Top 9 Minimalist Travel Destinations With Packing Tips

What is Minimalist Travel?

Minimalism goes far beyond a tidy closet or the mantra “less is more.” At its core, the philosophy is about uncovering meaning and beauty in our surroundings and rethinking how we move through the world. No surprise, then, that it fits travel like a well-worn carry-on bag. More than just staying up to date with packing-light travel hacks, minimalist travel is about sharpening our senses and taking the time to enjoy each destination, curating our visit at our own pace, and noticing the little details along the way. 🎒

There are countless travel tips to practice this approach. Just to give you an idea:

• Travel light and blend sustainability with wellness by choosing low-impact activities and mindful accommodations.
• Stay in one place longer; slow travel deepens connection and supports more sustainable habits.
• Visit during the shoulder or off-season, when crowds thin and local life feels more authentic.
• Spend time in nature and embrace a back-to-basics rhythm.
• Take a break from social media so the journey unfolds without the constant pull of a screen.

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to fill us in on their favourite minimalist travel destinations (with packing tips!). 👍

From smart travel packing hacks to some of the best places in the world for minimalist travel, this blog is filled with great ways to make your next trip more minimal.

TLDR

• Nature Getaways: The Dolomites | Kauai | Tofino
• Digital Detox Destinations: Kyoto | Bali | Costa Rica
• Minimalism in Cultures: Copenhagen | Puglia | Greek Islands
• Minimalist Packing Tips: Clothing | Toiletries + Accessories | Tech | Gear

Photo: Guido in Rome for Flytographer. Brendan and partner capture memories in Rome on a couples photoshoot.

Nature Getaways

1. The Dolomites

Rustic yet refined, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and culinary charm, not to mention unbelievable backdrops for amazing photoshoots. 📸

The hiking trails are among the best in Europe and are undoubtedly a highlight, but the region also offers eco-friendly places to stay and a food scene rooted in sustainability. Locally grown, seasonal ingredients are the star of the show here, making it an ideal destination to experience simple, thoughtful cuisine that reflects the texture of the land. 🍅

Photo: Lucrezia in the Dolomites for Flytographer. Lucia and family capture memories in The Dolomites with a family photoshoot.

2. Kauai

Kauai offers a perfect introduction to minimalist travel. 🌺Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Island,” is less commercialized and has fewer amenities, which is exactly what makes it special. The island’s natural beauty takes centre stage, especially along the stunning Nā Pali Coast.

Far from the bigger and more touristy islands, this is a great place to engage with the local community, visiting farmers’ markets, browsing craft fairs, and spending time in Hanalei, a surfer town with a creative spirit. Kauai is also one of the wettest islands in Hawaii, and that’s a good thing. Rain is part of daily life, offering its own quiet joy through the scent and sound of tropical showers. 🌈

Photo: Flytographer in Kauai. Sabrina and partner capture memories in Kauai with a beach photoshoot.

3. Tofino

Tofino, a beachside town on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, combines raw natural beauty with an array of eco-friendly adventures that are perfect for embracing nature’s slower rhythms. Mountain trails lead down to windswept beaches where tide pools teem with life, and it’s common to spot migrating birds or whales on the horizon. 🐋

The town’s laid-back surf culture makes it easy to slow your pace and leave everyday rushes behind. Additionally, Tofino is rich in Indigenous heritage. Guided walks, local galleries, and community-run cafes highlight deep cultural roots, adding an important layer of awareness as you sojourn in the area. 👏

Photo: Flytographer in Tofino. Nicole and family capture memories on Vancouver Island on a couples photoshoot.

Digital Detox Destinations

4. Kyoto

When we talk about minimalism, Japan is a staple, and its connection stems from deep historical, cultural, and aesthetic traditions of Zen. This is the land of wabi-sabi and mono no aware. In other words, embracing flaws, empty spaces, and fleeting moments that create calm and contemplation. (Yes, it’s also the land of Marie Kondo 😜)

If there’s one place where you can experience it all, it’s the ancient capital of Kyoto. From tea ceremonies to immaculate minimalist gardens and temples, serenity is everywhere, inviting you to leave your phone at the hotel and return to the basics of sensory perception. ⛩️

Photo: Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer. Kaytlin and partner capture memories in Kyoto during Cherry Blossom Season with a couples photoshoot.

5. Bali

Bali may be filled with digital nomads tapping away on their MacBooks, but it’s also an ideal place for a digital detox. 🧘 There’s plenty to keep you off your screen: from exploring the island’s stunning beaches and hiking its terraced rice fields to practicing mindfulness and immersing yourself in the local Hindu culture, which is rich in daily rituals and traditions.

Bali also offers a wide range of sustainable accommodations. Many eco-lodges use natural materials like bamboo to minimize environmental impact. They often show how sustainable building can be both functional and beautiful. 💚

Photo: Bayu in Bali for Flytographer. Jonna and partner capture memories in Bali on a couples photoshoot.

6. Costa Rica

As a global leader in ecotourism and a powerful performer in renewable resources and community-based travel, Costa Rica is a favourite for travellers drawn to minimalism. You can stay in sustainable farmhouses and get out on the land, learning about time-honoured practices such as crop rotation, natural fertilizers, and pest control methods still used today to grow local staples like coffee and chocolate. ☕🍫

Costa Rica is also a world leader in forest preservation. This is a great place to do some forest bathing, which means immersing yourself in a forest environment, walking slowly, breathing deeply, and engaging all your senses in the present moment.

