1 month travel checklist

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Long-Term Travel Guide for 2023: The Ultimate Packing List for a Month

3 Packing Tips for a Long Trip

Before anything else, you need to know a few tips before packing for a month-long trip. Always keep in mind these 3 tips!

✓ Hand wash the delicates - For a month-long trip, you won’t be able to get away without washing certain clothing pieces. We’re referring to underwear, socks, bras and under shirts. Doing a quick wash in the sink will help hold you over if you don’t have access to laundry. Watch this video to see how to wash clothes in the sink when traveling .    

✓ Pack less pants, more shirts  - Pack 3 to 4 pairs of pants or shorts that can be paired with almost ALL your shirts. That way you can create many different outfits (just change the shirts, shoes, jewelry) with one pair of pants! Stick to classic, comfortable and neutral pieces that you can re-wear over and over.

✓ Use clear packing cubes to stay organized - Staying organized is hard enough when traveling, so do yourself a favor and don’t think twice about packing cubes. They will save you time, energy and stress over where you packed what. Give the kids their own color so they feel special (and color code them for your sanity). These clear packing cubes are great because you see what’s inside each cube, without having to take everything out. When arriving at your various destinations, no need to unpack. Place the cubes into drawers or on top of a table - just like traveling drawers!

The ultimate packing list for a month of travel

Below is a list of the essential items you need to pack for a month-long trip. We cover all the items that must be packed inside your checked luggage . We have also divided the clothing packing lists for each member of the family. Enjoy!

✦ CLOTHES & SHOES ✦

CLOTHES FOR MOM

Underwear / Sleepwear

✓ Panties - Bring at least 10 pairs so you don’t need to wash during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: Avoid packing white or light-colored panties, as well as lace material ones which are more prone stains and tears .

✓ Bras - Bring at least 3 to 4 bras (bring the most comfortable ones you own). You can get away with bringing fewer bras if you’re going to a colder region (less sweaty).

✓ Socks - Bring at least 10 pairs of socks. A few ankle socks, a few no show socks, and a few high socks (especially for boots or colder weather).

✓ Pajamas / Cotton Shorts - Bring lightweight pajamas and shorts. Three pairs will be enough since you’ll only use them for lounging or sleeping.

✓ Comfy Shirts - Bring at least 3 comfy shirts you can use for sleeping or lounging.

Casual Clothes

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 5 cotton T-shirts or tank tops you can easily pair with leggings, jeans or shorts. Pro-packing tip: Opt for neutral colored shirts so you can easily match all your clothing items together. Also, bring a few darker colored shirts (easier to re-wear if you have a small stain).

✓ Dressy Tops / Blouses - Bring 3 to 4 dressy tops for nice dinners, going out for the night or unexpected dates.

✓ Jeans / Leggings - Bring at least 2 pairs of jeans and 2 to 3 pairs of leggings. Maybe bring one pair of blue jeans and one pair of black jeans? It’s nice to have some variety with your outfits. Leggings are very lightweight, easy to dry and go well with a wide range of tops - they’re also the comfiest bottom for moms! Pro Tip: Use leggings for the occasional workout or pair with a T shirt, sneakers and jean jacket for a day out.

✓ Skirts - If you’re a fan of skirts (meaning you wear them at home) then bring your favorite two skirts. If you never wear them at home, you probably won’t wear them while traveling, so leave them at home.

✓ Shorts - Bring 2 to 3 different types of shorts especially if you’re traveling to a tropical destination. Denim shorts are a must for every day sightseeing - they can be paired with almost any shirt.

✓ Dresses - Bring at least 1 to 2 of your favorite dresses that you could wear during the day or at night. A  black maxi dress is perfect for dressing down with sandals or dressing up for a night out! If you’re not a fan of long dresses, try a  simple and comfy dress  for an everyday casual look.

Cold or Winter Wear

✓ Windbreaker - Bring at least 1 windbreaker that can withstand both wind and rain.

✓ Tights / Thick Leggings - If you’re traveling to a very cold destination, bring 1 to 2 tights or base layer leggings to double layer underneath your pants.

✓ Sweater / Jacket - Bring at least 1 warm sweater or down jacket that you can use when sightseeing in the cold, for night time brisk walks or even while on the flights (the AC gets cold).

✓ Scarves - Scarves are versatile pieces you can use for protection against the cold or sprucing up a basic outfit, bring at least 1 to 2 of your favorites. Also, make sure they are neutral so they match with most of your outfits.

✓ Gloves / Beanie - Optional pieces you can bring if you’re going to a very cold destination.

✓ Swimsuits - You can get away with just 1 to 2 swimsuits while traveling.  Make sure you bring suits you love wearing. Pro-packing tip: Try purchasing a reversible swimsuit like this one .

✓ Cover Up - Bring at least 1 cover up that you can use when lounging on the beach. Pro-packing tip: Pack a versatile cover up that can double as a top or dress . If you don’t want to bring a cover up or a sarong to save space, you can use one of your scarves as a wrap!

Active Wear / Workout Gear

✓ Quick Dry Shirts - Going trekking or hiking? Quick dry shirts are your best friend as they can dissipate sweat more easily than regular cotton shirts. Bring at least 2 quick dry shirts , depending on how much trekking you’re planning to do. Pro-packing tip: Quick dry shirts can be washed in the sink and be ready to wear the morning.

✓ Jogging / Yoga Pants - For a very active trip, it’s a must to stay comfortable while moving around. Bring at least 1 to 2 jogging pants or yoga pants.

✓ Baseball Hat - Bring at least 1 hat to help protect you against the rays of the sun while staying active. Bring a neutral color that will go with all your outfits!

✓ Sports Bras  - Sports bras are a must when traveling, to double for workouts and busy days sightseeing. Bring 4 to 5 sports bras that you love wearing.

✓ Walking Shoes  - Bring 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes, either comfy sandals or athletic sneakers. We love these affordable Adidas sneakers that can double as workout shoes as well as everyday walking shoes with jeans and a T-shirt.

✓ Wedge Heels - Depending on the type of trip you’re taking, don’t bring heels at all if you don’t normally wear them. If you do love dressing up for a night out every couple days, bring 1 pair of comfy wedges  you can throw on with a casual dress or jeans.

✓ Sandals - You’ll need a comfy pair of sandals that will last you all day. We suggest bringing a pair that has back (not slip on with open back). These will give you more support and be comfier throughout the day. For beach or pool days, you can wear these as your flips flops. No need to bring an extra pair!

CLOTHES FOR DAD

✓ Briefs / Boxers  - Bring at least 10 pairs so you won’t need to wash during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: Try merino-fabric types, which are moisture-resistant and dry very quickly.

✓ Socks  - Bring at least 3 to 4 pairs of regular high-ankle socks and a few ankle socks for your athletic shoes.

✓ Sleeping Shirts - Bring at least 3 sleeveless shirts you can use for sleeping or for lounging around.

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 5 cotton shirts which you can easily pair with jeans or shorts. Pro-packing tip: Darker-colored and plain shirts are ideal because stains are less likely to show up and they are easier to pair with other clothing items.

✓ Dress / Collared Shirts - Bring at least 2 dress or collared shirts for  dinner, going out and fancy occasions.

✓ Jeans / Trousers  - Bring at least 2 to 3 pairs of pants. For men, you’ll be wearing jeans a majority of the time so bring a couple options.  

✓ Shorts  - Bring 2 to 3 different types of shorts, especially if you’re traveling to a tropical destination. You can bring denim shorts, patterned shorts and black shorts for versatile outfit planning.

✓ 1 Windbreaker  - Bring at least 1 windbreaker that can withstand both wind and rain. Also, that doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage.

✓ Sweatpants  - If you’re traveling to a very cold destination, bring 1 to 2 warm sweatpants for lounging or for a casual day in the cold.

✓ 1 Warm Jacket  - Bring at least 1 warm sweater or down jacket that you can use when sightseeing in the cold, for chillier nights or even while on the flights (the AC gets cold).

✓ Gloves & Beanie - Optional pieces you can bring if you’re going to a very cold destination.

✓ Swim Trunks / Board Shorts - Bring at least 2 swim trunks, since these items barely take up space.

✓ Rash Guard - Are you planning on hitting the surf while traveling? Boogie boarding? Just want to protect your skin? Try this lightweight rash guard , perfect for any day in the sun.

Active Wear

✓ Quick Dry Shirts  - Same with mom, quick dry shirts are also perfect for dads. They dry quickly as you sweat or as quickly as you wash them! Pack 2 to 3 shirts.

✓ Jogging / Jogger Pants  - Bring at least 1 to 3 jogging pants or opt for jogger pants which can also be used for lounging.

✓ Baseball Hat  - Bring at least 1 cap to help protect you against the rays of the sun while staying active. Make sure it’s neutral and goes with all outfits!

✓ Sports Socks  - Bring 1 to 2 pairs of sports socks, depending on how active you plan to be on the trip.

✓ Everyday Walking Shoes - Bring 1 pair of walking shoes, which can double as workout shoes as well as everyday shoes.

✓ Sneakers / Night Shoes - You will pretty much get away with wearing your athletic shoes during the day. You’ll want to bring another pair of nicer sneakers or shoes for going out at night. Pro-packing tip: Opt for darker-colored or neutral-colored sneakers so they can be used for day and night, and also won’t get as dirty on the trip.

CLOTHES FOR KIDS

✓ Panties / Briefs  - Bring at least 10 pairs so you won’t need to wash kiddie panties and briefs during the first week of your trip. Pro-packing tip: With kids, expect the unexpected, you might have to wash clothes earlier than planned.

✓ Diapers  - If your kid is still wearing diapers, bring at least 15 to 20 pairs in your checked luggage. Once you arrive at your first destination, find a pharmacy and buy some more. Pro-packing tip: Research prior to your trip if the country you’re visiting has the specific variant of diaper your child is using.

✓ Socks  - Bring a combination of regular high-ankle socks and low-ankle socks for sneakers. Bring at least 7 to 10 pairs.

✓ Pajamas - Bring a few combos of pajamas, some for the cold and some for hot weather. Bring 2 to 3 outfits so you can switch off without doing laundry.

*Pro Tip: Lay out all the kids clothes on the bed. Have them “choose” 5-10 of their favorite outfits. Bring those and a few more options. On the trip, there is no excuse for not wanting to wear the outfit they chose, right?

✓ Cotton Shirts - Bring at least 7 cotton t-shirts which can be easily paired with jeans or shorts.

✓ Button Up Shirts / Dresses / Skirts - For girls, bring 3 to 4 nicer outfits, maybe a couple dresses, skirts and a few nicer tops. For boys, bring 2 to 3 collared shirts or button-up shirts. 

✓ Jeans / Leggings - For girls, you can bring 2 pairs of jeans and 2 leggings. For boys, bring at least 3 jeans which they can use many times.

✓ Shorts - For girls, denim and colored shorts can spice up any outfit. Boys can also bring knee-length, denim and khaki shorts. Depending on the weather, bring 2 to 3 pairs of shorts (add an extra if all summer weather).

✓ Windbreaker (With Hood)  - Bring 1 good windbreaker (with a hood) that can work for both wind and rain.

✓ Layered Leggings (For Cold Weather)  - Children are easily affected by temperature changes, so if the weather will be cold make sure to bring 2 to 3 pairs of base layer pants or leggings for them to go underneath their regular pants.

✓ Jacket & Sweater  - Find 1 quality sweater they can wear everyday . If the weather will be extra cold, they’ll need a second layer of  warm and puffy down jacket .

✓ Gloves / Beanies - Optional pieces you can bring if necessary for weather.

✓ Swimsuit / Board Shorts  - Bring at least 2 swimsuits for girls and boys. If one is dirty or wet from the previous day, they’ll have a second one to use.  

✓ Rash Guards  - Kids are at a higher risk of getting burnt, so make sure to lather the sunscreen, wear a rash guard, and a hat. There’s also very cute options for long sleeve swimsuits, like this ruffled pink and blue duo . Keeps them protected, but they’re still in their swimsuits!

✓ Everyday Walking Shoes  - Bring 1 to 2 pairs of shoes they can wear everyday for walking around. Make sure one pair is closed toed, to keep them less dirty and protect those little toes.

✓ Sandals with a strap  - Bring s andals with a strap  that are perfect for beach days. It’s important your kids shoes have a strap so they don’t end up missing one of their shoes half way through the day.

For Pains/Headaches

✓ Advil / Tylenol / Motrin - Useful for both bodily pains and headaches.

✓ Fever Relievers for Kids - Bring kids Motrin for relieving fevers and pains for kids.

Prescription Medications

✓ Prescription Medications - Make sure you don’t forget your specific prescription medications, as well as a sufficient amount for the trip! Pro-packing tip: If you will be away for over a month, you may need to ask your doctor for extra meds before leaving.

✓ Decongestants / Antihistamines  -  For relieving sinus pain or pressure, make sure you bring a kiddie version as they are at higher risk for developing colds.

✓ Antacids - For those prone to acid reflux disease, though you can also easily get these from local pharmacies.

✓ Motion Sickness Medication - To avoid getting dizzy or nauseous while on the road, plane or boats.

✓ Anti-Diarrhea Medication - For those times when your system just isn’t cooperating.

FIRST AID KIT

Prepare for the Kid’s Occasional Fall

✓ Antibiotic Ointment - Pack a mini Neosporin for falls and scratches.

✓ Band Aids  - For kids, pack cutely colored and patterned bandages to lessen their anxiety after a fall.

✓ Tweezers  - Tweezers can help in removing splinters that might have gotten caught in the skin or in the wound.

✓ Alcohol  - Great for disinfecting before touching the wound.

✓ Hand Sanitizer - Milder than alcohol and ideal for sanitizing kid’s hands.

✓ Wipes - Great for disinfecting hands, face and even areas you want to sanitize like the dining table or sink area.

✓ Thermometer - Must have for determining and tracking body temperature of kids, best to opt for a digital thermometer .

✓ Gauze Pad and Medical Tape - Better option for larger and deeper wounds.

✦ TOILETRIES & OTHER BODY ESSENTIALS ✦

✓ Travel Size Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap - Bring travel-sized versions of your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you’re very low maintenance, hotels usually provide for these items. Or you can buy these products locally.

✓ Toothbrush and Toothpaste - Again, some hotels provide disposable toothbrushes and mini toothpastes. You can bring your own to be on the safe side.

✓ Deodorant - A must have especially when traveling to a warm, tropical region. Deodorant sticks  are more ideal since they last longer and won’t leak.

✓ Face Moisturizer  - Transfer your favorite facial moisturizer in a small plastic bottle to save space in your luggage.

✓ Sunscreen - There are travel-size sunscreens you can opt to bring like this one from Coppertone. They have packs of 6 which are perfect for the family!

✓ Body Lotion or Cream - Pack a mild body lotion or cream that the entire family can use with trusted brands like Cetaphil or CeraVe .

✓ Razor - Make sure to bring a separate facial razor for dad and a body razor for mom!

OTHER ESSENTIALS

✓ Insect Repellent Lotion - If you’re traveling to a tropical destination, it’s a must to bring an insect repellent lotion. Opt for natural scented ones that won't have that toxic smell  (especially harmful around the kids).

✓ Contact Lens and Solution - Can’t forget these babies… Also a must to bring an extra contact lens case just in case!

✓ Nail Clippers - Long nails are more prone to germ infestation! Make sure you bring a small but good quality nail clipper that the entire family can use. You are allowed to bring these on airplanes too!

✓ Pads / Tampons - For moms out there, don’t forget to bring at least one pack of sanitary pads or tampons in case your visitor of the mont h comes during the trip.

✓ Hair Tools - Hair brush, comb, hair ties and leave in conditioner are all the essentials for a month long trip. Optional: Consider bringing a mini hair dryer  and travel straightening iron  perfect for slipping in the side of your suitcase. Pro-packing tip: When traveling to a different country, do NOT stick either of these items into the plug without a converter . Read more here about which countries need converters.

✓ Cosmetics - It’s ideal to store cosmetics and makeup in a  clear makeup bag . Only bring makeup items that you can’t live without. In tropical regions, it’s not recommended to wear thick foundations, but instead to opt for tinted moisturizers. Pack an everyday lip, natural blush and mascara for going out at night.

✦ ELECTRONICS & ACCESSORIES ✦

✓ Laptop  - It’s not recommended to bring a laptop unless you have work to do or your work is remote. Opt for a tablet if you can! Pro Tip: Find out if there is a safe in the places you’ll be staying. You might need to leave important items in there when going out for the day .

✓ Disposable / Waterproof Camera  - Only bring your “real” camera if you must! Phones will do the trick for the most part, and you’ll save space in your luggage without the heavy gear. Bringing a disposable or waterproof camera is a great idea for water sports, days at the beach, or just fun days to capture moments without a phone.

✓ Chargers  / Power Bank  - With all the different phones in the family, one is bound to be dead before the end of the day. Pro Tip: Always be prepared and bring a  mini power bank in your bag each day (make sure it’s charged the night before).

✓ Headphones / Kiddie Headphones  - Bring the least bulky headphones you have for yourself and hubby, and get the kids their own colored ones.  Putting on their favorite show will keep them occupied (and quiet) for a good chunk of time.

✦ COMMONLY FORGOTTEN ITEMS ✦

✓ Portable Water Bottle - Sure you can opt to buy bottled water once at your destination. You could save money and stay more hydrated when you each have your own bottle. Pro-packing tip: Bring one portable water bottle for each member of the family, designate a specific color for each individual. Pack the bottles into the side of everyone’s backpack before leaving for the airport. Make sure they are empty for TSA Security check! After getting through, you can all fill up your bottles at the water fountain.

✓ Sunglasses and Extra Glasses - Don’t be that person who left their sunglasses in the car! Pack these (in a case) the night before. It’s also a great idea to bring an extra pair in case you lose or break them. Bring  kiddie sunglasses  for your kids to protect their sensitive eyes.

✓ Entertainment for Kids - You can bring small toys such as blocks, miniature cars, paper dolls and small character figures so kids can be entertained while on the road. Crayons are also must-bring entertainment items since they can easily entertain a kid for a few hours. For older kids, try magnetic or portable games like a  chess travel set .

✓ Vitamins / Birth Control / Retainers - These items are all a must! Make sure to check these items off your list before leaving the house.

How to organize your one-month packing list

Now that you have a complete packing list for month-long trip, what’s next?

The next step is organizing your essentials in a way that each member of the family can easily find what they need, when they need it.

Our favorite travel product has to be our Complete Bundle . This set comes with 12 different items, clear packing cubes in various sizes, and additional fun accessories like laundry and shoes bags.

Thanks to Paula from Beauty Through Imperfection for this awesome photo of her kids organization!

You can pack smaller clothing items in the medium packing cubes while larger clothing items can go in the large packing cubes . The small packing cubes can be used for thin shirts, underwear & socks or cosmetics/toiletries.

Thanks to Aimee from The Crazy Craft Lady for sharing how she organizes her kids backpacks for the plane!

You can even split one suitcase with your partner or child. Opt for two different colors and designate one color for yourself and another color for your husband or kid. These cubes are perfect for organizing the kids toys in their backpacks (shown above). It’s the ideal set for families going on a month-long trip! If you need more packing cubes, you can buy them separately to add to your complete bundle.

Color coding and organization has never been easier with clear packing cubes !

Not sure how to organize your luggage using packing cubes? Check out this Ultimate Guide on How to Use Packing Cubes for Suitcases for more goodies.

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

General Packing Tips & Tricks

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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How to Pack for Long-Term Travel Around the World

Last updated on January 4, 2024 by Shannon

Traveling around the world for a year (or even six months) is a different beast than a one-week or short-term vacation. While the packing lists share many similarities, long-term round the world travelers often need to pack a few different things that you wouldn’t for a regular trip. Unlike packing single destination or a single climate, your entire wardrobe and gear has to different climes and locations, while still fitting in your backpack..

When I left on my first yearlong round the world trip , I had a lot of anxiety about what to pack. This post shares not only my one-year long-term travel packing list and the updates I added along the way, but also my current recommended packing list after 15+ years traveling around the world as a digital nomad (because a lot has changed since 2008!).

What’s more—I don’t just tell you what to pack—but exactly why and how I’ve found each item on this packing list useful, so you can assess if it is also worth the weight in your pack during your own world travels, whether you’re heading out for a week, a month, or a long-term trip like mine.

Skip straight to the gear and shop my entire packing list on Amazon .

Table of Contents

Long-Term World Travel Packing List

Picture this: It’s 2008, and I’m desperately combing through the sparse online travelogues. I pause at every selfie—not called a selfie back then—and carefully log in my notebook what clothes the women are wearing in their photos.

My list includes notes like “most women carrying one hoodie and two long-sleeved shirts!” and “five t-shirts and a couple tanks = enough”. I initiated my visual stalking sessions in a desperate bid to discover how many tops and bottoms women packed for their round-the-world trips , along with which brands seemed to hold up throughout their year on the road.

When I left in 2008, I posted my original packing list ( below ) so that another woman would never again go through that painstaking process. The internet is a different place now—there’s a lot  of packing advice out there. But yet, every single week a heck of a lot of people still make it to this page for inspiration when sussing out their own long-term travel packing list.

So, consider this my updated, 2023 packing list for female travelers. It’s a full guide to effective packing for long-term trips (a month or more) and freely shares the lessons I’ve learned after 15+ years of travel and living abroad .

This male packing list is also well done, with great recommendations if you’re of the other persuasion. Sections below cover clothes, shoes, electronics, toiletries and more. I offer suggested brands and products, but keep in mind, I had only a few expensive pieces when I started; after 15+ years on the road, some of these were investment pieces that may or may not be worth it for your trip.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases—this does not affect my recommendations obviously, as this is a list of my current gear and recommendations of items that I paid for myself.

TL;DR: Long-Term Travel Packing List

• 8 tops (4 t-shirts, 1-2 long-sleeved shirts, 1-2 tank tops, and 1 UPF shirt )
• 4 bottoms (2 travel pants /jeans, 1-2 skirts , 1 dress, 1-2 shorts/capri )
• Cold weather layers: 1 pair leggings, 1 thermal , 1 hoodie
• 1 thin rain jacket
• 4-8 underwear
• 2-3 bras + sports bras
• 1 pair thin sleep shorts
• 1 pair hiking boots or sturdy walking shoe
• 1 pair Chacos or sports sandals
• 1 pair stylish sandals (flip-flops for hostels)
• 1 pair ballet flats (super optional)

Packing Essentials

• 1 set leak-proof containers
• prescriptions (scanned and stored online; printed for pain meds)
• 1 luggage lock(s) (optional combination lock needed for hostels)
• 1 quick-dry travel towel
• 1 menstrual cup
• 1 medical kit
• 1 spork (optional)
• 1 reusable water bottle and SteriPen or LifeStraw
• safety essentials : door stop, safety whistle carabiners, pencil wrapped with duct tape

Electronics

• 1 laptop/netbook/iPad
• 1 smartphone with quality camera
• 1 backup hard drive for photos
• 1 portable charger
• 1 mirrorless camera or point-and-shoot
• 2 travel adaptors (1 multi-USB adaptor; 1 set of small ones)
• 1 water purification device
• 1 pack of cards

Best Clothes for Long-term Travel

Travel-friendly tops.

There’s a good amount of variability here depending on your style preferences and where you’ll spend the bulk of your time on the road. If you’re only dipping into cold places, then opt for one fewer long-sleeved shirt because you can always use your thermal as a base-layer and then put a t-shirt over top.

You must travel with a high-quality UV protective shirt . Most people on round-the-world trips do a lot more outdoors activities than they would in everyday life. You’re sightseeing , snorkeling , trekking , kayaking, etc.

