Minimalist Traveller

Packing List for World Travellers

Packing light while still having all the essentials is an art.

When I first started travelling, I carried a large suitcase plus a carry-on. For years now, I travel with just a 50-liter backpack (allowed as carry-on) and wash my clothes about once a week. Whether you’re going for two weeks or several months, the amount you need is surprisingly similar.

Bringing less makes travel easier in so many ways — it keeps you organised, allows you to pack and unpack quickly, and gives you the freedom to move around effortlessly. Plus, you avoid extra fees for checked baggage. 

As a backpacker it also means you can keep your bag with you on buses, which is important in some countries where you don’t want to lose sight of your belongings.

Of course, some trips require additional gear. If you’re skiing, camping, fishing, on a business trip (e.g. suit), or traveling with children, you may want to pack more. 

Important documents and necessities

  • Passport, Personal ID, (visa), and international driver’s license
  • Credit and ATM card. Revolut functions as both
  • Transportation ticket (if not on your phone)
  • international vaccination card (e.g. yellow fever)
  • Money pouch instead of a wallet
  • Cash! ATM fees can be high (15 %), and many countries have withdrawal limits of 100 USD (e.g. Laos, Argentina).

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, tongue cleaner, lip balm
  • Organic jojoba or coconut oil (in 100 ml jar): Face oil (add on wet face). Also works as a waterproof make-up remover and against split ends
  • Organic shea butter with coconut oil as body cream
  • Deodorant (without aluminium)
  • Organic shampoo (bar) with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5 for hair, body, and shaving. Try out what works best for you.
  • Safety razor (wet shave). Buy razor blades on the way. E.g. Mühle R89 Double Edge.
  • Hairbrush or comb, 2 hair ties
  • Ultra-thin microfiber quick-drying bath towel
  • Nail clippers, nail file, tweezers and foot file (or pumice stone)
  • some cotton sticks in a small plastic bag (use carefully!)
  • some toilet paper in a cloth bag. Very handy in most countries!
  • (Contact lenses, solution and case)
  • (Menstrual cup)

Clothing and accessories

  • 1 pair of comfortable sneakers (e.g. barefoot shoes)
  • 1 pair of flip-flops or sandals (beach, shower)
  • 1 warm sweater (instead of a jacket)
  • 7 pairs of underwear
  • 7 pairs of short socks
  • 2 pair of long light trousers, 1 long leggings, 2-3 shorts
  • 7 short shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts (opposite if going to a colder place)
  • 1 long T-shirt for sleeping (if you prefer not to sleep naked)
  • 1 nice dress
  • 2 sports bra (more comfortable than a bra)
  • Clothes for sports
  • 1 swimsuit or swim trunks, 1 lightweight beach towel (e.g. Sarong)
  • 1 ultralight raincoat or 1 folding umbrella
  • 1 plastic bag for dirty clothes
  • for cooler climates: gloves, scarf, headband
  • a rope (to dry your clothes)
  • small sewing kit: some thread plus one needle.

Electronics

  • Smartphone and charger: GPS, music, alarm clock, watch, maps, camera, guidebooks (e.g. TripAdvisor), language guides (e.g. Duolingo), calendar
  • 1 headphone
  • (Camera, memory card and charger)
  • international adapter, two way adapter
  • E-reader and charger. There are also wandering libraries or sometimes it is possible to borrow a book.
  • Computer and charger

Medications and health

  • 1 pair of sunglasses plus case, sunscreen (in 100 ml jar) and sunburn relief or Aloe Vera
  • Ear plugs
  • Pain relievers: Tiger balm, Roedler oil, Dafalgan
  • Toothaches: lightly chew a clove and keep it in your mouth for 5 mins or clove essential oil. It will numb your gum.
  • Cold medicine: vitamin D (anti-viral), inhale essential oils (e.g. eucalyptus, rosemary, thyme), tea (e.g. sage)
  • Motion sickness: ginger
  • diarrhea remedies: charcoal tablet.
  • bruise: Arnica, lavender essential oil
  • 3 medical strips, antibacterial ointment (e.g. honey), thermometer
  • condoms
  • Supplements
  • Medicines and vaccinations specific to the region/activity
  • spices: cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, kala namak salt

On the journey

  • Inflatable neck cushion for bus travels overnight
  • airtight stainless steel box for food and one small spoon
  • 1 water bottle: BPA-free. Stainless steel or glass would be best.
  • Card games

If you need anything else along the way, you can buy it locally — often for much less than back home. So don’t worry, just go!

Items I rarely take with me

  • Jewellery: Easy to lose, a target for theft, and in some places, best kept out of sight.
  • mosquito net: Most places where mosquitoes are a problem will have a mosquito net in the room. Or you can buy it once arrived for a good price.
  • 1 silk sleeping bag: Didn’t use it often enough. But might be handy depending where you go.
  • Luggage Lock: Most backpacks can’t be locked, but if yours can, it’s worth considering — depending on your destination and travel style.