What’s In My Bag – MINIMALIST EDC Essentials
Do you want to know what’s in my handbag? I try to have a minimalist approach to my everyday carry essentials so for anyone who loves EDC, minimalism and handbags – or purses – keep reading! I’ve identified 41 items that I carry in my handbag in different scenarios. I try to keep the items I carry to a minimum and select small, lightweight versions of everything. I’m not claiming to be a minimalist, but I suffer from shoulder and neck pain so the lighter my bag the better. And to help those outside Australia, here we tend to call all women’s fashion type bags “handbags”, rather than shoulder bags, clutches, etc. And they are never called “purses”. A purse is something you keep your coins in! The items I carry My car key Like most car keys these days it’s big and chunky. I know that some car keys can be programmed onto a smart phone so the sooner Audi do that in Australia the better, then I can leave this at home! Driver licence Whether I’m driving or not this is my primary form of identification, so I always have this on me. Trolley key I use this to unlock supermarket trolleys, so I don’t have to carry a coin. I never carry cash, and I got caught so many times before I got this. Breath mints This one is up for review. I really don’t need them very often, but this is a tiny, slim holder – I think Michael got it from an animal welfare conference in New Zealand about 15 years ago! Canadian travel charm Maybe I’m superstitious but a friend gave me this good luck charm for travellers many years ago and I’ve carried it ever since. Costco card Costco cards can’t go in my iPhone wallet, so I’m stuck with this one. I could keep it in the glovebox of the car since I only ever go there in the car so this might get eliminated! Emergency $20 note I don’t use cash in Australia at all. This became part of my carry about 10 years ago when I let my car run out of petrol. NRMA – roadside assistance – brought me a can of petrol but I needed $20 cash to pay for it! I had to borrow from the business I’d stopped outside of, luckily, they were nice enough to lend it, even though they didn’t know me. It was a plumbing business, and we’ve used them for our plumbing issues ever since. And yes, I did repay them! Fold up shopping bag To avoid excessive consumption of disposable bags. Glasses screwdriver To tighten those tiny little screws when the arms of my glasses start flapping around. House key Just the one. I don’t feel the need to carry every key I possess. I always wonder why people have to carry big bunches of keys, like an olden day’s prison warden. Safe key More of a money tin really – we just keep left over international currency in there between trips. Nothing major, it’s more so we know where it is than for security! I keep the key with me for security though, rather than need. Hand cream This tiny container is perfect – I like things as flat as possible. I refill it with a fairly thick cream – a runny one might leak. Lip balm No explanation necessary! Anker magsafe power bank For phone low power emergencies – that time I ran out of petrol I’d also forgotten to charge my phone, and I didn’t have a charger in the car. Another thing the nice plumbing business lent me was a charger! Rolling Square InCharge X xmall charging cable I can use it to charge anything USB C, Micro USB or lightning if there is a USB A or C outlet to plug into. The MagSafe power bank can give my iPad a tiny charge using this cable, if I’m really desperate! Nasal decongestant I tend to get a stuffy nose quite a lot. Pen Always good to have. I have a LAMY Safari pen I bought in Japan, but it’s a bit big and chunky. I love it but I’m thinking of getting a small pen like a Fisher Space Pen or something made for EDC. The pens above are NOT to scale! Hand sanitiser Even before Covid I usually had it but now it’s more important than ever. Shout wipe If you’ve seen my video on packing for a six-week trip you’ll know I tend to be a bit of a messy eater. Small mirror This is the tiniest mirror I’ve ever found. I got it, well we got two of them, at an animal welfare conference in Washington DC in 2011. It was a gimmick – “looking into this will show you who can save these animals” kind of thing. But I’ve carried one ever since for makeup touch ups – it’s all I need and so tiny! Small scrunchie When it’s hot and sticky and I’m out and about my hair annoys me so when I’m about to go completely mad I get this out and pull my hair back. It looks awful but sometimes that just doesn’t matter! Small tin of medications Just a few painkillers, antihistamines and antacid tablets. I wrap the scrunchie around this, so they’re always together. The tin is from some souvenir breath mints I bought at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Smart AirCard I bought these from a Kickstarter, they work the same as Air Tags, but they’re flat so easier to carry in small pouches and bags. Sunglasses But not very often since I can’t drive in them or read my phone in them. And only when its sunny of course! I keep them in this soft pouch, which doubles as a lens cloth. SwissCard NailCare From the makers of Swiss Army knives and with similar functions. This one doesn’t have a blade, but it does
Maximise Your Packing List with Minimalism: Essential Travel Gadgets for Long Flights
