When at Costco yesterday, I took a quick look at the clothes, as usual, hoping for a travel find. I hit gold – a basic knee length black skirt for $12.99. Bingo! A perfect, thrifty priced addition to my easy care travel wardrobe. It fulfills the minimalism test by being versatile, for both daytime and evening wear.

My main travel philosophies are minimalism, preparation and thrift.

Minimalism for me is traveling light, not bringing excess items or checking bags. If I come home with clothes I did not wear, then I didn’t pack properly. Having taken a 20 inch carry on and small backpack to Europe for 3 weeks, including a 10 day cruise with 2 formal nights, put all my years of packing to the test. Passing grade. My basic wardrobe was put together through years of trial, is updated as new items surface and uses accessories to make an outfit feel new, using little space.

Preparation means being ready for what could happen, has happened in past travels and understanding the area. I carry a few unique items to insure the trip goes smoothly such as an ace bandage, having sprained my ankle in 3 countries. I also prepare by checking what is going on in the places we are visiting. For example, last year Amsterdam had SAIL 2015, a once every 5 year event which dramatically altered transportation and population in the city. Another step is to review the US Department of State website to see if travel advisories exist.

My final philosophy is being thrifty. Being thrifty does not mean risking safety to save a few dollars. It means staying in a safe and clean 3 star hotel rather than spending more for a 4 star hotel full of amenities which will go unused. I would rather spend more days traveling. Being thrifty can mean starting travels mid week when airfare might be lower or having sit down lunches and picnic dinners. Being thrifty may mean finding unique, inexpensive activities, such as summer concert series. It just takes a little internet searching and advance planning.

Those are my guiding travel philosophies and will help with context for future posts. I don’t have all the answers. Trying to save a few dollars in London found us in a hotel directly above a bowling alley. Not consulting the weather forecast had me freezing in Las Vegas as the weather turned cold and I had no long pants. Travel is about the experience and learning along the way.

Cheers!