Why You Need to Take a Minimalist Vacation

Two of my favorite things are minimalism and travel. So naturally, I enjoy a minimalist vacation. In early 2020, I spent 5 glorious days in the sun and sand. Nothing could have been better for my health and wellness. In hindsight, we were lucky to sneak this trip in before the world fell apart. There’s something about a view of the ocean. 

It was a couples-only trip to Jamaica. My husband and I were so excited because we had not been back to the island since our honeymoon. A lot has changed in 20+ years. Not just on the island, but for us too. We are indeed older, wiser, and living more simply, even on vacation.

Old-Amy On Vacation

The Old Amy had some pretty bad vacation habits. She tried to stay connected to work, family, and friends. She was tethered to all of it as if she never left. Old Amy packed a large suitcase and carried on a work laptop to be productive during the flight. And she even sacrificed vacation time to take conference calls and respond to emails. Her suitcase was heavy and full of things she did not need and would never wear.

Thank goodness we said goodbye to Old Amy. In fact, long before I left the corporate world, this was one area I got right. And yet, I see my former bad habits in others as we travel.

Not everyone subscribes to my minimalist vacation. From cell phones at the beach to printing in the business center to skipping the last day of vacation in order to repack all the stuff in those large bags. It is hard not to notice.

I get it.

This used to be my kind of vacation too. Having done both, a minimalist vacation has so many benefits. Here’s why you need one.

Packing Light is Less Hassle

We carry on small bags. No matter the length of the trip, I carry on to a flight. I have a travel backpack that I love. And I can easily maneuver it through a busy airport. Carry-ons mean less time getting to and from your destination. No time wasted at baggage claim and less time unpacking the car.

If needed, laundry is always an option. And carry-ons save baggage fees with no risk of lost or stolen luggage. I’ve witnessed how lost luggage can ruin an entire trip. In the end, the travelers spent their vacation complaining about the airline, calling lost and found, and shopping to replace everything.

With small bags, we spent our last morning on the beach instead of repacking. Before our flight, we returned to the room to shower, change and pack up in less than an hour. Bottom line, Less Luggage = More Vacation

Become a Better Boss and Employee

I stopped working during vacations. I do absolutely nothing.

Zero. Zilch.

Easier said than done, right? Wrong. With a little planning, it can be done. In my corporate days, I managed a large team and wanted to set the right example in all aspects of leadership, including time-off.

Every year, I took two weeks off without working or checking my email. Soon, my employees and even my boss followed my lead citing the example I set. We all returned rested and recharged and hit the ground running at the office with increased energy and focus.

While I was away, it was an opportunity for my team to rise to the occasion and do what I taught them. I delegated important responsibilities and communicated deadlines before I left. I set an email out-of-office replier citing no access to email and included alternate points of contact.  Then, I temporarily turned off the email push to my phone so that I could truly disconnect. Instead of worrying about a subject line that would pull me back into work both mentally and physically. Finally, I told my team how much I appreciated their help. And I expressed the faith I had in them. Then, as I drove away, I said to myself, “I trust my team. And I will be a better leader after these two weeks off.” You will too. And you’ll be a better spouse and parent too.

Set Up Trusted Childcare

When you’re leaving town without the kids, it can be challenging. There’s childcare to arrange, carpools to coordinate, and grocery shopping to do. But all this advanced preparation and planning is worth it. Don’t fall into the trap of, “Well, they can just call me.”

I typed up a detailed list of our son’s schedule and activities. As well as phone numbers for neighbors and friends who could help with any situation. (Pro Tip: I reuse the list each time we travel.)

Most days, I left my phone in the hotel room. We did Facetime with our son once or twice, but the rest of the time, his grandparents were in charge. And they loved having the one-on-one time with him.  They even negotiated some carpool changes in our absence. Finally, we hired a college student to handle a drive that was too challenging for his grandparents. And we arranged a carpool pickup for the early morning swim meet. Life went on without us. 

The time my son spends with his grandparents is precious. But we also invest in a village of friends and neighbors and support each other. We know we cannot do it alone and taking a break is healthy for moms and dads. Studies show that kids feel more secure when parents travel without them because they experience our return. And in this very connected world, it’s important to be a little less accessible from time to time.

“Leaving your child with the confidence that they are strong and resilient enough to be without you for chunks of time helps them believe in themselves, which is a belief they can take into adulthood.”

Now it’s your turn.

The world is open.

Schedule a Minimalist Vacation.

And share your travel hacks too. I’d love to learn some new tricks.