She Packed My Bags Last Night Pre-flight (aka the much-requested packing list)
When I told people I was going to travel around the world for several months, almost everyone wanted to know the same thing: how do you pack for that?
As a consummate carry-on-only traveler, I hate checking bags. I’ll pack strategically for three week-long trips through multiple climates in just a carry on. But four months…it’s a lot. I’m pretty sure I could do it if I had to, but the truth is that I’m particular about my skin care products and didn’t want to chance having to find something comparable in, say, Egypt or Laos. That means I was going to be over the carry on limit for liquids no matter what, so I shifted strategy: check a (carry-on size) bag and carry on smaller handheld bag and a daypack.
Guiding principles
I must always be able to manage all of my bags by myself, up and down stairs, on and off of buses and trains, and walking a few blocks.
Check clothes and oversize liquids into the hold. Always carry-on the things that I fear losing (electronics, prescriptions, contact lenses, etc).
Here’s what I ended up with. I still think I overpacked.
This is it. Four six months. All the clothes on one side. All the rest on the other side. Carry ons for necessities.
Luggage
All of my bags are from Away. For this trip, I am using the Bigger Carry On, the Everywhere Bag and the Daypack. Use the link for $20 off your order.
Packing list
Clothes etc.
I chose things that mix and match well to make sure everything goes with multiple other things. Generally, I took clothes I wouldn’t be sad to see destroyed by constant wear or the variety of laundry machines they will encounter along the way.
Sneakers - Nike running shoes
1 pair other shoes - Sorel - Women's Joan of Arctic Wedge II Chelsea Boots. Note: the #1 key to packing light is limiting the number of shoes you bring. I’ve got two pairs of real shoes and:
Flip flops
2 jeans - always with some lycra blended in
1 “nicer” pants - the brief was: machine washable, not likely to wrinkle, pockets.
I wanted to bring a skirt or dress, but I couldn’t find one that fit the pants brief (above), so I skipped it for now. I’ll keep looking though.
4 t-shirts
1 tank top
2 blouses
1 long sleeved shirt
1 cardigan
1 sun-protection button down shirt - Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Lite Long Sleeve Shirt, Fossil
12 underwear
2 bras
12 pairs of socks
1 workout set, doubles as long-haul flight attire. I opted for Athleta’s Attitude Pant and am now wishing I’d brought these in more colors since the weather is ending up warmer than I’d expected.
Pajamas
Umbrella - Repel windproof travel umbrella. Recommended by the Wirecutter. I bought one of these for SF where it can be extremely windy and it’s the first compact umbrella I’ve ever had that doesn’t flip inside out in the rain. The best part? When it eventually broke after a couple of years (one of the hinges gave out), the manufacturer replaced it FOR FREE. So basically you get a lifetime umbrella (assuming you don’t lose it) for under $25. One note: they say it’s travel size. It’s not as small as you might hope, and it’s not super lightweight. That being said, it’s worth it because all of the smaller ones I’ve had have been garbage.
Belt
Scarf
6 bandanas
Swimsuit
Hat
Toiletries etc.
Travel size
Moisturizer
Toothpaste
Contact solution
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair styling product
Face soap
Body wash
Contacts
Sunglasses
Makeup
Prescriptions
Sleep aids (gotta fight that jetlag, yo)
Bandaids/first aid supplies
Night guard (don’t judge)
Q Tips
Cotton pads
Deodorant
Razor
Shaving cream
Tampons etc.
Condoms
Advil
Vitamins
American cold meds - other countries often don’t have good decongestants over the counter
Nail + cuticle clippers
Nail file
Tweezers
List of medications/prescriptions from doctor
Baby wipes - most important for hot and dirty places
Spare ziploc bags
Practicalities & tech etc.
Passport
Charger cables
ipad/phone
Fitbit
USB/kindle/toothbrush
Laptop
Kindle - I read so much when I am traveling and the Kindle has been a game-changer. I connect it to the public library via the Libby app and have an endless supply of books for free.
iPad
Phone
Laptop - I was hoping to make this trip without a laptop, but it turns out that having one makes travel planning and using Wordpress much easier. Glad I brought it.
US dollars
Local currencies
Bank & credit cards
Email yourself scan of passport and cards
Ear buds
Backup wired headphones
Noise canceling headphones - I love my Bose over-ear noise canceling headphones, but they take up too much space for this trip, so I bought these *much smaller* in-ear ones. They work well considering the differences in form factor. My one complaint is the “remote” control (it’s tethered) is heavy and there’s no way to clip it to your collar, so it can feel like it’s tugging on your ears. Still, for the size and price, they do a pretty good job.
Lip balm
Notebook and pen
Door stop - to secure doors of hotel rooms and airbnbs anywhere that may seem unsafe.
Metro cards (from previous trips)
Spare passport size photos for visas
Safety whistle - in case you’re wondering why, read this post from legalnomads.com
Portable shopping bag
Lacrosse ball - great for sore muscles, especially my back.
Travel yoga mat - yoga helps heal my back from sleeping on cheap or old mattresses. I’ve used this enough times that it’s worth carrying.
Luggage locks - for backpack and small bag that don’t have built in locks
Cable lock - to lock bags together on trains, etc.
TSA approved corkscrew/bottle opener (priorities!)