Whether you are planning to be gone for a few months or a few years, packing for an around-the-world trip can seem like an impossible task. You have to assume you will experience the extremes of weather and climate, and that you won't always have access to a laundromat or, particularly, a dryer. You'll encounter cultural and religious sites that have a more conservative dress code. And, if you're like most long-term world travelers, you'll be staying in budget accommodations and couchsurfing, which necessitates a few additional items.
I have read many articles in travel magazines and even on some blogger's websites that focus on stylish travel attire, with photos depicting fitted jeans, silky tops, cute purses and jewelry, and fashionable shoes. While that may be fine to pack for a week-long city break, I wouldn't bring a single one of these items on an around-the-world trip. Why? Because in the end, comfort, function and durability matter far more than scoring style points for the traveler slogging through the rain with their 30 lb pack. In general I carry loose-fitting, stain-resistant, machine-washable, quick-dry fabrics in neutral colors that can easily be layered for cooler weather. Only things that really serve a purpose make the cut, as well as items that cannot be easily purchased in some places overseas.
After more than 20 years of extensive travel, including visiting all 50 states and more than 70 countries, this is now my go-to packing list for trips of two months or longer. It is originally based on my around-the-world trip from August 2010 to May 2011 which encompassed 278 days in 22 countries on four continents. Of course, the list gets modified if I expect the weather to be pretty consistent throughout the trip and/or if I plan to do a certain activity that requires specific gear e.g. camping. Still, the goal is always to carry as little as possible.
A good test is to do a trial packing session at least one month before you plan to leave. Then carry your bag around during your regular day-to-day activities and be sure it fits properly (or rolls easily if you decide to go that route) and isn't too heavy. Ideally you should also wear the clothes you've packed, essentially living out of your bag for at least one, but preferably two weeks while you're still at home. You really are going to be wearing the same clothes over and over again so be sure you're happy with the fit and color options. I also recommend washing your clothes all together in one machine, then hanging them to dry on your portable clothes line. This is the most likely scenario during your travels and you want to be sure they dry quickly and don't wrinkle horribly. Finally, if your main pack weighs over 30 lbs then I suggest you start paring down. Do you really need that extra pair of [fill in the blank]?
This list leaves minimal to no room for anything extra. That means you cannot buy souvenirs unless you are willing to pay to ship them home immediately or unless it is something that is consumable, doesn't take up space (like jewelry or postage stamps), or can be worn 24/7 (like a tattoo!). Besides, the best souvenirs are your experiences, your photos, and your lifelong memories.
In the list below, I have included the exact items that I own in most cases. These are all well-tested by yours truly; my toiletry kit is more than 20 years old! Also note that no company or manufacturer paid me to feature their products in this list. I selected and purchased every item myself, after trying almost every brand that makes a comparable product. Ultimately the list contains the items that fit me the best, were available at a low to moderate price, and that have held up over years of extensive use. For that reason, some of the exact styles are no longer available; you can find similar items by searching on each company's website or by entering key words on Amazon.
Documents
passport (valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates)
drivers license
international drivers license (if necessary)
debit card - I have a Charles Schwab no fee checking account that I only use for travel; all ATM fees are reimbursed
credit card (2) - I carry the Capital One Quicksilver World Mastercard and Barclaycard Arrival World Mastercard; both have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and accumulate cash back or travel-related credits
cash - $100 U.S. dollars in small bills
plane tickets, train passes, etc. - anything that requires you to print it as opposed to showing it on your mobile device
immunization record
maps & guidebooks - I recommend using digital versions or taking photos of the pages you want to reference later
pen / highlighter / small notepad
personalized business cards
Accessories/Gear
REI Women's Grand Tour 4050 cubic inch backpack or 20"Samsonite Aspire Xlite Spinner suitcase
daypack - my REI Women's Grand Tour backpack came with a detachable daypack; alternately I carry an Eddie Bauer Connect Tech purse
Pacsafe Coversafe X100 waist wallet
Eastern Mountain Sports trifold snap wallet
small zippered coin purse - I have different ones I have purchased at artisan markets around the world
Safe Skies TSA-recognized luggage locks x2
Pacsafe Wrapsafe Model 2500 adjustable cable lock (for securing luggage on a train or bus)
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Pack Cover (sized to match your backpack)
eBags packing cubes 3pc set
Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby toiletry kit
Eddie Bauer LED headlamp
REI Multi Towel Lite XL
REI lightweight eye mask
Eagle Creek inflatable neck pillow
Cocoon silk travel sheet
water bottle - If I'm not worried about water quality then I carry either a Kleen Kanteen Classic 18oz stainless steel or a Camelbak Eddy .75L; otherwise I take a PurifiCup Portable Natural Water Filtration System.
