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Additionally, I encourage you to check your local thrift stores, Buy Nothing groups and with friends/family for most items before purchasing something new, even through one of these links. It will be better for your wallet and the planet! The exceptions are underwear and shoes. I recommend buying quality walking and hiking shoes and breaking them in so they mold better to your feet.
The night before leaving on my around-the-world trip, a friend came over to say goodbye while I was packing. She looked at my small pile of folded clothes on the floor and was shocked.
“Really? That’s all your packing??” she asked.
I had another experience with a coworker at one of our last lunches together.
“So what are you packing for your trip?” she asked, then added, “do not tell me you’re just going to take a backpack.”
I assured her that I was, in fact, relying on my trusty method of just taking a backpack. The truth is, you actually do not need much in your around-the-world packing list. Yes, even if you’re traveling for a full year! It’s not as if you can take a year’s worth of clothing with you. And you are certainly going to be doing laundry.
It’s much better to have a few staples in your wardrobe that you can mix and match depending on mood and occasion. Then you can travel the world with just a 40L backpack as well.
Read my around the world packing list below!
Luggage
- 40L Backpack [I recommend Osprey. I use the Fairview backpack, and my husband uses Farpoint.]
- 20-25L Daypack [I recommend Osprey or REI.]
- 1x small compression packing cube [I recommend Eagle Creek.]
- 2x clear bags for toiletries and medication
- 2x carry-on compliant liquid containers
- Cross-body bag [I recommend Uniqlo or PacSafe]
Health & First Aid
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Antibiotics for stomach issues*
- Antibiotics for potential UTI**
- Imodium
- Emergen-C
- Antibacterial ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
- Bandaids [link]
- Thermometer
- Cranberry supplements
- Electrolytes [I recommend Nuun]
- Daytime allergy medicine without decongestant [I recommend Claritin]
- Any regular medications***
Also consider:
- Water purification tablets or filter
*You can ask your doctor to prescribe a more general antibiotic that can cover multiple symptoms, including traveler’s stomach.
**You can typically find antibiotics for UTIs in pharmacies around the world, but I like to have some with me just in case I end up contracting one in an area without easy access to them. If you’re prone to UTIs, you can ask your doctor to prescribe them just to be safe. UTIs can travel to your kidneys and put you into sepsis if not caught in enough time.
***If you take any regular over-the-counter medications, make sure to check with customs for each country you’re visiting to make sure you’re allowed to enter with them, or if you need a doctor’s note.
Beauty & Hygiene
- Reef-safe sunscreen [examples]
- Face moisturizer with SPF (I like Olay for normal skin)
- Night cream
- Low-percentage retinol (I like Cerave 0.3%)*
- Lip balm with sunscreen [link]
- Bug spray
- Shampoo** (100 ml bottle or shampoo bar)
- Body wash** (100 ml bottle)
- Razor
- Bikini razor
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Deodorant
- Menstrual products (I recommend a reusable disc)
- Beard trimmer
* When traveling full-time, I recommend a low-percentage retinol because you’re likely to get more sun exposure when traveling full-time. For me, a low-percentage retinol works well in my skin routine. While you should always use an SPF moisturizer and hat to protect your face from the sun, be aware retinol makes your face more sensitive to UV.
** I usually stay in Airbnbs, hotels and guesthouses that provide shampoo and bodywash, but I usually carry a bit of shampoo in case it’s not provided. If you’re staying primarily in hostels, you’ll likely need your own toiletries.
Electronics & Entertainment
- Laptop or tablet (I like Lenovo’s 2-in-1 for a lightweight option)
- Portable battery pack
- USB charging cables
- Kindle + library card
- Journal and pen
- Playing cards
Also consider:
- Travel-sized board games
- Sketchbook
Additional Equipment
- Water bottles (at least 1L/person) [I recommend Nalgene]
- Headlamps
- Knee brace
- Dry bag
My Clothing List (5’1” Woman)
- 11x pairs underwear
- 5x pairs socks
- 2x regular bras
- 1x sports bra
- 1x long johns
- 2x linen or silk pants
- 1x pair leggings
- 3x pair shorts
- 4x t-shirts
- 1x long-sleeved shirt
- 1x tank top
- 2x rompers
- 3x dresses
- 1x sweater
- 1x down jacket
- 1x everyday jacket
- 1x rain jacket
- 2x pair exercise leggings
- 2x pair exercise shorts
- 3x exercise tank tops/tee shirts
- 2x long-sleeved exercise shirts
- 2x swimsuit
- 1x nightgown
- 1x beanie
- 1x sun hat
- 1x baseball cap
- 1x pair liner gloves
- 1x lightweight scarf or Turkish towel
- 1x sarong
- 1x pair comfortable sandals [I recommend Keen]
- 1x pair sneakers
- 1x pair hiking shoes
- 1x pair flip flops
Other
- eSim: Airalo [You can use my code for a discount – JESSIC50007]
- VPN: NordVPN [You can use my referral link for 3 months free]
- Travel insurance: SafetyWing [Note – I have not actually had to submit a claim through them yet, but they came highly recommended. You can use my referral link for $20 off if you try them.]
What are your thoughts on my around the world packing list? Anything to add?
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