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Looking for a detailed women’s travel packing list? I’ve been packing bags and cases since I was 19 years old. This guide was created after a 17-month trip around the Americas and Europe and has since been edited. I’ve whittled down my original oversized travel wardrobe and now think I’ve nailed it!
I’ve packed for adventures in extremely hot countries, cities with a nip in the air, ski festivals, and water-based activities.
Looking for a specific style of packing? Here’s our list of guides.
Now, let’s dive into my recommended travel essentials for women.
Luggage For Short Trips
Before purchasing sunnies and sandals, it’s probably wise to consider where you will put them!
So let’s talk about luggage.
Depending on how efficiently you pack for shorter trips, say an overnight, long weekend, or even week-long, you might get away with a small pack or case.
If you are flying, depending on airline rules, you could store your bag or case overhead, so you won’t need to wait for luggage collection once you’ve touched down.
For overnights with minimal toiletries and a change of outfits, I use the stylish Longchamp, which is deceivingly roomy but heavy and awkward to carry if it is too full.
For trips that require more storage, I’ll pack the 44L Cabin Zero backpack or a lightweight case like the robust Eagle Creek Expanse Carry-On or sleek Samsonite C-Lite Spinner.
I do not recommend the IT suitcase for trips that involve moving around; we burned through the wheels of one after a week in Italy.
I tend to lean towards the larger Samsonite case for trips over one week, but I have also backpacked with a pack for many trips, which I’ll discuss below.
The Samonsite has been on multiple European trips like Ibiza and Milan, has road-tripped with us along the US East Coast for months, and it still looks good.
Luggage For Long Trips
For a long-term backpacking trip, I would advise considering a pack.
Why?
Because there will be times when you are walking through cities and hopping on public transport.
Throwing a pack on your back makes moving much more accessible.
We previously used the Vango packs, but now that I’ve spent years researching travel gear, I would go for the Mercedes of all bags, the Osprey US / UK.
So what’s so great about Osprey?
Osprey only focuses on bags and bag-related products, so they are known as the king or queen of backpacking luggage.
They also have a returns policy if the bag stops functioning as it should.
The pack is ideal because it opens up like a suitcase, which makes access to clothes much more manageable.
Try getting something out of the ‘old style’ top access backpacks while nine other people doze off in a dorm!
Respect the hostel dorm etiquette.
Some also have a detachable day pack, which you unzip and wear on your front when you have your pack on your back.
What about a hybrid if you can’t see yourself with a backpack?
Hybrid backpacks fuse the best of both worlds – they take the wheels from a suitcase and the straps from a bag to create a rolling backpack.
The downside to backpacks with wheels is that they add more weight to the overall backpack, as a structured back and wheel casing is required.
I’ve written about wheeled backpacks in detail.
You can read my comparison guide here.
The main issue with taking a traditional suitcase on a worldwide/long-term trip is that most cases aren’t durable enough; see the IT suitcase issue above.
This isn’t the case (boom boom) with the Eagle Creek range.
Eagle Creek luggage is made for off-road travel, which means you can pound the cobbles of Europe and pull the case through the sandy streets of Colombia.
However, if you are backpacking around South and Central America, you won’t see many backpackers with cases, opting for the ease of packs.
Other Travel Baggage
For transport. I usually have a cloth tote bag with my electronics for easy access on buses, planes, and trains.
I do carry a safety net with me.
It is made by Pacsafe US / UK and has protected my belongings since 2015.
In accommodation, I put my day bag into the net, secure it around a radiator or bed frame, and then close it with a padlock.
I then cover it with a coat, etc.
PacSafe net to deter theft
Buy an Osprey bag cover US / UK to protect your day bag and electronics from rain.
My camera and heart stopped working after a downpour in Vietnam.
How to Pack For Long-Term Travel and Short-Term Trips
Packing for long-term travel differs slightly from short-term trips because you need to consider what you can’t get on the road.
It is also likely that long-term travel readers will be on a budget and saving money for only the necessary travel items for women.
At the end of the guide, I detail what I replenished and bought during my “big” backpacking trip.
Other readers have found it helpful to see the reality of travel!
For short-term trips, you may be restricted by space and also size.
If you opt for carry-on only, you won’t be able to take liquids bigger than 100ml, so consider this when shopping for travel toiletry items.
