So you want to go on a long term trip and aren’t quite sure what to bring with you for the long haul? Look no further. This ultimate list will help you think about everything you will need to be away from your former home for many months at a time, no matter where you will travel to in the world. From clothing to electronics to photography to adventure gear to workout gear. This list has you covered.
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I find that having several will allow you to rotate them in many different situations: travel, hiking, working out, casual.
If you are going to a warm destination, you will need at least one.
These fleeces are very light and very comfortable. In locations where the weather can quickly change, it is great to have this as a layer. Plus you can wear when flying.
This is great to have in the event of a nice dinner or for going out to a nicer place or meeting.
I like to carry some nice tshirts to wear out to dinner or going out to a bar. I am a t-shirt guy.
This is clutch in cooler climates when you are active. It is used in many different situations like just hanging out, traveling.
I put this as optional, but if you are going to be outdoors, it will be nice to have a sturdier pair of pants to hike in, instead of sweatpants or jeans.
To bring jeans or not? Always a question just because they take up space. I would say if you are going to be gone for the long term, one pair of jeans is necessary for many.
I always bring a comfortable pair of pants like sweatpants to be able to move around in.
I prefer this type of belt because it can be used casually or formally if needed. Plus it doesn't have specific notches so can be used for any size.
I love athletic gear. So I am usually wearing a pair of athletic shorts and I also sleep in one in shared spaces.
Yes, a bathing suit is a must. I love color and this one works very well.
Four pair is adequate for all situations.
For warmer situations, these are needed.
I prefer box cut mesh ISO chill underwear. These are perfect for all situations and keeps you cool.
I bring a pair of nice athletic shoes to walk around in and workout in.
If you are doing any type of hiking or outdoor activity, you will need some shoes for the occasion.
I bring a pair of casual shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars (look more formal than athletic shoes).
You should always protect your feet from community showers and these are good for warmer situations.
Depending on your feet (I have a high arch so need extra support), buy some good insoles
This is needed in cooler, damp situations. Get something that can be rolled up to pack well
Protect your head from the hot rays (and good if you don't want to do your hair one day).
A must for any sunny situation; Costa is an amazing brand!
Bring a small bottle before you go - sunscreen is very expensive in tourist areas.
Deet-free insect repellent. If you are traveling any place where it is warm and/or damp, you will need this.
Bring your own deoderant with you, especially if you have a kind that you like.
Be sure to bring all of your hair products with you.
I like a special kind of face lotion so bring your own small version if that is you also.
Bring your special kind of shave cream.
Depending how long you are away, bring plenty of extra razors since your favorite may be hard to find on the road.
One toothbrush is enough and you can always buy another toothbrush during your travels.
Bring a medium sized tube of your favorite toothpaste. But you can always buy toothpaste during your travels.
I care about my teeth so I bring dental floss along with me.
There were always moments that I needed lip balm.
You will need extra bags along the way (just bring 5-10). I like the larger freezer bags because they are sturdier.
My hair is longer and curly so I need a brush to help style on days I don't wear a hat.
Your nails will certainly grow so bring clippers along.
This bag has held up nicely for the past 13 months and holds everything I need including my beard trimmer.
Some hostels do not provide this so it is good to have on hand
I have gone through so many trimmers and this one is the best and most durable for your travels. Only take the few pieces you need but it fits in the toiletry bag nicely.
Just in case
Always needed - just bring some in a ziplock bag. No need to bring the entire bottle unless you find a travel size.
You never know! Just bring 8-10 gels with you
Yes, this is needed if traveling to any country where the food could upset your stomach.
For those that like to go out late, this is a HUGE help to take before bed after a late night and when you wake up in the morning. You will feel incredible, trust me.
Just in case you spend any time on a boat. Talk with your doctor or for lighter excursions, these reuseable bands helped me.
Yes, this is needed if traveling to any country where the food could upset your stomach
Get a small, flat pack and put in a zip lock bag.
A small bottle comes in handy when you don't have a way to wash your hands.
If you take any vitamins, bring your own with you in a zip lock bag (no need for a pill organizer since it will take up room - the bag will lie flat)
Common sense, but make sure you bring a smart phone. I unlocked my iPhone X and get local SIM cards whereever I go. It has been incredible! Just do not upgrade your software.
If you like to workout or like headphones, these are super inexpensive and very powerful as they fit well into your ears. I used these while working out and on airplanes to
Inevitably there will be moments in your travel where you aren't able to charge your phone for a period of time - this is key to charging on the go
This was probably the best thing I could have purchased for my travels. You will certainly find many situations where the plug in to charge your phone is not close to your bed. This is super
This is all you will need in any country. Make sure you buy the version with USB ports.
