I present to you, my ultimate traveling light packing list for long term adventures!
This list is one I have edited, added and subtracted to after a decade of traveling & living out of a backpack in different countries in the world, going on trips from 2-4 months at a time, as a solo (most of the time), female traveler.
Of course, tailor this list in a way that works for you, for where you are going, the length of time, and your personal needs. May it serve as inspiration, some things that are essential for me, may not be for you.
I am a woman, so of course you can tailor the clothing section more to your liking if you are a man, or one who does not wear skirts and dresses. I tend to travel to warmer environments (I live in the Peruvian Amazon 3-4 months a year annually), so I focus on bringing clothing items that I can layer, because when I do go to the mountains where it is more chilly, I like to be able to stay warm but without having to bring multiple layers that take up space in my bag. If you are ever in a bind, you can always purchase an extra warm layer if need be.
When it comes to clothing when traveling, packing LIGHT & LAYERING is key!
Choose items that you can layer, and mix and match to make a variety of outfits.
Pack light. If you mix and match, and have dark colored bottoms that won't show dirt, you will go far, especially if you are doing laundry once a week.
The outline of this post:
Packing List
Brands I love
Packing Tips
Laundry
Travel Bags
Travel Tips
Safety Tips
Pet Travel
Travel Essentials
Passport / ID
Cash / wallet
Debit & credit cards
Specific country entry documents/visa
Coin pouch
*Call your bank to give them a travel notice so your cards don't get blocked!
Packing/Bags
-Travel backpack/ suitcase
>rainfly, trash bag or bag cover for weather protection
-Day pack/Tote/Purse
-Compressible shopping bag (great for groceries and market visits)
-Packing cubes
-Small pouches for miscellaneous items
-TSA locks to lock your bags
Toiletries
-Shampoo & conditioner bar
>(I like Hibar, they last 4+ months & are environmentally friendly, and I use a silicon Stash bag to carry them in)
-Soap
-Toothbrush & toothpaste
-Deoderant
-Floss
-Face wash & moisturizer
-Face mask
-Nail clippers
-Tweezers
-Hair brush
-Moon time supplies
-Cosmetics
Health
-Herbal wound salve
-Wound wash/saline
-Bandaids
-Condoms (many countries you will not find natural ones that are chemical free)
-Probiotics, saccharomyces boulardii; helps keep your gut in check and is especially helpful for travelers diarrhea and upset stomach
-Colloidal silver (natural antibiotic)
-Activated charcoal
-Parasite medicine
-Essential oil first aid kit
-Enema bag & green coffee
*life saver for stomach issues, travel bugs, cleansing, etc.
-Healthy clay blue clay
Further options/suggestions:
Parasite Protection
Grapefruit extract
Parasite herbal tincture
Turpentine or MMS, or CDS
Essential Oil First Aid Kit (suggestions)
*Put in tiny bottles in a little pouch
Peppermint- headaches
Eucalyptus- respiratory
Lavender- relaxation, nervous system, burns
Thyme Red Hot or Ginger- upset stomach
Helichrysum: wounds, cuts, bug bites
Frankincence: antibacterial, smells soothing
Rose: love frequency, heart medicine
Vetiver or Patchouli: bug repellent, earth, grounding
Douglas Fir: flu, colds, headaches, immune boost, grounding
Mugwort: my personal beloved, dreamtime, relaxant, respiratory, mystical
Supplements:
B12
Shilajit
Spirulina
Magnesium
Vitamin C
*I generally prefer the natural route, but the three pharmaceutical items I would bring as a last resort would be:
neosporin, pepto bismol, and advil
Electronics
-Phone & charger
-Kindle & charger
-Ipad/computer & charger (only for long trips/if you work online)
-Battery pack
-Earbuds & corded headphones
-Headlamp & battery
-Travel adaptor for your electronics depending on what country you go to!