A quality UPF 50+ shirt is a must-pack. I had one on my round-the-world trip, and it’s always with me now, too—over the years I invested in a long-sleeved one for cooler hikes as well.

For the other shirts in your bag, simple cotton ones from your closet will likely suffice. Make one a bit nicer so that you can wear it out for a nice dinner. I also carry two thin tank tops ; I sleep in these, or wear them in non-conservative, hot climates. I tend to pack a range of colors for tops, though all in the same shade families so that key items layer well.

Vary your ratio of t-shirts and tank tops to long-sleeved shirts if you’re planning to visit many cold-weather places. You’ll definitely skip packing a sweater, which is why it’s so important to have a quality thermal and hoodie .

Lightweight/Versatile Dresses

Dresses and skirts an be a lifesaver since they allow you to stay cool in the heat. I tend to favor traveling with two below-the-knee skirts these days, but when I pack my travel dress , it’s pretty similar to this Columbia dress .

I’ve tried on prAna dresses over the years, which are well-made and raved about by other travelers. I’ve never found one that really hit my fashion sense, and I tend to stick with Columbia brand items because they fit my body type well (tall and slender), but I note that here in case you see one of their dresses that you love better.

I recommend getting a travel dress with inch-thick sleeves at the very least. This is more versatile in slightly conservative areas, and if you get a dress that covers more of your shoulder, it provides better sun protection too, which is important if you wear it out sightseeing!

Should it be a travel-specific dress? No! And, yes! If you’re packing for a month, stick with a dress from your closet—if you’re traveling with the dress long-term, however, travel dresses hold up better to many, many washes and are a just a better item to put on your packing list.

Pants & Bottoms

The skirts and dresses that I recommended comprise half of my “bottoms,” and that’s always a good ratio since I am most often in warm climates. I just wear my leggings under skirts in cooler climes.

In addition, I carry my fancy lightweight travel pants . I had a pair of Columbia pants when I first left and I loved them dearly, but they ripped when I took a particularly gnarly fall on my bicycle in Mexico. So, I replaced them with the closest I could find, which is a black pair of Columbia hiking pants . These pants run small—truly very small, like maybe go up two sizes if you have large hips/butt.

I might buy these prAna Halle ones though when I wear out my current high-tech pants because they are more true to size but still look good. To that end—go with black, that’s the entire point of these slim but functional pants over cargo styles from the North Face (which I also own and use on hiking trips, but just can’t fathom packing on a long-term trip because they’re so touristy).

The prAna pants are more stylish than many pants in this travel category. Besides that, I carry a pair of lightweight skinny jeans. I also carry whatever pair of black or grey leggings that I find in my drawer when packing. I don’t wear leggings as pants, but I do wear them under everything, including my jeans if it gets cold enough.

Leggings are a good idea on any packing list for long-term world travelers since they make all of your outfits a bit more versatile in warm/cold weather. I find that shorts are not very handy in conservative cultures, which you will undoubtedly visit on a long-term trip. Plus they tend to be very short or very ugly.

If you love shorts and are traveling to countries where you can wear them, consider packing just one skirt as a trade-off. Also consider packing a pair of thin capris instead of shorts, on many of my world trips I packed capris, and they were convenient—now I just prefer skirts for personal and style reasons.

I nearly always pack bottoms in tones of grey and black, and occasionally a colorful skirt; that way everything matches my tops.

Travel Skirts

Women will need a calf-length skirt at the very least to allow you to visit the temples and churches of this world. On my round the world trip, I had an ankle-length skirt that came in very handy during my four-months in India and Nepal .

Since then, in the rest of Asia and in Europe, it’s most handy to find a skirt that hits just below the knee. I own a SmartWool Merino wool skirt , which is terrific—it’s durable and travel friendly and it’s a great brand . . . but it’s a tinsy bit too short on my tall frame to work in temples. If you’re hiking and want a skirt for active travels, look here.

I pack active skirts when I head to Central America or Europe, where it’s a lot less conservative! Even then, however, I always pack at least one of these cheap Stretch is Comfort skirts that have held up remarkably well—I own that skirt in four colors, that’s how much I love it—the skirts have the perfect cost to function to style ratio. Sure, they will show sweat on a rough day, but they are cheap, functional and just the right length for conservative cultures.

Underwear & Bras

Not gonna lie, I pack eight pairs of underwear when I travel long-term—half thongs and half full-butted underwear. I do this ratio completely because of personal preference (but also because thongs are tiny, take up little space, and I don’t totally hate them).

The fancy travel underwear from ExOfficio have many doting fans among the traveler set—I own three pairs and only pack them if my long-term travels include a fair bit of trekking/hiking—I bought them to hike the Camino for five weeks and did not regret it.

That said, I’ve been fine with regular underwear that I pick up at a store when I pass through the states. Hardcore backpackers pack two pairs of underwear and wear one while washing the other pair. That is not me and will never be me, so I refuse to feel guilty for my eight pairs.

When traveling, you need enough underwear that you are not laundering clothes every day. I also pack two bras —dark and light—and one sports bra . And I carry a pair of small sleep shorts . I usually just wear one of my tank-tops to bed. In cold weather, I sleep in my leggings and wear my thermal to bed instead.

Jackets & Outer-Things

When I first left to travel, I was cash-strapped and I bought a $20 zip-up hoodie from Target and carried that around the world. It looked gnarly at the end of my year of world travel—all pilly and faded. I was actually sheepish about how shabby I looked at the end of my trip, which ended in the UK and Ireland.

My pilly jacket made it very clear that I was a budget backpacker.

Now, I’ve invested in better gear that looks nice and holds up well. You can’t do much better than an Icebreaker zip hoodie , which is made from Merino wool. It’s among my favorite travel brands because the clothes are durable and always fit well, too.

Now, I also carry this lightweight cardigan for a tad bit of protection warm climates or cool evenings (this is a perfectly nice, much cheaper cardigan for budget packers).

I wear my hoodie on planes and travel days and in cold climates. And generally, I wear the cardigan all over for sightseeing and day-to-day travel—it’s super thin so it’s not too warm in hot climates to work as a shield from the sun.

On my long-term trip, I carried this North Face fleece pullover , but now I invested in a very nice thermal under-layer (I had a cheap cotton one before) and it mitigated the need for a fleece. (With thermals, thumb holes are everything !)

Many travelers also pack a  lightweight rain jacket , which is ideal during rainy and monsoon seasons, and it also acts as a thin windbreaker. Splurge for a thin one, as you they can take up a lot of space otherwise.

TL;DR: Clothes to Pack

Best socks, shoes, and sandals.

Mix and match the shoe recommendations to fit the trip you have planned. You should probably limit yourself to three shoes that, in combination, allow you to trek, do water activities, and look nice.

If you go over three shoes, then your packing list gets bloated and you won’t fit everything into a small, carry-able size bag.

Pack Boots or Walking Shoes? 

Finding the right travel shoe is one of the two most important packing decisions you will make ( finding the right backpack being the other).

On my first long-term trip (and for a few years after), I carried these New Balance hiking boots and they were so fantastic that I replaced them with the exact same pair of shoes when I returned. These versatile shoes worked well because they were sturdy enough to function as hiking boots for my trek in the Himalayas, but they’re also light enough to double as general sneakers for everyday sightseeing. They are the most comfortable and cushioned hiking shoe I have ever found.

Now, however, I travel with a pair of Skechers GoWalks and I love them. These Skechers are an ultra lightweight shoe and serve me well in my slower travels now, but—and it’s a big but for a round-the-world trip—they would not have held up to a year on the road, and I would have needed to buy a pair of sturdy hiking boots for the treks I did in the Himalayas .

If I were doing it all over again, I would definitely bring my New Balances if I planned to do any big hikes (Machu Picchu, Nepal, etc). If I weren’t doing something like that, I would find a Merrell store and try on these Siren Edge Hikers so I had a better hiking boot that was a bit more versatile as a walking shoe.

Along with my walking shoes , I now have a pair of green Chuck Taylors, which I deeply love but definitely did not bring on my RTW trip—they offer no arch support and are impractical for long-term travel. Ditch them from your packing list if you’re considering it.

Adjust your shoe choices to your planned trip and activities. And consider buying shoe inserts no matter which shoe you choose as the ones that come with shoes are lame. I have high arches and buy a Superfeet insert  for all of my travel shoes (the green is their classic, but  use their website to determine which color best fits your foot situation. Note that if you use insoles you often need to go up half a shoe size).

Pack Quality Socks

Get ready for a fangirl rave about my love for SmartWool socks . You should not scrimp on good footwear since it’s such an important part of long-term travel, where blisters and ill-fitting shoes can really ruin a trip.

Socks are also important and can play an important part in avoiding stinky feet syndrome.

These SmartWool socks are magical. Pack at least one pair to wear during treks and outdoorsy activities. They will keep your feet dry and cushioned. If you’re planning an active trip—or if you value comfort—pack at least two pairs. Then just throw in two pairs of thin cotton ankle socks . Four pairs of socks should work for most people, especially if you have comfortable sandals you’ll be using to explore and sightsee, too. If you’re on a hiking-heavy trip, pack a pair of tall SmartWool socks .

Best Travel Sandals

On my long-term travels, I needed something versatile and durable, and there is no better travel sandal than Chacos . You’ll meet many long-term travelers wearing these because they offer good arch support and you can wear them in a wide range of circumstances, from trekking through waterfalls to sightseeing in hot climes. (And they look way better than Tevas.)

Alongside my Chacos I packed a pair of flip-flops to do the trick in hostel showers and casual situations. Like with my pants suggestion—avoid color here, just go with black.

Now that my travels rarely include hostels, I replaced my flip-flops with this comfortable gladiator sandal , which is hella stylish and yet surprisingly travel-friendly. For years, I recommended the Crocs Sexi-Flip sandal , which remains the best travel sandal out there, but they are hard to find, and the “upgraded Serena” sandal is just not the same.

I replaced my Sexi-Flip Crocs four times over the years, and am devastated that they discontinued it. The Haviana gladiators I now recommend are still quite comfortable, but they don’t transition as well to night-time chic.

One problem with just traveling with sandals and boots is that you have nothing to wear in nice situations. Carrying a versatile travel sandal is especially needed if you don’t plan to carry ballet flats. I want to like ballet flats, but on a long-term trip I’ve never found a way to keep them from smelling really bad after a short bit. Truly, I’ve tried them all and I’ve tried everything from inserts to spray deodorant—no dice.

For that reason, I don’t pack flats any more; I sometimes buy a cheap pair if I’m in a spot for a while, but I mostly rely on my gladiator sandals. It’s up to every individual woman how she decides to navigate the need for a dressier shoe (also note that most clubs in Western countries will not allow flip-flops)—this travel sandal is amazing and would work for nice occasions, but it’s best for trips under six months since it won’t hold up to near daily use for a year.

Yes, You Need a Sarong

A sarong has untold uses and every female traveler should pack one . My sarong can act as a travel towel. It’s a beach coverup. It’s an emergency bedsheet, sun protection for my face, a stylish accessory, and more.

Pick a sarong in a fun color and pattern. And while your sarong surely works as a scarf, I carry a scarf as well because I am  always cold, plus it’s fun to have a few extra things to make an outfit more stylish. Consider this pickpocket-proof travel scarf as it’s mega-convenient with a hidden pocket.

TL;DR: What Travel to Shoes Pack

Best toiletries and travel accessories.

Buy a high quality liquids containers. When I first left, I had great ones from the Container Store—I still own those, but I eventually supplemented them with these squeeze tubes  and love them. Whatever you buy, buy a good brand as it sucks to have them leak all over.

I am not much fussed over my toiletries, so I fill these tubes with whatever is in the bathroom when I’m packing. I’ve dyed my hair a lot in the past, so I actually dump into a tube the highly concentrated conditioner that comes with dye kits because it lasts a long time.

Other than that, it’s personal preference  what  you put inside; they sell a lot of major brands all over the world (Pantene, Dove, etc). Some travelers swear by non-liquid shampoo bars , but I’ve never gone that route—they’re a bit pricey and I personally prefer to splurge in other areas. If you need to save on liquids though for carry-on travel, these ethical shampoo bars are a good deal .

On the road, note that face lotions in many countries contain whitening elements, so I always pack an extra face cream and an extra quality sunscreen to last a good while. You won’t have this issue in Europe, but it’s rampant in Asia, especially.

Pack your deet repellent in its own ziplock bag.

And for dental hygiene, toothbrushes and toothpaste are a cinch to replace on the road; I use a SteriPod to avoid toothbrush funk.

As for toiletry cases, I used  this small zip one for many years and it worked well. For Christmas I received this hanging one from MEC (a Canadian outdoors company) and it’s magnificent. It’s a cinch to hang from door handles or towel bars to keep everything handy, especially in bathrooms without countertops. The closest you can buy on U.S. Amazon is this Sea to Summit Hanging Bag —a good option from a go-to company for travel gear.

Go for a small-to-medium sized toiletry bag, because you may want to take it directly into showers with you. And opt for one that hangs—you’ll be so glad it does in tiny hotel bathrooms and shared hostels. You can store things like hair brushes, the deet, and other things in a small packing cube . (Here’s why I thoroughly love packing cubes .)

Prescriptions, Contacts, & Glasses

If you have prescriptions , either carry a year’s supply or research where you can top-up on the road. Carry paper copies of your prescription, and scan them and email them to yourself too. It’s dead-simple to get an eye exam and new contacts in Europe, but its trickier if you don’t speak the local language.

Also, some prescription pain meds are controlled substances in countries with harsh drug policies, so if you have any irregular prescriptions, research that ahead of time. I carried a year’s worth of contacts with me (I wore two-week throwaways) and I was able to replenish contact solution on the road.

I also carried a pair of glasses and a hardshell case. Since I am seriously blind without my glasses, I scanned and emailed myself both of these prescriptions in case I was robbed or in case something else happened—I’ve taken multiple eye exams in a foreign language; it’s not fun. I also made sure my contact supply and glasses were never stored in the same bag on travel days.

Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups like the Diva Cup are the single best way to handle your period on the road, and this post explains what and why . I highly recommend you go this route. Truly.

Read the post. Consider the options. You’ll thank me. (True story. Long-term travelers email their thanks for this tip alone on a monthly basis).

Luggage Lock

Just yes, you need one. It won’t stop someone intent to steal, but it stops quick theft. I carried two around the world, this one  for luggage and this one for my hostel lockers.

I used a Pacsafe to secure my bag during my initial years of longterm travel—its a well made item that does its job well. That said, the company has more sophisticated options , such as slashproof bags and backpacks.

Medical Kit

Start traveling with a good base for your medical kit . Once you have the base, remove the things that seem overkill (I have never carried or needed an ice pack) and then customize it to meet your needs and add a few things that are often lacking.

These oral rehydration salts have saved my life , twice. I carry many now. Also, no matter your stance on antibiotics, you should carry them. I always add a full bottle antihistamines for my hay fever, too.

Carry the basic painkillers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin. An antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin (or both). Loperamide for diarrhea. Malaria medicine, if needed. Band-aids, gauze,  triple antibiotic ointment.

From there, top up your kit when you are on the road—antibiotics are over the counter in many developing countries and they all carry ORS, antihistamines, etc (and for cheaper in most cases!).

Door Stop and Safety Whistle

Solo female friends swear by both these items for giving them more peace of mind on the road. The door stop is a basic precaution in hotel rooms where the door might not latch correctly. You’ll need a doorstopper like this one , which has a very thin front edge since most hotel rooms have minimal gaps since they are fireproof doors.

Water Bottle

I drink from a stainless steel Nalgene  because I prefer not to drink from plastic; if you’re not fussed, you could go with a durable collapsible bottle . Either way, having your own water bottle saves money and is convenient and prevents overuse of plastic in countries with few effective recycling programs.

Many guest houses will have refill stations. And if you bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw then you’ll need one of these too ( here’s why and how I use a SteriPen ).

Sun protection is no joke. This sun hat does the trick.

Misc Bits & Bobs.

I carry this handy travel spork and I love it. If you’re a budget backpacker, then having a set of utensils comes in handy—it’s less necessary for mid-range and higher travelers.

I also carry a tiny ziplock with things like bobby pins , safety pins , a tiny sewing kit , extra hair ties , matches , and a pencil with duct tape wrapped around it . I explain that more here  with ideas for travel hacks for those travel MacGyver moments. You must pack duct tape on a pencil!

I also carry two carabiner clips and I love them dearly for their handiness . I use regular carabiners (with the screw lock) for a range of things. To attach my wallet to my purse, making it pick-pocket proof. To attach my purse strap or backpack to my chair when eating somewhere so it’s not easily swipeable. To attach shopping bags, water bottles or things to my bags on travel days.

I’ve even used it to attach my camera strap to my backpack when sightseeing to prevent a motorbike from driving by and snatching it. So cheap, so many uses.

TL;DR: Packing Toiletries & Long-Term Travel Essentials

Best electronics.

After a couple years on the road, the weird positions of working from the road caught up with me. In addition to the gear listed here, I have a complete ergonomic travel system with a laptop stand and friendly tech that prevents further carpal tunnel and RSI injuries. If you’re keen on that, I have listed out The Best Ergonomic and Portable Travel Gear .

Adapters & Charging

If you’re traveling with a good amount of technology and if you’re in a couple, then you should consider packing this handy Belkin powerstrip . Many times hotels will have just one outlet, so this is the best way to ensure your camera, phone, and gear is all charged in the morning.

I always carry a bigger multi adapter (and these have gotten very cool now, where it has a USB-C charging spot for my Mac, as well as three quick-charging USB ports!). Then, a few stray smaller ones usually float around my bag since I have a lot of electronics to charge—although now that the bigger adapters have so many USB ports I can more easily get away with just one universal travel adapter .

I carry a laptop since I work from the road ( more on that here ) and after 15+ years of travel, it’s never been stolen (knock on wood for me, will ya). I have a MacBook Air now (used to have a Dell PC).

In the past, I have used my  PacSafe in sketchy areas, though I usually carry my computer out sightseeing if I am truly concerned. There is also the option of packing a cheap netbook too if you’re not working on the road. And really, a tablet could do the trick in that case too.

Read Should I Bring my Laptop for an in depth discussion as other travelers weigh in on the options.

I carry a Panasonic Micro Four-Thirds if I’m on a trip where I want really great photos. The  micro four thirds (mirrorless) cameras are the ultimate travel cameras and my review of my Panasonic shares why .

Even more, NatGeo magazine named it a top travel camera. These cameras are fantastic. Basically, it’s almost to the level of a DSLR (with detachable lenses and everything) but at least half the size and weight of traditional DSLR and far nicer photos than a point and shoot. Nothing wrong with a point and shoot though!

If you’re not into high end photography and just need something that works, upgrade your smartphone to the latest model and use it for photos—the iPhones now take truly great photos in sunlight and low light.

iPhone/Smartphone

I adore my unlocked iPhone ; if you unlock your smartphone you can buy cheap SIM cards (about $2) and plans for well less than $15 a month to use while you travel. This helps when meeting up with other travelers and calling guesthouses to book ahead.

Also, the cameras and social sharing features are fantastic and mean you don’t always have to carry your bigger camera when your little one takes high-resolution photos. My techie friends put together a great list of  how to buy SIM cards in various countries around the world.

Backup Hard Drive

Depending on your travel situation, you should likely bring a portable backup hard drive like this Western Digital Passport (what I carry), or the LaCie Rugged drive , which would handle rough travel. Also consider online data backup programs. I wrote a detailed post on  How a Long-Term Traveler Can Back Up Heaps of Data .

Water Purification

Consider a way to sterilize your water . I have seen the LifeStraw in action, and it looks like a great all-in-one option; if this had existed when I left I would have probably carried this instead of a SteriPen, maybe.

The SteriPen is a great device, it uses UV light to sterilize unsafe water in about a minute. I used this extensively throughout India, also Laos, Uganda, and other really undeveloped countries where filtered, clean water is harder to find. I reviewed it after my trip and although you might not need it often, if you are going to very underdeveloped countries, I advise having it as a safety measure. 

I also carry a Klean Kanteen water-bottle  to save money and the environment (fewer plastic bottles!).

Rechargeable Battery Pack

I carry a small backup battery supply that gives me two extra charges on my cell phone and a charge on my Kindle. This will save you if you use your smartphone for navigation sightseeing or entertainment on long bus rides. I carry one like this Anker battery pack .

Kindle/Tablet

I’ve of two minds on this. I carry my Kindle Paperwhite everywhere and I deeply love it. I will not leave for travel without my Kindle . I traveled with an iPad mini too, in the past—it was all overkill since I travel with a laptop. The only strong value I found in the iPad was that my electronic guidebook was far easier to navigate on the tablet than the Kindle.

Usually, however, I carry a paper guidebook, so I am leaving the tablet with my nephews next time I pass through home. If you have a laptop and a smartphone, then there is very little value in carrying a tablet.

If you’re a reader, however, than a Kindle is invaluable. Same goes if you are a solo traveler, it’s nice to have a trove of books to pass the time. Double points if you renew your library membership before you leave; you can check out electronic books for free while you travel.

Something Silly

I carried a deck of cards during my entire RTW trip, and in the years since, I also pack a portable cribbage board when I travel with my nieces and nephews, or Bananagrams if I will be near friends who also like board games and cards.

Travel is about time spent bonding with others, and these silly items will give you a reason to encourage new friends to put down their smartphones and hang out.

TL;DR: Essential Electronics on Long Trips

How to interpret packing list advice.

Above I offered up my current recommended packing list items, as well as the rationale for or against packing each item I recommend. For a bit more help on actually deciding what is worth carrying on your back for a long trip, let’s take a look at how to interpret this information on my packing list, as well as any others you’ve bookmarked.

Know Thyself 

Every person has their own style, and that should play a role in what you ultimately pack for long-term travel. If something doesn’t make sense, but yet a lot of people recommend it, consider if you can pick it up once you’re on the road. Also look at all of this in terms of what you also like in your current life.

Let’s talk about three things that other travelers have mentioned to me over the years as misguided advice.

First, leggings. I packed leggings and I love them. Even now that the leggings trend has waned, I pack a pair and use them constantly. But one blogger followed up and said my advice was rubbish and she never once pulled them from her pack.

Where’s the disconnect?

She and I wear different clothes, and we likely experience cold differently. My leggings act as my sleepwear in cold weather or hotels with A/C. I don’t think twice about using them under my pants for extra warmth (like the buses in Myanmar, which are so unbelievably frigid that I cried a time or two and had to hug my niece for hours to keep her warm).

I also packed an above-the-knee short dress that worked well in Australia and Europe, but I used my leggings to make it culturally appropriate in the 6+ months I spent in Asia. The woman who emailed didn’t find that need, or she had packed something else to work in that situation.

Instead of purchasing every recommendation on my packing list, go with the spirit. Maybe you’re a tights person instead! :)

The same could be said about jeans. I took other people’s advice about not packing them for my longterm trip, and then I bought myself a pair a couple of months into my year around the world.

Now, in the subsequent 15+ years I’ve continued traveling, I’ve never left home without my well-worn jeans. I like jeans and I favor them in regular life. For me, I value the trade-off and carrying them is worth the extra weight and drying time (they are hard to dry in monsoon season).

If you’re happy in trekking clothes or quick-dry, or perhaps you favor khakis, then take my jeans recommendation in the spirit of, “Bring bottoms that you like to wear.”

Pack What You’ll Wear 

Packing lists seem to go one of two ways, either fashionable, or what I can only describe as “safari-light.” For a round the world trip, or longterm travel, you’ll likely need something that crosses between the two.

While I love those pretty packing lists for Europe that I’ve seen online, you’re going to also needed clothes of a quality and style that can last for the length of your trip and also ones that will work in a range of circumstances.

