My Complete Long-Term Travel Packing List

This is my long-term travel packing list as a full-time solo world traveler. This useful guide is geared toward round-the-world (RTW) trips longer than 6 months, but is suitable for any trip length from a couple of months to several years. This long-term travel packing list also includes hard-earned insights from years of traveling from the tropical islands of SE Asia to the Andes Mountains in Patagonia. I pack for all weather and seasons because I never know where I’m going to end up next. As a self-proclaimed minimalist, my everyday travel essentials fit into a carry-on size suitcase, ideal for ease and flexibility. I do not feel like I need more space.

For more detail on what to buy and things to consider when planning a long-term trip, enter your email at the end of this post to download my free printable long-term travel packing checklist (PDF).

I travel around the world with a total of 3 bags. This guide covers one of them: my long-term travel essentials in a carry-on suitcase. If you want to know what’s in my other two bags, check out my Backpacking Gear List and my Travel Photography Gear List, which I use to document my travels on YouTube.

If you are planning a long trip and are wondering what you need to bring, this guide will help answer those questions. The items on this list are things I have been using for many years and truly love and recommend. A few items I end up packing in my suitcase (due to space) are actually photography equipment, which I have included in my Travel Photography Gear List rather than here.

Many of the links below are affiliate links, which means that I will earn a (deplorable, but noteworthy) commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. This is at no additional cost to you and helps keep me traveling 🙂

My Suitcase

Away Carry-On Suitcase: I love this suitcase. It has held up wonderfully on uneven cobblestones, snowy sidewalks, and many, many flights. There is a combination lock on top and a removable power bank tucked beneath the handle, which comes in handy for more than just travel days. I love the center zippered organizing pocket where I keep my toiletries and smaller items. It also comes with a laundry bag, which has it’s own little pocket. Their customer service is incredible too- I emailed them to inquire about getting a new laundry bag since mine disappeared in Thailand, and they actually mailed a new one to Thailand free of charge. Talk about going above and beyond. I have been using this suitcase since day one and I will definitely buy another when the time comes.

Packing Cubes: These are a game changer! It is so easy to stay organized and find what I’m looking for. I thrifted mine on Mercari and got them for half price.

Casual Clothing

Below are my everyday clothes for living daily life. My two main criteria for clothing are function and comfort. I am a big proponent of wearing what I already have, but if I do need to buy something, I thrift whenever possible.

• 1 long sleeved shirt
• 3 short sleeved shirts
• 3 crop tops
• 6 Jungmaven tank tops: This company use hemp fabric and promotes earth-friendly practices- no fast fashion here. The tops fit perfectly and are super cute.
• 1 pair of jeans: Gotta love a tight fitting pair of Levi’s.
• 2 pairs of denim shorts: Gotta love a pair of Levi’s short shorts.
• 2 Thai shorts: Got these in Thailand for a few dollars- they are the perfect beach shorts.
• 1 pair of joggers/ sweatpants: For lounging in cooler weather.
• 1 Beyond Yoga jumpsuit: I hope I have this forever. It is a comfortable base outfit for both warmer and cooler days. Great for lounging with a book or exploring local temples that require visitors to be covered.
• 1 dress: I actually haven’t worn this. This is one of those “but I might need it for that one occasion someday!” which will probably never happen. I should get rid of it.
• 12 pairs of underwear: Half are thongs and the other half are full butt. My advice is to go simple, basic, and not super expensive. You want them to be comfortable and durable, and to withstand a variety of washing machines and detergents.
• 7 pairs of socks: Some for warmth, some for exercise, some for hiking.
• Altra Trail Running Shoes: I have two pairs of shoes- one that I wear for pretty much everything, and a pair of sandals for warm weather. I wear my trail runners for hiking, exploring cities, in planes, trains, and automobiles, and yes, also for trail running. I simply do not have the space for another pair of shoes, but I don’t really need them. Not a fan of hiking boots, I swear by trail running shoes. They are more comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and dry quickly. I have worn them in all four seasons, including snow. While my feet can sometimes get cold in the snow, I never get blisters or have any foot problems.
• Sandals: I have a pair of sandals for when the weather is warmer and also to wear around camp when backpacking. I used to have a pair of Teva and loved them- they were great for crossing streams. Currently I have a pair of Birkenstocks, which are very comfortable and I wear them on and off the trail.
• You need a pair of flip flops if you are staying in hostels or using public showers. You do not want to get a foot or toenail fungus, which takes forever (a year!) to treat/grow out!

Exercise Clothing

Most of these items I already owned or I thrifted using the websites Poshmark and Mercari. I used these sites a lot to purchase thrifted clothing (and other stuff!) and also to sell my own things. I always try to thrift before buying new. And if I buy new, I try to purchase from a slow fashion and sustainable brand.

