10 Essential Travel Packing Tips & Hacks - Minimalist Traveling

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Want more travel packing tips? Check out this NEW video we made for extra light minimalist travel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4HGo3-NoN2Nic0

[@AudreyNataliaKosmar]

Exploring Alternatives you can also get solid shampoo to avoid bringing dr bronners liquid soap 😊

[@jleviathan9766]

Haha carrying a bar of soap has helped me a whole lot. No trouble with liquids at airports and you can just use it to wash literally anything, instead of packing multiple little bottles of shampoo, body wash, etc etc, really convenient and takes up practically no space whatsoever, can even fit it in my pocket lol

[@Maraaha55]

Jules Leviathan and - guess what - it's what we did in the olden days 😆

[@silviahoard2412]

Which bar soap do you use?

[@angr268]

scan your passports and mail them to yourselves, anything happens you can have acces to them with your phone or at any local cheap cyber cafe

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing this with everyone :)

[@CharlieGosh]

I carry multiple color photocopies for everyone of the photo page in different luggage pieces. The most important detail for getting a replacement is the passport NUMBER so put that in your cellphone contacts and take a photo, too.

[@bonniea8189]

I would NOT recommend sending your personally identifiable information in any unencrypted electronic communication. If you're going to use an electronic method of carrying your passport/ID or any other PII with you, make sure it's encrypted. Google how to send an encrypted email with your particular email service or app.

[@windwaik3r689]

Agreed, unless you know what you're doing don't email these things. Thousands of people have their information stolen if they use this method. Not to mention many Western countries are picky about passports these days and simply won't accept electronic variants unless carried through an official government channel. And a cheap cyber cafe with an unsecured network is just one way this can occur.

[@dawncadee1877]

Angr. 268 ii

[@hieronymusboschful]

I absolutely agree about the postcards, that is what I do too. I do try and buy a book at each major destination though, for me it is a perfect souvenir, as I get something from a local writer. And if I can’t add to my luggage I just post it home.

[@RVingLiveTheDream]

We have been traveling 8 years and have most of this stuff. Love the collapsing water bottle and the water Purifier

[@TheLotusrising]

Thanks for video, I was so happy to hear about the SteriPen as when we go to South America for a month we always have to drink bottled or pop so great option to explore. Matt mentioned he was weary of the dry shampoo so wanted to mention Lush has a shampoo soap, so it is a dry soap bar that turns into shampoo when wet and it feels great

[@carmengarrison1314]

To bathe when you don't have access to facilities instead of wet wipes: Fill small zip lock baggie with 1/4 cup of warm water. Add 4 to 5 drops lavender essential oil. Add travel wash cloth - we get the really thin ones that dry super fast. Purge air, seal and agitate so wash cloth soaks up the water. Remove cloth and gently squeeze. Start with face, then scalp, then wash everything else. No rinse needed and you will feel and smell fantastic when you are done. Hang baggie and towel to dry, re-use next time.

[@galelascala105]

Great tip!

[@ExtraJexi]

Oil and water do not mix. Using essential oil without diluting or using an emulsifier can lead to sensitization or Allergic Contact Dermatitis. I learned from experience to practice safe essential oil usage. You could add some baby wash to the bag.

[@MoonaGhost_kitty]

Essential oil should not be used on the face!

[@BaileyAllen14]

If I can back ANYTHING in this video, it’s dr. broners soap. It’s SO SO SO versatile, good for hair, body, laundry, dishes, ETC and it lasts forever, especially since you //need// to dilute it!

[@shaun6828]

I like to put it in a travel size mouthwash bottle. They're cheap, durable, designed to contain a thin liquid, and the childproof caps help prevent the lids from coming loose accidentally... At least those bottles work better than any others I've found so far. Lotions or thicker liquid soap seems fine in a silicone / soft plastic squishy bottle... For extra small bottles, I've re-used those little hand sanitizer bottles. Good for holding quite a bit worth of face washing soap or lotion.

[@mirkwoodforest6572]

Another piece of travel equipment that I have is a money belt. It's a normal looking leather belt I had custom made by Sharkskin, a small company in Point Edward, Ontario for $90. It is a great belt that has a small section with a slat in it that can hold $300 (3*$100).

[@munnak3695]

I really genuinely like you two.

