I’m going to be honest, there are a lot of travel packing list out there. If you Google search the phrase “travel packing tips”, after you read mine; you will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of lists that pop up. It’s one of the most common things for traveler bloggers to write about.
So now you might be wondering exactly why I would write one?
Well, at first I wasn’t going to, but as I was stuffing and cramming my backpack for this new life that I had a list that I was checking off.
I couldn’t withhold these travel packing tips from you guys with a clear conscience. After all you have to have the right gear for exploring the most beautiful places in the world.
My list centers on keeping your backpack as light as possible, and will work for you whether you are or looking for a backpacking Europe packing list or a month road trip.
My Travel Packing List
Travel insurance.
One of the first things I always but in travel insurance. There have been times where I have traveled without insurance and it has caused me nothing but headaches, and there have been times when I have had insurance and haven’t had a problem. Overall having insurance makes you feel comfortable, as it covers your health , and your electronics, and sometimes even trip cancellation. Not everything goes to plan when visiting to some of the most beautiful cities in the world or hunker down in one place. The road is unpredictable and that is an adventure quote you can bank on.
I’m not going to say one insurance company is better than another but I always use WorldNomads Travel Insurance. They are reliable, and give back to the community. They also are recommenced by travel giants like Lonely Planet.
You can get a quote and see my full WorldNomads Travel Insurance Review here.
Electronics
Apple MacBook Air – I have an old ultra-book that will break any day; then I can finally get a Mac Book.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP (My pride and joy)
HD Hero2
– The coolest grown up toy on the planet
Apple iPhone 6, Gold, 16 GB (Unlocked)
– Phones must be unlocked in order to use international sim cards.
SunJack Solar Charger – Keep Your Phone and Tablet Charged with the power of the sun.
Backpack
I use one of the best travel backpacks on the market today. The osprey Farpoint. This backpack comes with lockable compartments, can be opened like a suitcase, and even has an zip off day back. I highly recommend the Osprey Farpoint 70L 
This backpack is highly rated among both travel bloggers, backpacking companies, and has a 4.5 on amazon customers reviews. It is one of the best backpacks I have ever owned.
Clothes
Travel Packing Tip: I don’t pack a tremendous amount of clothing at first. Instead, I have a little money set aside to buy a few items along the way. I always wait until I get to affordable countries in order to keep the cost down. I like being eco friendly and giving back to communities so one brand I like to use is Prana
Why do I do this?
Well because clothes wear out fast on the road. (At least for me.). This reduces the weight of my pack, and let me look like I am clean.
7 Pairs of Underwear – preferably clean
1 Pair of jeans- 2 if not buying clothes
1 Pair of cargo shorts
1 Pair of sleeping pants
1 Workout shorts
3 T-shirts
1 long sleeve shirt – I try to find a healthy mix consisting of something dressy, yet warm. Knock out two birds with one stone.
1 hoddie
1 Pair of sandals
1 Pair of nice shoes – For places that aren’t sandal friendly.
Travel Packing Tips to Help Make Your Backpack Lighter
•I take skele toed shoes for a couple of reasons. The main one is that I’m always trying to reduce the weight in my backpack as much as possible. Skeles are much lighter and take up less space than regular tennis shoes, plus with skeles, socks are optional.
This means I only have to pack two or three pairs of socks for my nice shoes, which only see the light of day once or twice a week. The lack of large shoes and socks saves you space and weight. However, I understand not everyone will do this, so if you are packing shoes and socks, here is a fantastic tip from one of my favorite travel blogs, Pause the Moment.
• Depending on where you are going and for how long, you might need a light jacket. Personally, if I’m traveling for a while before I’ll need a jacket, I leave it.
Instead, I make room in saving plan to pick up a light jacket along the way. I’d rather spend a little extra money buying a cheap jacket when I need it than drag an unused jacket around the world for months. Although I’ve regretted this when the weather suddenly turned, like that time I almost froze to death at Stonehenge.
• When I do buy clothes, I limit myself to only having a max of 2 pair of jeans and 5 shirts. All the other items on the list remain the same.
