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Eco Goddess

July 7, 2016 bottom

5 Tips for Packing and Traveling Like a Minimalist

I never used to think about what I threw in my suitcases when packing for a trip. This usually led to me overpacking, and even then— I would somehow forget the one item of clothing at home that I actually wanted to wear… EVERY TIME. Adopting minimalism as a way of life has been the most transformational experience for me. As someone who is naturally scatterbrained, the minimalist mindset has grounded me and helped me downsize, organize, prioritize and locate the items I truly need and care about. The most beautiful part is that this journey to living more intentionally is never ending. I continue to learn new things everyday. In this blog post you will learn my tips and tricks for traveling with the minimalist mindset, all while staying in alignment with the low impact, zero waste vegan lifestyle. Before we get into the packing list, let’s run through the general principles of minimalist travel:

1. When in doubt, leave it out

You will rarely find a traveler saying, “Man, I wish I brought more stuff.” If you are wondering if you need that extra pair of shorts, chances are you will be fine without it. Get creative and only pack items that are versatile and can be put to use over and over. Which leads me to my next point…

2. Multi-purpose everything

Colorful, funky clothing is fun, but rarely can it be paired with any hat, pair of shoes, etc. Pack clothing items that are neutral in color and style, and can be paired with just about anything. If you must bring that one funky dress or t-shirt– go ahead and have your moment. Ideally however, you would pack items that can be fashioned for many occasions, including a hike, a bar, an airport and even a date. If you do plan on going to some fancy gathering, simply pack one nice clothing item for the occasion.

3. Invest in quality gear

This is a big one. The last thing you want is having your only carry on or backpack fall apart while traveling. Investing in two quality bags (I recommend one backpack and one carry on luggage) will serve you in the long run.

4. Accumulate over time

Don’t worry if you cannot afford quality gear right away. Save up and make use of what you have in the meantime. Plus, it will take you some time to learn your needs and preferences while traveling. You may be even lower maintenance than you thought… ;).

5. Have fun with it

Traveling with the minimalist mindset is supposed to be a freeing experience. Have fun with it and do not put pressure on yourself to be perfect! Do the best that you can and simply use the following tips as your guide to navigating the world in an easier, more intentional way.

The Backpack 

An awesome backpack with the following perks…

  • Water resistant fabric
  • Metal, lockable zippers
  • Sturdy haul loop
  • Comfortable straps
  • Not too touristy-looking
  • Flat compartment for documents and/or laptop
  • Hip belt (if you’ll be hiking)
  • Drink bottle pouch, clips to hang stuff on
  • The compartments you need to store your phone, wallet and other valuables safely

My choice:

The Clothing

  • A pair of jeans
  • A jacket (if needed)
  • A few t-shirts (4)
  • A dress (if applicable)
  • Exercise clothing
  • Swimsuit (if applicable)
  • Socks (2)
  • Undies (2)

My choices:

The Footwear & Accessories 

  • Sunglasses
  • Light scarf
  • Hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hiking boots (if applicable)
  • Sneakers (if applicable)
  • A journal & pen
  • A good book
  • A yoga mat

My choices:

The Toiletries

  • A bamboo toothbrush
  • Homemade toothpaste
  • Zero waste floss
  • Tongue scraper
  • Face lotion
  • Menstrual cup
  • Toiletries bag
  • Reusable thin face towel
  • Soap (my choice: Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soap – Baby Unscented) for washing damn near everything (your clothes, your fruit/veggies, your body…)
  • Makeup (my choices: 100% Pure Mascara, VAPOR lipstick, 100% Pure eyebrow pencil, Eco Tools eyebrow brush)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bar shampoo & organic body oil for conditioner

The Electronics

  • Laptop and laptop charger
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Camera and camera charger (bring 2 batteries at least if you will be taking lots of video/photographs)
  • Mini wireless bluetooth speaker
  • World-wide plug adapter – charge up all my electronics from one adapter. Getting one with extra USB ports is great for charging my laptop & my phone at once

The Low Impact Lifestyle Products

  • Zero Waste Kit
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Coffee travel mug
  • Stasher bags (2 large, 2 small)

The Travel Apps & Services

  • Maps.me: Download an entire country or regional map, then navigate offline without any WiFi or data. Usually comparable quality with Google Maps, and sometimes even better.
  • Uber and Grab (Asia): A great alternative to price-gouging local transport cartels, with GPS pickup and dropoff, and linked to your card so you don’t have to mess around with cash.
  • Transferwise: For moving money from home to an out of country bank account, as well as to pay people in foreign currencies. Not only does this eliminate ATM fees, you get the actual mid-market exchange rate instead of getting ripped off by brokers.
  • Couchsurfing: I’ve had a great time hosting fellow travelers. Tinder is another good way to meet new people (seriously). I’ve written a whole article on making friends as a solo traveler which will be up on the blog soon
  • Airbnb: the widest selection of accommodations around the world to match your exact budget

Lastly… the Essentials

  • Passport
  • Boarding pass (digital to save on paper)
  • Eye mask 
  • Earplugs
  • You vitamins, medications and any first aid stuff you feel called to bring.