[@artistknownasfinn1691]

I mentioned on another youtube video, but grab a water nebulizer/mister. I make my own disinfecting spray that's alcohol based. You use the same oils I do to make a mix for odor control clothes, deodorant, antibiotic, fungus killer. And unlike the aerosol disinfectant sprays that waste multiple cans you can reuse the nebulizer on your body and still use it to cool yourself off with. Great video.

[@JenShea]

Great tips 😊. I got into Audibles a couple of years ago because I do a lot of road trips and enjoyed listening while I was driving... AND because I could enjoy a story while my husband was asleep (thanks headphones). I not only sent postcards home when I was in Europe this winter, I collected them for myself. Inexpensive and easy to pack! I like the solid soaps (thanks Lush) for traveling... for one thing, it isn't a liquid if you are flying... and they last a really long time but the Dr. banners is great too because of the environment. As for the health tips. It's great that you shared these (people can do their own research if they are sceptical, or stick to pharmaceuticals...) BUT, I can say, for certain, the oils WORK! I've been using OIL of OREGANO since 2004, ever since my mother-in-law gave it to me when I had a cold and I can tell you that I have NEVER had a full blown cold since except one time when I was out of it and couldn't get any where I was. It's always in my purse and it WORKS!!

[@isabstmr]

Don't forget Melaleuca Tea tree oil for rashes, mosquito bites, scratches and cuts. Great tips.

[@mountainwit]

Great tips, especially about reducing waste as you travel. For water treatment, I also like to bring a mini filter, since it can remove bad taste/smells/sediment from water as well as making it safe to drink. We used a double-up system in SE Asia with filter first, then UV treatment, and were able to drink tap water everywhere without any problems. When once we used only the UV, the water was safe but tasted like a sewer! So we filtered it, and it came out fresh and clean.

[@Dervishcolorado]

Just thought I would add something I picked up over the last few years traveling. Instead of carrying both the detergent bar and the Dr Bronner, just carry some Dr Bronner bar soap, you can use it to clean your clothes and yourselves. Lighten the load a bit. Great video, safe travels

[@jocelynwolters293]

Enjoyed these tips. A great alternative to wet wipes are Norwex wash cloths. We use the baby type for travel as they are smaller. But all of them have an antibac property and are self sanitizing thereby reducing waste and washing.

[@GlammyBee]

Great video! I know Audible sponsors your channel, but for people trying to save money, many libraries not only offer ebooks but they're now offering audio books as well. I download both formats to my phone from my library and it's great since I'm already carrying my phone anyway.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Glammy Bee thank you for sharing this comment! Yes, we've got free audio and ebooks at our library as well! Audible only sponsored that one part of the video (not the whole channel) but I still mentioned the free ebooks so that people know there are alternatives. One thing I have noticed, with my library at least, is that there are long wait times and/or a lack of selection in audio books (maybe because it's a new service?) so it's nice to know that there's more than one place to get audio books. Thanks so much for watching!

[@robintess7981]

Glammy Bee l

[@galihwahyutomo2769]

I wish you could show us your backpack. And how to organize them as tidy as possible... Thanks very informative videos. 👍

[@aaronhowell2011]

Hey guys! Please remember, the UV pen is great and helps with pathogens. You need a filter for heavy metals. I use a 22oz ZeroWater Tumbler, but Brita has a good bottle too!

[@JonandEva]

Great video! Good for you for having it sponsored, but you missed such a great opportunity to use affiliate links! Include Amazon affiliate links to all the things you use and it will really help out, especially with so many views! I would even say it would be worth it to add links under this video since you're guaranteed to get a pretty steady stream of views on it in the future. Wish you all the best!

[@amberengland61475]

Great video!

[@katrineboucher]

Merveilleuse vidéo ! Merci ! Vous m'avez fait pensé à de nombreuses alternatives pour mon voyage en Nouvelle-Zélande ! Le concept de la barre de savon m'a renversé! C'est tellement simple et facile hehe

[@MagentaLooks]

This video kicks ass! I'm excited to subscribe. :)

[@yahoodlums]

I recommend using a kindle paperwhite as your e-reader. You should be able to download all of your books as pdfs or ebooks. It's easier on the eye than an iPod and the battery life is ridiculous. Love your channel. Please keep up the good work!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching @ray dollars :) Great suggestion about the e-reader! We're going to see how the eBook and audio book experiment works (I'm pretty attached to physical books lol) but if we decide that it's a good long term solution then I'll look into getting a used one. Happy exploring!!