My best packing tip is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, which creates more space and fewer wrinkles.
Alternatively, pack similar clothes in separate bags or packing cubes.
Packing Cubes and Alternatives
During my big trip, I didn’t use packing cubes; I used large sandwich bags from an army store instead, as they were super cheap.
Now, I do use packing cubes.
I like that they come in various sizes and zip around the items.
You can pack a lot, and they place neatly in your luggage, stacking on top of each other.
The grab handles on each cube are also handy for pulling out from your bag or case.
The image below shows the contents of my backpack during my 17-month travel trip; this is the fourth edition, whittling down to must-haves!
Long-Term Female Travel Packing List and Short-Term Pic ‘n’ Mix
Travel Clothes for Women
Travel Tops
Tops – this is where packing starts to get difficult because although I am practical, I still like to look nice.
- 3 x day vest tops – sticking to solid shades
- 1 x night vest top – lacey, black
- 1 x thin top
- 2 x cardigans – 1 x black, 1 x bright
- 1 x floaty shirt
- 1 x hoody
- 1 x denim coat – for city tips
- 1 x fold-away raincoat, the Marmot waterproof jacket US / UK, which I love – perfect for the backpacking Europe packing list! It goes everywhere with me, from dog walking up Munros (Scottish mountains) to hiking through rainforests.
Travel Dresses and Skirts
I love dresses!
If you choose the right type of material (avoid denim and wool), they pack down very small.
Perfect for hot days, party nights, and photos!
Also, they are ideal for a road trip packing list since they are versatile.
- 2 x black summer dresses
- 1 x black wrap-around – LBD is a top tip for female packing list South America for partying
- 1 x bright/cute dress
- 1 x playsuit if that’s your style
Tip: I tend to avoid patterns – easier to dress up, dress down, to keep looking new.
Consider the length of dresses and skirts depending on where you are visiting.
For example, here is our guide on what to wear in Dubai.
Travel Trousers / Bottoms
- 1 x black culottes – 4 years old, love them
- 1 x khaki shorts – hiking
- 1 x plain skirt
- 1 x denim skirt – I probably don’t need this as heavy, but I like it
- 1 x black long gym trousers – doubles up as disco pants
- 1 x waterproofs – thin/light, pull on top of gym trousers for hikes and skiing
My friend Laura has a great review on travel pants (trousers for us Brits!); they actually look nice!
Factor into your budget that you will likely replenish some of your long-term female travel packing list at some point.
Washing machines and launderettes in Vietnam, Peru, etc., are pretty harsh on your clothes, ruining those travel essentials for women.
White clothing quickly becomes a gross yellow tone!
Suntan lotion, curry, and alcohol stains aren’t always avoided if it is a good night!
Also, clothes get stolen, yes, annoying, but opportunists carry a backpack too.
If you visit an area with mosquitos, advice will tell you to wear light, floaty clothes, but that look is just not me, so I compromise by wearing disco pants after dusk in areas that are very prone to them.
We did carry mosquito nets by Lifesystems for the first year but did not use them; there were times when we should have.
For the first year, we used mosquito repellent with DEET called OFF but decided that since it was making no difference, we’d use a DEET-free alternative called Avon Skin So Soft.
Underwear/Garments
This aspect of the list is a personal choice and may vary depending on the availability of a washing machine or the ability to do hand washing.
It is worth noting that hand washing can be tricky if you move to a destination every couple of days or visit colder climates.
- 5-7 x pants/panties/knickers
- 5 x trainers/sneaker socks
- 1 – 2 pairs of longer socks – for hiking
- 2 x bras
- 1 x sports bra
- PJs – 1-2 pairs
Swimwear
- 2 x bikini tops
- 3 x bikini bottoms
For a women’s long-term travel packing list, I suggest avoiding patterns and mixing different bikini bottoms with tops if wearing the same outfits frequently bothers you.
Travel Shoes
Walk your way to packing success by learning from my mistakes…
I used to carry way too many shoes!
This was pointed out to me when I posted a photo of packing list version three on the Two Scots Abroad Facebook page!
Here are my footwear essentials.
