Last Updated: 04/10/20 | April 10th, 2020
Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse writes a guest column featuring tips and advice on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought in an expert to share her advice for other solo female travelers! Here she is with another awesome article on what to pack when you travel!
I know that it can be daunting trying to figure out what to pack for a week, a month, or a year abroad without much — or any — prior experience in the place you aim to visit. I found myself in the same situation four years ago, but with the benefit of hindsight and experience on every continent on earth (save for Antarctica — one day!), I may have finally figured this female packing list thing out. I’ve learned that thankfully, with a few staple items, you can travel to just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear.
The following are my tried-and-true methods and products that, even after almost six years on the road, I still love and use, and is what I think the ultimate packing list for your trip. Feel free to mix and match and take just what you want. I broke things down by climate so you can get a sense of what to take for the climate you are visiting. Enjoy!
Female Packing List Tip #1: What Clothes to Bring
In places where clothing is cheap, such as Southeast Asia and India, don’t stress too much about having a complete wardrobe ready to go before you take off. Just about every girl I met in those regions wore clothing she’d bought on the road. It will suit the climate and at $3-$6 USD per garment, won’t break the bank.
In Europe, Oceania, or anywhere remote, where you might either not be able to find cheap clothing or buy it on the road, bring everything you think you’ll need. These suggest packing lists will help:
Hot climates
- 5–7 thin and simple tank tops and T-shirts that can easily mix and match with different bottoms
- 2–3 pairs of shorts of varying lengths. Avoid denim in humid countries, as it takes a long time to line dry.
- 2 long skirts or dresses
- 2–3 pairs of light cotton pants and/or leggings
- 1 set of sleepwear
- Sufficient amount of underwear that will last you at least a week. I suggest 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras
- 2 sets of interchangeable swimwear
- 2 pairs of thin socks and 1 pair of normal socks for hiking
- 1 pair of hiking or running shoes
- 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals, thongs) or sandals
- A hat to cover your face and a pair of sunglasses
- 1 sarong or big scarf for covering up and cooler evenings
Temperate climates
- 2–3 tank tops for layering
- 2–3 long-sleeved shirts for layering
- 2–3 t-shirts
- 2–3 tunic shirts or dresses (that will go well with leggings)
- 1 set of sleepwear
- 1 pair of jeans or thick pants
- 1–2 pairs of shorts of varying lengths
- 1–2 pairs of leggings
- Sufficient amount of underwear that will last you at least a week. I suggest 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras
- 4 pairs of socks: some for sport shoes and some for boots
- 1 pair of boots or closed-toed shoes (wear in transit to save space)
- 1 pair of hiking or running shoes
- 1 pair of flip-flops (jandals, thongs) or sandals
- 1 jacket, preferably something waterproof, for all occasions
Cold climates
- 3–4 long-sleeved shirts for layering
- 2 thermal shirts
- 2–3 sweaters and/or sweater dresses
- 1 pair of jeans or thick pants
- 2–3 pairs of leggings for layering
- 1 set of sleepwear
- Sufficient amount of underwear that will last you at least a week. I suggest 7 pairs of panties, 2 bras and 2 sports bras
- 7 pairs of thick socks
- 1 pair of snow boots
- 1 heavy coat
- 1 pair of gloves
- 1 scarf
- 1 beanie or winter hat
Female Packing List Tip #2: Toiletries to Bring
I’m often asked about buying toiletries on the road, and I’m happy to report that it’s both easy and straightforward finding shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and soap. Ladies abroad use these things, too.
Pantene and Dove products seem to be universal, and with the exception of a few really off-the-grid places, such as tiny islands and extremely poor areas where people mostly subsistence-farm, you’ll be able to find basic toiletries easily on the road.
My basic toiletry packing list includes:
- 1 hanging toiletry bag for easy use in shared bathrooms
- Refillable travel bottles (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face soap)
- Facial moisturizer
- Razor refills
- Extra contacts
- Birth control for the length of your trip (if you take it, or consider monitoring your cycle with a free app like Period and using condoms, which are available almost worldwide.)
- Ibuprofen
- Travel first aid kit
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- At least one deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers
- Eyeglasses repair kit
- Nail clippers
- Makeup
- 1 palette of eyeshadow (though I tend to go makeup-free in hot climates!)
