This is what my first-time packing list looked like:
Mom: ‘Are you really gonna need 3 travel towels and 2 pairs of sunglasses?
“Yes mom, really.”
“Because what if I take a morning shower in the hostel and use one towel, then later that day find some hot springs and use the second towel, and then at the end of the day spill my beer all over and need the third one?
& Sunglasses are just the most important thing one could possibly bring, so I need at least 1 extra pair for if I lose the first.”
“Yes mom, of course I can see it doesn’t fit. I have eyes.”
It-does-NOT-fit.
Like many of you I’ve been there, done that. And after some time I started to get the hang of just bringing the necessary. That’s why I want to share my current packing list with you, so you can maybe downsize a little too.
This packing list is generally based on an infinite trip around the world. The idea is to be spending a little time in cold weather, but mostly in the heat.
For 99% of our stuff goes: You can always buy it in another country. Is it colder than expected? Buy some warm clothes somewhere. Didn’t bring mosquito spray or sunscreen? No biggie, it’s certainly getable in most places.
My outfit
Packing List – Backpack
The North Face – Terra 35L is big enough to fit everything, but small enough to take as cabin luggage.
Clothes
Some extra necessities
Toiletries
Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to take scissors and fluids over 100ml on most planes, if you’re traveling with just cabin luggage like me.
First aid
Firstly, if it comes to health, I am in no way saying this is all you should bring. If you have personal prescriptions, you should obviously bring those (in your cabin luggage!). Secondly, depending on your situation and plans, you might want to bring additional things like pills for motion sickness, altitude sickness, allergies or sleeping. Also, make sure you get informed about necessary vaccinations a few months before your adventure starts. In reality, this is normally my standard package:
Other
Then for the girls: 3 elastic bands, some tampons, make-up remover pads, some make-up (mascara, eye pencil, foundation)
And for the guys: Shaving cream, small hair spray
Finally, for lens wearers like me: Extra contacts, small solution, extra contact case.
Packing List – Small daypack
Electronics
Other
What better not to bring?
Detergent. If possible I use laundries along the way, most hostels generally have the option. In any case, some soap or shower gel works fine too.
Big bottles of shampoo, shower gel, or deodorant. Just for practical reasons: Some of this stuff is heavy and besides that, the airlines won’t allow you to keep it in your hand luggage.
Please also think about leaving valuable jewelry at home, since there’s always the risk of losing it or having it stolen.
Anything on your packing list that isn’t on mine? Let me know in a comment!
What’s more?
Epic Travel List
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