As an experienced traveler with a passion for crafting unique journeys, I’ve learned that packing smartly is key to enjoying your travel experience. Whether you’re embarking on a bespoke safari in Africa, a romantic honeymoon in Europe, or an adventurous getaway in South America, having a well thought out packing list can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack for your next international adventure.
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Travel Documents
✓ Passport and visa (if required)
✓ Copies of important documents (passport, ID, itinerary)
✓ Travel insurance information
✓ Vaccination records (especially important for Africa and South America)
Clothing
✓ Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
✓ Weather-appropriate clothing (consider layers for unpredictable climates)
✓ A versatile jacket or coat
✓ Swimwear (for beach destinations or hotel pools)
✓ Evening wear for special occasions or dining out
Accessories
✓ Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
These are my favorite sunglasses. They look great and the price is right!
✓ Lightweight scarf or shawl (great for both warmth and modesty in certain regions)
✓ Travel umbrella or raincoat
✓ Reusable water bottle
I absolutely refuse to step out of my house without my trusty water bottle—traveling is no exception! This beauty is leak-proof, which means no surprise water-related disasters in my bag. Plus, when I’m not guzzling down hydration, the spout is sealed tighter than a secret diary, keeping it safe from my rogue snacks and questionable souvenirs. Because let’s face it, nobody wants a mouthful of mystery crumbs!
Toiletries and Personal Care
✓ Toiletry Bag
This is the one that I use and really like. It’s simple and gets the job done.
✓ Travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
I like these refillable travel size containers. They are easy to fill, easy to clean, and easy to get your product out of. What more could you ask for out of them?
✓ Hard Container
These are great for holding things like medicines, vitamins, or jewelry.
✓ Toothbrush and toothpaste
I have a separate toothbrush and travel toothpaste that live in my toiletry bag. They are inexpensive things to have duplicates of and it’s one less thing for me to think about packing. I keep a toothbrush cover on it to keep it clean.
✓ Sunscreen
I prefer a reef friendly sunscreen and this is a favorite brand in my family. It rubs in easily which is a plus for a reef friendly, mineral sunscreen.
✓ Insect repellent
As someone that is sensitive to smells, I prefer all my skin care products to be fragrance free. This one fits the bill.
✓ Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
I started off with one of these first-aid kits in my diaper bag but ended up bringing it when traveling as well. You never know when you’re going to need a band-aid or other first aid item and these bags are cute, compact, and full of useful supplies.
Gadgets and Electronics
✓ Smartphone and charger
✓ Universal travel adapter
With how many electronics I own, this is one of the most important things I pack. I like that it also has USB and USB-C ports. Note that if you’re traveling to South Africa or India you’ll need a travel adapter specific to those countries as this one won’t work.
✓ Portable power bank
When I’m traveling on a long flight I like to have a power bank in case my seat either doesn’t have an outlet or the outlet isn’t working. There’s nothing worse than being on a long flight and not being able to charge your phone or other devices to catch up on your favorite show or listen to your music.
✓ Camera or GoPro for capturing memories
Travel Comforts
✓ Neck pillow and eye mask for long flights
A neck pillow is always attached to my carry on when I’m headed on an international flight. No one likes the sleeping head bob you do on a plane without one. I prefer the look and feel of the snap closure compared to a drawstring. Airplanes gross me out so I need a pillow with a washable cover that I can clean after each trip.
✓ Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
Before a flight, I always download a few shows and some music to my phone to watch or listen to during the flight. I prefer on-ear headphones to earbuds and have used these for a bit. It’s worth noting that some airlines will make you pay for headphones if you want to connect to their TV system. I tend to bring an old pair of wired headphones (one with the round plug) in case I need it to watch a movie offered on the plane as well as my wireless noise-cancelling ones.
✓ Travel-sized snacks for the journey
Many times people don’t know that you can bring food with you into the airport. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that liquids (like a salad dressing) still need to abide by any TSA liquid rules so make sure you’re not bringing more than is allowed. It’s also worth noting that most countries have requirements on what types of foods you can bring into the country. Typically it’s illegal to bring things like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy so make sure you eat your snacks before arriving in the country!
Luggage
✓ A lightweight daypack or tote bag
I have two different daypacks and switch them out depending on the type of trip. If I am going to be wearing the bag for long periods of time (like hikes) and would prefer something more comfortable I take the structured bag. If I am either low on space in my suitcase or need a bag for shorter periods of time or a day or two of the trip instead of every day, then I’ll bring the collapsible bag.
✓ Packing Cubes
This is another essential when I am packing. I use packing cubes to separate all my clothes. I’ll even give each person in my family a different color to make it easier to find things if we’re sharing a bag.
Looking for something a little fun? We have a pack of these packing cubes and I like using them for kid related things. They are a little more expensive, but I love the colors and this brand in general.
✓ Hard Rolling Suitcase
These are the suitcases that I use and have used for many years. I’ve had them for years and they’ve held up well through so many different countries and all sorts of terrain.
✓ Backpacking Bag
There are some trips where it’s easier to have your luggage on your back instead of a rolling suitcase. For those trips, I like my travel backpack.
✓ Luggage Scale
To avoid paying overweight luggage fees or repacking your bags in the middle of the airport, you can use a luggage scale to check the weight of your bags.
Miscellaneous
✓ Guidebooks or maps (although many prefer digital versions)
✓ A journal or notebook for documenting your experiences
Safety and Security
✓ Airtag & Airtag holder
I like to put Airtags (Airtag holder) in my carry-on and checked bags whenever I’m traveling. It helps me know where they are in the event that I misplace a bag or one of my pieces of luggage doesn’t make it to my destination.
✓ Money belt or hidden pouch for valuables
✓ Locks for your luggage
This is my pick but you can find more flexible locks here.
✓ RFID-blocking wallet or passport holder
When planning for a trip, always consider the specific activities and destinations you’ll be visiting. For instance, a safari might require neutral-colored clothing and binoculars, while a European city break might call for more stylish attire. Remember, packing light yet strategically can enhance your travel experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the adventure without the burden of excess luggage.
As you prepare for your journey, feel free to reach out for personalized advice tailored to your destination. Happy travels, and may your next adventure be as unforgettable as the last!