- 1 x flip-flops/sliders – especially if using communal areas
- 1x day trainers – black
- 1x walking boots/shoes – Salomon Ellipse trek shoes US / UK, which I trekked with to Machu Picchu, lighter than boots but still waterproof, quite attractive
- 1 x fancier sandals – black
- 1 x sports trainers – if your day trainers can double up, remember they will smell quickly, especially in warm and rainy climates. My gym Nikes squashed down neatly, so I didn’t mind carrying them
Exercising While Travelling
If, like me, you have to do some form of exercise, save a packing cube for:
- 1 x sports bra
- 1 x gym trousers or shorts
- 1 x vest top
- 1 x trainers
- 1 x resistance band
Travel Accessories For Women
- 2 x shades
- 1 x hat – keep the face out of the sun
- 1 x headband for day two hair
- 1 x watch
- 1 x be cautious of taking wedding rings, does insurance cover?
- 1 x handbag?
- 1 x tote bag
- 1 x drawstring bag to clip lunch or wet clothes to the outside of the backpack
Travel Toiletries List & Makeup
I rarely wear makeup in super-hot climates like Nicaragua, but I will do a full face for city nights out.
Note: I’ve suffered on and off from acne on my chin since I was 19 and have the confidence to go makeup-free in sunny climates. I hope you do, too.
Face – Avoid Ageing Skin
- Factor 50/60 moisturiser, always! La Roche-Posay US / UK if feeling flush
- Cream lotion wash
- Exfoliation
- Night cream/retinol
Travel Hair
- Solid shampoo and conditioner – this stuff is genius; there is no liquid, so there is no spill!
- Or, small bottles
- Hair ties
- Kirby grips/bobby pins
- Hairspray
- Dry shampoo – I dropped this from my original list
My usual routine is to wear freshly washed hair worn down, watching for sunburn in parting.
On day two, hair is worn up.
I like buns and low ponies to pull my hair back.
I found head scarfs an excellent way to hide greasy hair, too.
Body Stuff
- Toothpaste – paste or tabs for no spill
- Soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Factor 50 suntan lotion – always
- Avon Skin So Soft US / UK – midges, mosquitoes, and smooth skin
I use towels provided by the accommodation or opt for hiring over packing as they are too bulky, and I don’t find that quick-dry microfibre travel towels dry water off my skin!
If you travel as a couple and book private rooms, you’ll find that towels are often included; oh, the privilege!
Makeup
- Light foundation
- Eyeshadow, bronzer and blush palette
- Liquid eyeliner
- Lipstick for party nights
- Bushes
- No nail varnish – exploded, luckily packed in sealed Tupperware!
- Nail file
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Luminous face paint for a festival!
Long-Term Travel Medical Kit
This covers everyday pills to deathbed essentials.
- Photocopy proof of prescriptions
- Contraceptive pill if applicable
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin
- Tablets for constipation
- Tablets for diarrhoea
- Malaria tablets
- Anti-histamine tablets
- Anti-bacterial cream for bites
- Plasters
- Blister pads
- Leukotape hiking tape US / UK – does not budge, so prevents blisters
- Tubigrip support
- First aid kit – including needles
- Filter and purifying bottle
- Tampons – a reader pointed out in the comments that you may struggle to get them on the road, so true! I had to call my mum and mother-in-law to bring packs over for me on two occasions. Stock up or try a menstrual cup
Travel Insurance
Don’t travel without it; it’s not worth the risk.
People in the UK have the luxury of public medical health care through the National Health Service, so don’t quite understand the cost of using health care systems in countries that charge.
My friend went over her ankle at the Grand Canyon and was charged $500 for a visit to the doctor and an X-ray.
Luckily, she had travel insurance and good friends (me!) to hold her hand all morning.
I’ve shopped around extensively and settled on True Traveller because they cover hiking at high altitudes; you’ll need this if you’re trekking to Machu Picchu and skiing.
I claimed in Vancouver after visiting the GP and physiotherapist.
They also answered the silly number of questions I asked before I bought the insurance.
Get a travel quote for your trip from their site here.
World Nomads and Safety Wing are also popular options for travel insurance.
World Nomads tends to be a bit pricier than True Traveller but gets promising reviews.
SafetyWing targets digital nomads, offering packages with global coverage and the option to purchase while abroad, which makes sense given their focus on this audience.
