Full-Time MINIMALIST TRAVEL | Tips for Simplifying Your Life on the Road 🛍️ 🚫

[@NoraDunn]

🧳 MY MULTI-PURPOSE TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR EUROPE 🧳 Tops Poppy Tank Top - shrsl.com/42o53 Ari Ruched V-Neck Tee - shrsl.com/42o5a Harriet V-Neck Long Sleeve - shrsl.com/42o5g Florence Tunic (for layering over any/all dresses and tops) - shrsl.com/42o5l Pants Frame Ponte Culotte - shrsl.com/42o6u Leggings - shrsl.com/40u1r Dresses Sofia Midi Dress - shrsl.com/42o69 Cora Shift Dress - shrsl.com/42o6l Women's Merino Travel Dress - shrsl.com/43l3r (Note for the Fellas: Wool& makes only women's clothing, but Wool&Prince is just for men! Also, Unbound Merino is primarily a menswear company so there's plenty to shop for). Wool&Prince - shrsl.com/43yrt Unbound Merino - shrsl.com/40u23 Rain Jacket Jack Wolfskin Elsberg 2.5L (you can find my video review of it in the “related videos section” below JACK WOLFSKIN DIRECT: Women - prf.hn/l/q3BWRdd Men - prf.hn/l/lQ9lQEA Shoes I tie it all together with 2 pairs of shoes: Xero Prio (for hiking, working out, and other athletic pursuits; available for men & women) - xeroshoes.com/go/ProHobo/1058f43e Vivaia Aria 5 (in a nice neutral colour that matches the Florence Tunic and goes with everything. They're great for walking all day, and also much dressier. These will be my day to day shoes) - vivaia.sjv.io/LXDrv0 Check out this video if you're interested in why I have this torrid love affair with Vivaia: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGPOpqWQm9mWi7s I also have these ultralight Z-Trail EV sandals for summer hikes and other activities that require sandals. xeroshoes.com/go/ProHobo/4c28ff82

[@debbest8546]

The best vacations I've ever had have been fairly simple.

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

It's good to leave blank days while traveling because you'll encounter so much unplanned stuff. And always a recuperation day after major travel!

[@NoraDunn]

Absolutely! Whether for unplanned adventures or just rest & the tasks of life, leaving space in the schedule is a must!

[@lindadorman2869]

My motto has always been "only buy what you can carry or consume". You spend the first half of your life collecting things, and the second half getting rid of it all.

[@NoraDunn]

YESSSSSS!

[@megand175]

Ha! So true!! Am in the getting rid stage of life well and truly now. 😊

[@NoraDunn]

@@artby1285 Absolutely!

[@debbest8546]

That is a useful concept when applied to personal grocery shopping.

[@korenng5553]

Evaluate old luggages and items & donate, especially international travels!

[@deborahdragon9456]

I am a larger woman. I have found, when travelling in the past, that I cannot always buy clothing in my size. Also, my jeans and T-shirts and other items are likely twice as big as yours. I do my best to co-ordinate all that I take with me but, again, being larger limits my choices (in Australia) so colours are only available online in some cases. I don't want a digital nomad lifestyle, but I do want to stick within my checked luggage weight limits. I am learning a lot from your tips and tricks so thank you. We are going away in May 2024 and I am already trying to plan what I take. Deb

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing Deb, and you're right - your wardrobe would take up more space and weight. The trick is to be very selective of the materials. Eg: Jeans - don't bring them! They'll weigh you down, literally and figuratively! There are some merino wool companies that make fantastic travel pants and dresses now that are lightweight, can be worn different ways and in different temperatures, and can be worn many more times before washing.

[@gwynaethbranwynn]

I ❤ all of your videos! On my first international trip to England, I brought a pilot bag, a backpack, and a purse. So, one checked and 2 carry-ons. By the 3rd day I was close to giving my suitcase away! I had packed too many bulky clothes and items. My only smart choice was one pair of neutral excellent walking shoes and one flat pair of shower shoes. This was also before smartphones and e-readers, so I left books behind in every room I stayed in. Now, anytime I buy clothing, I ask myself, "Will this pack well?" I have a photography trip planned for next summer with all my photo gear in my carry-on, my clothes in my personal underseat bag, and my papers/phone/cards in a crossbody wallet. Watching your videos has helped me to minimalize my aggravation and maximize my enjoyment! 😊