If you’re fashion-conscious, read through this list with an eye toward clothes that fulfill a role that your current wardrobe does not. Do you have clothes to hike a mountain in a conservative-yet-tropical place? While a tank-top suffices in some places, it won’t cover enough skin in others.

It’s because of that range of situations that you need to think about long-term travel as a mix of dual and often competing needs. Stylish but functional and long-lasting.

Suitable for warm-weather, but layerable so you stay warm in cold weather!

You may have never worn a rashguard/sunshirt in your life, but you should seriously think about one if you’re planning outdoorsy activities. I’m not claiming they’re fashionable, but on a long trip, they may just avoid an unwanted third-degree sunburn.

Since your daily life doesn’t likely need much flexibility, pack items with an eye toward not only what you like to wear, but what will serve your trip in the hundreds of new experiences in which you will find yourself.

Consider the Climate

Most packing list advice for long-term travel attempts to cover a huge range of climates and countries. That’s inherently trickier than packing for a two-week trip to one climate. Even though my own world travels included several continents and climates, it’s still different than your trip—and possible different in very important ways.

Let’s consider my advice to pack jeans if you’re keen on them. I love jeans and faithfully carry a pair, but in 2017, I backpacked through Vietnam with my trusty jeans . . . and they stank to high heaven.

In the past, I had always traveled outside of rainy and monsoon seasons. Sure I hit rain sometimes, but in the past, it was a few days of rain and eventually enough dry air to thoroughly dry my jeans.

This time, after three weeks with just a few hours of sporadic sunshine and nearly 100% humidity, my jeans reeked of sour clothes dampness. I shoved them in a ziplock for weeks until I could get to a new climate.

What this means is that you need to temper any packing list with adjustments for your trip. If you are backpacking Asia during rainy season, then consider swapping some cotton shirts for quick-dry fabric.

And my travels have also chased summer around the world. Although I spotted snow on my trek in the Himalayas, that was brief and my layers sufficed (I also bought a cheap jacket in Kathmandu for the hike and ditched it a few weeks later).

If you’re visiting ski destinations or snowy climes, you’ll need to either pack a heartier base layer or plan on buying/renting a heavy jacket once you arrive. You’ll also want an extra pair of wool socks.

Tiny tweaks like what I mention above are impossible to account for if you follow someone else’s packing list in full. Instead, take the packing list advice and compare it to the trip you’re planning around the world.

How I Picked My Backpack

The red backpack was my main pack and it’s a 52L Eagle Creek Meridian. Eagle Creek doesn’t make that pack anymore, but this Tour Travel Pack is nearly identical, and I own this updated version in teal .

At the time, I feared I may need something bigger, but this backpack was free from my bestie in LA, and free won out. Now that my RTW is over, 52L was the perfect  size. I used this bag for five years, and only stopped to downsize and to switch to a 40L rolling bag.

52L was big enough to carry clothes for two people, although I wasn’t that disciplined to carry so little, at first. But on my world travels through Southeast Asia with my niece, we shared this backpack and each carried a daypack—that size sufficed us both for seven months.

The updated version that I own is 55L, and I use it for travels with my toddler son.

The lay-flat design and women’s fit is what sells me on using Eagle Creek backpacks—it makes a massive difference. Even now that I own this Osprey pack (which I bought to walk the Camino ), I maintain that EC has the best build design, and certainly the most comfortable for a woman’s frame.

The blue bag ( North Face Surge ) held my laptop and all of my electronics gear on travel days, and it acted as my daypack when out sightseeing. I used (and fell in love forever with) using a packing cube system  to organize everything in my bag. These packing cubes saved my life on travel days when I was rushed to repack and bolt out the door.

I am a forever evangelist for packing cubes .

This bag setup was my system for six years. Eventually, in 2014 I changed to THE most amazing  rolling suitcase from Timbuk2 , and I used Timbuk2’s Showdown backpack since it was a bit more low-profile and small than my trusty North Face. This setup with the two Timbuk2 bags is what I used from 2014 to 2019.

I still deeply love my rolling suitcase and will never return to full-time backpack use, but I’ve switched up my laptop bag over the years—I also have a Timbuk2 messenger bag and a Herschel backpack— this Herschel backpack is my current laptop bag, and either it or my North Face is my sole luggage when I travel around Europe because both fit under the seat in front of me and hold a week of clothes if you’re super minimalist.

(NOTE: I paid for all of these bags by the way, so it’s all my honest opinion on what works).

I travel more slowly now, so it doesn’t make sense to have the same packing system that I used on my yearlong trip. But, even to this day I swear by packing cubes. When I left the U.S. for the first time, my backpack was packed to its seams, but much of my stuff did not make it beyond Australia, the first country I visited.

I have an in-depth guide on  how to pick a backpack . The size and fit of a pack is so important—it’s imperative that you take the time to pick a good one that will serve your trip well. And if you are convinced that I overpacked (I did that first year!), then this Guide to Carry On Travel might be up your alley; Erin shares great advice and it’s a good jumpstart on your research.

My Original RTW Packing List (2008)

Because I believe in the preservation of information, this is the packing list I took on my year-long round the world trip. I also maintained the dispatches from the road which cover exactly what I had to replace, send home, etc. This is the packing list I published in November 2008 when I left on my longterm trip.

The packing list above is a curated packing list that includes all the things I’ve learned over the years. :)

CLOTHES/SHOES

1 pair of  lightweight tech-travel pants 1 pair of jeans 2 skirts 1 pair of sleep/athletic shorts 1 travel dress 3 tank-tops (1 dressy tank) 1 sun shirt/rashguard for outdoor activity 3 shirts/t-shirts 1  long-sleeved thermal 1 long-sleeved cotton shirt 1 fleece pullover 1 zip-up hoodie

4 pairs of socks ( love   my two SmartWool socks ; plus 2 cotton) 8 pairs of underwear 2 bras 1 sports bra 1 scarf 2 pairs of leggings 1 hat 2 pairs of capris 1 pair of Chacos sports sandals 1 pair of New Balance hiking boots  ( I deeply love these as hiking shoes) 1 pair of flip flops (for shower shoes in nasty hostels)

MISCELLANEOUS

PacSafe Mesh net Microfiber travel towel Sleep sheet Sunscreen Deet insect repellent 1 extra copy of my passport 1 mini sewing kit 2 carabiner clips 1 headlamp flashlight 1 mini set of eating utensils 1 pocket knife 1 travel adapter (and a couple tiny adapter tips) 1 travel medical kit: Advil/Tylenol/Aleve, antibiotic, malaria medicine, band-aids,  gauze  triple antibiotic ointment, cough/zinc drops Random bits: bobby pins, safety pins, sharpie, pen, duct tape (wrapped around a pencil), small scissors, etc.

Toiletry case Refillable travel size containers of: shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen for face, face wash, travel size toothpaste, floss, deodorant Toothbrush Razors Diva Cup Contacts (full trip month supply) Contact solution and 1 eye glasses case Hair ties

1 small bottle of foundation 1 compact eyeshadow duo 1 mascara 1 blush

These are things I carried in my daypack and my travel purse !

ELECTRONICS

My Laptop: (I had a Dell but now use a MacBook Pro) Western Digital hard drive (2+ TB is a mere $100 so it’s worth bringing one to back up photos!). MP3 Player (now I travel with an unlocked iPhone) Camera: Canon PowerShot  (I upgraded in year two to a  Panasonic Lumix Mirrorless ) Headphones for Skyping/music Kindle (as of 2012 I carry one of these now)

Journal Book: Started with “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen Neoprene laptop cover (it’s my computer’s raincoat!) SteriPen Pens Deck of cards My money belt (around my waist version; I used mostly for trains in India and Eastern Europe)

For insights on how I fared with the above packing list, here were my updates from the road circa 2009.

Dispatches From the Road

01/07/09 : RTW Update from Australia

• My beloved headlamp—which was so  helpful at the hostels here—was lost/stolen on my outback safari to Uluru. Plan to replace as soon as possible.
• I left my nice sun hat on a bus along with my Nalgene water bottle.

02/02/09 : Update from Cambodia

• I shipped home a package of souvenirs by sea—hope it gets there!
• My jean skirt is now unnecessary; I shipped that home too.
• One pair of capris was stained beyond wear (trust me), so I left those behind in Phnom Penh.
• I bought a pair of farmer-style pants in Laos.
• Contact solution has been incredibly  hard to find. Wearing glasses for now.

02/25/09 : Update from India

• Helen brought me a new headlamp to replace the flashlight I have been stuck using.
• She also brought a new Nalgene water bottle and a SteriPen— amazing, truly.
• Bought an Indian kurta and haven’t regretted it for a moment. GREAT for trains and blending in as much as possible.
• Picked up a new scarf. Lighter than the warm one that came in handy in Oz and Laos—much better for India.
• Left my purple cotton shirt behind in Jaipur, it was nubby as hell!

04/25/09 : Update from Nepal

• Did some major shopping here! And I shipped home a package of souvenirs.
• I bought a knock-off North Face rain jacket for the Poon Hill trek—works like a champ.
• Bought a safari-style hat for the trek and beyond.
• Replaced my sleep-sheet, my cheap one was too short!!
• I love my new silk harem pants. Great to sleep in and pack up tiny.

05/20/09 : RTW Update from Italy

• I sent another package home with souvenirs from Nepal; though super touristy, Thamel has incredible bargains and neat items if you dig around.
• Threw another worn out shirt away and replaced with a couple new ones from H&M. New sundress too—gave the other one away as it didn’t fit me right anymore.
• My Chacos smell disgusting and are not responding to cleaning, but they still work fabulously besides the stinky-feet syndrome. Will try vinegar soon.

06/25/09 : Update from Slovenia

• Just bought a Western Digital external hard drive to backup photos and my computer is falling apart and sadly destined to die soon.

Other Packing Lists Around the Web

If you’re still deep diving into the world of long-term packing, here are some other great research spots. If you appreciate the resources on A Little Adrift, please come back here when buying any of the suggestions from Amazon . I only linked to products that I actually use and recommend, and if you buy any of my recommendations through my link, then it costs you nothing extra, but I get a tiny commission. That commission helps keep this website running. :)

• Solo female : Devon shares  an amazingly detailed breakdown of her packing list  and this one is well done with  interactive tabs and detailed lists .
• Solo male : Matt has a great packing list , as does Gerard from GQ Trippin .
• Family : With 2 Kids in Tow shared a family packing list for two toddler age children .
• WWOOFing : Beers & Beans have a great list and description for packing if you plan to work on organic farms .

If there is ever anything that I can do to help, please do reach out on Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram and let’s talk about how we can make your travel dream a reality. 

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist | 37 Things to Do Before Your Next Trip

Say goodbye to stressful planning. With this travel checklist in hand, you’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

It's easy to get swept up by the hype when you're planning out a trip. Whether it's international or local travel, daydreams of relaxing on a beach or skiing down snowy slopes can easily occupy your mind. Of course, you won't forget the basics like booking your flight and getting your travel visas in order. Meanwhile, packing lists, house chores, reservations, and transport arrangements take a back seat, right behind the more exciting stuff. As with everything important, though, it's not until you need something that you realize it's not there. Luckily, we've got just what the travel doctor prescribed: 37 things to do before your next trip.

Each item on this list will ensure that everything is in order, from your packing checklist to your house plants. If you’re looking for a quick step-by-step guide, feel free to follow the bulleted travel checklist below. For a more detailed walkthrough, follow along with the video at the end of the list and read on.

A Month Before

• Create a travel packing list
• Book your accommodation
• Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (if you plan on driving in another country)
• Check for vaccination requirements
• Get an advanced supply of prescription medication
• Get travel insurance

A Week Before

• Check the weather and change your packing list accordingly
• Pack your bags
• Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling
• Get your finances in order
• Make arrangements for someone to take care of your household
• Confirm your reservations

2-3 Days Before

• Organize your travel documents
• Arranging transportation to and from the airport
• Share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info
• Charge your batteries
• Double-check your bag
• Start adjusting to timezone differences
• Clean your house

A Day Before

• Take out the trash and any perishables
• Pack your travel snacks
• Double-check your personal item bag
• Unplug the electronics you’ve been charging
• Put your bags near the door
• Check in to your flight
• Download your digital boarding pass
• Set an away message for your email
• Lay out your outfit for the next day
• Eat before you go
• Take out any remaining trash and leftovers
• Pack up your toiletries
• Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food
• Unplug appliances around the house
• Grab your phone
• Triple-check you have all your essential travel documents
• Adjust the thermostat
• Grab your bags and go!

A month before the big trip, it's important to decide what gear you'll need, i.e., (1) create a packing list . It essentially acts as a travel checklist, but only for what goes in your bag. Packing checklists depend on a lot of things, such as your destination's climate, duration of stay, personal and work-related needs, and local customs and culture. That last one is a bit nuanced, but a good example would be how temples and other religious sites enforce dress codes that require the head and shoulders to be covered.

At the core of any packing checklist for a vacation (or otherwise) are your absolute necessities, like clothing, toiletries, travel documents, and medication. It’s these items that must go first before you can move on to less essential gear like electronics, cosmetics, and other accessories. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out ours—such as our Digital Nomad and Budget packing lists—which are good templates that you can modify as needed.

Once you’ve got a working manifest of everything you need, it’s time to (2) book your accommodation . If your trip coincides with a holiday season or travel-heavy seasons in general, hotel and Airbnb prices usually go up during those times. Additionally, finding a place to stay tends to get more difficult as more and more people book. In other words, it’s better to lock one in as soon as possible.

If you’re traveling internationally and plan on driving a motor vehicle, like a car or motorcycle, you’ll have to (3) apply for an International Driver’s Permit . Procedures and requirements may vary from country to country. The processing time can be a few weeks, so it’s best to get the application process rolling early.

While you’re on the web looking up those permits, (4) check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required and which are recommended, the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website has an extensive travel checklist and is an excellent resource to get you sorted.

On the subject of health, make sure to top up and (5) get an advanced supply of your prescription medication from your doctor. You never know if you’ll have to extend your stay, and your specific medication may not be available at your destination. Furthermore, it’s important to check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine and drugs into the country beforehand to avoid legal troubles or confiscation.

After you have your vaccination and prescription medicine prepped, one additional layer of readiness you’ll want is (6) travel insurance . Travel insurance coverage varies depending on your provider, but typical coverage includes emergency medical treatment, personal liabilities, and loss of personal items like travel documents and baggage. Again, you never know what could happen while you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

A week before your trip is a good time to (7) check the weather and change your packing list accordingly . Weather is one of the most finicky aspects of a travel checklist, as a particular day can go from sunny to rainy in a snap. That said, forecasts are still a safe bet for adapting your packing checklist. After all, what good are flip-flops and shorts when it's going to rain the entire trip? You can still wear them, but you'll be sad, wet, and look totally unprepared.

Now we really get into the thick of things: (8) packing your bags . We've already gone over how you should create your packing checklist, but there's also the question of how it all comes together. Start the process by laying out everything you think you need, then try cutting the quantity down in half. It's never too late to unburden yourself of excess weight, and who knows—maybe the extra space can afford you to bring something you initially had to cut.

Some items need to be packed last because you’ll be using them right up until you leave the house—we’re talking about toiletries, chargers, and house keys—so make sure to save some space in your bag for them. (Psst—that's where this travel checklist comes in handy.)

Once everything’s packed, keep track of your bag’s (or bags’) total weight. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, airlines have different weight and size limits, so be sure you’re well within them. You can check your bag’s weight by weighing yourself on a bathroom scale with and without the bag then subtracting the difference. If you need a guide for packing a carry-on , we’ve got you covered.

Other than friends and family, you’ll also want to (9) notify your bank that you’ll be traveling . No, you won’t need to shed a few tears of sadness for them like you would for your pet. You’ll be doing this so that they won’t flag your purchases outside your typical area as fraudulent. Tell them the exact dates you’re traveling and where you’ll be. There are few things more embarrassing than having your credit card declined when you’re trying to pay for a fancy dinner; worse if you’re treating someone else.

On that note, check up on any upcoming bills that may come your way while you're gone. In other words, (10) get your finances in order . Don't worry—this won't be as complicated as doing a complete audit; you're simply making sure you're not coming home to find the electricity and internet disconnected.

This one's for the pet lovers and plant havers: (11) make arrangements for someone to take care of your household . Oh, how we wish we could just take our dog and/or three-foot fern with us to the Bahamas. But alas, it's not the most practical idea. The next best thing? Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to feed and water them from time to time while you're away. Just make sure to bring them back something nice (for the caretaker and the pet/plant).

Someone else who might miss you while you're away is the mail carrier. To keep mail from piling up unnecessarily, you may want to contact your local post office to put your mail on hold if you're going on an extended trip.

While you're still a week away from your trip, (12) confirm your reservations . This not only goes for your accommodations but also for restaurant reservations and any specific events you plan on attending. Last-minute changes to events aren't unheard of, so it's worth re-checking.

Okay, by this point, your hype levels are probably fast approaching critical mass. Hold your horses and passports, though, because there are still a few things to do during these last few days.

Still holding your passports? Okay, good, because it’s time to (13) organize your travel documents . Without these, there is no trip, except to the terminal or station. The documents you’ll want to keep track of are your passport, itinerary, insurance, visas, and tickets. If your everyday wallet can fit all those, then great. If not, passport wallets do exist, and some bags come with dedicated security pockets that can take them in.

The trip from where you're staying and to the terminal probably isn't the one you're particularly excited for, but it's worth prepping for anyway. (14) Arranging transportation to and from the airport is just as important in our eyes, unless you fancy a long walk. To avoid expensive parking fees or taxi fares, you can ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. There's a chance they won't be available on that day, though, so having someone extra as a backup is a good idea. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, schedule a pickup in advance so you won't have to wait long on the day itself. The same goes for when you're riding from the airport to wherever you're staying; book it now, so you aren't left waiting needlessly for a ride.

At this point, you’ve already told friends and family about your big trip, but now it’s time to (15) share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info . You won’t be doing this to brag, but to make sure they know where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

If there’s something that needs constant attention throughout this travel checklist, it’s the (16) charge levels of your batteries . Even when they're just idling, laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch are slowly but surely sipping power. Topping them up just before you leave ensures they're ready when you actually need them.

Okay, now it’s time to (17) double-check your bag . It's not like anything's escaped between now and the time you've packed it a few days back—this is just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Plus, it gives you the chance to make a few tweaks to what you've packed and to squeeze in some last few items if you want to.

After you’ve double-checked—and maybe even triple-checked—your bag, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. Too early to go to bed? It may not be the worst idea to (18) adjust now and prevent jet lag . If you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can prepare yourself for the switch by changing your habits. This includes eating dinner an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference), and the same goes for your sleep schedule.

This may be the least popular tip on the list, but it's worth doing anyway: (19) clean your house . Think your house is dirty as it is? Imagine it days or weeks later when no one's been home to keep things tidy. Trust us, piled-up laundry (worse: piled-up dirty dishes) only becomes more of a chore after you've come back from your trip, exhausted from all the traveling you just did. Do them now.

You've already cleaned the house, expelling all the dirt off of plates, clothes, and any reachable surfaces. But this is the day before the main event, and there's one more thing (or set of things) to throw out. Have you guessed it? Yep, time to (20) take out the trash and any perishables you have lying in the kitchen and pantry. We support eating as much as you want of the perishables since wasting food is just, well, wasteful.

While you’re in the kitchen, you can go ahead and (21) pack your travel snacks . Airport snacks tend to get pricey, and you won’t believe how much you can save just by bringing your own. Just be mindful to pack foods that are easy to eat, not messy, and don't smell. It’s also worth checking out which foods are considered liquids and need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (we’re looking at you, goat cheese).

Now, (22) double-check your personal item bag , a.k.a your carry-on. This is to ensure your travel essentials are all there, especially your travel documents and money. After you’ve done that, (23) unplug the electronics you’ve been charging , like your laptop, game console, and power bank. By this point, almost everything is packed up, so (24) put the bags near the door where you can grab them and go.

There are just a few more things to sort out before you hit the hay! Before you go to sleep, (25) check in to your flight to save time at the airport. Most airlines have an app that allows you to check into your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in this early lets you pick a good seat, so do that if you haven't already. If you've been issued a (26) digital boarding pass , take this chance to download it to your phone now to save you the hassle later.

Before you put down your phone for the night, make sure to (27) set an away message for your email . That is, unless you’re traveling for work or working remotely . If this is your vacation, turn off all work-related notifications so you can make the most out of your well-earned rest.

Once you’ve put down the phone, (28) lay out your outfit for the next day . Having your clothes laid out and ready will help speed things up as you’re rushing out the door. We don’t know about you, but we move faster just before we sleep than after we’ve just woken up.

At last, we've finally arrived at the day you've been waiting for. It's the main event: the day you actually leave for your trip. Hopefully, you weren't kept up all night by the excitement for your adventure, though we really can't blame you if you were. At the very least, you can go ahead and (29) eat breakfast or lunch to help stave off any hunger that could lead to unnecessary snack purchases at the airport. After you're done eating, (30) take out any remaining trash and leftovers you still have lying around.

Remember when we said some items need to be packed last? Well, it's time to get those aboard as well. After you've freshened yourself up, (31) pack up your toiletries and place them where you can easily get to them when you get to security. Putting them underneath anything else will hold up the line as you search through your bag to get to them, as TSA officers need to check those fluids to make sure they meet regulations. Bring out your packing checklist and ensure all remaining items are in your bag.

And don't forget about your housemates! Namely, your house plants and pets. (32) Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food to last until your designated caretaker gets to them.

The next tip will help you save money on electricity. (33) Unplug appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away, as they can still sip a tiny amount of electricity if, say, they have LED indicators. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and desktop computers. Plus, unplugging will help prevent any potential fires if something accidentally shorts while you’re away. Speaking of unplugging, make sure you (34) grab your phone , earbuds, or Kindle in case you’re doing any last-minute charging.

Yay! You’re almost out the door. But wait! It’s time for another passport check. (35) Triple-check if you have all of your essential travel documents . You can never be too careful in trying to avoid being that person awkwardly digging through their bag at the last minute just before boarding.

While you’re walking towards the door, make a quick (36) walk-over to the thermostat and reduce the temperature . No one’s going to be home, so there’s no need to rack up a pricey heating bill. Needless to say, keep your pets and indoor plants in mind when you’re adjusting this. At this point, consider doing one last pass over this full travel checklist to make sure you're all set to go.

Got all that? Well then, time to (37) grab your bags and go! Careful not to trip in excitement!

If you’re reading this while you’re on a train or aboard your flight, congratulations! 37 travel checklist to-do’s sound like a lot, but once you’ve completed this travel checklist a few times, it becomes second nature. These are tips we follow ourselves and we haven’t missed a beat ever since. No missing passports, accommodations are on point, and the pets are just as happy to see us as when we left them—and it makes the trip all the more worth it.

This travel checklist is brought to you by the Pack Hacker team. We’ve collected these tips through many fun trips and a couple not so fun ones.

December 20, 2021

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

The Complete Long-Term Travel Packing List For Women

Deciding what to take with me when I travel has always been one of my main challenges – and that frustration is why I eventually created my own detailed packing list for travel essentials.

For years I kept changing it. At one point during my nearly  four years of traveling around the world , I noticed that my baggage was getting lighter and lighter.

Within the first few weeks of leaving home, I managed to give away a brand new shoulder strap (expensive), a portable hair dryer (not very useful in a mud hut), and a travel iron (what  was  I thinking!)

And I kept ditching things. Which got me thinking…

Why not get it right the first time? 

So – welcome to my ultimate long-term women’s travel packing list, or, “How to pack for a long trip overseas.” 

I started by making a list (I love lists). My friends borrowed it and started adding and deleting things based on their own travels.