There are two options, essential and complete, depending on the level of coverage required.
Read next: Travel Insurance Comparison Guide.
Travel Electronics
Watching Netflix, taking snaps – here are the essential travel electronics which I travel with:
- Phone, cables, and plugs
- Anker battery charger US / UK
- Earphones and cables
- Skross universal travel adaptor with USB slots US / UK
- JBL clip music speaker US / UK – it’s light, splash-proof, clips onto your bag, and is affordable
- MacBook Air – maybe not essential for non-bloggers
- Hard drive – now a tiny Sandisk SSD US / UK, previously Transcend US / UK
- Camera – then Nikon Coolpix, moved to Sony A6000, now Canon M50
- SD cards – I never delete images; it is another form of backup. Do not buy from eBay, I did and they were fake and lost my pictures, when compared to the real deal it was obvious they were fake. Learn from my mistake
Packing List For Women Overview
When we returned home after backpacking for 17 months, it felt so good to pile up the rucksack contents and burn them. Jokes!
The culottes, Salomon shoes, and Marmot raincoat have been on many trips since.
Want more ridiculously useful packing lists?
Here is our packing list directory.
Also, see this packing list.
I hope this packing guide for females has been useful. I have created a pin to accompany this long-term planning list for women—please feel free to save and share (pin to Pinterest packing board!).
So what do you think? Have I nailed the ultimate packing list? What can’t you travel without?
Read next: our hiking packing list – what to pack and what to leave
We are thinking about visiting Scotland in December. What would you recommend for us to pack? How cold will it be and how rainy will it be?
Hi Gemma I totally agree on most of your packing list and just want to suggest an easy but dressy item I always take with me on trips – a Lycra/Jersey dress in a fit-and-flare style. It takes up absolutely no room at all, can be balled up and shoved into a corner of your pack and still be pulled out and hung up for 5 minutes to take any wrinkles out.
Good one! Thanks for writing
Hi Gemma & Craig: I totally agree on most of your packing list and just want to suggest an easy but dressy item I always take with me on trips – a Lycra/Jersey dress in a fit-and-flare style. It takes up absolutely no room at all, can be balled up and shoved into a corner of your pack and still be pulled out and hung up for 5 minutes to take any wrinkles out. Especially useful in a basic coloured abstract print (ie. navy & white or B&W) – won’t show stains, hand washes and hang dries quickly, and always looks appropriate, even for theatre or good dinners out. I’m a 55 y.o. and my hubby is 61 – we are active travellers who like to make our own way around the world (no all-inclusives, group tours, or ‘big-box’ hotels.) Great blog!
Sounds ideal for long and short term travel! Thanks for the tip.
I would love to know about the Lycra dress? Super happy to read that you are 55. I am 52.
Hi!
I stumbled upon this post and your packing list looks perfect for what I want. I just have one question, did everything you listed above fit into the Osprey 55 or 70L? Trying to decide which backpack I should get for my upcoming trip and I want to make sure everything fits! Thanks again for the post!
The bigger size. I bought a smaller backpack and had to return it. You’d be surprised how much room electronics and toiletries take up!
Just stumbled across your page and this article is ACE. I’m vain also, but have also been to several Glastonburys! My husband and I are off for four months in May, starting in Vancouver and working our way down to Rio and i’m having to be very ruthless. I have a macbook air which i am already dreading carrying around, but I have a lifestyle blog (i’m a relatively new blogger), so i need to be updating that on the go!
You’ve given me so many useful tips! Do you think i’ll have to get some kind of warm sport jacket for specific parts of south america? Looks like the markets for ‘creative lookalikes’ are a good shout haha!
Would you recommend starting a separate Insta page for your travels? Your photos are incredible and dreamy! Are they all shot on your camera or a mixture of phone and camera? (i have a decent Canon which I looove, but again i’m new to the photography scene too)
thanks for all the inspiration!
Sam xx
Sounds awesome Sam! I’ve actually just replaced my black gym/disco pants for our next trip to Texas [thre weeks, two weeks in Austin, final road tripping in a van around Texas!]
IG – lifestyle bloggers tend to get away with a mix of travel and other themes. It depends on what you think your audience would want. I struggle to manage one account if being honest, two would stress me out to the max! Thanks for the kind words.
