Your Luggage Strategy: The Two-Bag Approach

Think of your packing in two parts: your main bag and your daypack.

• Main Bag (Checked Luggage): This will be your larger backpack or a sturdy suitcase. This goes into the airplane's cargo hold.

• Daypack (Carry-On): This smaller backpack (typically 25-35 liters) stays with you on the plane. This is your most important bag!

Pro Tip: The "Lost Luggage Test" Pack your daypack as if your main bag will get lost. Include all your valuables, important documents, medications, a full change of clothes (or two), and essential toiletries for at least 3 days. Delayed or lost luggage happens, and this simple tip can save your first few days from stress.

Remember, every item you pack adds weight. Be ruthless in your choices.

This is a comprehensive list, so remember to tailor it to your specific destination, trip duration, and personal needs. Most basic items can be purchased cheaply on the road if needed.

Documents & Money (Keep in Daypack/Secure Travel Wallet!)

• Passport: The most important item. Ensure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from each country.

• Physical & Digital Copies of Documents:

  • Passport ID page

  • Visa approvals/e-Visas

  • International Driving Permit & your home country's driving license

  • Travel insurance policy

  • Flight/accommodation bookings

  • International Vaccination Card (especially for Yellow Fever, if required)

• Credit/Debit Cards: At least two different travel-friendly cards (e.g., Wise, Revolut, Monzo, N26, Charles Schwab) linked to different accounts or banks. Keep them separate.

• Backup Cash: A small amount of USD or EUR for emergencies, as these are widely accepted for exchange.

• Secure Travel Wallet/Pouch: A discreet, under-clothing travel wallet or shoulder pouch is far safer than a fanny pack. Keep your primary credit card, backup cash, and an extra ID here.

• Scuba Diving License: If you plan to dive.

Electronics & Connectivity

• Smartphone: Your primary camera, map, communication device.

• Portable Power Bank: Crucial for charging devices on long travel days or when outlets aren't available.

• Universal Travel Adapter: With multiple USB ports.

• USB Flash Drive/Cloud Storage: For backing up photos.

• Headphones/Earbuds.

• Portable Speaker: For chilling with new friends.

• Headlamp/Small Flashlight: Rechargeable is best. Essential for power outages, early morning hikes, or navigating dorms at night.

• Local SIM Card: Often cheaper than international roaming. An unlocked phone is a must.

Gear & Practical Items

• Backpack Cover: Protects your main bag from rain and wear during transit.

• Small Daypack (25-35L): For daily excursions, carrying water, snacks, a camera, and a light jacket.

• Padlocks: For your bags and hostel lockers. Combination locks are convenient.

• Flexible Cable Lock: For securing your main bag to a fixed object in transit or at hostels.

• Folding Knife/Multi-tool: (Pack in checked luggage only!) Useful for opening packages, cutting fruit, etc.

• Lighter: Check specific airport policies to determine whether this should be packed in hand or checked luggage.

• Laundry Bag: A simple mesh or cloth bag to separate dirty clothes.

• Inflatable Travel Pillow: For long bus rides or flights.

• Ear Plugs & Eye Mask: Essential for noisy hostels or long journeys.

• Security Pins: Versatile for quick fixes.

• Refillable Water Bottle: Reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated.

• Duct Tape: Small roll for quick repairs on gear.

For Women: Specific Considerations

• Hair Ties/Accessories.

• Feminine Hygiene Products: While available abroad, bringing a supply of your preferred brand is wise. Consider a menstrual cup for an eco-friendly and convenient option.

• Makeup & Hair Styling Tools: Pack minimally – heat and humidity can make elaborate styles difficult to maintain.

• Birth Control/Personal Medications: Ensure you have enough for your entire trip.

Pack versatile, quick-drying clothing that can be layered. Remember, you can always buy cheap local clothes on the road.

• Underwear & Socks (5-7 pairs each): Opt for quick-drying materials.

• Short-Sleeved Shirts (3-4): Breathable, quick-drying fabrics are best.

• Long-Sleeved Shirts (1-2): For sun protection, cooler evenings, or mosquito defense.

• Travel Pants (1-2): Convertible pants are great.

• Shorts (1-2):

• Swimsuit (1-2).

• Light Jacket/Fleece: Even in warm climates, evenings can get cool, especially at higher altitudes or on air-conditioned buses.

• Light Rain Jacket/Poncho: Thin and packable.

• Sleepwear/Loungewear: A comfortable pair of track pants or shorts and a t-shirt.

• Warm Hat & Gloves (if applicable): Essential for colder regions (e.g., high altitudes in South America, Northern Vietnam winters).

• Scarf/Sarong: Extremely versatile for sun protection, modesty in temples, a light blanket, or a towel.

Footwear (3-4 pairs max):

• Comfortable Walking Shoes/Sneakers: Your primary footwear for daily wear.

• Sandals/Flip-flops: Essential for hostels, beaches, and hot weather.

• Hiking Shoes/Boots: Only if you plan extensive trekking. Ensure they're broken in!

• Dressier Shoes/Sneakers (Optional): One pair for nicer evenings out, if desired.

• Basic First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes (Polydine/Betadine), pain relievers (e.g., Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medication, rehydration salts, allergy medicine, anti-fungal cream, thermometer, cold/flu remedies.

• Insect Repellent: Essential for tropical climates.

• Sunscreen: High SPF, check for harmful chemicals.

• Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Invaluable for cleanliness on the go.

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, deodorant, shampoo, soap, hairbrush. Consider solid bars or travel-sized reusable containers to save space and reduce plastic.

• Microfiber Travel Towel: Dries quickly and takes up less space than a regular towel.

• Nail Clippers & Tweezers.

• Travel-sized Sewing Kit: For minor repairs.

Important Safety Rule: Keep Valuables Secure!

• Never keep your passport, vaccination card, backup credit cards, or large amounts of cash in a fanny pack/belt bag, especially in plain sight.

• Leave valuables in your hostel locker: Utilize the lockers provided by hostels. Lock your main bag if it's not going into a locker.

• Only carry what you need for the day: Just a small amount of local cash and one card is usually sufficient for daily outings.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.