What To Pack For Travel

Figuring out what to pack for travel can be overwhelming. Especially if that trip is for several months halfway around the world.  You want to pack enough so you aren’t wanting for anything, but not so much that the weight of your bag becomes a burden throughout your travels.  Below is what I decided to bring with me based on what I need out of necessity and a few other things that I honestly could probably have done without.  Maybe I’ll discard a few of these items later on down the road, but for now, they’ll stay in my bag until my back gives out or decides otherwise.

Bags

• Kelty Redwing 50-Liter Backpack
• REI Flash 22 Pack
• REI Duck’s Back Rain Cover – 60 Liters
• Lock and Key

Clothes

• 7 T-Shirts (3 White, 2 Black, 2 Grey)
• 1 Dress Shirt (For going out at night)
• 10 Pairs of Socks
• 1 Pair of Dress Socks (For going out at night)
• 7 Pairs of Boxers
• 1 Pair of Shorts
• 1 Pair of Jeans
• 1 Swimsuit
• 1 Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
• 1 Lightweight Jacket (not pictured)
• 1 Pair of Tennis Shoes
• 1 Pair of Dress Shoes (For going out at night)
• 1 Pair of Flip-Flops
• 1 Pair of Sunglasses
• 1 Watch (Gift)
• 1 Belt – Black/ Brown (Reversible)
• 1 Towel

Gear/ Technology

• iPhone
• Laptop
• Camera
• Tripod
• Universal Power Adapter
• 4 AC Outlet Power Strip

Toiletries

• 1 Toothbrush
• 1 Tube of Toothpaste
• 1 Pack of Dental Floss
• 2 Mini Deodorant Sprays
• 1 Razor
• 1 Mini Can of Shaving Cream
• 1 Mini Bottle of Shampoo
• 1 Mini Bottle of Shower Gel
• 1 Comb
• 1 Mini Bottle of Hair Gel

Medical Kit

• Band-Aids
• Anti-Itch Cream (Hydrocortisone)
• Antibiotic Ointment
• 2 Pairs of Earplugs
• Eye Drops
• Aleve
• Hand Sanitizer

Miscellaneous

• Chargers
• 2 Journals (Gifts)
• Fluenz (Language Learning Software)

Once again, this list is what I decided would work best for me.  Some people might find more or less things absolutely necessary, but this is my “must-have” bag for travel.  After everything was said and done, my bag weighed roughly between 25-30 lbs.  A weight I feel I can easily handle on the road, but not too light or too heavy for me to consider more or less stuff.

There is no perfect bag or list of things of what to pack for travel.  Your list will be different from mine, as you have different needs and wants than I do.  Just make sure you have the necessities to survive and don’t get too carried away with items that weigh down your bag and will make you and your back regret it later.