Cusco is the spot for genuine fakes 😉 I would definitely recommend a decent raincoat, nothing worse than being wet! What’s your Insta and I’ll follow your trip?
Awesome, thanks Gemma! We’ll check Cusco out – and get a decent raincoat!
It would be amazing if you’d follow my insta! My profile is @according_to_samantha though I’m struggling to get to the point where all of the photos look good and consistent!.
We leave May 8th, so there’ll be lots of pics and vids! – I’ll be sure to shoot my backpack and tag you in to thank you for the advice.
S xx
Hi, I’m new to your blog and this was such a great post! I have a question about your nail varnish explosion disasters. Did these explode on flights, or did it happen during travel overland? Any idea what caused it?
I’ve been painting my nails since I was about 14 and have had them painted ALL the time since then, so I’m really struggling with the idea of stopping completely for my 6-8 month trip to South America soon!
It was a flight that was the culprit. Why not get shellac for leaving then ween yourself off? Treat yourself to getting your nails done every now and again? I’m confident you’ll forget about the habit once you are on the road and you are too busy having fun!
Fantastic recommendations, congratulations on getting married in such a cool way. I’ve got tips which I’ll put on but must sleep now!
Cheers Elizabeth! We’re heading back to Austin next March to the music festival again. Can’t wait!
I love all your travel gear articles guys, awesome stuff! Keep up the great work, they’re very in-depth, informative and inspiring.
Love,
Angelina DiGiovanni.
Thanks for commenting!
Articles about female travel packing list is really good, it will help all the preparation of women who will go on holiday fun, thank you’ve helped women travelers.
Cheers Adam!
That’s quite an interesting article about minimalist packing , and I find it really useful, As a corporate traveller, packing things is literally hectic work, and I am going to follow your tips for my upcoming travels. Hope this packing trick could save some space on my air travel.
I wouldn’t say it’s about minimalist considering most of our experience is long-term travel but thanks for reading and I hope you can action some advice.
Just came across this list as I’m having a nightmare packing for my first gap year. I’ve got a 70L duffel that has backpack straps.
I swear the tampons are taking up the most room and annoyingly I know they are going to be a pain to find.
I’ve whittled everything down, even decanted all my liquids into roll up drinks bottles so they get smaller and lighter as you use up the products and can be refilled. Yet to see how they hold up during a long haul, fingers crossed.
My main question is what you do with all the warm, wintery clothes when on a mixed climate trip? I’ve tried to be quite strict about packing the big items like a sherpa hoodie that I lived in in Peru and my hiking boots but found it unnecessary as I’ve leaving the UK in winter so need them but worry there’s not actually space!
We left in March and headed straight to hot New Orleans but hit cold in Cusco so bought on of those alpaca wool jumpers (right of passage for every backpacker) and a fakey North Face puffer which took me through the year (feathers escaping everywhere I went). I dumped it prematurely for Florida (was actually a bit chilly at night, maybe not puffer chilly) then it was on to Europe where it was warmer but still pretty cool. I just had to live with layers until the weather warmed up the following month. I think you just need to
1. Take it and bear it
2. Leave it and get ready to invest when you need it?
Interested to see how you get on with the bottles. I bought one of the squeezy ones but couldn’t get any moisturiser in it (fail on my part) but imagine they are much better for actual liquids. I still swear by Lush shampoo and conditioner solids.
Mooncup to replace tampons? I’ve never used it myself but others rave about it.
Where are you off to?
Starting in NZ and Australia, then working my way through Asia back to the UK. Should be mostly warm so will have to find a way to pack the hoodie etc. or donate it
Not sure about packing cubes either, my ocd loves the organisation but realistically they probably work best in suitcases which are also square. I found there’s a bit of wasted space with a duffle… Square peg, round hole issues. Will stick with them to keep my life organised but keep an eye on your blog to see if any new ideas come up.
Thanks for the reply 🙂
Sounds fab. I don’t have anything on NZ, Australia but have been to both many moons ago! Lots for you to get stuck into there. We visited Southeast Asia in 2015, loved Sapa in Vietnam, Phnom Penh in Cambodia and Pai in Thailand (or the drive up there anyway!)