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing, Gwyn! Three cheers for the neutral walking shoes! On my current trip I have a neutral pair of Vivaia Aria shoes; they go with everything, dress up and down, and are ridiculously comfy for walking all day in. vivaia.sjv.io/LXDrv0

[@lillianbarker4292]

I feel a bit sorry for venders because now I often take pictures of things instead of buying them. As you get older, no matter how hard you try, you accumulate more things. I’m trying to reduce possessions, not get more. Of course, I’m glad I bought that amber necklace in Turkey in 1972. 😂 it’s ok to buy something you love and will always use.

[@NoraDunn]

Agreed!

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

I am finally getting the packing thing so right that immigration asked me on a recent international trip, "Why did you pack so light?"

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha ha! That's awesome! I hope they didn't actually give you a difficult time...

[@MrHappyZorro]

I practice what my friends call 'upscale minimalism' where I keep only what I am using, but replace items with new models when available.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice!

[@listenlittleman1187]

Great tips, especially on planning. Until I watched your video I tend to plan my trip as wide and big as possible but in the meantime I wanted it to be immersive in the culture. Again here one needs to prioritise his dreams and intentions.. with your video, I have realised that my intention is to go into the culture as much as I can, so there is no need to plan to go everywhere and to see everything.. Thanks Nora . I am retired now and I wish to travel at 60 as a female solo traveller. I am not scared but to be honest I am a bit hesitatnt.. I need to watch more videos on this ❤

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing! I'm excited for your future travels. Perhaps my friend Janice can inspire you a bit more as a solo female traveler over 60.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqSlnmadaLSKlc0

[@lisalu910]

I have this very discussion with a friend today. We both have trips to Europe planned and she is trying to figure out the logistics of taking a hairdryer AND a flat iron. I never take either of those things - I let my hair just air dry when I'm traveling (I don't even want to invest the TIME to blow dry and flat iron my hair when my time in Europe is limited!) However, I will make room for a lightweight plastic coffee mug, an immersion heater, instant coffee sticks, and a package of dried cream. I want to wake up every morning and have coffee the way I like it right in my room before stepping foot out the door. I also like a cup of tea right before bed. That is non-negotiable for me so I'll make the space for it. To me "minimalist" in this context means prioritizing what you simply MUST have on your trip, and paring back things you can do without and not even miss. She has to have the hair tools, I have to have the hot beverage equipment. Each to her own.

[@NoraDunn]

Exactly Lisa! Great story to illustrate priorities! By the way, in my experience most accommodations have hair dryers so maybe your friend doesn't need to bring that. But also, I hope she knows that 110V hair dryers and flat irons from North America won't work in Europe unless she has a special voltage converter or special dual voltage appliances....

[@lisalu910]

@@NoraDunn Yes, we had that discussion. I have been to Europe several times, so I explained all that. I told her if she MUST have a flat iron, just buy a cheap one when you get there. It will work with the local voltage and you can "donate" it to the hotel or airbnb when you leave rather than have to carry it around.

[@NoraDunn]

@@lisalu910 YES! That's a great tip....and actually I did exactly that on my current trip through Europe.

[@creativeinfusion6570]

I also do the minimalist touring when I’m in a place like Paris. I pick a hotel in an area I love and we do the parks, shops, museums and restaurants in that area. You couldn’t do every great museum in Paris in a month - so why try?!? Get into the one small area and you get to walk and relax more.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm totally with you on that!

[@mercyp7151]

By the way, most name brands will manufacture the off brand stuff. Theyre all made by the same companies and have the same darn ingredients! It really helped me when I learned this. Neutorgena, Vaseline, Jergens, guys, Walmarts Equate has dupes for those that are almost identical! Same applies to store brands like Krogers, Aldis etc. They are almost always the same as those fancy name brands.

[@NoraDunn]

Exactly! And I kind of like searching for these alternatives while traveling. (Then again, I love exploring supermarkets, so maybe I'm a bit odd - ha ha)

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

I plan to spend at least 6 months in Japan (2x 3 months). I want to do 6 weeks in Tokyo and 6 weeks traveling elsewhere each time, one trip in the spring, next in the fall. I want to take the time to really explore Tokyo and live there but I also want to see Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa, Kamakura, Hokkaido, etc... Then 3 months in South Korea. My annual calendar travel goal is 4-6 mos in Vancouver, 2-3 mos somewhere overseas, 3-6 mos back in Quebec (where the rent is so cheap and I have my best friends, and can speak my language). 👍

[@NoraDunn]

Sounds like a great plan!

