Packing for longer than a week can be stressful at times-What do I bring!? How much of each thing do I need!? What if I forget this!?
It gets easier the more trips I go on, but I definitely felt stressed the first few times I packed for my longer trips. I have learned from my mistakes (throwing random things in a backpack the night before my flight) so now I always do a “trial pack”. I pack what I think I will need and write everything down that I have in my bag, I weigh it and then walk through what I will be doing on my trip and vision myself wearing each thing, then I’ll keep what I really need and do a final pack.
Sounds crazy, but it helps you see what you need or not and makes it less stressful, so you don’t have to think am I forgetting something!? Keep in mind this is for a backpacker so if you have a roller suitcase and won’t have to carry your own luggage everywhere mine as well pack enough outfits for 3 weeks!
The Biggies
Everything else if you forget, whatever, you can buy it but you want to makes sure you don’t forget these
Passport/Passport case/small passport pictures
Visa requirements (letter)
Make sure your passport is at least 6 months out from expiration
Headphones
Small Backpack for day trips/hikes (your carryon)
Underwear/socks extra set of clothes for a day just in case your bag is delayed
Sleeping pill if have a long flight and you are into that
Book for the plane ride/layovers
Wallet
Water Bottle
Call bank before leaving let them know you are leaving the country so they don’t flag your card when you try to use it
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deoderant
Phone charger
Extra Battery Charger for phone
Sunglasses
Watch
Computer (maybe) (train rides, boring hostels)
My first few trips I never ever thought about bringing a computer. I don’t use it a ton now, but when you are on a longer trip sometimes you just need a night to relax and watch a movie or scroll through Tumblr.
IF YOU DECIDE TO BRING IT, DOWNLOAD MUSIC AND MOVIES BEFORE. SOME WIFIS ARE SLOW OR THERE ARE RESTRICTIONS FOR WEBSITES IN OTHER COUNTRIES!
Tennis Shoes
Pen and Journal
TP or Wipes just incase you run into a shit bathroom somewhere
Clothes
Enough underwear bras and socks for 10 days
You never know when you are going to find a laundromat or hotel that provides laundry
Outfits enough for 7-10 outfits then wash if needed.
T-Shirts/Tanktops
Shorts
Towel
Bathing Suit
Yoga/workout pants/leggings more than any other type of pants
Sweatshirt
Rain jacket
Nice outfit for special occasion
One pair of jeans
One pair of comfy pajama pants
Shoes
Chacos or something similar
Hiking boots(wear on plane to save weight in bag)
Flannel
Toiletries
Hair Ties
Face wash/lotion/mini shampoo/conditioner/soap
Small hairbrush
Bug Spray/Sun Tan Lotion
I used to buy this on my trips but found it is more expensive in a lot of other countries now I order travel size and bring it with me.
Other Stuff
Carabiner to attach water bottle to bag
Head Lamp
Waterproof Phone Case
Waterproof bag for backpack
Travel towel
Small speakers
Filter straw
Umbrella
Wash cloth
Deck of cards
Journal to write down favorite places
Mole Skin Blister Care by Lifeline if hiking
Student ID if you still have it (lots of places offer student discounts )
Plastic bags for dirty clothes
Travel pillow for plane/train rides
