Master Minimalist Travel: Expert Secrets for Stress-Free Packing with Only Carry-On Luggage
- Tara Busch
- Dec 23, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
As the founder of a boutique travel company, I spend 3-5 months a year on the road, rarely staying more than two weeks in a single location. When I'm not traveling for work, I'm at my home office in Brooklyn—so my life oscillates between two extremes. Over the years, I've developed a system that creates ease amid the chaos.
The Art of Minimalist Travel Packing
The key isn't just what I pack — it's how I pack. I'm obsessed with packing cubes and sealable bags for organization: one bag for socks, one for swimwear, one for fitness gear, one for tops, one for bottoms... (you get the idea). This system lets me keep my suitcase essentially packed, pulling out only what I need for shorter stays. As a minimalist packer, I don't want to bring too much, mostly because I've discovered that the stress of moving from place to place with too much baggage can be eliminate with a few extra steps pre-travel to pack with intention, and a heathly dose of reality checks. I've made countless mistakes along the way, but over time learned what I use, and what never leaves the suitcase (Hello to my jogging shorts). Trial and error, along with learning from others, and I can confidently say I'm very pleased with the system I've developed, and even happier to share my tips with YOU!
A Minimalist Packer's Luggage Setup: My favorite tip of all!
I always travel with one wheeled carry-on luggage, plus a small duffel with a sleeve that allows it to sit securely on top. This combo is a real winner because;
Both are lightweight enough for me to carry
I don't often hire drivers, and need to manage going up and down stairs, onto train platforms, or into public trolleys. My two-part luggage systems means I can easily disassemble my one large rolling ensemble into two small pieces for ease and mobility.
I can organize each bag thematically
Duffel has toiletries and work items, plus all my chargers
Luggage has shoes, and clothes all in separate packing bags, fit together like a game a Tetris and always placed back in the same position for quick repacking
My carry-on suitcase for the last 3 years has been a London Fog, soft side, expandable roller. It's relatively inexpensive, yet has been durable, and I like that large single sized opening, versus some bags with two packable sides. This is a similar version. I also like the Dange Dover neoprene carryall duffel, mine is the "weekender" size, similar to this version.
A Travel CEO's Go-To Wardrobe Essentials
Packing for long trips means there are sure to be items that will only be needed for part of the trip. When I left home in late March of 2025, NYC, like Europe, was still in the chilly temps of winter. On this particular trip I visited six countries with various climates, over three months - all with just my carry-on luggage! Obviously, I didn't need my winter trench coat anymore by the time I reached the end of the trip in Mid-June! But for the first 6-7 weeks I wore it daily.
Versatility is everything, however, you'll need to make some compromises; Like a big bulky coat you absolutely need, even if only for half the trip. Since I attend meetings and go out with colleagues, I want to look put together but I can't afford the space to pack lots of outfits, not to mention the bulk of dress shoes!
For minimalist packing, versatility is everything, however, you'll need to make some compromises
After many fails, and much packing regret, here's what I've found that works - From a minimalist packing pro:
Long skirts have become my secret weapon. I wear them with boots and tights when it's cold, or sandals when it's warm.
An oversized, high-quality wool sweater - this gets worn almost daily! I'll pair it with different undershirts—sometimes collared, sometimes not. I'll drape it over my shoulders or tuck it in my purse for evening temperature drops. PRO MOVE: Sweaters are bulky, so only bring one.
A sleeveless dress - when paired with a lightweight long-sleeved turtleneck this simple item becomes incredibly versatile. PRO MOVE: The turtleneck works alone too and takes virtually no space.
The Vuori Villa wide-leg pant has been a game-changer. I can wear thick cotton tights underneath without static issues, wear them alone, or even with a cropped top or swimsuit. PRO MOVE: Always pack tights! Pants with tights will get through a cold night comfortably, plus they dress up shorts to go from day to night looking chic
Avoid packing jeans—today's wide-leg cuts are too bulky. In the skinny jean era it was doable, but now I opt for thinner materials and find other ways to stay warm. I refuse to wear leggings in Europe unless it's a travel day or I'm actually working out.
Tech Essentials for Minimalist Packing
A charged phone is non-negotiable, so a power backup comes on every trip, despite the extra weight it adds.
I use a converter-adapter combo rather than bringing separate items. This one from TUMI comes with a two-year warranty.
I bring old-school bulky headphones because I want people to know I'm in a meeting or on a call—earbuds don't make it obvious. Compared to the US, working in public spaces like cafés or hotel lobbies is far less typical in some places I travel, and the headphones make it clear I'm otherwise occupied. They're also great for flights.
In true minimalist fashion, I've held on to my headphones since 2016 by repairing rather than replacing when the ear cushions wore out.
My blow-dryer is what I consider a splurge item to pack, but on long trips, my hair appreciates it! Be sure your dryer operates with dual voltage, or you could damage your device by using it in a European plug, the Buttercup from Dry Bar is great for USA and Europe.
