Packing List for Long-Term Travel

Creating your packing list for long-term travel or a semester abroad can feel daunting. When you need to pack jackets, bikinis, hiking boots, and flip flops all in the same bag, how will you have any space left for a cute dress to wear out for dinner?

 

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After traveling long-term for years now, and repacking infinite times, I have figured out the answers to these questions. 

 

 

Carry-on or Checked Bag?

 

Below is my exact packing list for long-term travel that I use every time I get ready for a trip. I alter it as I go depending on my plans, but most of the time, everything stays the same. If I will be going to a cold location, I replace shorts with long pants and short-sleeves with long-sleeves.

 

To avoid any fees, I prefer to pack in a carry-on bag. However, I see no shame in a checked bag, if just to enjoy the luxury of carrying as much toiletries as I want. If you decide on a carry-on, you can usually get everything extra that you need once you arrive at your destination. 

 

My two packing rules are:

• pack enough for two weeks, and wash along the way.
• lay out everything that you want to take, then remove about half. You don’t need as much as you think, I promise!

 

The Packing List 

 

BOTTOMS:

2 pairs of jeans
1 skirt
2 leggings
2 lounge/pj shorts
1 pair hiking/workout shorts
1 pair denim shorts

 

TOPS:

3 tank tops
3 t-shirts
1 pj shirt
1 long-sleeve shirt
2 dresses
1 romper

 

TOP LAYER:

Sweater
Denim jacket
Light hoodie
Rain jacket
Warm jacket (if it will be cold. I love this packable coat.)

 

UNDER LAYER:

5 bras (sports and regular)
10 pairs underwear
4 pairs socks
3 bikinis/swimsuits

 

SHOES:

1 pair each of:
Sneakers
Walking shoes
Sandals
Flip flops (shower shoes are important!)

 

OTHER:

Passport
Wallet
Cash
Microfiber towel
Jewelry
Hair clips and ties
Hat
Sunglasses
Watch 
Flashlight/headlamp
Deck of cards

 

ELECTRONICS:

Laptop
E-reader (I love traveling with my Kindle!)
Headphones 
GoPro
Chargers for all electronics (and a converter if needed)
Teaching supplies: (because I teach online on the road!) mouse, headphones, clip-on ring light, sticky notes, pens, markers, whiteboard, clipboard

 

TOILETRIES:

Facewash
Moisturizer
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Contacts and solution
Shampoo/conditioner
Body wash
Sunscreen
Nail polish and file (I like to keep clear polish and a nail file with me.) 
Hair brush
Makeup

 

Medication:

As for medication, I usually bring a little something I might need, such as Ibuprofen and bandaids. But, most of the time, I can find any necessary medicine in a local pharmacy.

 

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What is your number one essential that you never forget to pack for travel? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your travel photos on Instagram @justaflyaway.

 

Bon Voyage!

 

P.S. To print the PDF version of this packing list, sign up to my email list and I’ll send you the packing list straight to your inbox!