. You are going to rest; allow your workload to sit this one out.

With minimalist travel gear, the fewer electronics you take, the better. Unless you are on a work trip, you only need a few gadgets.

Instead of that bulky camera, use your quality phone camera to take equally appealing photographs.

Furthermore, replace paper maps and travel guides with online applications easily downloadable on your smartphone. 

Leave all flashy and expensive watches, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings at home for your safety. 

Money/Credit Cards

The fear of pickpockets or getting mugged is one we all experience in a foreign country. Therefore, bringing a little cash in the local currency besides credit cards is necessary, but avoid bulky wallets.

A seemingly loaded wallet in your trouser pocket will make you an easy target. Opt for a slim money clip that takes two or more credit cards.

Otherwise, modern passport holders have pockets to slide their cards and cash conveniently.

Conclusion

Packing one bag does not mean you leave out all essentials and appear disheveled while you globe trot. On the contrary, frequent travelers who use minimalist travel accessories share the most amazing experiences. The joy is in worrying less about baggage loss and heavy clutter.

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