[@zeitgeist888]

Nice overview of minimalism and travel. The freedom of minimalism is hard to grasp for people who haven't tried it. Like an addict to anything until a person is ready to change they probably won't but even small steps can show how much better things are when you try minimalism. Did a 2 month trip to Israel and Jordan in July Aug and a 3 month trip through Europe both with carry on only. It was so freeing. Good points on consumerism for the amount of energy it requires.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm glad you also like ultralight travel! It is sooooo freeing.

[@lillianbarker4292]

Thank you for your thoughts about planning. I’m not much of a trip planner anymore. I do choose some must-sees but I enjoy a more relaxed approach.

[@NoraDunn]

I think the relaxed approach is great!

[@johnscramling1653]

Excellent video, Nora. Perhaps your best yet. Two month trip to Southern Europe/Mediterranean coming up and will just have my Rick Steves bag and a backpack for camera stuff.

[@NoraDunn]

Fantastic! And thank you :-)

[@ritac7214]

This is a great video Nora! I like "Less is more" ! In Cyprus (and probably elsewhere) we say that "the expensive is the cheapest" meaning that investing in good/ high quality products will last much more than other cheap products! But again, as you say, these must be in accordance with your own personality and style!

[@NoraDunn]

Totally - you get what you pay for!

[@adarajennifer]

Agreed 100٪ Too many people become "tourists" by thinking that the number of places = better travel. Go to a place, take a selfie, and onto the next place. No thanks. I'd rather be a traveler and really get to know an area. Mych better quality for me. 😊

[@NoraDunn]

Well said!

[@wncjan]

I'm the other way around. I want to seexas much as possible as I know I'll never come back.

[@lisalu910]

@@wncjan Understood, and that is one way to roll. But to me there is "seeing" and there is "experiencing." I'd much rather go for the experiences rather than just ticking sights off a list.

[@wncjan]

@@lisalu910 There is not much to "experience" where I prefer to go, but a lot to see.:😉

[@antonygoedhals6272]

Another great video! Thanks Nora.

[@NoraDunn]

You are so welcome!

[@user-cw1fz3ur8b]

Great basic info ... and I enjoyed not having the background music. Your voice is clear, with great expression ... and no need for music. About preparing to travel, how should we prepare our homes, especially with regard to documents, home files, etc.? Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

Great question about preparing homes regarding documents etc! Do you mean deciding what to keep and how to store it etc before traveling long-term/full-time?

[@user-cw1fz3ur8b]

@@NoraDunn Hi Nora, yes, which documents, and how to store them (and special photos, financial info) etc.) Also, other practical issues: how / where to store personal effects and belongings such as clothing, books, footwear, basic linens, kitchen stuff. When you return to Toronto, you would need these items, even if it's for a short time. I also began to think about dental / med app'ts and if you would just find a dentist in your travels. Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

@@user-cw1fz3ur8b Great questions! I am going to be launching a group cohort program to help people through issues like these. If you'd like to get on that list, please reach out to me. In the meantime, you might find my checklist of 10 Things to Do Before You Travel Long-Term helpful: bit.ly/3iTqIbu As for personal effects/belongings to keep, it depends. I traveled full-time for 12 years, and what I needed for full-time travel was good for when I was back in Toronto. Then again when I was back in Toronto I was only visiting and didn't have a place of my own. If you are planning to keep your home but want to store some basics that perhaps you don't want a tenant or house-sitter to use in your absence, that's a different thing. Have you watched my video about selling everything to travel? It touches on these topics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5mchqGYmbN5rdk

[@user-cw1fz3ur8b]

@@NoraDunn I am amazed that all you owned fit into a carryon bag, and absolutely nothing went into storage / with friends, etc! Wow! I will watch the video. Still wondering about documents that shouldn't be carried around - legal, CRA, health, balance if clothing, etc. Thank you. 🤗

[@NoraDunn]

@@user-cw1fz3ur8b I kept/keep those documents in a plastic tub designed to hold file folders. Though in reality I don't even need that much space now that we don't need to store paper copies of our previous 7 years' tax returns. I could get away with some plastic document folders.

