Tag: travel essentials 2024

What’s in My Minimalist Travel Bag: 30 Days, 1 Bag, and All My Regrets

Traveling light is an art form, but even the most seasoned travelers can make mistakes. I recently embarked on a 30-day backpacking journey across Europe, packing everything into a single bag. Spoiler alert: I made some regrettable choices. Here’s a look at what I packed, what I should have left behind, and the lessons I learned from my minimalist packing missteps.

The Great Mistakes: What I Regret Not Bringing

  1. The Bigger Portable Travel Charger
  • Affiliate Link: The Better, Fatter Portable Charger
  • Why It Was Great: This charger would have saved my life. Compact, powerful, and versatile, it would have charged all my devices without fuss.
  1. Travel Accessories
  • Affiliate Link: The Best Mini Tripod
  • Why It Was Great: I heavily regretted bring a full-sized tripod, even though it was marketed as a travel tripod. This mini tripod would have been more useful for capturing stable shots on the go. If you’re a content creator, a compact mini tripod is a must-have.
  1. The Massage Gun
  • Affiliate Link: The Cheap Massage Gun That WORKS WELL
  • Why It Was Great: Long hikes and heavy backpacks would have made this a lifesaver. The massage gun would have provided much-needed relief and should have been packed from the start.
  1. The Travel Towel
  • Affiliate Link: The Better Travel Towel
  • Why It Was Great: Compact and quick-drying, this towel was an upgrade over traditional ones. I should have replaced the normal towel with this sooner.

The Regrets: What I Should Have Left Behind

  1. The Large Phone Mount
  • Why It Was a Mistake: Bulky, uncomfortable, and unstable, this phone mount took up too much space and was rarely used. A smaller, more versatile option would have been better.
  1. The Full-Sized Tripod
  • Why It Was a Mistake: Despite good intentions, the full-sized tripod was impractical. It was cumbersome and rarely used. A mini tripod would have sufficed and saved valuable space.
  1. The Camera and Extra Lens
  • Why It Was a Mistake: I ended up using my iPhone for most of the photos and videos. The camera and extra lens were unnecessary, adding weight and taking up space that could have been used more efficiently.

Lessons Learned

  • Pack Light, Pack Smart: Minimalism isn’t just about reducing items; it’s about choosing the right items. Opt for compact, versatile gear that you’ll actually use.
  • Prioritize Comfort: Long days of travel and exploration mean you need gear that enhances comfort, like a good massage gun for muscle relief.
  • Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, a minimalist approach means being adaptable. If you find something isn’t working, be prepared to adjust your packing list.

In hindsight, my minimalist packing approach was a mix of hits and misses. While I learned valuable lessons and discovered some great travel gear, there were also clear missteps. If you’re planning a similar adventure, take my experiences as a guide to streamline your packing process.

For more detailed reviews of the travel gear I used, check out the links above. And if you want to see the daily vlogs from my European journey, let me know in the comments!

Affiliate Links to Gear Mentioned:

If you want to see everything I originally brought live and in detail, check out this video!

Happy travels and may your packing be flawless!

What’s in My Minimalist Travel Bag for 30 Days in Europe?

Traveling across Europe for a month with just a backpack might sound daunting, but with careful planning and a minimalist approach, it’s entirely doable. Here’s a detailed look at what I’m packing and how I fit everything I need into one bag.

On My Person

Before we dive into the backpack, let’s start with what I carry on me:

  • Wallet: Essential for keeping cash and cards secure.
  • Pocket Notebook: A simple, inexpensive one from Walmart, perfect for jotting down thoughts or travel notes.
  • AirPods: For music and podcasts on the go.
  • 5-in-1 Charger: This versatile charger is a lifesaver. It attaches to my keychain and handles multiple devices.

Backpack Strap Accessory

On the strap of my backpack, I’ve attached a phone mount. This allows for easy access to my phone for quick photos or videos without having to dig into my bag.

Front Pocket (Clothes and Towel)

I keep all my clothes in the front pocket, organized with military folding techniques. Here’s what’s inside:

  • Three Pairs of Socks: Compact and easy to mix and match.
  • Midsize Towel: A space-saving option that dries most of the moisture off.
  • Two Pairs of Pants: One casual and one dressy.
  • Two Pairs of Shorts: For warmer days.
  • Three Shirts: One long sleeve, one casual black, and one dressy white button-up.
  • Hoodie: Worn around my waist in the airport to save space in the bag.

Extra space may be used for a back massager to ease travel fatigue.

Main Pocket (Camera Gear, Travel Essentials, Toiletries)

The main compartment is where I store most of my essentials:

  • Travel Tripod: A KF concept tripod that inverts to fit into the bag while extending up to 6 feet.
  • Laptop: A 15-inch MacBook (replacing soon with a 16-inch M1 Pro).
  • Travel Accessories: Including an all-in-one adapter and a versatile USB hub for charging multiple devices simultaneously.
  • DJI Microphone: Ideal for clear audio recording in various environments.
  • SD Card Case: Holds up to 512 GB of storage.
  • Miscellaneous Items: Toothbrush, deodorant, standard headphones, and a razor.
  • Ray-Ban Metas: Smart glasses with recording capabilities.
  • Sony A7C Camera: My main camera, compact and efficient.
  • Additional Chargers: Two 3-in-1 chargers for multiple device connections.
  • Sleep Headphones: For comfort during flights and noisy environments.
  • Toothbrush Charger: Essential for keeping my electric toothbrush ready.
  • Quick Release Mount and Lens: For easy setup and shooting versatility.