Extras
-Water bottle
>I use a Larq bottle that filters the water and kills potential microbes in the water with UV
-Travel towel
-Ear plugs
-Eye mask
-Sewing needle and thread
-Lighters
-Journal and pen
Clothes
Undies
>(I use really light undies and bring enough for two weeks in case I can't do laundry (8-14 pairs)
4 Socks (3 casual, one wool)
2 bras, one casual one more sporty
2 crop tops
2 tank tops
2-3 long sleeve shirts/blouses
1 pair leggings
1 pair flowy pants
2 pairs shorts
1 maxi skirt
1 mini skirt
1 sundress
1 sweater/sweatshirt
1 poncho
Raincoat
Swimsuit
Hat and beanie
Sunglasses
Sandals
Walking/hiking/day shoes
*All my clothes are mostly cotton/bamboo fabric, breathable, & flowy, easy to roll up, and I choose darker colored bottoms so they don't show dirt and I can wear them longer without having to wash them right away
*I choose color schemes that go together so with limited clothing I can mix and match to multiple outfits
Optional Items: Ideas/ depends on your journey
Sunscreen
Natural bugspray
Resistance bands (for workouts)
Laundry sheets
Caribiner clip
Alternate beverage container: such as a shaker bottle & shaker ball or coffee mug
Dr. Bronner's soap
Extra notebook (for studying languages!)
Knife
Turkish Towel (bathing, blanket, scarf; fulfills multiple needs)
Travel Hammock
Camping gear: (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, travel pillow)
Headlamp/ flashlight
Laundry bag / dirty clothes bag
Neck pillow for long flights (compressible, you are not going to want to carry that big thing around off the airplane)
Compact fold up duffel bag for more than your bag can carry on your way home
Camera
Camera tripod
Airplane relaxant: ganja candy, CBD, herbal relaxer, etc.
__________
Personal essential things I bring that make me happy
-Instrument (ukelele, drumsticks, shaker, rattle)
-Squishmallow
-Tobacco
-Incense sticks
-Infrared face mask
-Enema bag and green coffee
-Sacred items for my medicine work
-Jewelry (a few pieces to dress up my outfits)
-EMF pendent or disc (air travel, or places where I am sleeping and can't turn off wifi)
-Cacao & tea
-Birdie safety alarm
Brands I Love
Hibar Hibar shampoo and conditioner bar (does not fall apart/melt in heat like many other brands & lasts months)
Laundry sheets Tru earth detergent sheets
Wisdom of the Earth essential oils: best quality oils ever
Larq water bottle: Has regular filter and UV microbe filter
Sustainable clothing brands:
Earth Runners Sandals: everyday use, hiking, look good with all outfits- LOVE
Birkenstocks: waterproof birks are under $40 and are amazing for jungle/wet environments
Studio K Yoga Wear great soft comfortable basics for women
Indigoluna sustainable sweaters and flowy clothes for women
Backpacks & Gear
Tropicfeel LOVE
REI Outdoor Gear (join the REI coop, then you can return & exchange items with ease)
Ross Store Locator (budget friendly and durable travel bags)
Aloha splashproof bags and pouches
Supplements
Shilajit: Energizing, high in minerals, antioxidants, and fulvic acid, my friend turned me onto this brand and I like it as a tincture because it is more work to make the resin out of tea
Purium: has spirulina capsules and power shake, a mix of greens and sprouted grains: the green shake really revived me in the jungle when I wasn't feel nourished
Blue Clay: This clay is remarkable, not only does it remove impurities and detox the body, it is a great face mask, body soak, sucks the itchy toxins out of bug bites, and if you have had a drink and don't want to feel terrible in the morning, drinking some clay before bed works wonders. Great medicinal tool for your kit.
Cymbiotika: Great supplements, I love the Liposomal Vitamin C, although they are a bit pricey
___________
Tips:
I know this list is extensive, pick and choose what is most valuable and realistic to YOU, and where you are going.
Packing Tips
When I pack, I lay everything I want to bring out on the ground first. Then I organize into two piles, the "essentials" pile, and the "on the fence pile."
(Yes you can eliminate some of those clothes. If you aim to do laundry once per week, you do not need much, you will rewear things. I promise you the lighter you pack, the happier you will be, and then you have space to acquire things.)
Once eliminated, organize things into pouches and packing cubes & roll your clothes. I keep all shirts together, bottoms together, electronics, etc.
Make a packing list so you don't forget anything!
