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Before setting out on my big travel adventure, I spent weeks scanning travel blogs and websites, talking to other long-term travelers about the best gear to pack, and surfing Amazon for the highest-rated items and deals. It was fun in some ways, but also exhausting. I enjoy research, but I spent many a late night toggling between multiple versions of the same item on various websites.
In most cases, my research paid off. I traveled for 14 months straight with several items that make my life easier on a daily basis. To help save you some time and headaches before you set out on your trip, here’s my super-secret list of items that will be worth their weight and space in your backpack or bag.
My packing cubes compress my clothes so I can fit more into my backpack. They also keep everything organized. I have a larger cube for pants/skirts, a medium cube for tops, a cube for undergarments, and another for miscellaneous items like medications and small gear. Please don’t travel for any length of time without packing cubes, especially if you’re planning to change locations regularly. They’re well worth the money!
A fellow long-term traveler recommended a microfiber towel, and I’m glad I listened! I ordered the extra-large version. It took a little getting used to because it’s so thin, but I love it. It packs up small and dries fast, and can also be useful for rolling up wet clothes to dry them while on the go.
Another recommendation from my long-term traveling friend, a hanging toiletry bag is invaluable. Many hostel showers don’t have shelves, so I just hang this bag on the door and pull out what I need. It also has plenty room for all the essentials, so I don’t have to think about what I’m taking with me to the shower room in the morning. I just grab it and go.
I ran across this item on a travel blog just before I left on my trip, and paid a little extra for expedited shipping. I’m glad I did! This bag allows you to wash a small load of clothes in about 10 minutes. It’s a little pricey, but ultimately saves time and money, as most European hostels seem to charge $8-9 to launder clothes and laundromats require a lot of time.
I didn’t want to walk around all day everyday with a backpack on my back, so I opted for messenger bag. This one is small enough to tote around, has space for my small laptop, water bottle, maps, camera, etc., as well as added protection for my valuables. (I bought it in black.) I carry it across my body with the bag in front of me to further dissuade would-be pickpockets.
If I’m going out for dinner or a quick errand and don’t want to carry my entire messenger bag, I grab this purse instead. It has many of the same safeguards as the messenger bag and plenty of pockets. This photo shows a green purse, but I actually have the black one, which matches everything.
7. Vera Bradley ID Case/Wallet
I clip this change purse to the interior clips in my messenger bag or purse, providing additional protection against pickpockets. It’s also much lighter to carry around than a full wallet.
8. Bose Earbuds
Note: The link above goes to the Android version. Grab the Apple set if you have an iPhone!
An earlier model of these headphones was a going-away gift from my incredibly generous boss, and I absolutely loved using them throughout my extended trip. The sound quality is great, they stay in my ears when I’m working out, and they have a built-in microphone that I use when I’m talking on the phone through Google Voice. Additionally, the handy zip-up case protects the headphones and replacement earbuds — handy when you’re using them constantly!
If you’ve ever struggled with a multi-piece set of international adapters, you will love this single adapter as much as I do! I choose the appropriate adapter for wherever I happen to be in the world and then plug in up to three electronics to charge at the same time. Often, these are my camera battery in the main outlet and my Kindle and phone in the USB outlets. It’s a lifesaver, especially since it’s often difficult to find enough outlets for everyone in a hostel dorm room. I love this little piece of equipment so much that I even taken it on short trips within the U.S.!
10. Kindle Fire
My Kindle Fire is a constant companion on long bus rides. I use it for listening to podcasts, reading online books and magazines, navigating TripAdvisor city guides on my way to my next destination. The Kindle is also more portable than my laptop, so I often take it with me during the day for booking transportation, catching up on emails, etc. Definitely a worthwhile investment!
11. Macbook Air 11″
I write all of my blog posts on my 11″ Macbook Air and often use it for travel research and phone calls on Google Voice. It’s incredibly slim and light. I went back and forth about whether to get the larger 16″ screen, but in the end, I don’t miss having more screen area, and I love the the petite size of this laptop.
