Is Minimalist Travel Low Cost?

Mmm... an interesting question...

In my opinion the answer is "no".

Not helpful. I know. But bear with me.

Minimalist travel can be as low cost as any other full baggage trip if you want it to be. The Under The Radar Travel Team have all travelled in a minimalist low cost way to multiple locations with one small pack and no real need to buy any additional supplies when they get to their destination.

That being said, travelling light can lead to a more expensive trip if your strategy is to buy what you need when you get to your destination. It's up to you to decide. What are you prepared to trade off. Personally we would rather travel light - free from the unnecessary burden of lugging around a big suitcase or backpack. We'd rather buy the, usually low cost, bits and pieces needed along the way - an extra t-shirt, washing gear etc., making sure not to load up with stuff you don't need.

One area you won't want to scrimp on is activities - and this applies to minimalist or "full fat" trips. A good friend of mine once gave me some sage advice, which was to never scrimp on paying for activities when you are travelling, because you never know when you will visit that location again, and you may miss out on that one and only opportunity. If you have any doubt about whether to go, there is no doubt - you must go.

Activities are what will consume your travel budget, so allocate that money wisely and in advance of your trip grab yourself a coffee and sit back and imagine what each activity might be like. If you're excited by the vision, then that goes on the list, if not, then give it a pass.

So, in a nutshell, minimalist travel minimalist travel is not a low cost option compared with dragging around the contents of your house - but the feeling of lightness and freedom is priceless.