[@arckocsog253]

ray dollars The reading experience is almost the same. Once you get lost in a book, you don't notice the difference. Also, old kindles come with an option to listen to audiobooks. You can pick up a good used Kindle for $50 on ebay.

[@annelisabethcom]

Exploring Alternatives, I used to use a Touch for reading e-books. I stopped when I realized it messed up my sleep. Went to a Kobo and have never looked back.

[@xdnqnvxdnqnv]

Thanks for this tips my friend!

[@monicadaley89]

Thank you for all the tips, they are all very helpful.

[@loganholmberg2295]

FYI another good tip for ebooks, is that if you own the Kindle version of a book you can usually get the Audible version of the book for $3 to $6. Go to the match maker at this link www.amazon.com/gp/audible/matchmaker. Great way to get both versions of a book and save allot of money.

[@Susazeu]

I usually pack a small ipad instead of the ipod touch so I can store music, photos and books in epub format.

[@alexbunn1905]

Well yes a zip lock bag will keep splash off, but that doesn’t make it waterproof. As a kayaker I’ve learned this from friends. If you need something that is actually waterproof you can get water sports specific waterproof pouches, which although are a bit more bulky than a zip lock bag are actually a lot more effective

[@CrankyBubushka]

Thank you so much for this info. I am not traveling right now, but maybe in the future :) The go-to for me and feeling sick is Aspirin though lol :)

[@horseenthusiast1250]

I do all my laundry by hand, and I just use Dr. Bronner’s soap for it. It works well, even with the washboard, so you could cut down the space by not taking a big laundry bar.

[@vinuthachandrasheker207]

thanks for suggestions

[@jenniewren9351]

It surprises me that you use wipes as majority of these are made mostly from plastic.

[@ahmedalam5048]

7. Food and Snacks Food and snacks at airports and in touristy areas is usually overpriced and not necessarily healthy. We try to pack our own food and snacks as much as possible (sandwiches, granola bars, hummus and crackers, oatmeal, roasted nuts, etc.) but it's important to check the rules about what you can bring and where. Do airlines allow you to carry these pots with food in them?

[@treefloraken8263]

I recommend soap berries, aka soap nuts. They are a great way to wash clothes!

[@calebneal2274]

I just bought those headphones thats crazy

[@francisa751]

I will keep this video tips to future travels.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great! Happy to hear the video might be helpful. Best of luck in your futur travels :)

[@mikegunnerson]

where did you get the metal food container?? love the video!

[@KuJoPlease]

Very helpful!

[@CaitlinSewsSometimes]

In contrast to another commenter, I actually enjoyed the last tip. It's nice to see more people talk about natural medicine :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Caitlin Smulders thanks for the positive feedback ❤️

[@abdulmuti1]

I agree.

[@VitruvianVision]

@the ipod and making typing a little more effective.. a roll up keyboard like this might be useful. www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wireless-Roll-Up-Keyboard-Tablet/dp/B004MNFXWQ

[@rameshraman6511]

Caitlin Smulders I

[@BagznBirdz]

The ginger is a smart move, it really changed my life when I discovered it! I used to get such bad motion sickness (bus, car, plane, boat, you name it) but after finding ginger things have gotten so much better. Love it! My travel pharmacy always also contains honey sticks, aloe vera and tea tree oil. Tea tree is especially beneficial as it works for skin problems, antibacterial for sanitizing or cleansing small wounds etc and bug repellent.

[@gaelle4510]

It's a great video ! It talk to everyone even me who travel a few time a year but it really help particulary the electronics and the health / médecin part ! Can you'll tell us what was the worst problem you had and how you solve them like health or passeport loose ? thanks you for all of this inspiring content. A french fan :)

[@ariageraghty]

Will you do a video on the types of food you can bring? No nuts and produce takes away 90% of my go to snacks some other idea would be helpful!

[@margueritevandersloot9094]

Impressed with your meds. I also use melaleuca oil. And homeopathic remedies for ease.