• 2 running shorts
• 2 athletic t-shirts
• 1 athletic tank top
• 2 sports bras
• Running belt pouch: This is a better alternative to the armband. It is perfect for holding my phone, house key, and some cash.
• Liforme Travel Yoga Mat: Yes, I travel the world with a yoga mat. Along with running, it’s my exercise of choice. Having a mat with a good grip makes a big difference, and I really like this one.

Warm Weather

I fell in love with the endless summer in Thailand. There is a piece of me that will always be an island girl, and one day I hope I make it back to the tropics. I will be prepared if I do!

• 6 Sundaze Bikinis: I absolutely love this sustainable swimwear company. They are made out of recycled fishing nets and the styles are so cute sexy.
• Mask/ Snorkel: I bought this during the pandemic when I was living on tropical islands. I think using rented snorkels is kinda nasty, and the masks are usually scratched which impedes visibility. If I’m in a place that has a coral reef, I like to go snorkeling all the time, so it makes sense to have my own. Plus, I got a high quality one that I use for scuba diving, and it was on sale.
• 3 pairs of Goodr sunglasses: It’s important to wear sunglasses that block UV rays, and I prefer something lightweight and inexpensive. I have been wearing Goodr for years, and not only are they high quality, but their customer service is excellent. I put a huge scratch in one of mine and they sent me a new pair for free. Love that.
• Beach towel: I have a sandcloud and I really like it. I get a lot of use out of it, and not just at the beach but also picnics, laying in the grass reading, cloud gazing, and as a blanket to wrap around myself when sitting outside. Multi-functional things are my favorite. I fold this to line one side of my Away Carry-On Suitcase, so it takes up hardly any space.
• Sarong: I got this in Thailand. It was great to wrap around me when walking back from the beach, and to lay on if I didn’t want to carry the bulk and weight of the sandcloud.

Cold Weather

The key to a minimalist wardrobe is layering. By having a variety of combinations, I am prepared for any weather from breezy to snowy. A couple items specific to hiking, like my base layers and mittens, are included on my Backpacking Gear List.

• Arc’teryx Coat: This puffy coat keeps me warm in all weather, and I wear it on and off the trail. I thrifted mine. 🙂
• Melanzana Midlayer: Layering is the best way to stay comfortable on any trail and through any season. My midlayer fits nicely over a regular shirt or base layer and under my coat.
• Sweater: A friend knitted me a sweater and honestly I don’t know what I would have done without it. It keeps me warm in the crisp fall and winter air and is beautiful enough to look dressed up if I want.

Toiletries

All of my toiletries are plastic-free and as natural as possible. If I can’t find items locally, when I am in the States I order online from Eco Roots and Hive Brands. I thrifted my toiletry bag on Poshmark.

• Shampoo and conditioner bars: I use bar soap for several reasons, but for starters, there are no harsh chemicals and they are plastic free. Additionally, despite their small size, they last several months, which means I save both money and space in my bag. I also don’t have to spend money on those little squeeze tubes most travelers use. Plus, I never have to worry about TSA liquid restrictions, or them exploding all over the inside of my bag! Also, they work really well!
• Soap bars + soap saver bags: I have been able to find organic, artisanal hand-crafted bar soap in numerous countries, even in smaller villages. It’s always cool buying something locally made that you can use, rather than just a cheap trinket. I keep them in the soap saver bags, which also double as an exfoliating body wash cloth.
• Bamboo Toothbrush: I have been using a bamboo toothbrush for years and will never go back. It cleans just as well as a plastic one but won’t sit around in a landfill or in the ocean for 500 years. I have been able to find these in several countries, so replacing them regularly hasn’t been an issue.
• Toothpaste tablets: I ordered mine from Hive Brands, a company dedicated to sustainability. These are a plastic-free and harsh-chemical-free alternative to regular toothpaste. They are small tablets the size of an Altoid or other breath mint that you chew and brush your teeth with. I have found that they are great both on and off trail. Another perk is that by using toothpaste tablets, I no longer have to worry about issues with TSA liquid rules- it sucks when TSA takes your toothpaste. The taste/texture/overall experience varies by brand, so it might take some experimentation before you find a brand/product you like.
• Safety Razor + blades: This metal safety razor gives such a close shave. Plus, the heaviness from the metal feels good when you hold it. The blades are sold in packs of 10 and are really cheap, making this a much cheaper alternative to plastic razors. Did I mention it’s plastic-free? Remember, the blades have to go in a checked bag if you’re flying (I put them in my backpacking/camping medical kit which gets checked).
• Raw Elements Sunblock: Sunblock needs to be worn every day you’re outside, even if it’s cloudy. I use non-nano zinc (mineral) based sunblock because the other stuff (chemical) is bad for the coral reefs, and it also causes cancer when exposed to heat. Thanks for that, Big Sunblock. I also like this brand because it comes in a metal tin, and I am all about being plastic-free.
• Foot scrubber: I am on foot a lot, whether I am trekking through mountains, shopping local markets, navigating airports, or exploring a city. It is nice to keep my feet exfoliated and well taken care of.
• Hair cutting scissors: Yes, I cut my own hair.
• Tweezers: A good pair of tweezers is worth the money.
• Cuticle Clippers: I love these. Both men and women should use these regularly.
• Coconut oil: This is what I use on my skin instead of lotion. It makes me smell so good and feel so soft.
• Makeup: I never wear it, I should free up the space in my bag.
• Nail clippers
• Nail File
• Hairbrush
• Scrunchies/ hair ties

