How I Prepare for Travel — Part 1: Packing
This is the first post in How I Prepare for Travel, a series covering the practical side of independent travel. We start with the packing list.
This list has carried me through Hanoi, the Sahara, the mountains of Colombia, and the beaches of Australia. It fits in a 40L backpack and handles climates from 5°C to 40°C.
The Essentials for Versatile Travel
When packing light, versatility is key. Everything you bring should serve multiple purposes. Here’s the full breakdown of my minimalist travel essentials:
Clothing
- Hiking Shoes: Durable and supportive for all terrains. Low-cut is ideal for versatility. GTX is preferable.
- Casual Walking Shoes: Lightweight and versatile for city explorations. Usually I do not take a second pair as the hiking shoes are good enough for casual walking.
- Flip-flops: Ideal for beaches or hostel showers.
- 2 Zip-Off Trousers: Quick-dry material with side zipper pockets for secure storage.
- 1–2 Shirts: Preferably UV-protective or designed for hiking.
- 5 T-Shirts: Merino wool works wonders for odor resistance.
- Socks and underwear: 7 Pairs Each—pack for a week and do laundry as needed.
- Swim Shorts: Versatile for swimming or as casual shorts. Pack 2 of them if you plan to swim often.
- Round Hat: For sun protection. Especially useful in hot climates.
- Packable Down Jacket: Lightweight but warm, perfect for layering.
- Waterproof Windbreaker: Great for rain or windy conditions.
Extras for Cold Weather:
- Thermal Layers (Top & Bottom): Only needed for temperatures below 5°C.
- Light Gloves, Neck Gaiter: Useful for colder or windy weather.
Accessories
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Compact and versatile for hostels or outdoor adventures.
- Hammock: Great for beach relaxation or camping. Opt for a small one to carry it easily around.
- Sunglasses: Always keep a spare pair if essential.
- Small Sunscreen: Protect your skin; keep this in your first aid kit too.
- Money Belt: Securely stores cash and cards; look for one with a zipper along the full length.
- Hidden Passport Holder: Optional. for the days you might not wear the trousers with zipper pockets.
- Headlamp: A must for nighttime activities or power outages.
- Clothes Pegs and Thin Rope: For hanging laundry anywhere.
Toiletries
- Baby Wipes: Handy for quick hygiene fixes.
- Travel-size Shampoo/Body Wash or Shampoo Bar: Compact and eco-friendly.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Travel-sized for convenience.
- Sport Towels (Small & Large): Space-saving and quick-drying.
- TIDE Laundry Detergent Powder: For washing clothes on the go.
Tech & Gear
- Power Bank (10,000 mAh Minimum): Keeps devices charged on long journeys.
- Chargers & Cables: Bring essentials for all your devices.
- Packing Cubes: Two are enough to stay organized.
- Laundry Cube/Plastic Bag: Keeps dirty clothes separate.
The “Just in Case” Kit
Here’s a list of extra essentials that come in handy more often than you might expect:
- Painkillers: For headaches or minor pain.
- Travel Sickness Tablets: Helpful for long journeys.
- Basic First Aid Items: Include adhesive bandages, antiseptic cream, and gauze.
- Riffacol (or Equivalent): A must for traveler’s diarrhea. Has saved me enough times already.
- Wound Spray: Compact and effective for cleaning small cuts or scrapes.
- Electrolytes: Stay hydrated in hot climates or after strenuous activities.
- Vitamins: Start taking these a week before your trip.
- Activated Charcoal Tablets: Great for reducing digestive issues from unfamiliar foods.
Closing Thoughts
Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing essentials—it means curating them wisely. This list has worked for me in diverse climates, ensuring comfort, flexibility, and peace of mind.
But packing is only half the battle—staying safe while traveling is just as important. In the next post of this series, we’ll dive into practical strategies for managing your documents and valuables. From organizing your passport, bank cards, and emergency cash to creating backups of essential documents, I’ll share tips that will give you peace of mind on the road.
We’ll also cover how to distribute your belongings wisely so you’re prepared for any hiccup, like losing a wallet or bag, and how to ensure you can continue your trip without a hitch—even in the worst-case scenario.
Stay tuned for actionable advice that will help you travel with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for anything.
Happy travels,
Evangelos
