“Audrey Hepburn, as famous as she was, packed her own suitcases... I don’t know why that struck me, but it did.”

― Gavin MacLeod, This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith and Life

 

Packing can be hard.  Especially when you are packing for a long period of time and trying to squeeze it all into a less than 55 liter backpack.  (This is helpful for the health of your back ladies.)  Here is how I made sure I had everything I needed while keeping my spine happy.

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 Perfume Sticks: 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.

 

2-3 tees: preferable can dry hanging overnight and wouldn't hurt if they had some sun protection like these. Click Here

 
  • 2 dressier shirts:  these should be versatile enough to dress up or down. Click Here
 
  • 1 sleeveless: necessary for the hot days. Click Here
 
  • 1 button down: for both modesty dress codes in many ancient churches along with easy style. Click Here
 
 
 
  • 3 pants: (jeans, black leggings, hiking pants) Click Here
 
  • 3 jackets: (one neutral cardigan, one neutral pullover, and a fun rain jacket to get you through bad weather days) Click Here
 
  • 4 pair socks: vary depending on your shoes, 2 no show, 1 ankle, 1 compression for plane and hiking days.  I like socks made with wool because they are naturally water wicking and avoid odor. Click Here
 
  • 5 pairs of underwear: I LOVE Exofficio! They are quick dry, antimicrobial (so they won't smell), and cute.  Also I did a combo of the thong and bikini to fit every clothing need. Click Here
 
  • 3 bras: the everyday, the extra comfy, and the strapless. Exofficio also makes a great quick dry and antimicrobial bra. Click Here
 
  • Versatile scarf: that can also cover shoulders or wrap around bathing suit (this can also be a fun souvenir). Click Here
 
  • 1 swimsuit: depending on climate of course. Click Here
 
  • Modest pajamas: especially if you are staying in hostels. Click Here
 
  • Travel Purse: you would not believe all of the things this one can do! Click Here
 
  • Just a few pieces of classy versatile jewelry:  I'm sure you have accumulated your own, but here are some similar to my most favorite pieces.  Click Here
 
  • Double Sided Pill Case: I LOVE this to carry my jewelry in.  The different shapes are PERFECT for earrings, rings, small necklaces, and one larger statement type piece. Click Here

Shoes

I only take 3 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.

  • Shoes for rain days: I took a pair of nice looking waterproof sandals to do double duty for cute warmer shoes and waterproof shoes.  I love these! Click Here
 
  • Everyday walking and stylish shoes: TOMS of course! Click Here
 
  • European Classic White Sneakers: Can't go wrong!  Click Here