Depending where I am going, I sometimes take a small headlamp. Great on a African Safari when you need to get up in the midde of the night, walking home in places where street lights barely exist and for freeing up your hands – though often I do carry it opposed to wearing on my head 🙂
For keeping my passport and cards safe I wear a travel bra – Brave Betty.
Ooo tell me more about the travel bra! Writing a gift guide for female travellers just now and sounds ideal.
This is an insanely comprehensive list – I can’t even imagine packing stuff for this long and for such different climates! Will come in handy one day I’m sure 🙂 Shoes are usually my weakest point because I find it hard to pack comfortable ones that are also stylish and work with multiple outfits… Any favourite brands?
Shoes are definitely what was pointed out to me when I posted a picture on our FB page. I really like Clarks shoes for sandals, they fit nicely and tend not to hurt. I have fallen arches so have to wear sexy insoles for every day shoes so I opt for something lace up like trainers. Flip flop wise, I love Havaianas.
Clarks are a good brand – I have a pair of their chelsea boots. Unfortunately I have really wide feet and even though my boots are ‘wide fit’, they squish my left pinky toe when I wear them for too long. But most of my shoes do that, except for my trainers… Need to find a pair of lace-ups that are comfy, yet good looking and don’t hurt my feet after days of walking!
M+S do a wide foot option. I also love their shoes! Clark and Sparks!
Oh, I didn’t know that! Thanks 🙂
Lol this post is everything. Super helpful! Thanks for the info.
Cheers Lyndsy!
Love all the detailed packing lists. This is super helpful. I’ll definitely be using this for our next vacation. I especially appreciate the tip on white clothing with regions that don’t have high-quality laundromats.
Yellow is the new white! Super annoying. A reader just gave me a tip for camping, buy cheap, buy two – I think that works for travel clothes too.
Thanks for this list – super useful for me planning my next trip 🙂
Fabulous! Where are you off to?
Indonesia! Can’t wait… September can’t come soon enough.
A country I’ve yet to get to! Have fun and come back to me if you have any questions! Have a great summer while you wait!
Ditto on the nail polish! I haven’t fully given up on it, but I put it in a ziplock and toss it once it leaks. Great post, thank you for sharing your packing insights!
I know, I really do love doing my nails! Thanks for reading. Where’s your next trip? I’ve got to pack for snow and sun in April.
Amazing post! My husband and I (fellow Scots) are planning a 8 week trip starting at end of January. This is the best post I’ve seen on packing!
Happy travels 🙂
How lovely! Where are you going? Hello from Fife 🙂
Great post thank you. I’m on a year long honeymoon travelling Mexico, Central and South America. And I have to admit l certainly over packed, it’s been a few years since I travelled long term and I’ve obviously grown a little too attached to some unnecessary items. I’ve left all my make expect a lips and cheek mouse and a mascara at a friends place in New York lol. I’ve now go to windel it down even more, so this post will come in very handy ? Happy travels! Look forward to your next post, Candace and Spencer
How lovely, congrats on your wedding. Year long honeymoons are the way to go! Not going to lie, I was over the moon to hit Sephora when we arrived in Vancouver after 4 months travelling in very sweaty countries!
Haha I can imagine, having been a make-up artist I would be exactly the same 😉 And thank you, year long honeymoon are certainly the way to go but infact we see it being a lot longer than that, woohoo!
I would like to be travelling with you with those skills!
Haha, well feel free to join us anywhere in South America 😉
Great article! Surprised you take so many pairs of shoes and so few pairs of underwear though, I’m definitely the opposite.
Also your bag is huge! Do you ever consider downsizing? I thought my 65l was big!!
I have so many electronics which take up a lot of room so couldn’t downsize. 17 months in different terrains is tough to pack for. Really? I’d say that’s a normal amount for underwear. If you read further down the article you’ll see my reduced shoe list.
Hi Gemma,
How have I not come across your blog earlier? This may be the first – and only – packing list that actually makes sense for me. I usually travel with a somewhat smaller bag and would not bring as many clothing items nor make up but I still think this is the most realistic list in the whole internet. I cannot believe I had to find it on Pinterest and it hadn’t shown up in my Google searches earlier.