After plenty of trial and error I ended up with the collective wisdom of a large-ish group of well-traveled women.

Of course you’ll want to pick and choose depending on climate, length of trip, terrain, and every other variable – but it’s all here. 

And remember – pack each ‘set’ of belongings (washing, reading, first aid etc) in separate ziplock bags or  packing cubes .

WOMEN ON THE ROAD’S ULTIMATE LONG-TERM TRAVEL PACKING LIST FOR WOMEN

Travel purse or daypack.

When packing for a trip, your first item is something to carry everything in, perhaps a  backpack  or one of the new secure  anti-theft backpacks .

Second, you’ll need something to use during the day. A great accessory is a  travel daypack , which leaves your hands free for photography (or shopping). An alternative is a reliable and stylish  purse or handbag , or one of the practical  anti-theft handbags  which you tend to wear crossbody. (I have two  Citysafe CS200 bags , a beige and a twill: they’re comfortable, safe from thieves, everything within reach, and everything fits. 

And now – what goes  inside  it all!

Travel documents: what to pack

• Plane or train tickets and passes (see here if you’re headed for Europe and need a  Eurail pass )
• Student (yes, mature students can sometimes get these) or senior card
• Health insurance card and contact number (find out why I would NEVER travel without this)
• Requisite travel visas  and extra photos for visas along the way
• Money (a bit of local currency in small denominations is helpful for when you land – you can change more later)
• Other forms of payment including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid credit cards
• International vaccination certificate  if you’re traveling in tropical regions
• Travel journal  or notebook and a glue stick (to stick cards and other interesting things into your journal or notebook)
• Map or map app (these days I’m enjoying maps.me – download them before you go and use to guide you once you’re at destination)
• International driver’s licence  as well as your regular driver’s licence (often required if you’re planning on renting a car abroad)
• Emergency phone numbers, including  embassy contacts  in each country, next of kin contacts, and the address and number of your hotel in case you get lost
• A list of local contacts and friends, tourist offices and anyone else you might want to contact
• Copies of all important papers (and keep them separate from the papers themselves!) via email, printed copy or on a stick
• A postcard of your home town and a couple of family photos (pets allowed) to show people you meet (I like carrying postcards because, unlike a photo on your phone, you can leave the postcard behind!)
• Travel money belt  
• Whatever you need from this  first aid kit checklist

Packing essentials: travel clothes

• 2 pair quick-drying  travel underwear  (if you’re a minimalist – if this is too scary, take more)
• 2  travel bras  (sports bras usually breathe better on long transport segments)
• Bathing suit
• Wrinkle-free washable pants/trousers (with a zipper to turn them into shorts if you like that style and preferably with plenty of pockets) – I stay away from jeans in the tropics: they stay wet forever (if you’re traveling in cities, jeans are perfect if that’s what you usually wear)
• Shorts, if you can’t stand those pants with zippers (as long as you’re not in a conservative country of course)
• Wrinkle-free washable  travel skirt , the longer the better (my friend Gigi swears by the Macabi skirts that turn into pants – I have yet to try one myself)… I use a long-ish Tilley skirt which unfortunately isn’t made anymore
• 2 wrinkle-free washable blouses (one short and one long sleeves)
• 2 pair socks (get special walking socks, not cotton ones! 1 light, 1 heavy)
• 1 pair  hiking sandals  (for beach, town and shower) or walking shoes
• Sarong (you can buy this somewhere along the way as you travel – it makes a great bathrobe, sheet, towel)
• Cold weather clothes , thermal underwear, a lightweight fleece jacket – or something warmer if you’re heading where it’s really freezing
• Large plastic poncho or lightweight waterproof (carrying an umbrella can be cumbersome when you’re on your way from A to B)
• Decorative scarves (to dress up) – or get this great  infinity scarf with pockets  that doubles as a hiding place for your money
• Headband or bandanna to keep cool in the summer heat (just wet it and wear it)
• A flashy travel hat (I have to be honest: I love my Tilley hat!)
• Gobi roll or compression bags/packing cubes ( these  are the ones I use and love)

Personal items for a women’s packing list

• Your travel toiletries list should include things like nail clippers (or file), disposable razor (if you shave), comb or hairbrush
• Small bottle of antibacterial soap (take this on the plane with you)
• Small tube of moisturizing cream or lotion
• Toothpaste, toothbrush
• Dental floss (not only for your teeth – you can slice soft food with it, sew with it, use it to lock things and many other uses)
• Viscose or microfiber  travel towel or towel set  (if your accommodation is more adventurous and towels aren’t being provided)
• Deodorant or talcum powder
• Hair clip or barrette (if you have long hair)
• Tampons or hygienic pads (if you chop off a piece of tampon and pull it apart, it can be used as kindling – it’s an excellent fire starter); a few panty liners and feminine hygiene products you might need
• Baby shampoo (a small bottle – you’ll find this absolutely everywhere – in a pinch you can wash your body and your clothes with it)
• Inflatable sleeping pillow or neck pillow, especially if you’re roughing it
• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies
• Sunglasses (cheap ones – you’ll probably have to replace them often)
• Sunscreen (although you can easily buy this wherever you travel)
• Cotton earbuds 
• Wristwatch with alarm function (unless you use your Smartphone for this)

Technical travel essentials list

• I never travel without a  flashlight  – a small LED, plus a headlamp (headlamp is particularly useful when walking outside to go to the bathroom at night) or comfortable reading light
• Individual country plug adapters ( this map  will show you what you need, where) or a universal adapter (this is  the one I use  but do your research and read the reviews – not all adapters work in all countries)
• Pens or other writing implements (the  Space Pen  doesn’t leak)
• Foreign language phrase book or app
• A small penknife or  Swiss Army knife  – I have a relatively large one (a gift from a dear friend) but if I were buying one I’d get a smaller version; security won’t let you take it on as hand luggage though…
• Reading book or  Kindle   (I still use mine!) and small clip-on reading light – the Kindle app on your smartphone will do just as well
• Cell phone/phone cards/charger (make sure you pack it in something waterproof)
• Phone card or unlocked cellphone if you’re using local SIM cards
• If you’re not taking a phone you’ll probably need a camera – and don’t forget batteries, charger, spare memory cards…
• Again, if you have no phone you might want to take music (iPod or MP3 player) for those long bus or plane trips; try to avoid wearing earbuds when you’re out and about, unless you really don’t want to meet any new people and experience the country you’re visiting; you’ll also be safer without them
• USB key (use it to keep copies of your important papers and to carry your documents if you don’t want to take a laptop – you can slot a USB into just about any computer)
• and… a good travel laptop if you really really can’t disconnect from work or happen to be location independent

Things to pack for a trip off the beaten path…

• 1 pair  women’s hiking boots /shoes (hang hang them on the outside of your backpack with a climbing carabiner when you’re wearing sandals)
• Ziplock bags
• Water purifier/filter (or tablets) in case of  contaminated water
• 3+ meters of paracord (can be used as a clothesline, to fasten your mosquito net, a sling, a belt, a watch band, a carrier for your water bottle…)
• 2 carabiners (one small, one large)
• 2 safety pins
• Small mirror (can also be used to attract attention)
• Mini-sewing kit (with needle large enough to thread through dental floss)
• Rubber bands
• Rubber doorstop (thanks to Susan Marthaler for this one!) to prevent anyone from getting into your room
• Sleeping bag and sheet  if you’re roughing it (or you can use your sarong as a sheet)
• Small plastic magnifying glass or magnifying plastic sheet (credit card size) – great for reading when your glasses break or to start a fire if the sun is out
• Mosquito repellent  (check out the slow release type for longer protection) but if you’re headed where there’s malaria or dengue, you’ll need a  mosquito tent or net  or, at the very least, some  mosquito repellent clothing
• Deck of cards for those interminable border crossings – you can play with others and don’t have to take your expensive Smartphone out for all to see
• Tin mug (you can eat out of it too) – this may not be one of your essential travel items but when I backpacked across Africa, this turned out to be my one most important possession (I called it Kermit for its froggish green color)
• Sheet of tin or aluminium foil, folded (you can eat off it, drink from it – amazingly useful)
• A small candle and waterproof matches/fire steel/lighter (if you’re away from the city)
• Roll of densely packed toilet paper (or a small pack of tissues) for ‘those’ times 
• Universal sink plug  – for some strange reason, outside decent hotels half the world’s sink plugs have been lost
• Compass (I have a Swiss Army knife with a built-in compass, again, for rural areas)
• A length of duct/duck tape (rolled up tightly around something, like the cardboard tube of a toilet paper roll) – this is amazing stuff for things like repairing your backpack
• Eating utensils
• PLB – personal locator beacon: press a button anywhere in the world and an emergency signal goes out – this is only if you’re heading into what’s left of the uncharted world or traveling on your own away from populated areas
• a partial or full  first-aid kit

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The Ultimate International Trip Packing List

Here’s everything you didn’t know you needed to make your international trip as seamless as possible.

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• Packing Checklist
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Travel + Leisure / David Hattan

We don’t tend to complain a whole lot when it comes to planning and preparing for travel. Sure, there are bad parts, boring parts, and stressful parts… but all the negative aspects of the travel process give way to some of the best and most memorable life experiences. The packing process may fall into the less-fun side of preparing for travel but, with the right mindset and strategy, it can make the whole trip.

Packing for an international trip specifically requires careful planning; sure, you can probably find forgotten items while abroad in many destinations but having everything already secured in your suitcase will make your trip a whole lot easier. Nobody wants to spend a half day of travel searching for something they forgot at home.

Packing Checklist for an International Trip

This guide will help ensure you’ve packed everything you could possibly need for an international trip, whether it’s your first time leaving the country or you’re a seasoned traveler. Having these items on hand — along with the appropriate clothing and shoes for your destination — will help make your trip as smooth and seamless as possible.

• Best Adapter: Epicka Universal Travel Adapter
• Best Wi-Fi Hotspot: Simo Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
• Best Camera:   Nikon ZF
• Best Tripod: Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand
• Best Portable Power Bank: Nimble Champ
• Best Noise-canceling Headphones: Apple AirPods Max
• Best Luggage Tracker: Eufy SmartTrack Link

Accessories

• Best Passport Cover: Paravel Cabana Passport Case
• Best Travel Wallet: Leatherology Travel Wallet
• Best Luggage Belt: Cincha Travel Belt for Luggage
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Memobottle A5
• Best Packing Cubes: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
• Best Neck Pillow: Cabeau TNE S3
• Best Money Belt: Raytix Money Belt
• Best Compression Socks: Comrad Compression Socks

Luggage and Bags

• Best Lightweight Backpack: Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage
• Best International-sized Carry-on: Away The Carry-on
• Best Checked Bag: July Checked Plus
• Best Belt Bag: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
• Best Travel Laundry Bag: Miamica Travel Laundry Bag
• Best Tote: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe
• Best Toiletry Bag: Away The Toiletry Bag
• Best Rolling Duffel: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel

We know, we know. You’re not setting out on an international trip to be consumed by your tech, but there are certain essentials that can make a good trip even better, whether aiding an itinerary, ensuring your safety, or simply entertaining you while in transit. Packing things like a reliable wi-fi hotspot and a portable power bank means you’ll always have access to your smartphone for emergencies (or just to use Google Maps to navigate your self-guided walking tour without having to pop into a cafe every few blocks).

Best Adapter

Epicka universal travel adapter.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Effectiveness 4 /5

Traveling abroad with a good adapter like the Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is non-negotiable. It comes equipped with plugs for more than 150 countries but the convenient sliding design means you won’t have to fuss with (or be responsible for) multiple attachments. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated that this option comes with so many USB ports (four USB-A and one USB-C) as it cut down the need for multiple adapters and made it incredibly easy to charge all our tech at the same time.

Best Wi-fi Hotspot

Skyroam solis lite.

Do you remember the days of traveling before Google Maps? It’s hard to imagine a time when we’d actually have to ask locals for directions or hope we’re reading a paper map properly. The Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot makes modern travel even easier by ensuring you’re always connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network, wherever you are. It doesn’t require a SIM card or a contract and functions seamlessly in more than 135 countries around the world. It can also support up to 10 devices at a given time — which means your travel buddies will thank you, too.

Best Camera

Nikon zf mirrorless camera.

The Nikon ZF immediately catches the eye with its beautiful, retro-inspired body. Don’t let the decidedly cool aesthetic fool you though — this camera also makes it super easy to channel your inner photographer. The 24-megapixel, full-frame mirrorless camera is very simple and user-friendly but offers enough bells and whistles to quell more advanced photographers. It’s also incredibly small and lightweight which makes it great for throwing into your day bag (no oversized camera bag required!).

Best Tripod

Phopik aluminum extendable tripod stand.

Another way to ensure great vacation photos? Investing in a decent tripod stand. Selfies have their time and place but being able to set up a tripod to get group shots in idyllic settings will ensure frame-worthy visual souvenirs. The Phopik Aluminum Extendable Tripod Stand is a great option for those who travel with both a digital camera and a smartphone as the convertible device can actually be used as a selfie stick and tripod for smartphones while also extending into a more stable tripod suitable for a heavier camera. It also packs down ultra-small when not in use so you won’t have to run around all day with a full-sized tripod under your arm.

Best Portable Power Bank

Nimble champ portable charger.

The Nimble Champ is a game changer for long travel days when you might not have the chance to wait by an outlet for your smartphone to refuel; the 10,000 mAh battery is more than enough to charge the average smartphone between three to five times in full. If you’re concerned about having your phone for safety purposes (like to grab an Uber, use Google Maps, call for help, etc.), a compact lightweight charger will also offer serious peace of mind. We like that this option is made using 99 percent certified recycled plastic so you can feel good about the sustainable choice. And, if you need even more juice, there’s a more powerful Nimble Champ Pro with a 20,000 mAh battery instead.

Best Noise-canceling Headphones

Apple airpods max.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

The AirPods Max are admittedly a bit expensive but they’re worth the price point for the quality and overall ease of use, especially if you’re a lover of Apple devices. During the testing process, we found the user experience to be the best out of all the headphones we tried. We really like how easy they are to connect to an iPhone or MacBook without having to go searching into the Bluetooth settings (there’s a simple pop-up that’ll ask you if you want to switch and that’s that). We found the headphones very intuitive to use and the sound quality is excellent as well with a strong enough noise-canceling feature to provide serenity everywhere from the airplane to the subway.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Popping a luggage tracker, like the Eufy SmartTrack Link, into your checked luggage will allow you to track a suitcase in real time which offers peace of mind and can help expedite the return of lost-in-transit baggage. This tiny tracker was our top pick during testing due to its ease of use and convenient size and shape. The durable square comes equipped with a hole in the top corner that makes it easy to add a carabiner or key ring onto the tracker to attach to internal zippers or other items, too.

It can be tricky to strike a healthy balance between actual travel essentials and products that seem useful in theory but actually just end up taking up precious space in your suitcase or carry-on. The following items are designed to make travel as easy and comfortable as possible and are all compact, easy to pack, and won’t end up weighing you down. They’re also highly practical for staying organized and put together while making your way through passport control or while taking public transport from the airport to your hotel.

Best Passport Cover

Paravel passport case.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

You might not think you need a passport cover, but this Paravel Cabana Passport Case is a particularly great option since it not only keeps your passport safe and secure but holds up to eight cards, too. During the testing process, we found the luxe material to also be durable, and it was very easy to get our cards and passport in and out of the slots without having to stretch things out. We also like that this one comes in several colorways and can be customized with a hand-painted initial as well.

Best Travel Wallet

Leatherology zip around travel wallet.

If you’re hoping to score something with a little extra space, the Leatherology Travel Wallet is a particularly great choice as it’ll keep all your stuff organized without becoming too bulky or heavy. The compact design has a slot for pretty much everything you could need including your passport, cards, printed boarding pass, coins, cash, and even a pen. During the testing process, we found that this option stood out for its buttery soft leather that feels much more expensive than it is, and for the expansive interior that could easily hold more than a couple of passports. 

Best Luggage Belt

Cincha travel belt.

The Cincha Travel Belt is one of those travel accessories that you don’t realize just how much you need until you have it on-hand while on the go. The travel belt is designed to attach your personal items — like a coat, shopping bags, and even your handbag — to the handle of your rolling luggage without worrying about it sliding around or falling off the top of your luggage. This is a particularly handy option to have on hand while changing terminals or taking trains to the city center when you don’t want to have to worry about lugging multiple loose pieces.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Memobottle a5 the flat water bottle that fits in your bag.

There are certain things that all responsible travelers should consider when setting off on a trip — and being a more sustainable citizen of the world is one of them. The easiest way to cut down on your carbon footprint while traveling? Investing in a reusable water bottle. The Memobottle A5 makes it easy to ditch single-use plastic while traveling without feeling like, you know, you’re carrying a massive water bottle around with you. It’s designed to be ultra thin and can fit in a briefcase or handbag. However, don’t let the thin size fool you. This water bottle fits a standard 750 milliliters which is the exact same as the single-use bottle of Smartwater in the airport shop.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

• Design 5 /5

Packing the right amount of clothing for an international trip can be a bit of a daunting task which is why we’re such major advocates for the Gonex Compression Packing Cubes . The set of four cubes comes in a variety of sizes to help keep garments in order while planning for your trip. The compression cubes are also designed to squish down into the smallest size possible so you can fit even more into that carry-on roller without worrying about taking up too much space in the overhead bin or running out of room for souvenirs.

Best Neck Pillow

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Think of the Cabeau TNE S3 as the neck pillow for travelers who hate carrying a neck pillow. The compact neck support folds down into a tiny bag that can easily be stored away in your carry-on or handbag while on the go. We loved this neck pillow during the testing process for its memory foam material and 360-degree support. It’s designed to attach to your seat and will keep you from that annoying head bobbing that can often happen when trying to sleep upright.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5

Money belts might not be the most exciting of travel gear — but having this under-clothes accessory can offer major peace of mind if you’re nervous about carrying your valuables out in the open while on the go. The Raytix Money Belt was our top pick during our tests because of its smooth material that feels comfortable on the skin and a discreet size that doesn’t bulge when placed properly under your clothing. We also really liked that it was wide enough to comfortably fit a passport without having to wiggle the zipper in order to close the pouch.

Best Compression Socks

Comrad compression socks.

The Comrad Compression Socks do the impossible: make compression socks look cool and stylish. The double-dip ombre design is fun and aesthetically pleasing — especially compared to your average drugstore alternative — and the socks themselves are extremely soft to the touch. During the testing process, we found they offered gentle compression without being uncomfortable. They were breathable and we could easily wear them on a long-haul flight without any itchiness whatsoever either.

Selecting the right luggage for your international trip is half the battle. For example, if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag at all costs, you’ll want something that is no bigger than 21.5 inches, and as lightweight as possible. If you’re looking for a suitcase that’ll handle the arduous checked baggage process, you’ll want to look for a hard-sided spinner with enough give that it won’t crack or puncture while in transit.

Choosing the right personal item and day bag is an equally important decision. Handbags and backpacks should be lightweight and multi-purpose, meaning that you’ll be able to use them at multiple times, like day trips to the country, jaunts around the city center, and evenings out.

Best Lightweight Backpack

Longchamp le pliage backpack.

Given the brand's reputation for high-quality bags , it's no surprise the Longchamp Backpack Le Pliage is forever our go-to travel bag when we’re aiming to pack light but stylish. Longchamp Le Pliage in general is kind of the perfect bag concept for travel as it packs down ultra small when not in use but can expand to a full-sized bag as needed. The backpack is no exception; it’s small and lightweight but stylish and large enough to fit a day — or night — of essentials without screaming tourist or looking too bulky. We also like that this option is made from a durable nylon and can withstand the bright sun and heavy rain without getting damaged.

Best International-sized Carry-on

Away the carry-on.

Packing for international air travel can sometimes be a little dicey, especially if you’re going to be flying on budget airlines with little wiggle room on suitcase sizing. The Away The Carry-on sits just below most international carrier limits so you won’t run into any surprises at the gate, but we also found that it’s incredibly roomy. During the testing process, we were able to fit everything we needed for a four-day trip with room to spare. The hard plastic shell is also incredibly durable — even when clobbered with a baseball bat — so it will hold up with heavy duty use, too.

Best Checked Bag

July large luggage.

• Organization 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5

The July Checked Plus is our top choice when it comes to the best checked luggage for international travel , especially if you tend to be an overpacker as it fits 110 liters worth of items. Even if you don’t fill it to the brim, we particularly like the number of pockets and organizational features inside to keep things sorted. During our testing process, we found it was incredibly easy to pack a fair amount while giving everything a designated spot. We also found the wheels and handle to be the smoothest we’ve found in a suitcase which made it easy to trolley the suitcase around through the airport and into the city.

Best Belt Bag

Lululemon everywhere belt bag.

The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag is, well, kind of everywhere, but it’s easy to see why. It’s incredibly lightweight and durable while offering a discreet but stylish solution to storing your daily essentials in a safe and secure manner. It’s also made of water-repellent polyester so you can get caught in the rain with less issue than a leather or cotton alternative. This option also comes in a huge variety of colorways to best suit your style, but we’re major fans of the classic black. During the testing process, we particularly appreciated how easily the zipper glides; it doesn’t pull or stick which makes it easy to quickly grab items like a wallet or passport out without having to use two hands. Plus, if you have even more to carry, there’s a 2-liter version , too.

Best Travel Laundry Bag

Miamica travel laundry bag.

The Miamica Travel Laundry Bag is another one of those items that is easy to forget or brush off as being unimportant but can actually make such a big difference while on the go. This lightweight laundry bag will take up no room in your luggage but makes staying organized while traveling so much easier. Whether you’re doing your own laundry in your hotel room or planning on sending the essentials off for dry cleaning, having a separate bag to store your dirty clothes in means you won’t have to rifle through your suitcase trying to decipher what is clean versus what needs to be washed.

MZ Wallace Deluxe Tote

• Portability 3 /5
• Ease of Use 3 /5

Don’t underestimate the power of a great tote while traveling as options like this lightweight MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe won’t take up much space in your luggage but can be a lifesaver if you somehow find yourself with more stuff to pack on your way home. We found this bag to be super roomy without overpowering us with a ton of built-in pockets and even a removable pouch to keep gear organized on the go. It’s also worth noting that this tote comes in a few different sizes from mini to large if you’re looking for something a bit bigger or smaller instead.

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

There are a lot of utilitarian toiletry bags out there but options like this one from Away both get the job done, and look good in the process. We found it very easy to pack and organize, thanks to an abundance of pockets and pouches to store everything from makeup brushes to delicate bottles. The material feels high-end and sleek but we found it to be secure and waterproof so nothing spilled out while in transit either.

Best Rolling Duffel

Eagle creek cargo hauler.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 3 /5
• Durability 4 /5

The Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Wheeled Duffel is our top pick for the best rolling duffel for international travel since it’s huge yet still incredibly easy to roll through the airport or tote by hand on public transit. We particularly loved that this bag came with its own packing cubes and could easily convert from duffel to backpack to rolling suitcase. Despite its multi-functional design, it really excelled at everything. We found the bag very smooth to roll and just as easy to grab and go when needed. The material also feels very durable; like it could withstand heavy use without having to be too precious with it.

Unfortunately, yes, there are quite a few items that you can’t bring on your international trip depending on the country you’re heading to. Take this into consideration when shopping for travel products. Some destinations don’t allow certain tech — like drones — while others are very strict about the medication you’re allowed to bring into the country. If you have any doubts or concerns about what you can and cannot bring to a certain locale, be sure to check the official TSA security screening rules and the screening rules of the specific country you’re planning to visit.

