My Packing List

So a few notes before we get into my typical packing list. I am "team carry-on" and aim to be "team backpack" when suitable. As a male, some feminine necessities are not going to be on my list. I tend not to stay long (>7 days) in cold climates. International travel from the United States.

I've bucketed the list into sections for easier reading. Anything that you see as critical for your travels that's missing from my list?

Essentials

  • Passport (expiration date at least 6 months from the return date)
  • Paper copy of passport (to walk around with. Actual passport stays in the hotel)
  • Itinerary, reservation and contact numbers (on phone and paper copy)
  • Wallet (petty cash, no foreign transaction fee ATM card, no foreign transaction fee credit card, Priority Pass)
  • Phone

These are my essentials as these are the minimum to get on the plane and around on the ground. Almost anything below, if forgotten, can be purchased at your destination.

 

Clothing

  • Shirts
  • Pants
  • Shorts
  • Socks
  • Underwear
  • Bed clothes
  • Shoes/sandals
  • Swimwear
  • Hat
  • Glasses/sunglasses
  • Beach towel
  • Cooling towel
  • Backpack (if not using already to and from the destination)
  • Cross-body bag
  • Parachute bag (great for wet clothes or grocery shopping)
  • Winter accessories (gloves, scarf depending on climate)

Tip: If your hotel or vicinity has laundry - that meets your budget - this can help cut down the amount of clothes you need to bring. It can also be cheaper to purchase a couple outfits at your destination than paying for another bag from the airline. If you don't have space to bring the outfit, you can donate it to a local charity.

 

Toiletries, etc.

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
  • Hairbrush/Comb
  • Shaver/Trimmer
  • Nail clipper kit
  • Qtips
  • Medication (prescription and over the counter)
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray (dependent on climate)
  • Water bottle
  • Sanitizer/wipes
  • Face masks (some countries require in public places)
  • Washcloth (not all hotels/airbnbs provide)
  • Jewelry (only if traveling to a special event. Never place in a checked bag)

 

Tech

  • Power bank (a lifesaver on many occasions)
  • Tablet
  • Laptop (typically only if on a work-related trip)