Just bring the one you use at home as an extra one since you will need it for something
If you are going to blog, post photos, make videos, work from the road, then you will need a laptop. This super thin laptop is incredible. Has been one of my favorite purchases.
Make sure you get a waterproof case to protect your laptop while you travel
Carry an external harddrive for your computer backup or for general storing if your laptop doesn't have a lot of storage
You will inevitably need a flash drive to transfer files during your travels. Just bring a small one.
If you love music, then this small speaker is a must. It packs some power and has been awesome in hotel rooms and on the go. Love the clip for outdoors!
Most modern cars come with USB ports, but if you are renting cars you still might get one with the old fashion cigarette lighter.
I am listing two bag options: This backpack is huge (80L), opens from the front and has great features. The only downside is that you will need to check this bag in when you fly. Osprey is an amazing brand so you could go smaller if you want. The backpack is super convenient for trips to Europe or elsewhere when you are hopping around a lot.
I traveled for 8 months with this rollerbag. I would say it was super convenient for 90% of the time but there were moments (like getting into a boat from a sandy beach) where it was challenging. It just depends on your speed of travel. This prevents you from putting something heavy on your back. This bag is super secure.
If you are going to be outside much with your backpack, a cover is a must have.
Trust me, this will save your life. These cubes are so important for organizing your clothes when you travel for a long period of time!
The only reason I got this bag as my primary backpack was that it connected with my larger Osprey backpack. But to be honest, I am not a huge fan when it comes to carrying all of my electronics. It is too small. But when used as a daypack, it is great!
I know it seems strange to bring two backpacks, but trust me, it will come in handy. One for your carry on with your electronics and another just for hiking and day trips.
I have used this frequently, especially if you stay in hostels. Quick dry is the key.
This is great to have in many situations, especially camping or walking a night.
Some friends recommended I buy this and it was a great purchase. If you will be near any beach, you will want this. You can use it over and over instead of renting.
You will need a dry bag if you are going anywhere with water. I have used this often. Get the 20L as it can hold more.
Trust me, you will need something on this when you travel. I have used it every trip (bottle opener)
I chose the Canon Powershot Gx9 because of its small size to travel lightly. This is probably the best, compact, point and shoot camera out there.
One of the best camera straps I have ever owned.
I am opting for small and compact so it doesn't take up much room. This case works great to protect my camera.
Unfortunately you have to buy the camera battery charger separately.
This is really handy for both your camera and GoPro for shooting very still shots (like the Northern Lights). I like this because you can flex the legs for any type of situation
You will want something to clean your camera and electronics, but you only really need a microfiber cloth and some cleaning spray
I shoot all of my videos with this. With new stabilization features, this action camera is worth every bit of dollar you spend!! The photos are pretty amazing also. Get the Hero because of the backpanel display.
This is a must have for shooting yourself or even holding it steady for shooting other things. And it has a tripod built in at the base.
If you are going to use your GoPro over any type of water, this is a must have.
If you are diving at all, this is a must have. Get this one because it is good up to 60m. Some don't go that deep.
You will need this since light and colors change underwater and these add back the color to your video.
One of the smallest, highest performing drones out there that shoots in 4K. It will fit in your carry-on easily. Get the Fly More Combo because of the extra batteries! Its worth it.
This is the best one for shooting high resolution video and photos - 64GB is plenty because your drone battery will run out before you even get close to all the memory.
Easy way to transfer files to your computer from your camera, GoPro and drone. From any SD Card.
If you use your mobile phone often to shoot video, this video stabilizer is really slick.
Make sure you have enough pages for where you are traveling and make sure it doesn't expire within six months of you returning.
You will want this on long haul flights but you won't want to lug it around after you get there so get something inflatable.
Make sure you have a couple of these for when you need to lock your bag up in a locker; a code is better than a key so you don't lose the key.
Very handy if staying in a shared space with no locker
Many situations you will need to block out light.
You will need these if you are a light sleeper like I am. Noise is everywhere when you travel. I have tried many earplugs and these work best
You will need a pen when filling out customs forms at airports
You will most certainly take money out of an ATM - this is one of the few cards that reimburses you for all ATM fees globally which will save you a lot of money.
Make sure you take a card that does not have foregin transaction fees
This is very helpful when shopping for groceries so you don't have to use plastic bags (environmentally friendly).
You most likely will stay in places with little to no light. Be sure to take this if you need a little light. These are very small.
BPA Free, can use for water bottle, use for protein mixes on the road
Doesn't take up too much space, lightweight, safer than other resistance bands (personal workout routine and videos coming soon)