Packing list for long term travel

You know that feeling when you are planning a long-term trip and just keep adding things to your packing list? It can be a daunting task to decide what to bring and what things you leave at home. I like to be prepared for all kinds of temperatures and weather conditions. With this packing list I give you tips and advice to make it slightly easier for you to be prepared. In the paragraph Ready to start packing?, you find a PDF to print your own packing list.

Preparation beforehand

Find out the type of climates at your destination(s). Think ahead about the activities you like to undertake; hiking in the Himalaya’s, swimming, a desert safari in India or Dubai or visiting the jungles in Malaysia. You also need different type of clothes if you plan go out at fancy bars and restaurants. Lay out everything you like to bring and pre-pack your backpack or suitcase. Does it all fit?.. If not, now is the time to leave out the items and clothes you probably don’t wear. Also try to lift your backpack. Too heavy? Leave things behind and try to minimalize.

Travel documents

Make sure you bring these items with you.

• Passport
• Visa
• Passport approved photos
• International driver’s license
• Travel insurance
• Copy of your passport

Tip: bring passport approved photos when you plan to visit multiple countries. Sometimes you need a photo when you apply for a visa or try to get a local sim-card. In India for example you need 1 or 2 photos to apply for a sim-card for Airtel or Vodafone.

Tip: Send a copy of your documents and banking cards to your e-mail. And perhaps a family member or good friend you trust with this information. In case of theft or lost items you still have the copies.

Financial matters

• Debit card
• Credit card
• Foreign currency
• Copy of your debit- and credit cards
• Copy of the total amount of your bank account(s)

Tip: A copy of your bank accounts is sometimes needed to show proof of funds when applying for a visa or when entering a country.

Tip: Do you have a European bank account? Check online or via your banking app which location is enabled. When travelling outside Europe you need to approve other locations, mostly per continent. So when travelling to Asia you need to enable the continent Asia before you can use your card. Or worldwide. The options are different per bank.

Travel backpack

Large backpack

When you are planning a long term trip I recommend carrying a backpack instead of a suitcase or anything with wheels for that matter. It’s a personal preference of course. The size of your backpack is also personal choose but I prefer a backpack between 50 and 60 liters. When you have a bigger backpack you have the tendency to bring more stuff or to collect more items when travelling. If you like a smaller backpack, 30 or 40 liters, check the size of the backpack. It’s possible you can take this backpack as carry-on luggage when boarding a flight. I always check-in my 50 liter backpack because of the convenience of not carrying it around at the airport.

There are many brands for backpacks. First thing you can do is visiting a store. Try out a few backpacks. Ask a staff member what the differences are, how to adjust the straps and so on. I’m a personal fan of the Osprey backpacks. They use high quality materials that last long. The backpanel, harness and hipbelt are designed with air flow channels for ventilation  and antigravity to carry the load away from your body.

Daypack

I also have a day pack with me to carry my valuables. During flights and bus/train journeys I prefer to keep my laptop and camera close. I often go for day hikes and a day pack is ideal for this. If I’m going to explore the city or just wander around I use a cotton tote bag.

Tip: bring a cotton tote bag. These tote bags are easy to fold and lightweight, so ideal to stuff in your backpack.

Clothes

I try to pack for all kinds of weather conditions. I like to go for hikes. In the mountains weather conditions can change rapidly and therefor try to work with layers. Working with layers is ideal because it’s easier to take something on or off when temperatures change. To give you an idea I have listed the items I bring and how many.

Bottom

• Two cotton comfortable pants
• One legging
• One long fancy skirt
• Jeans: depending on location. If I travel to Asia I don’t bring one because it’s too hot. In Europe you need a pair. Or multiples pairs when you are travelling during winter.

Top

• Two or three singlets
• Three shirts
• Two long sleeves shirts
• One cardigan
• Two dresses

Sports

• One legging
• One sports bra
• One athletic singlet
• One athletic shirt
• One bikini or bathing suit

Underwear

• One bralette
• One regular bra
• Seven pairs of underwear
• Five pairs of socks; again depending on climate and activity
• Two pair of hiking socks

Tip: when you roll up your clothes you can carry more in your backpack. I’ve never done this because my backpack is heavier than. Rolling up your clothes is most ideal when you have a smaller backpack. Or when you don’t mind the extra weight!  

Tip: I always put socks in my shoes to create a bit of extra space.

Personal care

• Shampoo
• Soap
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• Microfiber travel towel
• Earplugs
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Razors/ shaving kit
• Sunglasses
• Nail clippers
• Make-up
• Hair ties
• Hand sanitizer
• Cotton swabs

Tip: use a plastic bag for your shampoo bottle. I cleaned my backpack many times to wash out the shampoo. When you are flying make sure to close the lids of all bottles, including your toothpaste tube.

Tip: Is the mosquito repellent you bought at home not working? Go to a local pharmacy or shop and try the local repellent(s). They often work better than the ones you bought at home. Different country, different climates, different mosquitos. Sometimes you need a different local repellent adjusted to that environment.

Health/ medicine

• Your personal medication
• Band-Aids
• Ibuprofen or similar
• Imodium to treat sudden diarrhea
• Dettol Sterilon

Shoes

• Hiking shoes
• Sneakers, during some trips I leave my hiking shoes at home and use my sneakers
• Flipflops
• Sandals

Additional items

• Raincoat
• One sarong, I use this as a towel for the beach, or as blanket at night or as a dress around the swimming pool or to cover my arms and legs when visiting a temple
• Backpack cover for when I check-in my luggage at the airport
• Jacket, depending on location and weather conditions
• Travel lock
• Sustainable water bottle
• Wine opener/ beer opener
• Book, e-reader, notebook
• Two or three pens

Electronics

• Camera
• Laptop
• Chargers
• Powerbank
• Universal power outlet
• Extra battery camera
• Headphones
• Portable speaker

Use a zipper bag or other bag to carry your charges and cords. Easier to pack.

Ready to start packing?

Good luck with packing your bags. When I go for a two month trip I start packing the day before and I’m done in one hour! Practice is key, they often say. Packing for the first time is a challenge, but you will get the hang of it. Below you find a PDF of a packing list. I have only listed the items, so additional text. Print the PDF when you are packing to make sure you don’t forget anyhting.

In The World’s Jungle – Travel articles

Don’t forget to donwload your packing list. Learn how to set up a travel budget or read the ultimate guide for planning a long term journey. Try reading the articles about practical travel information, such as recommended vaccines in Asia and other travel planning articles.

I have written articles about sustainable travel and share tips and ideas to travel greener. Do you like to know about Asian religions and cultures? Check out the beginners guides to Hinduism and Buddhism and lean more.

In The World’s Jungle – Personal Travel Guide

Do you need help setting up an itinerary or are you looking for unique places to stay? I can help you planning your holiday or business trip. Send me a message by filling out the contact form and let me know how I can help you. Read more about In The World’s Jungle or about Adriana. Check out the services page and get in touch.