One of the most frequent questions I get is about how to even begin to pack for long backpacking trips! Depending on where you’re going, which climate you’ll be in, and which culture you’ll be visiting, the clothes and items you bring along will likely vary. However, I decided to compile a list of 8 travel essentials that I bring with me on every single trip no matter where I go, excluding the obvious stuff like clothes, toiletries, cameras, and the sort.
1. A Charger Adapter
Backpacking trips are likely going to consist of hopping around several different countries, and each country obviously has their own type of outlet for charging your electronics. Thailand differs from mainland Europe which differs from Australia which differs from the UK, and so on. A good travel adaptor comes equipped with all the different possible plugs of the world (within reason) that will work no matter where you end up traveling. This thing is a lifesaver and a must for anybody doing international trips!
2. Luggage Tag
One of the biggest stressors of traveling is the terrifying possibility that an airline will lose your suitcase, stranding you with nothing but the clothes on your back in a foreign country. Every traveler has had this happen to them at least once, and it’s a painful experience. Thankfully, awesome companies like TRACE ME have created luggage trackers that erase all of the possible stress of losing your belongings while on the road. It’s integrated with the worldwide airline baggage handling system to guarantee that your stuff never gets lost! It’s small and simple like a luggage tag, and easily attaches to your suitcase or backpack to give you peace of mind while in transit. Check out more information about it on their website here.
3. Lock
Locks are one of those items that I always need on backpacking trips but always end up forgetting when I’m packing. I have different locks in several sizes, either to lock up my zippers on my backpack, lock a hostel locker with my valuables inside, or to fasten my stuff together during an overnight bus trip. To me, locks are as much of a necessity while traveling as underwear is.
4. Photocopy of Passport
Another total necessity while on the road. Unfortunately there are some bad people out there who would love to get their hands on your passport, and it’s always a possibility that it’ll get stolen while traveling. To minimize issues, always keep a photocopy of your passport (and other important documents) in different places; one for your day pack, one for your backpack, one in your wallet. You can never have too many photocopies is the old saying, right?
5. Apps: Translator, Currency Converter, Maps.Me
There are a couple essential apps that I always keep on my phone while traveling. The first is a translator app (I use Google Translate) so I can always communicate in tough situations; another is a currency converter that works offline so I can always check if I’m misunderstanding a currency and overspending, and finally an offline maps app called Maps.Me where you can download different cities in advance, and then use them offline as you walk around without service! These work like a charm to make the hard parts about traveling like language barriers, currency differences, and foreign street signs that much easier.
Amsterdam – a city so charming you’d rather get lost than use Google Maps!
6. A journal
My travel journals are my most prized possessions. I honestly can’t think of a material thing that’s more important to me. My journal is like my good friend while on the road, always there for me to vent my feelings to on the good and bad days, and always there to occupy me during solo meals, solo plane trips, solo bus rides, anything. If you’ve traveled and haven’t started keeping a journal yet… I’m seriously judging you. I can’t wait to crack open these babies decades from now to look back on what crazy shenanigans I got into in my youth!
7. Power Bank
Power banks are lifesavers while traveling! With all of our electronics these days from phones, cameras, drones, etc…. an external power bank is a necessity to keep things charged while on the go. I go kinda crazy taking photos with my phone while traveling and using it for directions that it always ends up dying about halfway through the day. I can’t imagine what I’d do if I found myself in a sticky situation with a dead phone – my power bank makes sure that never happens.
8. Cheap Earphones
Long travel days? Earphones. Want to walk around without being bothered? Earphones. Can’t sleep at night and missing home? Earphones. I always bring a cheap pair with me while traveling because these things are bound to get lost at some point during a trip! Whether you listen to podcasts, music, or watch Netflix with ’em, they are an absolute travel essential to have at all times!
Hope this short list helped those of you who are currently packing for an upcoming trip! I half-made this to help you guys, and half-made it to serve as a packing reminder to myself for my trips hehe 😛