I updated my camera recently and I’m glad I did! This little guy (I have him in black) takes great photos and is small enough to fit in my palm and light enough to tote around all day. I’ve talked with many travelers who end up leaving their cameras in the hotel or hostel during the day because they’re too heavy. Take my advice and bring one that’s portable.
13. Portable Charger
You know that nervous feeling you get when it’s midday, your camera or phone is almost dead and you’re nowhere near your charger? Me, too…it’s scary! Especially for those long bus and train rides, this portable charger really comes in handy! It’s a bit larger than some others I’ve seen, but it has two USB ports — one for a phone and another for a tablet. It also comes with a short USB cord and a handy case. Plus, it’s super cute. Worth. It.
14. Cord Organizer
This is one of those things I just found while surfing on Amazon late at night and it has saved a lot of headaches! I travel with several devices that require cords/batteries/memory cards and the like, and I never have to search around for a particular piece of equipment. This nifty, lightweight zip-up organizer keeps them all in one place and fits easily into my messenger bag. It’s super affordable, too.
15. Headlamp
It’s awesome to have a small, adjustable headlamp on hand for those situations when I need it in the hostel dorm rooms. Some hostels have individual lights near each bed, but many don’t. If I’m getting up early while it’s still dark or reading late at night when the dorm room lights or off, this enables me to see without having to hold a flashlight. It’s also handy for hiking and camping.
16. Big Scarf
I never travel without a big scarf in a versatile color. Not only are they a must for chilly airplane rides, but I’ve worn them around my neck during cold-weather days in Iceland, over my shoulders in Portugal to protect them from the sun, and around my waist as a sarong to change up my small travel wardrobe. Scarves can also be used as a swimsuit coverup or as a shawl for an evening out. Ladies, big scarves will likely be your most versatile travel accessory. Don’t leave home without one or two.
This hoodie is perfect for bus, train and airplane rides. It serves as a thin extra layer in cold climates and is great for early morning workouts. I have a black version, and I love that it’s thin enough for packing but not bulky and has zippers on the pockets. It’s definitely a travel essential.
I bought a cheap inflatable neck pillow at an airport during some long-ago trip and kept in a hall closet for years. I decided to pack it for my long-term trip, and I’ve brought it along for every trip since! I definitely wouldn’t have room to carry around a plush neck pillow everywhere, but an inflatable one can be stored in the included pouch and doesn’t take up much space. My inflatable pillow has prevented me from sleeping on a stranger’s shoulder on more than one occasion.
19. Silk Eye Mask (and earplugs)
If you value sleep (and believe me, I do!), you need an eye mask as well as earplugs. It’s no fun to spend a day walking all over a city when you’re already tired from getting no sleep the previous night. While traveling, you’ll be forced to sleep with lights on or in places where there’s no shade to block out early morning sun. On airplanes, in dorm rooms, or in hotels with thin walls, an eye mask and earplugs will enable you to rest. I’ve been amazed at what I’ve been able to sleep through with these “travel tools.” I especially love this sleep mask because it’s large enough to block out all light and the silk is gentle on my skin. I’ve used it for years and it hasn’t worn out!
If you’re directionally challenged like I am, you will appreciate having a compass. It makes navigating maps that much easier. I also appreciate the temperature gauge on the back, which comes in handy for translating celsius to fahrenheit. When the Europeans I meet say things like “Sometimes it gets up to 40 here!” I can actually understand what they’re complaining about.
When I’m packing for a trip, these items are the ones I believe are most valuable to take along. You can usually find clothes and basic necessities during your travels, but these items can be challenging to find and will make your live abundantly easier if you purchase them ahead of time. I hope this list helps you plan for your journey, whether a quick trip or a longer excursion! If you have any questions, please ask. Happy travels!
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Having read this I believed it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together.
I once again find myself personally spending a
lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was
still worthwhile!
stefbug1
Thanks for commenting! It’s almost impossible to avoid some research, but I hope this list proves to be helpful for you! Best of luck with your travels!