-Pack light and be realistic
ex: I only bring my iPad when I am gone for months at a time for work purposes, if I am going on a short trip overseas I probably won't be using it much and it is just extra weight in my bag
-Packing cubes & small bags for organizing:
Help to organize your clothes, preserve space in your bag, and then you know where everything is
-Roll your clothes to maximize packing space!
-Buy new toiletries for the trip:
I tend to go on trips for 3-4 months at a time, so before leaving I buy a brand new soap/conditioner/deoderant/toothpaste etc. so it will last me the entirety/most of my trip; some countries do not have easy access to natural products, and then I don't worry about running out of my favorites
-Eco friendly & biodegradable toiletries:
Better for the environment (and your body) , especially if you are living in nature at any point
-As you are traveling, keep a list of the items you actually use and wear, so for in the future you can know exactly what you packed that was a necessity, and what you can leave out next time
-Ziplock bags:
For wet environments like the Amazon rainforest, "ziplock" bags are beneficial for putting iPad, clothing items, wet shoes, wet swimsuit in, and protecting other items that could potentially mold or be damaged from the moisture, you may even want a trash bag for all your clothes inside of your bag to help protect them as well; yes I know it is plastic but its better than dealing with moldy things- you can get compostable ones also
-If you read, I recommend a kindle, carrying around books is heavy and takes up space, with a kindle you can have 20 books all in one place
-Remember you can not bring knives or liquids over 3 oz in your carry on bag, so you will need to check a bag
-I prefer to use a small backpack for day use when traveling so I can carry my water bottle and also have space to carry warm layers, or anything I buy- my purse isn't functional in this way so I leave it at home
-Charge chords
Bring one type of each charge chord that all have USB on one side that will plug into one electrical plug ex: one iPhone, 1 kindle, one worldwide (these all have different plug ins)
Laundry Tips
In many countries it is custom to drop your laundry off to a laundry shop and pick it up clean and folded later.
Laundromats where you can wash your own laundry are not always an option or existent. Sometimes you may find a washer in an airbnb.
The point is, if you have white clothes that you really love, there is always the risk that they come back stained or discolored. I am not saying don't bring white, but you may not want to bring your most favorite clothes that could be damaged by someone else doing your laundry, and also risk not receiving some items back because they got lost in the laundry sauce.
Do take a photograph, write a list, or take a mental photo of what you send to the laundry so you make sure you aren't missing anything when you get it back.
Do go through your laundry when you get "home" to make sure everything was returned to you in case you need to go back.
I bring my own laundry sheets because they don't take up space. Sometimes I will wash undies or a shirt in a bucket if I am somewhere rural, or I want to protect my one prized white linen shirt.
Travel Bag Tips
In my 10+ years of traveling I have gone through two Osprey packs (60L), they have served me well and are quite durable, and if a part breaks they are great at repairing it. Now that I am in my 30's, I prefer to not carry everything I bring on my back. So I switched to a rolling suitcase with backpack straps and a small backpack by Tropic Feel and it was an amazing investment that balanced the weight of my stuff and I no longer had to wear my gigantic backpack around the airport.
These are great options if you plan on hopping to different countries or many destinations within a country.
If I am going somewhere that I will be staying for a longer period of time, (that isn't extremely rural like the Amazon jungle) I would go for a medium hard rolling suitcase, and perhaps take a little more than I normally would.
If you are going to go the backpack route, I highly suggest going to REI or a camping store and getting your pack fitted for your body rather than ordering online. My last Osprey pack, the adult women's pack didn't fit my torso, so I actually bought a child's pack! It held the same amount, cost less, and fit me the best. There is nothing worse than carrying a pack that doesn't adjust to your body and starts to cause you pain, because even if you pack light, by the time you return home months later your bag will most likely be full, and more heavy.
There was a trip I took on a whim one year and I didn't have my pack with me, so I went to Ross and bought a large backpack and a small duffle for under $50.00 total. To this day I still use and love those bags, they are super durable for the cost!
You don't have to have super expensive bags to voyage with ease, but if you are like me and you travel often and live months overseas, luggage is a worthwhile investment.