- 1 light powder foundation and bronzer
- 1 eyeliner and mascara
For items such as prescriptions, the ease of traveling with them will heavily depend on what you need and how much you can get up front, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to handle it is to talk to your doctor and insurance regarding how much you can get before you leave and how to best take it across borders.
Remember that in much of the world, doctors aren’t too expensive to visit and it’s possible to get prescriptions written and filled on the road. Some developing countries will not even require a prescription for some items, from prescription shampoos and skin creams to anti-anxiety medications.
Female Packing List Tip #3: Practical Items
Though most items such as bedding and pillows are provided in hostels, you’ll need a few items apart from those to make your travels easier and cheaper.
For example, in some parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, it’s much easier to get your washing done for you at your hostel than to wash it yourself. When camping or traveling in other parts of the world, however, it’s expensive and difficult to find someone to do your washing, so it’s better to bring a washing line and do it in the sink yourself.
The following are my must-haves for making traveling easier:
- Travel line for drying clothing (not necessary in Southeast Asia, where laundry is cheap, but necessary in Africa and South America, where it’s not always available. In Europe, Oceania, and North America, it’s expensive to wash your clothes at a laundromat so consider your budget.)
- Diva Cup – a menstrual cup that can be reused throughout your trip. I was shocked to find that in China, for example, there were no tampons! Thank goodness I had the Diva Cup, a washable insert that makes everyone’s least favorite monthly visitor less horrendous.
- Packing cubes – the single most important thing I use for organizing my clothing and compressing what I bring
- Microfiber towel – plenty of hostels and camping sites will not have towels, regardless of where in the world they are. Bring your own quick-drying one to save money and hassle.
- Sleeping bag liner – in case you encounter a hostel that is less than clean
- Sarong for easy covering up for temples or at the beach (you can also buy this on the road)
- Headlamp for camping, digging in your bag after dark in dorms without waking everyone up, and as a personal flashlight at night
Female Packing List Tip #4: Products to Keep You (and Your Stuff) Safe
If you’re traveling with anything of value — which most travelers are — the next most important things to pack are locks and items that can keep your electronics and your person safe.
In my nearly six years of traveling, I’ve never had anything major stolen. I credit this to watching my belongings like a hawk, always carrying the important stuff on my person, and using thief-safe travel products. These are the items I swear by that I always pack with me:
- Pacsafe messenger bag as a day bag, especially for towns like Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, where drive-by motorbike thieves and bag-slashers are a constant threat; or in much of Europe or South America, where people try to unzip your purse when you’re distracted. There is a wire running through the strap, the colors are not flashy, and it is equipped with hidden pockets that block RFID readers from scanning passport and credit card information. Plus, the zippers lock.
- If carrying large cameras and a computer, I bring a locking electronics backpack with locking zippers, which I wear in the front.
- The Pacsafe backpack and bag protector is a wire mesh bag that protects valuables if you’re in a place without lockers or a safe. Whether in dorms, private rooms, bamboo bungalows, the trunk of a rental car, or wooden huts, it is a huge contributor to peace of mind and takes up very little space. Slip on the bag’s rain jacket, wrap the bag in the Pacsafe bag protector, then use an additional lock to secure it to a bunk bed bedpost or any other object in the room that is fixed to the floor or wall and would be difficult to remove.
- A personal safety alarm is a good item to bring along instead of mace or pepper spray, which is illegal in many countries and sometimes not allowed even in checked baggage. It’s small and easy to walk around with, and it makes a very loud noise if you press it in an emergency
- A lock so that you can secure lockers, doors, and your belongings when needed.
Usless Things You Don’t Need to Pack
- Mosquito nets: In almost every country where I needed a mosquito net, there was already one hanging over the bed. It almost never made sense for me to bring my own. I also have found very little need for jeans unless in Europe or North America. Hot and humid countries are not a good place for such thick clothing.
- Money belts: Thieves know to look for them, and I find a much better alternative is the dummy wallet – a wallet with a few canceled cards and some petty cash inside. The rest, I stash in my shoe, bra, or a back, buttoning pocket. If a thief mugs me, I can hand over the dummy purse or wallet without a fight and we both walk away happy.
- Your own bedding: If you’re afraid of encountering dirty bedding during your travels or just want to be sure that you always have something clean to sleep in, bring along a thin, small sleeping bag liner.
