Packing for a long distance trip? Use this as a guide to help make the process seamless and never leave anything behind! Scroll down to the bottom for a full packing list and adjust it to the location you are visiting, weather and activities you are doing.
Comfort
Packing Clothes: Something that I tend to over pack is clothing. Here are four easy ways to maximize on space.
- Use vacuum bags to compress your clothing down. Try these: Ziploc Space Bags. I typically use (2) bags.
- Wear your bulkiest items and as much clothing as you can (without overheating) on the plane.
- Bring basic items that mix and match with every outfit you bring. (To dress up and change the look of each outfit you can add scarves, hats or jewelry.)
- If you’re really tight on space, bring less items and plan to use the hostel laundry facilities or local laundromat.
Towels: You can always rent towels at a hostel but if you can fit a towel in your luggage, you will save a few extra dollars.
Your own personal pharmacy: Not only do Foreign countries have different medications but some pharmacies are stand alone only and have early closing times. Once I needed contact solution and I couldn’t make it in time due to planned excursions. I slept in my contacts for FOUR days!
Gadgets
These make all the difference in the world.
A nice pillow- You’ll appreciate these on long flights. I recommend getting one with memory foam inside and not the blow up plastic ones. Try the Aeris Travel Pillow.
Light Blanket- Unless you’re bringing a coat with you, I’d consider bringing a light blanket. Sometimes the airplanes get preeetty cold.
Portable Charger- An easy and quick way to charge when your phone battery is low from all the amazing pictures you’ll be taking.
Portable Lock- If you are staying in a shared room at a hostel, use this to lock up your stuff while you’re out exploring. Alternatively, the hostel will most likely have them for purchase usually for no more than a few dollars.
Power Adaptor- Check out this site to see what the voltage is in the country you are visiting. Check out World Standard Voltage. The US voltage is 110v so if the country you’re visiting is above that you will need to buy an adaptor. Otherwise, say goodbye to your hair dryer.
Documents
Confirmation Emails: Print or screenshot your itinerary, map directions and anything you’ll need internet access to view. Just in case you can’t get internet.
Travel journal & pen- This is a personal preference. I like to document my explorations, people I meet, memories and I will also keep business cards, flowers and pamphlets in between the pages.
Travel language book- This book will be a life savor if you are traveling to a country that doesn’t speak English as their first language.
Reading Book- Something to read for those long flights or train rides.
Toiletries
Hand Sanitizer: For those times when the bathroom staff hasn’t filled the soap dispensers. It happens more often than you think.
Laundry detergent pods: Washing clothes while traveling long distance is inevitable. I bring 2-3 Detergent Pods with me while traveling. They don’t take up much space and are easy to use. Try these: Laundry Detergent Pods.
PRODUCT SAVING HACK: If you want to carry less items, try Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile soap. It is made with the purest organic ingredients and has no synthetic preservatives. It’s multi purpose function cleans your face, hair, laundry and much more.
Buy it here: Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
PRO TIP: For liquids- wrap them individually in Ziploc bags because the air pressure will sometimes cause the tops to pop off and will create a big mess.
Favorite Splurge Items
Traveling Hanging Bag- I’ve been to hostels that have no shelving in the shower which resulted in me placing everything on the ground floor. These bags are great because they can easily hang on the shower head. Try a bag like this with multiple compartments: Traveling Hanging Bag.
The Ultimate Packing List