Every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to carry-on and checked baggage size and weight restrictions. The standard carry-on size outside of the United States tends to be a lot smaller, so you’ll want to ensure your hand baggage doesn’t exceed the restrictions of the airlines you’re flying. It tends to be about 26 pounds and 21.5 inches in height for most European carriers, for example, but always check with the exact airlines you plan to use.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a full-time travel writer to curate the best options to suit most needs and international destinations.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

The Essential International Travel Checklist PDF for Newbies

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

• Before You Go
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So you’ve decided to take the leap into international travel and your trip is just around the corner… but now what? The plan is in motion and anticipation sets in. Whether you’re planning to study , volunteer , work , intern , and just embark on a grand adventure abroad , any form of international travel is best planned ahead of time. After all, there are more things to do before traveling than just packing a suitcase and booking a flight (try our Flights page for discounted airfare for students!).

Whether you’re an organization freak or just want to prepare yourself in the best way possible, you need a clear plan with clear steps. A before travel checklist is the way to go.

Are you ready to GET YO’ TRAVEL ON?

No idea where to start? Lucky for you, GoAbroad has you covered! Here you’ll find the ultimate international travel checklist , complete with a planning timeline and packing list to make things easy for you. From the essential to-do’s , like picking your program and applying for visas, to finalizing itineraries and saying goodbye to family and friends, our pre-travel checklist will walk you through the six months leading up to your big trip abroad.

[ Download Our Meaningful Travel Checklist PDF Right HERE ]

It’s baby steps from here on out! Get moving on your to-do list early to eliminate the stress that comes with preparing for overseas travel. If you pace yourself now, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip abroad to the absolute fullest when the time comes!

A timeline of things to do before traveling

From the moment you decide to embark on travel abroad, it’s time to start planning. In fact, it’s never too early—the sooner you start to tick off items on your before travel checklist, the sooner you can relax and have fun!

3-6 months before departure

First things first: You need to pick a program (if you haven’t already). This first step is the most important, as it will determine how you go about planning in the coming months. There are endless opportunities for meaningful travel abroad, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, you aren’t alone. But selecting your program is the fun part (think online shopping!), and GoAbroad’s Online Advisor can help. Simply make a profile with your personal details and wildest travel dreams, and we’ll match you up with the best programs to help you reach your goals.

 Submit your application several months in advance—the earlier the better—and once accepted, you can start working on the travel logistics. Do you have a valid passport? If you’re an international travel virgin, you’ll need to apply for one right away. Make sure it’s valid for the dates of your trip. Have you booked flights? Are there visa requirements? Give yourself plenty of time for the paperwork. Does your program have additional requirements? Do you need a TEFL certification? What about CPR? Get crackin’ early so you aren’t pressed for time.

You’ll need to sort out your funding at this stage, too. Start budgeting to save for your trip, or look into scholarships and fundraising to cover what you can’t afford. Travel abroad can put a big dent in your bank account, but as long as you have a game plan, the price will be totally worth it. 

1-3 months before departure

Get a stellar haircut and tie up other loose ends, like doctor’s appointments or visits to the bank.

If you’re planning for an extended time abroad, your international travel checklist should include all of the necessary appointments to make sure you’re in optimum health for travel abroad. Schedule checkups with your dentist, doctor, and any specialists, sort out prescription medication for the length of your trip, and maybe even visit your hair stylist to make sure you’re feeling and looking good before you go! 

Your trip preparation checklist isn’t all tedious paperwork in the first several months. Now is the time to spread the word! Tell your family and friends so they can share the excitement with you, let your school or employer know about your plans so they can prepare for your departure, and connect with in-country staff to get more information about your program. Get inspired: do some research on your destination. Read guide books or novels by local authors. Reading ain’t your thing? Check out a documentary or listen to some music to get in touch with the country’s roots. The more you learn, the more real your trip abroad becomes!

One month before departure

Time is flying by! A month may sound like a long time, but you’ll be on that plane in no time. With your departure date quickly approaching, now is the time to hunker down and think about what still needs to be accomplished on your before travel checklist. No more procrastination!

Before you start on your one-month before travel checklist, make sure you’ve checked off any outstanding paperwork for visas and passports. Are your flights booking, programs confirmed, and budget in place? Once this is out of the way, your international travel checklist will help to finalize the fine details. Confirm your travel itinerary and accommodations with your program and lay the groundwork for any personal travel. If you plan to veer away from the group, think about transportation and hostel arrangements.

Next on the trip preparation checklist: start to tie up the loose ends. Buy the essentials from your packing list and say goodbye to friends, family, and your favorite restaurants. You don’t realize it now, but a Chipotle craving is bound to happen while you’re abroad, so eat that burrito and don’t feel bad about splurging on the extra guac!

Impt item on you before travel checklist: Eat all the guac you can!

Need to brush up on those language skills? Buy a pocket dictionary or download Duolingo for your free time to brush up on key phrases and slang of your destination. You’ll want to pat yourself on the back when you can find your way around or have a short conversation with locals without a translator. 

Speaking of communication, make a plan with family and friends on how to keep in touch while you’re abroad. You won’t want to be tied to your phone or social media, but it’s a good idea to find an outlet to share your travels with those at home. Ever considered blogging?

Start getting EXCITED! This is the time to celebrate and have fun before your big adventure. Don’t forget to throw yourself a going away party, so all your besties can wish you bon voyage! 

One week before

The time has nearly come! At this point, there aren’t too many things to do before traveling. In a perfect world, your before travel checklist should be all checked off. Your passport and visa are ready, itineraries are finalized, necessities have been purchased. If you’ve been on top of your international travel checklist thus far, your last week will be a breeze.

There are just a few things left on your pre-travel checklist during your last week before departure. If you haven’t already, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance . Some programs include this in the program fee, so best to check with them first. If not, get this sorted right away—and no cutting corners with this one! You never know what can happen, and you’ll want the best coverage possible in case of emergency while abroad. 

One of the most important things to do before traveling is packing your bags—smartly. Don’t overdo it!

Don’t forget to contact your bank and let them know you’ll be traveling. You don’t want to run into difficulties with credit or debit cards while you’re overseas. Enquire about travel cards, or think about exchanging currencies so you have cash for your first week or two after arrival.

And last, but not least, pack those bags! Make sure you keep two copies of all travel documents and IDs in your carry-on, along with some clean underwear and a toothbrush. As for the rest, your program should provide you with some must-haves before you set off on your trip abroad.

Download our travel checklist PDF ! 

Are you ready to take the plunge into international travel? If you’re committed to meaningful travel abroad, it’s time to get the ball rolling on the prep work. Download GoAbroad’s ultimate pre-travel checklist PDF to get organized for your trip abroad. Straightforward and simple, our international travel checklist will make your life a million times easier while preparing for travel!

 Not only do you get the essential international travel checklist, but GoAbroad has thrown in a bonus packing list. Whether you’re going for a week or a year, you’ll have the essentials covered. In addition to comfy clothes, don’t forget a few key items: 

• Your passport!
• Cash and debit card on hand
• Travel-sized toiletries
• Any medications or vitamins you need
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Headphones, chargers, and adaptors
• Translating device
• Earplugs and eye mask
• A good book and journal
• Walking shoes and flip flops
• Emergency contacts for your program staff
• Extra underwear—remember, you can never have too many undies! 

Your daypack should carry all the essentials: ALL paperwork, toothbrush and deodorant for those journeys that turn into days on end without a shower, something cozy to snuggle on the plane, snacks, and anything else to make your trip more enjoyable. 

You’re ready to make all of your life abroad and international travel dreams come true.

Remember to pack light! It can be easy to over-pack, especially when preparing for an extended overseas trip. Less is more when packing for your trip abroad. Whether you’re packing for a short-term volunteer stint or a year working overseas , the strategy is the same. Stick with clothing that can be layered or hand washed, and leave heavy books, high heels, hair dryers, and random accessories at home. You’ll be able to buy any clothes you need and most toiletries upon arrival, and that extra suitcase room will come in handy later for souvenirs.

You’re ready to get those travel plans rolling

That wasn’t too bad now, was it? Now for the fun part: stop daydreaming and put those travel plans into motion. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready for every excitement and challenge that comes with travel abroad. Throw your stresses behind you and dive headfirst into the trip of a lifetime. Adventure awaits!

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The Five Foot Traveler

Reaching new heights, 137 travel essentials: a comprehensive packing list.

by Sarah Gallo | Aug 15, 2019 | Resources | 2 comments

You’ve decided that you wanted to travel somewhere new, so you booked a flight, secured your hotels, and told all of your friends. You eagerly search Instagram for the must-see spots and, before you know it, you leave in a few weeks! Now, I never recommend saving packing for the last minute, but it’s silly to start gathering your travel essentials few months out too. 

This article is meant to serve as a guideline for the most efficient ways to go about packing your travel essentials. Coming from someone who has visited over 100 countries, it’s safe to say that I’ve done enough trial and error for all of you! In this article you will find the most useful carry on essentials, packing and clothing essentials, outdoor essentials, fitness “on the go” essentials, reading essentials, and business management essentials.

Chimp trekking in Uganda with travel essentials on hand

Now, here’s the thing: this list of travel essentials covers just about everything, so try not to get overwhelmed. No matter your age, no matter your type of travel, this comprehensive list should be used as a guideline to decide what you need to pack depending on your trip. For instance, you certainly won’t pack the same things for a luxury cruise through the Caribbean , an RV trip through New Zealand , or a road trip through South Africa . Of course, it should go without saying, but if you’re going to places like Antarctica or the Arctic, you will certainly need to include gear for extremities, and a packing list is almost always provided. 

Please note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission when you purchase any travel essentials using the links in this article at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

I personally use and own everything that I recommend below. 

Before you begin packing, please make sure you go through this checklist of absolute, no questions asked travel essentials:

• Is your Passport valid for six months after you depart your destination and for the duration of your trip?
• Have you checked to see if you have all of the necessary visas for where you’re visiting?
• Have you purchased a comprehensive travel insurance plan ?

Hopefully you’ve answered YES to the above questions, so let’s dive in. First thing’s first, I always recommend having a staging area for your travel essentials well before you pack. For me, it’s the loveseat in my bedroom, but anywhere will do (although I do suggest keeping it out of reach from messy children or pets). Here, you can organize the travel goodies you’ve purchased and start organizing your piles of clothes and toiletries. I find this useful because I usually want to use the things I need to pack, so I’m not a big fan of throwing everything into a suitcase two weeks prior to departure.

And speaking of suitcases, decide early on the way you’d like to travel. Are you going on a luxury European vacation? Trekking through the Himalayas? Relaxing on a beach somewhere? Your luggage should reflect your style of travel. Since I started this travel journey as a backpacker, I initially checked a 55L backpack and used a hiking backpack as my carry on.

When I first started backpacking these were my travel essentials

Then I started traveling carry on only, where I used a spinner carry on and a hiking backpack as my personal item. Then, finally, when I transitioned into luxury travel and *gasp* needed to pack heels and a variety of dresses, I started checking a 24” spinner and bringing with me a carry on spinner on the plane and a cross body bag as my personal item for under the seat in front of me.

I've cleaned up a bit over the years though, don't worry!

I’ve loved every backpack, bag, and suitcase that I’ve owned and highly recommend picking and choosing between the following:

Airplane Personal Item

• Cross-Body Bag:  If you want to look a little more put together, but want easy access to all of your carry on travel essentials, a cross-body bag is a must. If you like to travel with your laptop, make sure you purchase one that has a laptop sleeve too. Of course, it should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you but roomy enough that you won’t have to dig around in it to find what you want. My Recommendation – Vera Bradley Lighten Up Weekender Travel Bag . This is honestly an absolute must for me, and I bring it everywhere I go.
• Backpack: Your backpack should be both supportive and spacious. I love that this also can substitute as a hiking day pack. Everything that I pack in my cross-body bag will also fit in my 24L backpack, so it just comes down to personal preference. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. These both have incredible structure and hip support.

Airplane Carry On Item

• A Spinner Carry On Suitcase: If you’re questioning whether you should get a suitcase with two wheels or four wheels, always choose the four-wheel spinner. It will make your life easier as you both navigate crowds within the airport and on the busy streets of your destination. Trust me on this, as I converted from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler and it made a huge difference in the way that I travel. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 21” Hardside Spinner. Hardside here is key. It helps you not to overpack, and it is also more durable for your travels. This is one of the most lightweight hardside carry on suitcases that you’ll find on the market, and it has a built-in TSA-approved lock as well as a limited lifetime warranty.
• If you’re not carrying on a suitcase, you may be able to carry on both recommended personal items – depending on the airline, size, and weight.

Airplane Checked Item

• Spinner Checked Suitcase: Again, I highly recommend a spinner four-wheel suitcase over a two-wheel suitcase for the purpose of ease. Personally, I like when my carry on spinner and checked spinner match, which led me back to TravelPro. I like the way that the inside is organized, and it’s helpful that each of their hardside spinners come with a built-in TSA-approved lock. My Recommendation – TravelPro Maxlite 4 25” Spinner and TravelPro Maxlite 5 29” Spinner. Depending on the type of trip you’re taking (and how many shoes haha), you’ll need to decide which size checked luggage works for you. I find it useful to have a 25” and 29” on hand, but 99% of the time I will choose just to bring the 25” Spinner, as I’ve found that’s more than enough for me. If you’d like to purchase the 21”, 25”, and 29” as a set – which is the best bang for your buck – you can do so here.
• Trekkers Pack: Now, if you’re moving around a lot, camping, trekking, and staying in refugios, then a trekkers pack will certainly be the better option for you. When I first started traveling I used a trekkers pack, and it definitely has its benefits for the active among us! When researching which pack to get, make sure that it’s easily opened from multiple points on the bag, that it has plenty of pockets for your smaller items, and provides you with plenty of support. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . I tried on what felt like hundreds of trekkers packs before realizing that these were, hands down, the ideal pack that I was looking for. I have carried quite a bit of weight in mine, and it was always comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Plus, Osprey has an “all mighty guarantee” where they will repair any damage free of charge and, if they can’t fix it, they will replace it at no cost to you. Incredibly, this applies to all of their products, no matter the purchase date. You can read more about it here , if interested. 
• Rolling Duffle: At the end of the day, some people just love duffle bags (my grandpa is one of them!). They’re a great combination of a duffle bag and rolling suitcase, and you have the ability to carry the bag or roll it, depending on your circumstances. My Recommendation – TravelPro Rolling Duffle Bag with Drop Bottom. This comes in all different colors and sizes, but I recommend the 30”, as it’s plenty roomy without being overwhelming. This rolling duffle is lightweight, yet incredibly durable; it survived a few weeks of safaris in Africa with no problems. It also has many different pockets and separators to keep your bag well-organized. 

To keep your luggage organized as a whole, I couldn’t recommend packing cubes highly enough. I originally didn’t think they had much use, but they’ve changed my life when it comes to packing – whether it’s just for a weekend trip or a year-long journey. They come in all different sizes, and I use a variety of small, medium, and large packing cubes. My Recommendation: I have tested many packing cubes over the years, and I can say – without a doubt – that the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cubes are the absolute best on the market. They are incredibly durable and as lightweight as possible. And look at how nicely they fit into a suitcase!

How I pack my carry on to include all travel essentials

And always remember: lock all of your luggage with TSA-approved locks if you don’t have a suitcase with built in locks. Both checked luggage, and carry on (yes, this means backpacks too). I’ve tried many different locks over the years, but these are my favorite. I presume you’re like me and don’t want people sifting through your checked bag nor people sneaking into your carry on while you sleep (have you heard the stories of valuables being stolen from airplanes?).

But now that you’ve chosen your luggage, you’re probably wondering what travel essentials are actually necessary to pack….

I’m going to break down my packing list into easy-to-organize categories for you. Just remember to pick and choose what you most need for the trip you’re taking. So, let’s do this!

Carry On Essentials

Documents & Confirmations: These are things that you simply must have on you at all times. DO NOT leave your house without packing these into your personal items, as they are absolute travel essentials. 

Comfort: Unless you travel first class, flights are rarely considered comfortable – and it doesn’t matter if it’s an easy 5-hour flight or a 19-hour flight! Make your life easier by packing these few travel essentials for a bit of extra comfort. There’s no way that I could do an overnight flight even semi-comfortably without these!

Noise Cancelling Headphones, Eye Mask, Pillow – Travel Essentials

• Blow Up Pillow:  I’ll start by saying that I think I’ve tried every airplane pillow out there, or just about! Since I take so many overnight flights, and we all know how airplane pillows feel, it makes sense to bring your own. I began not to worry about the shape or size — if it helped me sleep, it was a keeper. My Recommendation – Haobaimei Airplane Pillow. I know, I know it looks a bit silly, but I promise you that it’s the best airplane pillow out there. It has allowed me to sleep comfortably in a variety of positions. I’d like to be able to describe it in detail, but you’re better off clicking this link , and scrolling to the “product description” to see all of the reasons why this pillow is a must!
• Foot Rest: You’re probably thinking, “what?” But yes, airplane footrests are a thing, and quite comfortable. Rather than trying to squeeze your legs under the chair (and slam your shins along the way), you can instead set up your footrest. My Recommendation – Sleepy Ride. I’ve had this footrest for years; it’s incredibly lightweight and folds up tiny. It’s very easy to set up, and you can adjust the height to your preference. 
• Eye Mask – Eye Masks are a tricky thing. Assuming that it will be over your eyes for hours on end, you need to ensure that it doesn’t press against your eyes, doesn’t let light in, and doesn’t slip off your head. My Recommendation – Manta Sleep Mask. I was drawn in not only by their 100% darkness guaranteed, but also by the fact that you can still open your eyes behind the mask too! The fact that there is zero pressure on your eyes, and that it’s fully customizable to your unique face makes it a must have!
• Compression Socks:  Compression socks are important to wear while flying, especially if it’s a long-haul flight! They not only increase circulation, but they help prevent blood clots and swelling too. My Recommendation – Alvada Compression Socks for Men & Women. Get them and remember to bring them on your next flight! 
• Cambridge Mask: I have always traveled with a mask on hand, should I get sick or should there be something going around. Cambridge Masks are amongst the best out there, as their masks meet the N99 standard and protect against almost 100% of pollutants, viruses, and bacteria *if the mask is worn correctly.* Whenever using a mask, make sure that it's snug on your face, avoid touching the front of the mask, and be sure to wash your hands before putting the mask on/taking it off.  My Recommendation –  Cambridge Mask Co.
• Earplanes: Have you ever struggled with painful ear popping on airplanes? Well I get horrible ear pain whenever I fly… to the point where I cannot fly without them. My Recommendation – EarPlanes Pack of 3. These work fantastically to relieve the pressure in your ears during take off and landing, while muffling some of the noise too. 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  I always recommend traveling with a water bottle on hand for two reasons. (1) It’s good to have a bottle that the flight attendants can fill up for you so that you’re not stuck to 3 sips of water until the next flight attendant comes back. (2) Having a reusable water bottle can help minimize your plastic waste. My Recommendation – Hydro Flask. The Hydro Flask is a BPA-free stainless steel, slip free water bottle. It comes in a variety of sizes and will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Definitely handy to have while traveling!
• Sweatshirt or Jacket: Planes (or any type of transportation honestly) can sometimes be unbearably cold! I definitely recommend always having a sweatshirt or jacket on hand, or both, as I doubt anyone wants to be freezing and uncomfortable for hours on end. 
• Change of Clothes: No one likes a smelly person 😉 But in all honesty, it’s important to have a change of clothes on hand for just in case your luggage gets lost. If you’re going on a beach trip, pack a bathing suit. A hiking trip, pack your spandex. You get the point. 
• Carabiners – While this may seem a bit random, carabiners are incredibly useful for travel. I use a carabiner to clip my water bottle to my carry on, as well as to clip my pillow and footrest to the seat in front of me too. You don’t need anything fancy, so something like these will do. 

Technology & Valuables: Anything of value should never be checked. Make sure that all technology and valuables (like jewelry & sunglasses) are packed in your carry on and in a locked compartment. Some of these things may be obvious, but I’m still including them if you reference this as your packing list. 

As a content creator, I obviously pack a lot more tech than the average person, but please use the list below as a guideline for what to pack tech-wise according to your needs. Perhaps you’ll even find something new to bring with you on your next trip! 

A typical day with my laptop on the road

• Smartphone: This is a given these days, but make sure you pack your phone! It’s also incredibly helpful to have some apps downloaded that might help make your travel easier. My favorite is App in the Air 🙂 My Recommendation – iPhone Xs Max. If you’re looking for a new smartphone, I have an iPhone Xs Max 256 GB and absolutely love it. 
• Noise Cancelling Headphones (and iPod):  Airplanes are noisy. People are noisy. Babies are noisy. Get rid of the noise! My Recommendation – Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These wireless, bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are honestly a dream. They are the very first thing I pack in my personal item, as I couldn’t do a flight without them! Of course, make sure you have music downloaded on your phone or iPod to listen to as well (and yes, I still use an iPod). 
• Earbuds: While I’m obsessed with noise cancelling headphones, it’s always a good idea to have a regular pair of earbuds too. They do make noise-cancelling earbuds as well, but those have never felt right to me. My Recommendation – Apple Airpods with Charging Case. These Airpods automatically connect to your device and charge within 15 minutes once you put them back in their case. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to travel with. 
• Kindle:  I don’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I love that it allows me to travel with as many books as I’d like, without the burden of actually having to lug them around. My Recommendation – Kindle Paperwhite. The flush design is as close to “paper” as it gets and there are no glares (this I can promise, as I always read at the beach in the sun!). It is also waterproof, which is convenient, and pairs with bluetooth headphones as well if you’re an audiobook listener. 
• Laptop:  Depending on what you do or for how long you’re traveling, you may not need to bring your laptop. My Recommendation – MacBook Air or MacBook Pro 15”. These both have very different uses. For travel, the MacBook Air is significantly easier to travel with. While it’s infinitely lighter though, it doesn’t have the same processing power as the MacBook Pro 15”. If you plan on editing a lot of photos or videos, unfortunately the heavier MacBook Pro 15” should be your go-to. I personally used (and loved) the MacBook Air for years before switching to the MacBook Pro 15”, which is what I use now (for a stronger and faster laptop). 
• Laptop Case:  Even if your backpack or messenger bag has a laptop sleeve, be sure to have your laptop in its own protective case! My Recommendation – CCPK Laptop Sleeve. This is as basic a laptop sleeve as it gets, but it is snug and will protect your laptop, without adding extra bulk. 
• External Hard Drive:  If you’re on the road a lot or take excess photos, you’ll certainly want an external hard drive on hand to back everything up! My Recommendation –  LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive. I’ve had multiple LaCie Rugged Hard Drives, and I’ve loved each and every one of them. They’re perfect for any kind of trip, as they’re compact, durable, and water-resistant. And if you’re interested in learning how to better edit your photos, it even comes with a complimentary one-month membership to Adobe! 
• USB Drive: I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people ask if I can give them a USB drive with photos. It’s an extremely small, very useful thing to have on you if you’re in the content creation space. My Recommendation – SanDisk Cruzer Glide CZ60 USB Drive . I personally recommend the 256 GB, as you’ll never worry about running out of space, but any will do based on your needs. 
• DSLR Camera: Now this one is tricky one because every person has different travel needs and preferences. I’ve personally traveled with a Canon, Sony, and Panasonic… but it wasn’t until I traveled with an Olympus Camera that I was fully content. My Recommendation – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Not only is it the lightest DSLR that I have ever carried around with me, but it’s waterproof and weather-sealed, which makes it ideal for every situation. This is my go-to travel camera these days, and you can read the full review of my Olympus products here.  

Always travel equipped with a good camera!