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Most excellent, practical tips!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks! Happy you found them helpful :)

[@Selakss]

LOL suppositories....thanks for keeping it real 😊

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! Doesn't come up very often but it's nice to have that in your bag just in case :)

[@0HARE]

Thanks for all the great tips. They are very well researched and presented. We already do many of these things. I'm interested in the bar of laundry soap. I have never seen this in a store. Is there a brand I can look for? Happy Trails

[@michellel.4691]

I also learned the ziplock trick the hard way: while living in India for a year my passport began to get moldy... (my country's passports are hardcover made out of a textil-like material....)

[@jojo_is_a_go5893]

Powdered toothpaste! Only other thing I could think of. Perfect vid.

[@totallydoablefamilyadventu8130]

Thank you. Some great tips here

[@jilliand6591]

how does that water purifier work? it looks suspiciously like snake oil to me.

[@elliottmcollins]

UV light can kill a lot of the pathogens in water, but only in water that's clear and otherwise clean. I can't speak to whether the steripen is powerful enough.

[@CrankyBubushka]

I admit, that I am suspicious of it. I would think something with a filter would be more beneficial.

[@Windkisssed]

Jillian D and anybody else....A glass of water is a perfect environment for the UV light treatment. Additionally, as he mentioned, clear water, as the UV needs to reach every aspect of the bacteria. Also, don't forget that this water is intended for the digestive system which, in turn, has its own plan of defense. However, when it comes to surgery, there is no way for light to reach every area of the surgical sight. That is why solutions are optimal. Its just common sense, for surgery we need the best, the safest.....for the digestive system, this is a simple "alternative" to avoid untasteful​ chemical treatments.

[@kellys1458]

I have a steripen that I use for backpacking trips. It is lightweight and works really well, except in extreme cold (the battery freezes). I've never gotten sick from drinking water purified with my UV pen. It is able to kill bacteria, protozoan cysts and even viruses. The trick is to only gather moving water, like from a natural stream or from a faucet. NEVER use stagnant water, foamy water, or water that smells or looks terrible. Also run the water through clean cheesecloth or a bandana to filter out as much sediment as possible. Next, use a glass or plastic bottle that is no larger than 1 liter and is transparent; the UV will not work properly in an opaque or larger vessel. In the video he does not mention that you have to stir the UV pen in the water for several minutes. It is much less tedious than pump water filters, results in better tasting water than iodine tablets, and is a lot more fun to carry around with you than a gut full of giardia or e-coli ;)

[@aaronhowell2011]

UV damages DNA strands so that pathogens can't replicate. The important thing to remember is you still need to filter the water. If lead, aluminum (full list of common heavy metals found in water below) are in the water, the UV won't help remove. UV only works for pathogens. Always filter AND use UV as well. I use a ZeroWater Tumbler when I travel to eliminate heavy metals. I don't work for them, I just love the product. www.zerowater.com/comparison-chart.php

[@MichelleNovalee]

Psyllium husks for constipation. Works incredibly fast and all natural! Just carry some in a little jar with you and mix with water.

[@DessertGeek]

For travel I've become a huge fan of polyester/wrinkle resistant dresses. I have a few by local designers that are ridiculously lightweight, can crumple into tiny balls in my pack, and make me look put together even when I don't necessarily feel like it. (Because sometimes you need to look nice with five minutes' warning while on vacation.)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's smart! I'm glad you've found a solution that works for you and your travel style! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@chrisi8605]

Seattle Dessert Geek if you want to splurge try silk dresses for hot climates! :) I had a long sleeve one that felt like I was wearing nothing in hot humid climate. totally more breathable than polyester :)

[@sandersk2605]

On electronics, a powerbank is crucial, atleast to me. A working phone/flashlight is your lifeline

[@sleddy01]

Install maps.me on your cell phone and you can use it over gps without a data connection. Just make sure to download the specific area map while you still have a connection.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Great tips.

[@treefloraken8263]

I’m curious about the Fels Naptha. First, couldn’t you use the Dr. Bronners to wash clothing, and just skip the FN? Or is there something about it that makes it better for clothing? Also, how do you used the FN? do you grate it, or just rub it on the clothes? I have a recipe to make laundry soap with it, but I’m curious if it would work fine just on it’s own. Do you have a washboard that you use, or just your hands?

[@AW-kg7ck]

Very well informed review really enjoyed it :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

I'm happy you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching and happy travels😀

[@rachelm7525]

You seem like such a nice young couple, and I hope we meet you on our travels one day! Who knows?! 😃

[@rubis262]

Hong Ngoc LeThanks a lot for your useful video!! Can you tell me the brand of the portable water purifier that you’re using? Or give me some recommendations about this tool?

