The Ultimate Minimalist Packing List for Long-Term Travel
When trying to fit life into a bag for months at a time, it can be difficult to pick not only what to bring, but also how to pack it. In this article, we’ll cover the best ways to pack for extended trips by creating the ultimate minimalist packing list for long-term travel.
1. Buy a big, sturdy backpack, but not too big
When shopping for backpacks, it’s important to consider capacity. It can also be confusing, since brands will label their bags in ‘liters’, and backpackers are often only thinking about how many extra sets of pants or shoes to bring. Basically, the amount of ‘liters’ a backpack can hold equates to how many days of travel you can fit into the bag. For instance, a 15-24 liter backpack is good for day excursions, whereas a 40 liter backpack is better for longer trips and can also qualify as a carry-on. While backpacks that are 55 liters are nice, they can easily mark you as a backpacker, which can be a disadvantage while traversing foreign countries.
At the end of the day, it’s up to you how small or big you go, but a good way to go is to bring a 40-liter backpack to fit several days' worth of clothes and some shoes, and then add a separate smaller pack for your personal items and devices. Going this route can help you blend in when you’re traveling in other countries, and still give you the flexibility to move your goods between packs without having to compromise on space.
2. Find the right shoes
While having your favorite pair of sneakers or heels can seem appealing, think about how much walking you might end up doing and instead consider packing a single pair of walking shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Traveling often entails a lot of time on your feet, which is why having a sturdy pair of shoes is probably the most important thing to consider. Like with picking the right bag, it can be smart to choose brands that are more globally recognized as another way to not stand out as a tourist. While your favorite athletic brand might be comfortable, wearing a pair of shoes that are specific to your country can make you immediately appear as a tourist.
3. Pack layers
This one seems obvious, but can be easy to overlook, especially if you’re a last-minute packer or aren’t exactly sure what the weather will be like in your destination of choice. Even if you plan to cover several different regions and climates, consider bringing a light jacket that is easy to fold or squish into a bag as opposed to a heavy overcoat. Water-resistant jackets, especially, are incredibly useful and are often light enough to pack in a carry-on. Otherwise, consider buying an umbrella and several pairs of extra socks, in case you get caught in rainy weather.
Part of the benefit of traveling for extensive periods of time, especially in hostels, is that you’ll usually be on the move, or around a bunch of brand new faces, which means no one will care if you’ve worn the same outfit more than once. Also, consider buying second-hand when you’re on the move. Buying recycled clothes is not only good for the environment, but it makes it easier to part with certain items when it’s time to pack up and board the next flight, since it likely didn’t cost too much to acquire and the sentimental value is low.
4. Purchase specialty items beforehand
When it comes to cosmetics, toiletries, and supplements, it’s important to purchase your favorite brands and lines before leaving home. Although many brands are available online, it can be difficult to coordinate shipping to different cities and countries, especially if you plan to stay in hostels and don’t have a solid itinerary. By purchasing certain items before getting on the plane, you can make sure that you have your favorite soaps, makeup products, shampoos, conditioners, and vitamins with you on the go. It’s also important to be mindful of how these items are packaged, since airport security will require you to fit liquids into sealed containers and in small quantities. When it comes to soaps and shampoos, consider buying bars instead of liquids. The same can be said for vitamins and supplements like collagen, which can be purchased in individual packets as opposed to large, bulk bags that will have to be sealed or put in checked bags. All of this will save you time and stress at the airport, and avoid having to throw away costly products that are important to you.
5. Get the right adapters and converters
This is something that can be easily forgotten given how small wall adapters are, but can be a hard lesson to learn when your phone is dead, and you’re in another country, and it’s late, or you’re in a remote spot without access to a convenience store. Without a foreign adapter or converter, you can be stuck without one of your most important tools: your phone. It’s best not to rely on foreign shops having adapters that will fit your charging ports, so the best move is to buy these things ahead of time. Also, consider buying a portable charger that is small but powerful. There are plenty of options to choose from, and most portable chargers come with different outputs for various devices. Having one of these can save you in a pinch and also provide some peace of mind when taking a long trip, especially if it entails being outdoors or in a place that is off-the-grid.
One last thing to remember: Purchase traveler’s insurance. This can be easily done and will save you a headache in case something were to happen when you're traveling. Traveler's insurance ranges in price, so it's best to do some homework before selecting the package that works for you and your travel calendar.
