The Ultimate Packing List

I am preparing to head out for a six-month expat explore and will take only one carryon roller bag and my Hyperlite backpack. Over the years, I have refined my packing list to essentials that I cannot do without. I found that the easiest journey has the least baggage. I have separated these essential items into several categories for you:

• Carry-on roller bag essentials

Other stuff – do I really want to schlep this around?

• Hyperlite day pack
• What to wear traveling from place A to B by plane, bus, train, or boat

 

Roller Bag Essential

• • 

    Skort (a skirt with shorts underneath)—great for hiking, cycling, working out or walking

 

• • Skirt – much easier for toileting—especially in sketchy bathrooms or without a bathroom

 

• • 3/4 length skirt

 

• • Dress – usually short-sleeved

 

• • Lightweight pullover sweater

 

• • Long-sleeved sun-protective shirt – they come in multiple colors

 

• • Short-sleeved lightweight top/shirt

 

• • Long-sleeved lightweight top/shirt

 

• • Long-sleeved lightweight fleece

 

• • Lounge pants – essential for just hanging out indoors and for warmth

 

• • Nightgowns or lightweight pajamas

 

• • Neck scarf

 

• • Flip-flops for showers and around your hostel, apartment, or room

 

• • Trail runners – good for walking, running or hiking

 

• • A sturdy walking shoe that can be worn with skirts

 

• • Toe socks – prevents toe chaffing on long walks or hikes and you can wear them with flip-flops

 

• • Swimsuit/cap/goggles – a must for anyone who likes to swim

 

• • Umbrella or raincoat (not both)

 

• • Sun hat

 

• • Foldable black and white bag—to carry groceries and supplies and can double as a purse

 

• • Bra

 

• • Second pair of glasses

 

Extra Stuff

• • Beach wrap

 

• • Knee-length workout tights

 

• • Long jean tights

 

• • Small towel

 

• • String backpack – it rolls up small like the black and white bag

 

Toiletries (Small Travel Sizes for Carry-On Roller Bag)

• • Toothbrush/paste

 

• • Dental floss

 

• • Lotion

 

• • Sunscreen

 

• • Small bag of first aid supplies including nail clippers and tweezers

 

• • Shampoo

 

• • Comb and barrettes

 

What to Wear

• • Cami – doubles as a bra or to wear with skirt or pants

 

• • ¾ length skirt—warmer on air-conditioned planes, trains, and buses

 

• • long sleeve shirt and/or pullover sweater

 

• • neck scarf

 

• • trail runners/socks

 

• • earrings/bracelet or watch

 

Hyperlite Backpack

• 

  Electronics—Computer (if needed), iPad, mobile phone

• Power cords and power adapter
• Valuables (passport, 1 credit card, 2 debit cards, cash, driver’s license)
• Small camera
• Headlamp
• Down jacket in stuff bag
• Healthy snacks, spork, cutting board, paper towel
• Meds
• Reusable water bottle

 

Small Over the Shoulder Bag

• A small wallet or money carrier
• Small notebook
• 2 pens
• Comb
• Chapstick
• A small package of Kleenex
• Glasses
• Toothpicks
• Copies of passport, credit card, debit cards, and driver’s license
• Sunglasses

Anything else you find that you need you can pick up en route. STOP! I saw that – do not put that back in your bag – you don’t need it!

All set to travel!

What will your packing list include if you are relocating and will take only three suitcases or if you are traveling for six months and will bring one carry on roller bag and a small backpack?

by: Gwen Hyatt