After years of travel, we’ve found the right balance between packing light and having everything we need. However, keep in mind that our packing list isn’t one-size-fits-all—every traveler has different needs.
Backpack
• Main bag: The right size to fit your essentials, can be carried as cabin luggage on most budget airlines, and fits neatly under a bus seat or in overhead compartments.• Daypack: A good daypack should have some back support but still be flexible enough to roll up and stash in your main backpack when not in use.
Essentials
The following are absolute musts—don’t forget them.• Passport (or national ID card for countries that accept it): Pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget. Always make a color copy and keep it with you—it can be a lifesaver if stopped by the police or if you lose your passport abroad.
• Visa (if needed): Depending on your destination and passport, you may have to apply for a tourist visa before departure. We provide an online visa application service for most countries. Check if you need one for your trip.
• Ticket: It’s wise to print your ticket before heading to the airport. Also, if flying with a low-cost airline, check in and print your boarding pass in advance to avoid extra fees.• Travel insurance: No matter how long your trip, buy travel insurance. You often won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad—not having it could cost you dearly.• Debit/credit card: Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent blocks and being left without access to funds.• Cash: Always hide €100-200 somewhere in your backpack. You never know when you’ll need it.• International driving permit (if required): If you plan on driving abroad, get one before leaving. Most countries require it and fines for not having one can be hefty.
Clothes
While everyone dresses differently, the list below gives a good starting point. Adjust it to your personal style.• 1 pair of long trousers: Always handy, even in the tropics—for chilly bus rides or cool nights. We prefer jeans, but go with whatever is most comfortable for you.• 1-2 pairs of shorts/skirts: If traveling somewhere cold, swap shorts for extra trousers.• 5 T-shirts/tank tops: Five is a good number for most trips.• 1 hoodie/sweater: Ideal for cold buses or cool nights.• 1 long-sleeve shirt: Great for chilly days or as mosquito protection after sunset.
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes: You’ll walk a lot; invest in lightweight, comfortable shoes.
• 1 rain jacket: Skip the umbrella—it easily breaks; a rain jacket rolls up small and is more practical.• 1 pair of flip-flops: Essential for everyone.• 1 swimsuit: Great for beach destinations. Skip if not needed.• Underwear and socks: One week’s supply is usually enough.
Toiletries
Here are the basics most people use regularly. If flying with only hand luggage, follow the liquids rule. You can always buy more toiletries on the road.• Shampoo• Soap/shower gel• Razor and shaving cream• Toothbrush and toothpaste• Birth control (condoms, pill)• Pads/tampons
First Aid Kit
We used to bring a full medical kit but found it was mostly unnecessary weight. In case of serious incidents, a small kit won’t help much anyway. Now we pack just the essentials.
• Band-aids
• Bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
Electronics
Digital nomads will probably have a longer electronics list. For us, electronics make up about a third of our packing weight, so consider carefully what you bring.
• Laptop: Whatever device you own
• Portable hard drive: A portable drive lets you back up images and files while traveling. Alternatively, use cloud storage if you prefer.
• USB stick: Very useful for printing documents (like boarding passes) without giving shop staff access to your main hard drive.
• Unlocked smartphone: If you plan on using local SIM cards, bring an unlocked phone. Most providers will unlock it for free if you tell them you’re traveling abroad.
• Camera: A mirrorless camera is ideal if you have one.
• Ebook Reader: Carry a whole library in a single device to save space and weight.
Miscellaneous
These items don’t fit into other categories but are still practical to pack.
• Travel towel: Perfect for budget hotels and hostels that often don’t provide towels. Travel towels are lightweight, packable, and quick-drying—a must for backpackers.
• Earplugs: Light sleepers should not forget these for good rest.
• Headlamp: Rarely used but priceless when needed, for example when leaving a dorm early or during common power outages.
• Universal plug adapter: Check the type needed for your destination.
• Padlock: Many hostels offer lockers but not padlocks—bring your own.
• Toilet paper or tissues: Just bring some—you’ll understand why.
• Sunscreen
What NOT to Pack
• Travel trousers: Would you wear them at home? No? Then why abroad?
• Packing cubes: Interesting idea but add bulk and unnecessary weight.
• Money belt: Uncomfortable and thieves expect them. If concerned, consider a decoy wallet.
• Hiking boots: Unless you plan major hikes, leave them at home. Regular walking shoes are enough for most trips.
That’s it—everything we own fits in our packs, and we’ve never felt lighter or freer. The more we travel, the less we need.
