Minimalist Travel and Living Goals
As we cheer the arrival of a beautiful new year, I must write down some minimalist travel (and living) goals, to ensure I remain organized and focus on them throughout this year.
I must also acknowledge that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. So, first and foremost, we will allow the pandemic to direct us as we proceed through this year.
We will continue hunkering down in our country of origin until it is wise to travel slowly again. We will continue avoiding crowds while wearing masks, triple vaccinated.
We realize this means—if the pandemic does not improve this year—that we might not travel as we wish this year. And, for the greater good, we are okay with that.
No matter what, we can simply have fun keeping everything that doesn’t serve us as minimized as possible, so we can pivot on a dime once we know what is safe and wise.
Simplify Thinking
I love deep and complex thinking as much as I love my belongings and surroundings to remain as minimal as possible.
But when it comes to accomplishing goals, I truly need to avoid unnecessary mental distractions. I need to think simply, so I can proceed.
So this is my official reminder to simplify my thinking when beneficial, so I can visualize a clear path to each goal.
Minimize Passport Issues
My passport doesn’t expire for another year and a half, but with all we hope to do during the next two years, I want to ensure my passport will not need replacing during that time.
Especially since travel can require six months of valid time left on a passport.
So I’ll expedite the renewal of my passport soon, in a few minimal steps. I’ll take my own passport photo, have it processed online, and expedite the hardcopies.
There will be no need to make appointments, drive to appointments, or sit for appointments.
Minimize Overseas Financial Mistakes
There are several long-stay visas and dual citizenships we’ve been considering for a long time. It’s finally time to verify with the experts any potential financial repercussions.
Because, as much as we’ve researched these on our own, we are not legal or financial experts, I keep finding inconsistencies, and I have no idea how much I don’t know. It’s time to verify the financial facts.
So I’ll be considering future long-term visa and dual citizenship plans based on what the experts say is financially wise. I’m waiting on a reply as we speak.
Minimize Travel Impact on the Climate
We don’t want to give up our citizenship or our residency in our country of origin. But we embrace traveling for as long as possible.
And with the severe climate issues, we want to minimize the impact our travel has on the world.
Apply for Long-Stay Travel Visa
We love being allowed to stay wherever we happen to be traveling, for as long as we wish to be there. We really don’t want to have to leave after a certain number of days. We want to leave when we’re ready to travel to the next destination.
But there are limits to how long we can stay in any particular location. Add to that the very real issue of climate change, and it’s more important than ever that we find a way to stay (or bicycle, or train) more and fly less.
If we obtain a long-stay travel visa in a region of the world that allows us to easily walk, bike, or train to different countries, that eliminates much of the climate waste we would otherwise create while traveling.
So, once we hear back from the experts, we hope we can choose a country and apply for a long-stay travel visa.
Ultimately, we hope to lodge in a tiny affordable furnished European apartment or cabin that allows us to travel (by foot, bicycle, or train) to other countries as we desire—when we’re not in our home country.
Apply for Dual Citizenship
Right now, I also have the opportunity to apply for dual citizenship in a country from which my grandparents descend. The only issue is that the rules vary greatly per individual, and it can take about three years to be considered for that citizenship.
It would allow us more time where we love to be.
Again, obtaining dual citizenship in a region of the world that allows us to easily walk, bike, or train to different countries eliminates much of the climate waste we would otherwise create.
I’m going to start this process soon to see if it will work. That said, by the time my application is up for review, it might be determined that this option doesn’t apply to me, so I’m remaining realistic.
It’s definitely worth the effort to find out, though.
Minimize Possessions by Decluttering/Spring Cleaning
No matter how few possessions I prefer to own, it’s nuts that I can still accumulate more than I need. I have to regularly take stock of my possessions and give away/donate anything I no longer need.
For instance, I have one checked bag, one carry-on, and three packages that contain my entire life right now. I definitely need to get rid of those three packages.
I also need to send a message of gratitude to my boyfriend (who loves to hold onto things more than I do) for enthusiastically inviting me to rummage through his luggage, too.
Minimize the Replacement/Replenishment of Travel Gear
With few belongings, I use them more. So I’ve needed to replace and/or replenish some travel gear, including my very old laptop.
I want to replace and replenish these items long before we head out again. But I have to remind myself to keep the replacements minimal.
Sometimes I can’t decide if I should get three shirts or four, six underwear or eight, two bras or more.
I prefer to pack less, yet I prefer to wear more. If that makes sense?
These are the realities of living with minimal possessions.
Minimize Travel Plans
We hope that in a few months we’ll have a better idea of what our potential travel options might be. Though we realize we may be no closer to answers then than we are right now.
So, while we are planning for any possibility—including the possibility that we can’t travel—we are keeping any potential travel plans quite minimized.
Here are some options we are contemplating:
travel to Sweden for the summer, then return to our home country until travel opens up around the world
slow travel our way to Europe, then travel Europe in a climate-friendly way
travel through the Arctic, if it’s possible to do so in a more ecological (and reasonably priced) way
We hope that by getting all of our ducks in a row now, yet keeping it all minimal, we’ll be able to make the most sustainable choice at the right time (possibly at the last minute)—then head out.
Minimize Loss by Verifying Travel Insurance
Our version of slow travel wouldn’t be wise without travel insurance covering us, especially with Covid still in our world. So, once we know what kind of travel will be possible, I’ll verify that World Nomads’ travel insurance policies will still cover us.
World Nomads has been the best travel insurance for our (older) age group so far, with enough Covid coverage to definitely be worthwhile in these times. However, Covid changes things daily, so it’s always wise to verify this before purchase.
Minimize Stress by Having a Socially-Distanced Backup Plan
Should sustainable travel abroad not be wise or easy in the foreseeable future, I can renew my current lodging. My boyfriend can also continue his commute between loved ones he helps out and his boat, both projects that can keep him busy.
We might also consider road-tripping North America long-term (until we can easily head back overseas). We’ve both done this extensively before, so this is not imperative, but it would allow us to be more active while traveling in a socially distanced way (until the pandemic is over).
Essentially, this is the time to minimize what doesn't serve us as we maximize what fulfills us.