• Lenses:  Again, lenses will depend on the type of photo that you’re aiming to get. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II can be purchased with two different lenses, or you can purchase the lenses separately. My Recommendation – M. Zuiko 14-150mm f4-5.6 for your everyday lens and M.Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 PRO for a wide angle lens. I originally thought I wouldn’t need a wide angle lens, but sure was wrong!
• GoPro: By now I’m sure you’ve heard that the GoPro is the best action-cam on the market and, guess what, it’s true. Whether you’re running down the beach, zip-lining through the air, or diving with sharks, the GoPro can help perfectly capture the moment. My Recommendation – GoPro Hero 8. The GoPro Hero 8 prides itself on filming in 4K, taking 12 MP still shots, and having the best stabilization on an action camera. This is a must for any adventure traveler! 
• Memory Cards:  Make sure you purchase high quality memory cards. I always recommend smaller memory card sizes, and a lot of them. If a memory card were to become corrupt, I would hate to lose everyone on a 256 GB memory card! My Recommendation – SanDisk 32 GB Extreme Pro for your camera and the SanDisk 64 GB Micro SD for your GoPro. The Extreme Pro writes quite quickly at 95 mbps and the Micro SD is a Class 10, meaning that it will work great for full HD video playback. Both SD Cards are waterproof, shock proof, and temperature-proof. 
• Gimbal:  No one likes shaky videos. If you’re shooting with a smartphone or GoPro, a gimbal helps stabilize your videos and keeps them smooth. They’re relatively lightweight and portable, and a necessity if you want to get into video. My Recommendation – DJI Osmo Mobile 2. DJI is an incredible reputable brand and their gimbal is one of the most lightweight on the market. Run, jump, do everything in between, and this gimbal will keep your videos stable. 
• FitBit: It’s no secret that I’ve always loved my FitBit. I’ve worn one for years, and I love that it provides me with in-depth sleep analytics while also counting my steps, calories, and distance walked for the day. My Recommendation – FitBit Versa. I’ve had a few different FitBit’s over the years, and the Versa is definitely my favorite! It’s the biggest competitor to the Apple Watch, and I prefer its exercise analytics and sleek design. You can also download your favorite apps and music on your FitBit Versa too! 
• Portable Speaker:  I actually bought the UE Roll out of necessity when our other speaker died on a road trip through New Zealand , but I’m SO happy we did! It’s incredibly portable and easily hung up or carried with you. My Recommendation – UE Roll Wireless. This bluetooth speaker is not only wireless, but waterproof and shockproof too. It has great sound quality, and  it makes for the perfect addition to any camp out, beach day, or general use around the house. 
• Portable Battery Charger: You never know when your phone or camera might die. I always always always carry a portable battery charger with me. Not only does it ensure that I will always be charged up, but it’s also nice to be able to provide your friends with a bit of juice when their phones die too (because, no, they typically never have an external battery charger). My Recommendation – myCharge AdventureMax Portable Charger . The myCharge is an important buy for travelers because, aside from having dual USB ports for charging (which is awesome), it is also splash-proof, drop-resistant, and dirt-proof, making it the perfect travel buddy. It’s also incredibly small and compact and has an attached carabiner, so it’s easy to throw in your purse or attach off a backpack.  
• International Adaptor: No matter where you’re traveling, this is an absolute must. I always carry at least two international adaptors so that, if one breaks, I always have a back up. You would be surprised how many people forget to pack an international adaptor. My Recommendation – Upgraded Universal Travel Adaptor. The reason I love this travel adaptor is that not only does it have a standard plug, but four USB ports as well. Sometimes I don’t have a long time to charge my equipment, but with this adaptor I have the ability to charge everything at the same time. This Universal Adaptor works in over 150 countries, so it’s certainly handy to have!
• Chargers: If you have a lot of gear, it’s likely that you have a lot of cords and cables. While there’s no need to elaborate, these are the main chargers that I always have on hand. 

Medications: When people think of travel essentials, they don’t typically think of meds, but important Medications should never be checked! Should your luggage be lost, you don’t want to be without your daily meds. If you have prescribed medication, ensure that it is packed in your carry on. Aside from our individual health needs, I recommend packing – at minimum – Advil, Allergy Medications, Pepto-Bismol (or something similar), Motion Sickness Tablets, Tylenol AM/PM, and Malaria Tablets (depending on your destination), as well as Neosporin Cream and Hydrocortisone Cream. And, of course, if you carry an EpiPen, don’t forget that either! 

Miscellaneous: These are some small things I wasn’t sure how to categorize, but I make sure to have all of these in my carry on as well!

Packing Essentials

Clothing: Clothing is a tricky one, as this really varies per person. I’ve done 8 month trips where I’ve had 5 tops and 5 bottoms, and weeklong cruise trips where I have 20 outfits for 7 days. I highly recommend Anatomie as your go-to travel clothing brand though, and they’ve actually been endorsed by both Forbes Travel Guide and Condé Nast Traveler. Please take the time to view these three articles:

• The Best Travel Pants For Women
• The Best Travel Shirts For Women
• Travel Clothes For Women 

With the founders of Anatomie, my go-to travel clothing!

In general though, you can use the table below as a rough guideline for the types of clothing you should pack. I don’t go anywhere without these things – no matter what season it is. Remember when packing, your clothes will typically get a bit wrinkly, so I recommend bringing a travel-sized wrinkle releaser as well as a dual-voltage travel steamer. 

Toiletries: Do yourself a favor and purchase the Eagle Creek Pack It Quick Trip Toiletry Bag . It’s the perfect sized toiletry bag and very lightweight. It should easily fit all of your toiletries, aside from your Microfiber Towel ( this is a must! ). There’s no need to explain what each toiletry is needed for though, so I’m providing you with another table with what to bring – 

Shoes: Shoes are always a personal preference. I used to travel with just one pair of flip flops and one pair of hiking boots, but times have changed a bit. I know other people who practically need a whole suitcase just for their heels. With that said, these days I typically pack sandals, a pair of flip-flops, black heels, nude heels, cross-training shoes, sneakers, and hiking boots when I’m going on a longer trip. And, of course, plenty of socks! I recommend Puma’s ankle socks and Darn Tough hiking socks. 

Gotta have a good pair of heels while you're cruising!

Outdoor Essentials

Camping: So you’ve decided that you want to become one with nature, or you’re simply on a trip that’s better suited for camping – awesome! Years ago I spent two months camping through Central America and another two months camping through Africa, and both were incredible experiences. It helped that I was well-prepared though! It’s important to note that even if you decide to camp in the summer (or in a desert), it is not always warm at night. I’ve learned this the hard way, so make sure you pack many layers and are prepared for every type of climate, every time. My go-to camping equipment is as follows –

Couldn't have camped in New Zealand without my lightweight tent!

• Big Agnes Tent: Big Agnes is the best of the best when it comes to finding the most lightweight, durable tents. I used a bulkier tent for my first camping trip and regretted it instantly. My Recommendation – Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 3. I’ve loved every night that I’ve spent in this tent — it’s unbelievably light for a three-person tent, very comfortable, and weatherproof too! I always opt for a three-person tent over a two-person tent so that we can keep our gear inside with us and have a little extra space. 
• Sleeping Pad: A good sleeping pad is a necessity. When I first started camping I tried to go cheap to save money, but it was a terrible decision. It definitely isn’t fun spending the night slipping and sliding off your mat, or feeling the ground under your back. My Recommendation –  Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad comes with the option of it being insulated or uninsulated, and I’d definitely recommend the insulation as it’s rated for 3-season camping and still only weighs in at 21oz! This folds up incredibly small (about the size of a water bottle) yet doesn’t compromise on its comfort. 
• Sleeping Bag: A roomy yet packable sleeping bag is also, obviously, very important for camping. I recommend getting a 2-3 season sleeping bag and doing your research to ensure that it’s super lightweight. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag. The beauty of this sleeping bag is that it weighs just over a pound and packs down to just 4.9L! It also comes with a compression bag so that it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. This sleeping bag is water resistant, has a great hooded component, and will keep you warm all night. 
• Sleep Liner: This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it’s incredibly handy. I suggest traveling with a sleep liner for a few reasons. First, it can be an extra layer if it’s colder outside, but it can also be your only layer if it’s too warm for your sleeping bag. Also, it doesn’t need to be used just for camping. When I used to stay in hostels, I’d use my sleep liner in bed rather than use the blanket. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner Traveller with Insect Shield. I’ve used this all over the world. You can purchase it without the insect shield, but I personally prefer having the extra insect repellant treatment, especially when in outdoorsy locations. 
• Ultra Light Pillow: You want a comfortable, small blowup pillow to have with you. I’ve seen way too many people fold up their clothes into an uncomfortable pillow when they could have just brought a lightweight pillow. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light. I’ve had this pillow for about five years now, and it’s never let me down. I won’t go anywhere without it. Not only does it pack down to smaller than the palm of my hand, but it’s genuinely comfortable! There have been many times where I’ve been in luxury hotels with pillows that were too high for me, so I just blew up this little pillow.  
• Hammock or Sleeping Hammock: If you’re camping, sometimes you just want to hang out outside of the tent… literally. A hammock definitely comes in handy during those times! Travel hammocks are easy to set up and are great for lounging, napping or reading a book. My Recommendation – ENO DoubleNest Hammock. This is a two person hammock, but comfortable for just one as well. It folds down small and is quite lightweight. Sometimes we bring it on our hikes as well, rather than just keeping them at the campsite! If you don’t feel like sleeping in the tent, or have a third-wheeler tagging along, the ENO Ember 2 Under Quilt could be of use too. 

Who doesn't love a good hammock?!

• Cookware: If you’re camping, you’ll definitely want the ability to cook easily. We all know though that no one wants to lug metal pots and pans to their campsite. My Recommendation – Sea to Summit X-Series. It doesn’t get much better than lightweight, durable, and collapsible cookware! The 5-piece set comes with one pot, two bowls, and two mugs, so you may need to order more than one set depending on how many people you’re camping with. They fold up smaller than you could imagine! 
• Spork: A spork is just one of the most convenient things you could have. Whether you need a spoon, knife, or fork, the spork has your back! I always carry a spork with me in my daypacks as well, as you never know when you will need one. My Recommendation – Tapirus 5 Spork of Steel Utensils Set. I highly recommend these rust-proof stainless steel sporks over their plastic equivalents. I had numerous plastic sporks break on me before transitioning to stainless steel and haven’t had any problems since. 
• Inflatable Lounger: Have you seen these things?! They’re infinitely better than any camp chair and fold up even smaller! These are truly one of the most interesting and useful camping additions that I’ve seen. My Recommendation – AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, click that link and check it out — it’s one of those things that is better visualized than described.  
• LED Camping Lantern: You certainly need something to light up your campsite or tent once it gets dark. As I like to keep things small and portable, I always suggest going for a lantern that collapses into itself. My Recommendation – MISPO 6 Pack Portable Camping Lantern with LED Flashlights. These are the perfect mini lanterns to put in and around your campsite. Then, when you’re not using them, they barely take up any space and pack away easily.  

Hiking: It’s important to practice safe hiking anywhere you go. As always, I recommend looking up your hiking trails in advance, letting someone know where you’re going, and having a trail map handy. Bring many layers, in addition to the following –

Couldn't have tackled the Matterhorn Base Camp without my hiking poles!

• Hiking Backpack: If you’re planning on taking day trips from your campsite or accommodation, a good hiking backpack is a necessity. I always look for things like good waist support and structure, as well as ample pockets. My Recommendation –  Osprey Sirrus 24 Women’s Hiking Backpack and Osprey Stratos 24 Men’s Hiking Backpack. If you don’t remember why I chose these packs specifically, please scroll back up to the “luggage” section. 
• Trekkers Pack: If you’re going on a multi-day hike or staying in refugios along the trail, then you’ll need a bigger and better trekkers pack. Like the hiking backpack, this needs to be both structured and very comfortable. My Recommendation – Osprey Ariel AG 65 Women’s Backpacking Backpack and Osprey Atmos 65 AG Men’s Backpacking Backpack . Jump back up to the “luggage” section if you’d like a refresher on these options.  
• Hydration Pack: Whether you’re going out on a two hour hike on a hot summer day or a long trek, a water bladder makes a massive difference! You won’t have to deal with taking off your backpack to take a sip, or worrying about your water bottle falling out of the side pocket. Plus, you can carry far more water with a hydration pack as well. My Recommendation – CamelBak Crux 2L or 3L Reservoir. I originally thought I’d save money by going with a non-name brand, but when I did that my water always tasted like plastic and, quite frankly, it was disgusting. CamelBak deserves the praise that it gets, and it’s definitely worth the price tag. I have both a 2L and a 3L, depending on what type of hike I’m doing. I find the 3L more useful on a day-to-day basis, as it doesn’t always need to be filled to the top.
• Hiking Poles: Hiking Poles are a necessity for any hiker, in my opinion. Hiking poles not only make you a bit faster, but they take some pressure off your knees too. I always look for carbon poles are they are a lot lighter than aluminum poles. My Recommendation –   Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. Not only are these lightweight, 100% carbon fiber, and of the highest quality, but they also fold into three sections which makes them incredibly convenient to pack or attach to a backpack when not in use. 
• Headlamp: Whether you’re completing a sunrise or sunset mission, wandering around your campsite in the evening, or misjudged the length of your hike, it is imperative to carry a headlamp on you whenever you’re hiking! My Recommendation – Black Diamond Storm Headlamp. This headlamp is both waterproof and dustproof, which is always helpful! It also had three different color LED options, as well as adjustable intensity. I also love that it has a lock mode, which keeps my headlamp from turning on in my pack!

Hiking in the dark can be dangerous without a headlamp

• Water Filter: A water filter is very important when you’re out hiking. If something happens and you run out of water, you can stick it into any water (from a dirty puddle to a river) and it should come out clean. My Recommendation – LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. The LifeStraw removes waterborne bacteria, waterborne parasites, and micro-plastics found in the environment from your water. It is the most reliable water filter system for a hiker on the market. One of the admirable things about LifeStraw is that for every product purchased, a child receives safe drinking water for an entire school year – pretty remarkable! 
• Pocket Tissues: You never know when you’ll have a runny nose, have to clean up a spill… or need to pee. Just have them on you. 
• First Aid Kit: This should be a given, but I know plenty of people who don’t hike with one. Should anything happen, it helps to know that you’re properly prepared. My Recommendation – M2 Basic 150 Piece First Aid Kit. This is a travel-sized first aid kit that is about the size of your hand, so there’s no excuse not to put it in your backpack!
• Bug Spray Wipes: Applying bug spray is typically a pain and tends to leave you sticky and oily, but not with the wipes! My Recommendation: Repel 94100 Sportsmen 30-Percent Deet Mosquito Repellent Wipes. I started traveling with these in 2013 and haven’t looked back. They’re incredibly easy-to-use, portable, and protective. 
• Clif Bars or Clif Protein Bars: You definitely need to ensure that you have some sustenance to keep you going while hiking. Although I’m not a big fan of the sugar content in Clif Bars, there’s no debating the fact that they were designed to help give your body fuel while active. My Recommendation – Clif Bar Variety Pack or, if you’re looking for a higher level of protein, the Clif Builders Protein Bar Variety Pack. While Clif Bars are – hands down – the tastiest protein bars on the market, my favorite flavors are the White Chocolate Macadamia and the Chocolate Mint. 
• Hiking Boots: Wearing good hiking boots is, of course, imperative. Over the years, I’ve spent ages researching the best and most comfortable brands. Another aspect that’s always important to me is that they’re waterproof, as you never know what conditions you might be hiking in or if the weather might take a turn. My Recommendation – Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot and Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. Once I discovered Lowa, I never turned back. I’ve owned four different pairs of their hiking boots, as I’m incredibly happy with the model. They are properly waterproof and supportive, and perfect for any type of hike be it short distance or long distance. 
• Hiking Socks: If you hike a lot, you know how important a comfortable, breathable sock is. If you’re anything like me, your socks probably also take a bit of a beating, so you need to find something reliable. My Recommendation – Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Womens and Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Cushion Sock – Mens. Not only are Darn Tough socks incredibly comfortable and antimicrobial, but they are guaranteed for life! If you’re a frequent hiker, there’s no brand more reliable than Darn Tough, and they’re certainly worth the price tag.  
• Base Layers: Base layers have saved me time and time again while out for long hikes, and I cannot stress their importance! If I’m not wearing my base layers, they’re in my bags. While there are so many brands and base layers out there, it’s important to do your research as I simply can’t list them all. My Recommendation – Women’s Ultra-Soft Long Johns & Warm Top Set and Men’s Thermal Underwear Set. Always, always make sure that your base layers are moisture-wicking!
• Down Jacket: I carry a down jacket with me on every trail, every camping trip, and even every airplane. It doesn’t matter whether it’s sweltering hot or freezing cold, I always have one with me to ensure that I’m prepared. My Recommendation – Mountain Hardwear Women’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket and Men’s Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket. These jackets are, in my opinion, the best lightweight down jackets on the market. The hood is important, as it provides that extra warm, and they’re both machine-washable. Another aspect that I love – and find to be incredibly useful – is that it folds up into itself so that it packs down extremely small. The jacket is worth every cent to me, and I wouldn’t travel without it!

Staying warm in Iceland thanks to my down jacket

• Rain Jacket: You’re pretty much crazy if you decide to go hiking without a rain jacket. Not only could the weather change from a beautiful day to an ugly storm in the blink of an eye, but it also serves as a windproof layer as well. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket and Outdoor Research Men’s Horizon Jacket. After testing out multiple lightweight rain jackets, and finding myself soaked after a good rain, I decided to invest in a GORE-TEX rain jacket. While they’re slightly bigger, these rain jackets will still packs down small enough to throw in your backpack… and it will actually keep you try! They are waterproof, windproof, and extremely breathable due to the multiple venting systems. 
• Hat: An easily packable sun hat always comes in handy. While there are plenty of “cute” ones out there, I like to make sure that I purchase hats that can both be thrown in the wash and are moisture-wicking. My Recommendation –  Outdoor Research Women’s Solar Roller Hat. I discovered this hat a few years back, and found it so convenient that it’s the only hat that I ever hike or travel with. While this is obviously a women’s hat, the male or uni-sex equivalent would be the Outdoor Research Helios Sun Hat.  
• Buff: Buffs have many uses – whether you’re wanting to keep your neck, face, or head warm. They’re lightweight and incredibly useful. My Recommendation – Buff Polar Multifunctional Headwear. I’ve owned many buffs in my life and, when I’m outdoors, the Polar Buff is most definitely my favorite. It has a SPF 50 and has fleece at the bottom and microfiber at the top, making it the perfect accessory to keep both your neck and face warm in chilly temperatures. It’s also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and can be worn in over ten different ways! 
• Gloves: There are honestly so many warm, cozy gloves on the market that it’s hard to choose just one. My Recommendation – Outdoor Research Women’s PL Base Sense Gloves and the Outdoor Research Men’s PL Sensor Gloves . You need a glove that can withstand cold weather, is wind resistant, and offers touchscreen compatibility. 

Fitness “On The Go” Essentials

I get asked all the time how I stay in shape while on the road. Whether I’m in a luxury hotel and eating my heart out, or camping and carb loading, I can’t say that it’s easy. But I will say that it takes conscious effort every single day. I’ve learned to say no to two $0.25 ice cream cones in the same day, as tempting as it is! I also implement a strict workout routine, which has gotten infinitely easier since I started using LiveKick Fitness. They specialize in one-on-one personal training and private yoga done via live video — think FaceTime but for fitness! You can choose your (highly qualified) instructor for a time that works for you, no matter where you live in the world! I’ve done everything from high intensity exercise in my ocean view hotel in Australia to yoga in my office at home in the States. And the best part is, you don’t need access to a gym or any equipment if you don’t want! You could try out LiveKick Fitness here, and be sure to use the code “FIVEFOOTTRAVELER15” for 15% off your LiveKick plan! Other than being armed with my LiveKick Fitness App, I travel with –

Screen cap of my LiveKick personal training (left) & yoga (right)

• Resistance Loop Exercise Bands – I started using looped resistance bands when I injured my knee two years ago, but it’s a fantastic addition to any workout when you’re a new exerciser or an exercise junkie. I use these largely for strength training and physical therapy.
• Flat Exercise Bands – Flat exercise bands give you a few more options, which allows you to truly get a full body workout whenever you want.
• Rumble Roller – My 12-inch RumbleRoller is one of my favorite things that I pack, when I have the space! Nothing feels better than this spiky foam roller after a good hike or exercise. 
• Cross-Training Shoe – I’ve made the mistake many times of doing aerobics and weight-lifting in a running sneaker, which just isn’t good for you! The Nike Air Bella’s are light-weight and comfortable trainers.
• Running Shoe – If you’re also a runner though, I’d recommend packing your running shoes too. Maybe you’ll be luckier than I and could find a one-shoe-fits-all for you though! I’ve worn Brooks Ghost sneakers for many years now and I’ve been quite happy with them. 
• Travel Yoga Mat – I always wanted the ability to be able to stretch anytime, anywhere, which led me to research travel-sized yoga mats. The Plyopic Travel Yoga Mat is both lightweight, eco-friendly, and foldable so that you can bring it wherever you need. 

Reading Essentials

Beach reads are always necessary. Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in a good story and enjoy a book with a view. While I could individually summarize these books, I think it’s best if you check them out yourself to see which one is best for you 🙂 Here are some of my favorite travel books –

It may not be the beach, but I thought it was a great spot to read!

• Love with a Chance of Drowning by Torre DeRoche
• What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
• Vagabonding by Rolf Potts
• Wild by Cheryl Strayed
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
• Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
• Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Drink, Play, F@#k by Bob Sullivan
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

If you feel like being slightly more intellectual on your vacation, I highly recommend these excellent entrepreneur books:

• Expert Secrets by Russel Brunson (#1 recommended biz book!)
• DotCom Secrets by Russel Brunson
• 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class by Steve Siebold
• How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson
• Ca$hvertising by Drew Eric Whitman

Business Management Essentials

More and more frequently you will find people on the road who have the freedom to work remotely. If you are a business owner, or wannabe business owner, these are my absolutely necessary softwares and systems needed to keep my business running online, even when I’m not in front of my computer. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean that you need to stop making money 🙂

Working remotely on the beach in Australia

• ClickFunnels – Whether you run an online business or you’re looking to become a digital nomad, ClickFunnels is an absolute must! This software helps you great the highest converting sales funnels amongst many, many other incredible features. They offer a free Affiliate Bootcamp that I highly recommend going through if you’re new to the online space. If you aren’t new to working online, and haven’t checked out ClickFunnels though, you can grab your free trial here. Email me if you do, and I will share with you my top converting sales funnel.  
• GetResponse – Email marketing is key to success. No matter what business you’re in, you need the ability to directly reach out to your followers or consumers without every having to think about social media algorithms. Through email marketing you can get your audience to know, like, and trust you… and ultimately buy from you. And the beauty of this is that if you’re on a trip, you can set up an email autoresponder series to continually bring in sales without you having to even open up your computer! GetResponse is free for under 1,000 email contacts, and have incredibly reasonable rates after that given the service they provide. You can sign up for your free account here.  
• BlueHost – Do you have a blog or website? It needs to be hosted somewhere to be kept safe! Your web host ensures that your site continues to run smoothly and backs up your site daily should anything go wrong; it’s your website’s safety shield. BlueHost offers incredibly low rates, and I’m able to give them to you for even lower. You can purchase your BlueHost web hosting for just $3.95/month here! 
• ClickMagick – I personally never click on an “ugly” link – a link that has a ton of numbers and letters and seemingly goes on forever. ClickMagick allows you to turn those long ugly links into short, clean URLs using your domain name. You can grab your ClickMagick account here.
• Later – If you’re wondering how people post to Instagram on the go or have beautifully crafted Instagram feeds, it’s likely because they use a tool to help them get organized. I first discovered Later last year and have used them ever since to help schedule, analyze, and organize my accounts. Because they’re an official partner of Instagram, you can craft your posts and then schedule them to be automatically posted to Instagram! And the best part is, it’s free! Set up your free account here. 
• TailWind – If you understand the value of Pinterest for your business, TailWind is an absolute must. It allows you to easily schedule out your Pins and re-Pin from others in your niche. You can adjust your settings so that you auto-Pin throughout the day, without having to sit in front of your phone or computer the whole time! Pinterest is a huge driver of traffic to websites, so it’s important that you take advantage of its benefits. TailWind is also free, and you can claim your account here.  
• LiveLeap – Are you someone who likes to go live on social media a lot, either to showcase what your business has to offer or to show off your latest vacation? LiveLeap allows you to live stream on Facebook across multiple pages, which can increase your views ten times more than without it! So if you stream on your business page, you can also connect it to your personal page and Facebook group so that your live video goes live on all of those pages at once. It’s a great way to expand your reach! You can set up your account here. 