[@esthert8715]

super helpful!

[@PhiltonPhillips]

Hmmm... no weapons? What about the zombie apocalypse and/or financial collapse? (ಠ_x) ༼☉

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! Good point, we forgot to add that ;)

[@annelisabethcom]

Phil LeBlanc, knives are illegal to carry in many countries. So I advise against bringing any type of weapon unless you've researched the country and know for sure it'd legal.

[@PhiltonPhillips]

Thanks Ann : D

[@xd_sinatra3891]

Take an 8 ball and screw some Paracord to it. One good hit and it gets lodged into the skull. Maybe mod it so you can take the Paracord off. Discreet 😂

[@abhijeetpandey4661]

Lol

[@theminimalistninja]

Random but funny! I once got thrown into a pool along with my passport and phone. Both items needed to dry and guess what? My phone was still working and my passport was fine! 😌 Great tip with the plastic though as it prevents it from getting all nasty! I have to look up the steripen! sounds awesome! fabulous video, such great tips! 🙌

[@theminimalistninja]

ps: I swear by oregano oil! it's amazing!! 🌈

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Awesome!! We always carry some with us and it's come in handy so many times! Thanks for watching Minimalist Ninja :)

[@angiepiraino1757]

Great idea 👋but don’t forget to make a copy of your passport too

[@catalinaungureanu1558]

How do use it exactly, as well as the others, please?

[@nicolecondor5337]

The Minimalist Ninja I'm personally more concerned with the heavy chemicals in the water and not just the bacteria, I think I'd only use that if I was in a very rural environment that probably isn't affect by a large population

[@barnstar2077]

Cheers for making a very frank video, it was very informative!

[@HenriqueRebello]

This video is about to travel without any comfort...

[@itssugarfree]

I like to get a local SIM for my pocket wifi as a preference to using free wifi - public networks are NOT safe.

[@hrnekbezucha]

I could smell an audible plug from miles away. They're literally throwing money at everyone now. just to clarify I do enjoy your videos. And making money for what you like doing is legit. But if you travel the last thing is to flatten your phone battery with unnecessary usage. Get a kindle which will last for weeks.

[@Video-Games-Are-Fun]

kindle does not have a flashlight, nor does it play games or movies like an iphone, nor does it do instagram (something their canon camera also doesn't) to upload and share pics right away instead of going onto a computer. they can travel with a lot less weight and bulk.

[@drgnarm]

@@Video-Games-Are-Fun Kindle Fire can do all of that, so Hrnek is essentially correct.

[@DonnaDoveWinters]

I would rather do all things on one device than buy another electronic thingy. My phone battery already lasts 2 days with heavy data use. That's plenty long enough for flights and that kind of thing. Pair that with an external battery pack and I'm really good to go

[@luc1ferblack]

@@DonnaDoveWinters no just no

[@DonnaDoveWinters]

@@luc1ferblack Why? I've flown to Asia and Europe plenty of times with more than enough juice. Please explain your issue

[@luc1ferblack]

get a kindle it holds thousands of books and the battery lasts a month. get a plenue d for music it has a 100 hr battery. keep your phone for the important stuff. Reading books on a phone will hammer its battery and leave you in trouble when you need it most plus it will probably give you eye strain. Dont listen to anyone saying one device for everything. for communications internet and pictures a phone is great

[@misterhot9163]

They had me at "suppository "

[@vengers2012]

This was in 2017... That's a lot of books when you can just use the internet like for your destination guide.

[@arviarvi491]

Nice love this

[@mara3842]

I make my own dry shampoo -- definitely cheaper than buying it from the store! Great video you guys.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

That's great. It's definitely cheaper and has less weird ingredients :) Thanks for watching!

[@tiffanyshacole8171]

Where can you find a water bottle purifier??

[@kevint6757]

A great way to reduce your footprint on the earth would be to step in front of a bus. It's a win for everyone.

[@theecoveganhouse5300]

loved this video. Was wondering how you go taking the essential oils through customs, do you have any problems with it?

[@photophil]

I like that you try to reduce waste, very environmentally conscious, great! :)

[@tams805]

No filter for your water purification? UV treatment does a good job, but it doesn't get rid of particles, which at best aren't nice, and at worst are quite harmful.

