Many people plan for every contingency when packing for a trip. They end up with a massive amount of luggage that they then have to haul around, stress about, and wait for at baggage claim. This used to be me. I would flip through everything in my closet and all the adventure gear that I own, and pack everything that might be remotely useful.
While you may not have a dedicated outfit for every occasion, ultimately you won’t remember what you were wearing on the vacation. However, you will remember the amazing experiences you had. Making a list, packing versatile basics, and planning ahead according to your destination and activities are all good ways to eliminate excess and avoid over-packing. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our pre-made packing lists.
Honestly, I’ve never had a bad vacation because I left something behind. Minimalist travelers exercise planning, adapting, and overcoming. If there’s something I desperately need but didn’t pack, it’s usually available at the destination; either by purchasing, renting, or borrowing.