The Laundry List of Laundry: Minimalism During Vacation Travel

We go on vacations to relax, explore, and enjoy the change in pace and place, a break from the humdrum of daily life. Oftentimes, I have seen friends and family get frustrated with the task of packing. They lug oversized, overpacked bags to the trip, and yet, when it is time to play dress up for those all-important pictures for social media, they are flummoxed because they are now forced to choose from the several options they brought with them, most of them being too prickly or too tight or too whatever for them to want to wear. Moreover, hotel rooms are getting increasingly tinier, with hotels trying to squeeze two rooms in the place of one in a bid to make more money, which means you are making your already cramped space even more cramped with luggage. How then to pack so you can enjoy your vacation while looking your best without spending precious money, time and energy on… stuff? You know the answer is minimalism, pack light, rewear, laundry-on-the-go, etc. But how to pack light? What to rewear? I have created this laundry list of vacation laundry to help you rock that trip without being knocked over by the same pile of laundry. Let’s begin.

  1. Plans. Where are you going? How long will you be staying? How’s the climate there? How’s the culture there? It makes no sense to pack beach wear for a trip to Alaska in January, does it? Although, to be fair, I wonder who would visit Alaska in January for vacation. Anyway, back to the point, now that you have answered the questions, you know the type of outfits you need. For example, say I am visiting Mumbai, India in January. The weather there is always humid and warm. I will, however, be leaving my shorts and tanks behind, for even though they aren’t frowned upon, women my age are more commonly dressed in modest attire, read jeans, dresses, tops, etc. Since I am originally from there, I also own a few cotton tunic tops which I pair with cotton leggings. They’re comfortable and perfect for the weather there, while still letting me fit right in.
  2. How many? Where you are going, do you have access to an in-house laundry? Or does the hotel have a laundromat? A few years ago, we’d rented this cabin in the mountains of Colorado. It was a fully-equipped place, complete with a kitchen, and a laundry. Needless to say, I made good use of the equipment each night after returning from the ski-slopes, which meant all our gear was clean and ready to be used the next day! Laundromats can be expensive, but can be worth it if you opt to do the entire family’s laundry in the same load, thereby reducing the number of cycles you must pay for. Or, if the clothes are more casual and dry easily, you could even hand-wash them in the bathroom sink or while taking a shower! Squeeze out the excess water, and hang them up on the shower rod to drip and dry. Most hotel rooms usually do come equipped with an iron, so any residual dampness can be easily dried out from the clothes.
  3. What about accessories? That is up to you, but bear in mind that lightweight pieces are usually easier to pack and coordinate than bulky, chunky ones. Scarves double up magnificently as layers, and can keep you warm on a breezy evening while acting as a style statement.  
  4. Footwear? My grandfather owned exactly two pairs of shoes – one white and one dark colored. They were comfortable enough to act as sneakers, but dressy enough to go to work in. I’ve taken that advice. Agreed, such shoes aren’t cheap, but peace of mind is far more expensive, and your health, just as much. I stopped buying inexpensive, thrift-store shoes when I realized I was having to replace them more often. My current pair has been with me for over six years now, I wear it to work, and I have worn it in the evenings when meeting friends, and I have gone on more than a few adventurous walks in those. They still look as good as the day I bought them, albeit I do occasionally give them a good clean.
  5. Medications: Needless to say, your prescribed medications should be the first thing in your packing list, as well as copies of the prescription, along with phone numbers and email addresses of your doctor.
  6. Rewearing clothes can significantly reduce your laundry load and packing requirements. Outerwear rarely needs daily washing. Spot clean stains, and air out clothes overnight to reduce odors. Fabric refresher sprays and essential oil mists are game changers.
  7. Multi-purpose items like athleisure are comfortable enough for sightseeing and durable enough for workouts, and with their growing visibility, usually an acceptable form of attire for tourism too.
  8. Mindset Shifts for Stress-Free Travel:
    1. Embrace Imperfection: Your outfits don’t need to be Instagram-perfect every day. Comfort and practicality trump aesthetic pressures.
    1. Celebrate the Basics: Some of the most memorable travel moments happen when you’re not fretting over your appearance or possessions.
    1. Be Present: Instead of worrying about laundry or outfit choices, focus on the food you’re tasting, the sights you’re seeing, and the people you’re meeting.
  9. Souvenirs Without the Weight: photos, travel journals, small mementos like postcards, functional items like a locally made scarf or artisanal soap.

Conclusion

Traveling for leisure should be about creating memories, not managing baggage—literal or metaphorical. By embracing a minimalist approach to packing and laundry, you can free yourself from unnecessary stress and focus on the joy of exploration. Simplify your wardrobe, streamline your laundry routine, and let go of the need for excess. In doing so, you’ll discover that the lightest loads make for the most fulfilling journeys.

As you plan your next vacation, remember: the laundry list doesn’t have to weigh you down. With thoughtful choices and a minimalist mindset, you’ll not only travel lighter but live lighter too.