*Affiliate links above & below. If you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you.

Happy traveling, my loves! Enjoy your next adventure, and tag me on social media @EcoGoddess with the hashtag #TravelMindfullyTravelFar to be featured on my IG story.

Love,

Screen Shot 2019-08-24 at 4.04.41 PM

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Categories: bottom Tags: minimalism, minimalist travel, travel, traveling, traveling tips, zero waste travel, zero waste vegan travel

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Hi, I’m Marina!

I am so happy that you found my blog, Eco Goddess. On here I share zero waste living tips, gluten-free vegan (GFV) recipes, and soulful wellness inspiration.

It is my hope that in sharing my journey to living a more vibrant, ecologically conscious lifestyle with you, you will feel inspired and supported to embark on your own journey.

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One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring abo One month ago @TED reached out to me inquiring about a holiday gift collaboration with my tiny startup @zerowastekit. They wanted @zerowastekit to be the official gift given out to each TED employee to help them kickstart their low waste lifestyle journeys.
I read the email, screamed and danced around with joy, then ran back to my computer to read the email again and make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Well, their kits arrived safely this week so I think it’s finally safe to say with confidence that 1. this isn’t all a dream 🤣 and 2. the world is changing and waking up to our global waste crisis 🙌🏼
I founded ZWK in November of 2018 with the mission to empower people with the mindset, tools, and convenience they need to reduce their everyday waste and ecological footprint. I envisioned the kit as an ethically & sustainably made take-with-you-and-go-everywhere kit to help make daily choices such as ditching plastic spoons, straws, food containers, grocery bags, and other single-use plastic products, easy and convenient. 
While there is no silver bullet solution to our global waste crisis, one thing is for sure: nothing will change unless we begin taking small steps towards change. Our throw-away society has conditioned us to make convenience-driven choices that rarely take into account the whole picture 🌎 I believe you do not have to sacrifice convenience in your lifestyle to support a more just and thriving planet. It just takes reconditioning, patience (baby steps) and some badass tools 🚯
A HUGE thank you to my loved ones for helping me every step along the way, my suppliers for being awesome, and for all of you… this beautiful community that continues to grow, inspire the masses to make the shift and fight for the future of our common home.
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pc: @southern_california_crafting 💛
#zerowastelifestyle #zerowasteliving #plasticpollutes #zerowaste #simplicity #mindbodygram #ootd #iamwellandgood #ecofriendlyliving #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainabilitymatters #sustainable #simple #fashion #wellnessjourney #beatplasticpollution #nomoreplastic
About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart About a few months ago I had a desire in my heart to book an end-of-the-year trip. Nothing big, just a little weekend getaway to celebrate 2019 and create an intentional space for transformation in 2020. This past weekend I made that desire a reality, and holy heck. I think I started a new tradition that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 
I danced.
I explored.
I gazed at many a cloud in awe and gratitude.
I journaled.
I laughed.
I cried.
I released. 
What a gift it is to allow ourselves the space and time to do exactly what we desire. Whether it’s learning how to speak a few sentences in a different language, calling a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while, walking into a fast food joint and giving them hell for using single-use plastic straws (giving them hell politely, of course…and then giving their manager a list of alternatives), or creating an epic painting, I invite you to ask yourself what you deeply want to do before this decade comes to an end. Then, I invite you to go and do it. You won’t regret it ❤️ Happy Tuesday, friends.
Marina
Ps- here you see a bowl of zero waste buckwheat oatmeal with fresh fruit: an epic breakfast for any lover of warm lumpy soul food.
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#zerowaste #fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #sustainableliving #ecofriendly #eco #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #travel #wanderlust
It’s finally feeling like winter here in Souther It’s finally feeling like winter here in Southern California and I’m celebrating in my secondhand faux fur jacket 🧥 Who else loves the cold seasons? ❄️ Happy Thursday, friends.
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#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #wellnessblogger #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving
Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella waste Kickin’ unsustainable, unethical and hella wasteful denim production to the curb like 🙅🏽‍♀️👖
Earlier this month I introduced you to a company near and dear to my heart, @tejidosroyo. TR is a 100 year old Spanish clothing company dedicated to sustainable and ethical fashion. Well they’ve created an EPIC new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. This is not just revolutionary for the fashion industry, but it is also revolutionary for planet 🌎 especially considering as a single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person drinks over 7 YEARS.
To celebrate this huge win, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #Sponsored #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
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#fashion #ootd #zerowaste #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #zerowaste #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving
Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your bel Raise your hand if you’re ready to fill your belly with LOTS of plants tomorrow 🌱🌱 Now, to find a shirt that says SAVE TURKEYS, EAT TOFURKY 😆🤷🏽‍♀️
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📷: @domlabrecquephoto
Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks car Reasons to smile like a big dork: trees, rocks carpeted with moss of the deepest green hues, mycelium and their gorgeous mass of thin threads that link the roots of different plants and act as a flippin’ underground internet, and the whole world really. Whenever news about the current state of our planet puts me in a gloomy mood I push myself to go outside and look around for a bit. This one-on-one moment with Mama Gaia, even if it lasts for a few seconds, is enough to remind me of how precious life is and why it is worth fighting for.
#nature #naturephotography #outdooradventures #outdoors #natureporn
Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed Greetings from New England! No, I’m not dressed like this 😅 It’s 30 degrees here and I just landed back home to be with my family for the holidays. As I’m unpacking my things, I felt inspired to get on here and share a little bit about one of my current favorite low waste/minimal haircare tools that I brought with me. 
First, a little back story. It was sophomore year of college when I first discovered not all shampoos and conditioners are safe for the body and environment. I came home from class one day and rather than doing homework I started researching the ingredients on the back of my personal care products. What inspired this search was my journey to eating a cleaner diet 🌱 I made a goal to cut out food products that had ingredients I couldn't pronounce or didn't recognize. Then I thought, why not do the same for my personal care products that I use daily?
I was not prepared for what I found lurking in my products 😳... Ingredients linked to cancer and other health conditions such as asthma, ingredients tested on animals, ingredients toxic to wildlife and our oceans. That same day I took a trip to the closest health food store and picked up the most affordable eco/health-friendly shampoo I could find (bc broke college student lol). I didn't love how it made my hair feel, but I was happier with this selection nonetheless.
Now nearly 5 years later, I can proudly say I have found a shampoo and conditioner that don't mess up the planet and make my hair feel amazing 😹🙌🏼 This photo depicts me IRL taking a shower in a river near my SoCal home (yep, it’s still warm enough to do this) like a water nymph with my shampoo and conditioner bars from @zerowastestore. No packaging to send to the landfill/recycling, no bs ingredients messin' up my body or the earth, & I come out of each shower (especially showers in nature) feeling like a mystical being ready to save the flippin' planet 🌎✨
Have you tried out shampoo/conditioner bars yet? What has been your experience?
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photografairy: @avaah_east 
#sustainability #sustainableliving #zerowaste #zerowastelife #outdoorphotography #minimalism #zerowastemovement #vegan #plasticfree #wellness #outdooradventures
My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈ I felt inspired t My rainy day secondhand ootd ⛈
I felt inspired to share something a little personal with you all today, and it’s about body image. Growing up in a multicultural home (Pakistani + European) my thoughts on body imagine, particularly of my own, were an utter mess.
What was accepted by one of my parent’s culture was not by the other. This bred a very confused and insecure Marina. My internal dialogue when getting ready for the day used to go something like this:
What should I wear? Oooh that looks nice. No wait, that shows too much skin. Okay how about this? Ehh, that doesn’t even feel like me or my style 🤷🏽‍♀️ This would go on for several minutes until I finally settled on something and left the house.
It wasn’t until I moved out of my childhood home that I began feeling the gift of confidence and excitement when dressing myself. Some days I’d want to dress like Mary Poppins. Other days I’d want to dress like Laura Croft from Tomb Raider. Having the freedom to choose what I wanted to wear filled me with a creativity and passion for style that I didn’t even know I had.
But there was another gift waiting for me upon moving out of my childhood home, which was the important lesson that confidence in one’s body image and self goes so much deeper than one’s outfit or fancy new hat. It’s the ooey gooey good stuff you feed yourself with daily like positive affirmations, exercise, high vibrational foods and the people you surround yourself with. I may have grown up in a confusing home where cultures clashed often (especially around fashion), but what it challenged me to do was search for beauty and happiness beyond the external form, and for that I am eternally grateful.
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#fashion #ootd #shopsecondhand #secondhand #thrift #thriftstorefinds #zerowastebadass #mindbodygram #iamwellandgood #gogreen #wellnessblogger #gogreen #sustainability #sustainableliving #sustainability #ecofriendly #eco #gogreen #sustainable #simplicity #simpleliving #slowliving #gogreen
The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic The time is upon us, friends! The time…*dramatic pause* for a responsible denim revolution 🌍👖! A single pair of jeans uses the amount of water equivalent to what one person could drink over 7 YEARS. Now throw in the synthetic fertilizers used when growing the crops, the unethical conditions cotton farmers endure to maintain the crops, and the unmonitored energy usage during denim production and you’ve got yourself an unsettling look at our broken conventional denim system. 
But wait, there’s good news 😏 I am beyond excited to share with you an organization leading the change within the denim industry to a more sustainable and ethical world. Meet @tejidosroyo. They’ve created a new denim dyeing process called Dryindigo which uses 100% less water (yes, that means no water!), 89% less chemicals, 65% less energy and ZERO water discharge. To celebrate, last year Tejidos Royo donated 1 million liters of water to UNICEF 🙌 This year, they will be donating to another project who is working to take water where it’s most needed proposed by YOU! Head to my stories to learn more and VOTE on your favorite social project for @tejidosroyo to support! 
#1millionliters #DryIndigo #FabricswithValues #JoinTheSustainableDenimRevolution @onemillionliters
📷: @domlabrecquephoto
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