MEXICO: Minimalist Resort Travel: 5 Days with Just a Backpack
Zeke and Terri on the beach at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico (December 2024)
Can you really enjoy a luxury resort vacation with just a backpack? We put this challenge to the test during our recent 5-day stay at Paradise Village Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The result? A resounding yes – and we discovered that traveling light actually enhanced our resort experience!
Our minimalist adventure began at SFO, where traveling with only backpacks meant breezing through security and avoiding baggage claim hassles. Despite Terri's initial anxiety about last-minute boarding, the streamlined approach actually reduced travel stress. Pro tip: Clear and TSA-Pre makes for much easier airport security.
Paradise Village Resort proved perfect for our experiment in light travel. The casual atmosphere meant we didn't need multiple outfit changes, and the resort's amenities filled in any gaps in our minimal packing list. From beach yoga to sunset walks, we found that fewer possessions meant more freedom to enjoy spontaneous moments.
We ventured beyond the resort to explore hidden gems like Santo Taco's spicy salsa and enjoyed upscale dining at Nicksan, proving that you don't need a huge wardrobe to experience both street food and fine dining.
Our packing strategy focused on versatile basics that could transition from beach to dinner. Quick-dry materials meant we could hand-wash items in our room, eliminating the need for excess clothing. The resort's shops provided any forgotten essentials, though we found we needed far less than we initially thought.
The biggest surprise? How liberating it felt to travel with minimal baggage. Instead of worrying about managing multiple suitcases or keeping track of numerous belongings, we spent more time enjoying resort activities, exploring local markets, and soaking in gorgeous sunsets.
For empty nesters considering their own minimalist resort adventure, here's our key takeaway: pack less, experience more. Focus on versatile items that can serve multiple purposes, embrace resort casual wear, and remember that most destinations have shops if you truly need something.
Our experiment in minimalist resort travel not only worked – it transformed how we'll approach future vacations. Sometimes the best adventures come from challenging our assumptions about what we really need to enjoy a luxury resort experience.
Pro tip: Global Entry made our international travel experience even smoother when re-entering the US.
Watch our full video to see exactly what we packed and how we managed five days of resort living with just our backpacks!