I travel light. Really light. I am not a full minimalist, but I did get a lot of shocked expressions at hostels, and I never had to worry about transportation because I had a reasonably sized backpack and a shoulder bag. On my trip in 2016 I used the Osprey Porter 46 Liter, which I would highly recommend. I have since been given the Osprey Porter 30 Liter and I am looking forward to using it on my next trips.
Firstly on the backpack versus luggage debate– there is no reason to have luggage with wheels unless you honestly can’t carry a backpack reliably. Backpacks are just so much more portable, useful, often less conspicuous, and just all around the smarter choice. I don’t believe that one needs a fancy hiking pack, they are of course great, but the fact that they are top-loading can be irritating, and they certainly stick out more. Any backpack that is fairly light and is comfortably supportive will do the job very well.
The needs of each trip define what you bring, different climates and activities require different supplies.
I like to separate my packing list into categories as follows. This list is based on a good weather, city based trip. In colder climates, more layers would be needed, or more athletic clothes on an outdoorsy trip.
Technology choices are also very personal and need to align with the needs of one’s trip and travel style. I used to travel with a full laptop, but now I travel with a tablet instead. All things have plusses and minuses.
Clothes…Technology…Toiletries…Daily Use…Documents…Other
Clothes:
- 4 short sleeve t-shirts/ tops, 1 for exercise
- 1 long sleeve t-shirt
- 1 cardigan/ sweater
- 1 pair lightweight jeans/ leggings
- 1 pair athletic pants
- 1 skirt
- 1 dress
- 1 pair athletic shorts
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 3 bras, 1 is a sports bra
- 5 pairs of socks, at least one for running/ outdoors
- flip flops that work as shower shoes
- running shoes
- optional– second, nicer pair of walking flats for daily/occasion use
- optional– swimsuit
- Large scarf/ pashmina (also can be used as a wrap/ cover up)
- a few pairs of lightweight earrings
- a belt
Technology:
- iPad pro (I use this as my main computer, notepad, eReader, and sketchbook) and charger
- Smartphone and charger
- Back up battery for smart phone
- Needed converters/ adaptors
- Earbuds
- optional– camera, charger and back up battery
- Extra SD cards for photos
Toiletries:
- Shampoo bar, also used as soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Nail clipper, file, and tweezers
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Small solid perfume
- 3 doses each of pain reliever, allergy reliever, and cold medicine
- Small sewing kit
- Comb and bobby pins, hair ties or clips
- Neosporin and band aids
- Vaseline
- Period management
Daily Use:
- Super lightweight travel towel
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Water bottle
- Bra sash (a little pocket that attached to my bra, any money hiding system will do)
- Spoon (The best eating utensil in my opinion)
Documents:
- Passport
- Credit Cards/ Debit cards
- Student I.D. (if applicable)
- Emergency Contact information
- All these documents, including birth certificate and S.S. card scanned and stored digitally
Other:
- Lock
- Rain protection
- A small journal, pen and pencil
Expect pictures and more detailed packing posts to follow!