Packing only a carry on for 3 weeks
(Note that what you pack for 3 weeks should be the same you pack for 1 week which is the same you pack for 6 months of travel – aka only the essentials).
When traveling I know most of us have a tendency to overpack. But really all you need is a base of clothes for one week because you’ll be able to find laundry wherever you go and if you can’t find laundry use a shower or sink and a bar or soap.
Here’s my go to 1 week packing list (I like categories so I put everything under clothes, toiletries, documents or other). Everything on here fits in a 30L backpack. Note that some airlines will allow you to get away with up to a 50L backpack but some of the discount ones put a hard stop at 40L so I would suggest for your backpack to be no more than 40L.
Clothes:
– Jeans X1 (2 if winter)
– Leggings
– Harem pants x 1 (cozy, loose, great for long bus/plane rides- and they roll well).
– Sweater X1 (even in summer planes and busses can be cold so bring at least one. In winter bring 3 sweaters).
– T-shirt X 3 (try to bring colors that won’t show sweat stains or dust/dirt).
– One “nice outfit” such as a rollable black dress or skirt that matches one of your shirts (you never know when you might need to class it up).
– Scarf x 2 (doubles as a blanket; always great to have and they roll well.)
– Bra x2
– Sports Bra x2 (cause sitting in a regular bra on an overnight bus is not the most comfortable thing in the world)
– Underwear X10 (slightly over just in case you can’t find laundry at end of the week)
– Socks x 5
– Swimsuit – rolls well, and you never know when you will need
– Winter: boots that are functional but can also be dressed up if needed
– Nike runners or another comfortable walking shoe
– Flip Flops: hostel showers can be gross, wear Sandals. You will be happier. Also if you go to a beach they are great as well.
– Summer: regular Sandals
Toiletries: (everything here should be travel sized – remember you can easily buy more when you run out!)
– Toothbrush, paste, floss
– Contact solution (and all that goes along with it if you are a user)
– lotion/lip chap
– shampoo/ conditioner
– makeup remover (find a face wash that doubles so you have two in one)
– microfiber towel (rolls well, dries in an instant)
– razor
– comb
– pain medicine (but travel size, just in case)
– bandaids. You might get blisters they may hurt like a mofo and you will still have to function
– tampons/pads/diva cup – bring enough for one week (note: if travelling in Asia tampons can be hard to find – so if you are dependent on them bring enough)
– makeup if need be but just basics (foundation, flexible lip, mascara). If you want more you can buy on the road
Documents:
– passport (and a copy)
– copy of birth certificate (just in case you lose your passport or something happens)
– drivers license (and a copy)
– student card (lots of places do discounts)
– bank card
– credit card
– base cash ~ 100$ (if in Europe I have euros on me, any where else I have usd – just in case)
– accessible list of addresses where you are staying at (some countries – looking at you England and Thailand, require this on the customs form). It’s good to have on hand!
– booking confirmations/travel info: I store everything on my google drive so I can access it offline and if something happened to my phone or luggage I can still easily access when I find a device
Other:
– Portable charger (amazing when you are taking 100000 photos a day and your battery is at 10% by 12)
– Phone, charger
– Adapter (look up power and socket types before you go)
– Dry bag: it rains and your clothes magically stay dry. What’s not to love
– Rain cover for your backpack
– small day pack (should be able to fit in main pack)
– small purse (for going out and to carry passport in when travelling – easily accessible)
Things you want to bring but shouldn’t:
– straighter/curler. yes you depend on it back home but when you are backpacking around you probably will be too lazy/not have time/blow a socket and it will take up space in your bag
– extra toiletries (oh yes you saved x$ yay but your bag is heavy). Dont do it. Not worth it.
– Heels. Yes they are gorgeous. Yes you might wear them on that one night out But the rest of the time they will be in your bag, taking up space.
– Sleeping bag/hostel blanket – most hostels now supply linen and will not allow a hostel blanket. You can check ahead if your hostel does. If you plan on camping bring the sleeping bag, if not leave it at home.
– Normal towel: bulky, smells when it hasn’t been washed. Buy a microfiber towel.
– Souvenirs: when I was younger and travelling I bought a keychain from each place I went. Cute in theory but now I have a jar of keychains at home that I will never use. Instead: buy art that can be folded (or even mailed to your home country) or postcards (easily mail back, keep the memories forever).
Things to add? Let me know!
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