Side Pockets

In the side pockets, I keep:

  • Full iPhone Charger: For quick top-ups.
  • Quick Release Mount: Useful for attaching my phone to the tripod.

Final Thoughts

All of this fits comfortably into my Soul Guard backpack, also known as The Life Pack. It’s an older model, but still reliable. The packing process took under 20 minutes, thanks largely to efficient clothing organization. This setup will last me 30 days across Europe, proving that with the right approach, minimalism can be both practical and effective.

Affiliate Links: For your convenience, here are links to some of the products mentioned:

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more tips on minimalist packing. Happy travels!

5 Travel Accessories You’re Missing Out On

When it comes to travel, having the right accessories can make or break your experience. Whether it’s keeping your devices charged or ensuring a comfortable flight, these travel gadgets are designed to save you time, effort, and space. You might not know you need them yet, but once you try them, you won’t leave home without them! Let’s dive into five essential travel accessories, plus a mind-blowing product at the end that could completely change the way you travel and live.

1. The 5-in-1 USB Charger

Imagine carrying just one cable that can charge all your devices. Enter the 5-in-1 USB charger, a small but powerful solution for tech-savvy travelers. This device allows you to charge multiple devices, whether it’s your iPhone, Sony camera, or other gadgets, all from one cable. It features:

  • USB A or C on one side.
  • Lightning, Micro USB, and USB-C on the other.

What makes this cable incredible is the fact that it uses a lightning connector that can switch to Micro USB without any fiddling around. It’s also magnetized for easy storage on keychains. This durable, lightweight charger costs only $12 and comes with a lifetime warranty—so no matter how many times it breaks, you can always get a new one for free!

Imagine never worrying about your phone dying in the middle of a city or struggling to charge your camera battery. With this handy charger, you’re always covered, whether traveling abroad or living your day-to-day life.

Cost: $12
Why you need it: Never run out of power with a charger that works for all your devices.
Check it out: Keychain 5-in-1 USB Cord

2. MagSafe Battery Pack

Running out of battery while on the go is a common travel nightmare, but the MagSafe Battery Pack is here to save the day. This portable, magnetic battery pack sticks to the back of your iPhone, charging it wirelessly and providing the extra juice you need to navigate or stream videos on long trips.

Features:

  • Wireless charging with MagSafe technology.
  • LED lights that show the battery level.
  • Works as a phone stand for watching movies hands-free.

The slim design fits right into your pocket without being bulky. You can charge your phone while keeping it propped up, making it perfect for both entertainment and work during layovers. Charging your phone has never been easier—just attach it and you’re good to go!

Cost: $40
Why you need it: Always have a backup charge in a sleek, pocket-friendly design.
Check it out: MagSafe Phone Charger and Portable Stand

3. All-in-One Travel Adapter

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a travel adapter that works in different regions. This all-in-one adapter is the perfect solution—it has everything from EU and UK plugs to USA and Australian plugs, covering almost any country.

Features:

  • Multiple plug options for different regions.
  • Four USB-A ports and one USB-C port for charging up to five devices at once.

This adapter not only keeps your devices powered in any part of the world, but it also eliminates the need to carry multiple adapters. It’s incredibly compact, making it ideal for frequent travelers who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously.

Cost: $23
Why you need it: Power all your devices in any country with just one small gadget.
Check it out: Travel Adaptor Plug For All Countries +5 USB Slots

4. Retractable All-In-One Charging Cords

No more tangled cords in your luggage with these retractable charging cords! Each cord has three heads (Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning), allowing you to charge different devices at once.

Features:

  • Each cord extends up to four feet.
  • Can charge three devices at the same time.
  • Compact and easily retracts back into place.

These cords are perfect for those who travel with multiple devices, including smartphones, cameras, and tablets. For just $12, you get two retractable cords, which means you can charge up to six devices with ease. You’ll save space in your luggage and keep everything organized.

Cost: $12 (for two cords)
Why you need it: Charge multiple devices without the clutter.
Check it out: Retractable 3 in 1 USB Cords

5. MusiCozy Sleep Mask with Built-In Headphones

Now for the game changer—Music Cozy Sleep Mask with Built-in Bluetooth Headphones. If you’ve ever struggled to sleep on a plane or in a noisy hotel room, this is the perfect solution.

Features:

  • Soft, comfortable material designed for long wear.
  • Bluetooth headphones built into the mask, so you can listen to music, podcasts, or white noise.
  • Controls on the front to adjust volume and pause music easily.

Because the headphones don’t go directly into your ears, they’re much more comfortable for long-term use, especially when lying down. They also have excellent sound isolation, so you can sleep through almost anything. Whether you’re on a plane or in an unfamiliar hotel, this mask will help you sleep better, making your travel days more restful.

Cost: $25
Why you need it: Sleep better anywhere with built-in Bluetooth headphones.
Check it out: MusiCozy Sleep Mask Headphones

Conclusion

These five travel accessories are must-haves for anyone on the go. From staying powered up to getting better sleep on flights, these gadgets are designed to improve your travel experience. You’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them!

Ready to upgrade your travel game? Check out those affiliate links above to get your hands on these affordable yet life-changing accessories. Safe travels!

Disclaimer: All links above are affiliate links so I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this small blog!