Photo: Mariana in Guanacaste for Flytographer. Kristen and family capture memories in Costa Rica with a family photoshoot.

Minimalism in Cultures

7. Copenhagen

With minimalism, Scandinavian design really stands out! 🏆 One of the best places to experience it is Copenhagen. There’s nothing quite like hopping on a bike and exploring every corner of the Danish capital, discovering eateries, boutiques, and design stores that reflect a commitment to simplicity, function, and balance, with a strong respect for quality over quantity.

You’ll see it in the natural earth tones of the local cuisine, the muted colours and raw materials used in interiors, and the clean lines of ethically made, boxy fashion. Minimalist inspiration is everywhere. Just take your time with it, and make plenty of stops to soak up the museum collections, neighbourhood cafes, and everyday moments. Copenhagen is the kind of city that gently encourages you to take part in the art of embracing less. 😌

Photo: Flytographer in Copenhagen. Nancy and partner capture memories in Denmark on a couples photoshoot.

8. Puglia

Stepping off the beaten path not only brings a breath of fresh air but also supports local economies and helps ease the pressure of overtourism. Far south in Italy, Puglia offers a quieter alternative to the Amalfi Coast and is an ideal place to embrace a slower pace of life. Picture-perfect with its azure waters and a sun-soaked countryside dotted with olive trees, it feels made for lingering. 🫒

It’s easy to get around sustainably, as many towns are connected by rail. You’ll discover historic piazzas and cobblestone streets that invite unhurried walks and quiet moments. Culinary highlights include locally produced olive oil and creamy burrata, while seaside cocktails and unforgettable gelato make for great ways to enjoy the good old dolce far niente. 🤌

Photo: Paola in Monopoli for Flytographer. Andrea and family capture memories in Puglia on a family photoshoot.

9. Greek Islands

In Greece, minimalism dates back to ancient times when purpose and balance were central to everyday life. Yet, slow living continues to thrive today, especially on the famed Greek islands. Minimalist principles show up clearly in Greek architecture. The whitewashed homes of the Cyclades, with their clean lines and simple forms, reflect an approach that favours function, local materials, and an intentional absence of excess.

The result is striking: white buildings set against the deep blue of the sea create a sense of visual calm found nowhere else. These spaces seem naturally in tune with the island’s slower rhythms. In fact, the Greeks even have a term for it: “siga siga,” or slowly, slowly. Fair point, we’d say. 😉

Photo: Kimon & Alexandria in Santorini for Flytographer. Dawn and partner capture memories in Greece with an anniversary photoshoot.

Minimalist Travel Packing Tips

Of course, we’ve got you covered on this! When you pack light with a simple carry-on luggage, it means less hassle during check-ins, easier TSA inspections, and more freedom to move around once the trip actually kicks in. ✈️

Here’s a pro minimalist packing list:

Clothing

Believe it or not, there are ways to pack light while still staying comfortable and stylish. It’s all about what you pack and where you’re going. 👕👗

• Bring multipurpose clothes that mix and match easily and respect local dress norms
• Choose pieces that resist wrinkles and feel comfortable in different climates, like an ultralight puffy jacket that can also serve as a rain jacket (or just your go-to neck pillow!)
• Garments with pockets are useful for carrying travel essentials like phone chargers
• One or two pairs of shoes that are versatile, working for both city streets and nature trails
• Comfortable pajamas and oversized T-shirts

Photo: Flytographer in Kauai. Sabrina and partner capture memories in Kauai with a beach photoshoot.

Toiletries & Travel Accessories

Reducing waste is a big part of minimalist travel, so skip the single-use toiletry bags from airlines or hotels and bring your own eco-friendly personal items. ♻️

• Bamboo toothbrush, crystal deodorant, and organic sunscreen
• An eye mask and a set of earplugs
• A reusable travel-size water bottle to help cut down on single-use plastics

Photo: Kimon & Alexandria in Santorini for Flytographer. Courtney and partner capture memories in Santorini with a couples photoshoot.

Tech Gadgets & Power

Yes, disconnecting is part of minimalist travel, but let’s face it, some tech is essential on the road. 📱

• Bring a slim power bank for iPhones and other devices
• Charging cables and travel adapters, neatly stashed in a small pouch
• Amazon’s Kindle is a great alternative to lugging around heavy books and guidebooks

Photo: Joanna in Amsterdam for Flytographer. Heather captures memories in Amsterdam with a solo adventure photoshoot.

Travel Gear

The right travel gear can make all the difference when you’re packing light. 🪶

• Choose compact luggage that suits your trip, preferably carry-on only: either a hard-sided spinner for city travel or a comfortable travel backpack for more nature-focused adventures
• Use ziplock bags or vacuum-seal bags to compress clothes, or go with packing cubes for better organization
• One bag that’s lightweight and serves as a daypack for your daily exploring

Photo: Chelsea in Tofino for Flytographer. Brendan and partner celebrate their engagement on Vancouver Island with a surprise proposal photoshoot.

Capturing Memories as a Minimalist

Souvenirs can be a wonderful way to bring back memories from a great trip. However, in an industry that often encourages overconsumption, it’s a smart minimalist practice to be selective, choosing to support local craftsmanship and talent instead of mass-produced commercial products. 👌

A Flytographer photoshoot is a great, eco-friendly alternative. It involves partnering with a local photographer who knows and loves their surroundings, and you’ll return home with wall-worthy memories to remember your travels by.