When I embarked on my journey, I thought I needed to bring everything with me, but boy, was I mistaken! Two of these, four of those, and a whopping 15 of those over there. Yep, I’ve been there and done that. After four trips to the post office to ship items back home and over $100 in airline fees, I’ve officially declared my packing mistakes a closed chapter. so here you’ll find best travel packing tips.
No more post office visits for me unless it’s for sending gifts. If necessary, I’m ready to bid farewell to some belongings. Today, I share my hard-earned wisdom on what not to pack, and I hope it helps you avoid similar pitfalls.
Now, let’s talk about those budget airlines that make exploring new countries a breeze. You can get from one destination to another for a mere \$40-\$80 USD, making world travel packing tips surprisingly affordable. However, here’s the kicker: these airlines tend to hit you with outrageous baggage fees.
It wasn’t until my recent trip from Bangkok to Phuket, where my luggage cost me an additional $60 USD at the gate, that I had an epiphany. Lesson learned: Don’t try to cram your entire life into your suitcase.
I’ve always considered myself good at detachment, but the allure of extra clothes and possessions for comfort during my travels got to me. Well, I’m here to say, “Forget that!” I don’t need four pairs of shoes or ten pairs of socks when I’m living in sandals 90% of the time.
Three pairs of jeans? Not necessary because the tropical heat will make you sweat through anything you wear. And as for a hair straightener – ladies, let it go; embrace the beachy look with some gel.
For the gentlemen, the same advice applies – leave the dresses at home (unless, of course, you have a particular fashion statement to make).
Here are some essential tips:
When shipping items from a local post office, always carry your passport or a photo of it; they won’t ship your items without one.
Many post offices only accept cash, so ditch your credit and debit cards.
Be prepared for inspections, as some post offices may scrutinize your packed items.
Now, let me provide you with a concise list of what you should bring. With this, you’re all set for an extended tropical adventure. Leave your attachments behind!
That’s the perfect travel packing tips list – not too much, not too little. Now that you know what not to pack and what you should pack, you’re all set to embrace a comfortable life on the road.
Seasonal clothing: Duh, consider the climate of your destination or risk freezing your ass off or melting like a popsicle.
Basics: Underwear, socks, t-shirts, and other essentials. You know, the stuff you wear every day but somehow always forget when you’re packing.
Formal wear: Unless you plan on crashing a red carpet event or attending a fancy gala, leave the ball gown at home. But if you do, make sure to take lots of pictures and tag me on Instagram!
Outerwear: Jackets, coats, and sweaters to keep you warm and stylish. Because hypothermia is not a good look.
Athletic wear: For all you active adventure junkies out there. Because hiking a mountain in heels is not advised. Trust me on this one.
Toothbrush and toothpaste: Dental hygiene is important, my friend. No one wants to smell your morning breath or see your food stuck in your teeth.
Shampoo, conditioner, and soap: Personal care items because you’re not an animal. Unless you are, in which case you do you.
Deodorant: In case you don’t want to smell like a sweaty armpit. We’re aiming for “fresh and fabulous” here.
Razors and shaving cream: Unless you’re going for the “au naturel” look, take these to keep yourself groomed and smooth. No judgment if you rock the bush, though.
Medications: Bring a sufficient supply. No one wants to end up in a foreign hospital with a questionable doctor prescribing you mystery pills.
Passport/ID: Essential for identification. Otherwise, you might end up as an international spy with multiple identities. Actually, that sounds kinda cool.
Visas and permits: Don’t risk getting kicked out of a country by forgetting these important documents. Unless being forcefully deported is on your bucket list.
Travel insurance: Always a good idea. You never know when a stray coconut might come flying at your head.
Health insurance card: In case of medical emergencies. Because getting stuck with a massive hospital bill is not exactly the souvenir you want to bring home.
Important contacts: Emergency contacts and essential numbers, like the pizza delivery guy back home.
Laptop and charger: For work or entertainment. Because who needs a vacation when you can work remotely from a tropical paradise? sigh
Phone and charger: Essential for communication. Also, how else are you going to document every moment of your amazing journey and make everyone jealous on social media?
Adapters and converters: Because electricity can be a fickle friend. Don’t let it ruin your selfies.
Camera or Decent Mobile Phone for Pics: Capture memories. Or blackmail material. Either way, it’s good to have.
Backpack or suitcase: Choose based on your travel style. Backp acking through the wilderness or rolling your suitcase through airport terminals? You do you, girl.
Travel pillow: For comfort during long journeys. Because sleeping in a cramped airplane seat is pure torture without it.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and save the planet one sip at a time. Plus, it doubles as a weapon against creepy strangers. Safety first!
Power bank: Keep your devices charged. Because taking selfies and posting on Instagram is more important than food or water. Priorities, right?
Travel-sized laundry detergent: Wash clothes on the go. No judgment if you’re not into the whole “sweating through your clothes for weeks on end” thing. Fresh laundry is a beautiful thing.
Kitchen Essentials
Reusable utensils: Because eating with your hands gets old real fast. Plus, you’re not auditioning for a role in “Game of Thrones.”
Tupperware: Useful for storing leftovers. Even solo travelers can experience food comas.
Travel mug: For hot or cold beverages. Because we all need our caffeine fix, even on the go.
Notepad and pen: Take notes or jot down important information. Also great for doodling during long bus rides or boring museum tours.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun. And they make you look cool. Trust me, I’m an expert in coolness.
First aid kit: Basic medical supplies. Because you never know when you’ll slip, fall, or spontaneously combust. Safety is sexy.
Flashlight: Handy in case of power outages. Also great for impromptu games of flashlight tag or daring midnight adventures.
Hobbies and Entertainment
Books or e-reader: For leisure reading. Time to catch up on all those books you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t because life got in the way. cough
Sketchbook or journal: Express your creativity or document your journey. Because sometimes words just aren’t enough to capture the beauty of your boundless adventures.
Musical instrument: If you play and it’s portable. Ready to serenade strangers on park benches or annoy your hostel mates? Go for it, rockstar!
Travel packing tips for a year may not be so easy, but by mastering the art of packing, you can focus on more exciting challenges, like deciding which rum to sip on your tropical adventures. Check out our travel shop for exciting offers on travel products
Thanks for visiting, and remember: Travel Till You Drop
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Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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