- A suitcase with wheels: In most parts of the world, a suitcase with wheels is just an annoyance. The wheels get stuck in the dirt in Southeast Asia, where there aren’t often sidewalks. In Europe when traveling via train you’ll have to constantly drag it up and down stairs and over cobblestone. Go for a backpack. Matt has a helpful guide to picking the right one here.
- Jewelry: Think twice about being flashy. It’s akin to wearing a “rob me” sign in a lot of the world. I usually leave any expensive or designer jewelry and sunglasses I have at home and bring along something cheap that I don’t mind losing. Plus, it’s fun to buy local jewelry on the road and bring it home. It makes the best souvenir!
After almost six years, these are the staples I pack with me. Even with all that, it’s still possible to pack light, travel with just one big bag, and keep your stuff safe and yourself comfortable. It’s all about having the right essentials and leaving the stuff at home that doesn’t serve a purpose during your trip. I suggest you write down what you think you need and then cut it in half. You never need as much as you think and writing down your list and thinking about it will help you remove what you don’t need and keep your bag light on your travels. Use this packing list as your starting guide!
Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Need to book your trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. The are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Jocelyne Marchand
why so much underwear. you can only wear one at a time – easily washed by hand, so why nine pairs? and why seven pairs of socks?again you can only wear one pair at a time and they are easily washed by hand . . .
many thinks that I disagree with on these lists, just picked the most obvious
Corey Samuelss
I agree – on the hot climate list you don’t need this many of anything. One pair of long pants and one leggings is plenty. 4 underwear and maybe 3 socks. If you need more, just buy and discard.
Totally agree about toiletries and meds. Don’t sweat it. Evenn in very remote places you can get anything you need.
One international power converter and elctric splitters and chargers are essential. Line packing blocks!! I do months with only q roller bag (and have no issue with wheels…)
Corey
Just re-read…sorry for all the typos, which apparently I can’t edit to fix. 🙂
Alanna
Well I always bring a load of spare underwear on trips, actually I bring spares for everything! I’m going on a trip in a few days and I think I’ll need a bigger suitcase, aha.
Michelle Leech
Ha, I recently went on a 2 week camping, climbing and hiking trip in which I brought 12 pairs of underwear and was thankful for every single one of them! Thongs take up almost 0 room so I will definitely be bringing a weeks worth on my upcoming long trip abroad.
Agnes B. Callister
Who wants to ‘wash underwear’ every other day when on vaca? I don’t….Good advice to bring 7-9 if you are going for an extended stay….I have found socks and underwear to be of utmost importance to stay fresh and clean and not do laundry while trying to explore lands unknown…lol
Paras Doshi
I agreed with you. why so much pair of underwear. As we washed easily. And it take less time for dry.
Jessica
Great list! I agreed with all of it – especially the suitcase with wheels! On my first trip to Europe I ruined a very expensive suitcase dragging it over cobblestone streets. It’s been a backpack ever since! And as a woman switching to a menstrual cup is about the best decision I’ve ever made – traveling or not. If you don’t know what it is Google. They’re awesome.
Cara
Great list! I would definitely add Imodium (anti-diarrhea medicine) to your toiletries bag though, especially for traveling in Asia where food related illness is common. Living in China we never travel without it!
Johanna
Hmmmm seems like a lot of stuff to me (I travelled for 6 months with a 2/3 full 40 L bag and still had too much).
And note that in most Buddhist and Muslim countries you will deeply offend local people by wearing a tanktop and anything that shows your shoulders. Same for shorts. Shorts are usually too informal anyway, plus label you as a tourist almost everywhere. Better is a running skirt – shorts underneath, skirt on top (more socially acceptable and more versatile), has wicking fabric and is super comfortable.
The list is s good place to start though.
Patty Ho
Uh, that picture of the toiletry is mine. I don’t know where you get that, but please link it back to my Flickr, thanks!
https://flic.kr/p/aquTX3
NomadicMatt
We got it from your Flickr under Creative Commons and we do link back at the end of the post! We always link back to photos not our own.
Kate
Great list – I’d never thought to bring a washing line, but it makes so much sense! Thanks for the tips!
Uganda Safaris
I did 7 years of travel raising awareness and support for AIDS orphans in Uganda, and i know what its like to live from a suitcase. This is a very helpful piece for folks looking to trot this beautiful globe, thanks for sharing.