[@patlsmith404]

More great info. Thanks!😎💥🛬

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Pat!

[@MiaHessMusic]

I think the thing that really hangs me up is eyeglasses. Because I'm vision challenging, I have to wear different eyeglasses for different situations. I can't overlap. lus meds. Meds are a real hassle. My husband had something like 9 prescriptions. Your videos have helped me when I recently had to travel to take care of a relative. I put everything in one small roller and used compression packing cubes for my clothes and jewlry zip bags for my pills. I only took one pair of slip-on shoes. I had to walk a lot, about 4 miles a day.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm starting to need different/multiple pairs of eye glasses (reading, sunglasses, etc), and it's a bulky conundrum! Glad my videos have been helpful :-)

[@francesfox3913]

Amazon has a case that holds 2 pairs of glasses, one per side, if they are flat frames. I found bifocal sunglasses at Walmart which saves space. Always pack a tiny eyeglass repair kit and superglue.

[@NoraDunn]

@@francesfox3913 Such a great tip about the eyeglass repair kit and superglue! My reading glasses bit the dust - twice - on my last trip. The first time it was a loose screw and I was lucky enough to borrow somebody's tiny screwdriver. The second time, the arm broke. (My kingdom for a dab of glue!)

[@fralencemelograno]

What a wonderful video this one was! Thank you so so much, in fact i find a challenge every single trip because I want to travel with less stuff every single time. It’s much a mental challenge and there’s the searching ways to travel light, to buy only what one really needs, to plan only what needs to be planned. I would add to take only a few photos and live the moment! I really love this way of living even if l’m no digital nomad, just minimalist in my heart. Love from Rhodes in the Aegean.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for sharing! Indeed, minimalism is about SO much more than travel. Enjoy Rhodes!

[@Biochemechanic]

On charging cables, most of us don’t replace existing electronics to save a few grams and the minimal space required for that second cable. For security purposes never ever plug in to a USB socket in a public place or hotel, always use your own power cube.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm not suggesting you replace your electronics for the sake of the charging cable! Only to selectively choose electronics (either ones that you already have and are planning to travel with, or new ones that you're shopping for) to have the same charging cord. Great tip about the juice jacking too.

[@Biochemechanic]

@@NoraDunn Said the same, I thought. Apologies for coming across a bit harsh.

[@vinceo885]

I have watched and gleaned loads of useful info from many of your excellent vlogs. I am preparing for my next solo adventure, having recently been widowed, up to northern Thailand and Laos later this month. This video particularly struck a chord with me as my home is now mostly filled with stuff that once seemed important. So it will be interesting to see on my return from this journey, which I intend to do only with a 7 kg carry on bag. How I feel about having so much stuff in future. May the road rise up before you with health and happiness.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Vince! Indeed it will be interesting to see how your attitude towards your stuff changes after your trip. If you remember, please drop another comment here with your reflections!

[@billroettgen7099]

Crazy good video Nora, even for you. Great philosophically and practically. Thanks immensely.

[@NoraDunn]

Wow - thank you Bill!

[@beckyyoung3395]

Not currently getting to travel, but I want to become a minimalist while stationary due to small living quarters. My previous was 4 bedrooms

[@NoraDunn]

Minimalism is great for so much more than travel! Have fun downsizing!

[@Suzannes_Trip]

Really great information! Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dennisdelgado7350]

Thank ❤you for all the tips in this video! Keep inspiring!

[@NoraDunn]

Thank YOU!

[@VegasNegus]

So valuable Nora. Many thx 🙏 🎉

[@NoraDunn]

With pleasure!

[@dinnes3375]

WOW! Lucky I found this channel. Safe Travels, ❤️

[@NoraDunn]

Aw...thanks! You too :-)

[@Sami_1897]

I plan on taking my first long haul flight to Australia. I am learning to go carry on luggage only.

[@NoraDunn]

That's great! Happy travels!

[@bronwynquinn4477]

Fabulous!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@WillN2Go1]

Great point about intention. Of course everything about travel can or should be intentional. Instead of the old quote, "And unexamined life isn't..." which is a negative, Living, and traveling, intentionally is what it's all about. My Google Map is covered in symbols of where I've been, where I intend to go. Zooming in on any of these on the map brings to mind how I got there, why I went there, what I did and saw there, the people I met there. A spot on the map seems different from a photo. More abstract and more introspective.

