Ultimate Long Term Travel Packing List

HomeUltimate Long Term Travel Packing List

Ultimate Long Term Travel Packing List

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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3 dry fit shirts

I find that having several will allow you to rotate them in many different situations: travel, hiking, working out, casual.

1 tank top

If you are going to a warm destination, you will need at least one.

2 long sleep dry fit fleeces

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.

1 long sleep button down shirt

This is great to have in the event of a nice dinner or for going out to a nicer place or meeting.

2 nice t-shirts

I like to carry some nice tshirts to wear out to dinner or going out to a bar. I am a t-shirt guy.

1 hoodie

This is clutch in cooler climates when you are active. It is used in many different situations like just hanging out, traveling.

1 pair of hiking pants

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.

1 pair of 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.

1 pair of travel pants

I always bring a comfortable pair of pants like sweatpants to be able to move around in.

D-loop belt

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.

2 pair athletic shorts

I love athletic gear. So I am usually wearing a pair of athletic shorts and I also sleep in one in shared spaces.

1 bathing suit

Yes, a bathing suit is a must. I love color and this one works very well.

4 pair long socks

Four pair is adequate for all situations.

2 pair short socks

For warmer situations, these are needed.

6 pair mesh underwear

I prefer box cut mesh ISO chill underwear. These are perfect for all situations and keeps you cool.

Athletic shoes

I bring a pair of nice athletic shoes to walk around in and workout in.

Trail running/hiking shoes

If you are doing any type of hiking or outdoor activity, you will need some shoes for the occasion.

Casual shoes

I bring a pair of casual shoes to wear out to restaurants and bars (look more formal than athletic shoes).

Flip flops

You should always protect your feet from community showers and these are good for warmer situations.

Special insoles

Depending on your feet (I have a high arch so need extra support), buy some good insoles

Light waterproof jacket

This is needed in cooler, damp situations. Get something that can be rolled up to pack well

Dry fit hat

Protect your head from the hot rays (and good if you don't want to do your hair one day).

Sunglasses

A must for any sunny situation; Costa is an amazing brand!

Sunscreen

Bring a small bottle before you go - sunscreen is very expensive in tourist areas.

Insect Repellent

Deet-free insect repellent. If you are traveling any place where it is warm and/or damp, you will need this.

Deodorant

Bring your own deoderant with you, especially if you have a kind that you like.

Hair product

Be sure to bring all of your hair products with you.

Face lotion

I like a special kind of face lotion so bring your own small version if that is you also.

Shaving cream

Bring your special kind of shave cream.

Razors (extra)

Depending how long you are away, bring plenty of extra razors since your favorite may be hard to find on the road.

Toothbrush

One toothbrush is enough and you can always buy another toothbrush during your travels.

Toothpaste

Bring a medium sized tube of your favorite toothpaste. But you can always buy toothpaste during your travels.

Dental Floss

I care about my teeth so I bring dental floss along with me.

Lip balm

There were always moments that I needed lip balm.

Ziplock bags

You will need extra bags along the way (just bring 5-10). I like the larger freezer bags because they are sturdier.

Comb and/or hairbrush

My hair is longer and curly so I need a brush to help style on days I don't wear a hat.

Nail clippers

Your nails will certainly grow so bring clippers along.

Toiletry bag

This bag has held up nicely for the past 13 months and holds everything I need including my beard trimmer.

Shampoo / soap

Some hostels do not provide this so it is good to have on hand

Travel beard trimmer

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.

Pain reliever

Always needed - just bring some in a ziplock bag. No need to bring the entire bottle unless you find a travel size.

Cold medication

You never know! Just bring 8-10 gels with you

Antacid (tums)

Yes, this is needed if traveling to any country where the food could upset your stomach.

Pedialyte

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.

Sea sickness medication (bands)

Just in case you spend any time on a boat. Talk with your doctor or for lighter excursions, these reuseable bands helped me.

Digestive relief

Yes, this is needed if traveling to any country where the food could upset your stomach

Baby wipes

Get a small, flat pack and put in a zip lock bag.

Hand sanitizer

A small bottle comes in handy when you don't have a way to wash your hands.

Vitamins (Vitamin C, Lysine, any others you take)

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)

Smart Phone

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.

Cordless headphones

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

Portable power backup

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

Extra long USB cable

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

Universal Power Adaptor

This is all you will need in any country. Make sure you buy the version with USB ports.

Extra USB cord

Just bring the one you use at home as an extra one since you will need it for something

Laptop

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.

Laptop Case

Make sure you get a waterproof case to protect your laptop while you travel

External Harddrive

Carry an external harddrive for your computer backup or for general storing if your laptop doesn't have a lot of storage

Small USB Flash Drive

You will inevitably need a flash drive to transfer files during your travels. Just bring a small one.

Portable, waterproof speaker

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!

Car Phone Charger

Most modern cars come with USB ports, but if you are renting cars you still might get one with the old fashion cigarette lighter.

Osprey 80L Backpack

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.

PacSafe Rollerbag

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.

Rain Cover

If you are going to be outside much with your backpack, a cover is a must have.

Packing cubes

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!

Day backpack

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!

Extra lightweight backpack

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.

Quick Dry Towel

I have used this frequently, especially if you stay in hostels. Quick dry is the key.

LED Flashlight

This is great to have in many situations, especially camping or walking a night.

Mask and snorkel

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.

Dry Bag

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.

Multi-tool pocket knife

Trust me, you will need something on this when you travel. I have used it every trip (bottle opener)

Small, but powerful camera

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.

Camera Strap

One of the best camera straps I have ever owned.

Camera Case

I am opting for small and compact so it doesn't take up much room. This case works great to protect my camera.

Camera Battery Charger

Unfortunately you have to buy the camera battery charger separately.

Adjustable Tripod

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

Camera Cleaning Kit

You will want something to clean your camera and electronics, but you only really need a microfiber cloth and some cleaning spray

GoPro Hero 7

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.

GoPro Arm and Tripod

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.

GoPro Floating Hand Grip

If you are going to use your GoPro over any type of water, this is a must have.

GoPro Deep Dive Housing

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.

Scuba Dive Color Filters

You will need this since light and colors change underwater and these add back the color to your video.

Mavic Air Drone

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.

Extra SD Cards (High performance)

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.

SD Card USB Adaptor

Easy way to transfer files to your computer from your camera, GoPro and drone. From any SD Card.

Handheld smartphone gimbal

If you use your mobile phone often to shoot video, this video stabilizer is really slick.

Passport

Make sure you have enough pages for where you are traveling and make sure it doesn't expire within six months of you returning.

Inflatable Neck Pillow

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.

Luggage Locks

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.

Luggage Cable & Lock

Very handy if staying in a shared space with no locker

Eye Mask

Many situations you will need to block out light.

Ear plugs

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

Pen

You will need a pen when filling out customs forms at airports

Charles Schwab Debit Card

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.

Citi ThankYou Premier Card

Make sure you take a card that does not have foregin transaction fees

Reusable Shopping Bag

This is very helpful when shopping for groceries so you don't have to use plastic bags (environmentally friendly).

Night Light

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.

Blender Bottle

BPA Free, can use for water bottle, use for protein mixes on the road

Resistance Bands

Doesn't take up too much space, lightweight, safer than other resistance bands (personal workout routine and videos coming soon)

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