Katarina
Diva cup, yes! It’s way better than carrying 35 pads or tampons wherever you go, that’s for sure. If anyone is wondering there is different types for women who have had children and those who haven’t. Also, like you said, some countries don’t have tampons and you’ll have to wear those belts like my mom used to in the 70s. Oh, and they’re better for the environment.
Lydia
I am busy writing my own packing list for my sit and was looking for resources to link. This is perfect. Your content is always spot on and makes me want to travel every single day and just leave the rest behind.
a question though, why no tampons in China?
sangita
great list. thank you for tips
Brittany Thiessen
This is a really comprehensive packing list and I enjoyed the fact that it is broken down by climate! I will definitely refer back to this when I am planning and packing for my next travel adventure.
Thanks for sharing!
Lorri
As others have said, WAY to much clothes. Who wants to carry dirty laundry? I got in the habit of washing clothes – in a sink or a bucket or a stream – every couple of days. My wash kit includes a line, clothes pins, universal plug for a sink and a bar of laundry soap. Yes, a bar. In Asia, every market will have them and if you are in a first world country, look for Sunlight soap. Doesn’t take much room, doesn’t spill. Packed inside a stuff sack. I learned from a fellow traveler why a stuff sack is part of your laundry kit – wet clothes, rub in soap, pop them into the sack and close the sack. The waterproof sack is now keeping wet soapy clothes inside. Rub and nudge the bag for a few minutes, like kneeding bread or clay. Take the clothes out, wring the soap out, rinse the bag out. repeat with clean water. Take out clothes, wring out as much water as you can. Roll in your dry towel to get more water out. Hang to dry.
Amy-Louise
That is a fantastic tip! I’m going to use this tramping also. Thanks!
Razia
This is a brilliant tip. Thank you.
Dorothee
I make it with less clothes! There is always an opportunity to wash and with a little bottle of wilderness detergent, no big thing. I would not be able to carry so much weight with me like you. I have a packing list if people want to see, it’s on my blog.
Kathryn
How big (how many L) do you think her backpack is?
Kristin Addis
The one in the top photo is 70L and the one in the bottom photo is 35L. A lot of comments say too many clothes but I actually fit all of that into a carry-on sized pack and traveled in Asia with it for 10 months. I had my laundry done once per week. I hate washing my clothes and wouldn’t have been able to stand washing things every other day for 10 months!
Tamy
Thanks for your tips! I always overpack so while oacking I will have a look at your list!
Lauren
Two of my favorite tips not mentioned here:
1. A compression bag (that you just squeeze- doesn’t require a vacuum) for dirty clothes. Keeps them easily separated, keeps the smell at bay, and you can compress it down since you dont have to worry about wrinkles.
2. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars from Lush (or I’m sure other places). They’re the size of a hockey puck (small), don’t count as liquids (good for carry on), and one bar of each lasts many many months with frequent use. No need to go buy more continuously. I do bring a small bottle of liquid conditioner to use maybe once a week or two, but just bc the habit of liquid conditioner is hard to give up. I also do a solid bar of soap with a quick dry sponge/washcloth. Also lasts forever so no need to refill.
Aly
I have converted to simple natural soap bars even for being at home. Can’t praise them enough.
Pips
I use a Gillette Venus razor too – do you know if you can find Venus razor heads in central and South America? Thanks x
Kel
Useful list. Love it 🙂
Lavues
Thanks! This really helps me a lot in making a list of things I should bring for travel 🙂
Sita
Such a great post! Will be using your guide for my next trip 😀
Davina
I found this really useful – thank you so much for sharing xxx ?
Davina
No question mark – just a smiley face 🙂
Michelle
I guess I’m more cautious as I carry both a money belt and a fake wallet? Agree with the compression bag. I’ve debated whether to take a bathing suit or not if I’ll be in hot weather locations with beaches.
Great topic. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
I agree completely.
Also a good idea, if you are sleeping on a bus or train tie your bags to you. I was once in India on a night train when I felt a tug on the bag I had tied to me, it didn’t really wake me up until the girl on the bunk below me started shouting because someone had nicked her bag and jumped off into the night.