[@glambycheryl212]

Tams80 you can use bandana etc to filter out particles

[@grouch314]

glam75 that's really not efficient though. Ideally UV should be used with a sawyer or lifestraw to filter out particulates

[@billsmith6884]

Try filtering it.

[@Fanny-vt2zw]

Where did you get that for container??

[@cocobunjee6676]

Annoying advertising. You take far too much - as a result of the paid advertising no doubt. Ignore this folks. Thumbs down.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Hi and thanks for your comment. I'm sorry that you feel that way about the advertisement. I understand it can be a little annoying but that's how we are able to finance the channel and keep creating videos. Are you finding that we have too many sponsored videos or are you talking more about the KZbin adds? Thanks for your feedback :)

[@amamalala]

100% with you on the Souvenirs. My post card collection is amazing for memories and framed in the family portrait gallery. NO knick knacks allowed. Very nice information. Thanks.

[@FoxesontheGo]

Thanks for the tips. We travel quite a bit but could always use advice to make our travels easier and packing more efficient. - Michelle :)

[@julians.2597]

@explorign alternatives, I hope you know that it only kills bacteria and doesnt protect you from DANGEROUS particles that are in the water such as haevy metals and chemicals emitted by factories? I'm honestly concerned about your health there

[@ChasingEverywhere]

Been binging on travel hack videos this week. Super helpful, thank you guys!

[@ellamarie9429]

Have you tried probiotics for constipation?

[@ellenwise83]

Great video. It was nice to see such a realistic approach. 😊 Just a question, and I hope I'm not getting too personal/creepy, what about feminine products/hygine? Has it been more of a challenge while on the road? I would love for Danielle to do a video about what it's like to be a girl and living the van life. 🚐 Thanks! I love your content! ❤

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching, Ellen! I would have loved to share about the feminine products I use but I wasn't sure if it was the right video to talk about it in. I use a Diva cup for most of my cycle, and then switch to luna pads when it lightens up near the end. The cup is great everywhere but the luna pads are a bit awkward in the van because I don't have a sink to soak them in/when water is scarce. I'm curious about the period proof underwear that's been advertised everywhere but since I've already got the cup & pads, I don't think I'll spend the extra money right now. I hope that helps! Take care and happy exploring!

[@beccajanestclair]

A girl on one of my travel groups soaks her pad with water and soap and then puts it into a ziplock bag and uses the bag to squish it around to keep her pads wet.soaking until she can wash them.

[@sundogstudioArt]

What brand of laundry soap bar are you using? I also rely on hand-washing my clothes when I travel (Icebreakers Merino wool T-shirts are AMAZING). I like the idea of using a bar because of weight and restrictions on liquids. Happy Trails and thanks for sharing.

[@PhiltonPhillips]

Good stuff guys! That SteriPEN is cool, is it expensive?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks man! I think it's around $100. Not too bad for what you get I think...it's good for around 8 thousand cycles :)

[@PhiltonPhillips]

Not bad at all! Thanks for replying!!

[@Susazeu]

I don't trust that one bit. Ah, instead of a rigid water bottle get a foldable one. They're tough, maybe won't last that long, but when not in use they don't take up space.

[@33Jenesis]

Dr Bronner sells bar soaps. I use it for everything from hair to clothing. Solid oil is also what I use from face to toes, not cream or moisturizer. In a pinch I use salt as toothpaste. I have all the numbers (cc card theft preventing and embassy) and addresses, copy of passport/cc cards, any confirmation or insurance info on a draft form saved in my email. I still have a hard copy of the same in case I can’t quickly get to email. Headlamp is very handy and useful, never leave home without it. Also a small compass is good to have tethered to my handbag. I used to have 7 audio books in my iPod. Now I use OverDrive to borrow library books to listen or read on my iPad. I also take photos of trail map at the trail head. I take screen shots of Google map routes to have a reference in case WiFi isn’t available when I am out. I take one tee, one fleece 1/4 zip, one tank, one thin merino wool sweater, one scarf, one beanie, one pair of pants (not jeans), and one pair of leggings. I have one soft bra and 2 panties. 2 pair of socks (toe socks and thin merino wool socks). One jacket. One pair of flip flops. One pair of sturdy shoes or light ankle boosts I wear and another light weight running sneakers for city walking. I can go from hot to high 30s for a month. If I got tired of something I just find a charity shop to buy something “new” and leave something behind. I also get umbrellas from charity shops, too. I am not really a rain jacket person. Umbrella is better at rain proofing unless in gale force wind.