Personal Hygiene
1 Towel
1 Washcloth
1 Toothbrush
1 Tube of toothpaste
1 Can of body spray
Fossil – making my dentist happy.
Deodorant – making everyone else happy.
Electric razor
Bar of soap
Bottle of shampoo
Medicine
You know what medication you need to take. However, my advice is, don’t overdo it. I only carry these three small things The tiniest first-aid kit I can find
1 Small bottle of hand sanitizer
1 Epi-pen –I’m deathly allergic to bees
Miscellaneous
Money Belt – Yes, I pack an inverted fanny pack. It may look geeky, but it keeps your valuable documents safe.
Travel Packing List Tip: I don’t even wear my money belt anymore, it just keep my documents organized, and in one place.
The tiniest flashlight on the planet – These are convenient for reading in hostels. It is a great backpacking through Europe Packing list tip.
Lock
A backpack lock
Deck of Cards, great ice breaker to make friends.
Journal
Books- Currently I’m reading The Alchemist, Vagabonding, and How to Travel the World on $50 a Day.
That is pretty much it for my International Travel Packing List. I’ve condensed my life to fit into a backpack and have worked hard to keep that backpack as light as possible. While some of these items are a necessity for me because of my job, they are optional for you. If you want more advice here are my Backpacking Europe Tips.
What do you think of this travel packing list? Are there things you always make sure to take that I didn’t mention? Express yourself about this travel packing list, or share you travel packing tips in the comments below.
Note: Some of these links are affiliate links and the proceeds go to running to keeping the site running ad free.
Just wondering where you’re going if you don’t pack any jacket, not even for after sunset?
I’ve managed to shrink my toiletries over half their size by taking solids – soap bar, shampoo bar, deodorant – all solids. Less than half their size & weight, while lasting almost twice as long.
And I really love my e-Reader instead of bulky paper books!
Hey Lindy, I hardly ever take a jacket. The only time I ever really wished I had one was a few times cold nights in Scotland and England. Maybe I just don’t get cold easily… 🙂 An E-reader is a great tip. It just doesn’t feel the same to me as a book though 🙂
Great list! As someone who hates being cold, I do confess to often bringing a sweater. Cashmere sweaters (or a good quality cashmere-wool-cotton blend) is lightweight but provides a lot of warmth. Wool products still retain warmth when they get damp and cashmere will wash and dry flat quicker than regular wool (but you usually can’t toss it in a dryer). I usually pick a classic style in a solid, dark color (usually a jewel tone or basic black). It goes well with everything and can go a long way to make an outfit more dressy. My husband has a dark grey cashmere sweater and I looks great with dark denim and any kind of collared shirt.
Great advice Vanessa, thank you for your comment. I do the same with my hoddie, but a cashmere is a great addition.
Good idea to bring light shoes to keep the backpack load down. I just decided to order a Steripen to purify water. I never needed one before, but will be going to remote areas where water source might be questionable. I also bring a camping headlamp to use in hostels or walking on cobble stone streets in developing countries. I was about the bring the e-reader, but left it at home due to weight. I decided to just find books along the way and ditch them when I’m done.
Have you weighed your pack? Just wondering out of curiosity. I have to carry audio/video recording equipment during my travels and my pack weighs around 45-50 pounds =/ What weight do you usually try to keep it down to?
No I havent lol. It is heavy though. I keep dumping as I go. I always end up doing that.
Great list!! I definitely agree about the Tripod!! I use it as well! Its a pain to carry but will need it for most night photography!
Yea! It is almore impossible to get the night sky right without it. This is something I’ve been learning recently since m Tripod broke.
Great list of clothes for backpacking, as I have read so many blog on travel packing this post is very unique. The tips of packing clothes are really awesome and very helpful for travelers.
Thanks so much Atri! You are too kind. I am glad that you found the post helpful.
Thanks Stephen for reading my comment and your blog is really very informative. Glad to have your reply.
Thanks fro the kind words.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m
trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success.
If you know of any please share. Appreciate it!
Here is my web page … Melba
Hey SEO is tricky in that it is always changing. A quick google search can list some plugins that help with SEO though they cost.
I’m so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.