The reason I often opt against rolling bags & suitcases is because I tend to go places where I am trekking through nature's terrain at some point in time, for example, the Amazon rainforest, or mountain trekking. If you don't plan to be out in nature or anywhere off the beaten path, by all means, go for the suitcase!
Safety Tips
I pray to great spirit, my ancestors, angels and spirit squad before embarking on trips to keep me safe, I thank them when I arrive and I ask to be continuously supported, protected and guided on my journey, and I also make an offering the the land introducing myself to the spirits there and thanking them for having me. This alone, the power of prayer and intention, has always kept me safe.
Do be smart, and don't live in fear. Yes, anything can happen at anytime, but if you operate in a state of fear and worry then you only attract that further to yourself. Have confidence!
Travel consciously, prayerfully, be observant and
make smart choices:
Common Sense: Don't wander through sketchy areas and roads alone at night, or even in the day. Don't get drunk and do drugs and lose your coherence, especially with people who you may not know so well.
Confidence! Even if you are in a situation that makes you feel uneasy, try your best to appear like you know where you are and what you are doing.
Be aware of who you meet and if you feel safe with them or not, listen to your intuition.
Keep your money and cards separate, some on your person, and some in your bag where you are staying, that way if something happens you have backup. Keep your valuables secure.
Lock up or hide your passport somewhere safe.
Download the google translate app and save english and the language of the country you are in offline, so if you are ever in a bind you can communicate.
If you are going somewhere and may lose phone service, screenshot the map and address, and contact of where you are going.
Have a protective mechanism such as a whistle, knife, mini pepper spray, emergency phone app, or birdie safety alarm with you for peace of mind.
Tell someone where you are going
If you are traveling alone, you can always say you are going to meet a friend, or suddenly you have an invisible boyfriend, husband or wife you need to get into touch with. If you feel uncomfortable out and about, go somewhere with a lot of people.
You may want to invest in travel insurance to cover you if you get ill, have an accident, or have valuables stolen.
Research where you are going. Learn ahead of time about the areas that are more safe and the areas in which you may want to avoid.
You may want copies of your important documents, just in case.
When in busy areas such as a market, wear your backpack in front of you so you can be assure nobody is taking anything from it. A crossbody bag is a great option.
Be aware of local tourist scams
Respect the local culture. Learn their customs and attire. Learn some of the local language.
Travel Tips
Make sure your passport is up to date and check to see what the visa requirements are. Some countries even require you to have a flight out of the country to let you in.
*ProTip: if your country requires an exit flight in order to enter it (and you don't want to have an exit flight), buy a random cheap flight within 24 hours of going through customs (or at your point of origin) so that you can cancel it free of charge upon arrival
Be aware that flying from one country to another may have specific & different requirements (ex: I have flown to Costa Rica from Mexico and had no problem getting there, and when I tried to fly to Costa Rica another time coming from Peru, they would not let me on the plane because I did not have a yellow fever vax, and then I had to change all my plans)
Buy a one way ticket (unless you have set deadlines, or you are not planning to leave at a time of year where airline prices are abnormally high). If you are going with the flow, you will appreciate being able to go where your heart guides you next in the part of the world you are in. Sometimes just having another week past when you intended to leave can make a world of a difference in your experience.
Booking.com is great for booking hotels or hostels, ahead of time and usually has better deals online
Airbnb can help you find unique experiences or meet local people
Kayak is what I love to use for booking flights, I find the flight that suits me and then I buy it directly from the airlines website in case I ever need to change it or cancel it; it is much more difficult booking through third party travel sites.
Book your first travel destination arrival place at home before you fly. Book your place to stay and figure out how you will get there so when you land you can ground, shower off the airplane residue, rest and rejuvenate yourself. You will feel more at ease having a launchpad to go forth from.
Research where you are going, have an inner-standing of the local customs, attire, language, ways of life.
Learn about the local transportation system and how to navigate it
Learn some language basics! Locals usually respect you more for speaking to them (or at least trying) to communicate in their native language. Download google translate app and save your languages so they work offline. Use Duolingo and other language apps to acquire some skills before you go.
Do chat with other travelers and locals, they will often know some amazing places to visit, places to eat, or experiences they recommend you may not have found otherwise. Ask for help if you need it.