Johanna
Wanted to share this quote from World Nomads about Indonesia:
” … it is considered shameful and impolite for women to walk around in skimpy clothing, especially in cities like Aceh, home to the Grand Mosque and perhaps the most devout, traditional Muslim city in Indonesia.
“Even in cosmopolitan areas like Jakarta and Bali, women wearing short shorts or miniskirts and halter tops will often be mistaken for prostitutes and will be bothered, especially at night.”
Nathalie Egerton
This was a really comprehensive and easy travel packing list to follow, great recommendations for products to protect your belongings too.
What a great idea to have a female guest blogger to make your target audience wider as well!
Kathryn
A couple of things – if you aren’t a standard (small) size, buying clothes in Asia can be difficult. Of course, in some markets in SE Asia, you can get them to run you up something custom made.
Also, in some places (eg. Japan) deodorant is really hard to come by. I stopped travelling with shampoo etc because of the risk of spillage but am going to start again because I don’t want to use products that are animal tested and that’s something that’s very difficult to buy in Asia.
I don’t think 2-3 pairs of leggings is excessive. I wear them a few times as day wear then use them as PJs. I would add a warm jacket or cardigan even for hot climates. Often the air con is turned up to Arctic levels!
Nicole
Great list! Getting ready to set off on a year of travel and this is very helpful. Question – any recommendations on footwear? Brands or specific models that are comfortable? Thanks!
Chloe
I will recommend Birkenstocks until the day I die! My first pair (the gizeh style) is on its last leg (foot? Ha), but after over two and a half years, that ain\’t half bad. And considering I\’ve been living in rural West Africa for the last two years (including 3 rainy seasons), it becomes even more impressive that they haven\’t completely fallen apart!
That said, any shoe that you like and that you feel supported in should be fine – just make sure they\’re broken in!
Stephanie
While these are technically a riding boot, they are also fantastic hiking boots that are comfortable and wear like a sneaker, they are also water proof. I have a pair I’ve worn for 2 years now (both hiking and riding in Turkey, Botswana, Namibia, Colombia and Chile) and they are just now wearing out. https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/ariat-terrain-waterproof–1766
Stephanie
I’m in my 40’s and have been traveling solo since I was 19. And I have to agree — way too many clothes. 5-7 tank tops!
I would bring to a warm climate
3 tank tops
1 long or 3/4 sleeve button down
1 t-shirt (I would buy it on the road)
1 maxi tube dress that can be worn as a dress or pulled down as a skirt
1 pair of convertible shorts/pants Khakis
1 swim suit
2 sarongs or 1 wrap skirt and 1 sarong
4 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
hiking boots
Teva type sandals which can be worn around or in the shower
and maybe 1 or 2 other small items you can’t live without
I also alway use a money belt and have even mostly slept with it on. The only thing I’ve ever had stollen from me was an umbrella out of my backpack at a train station in India.
Cheri
On the comment of buying clothes on the road. In Asia at least as I’m not familiar with India yet, it’s hard to find clothes if you’re larger than a 6 (US sizing). Even when I was that size it was hard to find things to fit. Now that I’m larger it’s very difficult to find clothes in counties where the locals are of a smaller stature.
Forry
Your one pair of shoes and one pair of sandals for warm climates is my tried and true method as well! I always bring a (newer but worn in) pair of hiking shoes that are sturdy enough for a trek but light enough for packing and sleek enough that you don’t feel like an out of place idiot in the city. Also, I have taken these sandals all around 5 continents and have gotten compliments on them in every one https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5031-600/Kayenta-Sandals. They’re so comfy you can trek in them all day and waterproof and dry really fast so you can wear them in a disgusting shower room or swimming at a rocky beach and also so cute that you can then wear them in the club at night. Plus they take up no room packing. I wouldn’t bring flip flops or slip on sandals. They’re a dime a dozen anywhere and not versatile enough. Oh and on the tampon front, OB- they don’t have an applicator so you won’t even notice a couple months worth in the bottom of your bag.
Ruth R.
I just returned from 5 weeks in Bali using only a wheeled carry-on. One thing I didn’t take that I could not find anywhere there was hair gel for curly-haired people. The small container I took with me lasted just a couple weeks and I couldn’t find gel although I did find every other toiletry and hair product. So beware if you have curly hair and need gel to keep from looking like a frizzball! If you are going to Indonesia, and perhaps other places in Southeast Asia, take enough to last you.
