Welcome back, my travel enthusiast fellows!
Packing for a backpacking trip overseas can be a gruesome task. In my experience, my biggest problem has always been over-packing. I remember, because when I studied abroad in Singapore, I brought two large suitcases full of things with me. I didn’t use most of them. When I decided to travel in Japan, I had to lug around my two giant suitcases, which became a huge pain.
Nowadays, over-packing would be detrimental in the long run as I carry all my possessions on my back. Over time, I’ve cut down the stuff I take from 2 luggages to 1 backpacking bag and 1 day bag. Like so: 
Without further ado….
What’s in my bag?
Previously in my post on Ways to Budget Travel, I’ve mentioned my love for my Osprey 48 liter bag + waterproof cover. Here, I just want to emphasize how important proper gear is to traveling.
- 1x stuff sack
- 5x shirts (3 tank tops for comfort/going out, 2 formal)
- 1x water resistant jacket
- 1x stuffable dawn jacket (I highly recommend getting these for ultra lightweight and warmth)
- 2x pants (1 comfort, 1 going out)
- 3x shorts
- 3x dresses
- 4x socks (sporty and comfortable)
- 1x scarf/shawl
- Underwear (lots)
- 1x shoes
- 1x flip flops
- Waterproof bag set (for water activities)
- Safety pins/needle and thread
- Multi-tool knife
- Duct tape
- Ropes
- Headlamp
- Ao dai – since I’m planning on celebrating Vietnamese New Year, Tet, in Vietnam, I’m bringing my custom made ao dai. I don’t typically bring this on my trips! Here’s a picture for reference!
First Aid Kit – whatever brand or name you use, here is the gist of medications you want to take with you.
- Anti-diarrhea
- Antibiotic cream
- Band-aid
- Antiseptic wipes
- Allergy
- Fever
- Cough
- Pain reliever
- Anti-mosquito/anti-itch cream (tropical countries)
Paperwork – I like to keep all of my paperwork in zip lock bag to protect them from water damage
- Printout/screenshots of plane tickets
- Passport book/card (+2 photocopies to bring on day/night trips)
- Vaccination records (depending on country)
- Visas (Vietnam, for example)
- Copy of TEFL certificate (If I plan to teach while abroad)
Travel cards
- Capital One Quicksilver – 1.5% cashback on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees
- Charles Schwab – no ATM fees, no foreign transaction fees worldwide. With this card, you can withdraw from anywhere at any ATM!
Day Bag
- Laptop/Ipad
- Chargers
- Power bank
- Journal
- Money Belt
Money Belt for $10.90 at Amazon
ADDITIONAL GEAR: IF YOU PLAN ON HARDCORE BACKPACKING + CAMPING
- Camping tent and poles (poles can go on side straps, tent can go on bottom straps); I loved our Marmot tent because of lightweight and the air flow system. We had taken it on our trip to the freezing top of a volcano and survived thanks to it. The high price is worth the durability.
- Portable pots and pans
Titanium Portable Pots/Pans
- Alcohol stove for $8.99
- Titanium camping spork for $10.93
Final thoughts
Whether you’re traveling short term or long term, I hope that my list has helped you. Thanks so much for reading! I’d also like to know what you have in your bag. Let me know in comments below- Cheers!
Read more of my posts from the Travel Blogging Challenge:
Week 1: A favorite travel photo of you and intro
Week 2: Little known travel tips
Week 3: Funny travel story
Week 4: Travel Misadventures
Week 5: Top Three Cultural Foods
Week 6: Unusual Travel Activities/Photos
Week 7: Inspiration for Traveling
Week 8: My Five Favorite Travel Blogs
Week 9: Gross/Disgusting Travel Stories
Week 10: The Most Unforgettable Adventures!
These awesome people are also doing the challenge!!! Click to see their stories!
- In the Wild LA – Julie
- Journey Through the Trees – Victoria
- Trouvaille, Mon Cher – Aly
- Simply Kailin – Emily
- The Ben Lessard – Benjamin
Interested in participating in the Weekly Travel Blogging Challenge? Feel free to make your own today!
This is a thorough packing list! When I travel to a foreign country, I purposely don’t pack my toiletries because I like to buy them when I arrive. It’s like a little souvenir for me :-).
OH yes, definitely in Central America and SEA, (even in the US!) I always carry TP around. But those are generally super cheap so I just buy it in the country!
very interesting……
Thaaanks <3