My 10 Must Have Minimalist Travel Accessories for Every Trip

Mastering the art of travel packing is not as easy as it seems. It took me years to perfect my minimalist packing list. I still can’t say that my list is perfect because each trip is different, but I fine-tune and readjust my travel must-have list after every trip.

From travelling with two pieces of luggage on my first solo trip to Europe to a 75-litre backpack to my current 30-litre backpack, I trimmed down many of my belongings to the essential travel items. Minimalist travel packing is serious business!

But you don’t have to be an extreme minimalist to travel light. But you can learn how to pack less by following my packing list and include these ten must-have minimalist travel accessories for your upcoming trip.

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10 Minimalist Travel Accessories I Pack for Every Trip

Besides all the must-have travel items like passport, money, and credit cards, I always have these ten items on my minimalist travel packing list.

Every item on my minimalist list of essentials is either lightweight, compact, collapsible, expandable or has multi-purpose.

I took photos of my favourite travel essentials and have included the description below. Keep reading and find out more about each item.

1. Dopper Water Bottle

I used to bring my squeeze water bottle everywhere until I found Dopper Water Bottle.

I got the slim stainless steel bottle that fills up 490ml of water. Not only is it a water bottle, but the cap also functions as a cup! And I have to admit, I’ve used the cup for juice, wine and spirits.

By bringing a reusable bottle, I can minimize the number of plastic water bottles that go to recycling or landfills. As an eco-conscious traveller, doing my part for the environment is very important.

2. A Set of Utensils

I always travel with a set of utensils that includes a fork, spoon, knife and chopsticks. And since I mostly travel with carry-on luggage only, I made sure the utensils are made with eco-friendly plastic so the knife pass through airport security.

The utensils have been very useful when it comes to making a simple breakfast, eating fruits and excellent for takeout food. Plus, they don’t take up much room in my backpack and a great way to minimize rubbish.

I bought my set separately but you can find a whole set of utensils which includes a handy case.

3. Travel-size Diffuser

When it comes to feeling at home during my travels, I like to bring a few essential oils and a small travel reed diffuser so I can enjoy my favourite scent in the hotel or Airbnb.

I bought my reed diffuser from Muji a long time ago (don’t think they sell it any more). But you can find a similar one like this wood diffuser or this portable wireless diffuser, so you can bring the smell of home with you.

4. Travel Scissors

A few years ago I found a small pair of travel scissors in Japan and I have since added it to my packing list. It is small and is attached to a chain (so it could be a keychain). When it is closed, the blades are folded together; even the airport security x-ray system cannot detect it. This is a huge bonus for those travelling with carry-on bag only.

I have since replaced the small scissors with a bigger and slimmer scissors. I find these are better because of the longer handles. The blades also folds in together and can be carried on carry-on bags.

5. Universal Travel Adapter

When I first started travelling, I used a universal adapter, but I didn’t like how cumbersome it was. So, I switched to individual adapters for specific regions, which are cheap and lightweight.

But the new and improved universal travel adapters do not feel as clunky as before. I love this all-in-one universal travel adapter for its slim profile and dual USB ports. This means you can charge three devices simultaneously. And most of all, the device is much lighter than the old universal adapters! It is a minimalist travel gear that all travellers should include in their packing list.

6. Hanging Toiletry Bag

I’ve used many different versions of the toiletry bag in the past, from a proper bag that holds all my toiletries to a ziplock bag. But the best version I ever used and will continue to use is the hanging toiletry bag.

My hanging toiletry bag can hold all my dry toiletries and has a hook, which is the best part. Whenever I travel, I always notice there’s no counter space in the bathroom for toiletries. You can hang your toiletry bag from a towel rod or any other hook. It doesn’t take up any space and keeps all your toiletries neatly organized.

If you want to learn what travel toiletries I bring for every trip, I have a detailed list in that post.

7. 100ml Bottles for Toiletries

Speaking of toiletries, I separate my dry and wet toiletries because of airport security regulations. It states that each passenger must separate all liquids, gels and aerosols (in bottles 100ml or less) and put them in a transparent bag.

Over the years, I have collected many sample size bottles that are under 100ml and bought a set of reusable bottles. I use them for face wash, toner, sunblock, and other liquids. These reusable bottles are essentials for my travels since I mostly travel with carry-on bag.

8. Packable Daypack

One of my most important minimalist travel essentials is a lightweight packable travel daypack. I use it as a carry-on travel bag, as most airlines will allow a bag plus a purse or laptop bag (the daypack acts as the purse or laptop bag). My light daypack holds all my must-have travel items, such as my laptop, wallet, passport, and more. I also use it for short hikes and day trips.

Currently, I am loving my Fjallraven High Coast Totepack. The packable bag has adjustable backpack straps, a removable shoulder strap, top handles and outer pocket. It is water-resistent and machine washable. Best of all, when I am not using the daypack, it is rolled up into its internal self-storage pocket.

9. Packing Cubes

Part of my travel essentials list always includes two small Muji packing cubes. Initially I was quite reluctant to try them out because I didn’t want another item in my bag (sticking to my minimalist principles). But they have become one of my best travel items that I cannot live without!

The packing cubes are made of a lightweight fabric and a mesh cover. I roll all my clothes into two small packing cubes for my backpacking trips. The packing cubes are especially helpful if you have a top-load backpack.

And whenever I travel to somewhere colder, I like to use the compression packing cubes for storing puffy jacket and other winter items. I like how the compression zipper squeezes all the air out so I can easily fit all my clothes in my backpack.

10. Minimalist Travel Backpack

And finally, my ultimate travel essential has to be my minimalist travel backpack. It is lightweight, big enough for all my belongings but small enough for an airplane overhead cabin compartment.

Currently, my favourite minimalist backpack is the Osprey Arcane Duffel Travel Backpack. I’ve had this pack for the last year and have gone on trips that last three weeks to seven months. The bag itself is super lightweight and durable. The 30-litre backpack is big enough for all my belongings, so I can easily bring it with me as a carry-on bag that weighs under 7kg.

Which minimalist essentials are you going to pack for your next trip?

This is my list of all the essential things to pack for travelling. You may have something different, but you can certainly use my list as a guideline.

As I said, you don’t have to be an extreme minimalist to travel light. If you can, try to embrace minimalist travel for your next trip. It feels pretty liberating, and it frees up a lot of clutter from your life. And who doesn’t want to carry a lighter bag?

Moreover, responsible tourism should be integrated into our travel lives. There is so much you can do to help the environment. Even if you are not travelling, there are many things you can do to be more eco-friendly through everyday choices.

Which of these minimalist essentials are you going to pack for your upcoming trip? Or if you have any favourite travel gadgets that are not part of this list, let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my post on minimalist essentials

You might also like these other posts on minimalist travel:

• How to pack 7kg carry-on luggage
• My minimalist packing list for every trip
• How to create a minimalist travel wardrobe for every trip
• How to pack the perfect minimalist travel toiletry kit
• Minimalist backpacking: 10 packing tips to help you travel light
• How to find the perfect minimalist travel backpack
• Minimalist hiking: my minimalist hiking gear list
• 10 best gifts for minimalist travellers

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!