I hope that this list of travel essentials didn’t overwhelm you! I obviously travel full-time and am always over-prepared, so you just need to pick and choose which of these items is most important for the type of trip that you are preparing for. I wish you the best of luck with packing… as I sure as heck know how much we BOTH need it! As you pack and prepare for your next trip, please let me know in the comments below if I missed any important travel essentials. 

I'll leave you with some penguins – and a great travel hat!

In the meantime, please ensure that you purchase travel insurance before you leave! Of all of these travel essentials, t ravel insurance is arguably the most important thing to have on hand (after your passports and visas). I’ve had to use my travel insurance multiple times on the road, even though I’m healthy. You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. I recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance for all of you. You can get a free quote here.  

Pin “137 Travel Essentials” For Later!

The only thing I would add is: a few zip lock bags. I’ve done a lot of travelling…roadtrips, backpacking in Europe, rail and air travel, and won’t go anywhere without them. You never know when something will start leaking, or you have leftover snacks, or need a waterproof place to stash your phone or pocket camera. They take no space at all, and never say “I told you so!” when you do need one.

YES! Great tip! I always have them on me too 🙂

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Hi, I’m Sarah!

Hello World! I’m Sarah Gallo, The Five Foot Traveler, and I choose to dream out loud. After conquering a crippling fear of flying, I’ve developed an unquenchable passion for traveling. Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Continue Reading…

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10 STEPS TO PACKING FOR A LONG TRIP

To help simplify the packing process, we’ve created this 10 step packing guide for a long trip.   Make this your first stop when planning your next trip.  And don’t forget to  download your free packing checklist !

How do I Pack for an Extended Trip?

Packing for a long trip is daunting but it’s not impossible. The trick to packing for long periods of time is to pack one week’s work of clothing. Why? You’ll just  do laundry  once a week!

It’s true. No matter the length of your trip you can pack for one week and have everything you need. Don’t stress! We’ve put together all the best tips from the entire blog so you can easily access everything in one easy location. Follow these tips for stress free packing for your vacation:

Start by reading how I pack as a  long term traveler ,  blogger , and  digital nomad  too! These packing tips can help you travel carry-on only if that’s your goal. I do!

To master the art of packing light, you’ll need a  capsule wardrobe that is an essential concept to understand in order to create a minimal yet highly functional (and fashionable) travel wardrobe. Read this  packing ebook  to help you create the perfect travel wardrobe for your trip.

If you feel extremely overwhelmed at the idea of packing light or have a complicated itinerary, review this  packing course  which shows you specific techniques to plan around limited clothing choices, varying climates, and other unexpected life situations. I walk you through my personal step by step process as I prepare for my own long term travels. Pack like a pro!

Check  weather.com’s  extended forecast in advance and 3 days before you leave.  Think about how many days you will be in warm vs cold weather.

If you have a 10 day trip and will be spending 7 days in the cold and 3 days in warm weather, plan for 70% of your travel wardrobe to be for the cold and 30% to be for the heat.

If you are only spending a short amount of time in cold weather or if you’re unsure if you will encounter cold weather on your trip, pack only the essentials: two outerwear PLUS two additional items: long sleeve top and leggings.

Use any of our  International packing lists  to find clothing ideas to dress appropriately for your destination. You may especially find these regional backpacking packing lists useful:  Europe ,  Southeast Asia ,  South America , and  Central America .  Use the guidelines from TFG’s  Signature Packing Lists  to help you customize your travel wardrobe.

If you don’t see your destination listed, post a question on  TFG’s Facebook Group .

Think you need to pack your entire closet? Take a look at how to create  3 weeks worth of travel outfits  with less than 10 pieces of clothing. For more travel outfit ideas including what to wear on flights, visit  TFG’s Pinterest Page .

Depending where you’re traveling,  you might encounter cold weather even in the summer. Always check the weather for your countries to get the most accurate idea about what to pack.

Because many people visit multiple destinations, it’s very common to experience mixed weather on your trip any time of the year. Or if you’re traveling somewhere like the UK in summer, you might experience all four seasons on the same day!

The key to packing for multi-season trips is to pack a travel wardrobe that coordinates so you can layer as needed. Review this  Round the World Packing List  and this  Travel Wardrobe for Mixed Weather  for an interchangeable capsule wardrobe that will take you from cold to hot with ease.

For tips on choosing clothing and shoes for trips with different types of weather, please read  this packing guide .

I’ve created this easy three part guide on  how to pack for cold weather  to help you stay warm while packing light.

Knowing how to pack for cold weather travel can be quite daunting especially if you want to pack light. If you’re traveling in winter, bundle up!

There is one major difference between being at home in the winter and traveling when it’s cold: the amount of time you’ll spend outdoors. When you’re traveling, you’ll likely spend extended periods of time outdoors sightseeing. Don’t be unprepared. Consider layering lightweight clothing such as the ones featured in this  winter packing list  to minimize the need for bulky sweaters and coats.

Avoid bringing a thick heavy coat when possible and opt for a  packable down jacket instead.  Thermals  are also key to keeping you warm without having to pack thick sweaters. Don’t skip these!

You can even wear  leggings  or tights under jeans or pants for extra warmth. If you’re not used to the climate, add additional layers until you feel warm. Don’t forget essential winter accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves!

Picking the best shoes for travel will be one of your biggest challenges so start by   reading this 10 step guide to packing the  best travel shoes  for any trip.

Choosing the right shoes for a trip is challenging and long term travel makes it even more difficult but it’s not impossible! Review this post on the  best travel shoes for long trips around the world . The main thing to remember is that comfort is king – you can’t enjoy your trip to the fullest extent if you’re in pain and can’t walk. While the ideal shoes will be both comfortable and fashionable, style will have to take a back seat if it means you can’t wear a pair of shoes for hours at a time.

Bring no more than three pairs opting for shoes that match all your clothing.  Pack one pair for sightseeing (walking), one pair of any special activities you have planned, and then a third pair to either dress up your outfits or one that’s appropriate for a change in weather.

These are the best  shoes for sightseeing in the cold  and these are the best  shoes for sightseeing in the heat . Black ankle boots like  these  are the most recommended shoes when dealing with either cold or mixed weather.

Please note:  ballet flats  are a popular travel shoe option when you want a dressier look but they are NOT recommended for long hours on your feet sightseeing.

Choose one of these  cute and comfortable walking shoes  instead – they’re the options most recommended by our readers!

It’s important to note that people in any country generally wear the same things that everyone else does around the world – the only difference is HOW they wear them.   People value simplicity, clean styling, and a  good tailored fit  above anything else.

In general, day-to-day European style is more dressy than American style. This DOES NOT mean business clothing. Think dressy top (or the type of top you’d wear to work) plus nice jeans (dark colors are always a good choice).

Read this ultimate  Packing List for Europe , which is a five part guide offering general packing information for Europe along with what to wear in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Southeast Asia  is an interesting place in the sense that cultural considerations in most countries encourage residents (and visitors) to wear modest attire but some times you will see locals wearing shorts, dresses, and other clothing that doesn’t seem to follow this ideal.

You’ll 100% need to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples in all countries, but you don’t necessarily have to do this when you visit other places unless you’re in a Muslim country such as  Malaysia  or Indonesia.

Read these tips about choosing clothing for  conservative countries .

In any destination, remember to pack for the environment. Are you spending your time café crawling in the cities or getting lost in the wilderness? As with most destinations, practical sense applies. Leave the beachwear on the beach because it doesn’t translate well to streetwear in the city.

The same goes for gym wear; unless you’re actually headed to the gym, don’t dress in your gym attire.

One of the most important aspects about packing efficiently is using  luggage organizers .

Watch this packing video to learn  how to use packing cubes  to maximize space and never check a bag again. These are the top 12 reasons why I prefer  packing cubes  to other organizers.

Start with luggage.  If you don’t already own a suitcase, choose one wisely. Read these tips on  how to pick a suitcase  and consider one of these  top brands . Make your life easy with our  best suitcase recommendations .

For long term trips,  backpacks tend to be a better option than wheeled bags . Why? Because the chances are you’ll be traversing through lands far and wide. In fact, many time, the greatest destinations hardly have a path at all! If you’re going on an adventurous trip, learn  how to choose the best travel backpack .

Use packing organizers.  Do you want to know the ultimate tool to travel in a carryon?  PACKING CUBES ! They changed everything for me and thousands of other travelers. See  my packing tutorial  on how to use them! Trust me, they are a must!

Use tried and tested packing strategies.  For a summary, read our top  75 packing tips .

I’ve recently taken on a few extreme packing challenges to show you that packing carry-on only is possible for any trip. If I can pack like an ultra-minimalist (with style of course) then you can pack more comfortably in a regular carry-on. Watch these packing videos to learn more:

• Luggage Free Travel: One Week in My Favorite Purse
• What’s in My Bag: 4 Weeks Carry-on Only

Watch all my packing videos  here !

The biggest mistake travelers make with toiletries is not considering how much product they actually use. There are five key steps when it comes to downsizing your toiletries properly for a trip:

• Find combination items . You can find two-in-one shampoos and conditioners, body cleanser that can double as shave gel, a foldable brush with a mirror attached on the handle, and  multi-use makeup products .
• Purchase empty containers  of various shapes and sizes and DO NOT default to choosing “travel size 100ml or 3oz” options. These are the  best travel containers .
• Stick to the basics . Simplify your skincare and pampering routine and bring a  capsule makeup collection . It’s only temporary.
• Replace liquid beauty products with solids.  While  solid toiletries  may not help you downsize they will help you meet the carryon  3-1-1 liquids rule .
• Choose the right toiletry bag.  These are the  best toiletry bags  and these are the  best  hanging  toiletry bags .

For useful tips such as downsizing toiletries and choosing the best travel makeup, read our  Ultimate Guide to Packing Toiletries . It includes a free printable checklist!

Don’t forget about safety:  Be cautious about where you stash your cash. The safest place for your passport is locked in your accommodation. Carry a photocopy or other ID when you’re sightseeing or are out at night.

Keep your valuables safe with these anti-theft products:

• Money Belts and Anti-theft Accessories
• Best Anti-theft Bags for Women
• Are these Safe Travel Items Worth Taking
• 10 Tried and Tested Tips to Avoid Theft While Traveling

Read these tips on  how to keep your passport safe  when you travel!

Sign up for Travel Fashion Girl’s monthly  newsletter  and get instant access to free packing templates, downloadable checklists, ebooks, and more!

BONUS SECTION: TRAVEL TIPS

Accommodation.

For accommodation, we love  Airbnb  for accommodation in Italy and other parts of Europe.  Sign up here  for a free $40 credit!

I prefer to to book “the entire home” instead of opting for shared accommodation on Airbnb. Aside from safety, I also like to feel like I’m living in the destination. It’s a small taste of local life plus you get more amenities than you would at a hotel such as a kitchen and washing machine.

Read these  Airbnb tips  for more info!

If you prefer the convenience and comfort of a hotel room, I like using both  Agoda.com  and  Hotels.com . Tip: Hotels.com gives you a free night for every ten nights you book!

For flights, I like booking through  Travelocity  or  Cheapoair  (whichever one’s cheapest). Although I prefer Travelocity because they have a 24 hour money back guarantee.

To maximize your vacation time, fly into the city where you’re starting your trip and out of the city where your trip ends. Many times it’s the same price and saves you from having to spend extra time and money to go back to where you started your trip.

For hostels, we recommend  Hostelworld  and  Hostelbookers . Always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea if the hostel is right for you. Some are quiet and family friendly while others are known for their party atmosphere.

As a personal tip, if you’re backpacking, instead of booking all your nights in advance, maybe just book one or two so you can first get a feel for the place without overcommitting. Of course, should you be traveling during a special event or holiday, book in advance.

Not sure about staying at a hostel?  Read this.

Travel Insurance

For travel, I recommend  Travel Guard , which saved me over $800 in hospital bills on my round-the-world trip. As a scuba diver, I also recommend using DAN, which helped me rearrange my and my husband’s flights at no extra cost when we had a dive incident.

Tours are a great way to travel if you’re not ready to travel alone. A few top choices include  G Adventures  or  Intrepid Travel . While I haven’t traveled through Europe with G Adventures, I did go to South America and Africa with them as a new traveler in 2008 and enjoyed my experiences!

For more city tours,  New Europe  has excellent tours and the best part? They’re free! All you have to do is tip your guide.

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PRINTABLE TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling Abroad

Shannon McMahon

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon .

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

Her stories have also appeared online on USA Today, The Sun, Huffington Post, Business Insider, blog.TripAdvisor.com, Boston.com, and more. Her educational background is in journalism, art history, gender studies, Spanish, and film. She's been quoted as an expert travel source by CNBC, People.com, MarketWatch, The Washington Post, USA Today, and more.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Plenty of extra thick hair elastics. They tame my frizzy curls and come in handy in a surprising number of packing and hotel dilemmas."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : "Climbing (yes, climbing, it's steep!) the Great Wall of China before it's gone."

Travel Motto : "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window, of course."

Email Shannon at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Traveling internationally is an adventure best planned ahead of time, and not just when it comes to booking flights and packing. Sure, showing up at your gate sans passport or forgetting melatonin for your red-eye flight can put a damper on your long-awaited escape, but most of your preparation should be dedicated to ensuring health, safety, and financial necessities are covered. To save you some prep time, we’ve compiled this international travel checklist for your next long-distance journey.

Focus on Safety First

One of the easiest and most important items on an overseas travel checklist is also arguably the most ignored. Travel insurance and State Department alerts can be incredibly important in emergencies abroad, but many tourists bet they won’t become part of the small percentage of travelers who require evacuation assistance or protection from hotel or flight cancellations.

Subscribing to the State Department’s STEP alerts for your destination can help you stay up to date on upcoming and current travel restrictions, strikes, and areas of political unrest. Any alerts you receive will let you know whether or not to plan for some unexpected obstacles in advance.

Travel insurance can cost as little as a few dollars per travel day and cover anything from replacing a broken camera to emergency medical attention, potentially saving you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars.

Get Your Travel Documents and Credit Cards in Order

Make sure your passport and any necessary travel visas are up to date. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return, so make sure you won’t be turned away or delayed at customs because of an old passport. Not sure if you need a visa? See this list of every country that requires a visa for Americans .

Keep physical and digital copies of your passport and all your paperwork in case anything is lost, and give copies as well as your itinerary and contact numbers to family and friends whom you can contact in case of an emergency.

Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates so they don’t deny your purchases, and ask about international ATM fees so you can find out which ones won’t charge you. It’s always a good idea to bring multiple cards in case one stops working.

Don’t underestimate how helpful a cell phone photo of your passport can be. Whether you have to go to the consulate and report it lost, or are just filling out a customs card and need your passport number, it will likely come in handy. Email the image to yourself to have an extra digital copy in case your phone runs out of batteries or goes missing. You may also want to bring a spare copy of your passport photo on your trip; having it handy will speed the processing of a new document.

Your Questions About Online Passport Renewal, Answered

Get Vaccinated

It’s best to get the necessary vaccinations out of the way as soon as possible since it can take a few weeks to build full immunity. Some also require multiple doses, which may need to be administered over days, weeks, or even months. Talk to your doctor about getting the CDC-recommended shots , as the protocol for vaccines varies by country. For example, dozens of countries require proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’ve been to at-risk areas. A travel clinic can help you sort out which vaccinations and medications you might need.

Keep your vaccination certificate in your carry-on in case customs requires you to present it when entering the country.

Study Up on Your Destination

Whether you’re a travel app connoisseur or more of a paperback guidebook person, having some source of knowledge about your destination is invaluable. Read about the region you’re traveling to in advance to gain insight into important information such as currency exchange rates, useful phrases, tipping norms , appropriate clothing, and cultural/legal customs. It’s best to be prepared so you don’t land yourself in a compromising situation.

8 English Words You Should Never Use Abroad

Make Sure Your Home Is Cared For

There’s nothing worse than realizing once you’re six time zones away that you forgot to stop your mail delivery or ask someone to water your expertly cultivated house plants. Make sure your daily tasks are covered before you leave, or appoint a trusty friend to do them for you.

You can find a house or pet sitter to do your chores if you’re willing to list your home on TrustedHouseSitters.com . Plus, you could find lodging through the site for your trip abroad if you’re willing to spend some time with someone else’s furry friends.

Stay Connected

Want to stay in touch while traveling abroad? If you haven’t taken your phone overseas before, call your mobile provider to make sure it will work in the country you’re visiting and to ask about international phone plans that might be available. If your carrier’s plans are expensive, a mobile hotspot can be a cost-effective alternative.

Download the Necessities

Sometimes the most important thing you’ll pack is in your smartphone rather than your suitcase. Offline maps are your best friend when it comes to traveling with limited data or battery. You can find Wi-Fi in many places, but downloading offline maps through Google Maps or CityMaps2Go will allow you to follow your GPS without using up battery life and roaming data.

Downloading in-flight entertainment could also save you if your TV malfunctions on the long-haul flight. Streaming won’t be available without consistent in-flight Wi-Fi (which you shouldn’t ever depend on) but you can pre-download movies and TV shows through Amazon Prime , and music streaming service Spotify allows paying users to download tracks for offline use with the press of a button.

Don’t forget a portable backup charger . Watching hours of your favorite TV show is sure to drain your battery life, and there’s nothing worse than finally finding a Wi-Fi spot only to have your phone die.

The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

Check Your Destination’s COVID Policies

Make sure you’re aware of your destination’s most up-to-date policies regarding COVID and vaccination status. Check with the State Department website well before your trip to make sure you meet the requirements, and check in periodically to monitor for potentially changes. Similarly to the US, mask-wearing policies may be left up to the discretion of an event or venue, so its a good idea to have a few masks on hand when out and about.

Pack These Essentials

While the contents of your checked bag will largely depend on the climate you’re visiting, you’ll want most of your trip’s essentials on hand in your carry-on. Start with this international travel checklist of items to pack:

• Passport and visa
• Medications
• Insurance and ID cards
• Cash, debit cards, and credit cards
• Pen to fill out customs forms
• Portable charger
• Earplugs , eye mask , and sleeping pills
• Electrical converters and adapters specific to your destination
• Antibacterial wipes
• Sweater / scarf in case the plane is chilly
• Cell phone and charger

For more ideas, check out our ultimate packing list .

Consider taking photos of your packed suitcase (both inside and out) in case it gets lost. That way, airline employees will know what to look for, and you’ll know what was inside in case you don’t get it back and need to file a claim.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

An important item to check off the list: make sure you have a place to stay when you reach your destination! Book your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

Editor Shannon McMahon writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ .

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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• The 30 Day Hand Luggage Packing List: How to Travel for a Month with a Budget Airline Size Carry-On Bag
• HostelsClub

1 Carry-On Bag + 30 Days = The Ultimate Travel Packing List

Are you planning a long trip that involves air travel do you want to save some money.

Flying is pricey enough as it is without the added cost of checked luggage. More so, travelling for an extended period of time with lots of baggage can rack up your expenses significantly.

So what if I told you that you can cut down on your air travel costs and still pack enough for that long trip you've been planning?

Most budget airlines allow you to have a free or low-cost carry-on bag which meets the dimensions 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Some of these airlines include EasyJet, Wizz Air and Ryanair (Please see Ryanair's new cabin baggage policy here ).

This article will show you how to pack a 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm size cabin bag for 1 month of travelling. You may think that this sounds crazy but it is entirely possible and actually very easy.

All that you need to do is find yourself the right size bag and then follow our handy guide. We would recommend this Flight Approved Carry-On Bag by Cabin Max if you don't have a bag that meets the size requirements already.

To help you make the most of your carry-on luggage, this article includes a packing list with everything that you will need for one month of travelling and instructions on how to pack your bag.

The mantra for this guide is pack sparingly and wash frequently. We aim for you to pack roughly a week's worth of items that you will need to wash frequently in the laundry services at your hostel or in a laundromat .

So, without further ado, we give you the HostelsClub 30 Day Hand Luggage Packing List!

THE PACKING LIST

1- WALKING BOOTS OR SHOES

The most important thing you can bring with you is a pair of good-quality walking boots or shoes.

These will be your only shoes for one month so it is essential to have something comfortable and supportive.

If you're worried about packing these, don't. You will always wear your walking boots when travelling so they will never go into your bag.

2- WATERPROOF FLIP-FLOPS

Don't panic, you will have a pair of back up shoes...

The versatility of waterproof flip-flops make them essential for any trip, no matter the season.

These will be your slippers, your shower shoes and your going-out footwear for when your feet need a break from your boots!

3- TWO PAIRS OF TROUSERS

One pair to pack in your bag and the other to wear on travel days.

Any kind of trousers will do: jeans, trackies, chinos... whatever you're most comfortable moving around in. Just remember to minimise space by choosing something of a light material and avoiding thick denims that will take up a lot of room in your bag!

The reason you will only need two pairs of trousers for one month is simple: trousers don't need to be washed every day. Wear your trousers on alternating days before washing them at the end of the week.

While having one pair of trousers is always useful for travelling year-round, you can easily swap the second pair for one or two pairs for shorts if you are travelling in the summer or in a hot country.

4- A PAIR OF SHORTS OR LEGGINGS

A pair of shorts, leggings, or light-weight trackie bottoms will do as easy alternative to your everyday trousers.

Go for something comfortable to wear around your hostel or something that you wouldn't mind getting active in. The important thing is that whatever you pack is smaller and lighter than your other trousers.

5- MAXIMUM SEVEN SHIRTS

For a month long trip five to seven shirts of light, easily-foldable material is the perfect number.

If you are travelling in the summer we would recommend packing three or four tee shirts and one or two vest tops. For winter excursions think layers: four or five long-sleeved shirts and two thermal base layers are ideal.

Remember: these are the only shirts that will go in your bag. You will wear your extra shirt on travel days .

Don't forget our mantra: pack sparingly and wash frequently! We would recommend packing as little as possible so if you can manage with fewer shirts than the number we've recommended, go for it! You may just need to wash your clothes a little more regularly.

6- MAXIMUM SEVEN PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR AND TWO BRAS

If you're going to skimp anywhere, don't skimp on the undies. You hear about backpackers who live by the motto 'a pair and a spare'. If you want to do this, good for you.

But unless you want to do the inside-out trick for a month, having roughly a week's worth of underwear cannot hurt. Six pairs of knickers or pants will easily fit into your bag. Save the seventh pair for travel days. Additionally, you could easily slip a pair of swimming trunks or a bikini into your bag if need be.

If you wear a bra, you've probably been wearing the same one for a month without washing it; You definitely don't need more than two. Pack one in your bag, and wear your second to the airport.

7- THREE PAIRS OF SOCKS

We'd recommend a pair, a spare and and an 'in-case of emergency' set of socks.