Sun Cloud polarized sunglasses with case
Fat Cat 3-way eyewear retainer
aLoksak certified waterproof bags (set of 4 assorted sizes)
Flexo-Line travel clothesline
Light My Fire sporks x2
Progressive International collapsible storage bowl set (I carry 2 smaller sizes)
Reisenthel mini maxi shopper
Electronics
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge with T-Mobile unlimited international plan
SanDisk Ultra 64GB microSDXC card (for extra photo storage in my cell phone)
Acer Swift 3 laptop
Nikon Trailblazer 10x25 Waterproof All Terrain Binoculars (only necessary if you're a bird watcher or are going on safari)
Belkin SurgePlus 3-outlet mini surge protector with dual USB ports
Shure E4c sound isolating earphones
Note: My phone also serves as my camera, watch, alarm clock, note-taking device, etc. I only carry a laptop if I plan to work while I'm traveling.
Clothing
Marmot Minimalist jacket
Marmot PreCip pants
Seirus Hyperlite all weather gloves
Eddie Bauer waterproof safari hat
BUFF Original Multifunctional Headwear
ExOfficio BugsAway woven bandana
scarf - I carry a washable lightweight polyester blend that's long enough to use as a head covering in religious buildings
REI Windbrake Thermal fleece jacket
knee-length or longer skirt (1) - Royal Robbins
skort (2) - White Sierra West Loop Trail skort; Columbia Anytime Casual skort
dress (2) - mine are made by a variety of companies but they're all 95% polyester and 5% spandex
long-sleeve convertible shirts (2) - ExOfficio Dryflylite
pants (3) - Columbia Sportswear Mumbai Mover
t-shirts (3) - REI Tech tees
tank top (2) - Chico's Microfiber Contemporary Tank
First Looks seamless leggings (2) - exclusive to Macy's
REI lightweight long underwear top & bottom
pajamas - I carry a pair of athletic/running shorts and use one of my t-shirts or tanks
Magellan's microfiber robe - primarily for use in hostel showers
underwear (7 pairs) - Soma Vanishing Edge microfiber brief
bras (2) - Warners Cloud 9 Contour bra
SmartWool socks (6 pairs) - I carry an assortment of heights and weights
swimsuit - I like Lands' End
Note: Obviously this list is tailored for women but it should be pretty easy to modify for men.
Shoes
Teva Toachi 2 sandals or JBU by Jambu Women's Wildflower Too Mary Jane Flat
Ahnu Montara waterproof hiking boot
Hilo Hattie Imperial Import unisex slippers (waterproof shower & pool shoes)
Note: The key here is to have one pair of fully enclosed, waterproof shoes for cool or wet weather, and one pair of comfortable, durable sandals that are supportive enough to walk on cobblestones and won't slip off your feet if you have to run to catch a train.
Toiletries/First Aid
prescription contacts + spares
multipurpose contacts solution
contact lens case
prescription glasses
lubricating & rewetting drops for eyes
personal prescription medications
Ciprofloxacin 500mg & Amoxicillin 500mg (multipurpose antibiotics used to treat infections)
Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg (anti-malarial)
birth control
acetaminophen
sleep aid (I use melatonin)
Excedrin Migraine
Benadryl (allergy relief)
Phenylephrine Hcl 10mg (decongestant)
saline nasal spray
cough drops
gas prevention and relief
Nature’s Way activated charcoal 280mg (digestive aid)
Adventure Medical Kits Ceralyte 70 (oral rehydration)
Gin Gins chewy ginger candy (anti-nausea)
Sea-Bands (anti-nausea)
hydrocortisone topical cream
Go Girl female urination device
anti-bacterial moist towelettes
hand sanitizer
facial tissue pocket pack
Vicks VapoInhaler
Olay Regenerist UV lotion (face cream)
Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF lotion
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen
Ben’s 30% Deet Tick & Insect Repellent
Go Toob (3) filled with shampoo, shower gel, and lotion
toothbrush in plastic travel container
dental floss
toothpaste
lip balm
antiperspirant/deodorant
hair sculpting putty
mini first aid kit containing assorted bandaids, sterile gauze, alcohol wipes
disposable razors
tampons/panty liners
facial hair scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, nail file
cotton swabs
Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus Padding (blister relief)
sewing kit (needles, thread)
assorted safety pins
Flents Quiet Please foam ear plugs (5 pairs)
Note: You can purchase most basic hygiene and first aid items, as well as over-the-counter medications and many prescription drugs, in countries throughout the world. Do your research in advance and consult with your physician to get a sufficient quantity of any special medications and necessary vaccines a few months prior to your departure. Always carry a copy of your vision and medical prescriptions; I take a photo of mine and upload them to Google Drive for access anywhere. Don't forget that if you plan to carry your bags in the cabin on flights, the maximum size for liquids, gels and pastes is 3.4 oz or 100 ml and they must all fit in a quart-sized bag.
What's on your list? Are there any items that you can't live without? Let me know in the comments!