[@NoraDunn]

I like using Google Maps and lists as a way to see where you've been! I tend to use it for places I want to go, but you make a great point about how map spots differ from photos.

[@Kimberly__Klein]

Nora, your world map necklace is great. Where is that from?

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! I got the necklace at a conference, but I think this one is the same or similar: amzn.to/3ZWaMJJ

[@debbieelms-watkiss4742]

Another excellent video Nora. Is the tan crouch in your video a pullout Ikea couch /Bed ? Just asking as it looks like the one I have in my spare room for when my adult kids come home and want their own space. Which is a minimalist item too .

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Not sure about the couch. I don't believe it was a pull-out. It was at my accommodation in Bulgaria where I was staying for a month.

[@toddboothbee1361]

I prefer to visit a place long enough for my first impressions to evaporate. For this reason, i travel alone. Tokyo is large and rich, it would take me years to lose my first impressions, i imagine. In any case, i'd do it with my 21 litre personal item bag.

[@NoraDunn]

Nice analogy - to let your first impressions evaporate. Thanks for sharing!

[@angelbouclin]

Very smart

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks!

[@elizabethk9656]

@noradunn ok so your recent travel capsules wardrobe- I understand the layering technique, but I get stuck on the weight of a coat to bring. I have strange body temperatures and can feel cold when it’s 70° (after dark). I’m thinking for upcoming Italy - Milano trip that trench coat would be good with layers. Do I wear it on plane since folded it’s so bulky?

[@NoraDunn]

Yes, if you're going to bring a coat, then it's best to wear it on the plane. The idea of the layering strategy however, is that you don't need to bring a big heavy coat - or at least not AS big or heavy.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I really thought that was going to be a story about splitting the bill :)

[@NoraDunn]

Ha - no! Not exactly in keeping with the minimalist travel theme. But bill splitting while traveling is an art - I think that deserves a video too :-)

[@andywood7867]

❤

[@angiehernandez5505]

@Nora... what size [how many litres] backpack are you carrying now? I'm going on my first long trip, and finding the perfect size BP (I have an older Osprey Porter 46), and purse vs hip pack may be my biggest challenge.

[@NoraDunn]

I have 40L a rolling carry-on (with backpack straps), and a 25-30L expandable daypack that I use as my personal item. But I also carry a ton of tech stuff for my career, that you may or may not need to also have. Most of that goes into my personal item bag. This is my luggage: alnk.to/6bS98mC And this is my backpack: knack-bags.pxf.io/DKKVRd

[@catherine8332]

Can you provide link to cord pictured in thumbnail. Thanks.

[@NoraDunn]

I got mine in Canada, but this one is similar: amzn.to/476730d

[@reneeblack2783]

I tend to be an over packer “just in case”. I’m trying to change and am doing better, however have never done carry on only. We have a 28 day cruise with various weather and I’m trying not to pack 2 suitcases! I need help! 😅

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! It's especially difficult with cruises AND varying weather, so I feel your pain! Maybe just try to keep it to 1 suitcase ;-)

[@ritac7214]

As long as you're not moving from one place to another, you may take a larger size from a carry on suitcase...

[@jazzloonz101]

I wondered how you protect your phone or other electronic devices from power surges. Or don’t I need to be concerned about that. Traveling only domestically.

[@NoraDunn]

Good question. I don't tend to worry about power surges domestically, though perhaps I should! For the most part, I feel they're less common, unless there is perhaps a severe storm.

[@jazzloonz101]

That’s what my partner said. You have helped me focus on the joy! Your work is an encouraging resource. I’m 72 and getting back into soulful adventure! Not packing the worries this time. Thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

@@jazzloonz101 Thank you so much! You made my day :-)

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

Every time I go shopping I look at things differently now... Do I need that? Will I be able to take it with me? Will I be able to resell it or have to give it away? I have saved a bundle with those questions.

[@NoraDunn]

Great questions!

[@janmcmillion8391]

Why are my ads in Spanish?? I’m American and only speak and read English!!

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - that's odd! Something about your settings maybe? Has nothing to do with my side.