Also, congratulations on your wedding – I love the photos (and your dress! and the improvised engagement ring!). We got married ourselves only 2 months ago and having great photos was so important to us as these are some of the few things you can actually keep from that wonderful day. While our memories are still fresh now – how will they be in 20, 30, 40 years? Then, we can always take out the photos and relive these precious moments.
My husband (yay!) and I are currently contemplating turning the plan of an August 2017 trip to Australia into a more lengthy (+/- 2 years) journey, so this post came at the very right time for me being a list-maker and planner above all things.
Thanks once again for putting your packing list on the web and all the best from Vienna, Austria,
Alice
Hello there Alice! I love getting messages like this. Congratulations to you and your new husband (feels nice eh?!) I actually just created a printed album for wedding pictures, such a nice thing to have. Isn’t Pinterest wonderful for planners and list-makers like us?! I have a post on long – term travel too (here) which you may find useful for the big trip. I have been to Oz but back in 2009. Got to do it now before the big responsibilities kick in! So glad we did as now we want to move to Canada!
How many pairs of shoes do u carry approximately every time u travel??
It really depends on what type on trip – on a big one like this I would take 1 pair of trainers (another if you are planning to run / gym), one pair of flip flops, one pair of flat ‘nicer’ sandals, and one pair of hiking shoes / boots (as shown in article above). I did have a pair of sandals with a wedge but I charity shopped them by month 4, my feet were too bloated for them anyway.
Great list! I’m getting ready for a few months of travel myself so I really appreciate it. The only thing I might add as an option is some sort of diva/blossom/etc cup as an alternative for tampons. There’s an ick factor to get over but it saves SO much space and you don’t have to mess with it or worry about it nearly as much as you do with tampons.
This is really weird but I was actually thinking about this the other day. I will add that to the this now – thanks Liz!
Hi. Me and my wife had a trip to Greece last year and she also had issue with her tampons. Could you specify on how you are dealing with this issue when traveling (because I didn’t really understand yet).
That would be super cos I remember last time she was consistantly complaining about damn tampons all the time;)
Thank you.
Hi Bryan, when I was travelling I bought tampons along the way. My parents brought over some to Canada because they were expensive. Now I use a menstrual cup which you can read more about here.
Great post! My husband and I are 3.5 months into a 5 half month Asian trip and our list looks pretty similar so that makes me feel good! Although I’ve not bothered with PJs and stocked up on tampons in case they were hard to find. I have brought 5 months of my pill with me too with prescription in case any one gets funny about the amount – on entering Uzbekistan the authorities check everything and even got funny about cod liver oil tablets so having the prescription with my name on it was really handy. In terms of clothes I could do with another easy to wear dress though at this point as I’m starting to get fed up of what I have! Totally agree with the factor 50 and I also ditched dry shampoo (well it got taken off me) as it’s easy just to scrape hair into a bun/hide with a scarf. Our best find has been Boots in Thailand where everything was 2 for 1 so that was a good time to stock up! Anyway good to compare notes with another traveling couple, enjoy your next trip!
Boots, that must have been like a dream! I remember there being Tesco in Chiang Mai! I need to add that point about tampons actually, my Mum brought over two packs to Canada – toiletries are so expensive there, and then Craig’s Mum brought some over to Spain after a month in the Balkans struggling to find any. Also the prescription point is great, I did have photocopies of most prescriptions with me. Will add that too. Hope your travels continue to be happy and that you make it to Pai if in Thailand!
I learned some of these lessons the hard way – I had nail polish explode in my backpack once and it wasn’t in anything 🙁 I also don’t know how I have managed to travel without packing cubes – I seriously need to get these before my next long-term trip!
Did you cry? It actually happened twice to me before I gave up on it! I did invest in some gel – done toes for Orlando, chipped them by the time I got to the next stop! No point try! Do look out for large sandwich bags, work the same and save you some cash. Where’s the next trip?
You’re looking and traveling glam Gemma!
I bring about 12 day’s worth of Slobbing From Paradise clothes and pray daily to ward off evil sickness spirits 😉 No, I do pack super light but have a little first aid kit for Delhi or Bali Belly. As for wifey she packs more like a chick. Lots of clothes, different styles, beauty stuff packed, and of course we both do sunscreen in the tropics to mimic our Asian friends, when in those locales.
Ryan
Factor 50 all the way baby!!