He who would travel happily MUST travel light.

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

 

There are somethings you are going to need beyond an extra pair of boxers.  Check out my essentials.

Necessities

  • A Journal: because if you don't write it down, you may forget a few wonderful moments. Click Here

 

 
  • Quad USB Port Adapter: (for Europe, South America, and Asia) to charge phones, smart watches, cameras, and anything that charges with USB.  Click Here
 
  • Triple plug and two USB station:  when cruising or staying in the states we take this multi-plug instead. Click Here
 
  • Packing Cubes: theses make it so much easier to quickly locate items, pack, unpack, AND stay organized! Plus they come in tons of colors.  Click Here

 

 
  • Quick Dry Towel: these things are amazing.  You can even roll a piece of wet clothing in them, squish, unroll, and the hang dry time will be cut in half! Click Here
 
  • Combo Lock: if you are going to stay in hostels you will need this to keep your things safe when out of the room.  Many don't provide them) Click Here
 
  • Cable Lock: Great if you are going to spend a lot of time in a public place with your bags. Lock your bag to a bar when sleeping on a train, longer bus rides, etc. Click Here
 
  • Reusable Totes: For those times you need an extra bag.  Remember many other countries don't have bags at grocery stores.  You bring your own. Click Here
 
  • A Mini Flashlight: for searching in a bag in a dark hostel room.  Don't be the person who flips the lights on and wakes everyone up.  You are better than that. Click Here

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush: I mean unless you're into that whole cavity/stinky breath thing. Click Here
 
  • Steripod Toothbrush: covers  and actually kill germs on your toothbrush. Click Here
 
  • Solid Cologne: just roll on, and subtly smell nice with no risk of breaking or leaking.  Click Here
 
  • Febreeze Travel: for stinky train bathrooms, hostels, or travel mates. Click Here
 
  • Dr. Bronners Travel: this soap is super concentrated and can do almost anything: body wash, laundry detergent, shampoo, dishes, produce.  Seriously.  It could save the day! Click Here
 
  • Suction Sink Stopper: to do a quick wash of a few pieces of laundry. Click Here
 

Clothing line: to hand dry sink washed clothes overnight, we put the above three things in a ziplock and called it our walking laundry mat. Click Here

 

Clothing

Here is a quick list.  To see my exact favorites, pictures, and more check out my blog post on my top picks for travel clothing.

 
  • 3 tees: preferably neutral colors, lightweight and quick-dry. This can be used on their own or as undershirts.  They must match everything else. Click Here
 
  • 4 button down: also quick dry, can roll up sleeves, and are in solid or neutral colors. Click Here
 
 
 
 
  • 5 pair socks: three low cut and two high cut. I like socks made with wool because they are naturally water wicking and avoid odor. Click Here
 
  • 6 pairs of underwear: Make sure these are quick dry so you can wash them in the sing and hang them to dry overnight if you have and underwear crisis. Click Here
 
  • 1 swimsuit: Not used often but definitely essential especially in the summer months/beach towns. Click Here
 
  • Modest pajamas: I just took a t-shirt and quick dry gym shorts. Click Here
 

Shoes

I only take 2 pairs of shoes for long trips.  What exactly those three are depend on the climate, but here are my favorites for a warmer/temporate climate.

 
  • Everyday walking and stylish shoes: Pumas are comfortable and can be dressed up. Click Here
 
  • Dressier Option: These clarks are classic. Click Here
 
  • Flip Flops: for gross showers and the beach. Click Here