This probably sounds a little low but if you wash your socks after every wear with Pyramid Multi Purpose Travel Soap (see the Toiletries section ) or with a little dish soap, you will have fresh socks every single day.

8- ONE PAIR OF PYJAMAS

You only need one pair of PJs: something light, preferably short, and easy to squish in between your clothes. Leave your onesie and thick wintery pyjamas at home.

If you need something to sleep in while your PJs are in the wash, wear your spare tee shirt with your pair of comfortable shorts or leggings as a substitute.

9- ONE JUMPER OR HOODIE

A jumper or hoodie is always perfect for layering up.

Try something light and multi-seasonal if you want to stay warm while saving bag space.

If you pack a thick winter jumper, or if you’re feeling stretched for space, we’d recommend wearing your jumper or hoodie on travel days.

But if you assemble your bag according to our packing instructions we doubt this will be a problem.

10- A COAT OR A JACKET

Always wear this on the plane, never pack it.

In the winter make sure that any additional items such as hats, scarfs or gloves are worn when travelling. In the summer take either a jacket or a jumper, not both!

TOILETRIES:

1- A RESEALABLE PLASTIC BAG

We have one rule for packing your toiletries: all of your products should be able to fit in a medium or large sized resealable plastic bag.

Ditching your clunky toiletries bag for something smaller will not only save you space by encouraging you to pack less, it will also make security check much easier for you when you have to remove your toiletries to put them through the airport scanner.

You will probably run out of toiletries on your trip but you can always pick up some more along the way! Just make sure that they are less than 100 mls per item in order to meet the hand luggage requirements at the airport.

2- MULTI PURPOSE SOAP OR TRAVEL MINIS

Save room with this Pyramid Multi Purpose Travel Soap ! Use it as body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent and even dish soap!

Better yet, each bottle is only 60 mls so it will meet the airport requirements for toiletry allowance. We'd recommend taking two or three bottles of this miracle potion to last you the length of your trip.

However, if you really can't part from your usual toiletries, take 100 mls of your favourite shampoo, conditioner and body wash in refillable travel bottles. Or, if necessary, you could always pick up travel minis at the airport.

3- ADDITIONAL TOILETRIES

You have leeway with whatever toiletries you want to bring as long as they are 100 mls or less and fit in your resealable plastic bag .

Like everything else you pack for your trip, we recommend bringing only essential items to save room. Try to limit yourself to three or four extra toiletries if you can.

4- A TRAVEL TOWEL

A portable towel like this Fit-Flip Microfibre Travel Towel will come in handy if you're staying in a hostel! The microfibre material makes it small and light enough to carry in a backpack.

Of course, if you don't have a travel towel handy, you could always rent or borrow towels at your hostel.

MUST-HAVES AND DOCS:

1- PASSPORTS, IDS AND VISAS

Absolutely essential. Never leave the house for the airport without these. If you have any doubt about whether or not you will need a certain document, bring it.

2- TRAVEL INSURANCE

Always carry a paper copy of your travel insurance or a health insurance card. For EU residents, an EHIC card is always mandatory.

3- ESSENTIAL MEDICATION

You can take any medications necessary for your plane journey in your hand luggage.

We won't tell you what you should or should not bring when it comes to your health, just make sure that what you bring meets the hand luggage requirements of the airport you're travelling in. If you have any doubts, it won't hurt to double check!

4- YOUR SMART PHONE AND WALLET

We know you'd never leave the house without these, this is just a reminder.

If you're old school and you don't have a smart phone, bring your mobile along and you could always use the computer in your hostel.

5- YOUR CHARGERS AND ADAPTER PLUG

Don't forget your chargers and don't forget to pack an adapter plug if you want your chargers to work...

Never travel anywhere without a multi-country adapter plug like this CleverTrips Universal Travel Power Adapter . If you can't find one before your trip it's easy enough to pick one up at the airport.

6- STRING BACKPACK OR TOTE BAG

In case you don't want to carry your backpack or suitcase while sightseeing, a lightweight day bag, like this Centrix Drawstring Gym Bag , or a simple tote bag, like these Natural Cotton Shopping Tote Bags , are a good idea. You will store all of the must-have items above in your string backpack or tote bag.

The items below are only recommendations. We suggest taking only three or four of these extra items for the duration of your journey.

1- a book, e reader or journal.

It is unlikely that you will have room in your bag for a book unless it is something small and thin. The same goes for journals. If you can fit a book in your bag, great. If not, many hostels have a stash of paperbacks that travellers swap on their journeys'.

One of the most space-effective ways to read during your trip would be to bring an e reader, since they are thin, flat, and easy to pack. Or better yet, you could always download the Kindle App or iBooks on your phone.

2- EARPHONES

Under no circumstances should you pack headphones unless you want to carry them around your neck for a month. While headphones have excellent sound quality, they are clunky and unnecessary for travelling.

You can easily fit a pair of earphones into even the fullest of bags.

Many travellers want to return home with stunning photos. A small camera can be nestled easily between your clothes in your bag while larger, professional cameras should be packed in a separate camera bag.

A fun, easy-to-pack alternative is a disposable camera. But of course you could skip bringing a camera entirely and just take pictures on your phone. It's up to you.

Cards are great for long journeys or evenings spent with fellow travellers. You could effortlessly fit a pack of cards into your bag or find a spare deck lying around the hostel.

Please note that makeup is not listed under the essentials.

If you choose to bring makeup you are only going to pack the bare basics. We're talking foundation, blush, mascara and eyeliner. Done.

Store these in a separate resealable plastic bag or fit them into your toiletries bag if you have the space to do so.

LOGISTICS AND ASSEMBLY

Now for the big assembly...

You're probably wondering how on Earth you will be able to pack all of the above items into one little bag. Don't worry! If you follow these instructions you will be able to do this quite easily.

We want to make it clear that the goal of this guide is not to stuff your bag until its heavy and overflowing. If followed correctly these instructions should help you to have a little spare room for any extra items or souvenirs you may collect on your travels. However, the results may vary depending on the size of your bag and the thickness of your clothes.

We understand that all bags are a little different, but for the purposes of this article we will be instructing you on how to pack a backpack like the Flight Approved Carry-On Bag by Cabin Max . However, you can use many of these same techniques for packing a small suitcase of the same dimensions.

To begin, you will pack your heavier and thicker items at the bottom of your bag in order to create a base layer. Having a good base will make packing the rest of your items significantly easier.

Start by packing one pair of trousers (you will wear the other pair to the airport), the pair of shorts or leggings , the jumper or hoodie and your travel towel . To save space when packing, roll your clothes and towel instead of folding them . The diagram below explains the best way to roll your clothes. Make sure to pinch and squeeze the items as you roll them in order to push out any extra air and to make the clothes as compacted as possible! Afterwards, flatten the items into the bottom of the bag with your hands so that they create a base layer with an even height.

Once you have completed your base layer, you can get started on packing the middle section of the backpack. Start by standing your flip-flops in an upright position in your bag so that their soles are touching the back wall of the backpack. They should be aligned with the part of the bag that will rest on your back when you wear it. Secure the position of the flip-flops by tucking their ends in between the items that make up the base layer and the inner wall of the backpack.

If you are bringing a book, e reader or journal , stand it upright and rest it flat against the top of the flip-flops.

Next take 6 pairs of underwear and two pairs of socks (save and extra pair of each to wear to the airport). Roll up your underwear and store it inside one of your socks (normally three pairs of underwear fit into one sock). You can then fold your socks as you normally would before placing them into your bag. The same can be done with any swim suits that you choose to pack. This will allow you to save space and will also make finding your socks and underwear much easier.

If you are bringing bras on this journey, pack only one in your bag and wear the other when travelling. If you are bringing a padded bra , twist it in the centre so that you can rest one cup inside the other in order to make it smaller. If you are packing an unpadded bra , roll it up in the same way you've rolled your underwear. Afterwards, pack your bra in the middle section of your backpack with the socks.

Next pack your six shirts , leaving one on the side for your travel day. Roll the shirts as instructed above and then place them into your bag. Make sure to push the shirts and socks into any gaps or spaces that you can find in your bag in order to use your space most effectively. You can nestle small items like a camera or a pack of playing cards in between your shirts as you do this.

Your pyjamas will be the last thing that you pack in the middle section because you may need to have easy access to them on arrival at your destination. Roll them up and leave them positioned near the top of your bag.

The last few items that you will pack in the top section of your bag will be kept separate from the rest of your things. Place all of your toiletries and makeup into their resealable plastic bags and put them at the top of your backpack so that they can be easily removed at airport security.

Next, place all of the essentials , including any important documents that you will need at the airport, into your separate string backpack or tote bag . You can place the string backpack or tote bag into your rucksack next to your toiletries or carry it with you at the airport. Just make sure to return it to your backpack shortly before boarding your flight. You should also keep your earphones and any other extra items that you want to use on the plane in your separate bag.

In addition to the one extra outfit that you will have saved for your travel days, make sure to always wear your walking boots , coat and any winter accessories to the airport. These items should never see the inside of your bag.

And that's it! You've now successfully packed one hand luggage size bag for 30 days of travelling!

You can see the full packing list below, but before you save yourself a copy, make sure to start booking your 30 days of travel with Hostelsclub.com and choose from our 30,000 properties worldwide!

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The Ultimate Packing List for Baby Travel (+printable checklist!)

Over the years, i’ve written a lot about how to travel with a baby..

Between leaping head first into baby travel when Evelyn was 5 weeks old, to taking our special needs baby Sophie on several trips around the country, we’ve become pretty well-acquainted with the world of travel with a baby by now.

Truthfully, traveling with a baby is not all that bad. But it does require a ton of preparation for  all the things  that you might possibly need.

We’ve covered  what to pack in your carry on  before, along with  everything you need to know before flying with a baby . I’ve even shared our favorite baby travel gear and travel-friendly toys .

But one thing I haven’t covered? A comprehensive, everything-you-must-pack guide to make the whole trip with baby go extra smoothly!

We were reminded of just how much stuff one little human can require as we prepared for our month-long adventure around Southern California . Our packing list felt endless . And I can say pretty confidently that we left nothing behind.

So let me spare you the stress of wondering “what am I forgetting” ?

Read on for our ultimate baby packing list of EVERYTHING you might ever need when traveling with a baby!  (+a free printable checklist at the bottom of this post!)

Pin it for later:.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib | Brica Travel Bassinet | BabyZen Yoyo Stroller | BabyZen Bassinet | MiaMily Carrier | MiaMily Infant Insert | Babyzen Yoyo Adapter Clips | Doona Car Seat Stroller | MaxiCosi Car Sea t | Car Seat Travel Bag

Baby Packing List | Travel Gear

First things first, the big stuff !

You may not need all of these items for every trip, but for the most part, we bring this same travel-friendly baby gear just about everywhere we go:

• Baby Carrier | A baby carrier is a must, even if it’s nothing more than an efficient way to move through the airport. I know not all kiddos love the carrier, but we find that having both a carrier and stroller available when we travel with Sophie is essential. You just never know when you’ll run into a place with lots of stairs or uneven sidwalks, so it’s good to have a back up that will keep you moving freely. We started out with the  ErgoBaby , but made the switch to the more lightweight and compact  MiaMily toddler carrier with Infant Insert and absolutely love it. Still on the fence? Read up and compare  all of our favorite carriers for babies and toddlers here .
• Stroller  | Even though our carrier is indispensable, we like to have options. For newborns, I adore the Doona Car Seat & Stroller 2-in-1 . I only wish this had been around when our girls were babies because it takes so much hassle out of traveling with a baby! For us personally, we love and recommend the lightweight and carry-on compliant  Babyzen YOYO+ , which is great for older babies who can sit up on their own (don’t forget the puchase a compatible backpack carry bag – so worth it)! For newborns you can add on the bassinet pack onto the YOYO+, just keep in mind you will have to gate check the stroller with this add-on.
• Car Seat  | Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not want to bring the car seat. If you will need one, the Maxi Cosi and  Nuna Pipa  are two that can adapt to a YOYO+ without the bassinet add-on (just get some  adapters like these , and you’re good to go!). For older babies, a popular choice is the  Cosco Scenera Next , which is super lightweight at just 10 pounds. I recommend getting a car seat bag to keep it clean while flying, and if you’re worried about it getting banged up by luggage handlers, you can upgrade to a padded car seat bag .
• Travel Crib | We’ve always brought our own travel crib, mostly because I want our kids to feel the comfort of a familiar sleeping environment, no matter where we are. We’ve been especially happy with our  Baby Bjorn Travel Crib , which has held up with our travels all over the country these past 6 years. For infants, you can get away with a more compact option, like this Travel Pod Bassinet . And if you’re in a pinch, most family-friendly hotels will offer cribs for free, or you can rent one from a baby gear rental company, like BabyQuip . Read up on all  our favorite baby travel cribs here .

Pro Tip: Don’t want the stress of traveling with all your gear? Use BabyQuip and get bulky items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, car seats and so much more delivered straight to your hotel or rental!

Packing Cubes | Sun Hat | Baby Socks | Moccasins | Pajamas | Boys Swimsuit | Girls Swimsuit

Baby Packing List | Clothes

Sure, babies require a lot of stuff to pack, but the one area where they don’t take up much space in the suitcase: clothes!

I use these packing cubes for everyone in the family and almost everything for baby can fit into just one:

• Pants & Leggings  | Usually 2-3 pairs. In colder months I’ll skip the rompers and dresses, and add more leggings, pants and sweaters.
• Shirts & Onesies | Usually 2-3 tops, adding 2-3 more in winter months.
• Dresses or Rompers | Usually 2-3 for warmer destinations, because they’re so easy to pack and don’t require mixing and matching tops and bottoms.
• Socks | 2-3 pairs , even in the summer months in case we end up somewhere chilly.
• Booties or Shoes | I’ve recently become obsessed with little baby shoes, but I try to stick to one simple pair of baby moccasins that match everything for travel, like these from BirdRock Baby .
• Hat | A must, no matter where you’re traveling, whether a sun hat for the spring and winter, or a fuzzy hat for the fall and winter.
• Swimsuit | Only if necessary, of course. These boy and girl options from Rufflebutts are our favorites.
• Pajamas | I stick to just 2 pairs of footie pajamas  (plus a 3rd pair worn on our travel day).

This might not seem like a lot of clothes, but if we’re traveling for more than 5 days, we’ll wash and rewear items to keep our packing light. This means making sure we have access to laundry facilities while we travel (whether it be an Airbnb with a washing machine, hotel with a laundry room, or a wash and fold laundry service nearby).

Tommee Tippee Bottles | Formula Dispenser | Travel Mug | Slim Ice Packs | Pumping Backpack | Breast Pump Battery Pack | Bottle Cooler | Nursing/Car Seat Cover | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Dr. Brown’s Bottle Wipes | Travel Dish Soap | Travel Bottle Drying Rac k ( similar one here ) | Stackable Snack Container | Silicone Snack Cup | Wipe-Clean Bibs | Spoon with Case | Folding Spoons | Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | Sippy Cup with Weighted Straw | Travel High Chair

Baby Packing List | Nursing & Feeding

Things change quickly with a baby, and depending on their age and feeding habits, you may need any of the following:

• Bottles | We’ve always traveled with just two bottles and been fine. Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown’s are our favorites.
• Drying Rack | I love our OXO travel drying rack ( similar option here ); it’s come in handy more times than I can count! We also have a larger version of this Boon travel drying rack at home, and would highly recommend either. It’s truly one of the items you don’t think you need until you’re balancing wet bottles around a hotel sink.
• Dish Soap | Never fails, I always forget dish soap! If you’re staying in an Airbnb, there’s no need to bring your own (unless you’re particular about what you use). But if you’re staying in a hotel, for sure pack this little travel-size one  for washing bottles!
• Nursing Cover | There’s a good chance you’ll have little privacy for nursing during travels, and at the very least a nursing cover can help with getting little ones to fall asleep in busy places. Or for a lighter solution, a muslin swaddle is great and doubles as a blankie.
• Breast Pump & Supplies  | It’s a pain to lug around for sure, but if you’re going to need it, consider investing in a few pieces to make pumping on-the-go easier: a special  backpack and battery pack . (and good news, the airline won’t count this against your carry on luggage allowance)
• Cooler Bag | We love a little cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs , or if you need room for more bottles, this Medela cooler bag is a great option too.
• Formula Dispenser | For babies on a formula-fed diet, this little guy makes mixing bottles on the go so much easier .
• Tall Insulated Mug  | This simple, yet useful item is a must for an on-the-go bottle warmer. Just ask your airport coffee shop to fill it with piping hot water after you get through security, and then dip your bottle in to warm milk up in no time!
• Wipe-Clean Bib | Once baby is into solids, a wipe-and-reuse bib is awesome for on-the-go feedings.
• Travel Spoon | Our favorite is still this one that comes with a little case for easy storage, or try these squeeze pouch food adapter spoons .
• Snack Catcher | This travel container is perfect for little cereals you don’t want spilled all over.
• Squeeze Pouch Baby Food | If you’re feeding while traveling, skip the mess and squeeze it from  pouch form onto the spoon!
• Sippy Cup | We’ve tried many of the years, and these classic sippy cups from Munchkin or these sippy cups with weighted straws are both at the top of our list of favorites.
• Bottles Wipes | It’s tough to clean bottles, pacifiers, and spoons on-the-go, but  these bottle wipes are a safe and easy way to do it when you don’t have a sink handy.
• Travel High Chair | If you have the space for it, I can’t recommend this travel high chair enough, which folds down flat for packing. You could also opt for a cloth seat harness for an even lighter, more compact option.

Refillable Wipes Case | Dirty Diaper Baggies | Hand Sanitizer | Hand Sanitizing Wipes | Natural Bug Spray | Sunscreen Stick | Brush & Comb Set | GoToob+ Container | 2-in-1 Shampoo and Body Wash | First Aid Kit | Inflatable Bath Tub | Travel Size Pain Reliever | Travel Size Diaper Rash Cream | Travel Size Lotion | Travel Thermometer | Nail Clipper

Baby Packing List | Health & Bath

• Diapers | My rule of thumb is to pack a maximum of 8 diapers in the baby backpack and then buy more as soon as we arrive.
• Travel Wipes Case | These no-frills travel wipes cases have become my favorite over the years. Like diapers, I load one up with as many as I can fit and then buy more once we’ve arrived in our destination.
• Dirty Diaper Baggies | These dirty diaper baggies have also come in handy more times than I can count.
• Baby First Aid Kit | We keep a super simple kit that includes only the basics, like travel-size diaper rash cream , infant pain reliever , a few bandages , a small  thermometer , nail clipper , skin cream , etc. For all those other ‘what if’s’, we’ll buy it at our destination if needed.
• Prescription Medicines | Keep liquids in their original containers to avoid any issues with TSA, and for anything needing kept cold, we use our bottle cooler bag with ultra-thin ice packs .
• Sunscreen | These pocket sunscreen sticks are my absolute favorite because they’re easy to apply and take up so much less space.
• Mosquito Repellent | This natural one is our favorite. No chemicals or stink!
• Sanitizing Wipes | Especially good for wiping down a dirty airplane seat. I always keep a small travel-size pack in the diaper backpack.
• Hand Sanitizer | For obvious reasons, I always keep a travel-size hand sanitize r clipped to the backpack.
• Baby Shampoo & Body Wash | This 2-in-1 combo is our favorite, filled in a small GoToob+ travel container .
• Brush or Comb | Of course.
• Inflatable Travel Tub | Finally, this handy inflatable bath tub is an absolute favorite of ours and has gotten way more use than I ever thought it would. It’s definitely worth the purchase if you don’t have access to a tub or your baby is not sitting up on their own yet.

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling with a Baby

Portable Baby Gym (similar travel-friendly option here ) | Muslin Swaddle Blankets | Minkie Blanket | Baby Shusher | Clip-On Sound Machine | Pacifier Clips | Pacifiers | Peek-A-Boo Book | Stacking Cups | Musical Toy | Travel Crib Sheet

Baby Packing List | Play & Sleep

• Play Mat | We’ve stayed in lots of Airbnbs with hardwood floors and little comfortable space for baby to play. I so wish this fold-and-go baby gym was around when my kids were little (or this similar travel-friendly option ).
• Small Toys | I try to keep toys to a minimum, mostly because when you’re traveling, you’re out and about a lot anyway. Sassy brand makes a ton of my favorite simple baby toys, and I keep a little collection in one of these  mesh storage bags for easy packing.
• Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips | We find these pacifiers with these clips  to work great!
• Swaddle Blankets | Another must-pack item, Aden & Anais makes our favorite muslin swaddle blankets that double as a nursing cover or burp rag too.
• Crib Sheet | Whether you bring your own travel crib or use the hotels, we like to have our own crib sheet. This crib sheet that’s designed specifically for portable cribs has traveled with us again and again.
• White Noise Machine | We love our  Shusher and I swear it has made all the difference in helping our babies fall asleep in new places. This portable sound machine is another favorite among traveling moms.
• Favorite Blankie | Even though it can be a bit of a pain to travel with, having a soft baby blanket sure is nice for wrapping baby up on a cold airplane or having a familiar comfort from home.

FreshlyPicked Diaper Backpack | Passport Cover | Reusable Storage Bags | Dropper Stopper Tether (similar options here and here )

Baby Packing List |  Miscellaneous Must-Haves

• Diaper Backpack | A good diaper bag is essential, and I can’t recommend going with a backpack style enough! Having your hands free, especially in airports, is a necessity, and this FreshlyPicked diaper backpack has travelled with us all over the world!
• Birth Certificate or Passport | Did you know some airlines require you to show a birth certificate for your lap baby? To be safe, I always carry a copy in my wallet. And if you’re planning on traveling internationally, be sure to start the process for your baby’s passport as soon as possible.
• Dropper Stopper Baby Tether | From toys, to bottles, to snack cups, this is our favorite item for keeping all of our baby essentials from hitting the dirty airplane floor (similar options here and here )
• Plastic Storage Bags | Whether one-time use, or an  eco-friendly reusable , we’re always finding a need for the modest plastic storage bag. Whether for dirty clothes from a blow out incident, saving leftover snacks, keeping trinkets and keepsakes together, we’re always finding a new use for these.

Free Printable Checklist: Baby Travel Packing List!

It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve traveled with a baby, I’m always bound to forget something!

After many missed essentials, I finally created our own baby travel packing list ! We use it for every trip, and now you can use for yourself!

get it here!

Thanks for being a subscriber!

PS. You can also find this and all of our  printable family travel planning tools exclusively for subscribers in our free resource library .

What are your must-have packing list items when traveling with baby?

Wife and mom to two sassy little girls, Laura has been sharing her family's travels here on Our Next Adventure since 2016! Though lots has changed in both our family and the world of travel over the years, one thing remains: we love exploring new places together!

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What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

Fact-checking standards, latest update:, when can you travel with your baby, read this next, what to pack for your baby in a carry-on bag, what to pack in your baby's suitcase.

Happy travels!

What to Expect the First Year , 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff. WhatToExpect.com, Flying With a Baby? Here's What to Know Before You Go , September 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Do Babies Need Passports? , October 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Best Travel Toys for Babies , February 2021. WhatToExpect.com, Baby Products You Can Take on a Plane , September 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics, Flying with Baby: Parent FAQs , November 2019. American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for Families to Travel Now? , August 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics, Travel Safety Tips , August 2018.  American Academy of Pediatrics, Is It Safe for My Baby to Travel in a Car Seat a Few Hours at a Time? , August 2021. Transportation Security Administration, Traveling with Children . Federal Aviation Administration, Flying with Children , March 2021. Mayo Clinic, Is Air Travel Safe for an Infant? , October 2019.

Go to Your Baby's Age

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