Are you ready to revolutionise your packing list? In this blog post, we’ll explore how to go minimalist while highlighting ten game-changing travel gadgets that will become your long-flight essentials. Stick around until the end for a thought-provoking question: Do you really need that everyday carry item when you travel, or even at home? Essential Packing Tips for Your Next Flight Planning your next flight and wondering what to pack for a comfortable journey? In this blog, we’ll reveal the travel essentials you really need and highlight the items you should ditch! From unnecessary tech to bulky accessories, we’ll break down the items that could weigh you down. Get ready to travel smarter and lighter with our expert advice! The Necessity of Hand Sanitiser First up, hand sanitiser. Keeping germs at bay is a must, but instead of a bulky bottle, consider using handy wipes. Not only do these save space in your liquids bag, but they also reduce plastic waste—environmentally friendly and practical! Opt for Eco-Friendly Toiletries When I started my long-haul flying adventures, I was excited about those tiny bottles of moisturiser and mini tubes of toothpaste designed for travellers. However, I quickly realised these single-use items contribute to landfill waste. Now, I collect free samples from beauty purchases or transfer my toiletries into smaller containers, like contact lens cases. This approach minimises plastic waste, saves money, and maximises space in my liquids bag! Power-Up Your Charging Gear When it comes to charging gear, I’ve refined my setup. I stick to USB-C to USB-C cables, but since most flights only have USB-A outlets, I bring a tiny USB-A to USB-C adapter. It’s space-saving, lightweight, and efficient! Choose the Right Power Bank Power banks are essential, but many recommendations fall short for long-haul flights. For instance, the iWalk, with just 4,500 milliamp hours, won’t fully charge an iPhone. Instead, consider the NiteCore NB10,000, which packs ample power in a compact size—perfect for charging multiple devices. For those who prefer a maximalist approach, check out Michael’s favourite power bank with a massive 30,000 milliamp hours. Ditch Bulky Items Many travel YouTubers suggest hefty items like large water bottles and bulky pillboxes. Instead, opt for a collapsible water bottle and pack your pills in ziplock bags—your carry-on (and your back!) will appreciate the extra space. Embrace E-Books If you haven’t converted to e-books yet, what are you waiting for? They significantly lighten your load. A weeklong trip used to mean packing at least four heavy books. Now, I read e-books on my phone or iPad, saving both space and weight while ensuring I always have something to read! Upgrade Your Travel Pillow Ditch that hefty travel pillow for a more compact option. I recommend three alternatives: an inflatable pillow, a stuffable pillow you can fill with a down jacket or hoodie, or the amazing TRTL travel pillow that wraps around your neck like a scarf, offering head support just where you need it. Smart Luggage Choices When it comes to luggage, think strategically. You don’t need a giant suitcase alongside a hefty backpack. I recently used the TomToc 9 litre sling as my personal item, which was spacious enough for my laptop, iPad, and essential gadgets while remaining sleek for airport navigation. Everything was accessible at my seat—no more rummaging in the dark! Rethinking Your Passport Cover Now, let’s discuss passport covers. Are they necessary? Many countries have scanner systems, which can complicate your journey through immigration. Instead, designate a specific pocket in your bag or use a slim wallet that keeps everything handy without fuss. Minimalist Wallet Strategies The wallet is often a cherished item, but do you need a bulky one? I used to carry a beautiful pink Tiffany wallet, but I’ve now switched to a minimalist zip pouch. Recent trips reminded me that I can easily store essentials in my cross-body bag. With options like Apple Wallet and minimal cash needs, my wallet requirements are decreasing! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Conclusion As we prepare to land, gear up for your next long-haul flight by checking out my video on achieving first-class comfort! Share your favourite travel hacks in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel insights. Until next time—safe travels and happy flying! Bye for now! Helpful links Amazon links are affiliate links. Liquid hand sanitiser – https://geni.us/GZl4 Sanitiser wipes – https://geni.us/85Om8M Travel toiletries – https://geni.us/idcKk https://geni.us/gNxd1kj Contact lens cases – https://geni.us/TxQzkYY USB A to C converter – https://geni.us/CRbKWH USB C to C cable – https://geni.us/a3fU USB A to C cable – https://geni.us/uyVr Plug in charger – https://geni.us/BOI64Fs iWalk power bank – https://geni.us/AIKIO8 NiteCore power bank – https://geni.us/81BhBsI High-capacity power bank – https://geni.us/rcw4 Yeti water bottle – https://geni.us/QE2zPF Collapsible water bottle – https://geni.us/77Cu7vJ Pill organiser – https://geni.us/T2I1w Zip lock bags – https://geni.us/FHXI8 Kindle – https://geni.us/0kZe iPad – https://geni.us/vaw0qtA iPhone – https://geni.us/qXmGW eBook – https://geni.us/Gh23dFg Inflatable pillow – https://geni.us/us0sAn Stuffable travel pillow – https://geni.us/Wrj51 TRTL travel pillow – https://geni.us/ABZPEl TomToc sling – https://geni.us/GiXGu Backpack – https://geni.us/fZZiOAb Rollaboard – https://geni.us/SqA6oMX Mimco Classico travel duo gold – https://www.mimco.com.au/classico-travel-duo-pouch-60290317-3718 Bellroy travel wallet – https://geni.us/fIyj4j Other links When we travel, we use the following (may be affiliate links): Phone data: AloSIM eSIMs. Use code 7NBZZYI and click https://alosim.com/ to set up your account. Data and device security: NordVPN https://refer-nordvpn.com/TzKdKQRYawt Tours and tickets: Viator https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00213240&mcid=42383&medium=link Away luggage. Get $40 off and we get a commission if you use this link: https://referrals.awaytravel.com/away988654 Air Tags have helped us find lost luggage: https://geni.us/BJvW Mardi’s favourite toiletry bag: https://geni.us/sfNf5 Larger containers to decant toiletries into: https://geni.us/qnwvty Philips Hue 2 can be used as a sunrise lamp: https://geni.us/3KW0C Philips Sunrise alarm clock: https://geni.us/QguI Suction hooks for additional hotel storage: https://geni.us/lkS7N Packing cubes: https://geni.us/kLH6D0 Folding lighted makeup mirror: https://geni.us/l4zFp Handheld fan for warmer climates: https://geni.us/RKrn We use this hanging jewellery organiser as a travel medications organiser: https://geni.us/8uILo2D Airfly allows Bluetooth headphones to connect to in-flight entertainment: https://geni.us/A7ytd
