Updated June 23, 2020.

Surprise! If you’ve been following along on Instagram and Facebook, you know I just took a surprise trip to Boston! I was there less than two days, so packing minimally was definitely the way to go. If you want to try out minimalist packing on a quick summer getaway, this packing guide is for you! Photo links below are affiliate links with Amazon, so just click to get yours!

Travel Time

You definitely need a good sundress for Boston in summer! It’s moisture-wicking, flattering, and every trip calls for a little black dress.

I took exactly one pair of shoes, and those are my running shoes. I love to run through town wherever I travel, so those are essential. I also value foot comfort over what might be more fashionable, and my running shoes are just as good for walking as for running.

I love a good visor! I was thankful to have this for my trip, and it takes up practically no space because I was either wearing it or had it strapped to (not inside) my bag!

Since I knew I would be wearing this dress twice on the trip, I decided to dress it up a bit with a necklace. A great way to look and feel more like you’re not wearing the same thing twice is to use a piece of jewelry, scarf, belt, or other accessory to change the look up a little bit. Nothing too flashy, so you don’t look like a target, but something with a little color that will draw attention away from the clothes and make the outfit look a little different.

Workout Gear

I really like running and working out when I travel. Running is a great way to see a lot of a city in a short time, and if I’m crossing time zones, it’s also a great way to let my body know that it’s time to be awake! I am not afraid to wear my workout clothes twice, so I decided to only bring one set with me for both days. One rule I live by for packing workout gear is to pack a top with a built-in bra. That’s one thing less to pack! I have this one in two colors, and of course a black running skirt goes with everything!

A Change of Clothes

Even the most minimalist packing list requires a change of clothes! This dress is cute, flattering, comes in several colors, and is moisture-wicking for maximum summer comfort! I also took two changes of underwear and two pair of socks. Could I wear the same pair of socks two days in a row? Sure. Would I want to when they take up so little space? Nope!

Pajamas

Who doesn’t want a fun pair of travel pajamas? Roll ’em up tight to maximize your space!

Toiletries

If I could go totally liquid-free, I would. But as long as I wear contacts and need control of my hair, that will never be the case! But here are the essentials, just as minimal as I was willing to go:

Get the best here: Your Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries

The Bag

Would you believe I fit all this into my Magnolia Traveler Backpack!? And there was room to spare.

Want to go minimalist? Check out What Minimalist Packers Leave Behind!

Want more packing lists, hacks, and tips? Check out my Packing Page! And for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Boston, explore my United States Page!

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