Essential Items to Pack When Traveling the World
Are you preparing for a trip around the world? I was completely overwhelmed at first. How on earth do you decide what to take? Do you take a backpack or suitcase? I asked for recommendations on my stories, read a tonne of blogs and watched some YouTube videos . Here is a list of essential items that you should consider bring with you on your travels. This is my checklist with links to specific items bought.
Backpack or suitcase?
The age old argument. Well, it depends on a few things. Backpacks are more suitable for going to remote areas without paved roads, and you'll have to physically be able to carry heavy loads. Wheeled suitcases save you from carrying heavy items and save your back. After much research and deliberation, I decided to go with a suitcase. I envisage 98% of places I'll be visiting will have paved roads, so I would rather roll all my possessions in a suitcase rather than carrying it on my back.
What to pack when you're travelling the world
Clothing
Packing cubes are an absolute game changer. It saves a lot of room in your suitcase and keeps things organised! You can also buy packing bags for backpacks. If you've never had packing cubes... get some.
Clothing - 10 days worth that can be mixed and matched, that are comfortable and breatheable. Less is more! Consider clothes that will keep you covered from sunburn.
10 pairs of underpants
A few light layers for variable weather conditions
Swimsuits
A hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
A rain jacket or umbrella
Shoes
Trainers
Sandals - I wanted comfortable Birkenstocks, consider getting the waterproof version (I ended up getting both)
Flipflops - I ordered podiatrist designed ergonomic ones that are less likely to break because they are made from one mould (so the straps won't tear off).
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant - I use a roll on as they last longer and take less space
Lip balm
Razor and/or other personal grooming items
Soap
Shampoo and conditioner bars - it's more concentrated and lighter than liquid versions, smaller, and more environmentally friendly. The one I bought linked:
Body Sunscreen - make sure you get UVA and UVB protection. I use Altruist, dermatologist approved!
Face Sunscreen - these are less likely to cause breakouts
Travel documents
Passport and document holder - for all your travel documents
Passport
Visa (if required for your destination)
Travel insurance documents
Any necessary vaccination records (e.g. Yellow Fever)
Electronics
Phone and charger
Laptop and charger
Headphones / earphones - I am actually taking 2 pairs, one as a backup. I've been caught out before where one of my earphones bounced off my ears and onto some train tracks. Headphones at the airport were ££££ expensive.
Camera, spare batteries and charger
An Electronic bag organiser - life saver! All cables, batteries, etc. go in here.
A universal travel adapter with fast charging capabilities
A Hard Drive
Tripod - I decided to buy a smaller, more lightweight tripod than my usual, weighing in at 420g (my usual one is 1.4kg)
A power bank for all your devices - mine (below) has built in cables which means you don't have to pack cables in your bag when you go.
A small medical/sanitary bag
Painkillers - they are often expensive abroad so I have stocked up with loads as they're about 35p in England.
Bandages & Plasters
Any feminine / sanitary products
Alcohol hand wipes
Disinfectant
Hayfever tablets
Motion sickness tablets
Tummy upset medication - consider diarrhoea and constipation medication, I use charcoal tablets
Miscellaneous items to pack!
Back up cash and cards - I have a spare purse for back up cards, in case we lose ours/it gets stolen.
Air tags/GPS tracker for your luggage
Zip lock bags
A backpack / waterproof bag / tote bag
A water bottle
A travel pillow and/or blanket (for added comfort on long flights or bus rides)
Portable cutlery - you will often find you need this when you are on a 14h bus or somewhere remote.
Supplements - from my nutrition degree, I learnt how many supplements are marketed as beneficial, but often don't have any scientific data to support this, and sometimes, are the opposite and are actually harmful. However, there are several that I take, such as iron (important for women/people who menstruate) and probiotics. Probiotics helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Bum bags - now I kinda hate these, but I've been told that this is one way to keep your valuables super safe as they never leave your body.
That's all the essentials. Everything else you can buy when you're out and about! I hope this list of essential items helps you pack for your worldwide travel, safe travels!