Other

• Cloth Bag: I got this in Thailand and use it all the time. I mainly use it as a grocery bag, but also end up using it as a beach bag and as a day bag.
• Kindle: This is an essential travel item. Because I have a library card from back home, I am able to read basically unlimited books for free. I use the app Libby to check out the books and send them to my kindle. I thrifted mine on Mercari and got it for half off. Score.
• 4 cloth pantyliners: I got these on etsy and love them. Washable is better (and cheaper!) than disposable!
• Reusable water bottle: Many destinations, airports, and hotels have water refill stations, making this super convenient. In places where you can’t drink the tap water, I buy the largest jugs I can find and then use them to refill my water bottle. You probably already have one you can use. If not, thrift one.
• 3 combination locks: One to lock up each bag I travel with if I stay in a hostel.
• Sewing kit: I actually didn’t bring one initially, and then needed one and someone gave one to me. I have used it several times since. It’s useful to have when you need it and takes up basically no space. I have 5-7 colors of thread and a few needles.
• First aid kit: Tums, antihistamine, digital thermometer, band-aids.
• B12 supplement
• Personal tech: Laptop, AirPods, chargers, etc. All of my electronics can be found on my Travel Photography Gear List.

Things I Don’t Bring

With a limited amount of space, quite a few items have been removed from my long-term travel packing list. Part of the transformative power of traveling has been examining my relationship with my appearance and the Beauty Industry. As a woman, I have been fed a lot of garbage about appearance and self-worth, and I have spent the last several years unraveling this narrative.

• I do not use (or bring) hair products, tools, or accessories. I consider myself fortunate that I have “low-maintenance” hair, but I also think “high-maintenance” hair is just hair that isn’t naturally in line with culturally constructed euro-centric beauty standards. Examining and unlearning these unhealthy messages has allowed me to embrace how my body is naturally, and that includes both my hair and my face.
• I do not wear makeup anymore. But I do have a small bag of makeup with me, which I packed back when I still wore it occasionally. Since I don’t use it anymore, I should probably free up the space in my bag for something more useful.
• I no longer bring skincare. Instead, I focus on my diet/ gut microbiome for clear skin, and I wear sunblock to prevent UV damage. Regarding wrinkles and signs of aging: I am so utterly grateful for growing older, which is a privilege denied to many. So, I do not give a flying fuck about wrinkles. Back on topic, skincare products are just a cocktail of chemicals that are harmful to both our skin and our endocrine system, such as alcohol and fragrance. Not to mention all the plastic waste and how outrageously expensive skincare products are. My skincare routine consists of washing with a natural bar soap and using coconut oil as a moisturizer. That’s it. My pack is lighter and my skin looks better.
• I do not wear bras. Simply put, I don’t need one. They are expensive, take up space, and are uncomfortable. I wear sports bras for yoga (sometimes) and for running without a shirt on in hot places.
• I do not bring any special female-oriented safety equipment, such as door stops, whistles, etc. To feel safe as a solo female traveler, I visit countries that are generally safe, and take “regular” safety precautions.
• I do not bring a bunch of pharmaceuticals. When I first left, I had so many pills for all kinds of ailments, thinking that I was going to be fighting for my life in all these second world countries. All the medications ended up expiring, and I had to throw hundreds of dollars away. My first mistake was getting the pharmaceuticals in America where the prices are a scam at best and criminal at worst. The few times that I have needed modern medicine, like antibiotics for a UTI, which then escalated into a kidney infection, I simply went to a pharmacy or doctor in whatever country I was in and got what I needed. It was far cheaper than I ever could have ever gotten care for the States.

Things like Malaria pills can be acquired in the country with the Malaria risk, and for a lot cheaper. Plus, you wont have to cart them around for months until you use them. Necessary, life-saving uses aside (like the kidney infection), I try not to take pharmaceuticals at all. I endure period cramps and other pain without asking my liver to filter out the toxins. I just deal with feeling like shit once in a while. It’s all part of the human experience. I also try to prevent feeling like shit, by staying hydrated, sleeping well, eating healthy, and rarely drinking alcohol.

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I’m traveling the world with all of my long-term travel essentials in one carry-on suitcase, my backpacking gear, and photography gear. Packing light makes travel easier and more enjoyable. Enter your email below to subscribe and receive a free printable long-term travel packing checklist (PDF)!

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