A Crucial Packing Lesson Learned the Hard Way:
Last year I shattered my phone screen while traveling alone. I had no printed itinerary and desperately needed the details on my phone. I was so grateful I had my laptop as well, which could do everything my phone could do. I've enabled WhatsApp on both devices, which is essential for real-time communication with my contacts abroad. It took three days to get my phone repaired (the incident happened on the cusp of a three-day weekend in a country without an Apple Store).
The takeaway: Solo travelers should always have a backup tech item that links to their phone—a tablet or laptop. With so much of our lives existing digitally, it's really a must.
Packing for Wellness
Maybe the most challenging piece to pack for, taking care of your energy, spirit and personal wellness while maintaining a busy travel schedule. As the founder and CEO of this company, I'm mindful of maximizing each trip's investment. But I also know it's a marathon, not a sprint, my personal self-care is essential to achieving my goals. I've learned time and again, my extensive scouting trips are so much more fruitful when I'm meeting local partners and feeling my best self, not falling asleep from exhaustion.
Because I often need to be available evenings in Europe to meet with US clients, I give myself the mornings to relax, walk, sightsee, do yoga in my room, or meditate. My local Brooklyn yoga studio offers $25/month digital access. I really love this option because it's familiar and feels like home. I struggle to finish YouTube classes by either getting distracted, or just losing interest, so I'll let myself wrap up early which means I don't get the full benefit as I intended. I've found it's different with my studio's online classes, I stay longer, even if I don't complete the full hour, become I'm practicing like I would in the studio with familiar voices that allow me to channel home from afar!
I always start my morning with coffee, a piece of fruit or yogurt, and journaling. Writing out what I'm feeling, witnessing the ups and downs, particularly the growth, is a powerful ritual. Going back to see when I went from frustrated and tired, to inspired reminds me to hang in there on difficult days. I also love starting the day away from any technology .... I always glance at my WhatsApp to look for urgent messages, but once that is done, its tech free while I sip coffee and journal.
My minimalist packing go-to's always include my journal and favorite pen, virtual yoga subscription and a room with a coffee maker. I always start with a mini spruce up on my space to make it feel cozier for my stay, no matter how short the stay!
I love markets and cooking, so a wonderful way to feel at ease is to shop and cook something simple. I'll buy myself a little bouquet of flowers, light a candle, and make my temporary space feel like mine. Personalizing a space is a small comfort I always work on immediately when arriving somewhere new. I might clear the nightstand of clutter, set out my electronics, or put away some clothes; just a few small steps to make the space feel more settled in to. It takes only a few minutes but really does make a difference in creating a comfortable space for myself.
Find Your Travel Community
I belong to a few virtual communities with women across global time zones, and this is a lifeline to staying connected and grounded. These spaces invite vulnerability with a come-as-you-are mentality. I love showing up from wherever I am and instantly feeling a sense of home. I know travelers who join book club meetings, or facetime with friends to stay connected and encourage anyone traveling to see where they can find connection to people outside of social media, but in real time experiences, even if virtual, it goes a long way in easing any loneliness you might feel.
I hear from travelers who must wrestle their own travel daydreams with fears from the trusted people in their lives. These voices are not wrong to have concerns; travel should be ventured into from an informed place, and ideally with expertise and support (sorry ChatGPT). Yet here is an example of an intangible we also need... our cheering section! Our team of folks who’ll celebrate with us.
Travel is always a little daunting, a little scary, anything unknown and unfamiliar will always be. Travelers need their community to say, “of course you're nervous, but aren’t you excited too?” If you are a traveler, and don't have this in your life, I suggest you go find it! Travel has led me to finding some of the most meaningful communities I’ve been a part of, and I never stop being grateful.
The Best Tip of All
One important thing I remind myself each time I'm en-route to the airport: All I really need is my laptop, phone, credit card, and passport. Everything else I can pick up if I need. Knowing that always makes me take a deep breath and relax into the journey.
To get started on your very own, immersive, connected and conscious travel itinerary, completely personalized for YOU! Get in touch with our design team for a complimentary planning call!
The author of this blog is the Founder of Conscious Travel Collective, Tara Busch.
Hey there!
I’m Tara, the founder of Conscious Travel Collective. After years in the travel industry and loving the opportunity to connect travelers with the world, I was struggling. Part of what troubled me was the absence of a critical element that makes travel so special - which is genuine, reciprocal, authentic connection!
Connection with places, through the people that live there.
So, with much intention, I started Conscious Travel Collective to offer folks travel that connects. We design personalized experiences for sustainable, ethical travel that creates genuine connection for travelers and host alike!
If you're asking us, this is exactly what travel should be!
For more on our approach to private travel head over to our homepage. We are so happy to welcome you!
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