The Best Travel Packing List for Your Next Global Adventure
Are you ready for your next global adventure or international vacation and searching for the best travel packing list on the internet?
Whether you’re heading to Costa Rica, Utah, Nepal, or Italy, the key to a successful and enjoyable trip is packing smart. With this Go Anywhere Global Adventure Packing List, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way in any destination!
This comprehensive travel packing list outlines everything, yes everything, you’ll need for your next expedition – from clothing and packs to gear recs.
I’m not the most well-traveled person that I know. But I have been to 23 countries in the last 15 years and it’s given me many opportunities to try countless combinations of packing for international trips. And while I’m not claiming this list to have every single thing you may want to travel with, I can promise that it has everything you need to enjoy your trip and to keep you light along the way.
While I was searching for this same type of resource, I kept coming up empty-handed. I wanted not just any, but the best travel packing list that was comprehensive and fit on a single page. So I created a one-page PDF checklist that you can download and use for any, yes any, trip.
Let’s break the best travel packing list down by category.
1. Travel Documents:
First things first, make sure you have all your important documents in order. I always start here because it’s the one thing that is going to physically get me into and out of any global destination.
This includes your passport, visas, travel insurance, and any other necessary paperwork. Keep them all in a waterproof pouch and make copies to keep in your luggage and with someone back home.
2. Clothing:
Next, I head over to the clothing category because this helps me to visualize what size of pack I can get away with. I don’t want to pick out the pack I want to take just to have to engineer myself into it. Just 10 extra liters can actually make a pretty big difference.
So I’d rather pick out the clothing and gear I need, and set it all out on the floor so that I can estimate the right size duffle bag and backpack from the get-go.
When it comes to clothing, versatility is key. Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics that can be layered for warmth. And don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun!
3. Travel Gear:
When it comes to travel gear, a lot of these items end up in my backpack. Invest in a quality backpack or carry-on that can fit all your essentials. A good daypack is also essential for day trips and hikes.
A portable battery pack and a universal adapter will also come in handy.
A few other things I always bring in that carry-on include noise-canceling headphones that I can plug into the airplane, an inflatable travel pillow, and a quick dry towel. What do all three of those items have in common? I use every single one while on overseas flights.
4. Footwear:
Footwear deserves its own category! Have you ever taken a new pair of shoes on a trip that you bought specifically for said trip, wore them all day long, and regretted it because of the searing blister on your heel? Just me? I didn’t think so.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any trip, but make sure they’re also versatile enough to be dressed up or down. A pair of flip-flops or sandals for warm days and a pair of hiking boots for outdoor adventures will round out your footwear must-haves.
5. Luggage and Packs:
Choosing the right luggage and pack is crucial to a successful trip. A durable, lightweight duffle bag or backpack will make getting around much easier. Look for features like lockable zippers, compression straps, and waterproof material.
But don’t forget other essentials like luggage tags and locks. Something I didn’t start using for several years that changed my travel for the better was a good set of packing cubes. They’ll keep your clothes and gear organized, easy to access, and compressed.
6. Health and Hygiene:
Don’t forget to pack your toiletries and any necessary medications. I personally recommend a hanging toiletry kit. The number of times I’ve ended up in a bathroom with no place to set my toiletry bag down is surprising. But do you know what all bathrooms and even campsites have? A towel bar or hook or shower rod or branch where you can hang up your toiletry bag.
Hand sanitizer and a small first-aid kit are also important must-haves. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle. This Grayl Purifier Bottle even comes with a geopress water filter!
Save the travel packing list below!
While this may seem like a lot to remember, don’t fret! I’ve created the best packing list one-page PDF that you can download for free. It includes all the essentials, plus some helpful extras you may not have thought of to make your packing experience a breeze.
So what are you waiting for? Download my free Go Anywhere Global Adventure Packing List and start packing for your next big adventure! And remember, try not to overpack. You gotta leave some room in your luggage for souvenirs!