Bianca
Dummy wallet, brilliant idea, thanks!!
Hema Petkar
Hi! I came across this article, when I was trying to find out how to travel for my first ever trip outside India, my country. I was specifically looking for Australia, and came across this article, which is hugely helpful. I will also try and make my packing accordingly.
Very helpful. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all the women around the world, and the comments sure tell that you have been bang-on!
Juliet Morris
Hiya,
I was wondering how I would go about taking contact lenses whilst travelling in my backpack? I don’t want to take a suitcase and not all airlines allow contact lenses in hand luggage. I need my contact lenses and I don’t know what to do!
Juliet Morris
Hiya,
I was wondering how I would go about taking contact lenses whilst travelling in my backpack? I don’t want to take a suitcase and not all airlines allow contact lenses in hand luggage. I need my contact lenses and I don’t know what to do!
Thanks x
Ann
Would love a reply to this as well because it would be easier to carry contacts rather than glasses.
Jo
Curious what airlines don’t allow contacts. I’ve never encountered that before. When I’ve checked regulations they say even contact solution is okay as it’s classified as “medical supplies.”
Laura
Nice list and super helpful! Shall be using for my upcoming trip, thanks 🙂
Maria
Great list, I’m with you on the multiple tank tops I want to spend my time doing things in the place i’m travelling not washing, especially f it’s in a hot place and i’m hiking id want a fair few to alternate with.
However I am an excessive packer and have definitely made the wheels suitcase mistake ruined 2 on one trip that way haha
Ann
So my only question is what if someone is more of a zero waste person on the toiletries. Is there a way that could work. For example: I know I use a safety razor and I don’t know if that would be okay to go thru the airport.
Jo
Check TSA regulations. I’m almost positive I’ve travelled with a razor in carry-on.
NomadicMatt
Me too! I travel with one in my carry on luggage all the time.
Lisa
The list of clothes is much more challenging the longer you are gone and the more climates you travel in. When you have to pack for all – hot, temperate, and cold, in various seasons, you need more unfortunately, from the swim suit to the base layer with fleece. And as a tall woman (with, unfortunately, very big feet), it can be hard to get clothes that fit anywhere else and shoes are just impossible. That’s my problem as I try to figure out how to pack for a year on the road that I am planning. Definitely getting rid of the suitcase, as much as I love my eagle creek right now.
James
This is the first time i read such type of blogs,Its really useful for the users.Keep updated This type of blogs provide information to the users ..
Maeta
Great list and many of the comments are very useful. One item I will add, with all due credit to Rick Steves, is something called a universal sink stopper. It’s a flat piece of rubber, available at any local hardware store, and very helpful since often budget bathroom sinks don’t close well enough for a good hand laundry. As for the socks and underwear debate, I have found that socks can take a very long time to dry, especially in a humid climate and hiking or even just a day of walking, in damp socks can lead to blisters. I take enough good quality socks to always have a clean dry pair, then I use cheap and easily replaceable socks for light walking days. Years ago I invested in a couple of pairs of ex – officio quick dry underpants and have never regretted it. They really do dry completely overnight!
Natalia
What size of bag do you use? Currently leaving for an 8 month trip, I got a new 38L Gregory backpack. Which I think will be okay but kind of worried it might be too small aha.
Sylvia Heck
I agree with getting bags or purses that block RFID and ones that are almost impossible to cut. You can usually find nice ones on amazon.
I don’t think carrying all those clothes are practical. Less clothes is way more LIFE.
Kira
Love this list! I have my own RTW packing list but really enjoy the way your categories are organized. Will be updating mine to be better organized now too. Also comment for Matt is thanks for having female guest bloggers, love that I can get female insights on your site too! Cheers! 🙂
Gloria
That’s quite an interesting article Matt, and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveller, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this parking trick could save some space.
Janine
Great list… but would like to let all the ladies know that China DOES have tampons… they did 15 years ago when i lived there so they surely still do now.
Jane Johnson
I like the “Products to Keep You (and Your Stuff) Safe” tip. I myself always bring a GPS tracking device inside my bag. Always better be safe than sorry.
Victoria Brownston
Great list, I have to make a few changes due to the fact I am going on a horseback trip, I really appreciate your suggestions! For me I know I will need something to cover my mouth and nose from dirt and bugs. Thanks again.