Adventure, Travel Blog

Essential Packing List
for a Long Trip

Posted by Wanderfull Explorer on
It doesn’t matter what you wear, the awesomeness will still prevail.
Magical luggage tags for packing
Magical Luggage Tags

I traveled for 4.5 months with 1 carry on bag and a back-pack. I made some mistakes with my own packing list. Here are some things I learned so that you can avoid learning the hard way.

What makes packing most difficult on lengthy trips is weather changes. Luckily, we chased the sun. (Tip: chase a certain weather pattern!) Still, some places ranged in breeziness, but it was better than having to prepare for a complete weather flip.

Another issue is activity/vibe shifts; are you adventuring every day? or are you simply walking around? maybe your exploring beaches? ruins? cities? The larger the spectrum, the more difficult it is to pack.

One more factor to consider is your access to laundry. In Europe, we stayed in apartments and made sure we had access to one at least once per week. In Asia, we did our laundry in sinks and showers. That was fun.

Out of all the advice I’ll provide in this post, the most important tip is:  if you question the need for it more than once, DO NOT BRING IT. You will be more frustrated about excess items than lack of items. I promise. Most likely, you can buy an item while traveling if you find that you desperately need it!

ACCESSORIES

Miscellaneous:

  • Sunglasses:
    • No matter how much of a shade snob you are, do not bring your nicest pair. You are constantly on the move in exciting new places. Losing them is inevitable.
    • (RIP Ray-Bans; you left me on a Switzerland train. Sad, but kudos to a very sophisticated exit.)
  • Foldable Water Bottle:
    • Saves money. Saves the planet.
    • This was one of the best accessories we purchased for Europe, where the majority of the tap water gets the green light.
    • My pick: Platy Platypus Bottle
  • Day Backpack:
    • Exploring a city or adventuring around nature, a lightweight day-pack is essential.
    • My pick: New Outlander Pack
  • Portable Charger
    • When you’re away from your room all day, you might lose your juice!
  • Portable Hard Drive:
    • If you’re snap-happy like me and don’t completely trust the cloud, this is key.
    • They’re pricey, but worth it.
    • My pick: WD Passport
  • Adapters
  • Laptop + Charger
  • Headphones
  • Kindle/E-Reader
  • DSLR Camera
    • This isn’t necessary, but damn, do DSLR’s capture the wonders of the world.
    • Although, once you read this, iPhone has probably caught up to the technology.
    • If you’re a beginner, I’d recommend a Canon rebel.
Packing list kindle
Totally reading the book. Not staring at anything else.
A picture of a picture. So meta.

Toiletries:

  • Thin, lightweight Toiletry bag
    • Most options are structured and bulky; taking up loads of space.
    • Find one that is flexible and thin, so that you can separate your toiletries in savvy style.
  • Refillable Shampoo, Conditioner,  and Body Wash Bottles – Travel Sized
    • We refilled these whenever we saw the chance at an accommodation.
  • Teeth Products
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothbrush holder
    • Toothpaste
  • Travel Sized Face Wash
  • Hair Brush + 1,000 hair ties
    • Do not bring a hair dryer. Many places have one.
    • If you have hair that does not look too swell without some hair-dry action, ya just have to grin and bear it. 🙂
  • Contacts Products
    • Solution
    • Case
  • Lady Products
    • This is dependent on which countries you are visiting.
    • Do some research beforehand and see if they carry what you need!
      • If they do, don’t bother. If they don’t, plan accordingly.
  • Sun-Blockers
    • Travel-sized bottles of sunscreen are pretty useless given the size.
    • Instead, buy a bigger bottle when you hit the ground.
    • Chapstick with SPF.
  • Make-up
    • If you’re a no make-up kinda gal, good for you.
    • If not, try to pack the minimum!
      • mascara, eyeliner, 1 basic eyeshadow
      • SPF foundation, blush, bronzer
    • Remover: While I love wipes, a travel-sized bottle of liquid saves room.

SHOES

 

Packing list comfy shoes
Why comfort is key. Exhibit A.
Exhibit B.
  • Running Sneakers
    • I also used these for Mild-Moderate Hikes.
      • Disclaimer: Although we didn’t plan any INTENSE hiking, I real-time confirmed the slippery-ness of hiking in running shoes. So, should you pack separate hiking shoes? This is a tough one only because I don’t know what I would’ve taken out in order to fit them!
  • 2 Sandals
    • Black and Beige.
    • I can’t stress the comfort factor enough. Many sandals are not built for walking all day. You don’t want to cut a day of exploring short because your feet are on fire.
    • Invest in your sole! Think Aerosoles and Born, even if you’re not a middle-aged mom. There are cute AND comfy ones out there in the shoe abyss.
    • Cold weather? Omit.
  • Tennis Shoes
    • Comfort. Comfort. Comfort.
    • These were my babies. I over-wore them. I wish I brought two pairs.
    • I brought Vans, but TOMS would also be a good call.
  • Flats
    • “Nice” AND comfortable
    • Basic enough to dress down and dress up (you’re not fitting heels.
    • Comfy enough to handle a day of walking.
    • My pick. Kelly & Katie black flats
    • (if it’s cold weather, i’d go with flat booties here)

CLOTHES

Cannot get more basic.
When you are having the time of your life, material doesn’t matter.

FACT: You are going to get bored of your clothes. Your goal is to be a basic bitch. Don’t pack anything too eccentric or loud because the tiredness will kick in a lot quicker.

Also: Layering is key.

Day/Evening Clothes

  • 3-4 basic tops
    • Remember. basic bitch.
  • 5 cotton dresses/rompers:
    • Even if you aren’t the “dress” type, they are a packing lifesaver. They require minimal room AND can be dressed up/down.
    • If your not down OR if it’ll be cold, replace with more tops.
  • 3 layering pieces
    • chambres/cardigans
  • 1-2 pairs of pants/jeans:
    • one black, one dark
  • 2 shorts
    • (if you go with shorts that have light material (not jean), you could increase the #.
  • 1 pajama dress
    • This saves room compared to shirt and shorts!  
    • (more pj options below)
  • 1 light scarf
    • not really necessary, but it helped me switch it up at times.
  • 4 pairs of socks
    • I’d rec. more if it’s winter.
  • 10 pairs of underwear
    • An upside to having barely any clothing for underwear.
    • I’d rec more if you don’t have access to laundry for more than 1 week.

 

Fitness/Specialty

My goal was to work out at least 3 times a week. 20 pounds later, that obviously didn’t happen, but I packed for it.

  • 2 Fitness leggings
    • can also be used as mild/moderate hiking pants.
    • Bring 1 pair that can pass for daytime leggings, too. Boom: another pair of pants.
  • 2 Running/Active shorts
    • can also be used as pajama bottoms.
  • 2 Running/Active shirts
    • can also be used as  pajama shirts
  • Beachwear
    • 2 bathing suit tops
    • 1 bottom
  • Thin zip-up
    • for breezier hikes

If you have any suggestions or questions, comment or ask away below.

Oh and…Happy Traveling!