Go with the flow & don't over plan! Let spirit guide you on a journey, look for synchronicities, listen to your heart and body about what type of places and experiences you are drawn too. You may hear of 5 different hikes but one of them sparks within you a special feeling, follow that. You never know who you might meet, what you may discover, or what one thing may lead you to next. If you have a daily itinerary you may miss out on this type of travel magic.
Go to local events, eat at local restaurants, engage with local people! Immersing yourself in the culture you are visiting is the best way to have the most enriching experience, and make everlasting memories. Take a cooking class, study the language or stay with a local family, see live music, go dancing, look at flyers for events in town.
Travel with a book or journal and read or write in coffee shops instead of wasting time on social media. You are more approachable this way, also.
Do not fear traveling solo. Traveling solo allows you to wake up each day and do exactly what you want to do, on your own terms, on your own time. It could be isolating, or it could be an epic friendly adventure, it is what you choose. Stay in a hostel to meet more people, go to events and coffee shops and engage. Make the effort and get out of your comfort zone. Or if you actually want a very solo journey and that is what is nourishing for you, so be it. I have met people in the most interesting ways, the people we are meant to connect with are going to dance into our lives as long as we stay open hearted and open minded while journeying.
Write down the types of experiences you want to have on your travel. What are your intentions, desires, fantasies? Making these known to yourself and the universe can be helpful for some serious magic to unfold.
Expectations are the root of pain. Again, stay open minded. Things may not go the way you want or the way you plan. Instead of getting your panties in a bundle, perhaps see it as you were meant to have a different experience, and what is your plan B. (If you want to experience this lesson, travel to India, where everything is on Indian time 100% of the time and you will probably miss the majority of travels you planned and end up somewhere else you did not expect but have a wild experience that gives you stories for the rest of your life.)
Have healthy boundaries with yourself and others.
Self care is key! Love your body, love your mind. If you feel good, anything that happens is much more easy to manage. Book a spa treatment or a massage, see a local healer.
Have daily grounding rituals for yourself: walks, meditation, journal time, morning elixir, yoga, etc. When you are somewhere on the go, it is important to have ways to ground your energy and tune in with yourself. Especially if you are traveling with others or around a lot of people, take time for you to self-regulate.
Feel your feelings and have gratitude. Sometimes there can be challenges traveling, homesickness, tiring situations, broken hearts, airline chaos, etc. Let yourself cry, be frustrated etc. and then remember what you are grateful for and tend to your needs.
Let yourself play. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone. Have an open mind and an open heart. Have boundaries. Stay healthy. Let things go. Forgive. Take deep breaths. Take chances. Be open to change. Traveling is the absolute best way to learn about yourself, and to learn about life, because it makes you aware of the way you are by experiencing things you are not accustomed too. Have fun.
Pet Travel
Health certificate for flight, usually 5-10 days before flying from your vet
Rabies certificate
Vaccination documents
Carrier that fits under the seat
Pet food, treats
Collapsable water/food bowl
Leash and collar, ID tag
Pet relaxation medication / CBD
Toys
-Check to see if the country you are flying to has specific country entry documents & vaccination requirements. You can usually find this information on the government website of the country you are going to.
-If you are flying to another country from the USA, give yourself at least a month to prepare to take your pet. You usually need an export form from USDA/APHIS, that is specific to the destination you are going to.
Depending on what state you live in, you may be able to visit an APHIS office directly and bring your vets health information to get the document. If you don't have an office in your state, you will need your vet to send your paperwork in for you. Then you will either get an electronic copy of the export from, or you will need a signed and sealed in ink copy of the export form mailed to you. Some countries accept the electronic version, others need the notarized version. If you need the notarized version, you must give yourself 2-4 weeks in advance to get this sent in so it gets sent back to you on time, and make sure your vet pays the fee for the documents to be returned to you.
*Even if your vet is familiar with this process, it is always a good idea to do your own research and tell them ahead of time exactly what your pet requires for the specific country you are going to
-Almost every airline requires you call ahead to reserve your pet on your flight, and they usually have a pet fee. Pets can usually fly in the cabin as long as they fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you.
If you are going to check your pet, look into this with your airline, my dog is small and has always flown in the cabin with me.
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