[@TGFTheGuidingFactor]

Nice and informative!!..

[@otterwhitewaterider7812]

excellent advice in a neat, concise presentation! thank you so much!

[@grzesiek2321]

Thanks for the tips, I'm testing my minimalist travel setup right now. Things I think are handy: waterproof poncho, small first aid kit, multitool, small repair/survival kit, foldable basin(gearbest) and powerbank :)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for sharing your favourite minimalist packing items. Those are all great suggestions! I hadn't seen that foldable basin before. Looks really cool!! Take care and happy exploring!

[@astrog8tr]

Much prefer the Kindle to iphone to read. It's a better size and stores zillions of books. I would also consider tearing out pages of a travel guide. I wouldn't bother with a simple point and shoot, current iPhones, etc. take better pictures (unless you are going underwater). However a very small camera like the Sony RX100 is super nice.

[@jessibertic5084]

such a great video! Haha we do EXACTLY the same thing.. we have metal lunch boxes, water bottles, bring our own grocery bag.... the part I found to be most useful is the natural health remedies. I definitely am a natural health type person. I would love to see a video that goes just a little bit more in depth on staying healthy naturally while travelling!

[@mgtogno]

this not minimalist...its just being cheap...-.- I travel at least 6 months a year, I am a minimalist for over 2 years...and I dont carry so many things, and I dont need to improvise for "days in between showers" whats that suppose to mean? u just dont shower for a few days? u guys camp? like literally walking and sleeping on the streets around the globe? if yes...thats pretty cool and it will explain a lot.

[@Video-Games-Are-Fun]

data plans do not exist for ipod touch. that is only for a cell-capable device like an ipad. also a single powerful iphone x can replace the journal, the ipod touch, the flashlight, the map and of course the camera. you could be traveling much lighter than this. especially now in 2018 where similar android phones can do it all (samsung s9 is coming in february).

[@IndigoBluelife]

LOVE TRAVELING MINIMALISTIC!!! I travel only with a 20 litter backpack. and its the BEST!!!

[@yohanalisa4824]

thankyou! such an informative and a very helpful one! you guys also explained it clearly so its not confusing at all and i understand it right away! (non-english audience here). No more having hard times on doing my packing for traveling!

[@ar2nl]

congratulations! very practical and helpful your video. And you speak very clear and not too fast (very important for an international audience of non-native speakers of English). Go on amigos!

[@rainydaylady6596]

Great advice and information! Can you get the metal food container through security at airports, etc.?

[@ExploringAlternatives]

So far so good with the metal container. They usually ask us to open it up for them. We've had more problems with a harmonica lol. Thanks for watching!

[@rainydaylady6596]

A harmonica! Lol Maybe they're afraid you'll want to serenade the passengers. 😊

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Haha! Maybe :) :)

[@macbain59]

Not lugging around 4 huge novels including a way too large journal seems like common sense... and a tip you should mention for the clothes is to roll each item up like an enchilada, takes up way less space than just folding and stacking.

[@CampfireExploring]

Do you every have issues with your metal lunch pail when going through security?

[@KombuchaPrincess]

I love sending post cards home when I travel.

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Yeah, it's a great way to say hi and show you care without buying and carrying a bunch of extra weight :)

[@nicholashatch1190]

Kombucha Princess in addition to showing friends and family that you care, postcards make great, inexpensive souvenirs. Find a card for the places you go, write about what you experienced there, and mail it home. It will receive a postal date stamp so you will remember when and where you were. These make a great addition to scrapbooks or memory boxes,and what you write will help you recall your experiences more vividly even years later

[@lisasebros]

Exploring Alternatives Postcards are my all-time favorite and the best souvenir... unless you go to Guatemala and there's no more postal service (we mailed the cards from home, wayyyy less cool). What I love bringing home are edible souvenirs that I know will get eaten quite fast: coffee, chocolate, beans... or "useful" things: a cooking spoon we had to buy bc the hostel didn't have any utensils, a typical blouse that matches my wardrobe... I love it when everyday items remind me of my travels, it makes the holidays longer :)