As I get ready to start my round the world trip, one of the questions that I’ve heard most is, “How are you going to pack for almost seven months in different climates?”
Packing Philosophy
I’ve read tons of other blogs and articles about what people have packed for long-term travel, and I’ve already committed many of their “Don’ts,” including: don’t pack more than three pairs of underwear, don’t pack jeans and don’t bring more than two pair of shoes. I did however listen to many tips including pack carry-on size and bring a day pack for day tours and quick jaunts.
I think the thing to remember with long-term travel packing is that everyone is different and you should make sure you do what’s right for you. While I recognize that you can get by with three pair of underwear (one to wash, one to wear and one for a spare), I don’t want to spend my trip worried about cleaning my drawers! Besides, they are also one of the smallest things to pack, so I’m going to enjoy having a two-week supply. As far as jeans are concerned, I wear them often and I find them comfortable. I also don’t really wear “travel clothing” and want to be somewhat fashionable. With travel to Northern Europe in the cards, I know it will be a bit chilly. I also know that you can wear jeans many times before they need to be washed, so to me that is practical! Shoes were probably the hardest thing to cull down. Since I’ll be doing tons of walking, I knew I had to leave the heels at home, but given that my feet are tiny, I was able to sneak in a couple extra pairs that others might not.
So, what did I pack?
I debated between using a backpack and rolling trolley, but went for the trolley as I have a bit of a bum shoulder and am rather short (5 foot on a good day!). While they say the wheels and cobblestones sometimes don’t mix, I still think it will be easier on me than lugging a pack. I went for the Lippault international carry on, which should meet the carry-on standards for European airlines. I’ve had this bag for over a year now and have really enjoyed it because it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. I also purchased an Osprey Daylite Plus daypack. Packed full, it’s a bit heavier than I’d like but It’s still rather compact.
In the trolley, I packed all my clothing and some of my toiletries and necessities. I am a big fan of packing cubes and used a combination of Eagle Creek compression cubes and one eBags ultralight large packing cube.
TOPS
- 5 short sleeved shirts
- 4 tank tops
- 2 long sleeved tops/light sweaters
- 1 open cardigan
- 1 rain jacket
- 1 fleece jacket (this tends to go in my day pack since I’m freezing on planes)
- 1 packable down jacket*
* I added this at the last minute due to cold weather in NYC and I’m so glad I did. It doesn’t weigh much and I’ve used it every day here in NY.
BOTTOMS and DRESSES
- 1 pair of jegging jeans (which I typically wear on travel days)
- 1 pair of cotton pants
- 1 pair of lightweight quick dry pants
- 1 pair of dressy pants that converts into a two piece jumpsuit
- 1 pair of leggings
- 1 skirt
- 1 shorts
- 1 convertible dress/skirt
- 2 sleeveless dresses
MISC
- 1 scarf – this can do double duty as a scarf, pillow or blanket
- 1 bikini bottom
- 2 bikini tops
- 1 older one-piece – I’ll be swimming in the dead sea and heard it ruins your swimsuit, so I can leave this one behind if needed
- 1 black bra
- 1 nude convertible bra
- 1 bra to wear
- 5 pair of socks
- 14 underwear
- 2 pajama bottoms
- 1 pajama shorts
- Hat/gloves (for Iceland)
SHOES
- 1 pair sneakers
- 1 pair mary janes
- 1 pair sandals
- 1 pair crocs water shoes
BAGS
- 1 nylon cross body bag
- 1 leather small cross body bag
As I write it down, it seems like a lot, but I know some things will get left or lost along the way! I also value bringing some comforts of home. I hope I’ve struck a balance, but I also plan to reevaluate as I go and donate or send things home as needed.
TOILETRIES AND PERSONAL ITEMS
This was probably the hardest to pack. I packed, repacked, rebought and changed what I was bringing like 20 times.
Medicine Kit
With numerous allergies (food, skin, fragrance), it’s easier for me to bring from home than buy on the road. I have a crazy medicine kit, but found a great little pill pack to help me keep it organized. In addition to the usual suspects (Ibuprofen, Pepto, Immodium), I included Sudafed (for colds), Benadryl (for allergic reactions), meds for my evil stomach and antibiotics in case of stomach or respiratory issues. I also included first aid cream, band aids, bug spray and hydrocortisone cream.
Toiletries
I heard all about Lush’s solid shampoo and conditioner bars and found a shampoo bar that I liked (Copperhead) but decided to go with normal conditioner. I also brought solid soap to cut down on the liquids (carry-on!). I had my toiletries in a zipper case and a clear plastic zipper bag, but my friend (thanks Eryn!) got me a great little lightweight Rume zipper container that’s TSA approved, and I switched to that last minute. In all, I packed:
- 1 solid shampoo
- 2 oz. conditioner
- 1 soap bar
- 1 toothpaste tube (2.7 oz)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 oz. moisturizer
- 2 mini deodorants (1 oz)
- 4 oz. contact lens solution (and case)
- 3 oz. lotion
- 2 oz. sunscreen
- 1.7 oz. face sunscreen
- 1 oz. hand sanitizer (on my day pack)
- 2 oz. hair gel (I’d be miserable if my hair looked terrible)
- 1 oz. hair spray
- 1 travel straightener (again, I know people say not to travel with these, but… I’m still a girl who wants to look as good as possible!)
- Small zipper case of feminine products
- Qtips
- Tweezers
- Small scissors
Makeup
I brought a tiny makeup case that includes eyeshadow, lipgloss, concealer, eyeliner and mascara. Don’t leave home without it!
Technology
Since I’ll be blogging, I need to bring tech items with me. I’ve got a very lightweight PC, an iPad mini, phone and compact camera. I also have a universal travel adapter and a few spare converter plugs. I’ve thrown in a few charging bars, charging cords and a pair of headphones. I carry this in my day pack.
How’s It Working?
On my first few days in NYC, it’s working pretty well. I’d like to have one more long sleeved top (which I’ll plan to get once I’m in Europe) and to lighten my day pack (but I’m not sure if that will happen). If I think I may have to check my bag, I put most of my toiletries in my day pack. I also then bring an extra pair or two of underwear and another top to wear in case my luggage is lost.
I plan to re-evaluate periodically and will let you know how I’m doing.
Let me know what you think of my list (except if you’re telling me I packed too many underwear 😉).
Oh The Places 
Thoughts?