Traveling long-term is a very special experience much different from going on a vacation. It allows you to become emersed in the culture, people, and local life of a destination. Long-term travel makes you slow down, really explore, learn in a way people don’t get to from a quick five-day trip.
First off, let’s talk a little bit about what long-term travel is. There isn’t an exact definition or length of time that defines long-term travel. Some people might say it’s traveling for 3-6 months. Others would consider it to be anything over a year. I think the idea of traveling long-term is different for each individual person. The first trip I ever considered to be “long-term” was for three weeks. That was without a doubt the longest I’ve ever traveled consistently, or been away from home or out of work. I quickly realized on that trip though, three weeks wasn’t long enough for me. I eventually went on to travel for almost 10 months and then lived abroad for over two years. I now consider all of these to be forms of long-term travel.
I hope you’re here because the idea of traveling long-term intrigues you and it’s something you are thinking about doing. Or maybe you’ve already made the decision that you’re going to go for it! Possibly it’s something that terrifies you, but you like the idea of stepping out of your comfort zone. Either way, I’m here to help you with a really important aspect of long-term travel. Packing!
How To Pack For Long-Term Travel
Packing for a trip that’s at least a month-long is a very daunting task. I’ve done it a few times myself and I’m currently preparing to do it again. Next month I’m heading to Peru for four weeks and I couldn’t be more excited for the adventure that lies ahead of me. With that being said, each and every time I’ve needed to pack for a long-term trip, I’ve learned a little something new about the process. I wouldn’t say I have it 100% perfect, but I’m definitely confident in my abilities to pass along some helpful information. Let’s get started!
Your first obstacle to tackle is figuring out what you’re going to be packing your things in and carrying around with you for a long-term period. This really comes down to two options: A traditional suitcase or a backpack. It will mostly depend on what kind of long-term trip you are taking. Are you staying in one location for a long period of time? Are you renting out an apartment or long-term Airbnb? Are you going to be jumping around to different countries and staying in hostels?
After you have these questions answered you’ll have a better idea of what kind of luggage will be appropriate for your trip. For myself personally, I have always traveled long-term with a backpack and it’s what I would personally recommend. Especially if you are going to be moving around regularly and doing a more budget-friendly sort of trip. If you choose to use a suitcase, I’m sure you’ll be able to find some good options online with a little research. If you’re taking my advice and going with a backpack, keep on reading!
Long-term Travel Backpack
There are plenty of amazing backpacker bags out there. Between the number of brands and the improvements they continue to make on their backpacks, there is a lot to choose from! And it can be a little overwhelming. My tried and true brand that I will continue to use and always recommend is Osprey. I bought my first Osprey backpack over six years ago for my first solo trip. It was so perfect, I went on to buy another Osprey- just a larger version, which is what I currently still use.
The exact backpack I use is the Fairview 70 Travel Pack. There are a few different versions of this bag, depending on how large of a pack you are looking for. However, I found this size to be perfect. Here are some features of this backpack and why I love it so much:
- There’s a large panel zip access to the main compartment of the pack, meaning it opens and can be packed like a suitcase. So unlike a lot of other backpacks, you wont have to take everything out when trying to dig to something at the bottom of your bag
- There’s dual front compression straps and dual front mesh pockets
- A harness and hipbelt so you can adust your pack perfectly and comfortably on your back
- A stowaway back panel for your harness and hipbelt with zippered rear flap for when you need to check your backpack in for a flight. This insures protection of all of the straps and keeps them from getting dirty
- A zip-off daypack which zips right onto the main backpack. This was so helpful! Espeically if you’ll be doing hiking or any day trips while traveling
Compression Bags
After you’ve picked your backpack out, and the time comes, you’ll need to actually pack it- this is the fun, yet difficult part. The best way to pack a large number of items into a minimal area is with compression packs. I swear by these as a way to keep your clothes organized and ensure that everything will fit. They can increase your original space by at least 25%, which will absolutely come in handy.
The way compression bags work, in case you’re not familiar with them; you fill the bag with your clothes, seal the bag up by holding one end of the zipper, and pull the slider back and forth. Once the bag is closed, roll the bag from the zipper to the bottom slowly while compressing the items inside. It will push the air out from the bottom of the bag, saving you tons of space.
I like to pack my compression bags by sorting my clothes out according to item. For example- all of my tops in one bag, all of my bottoms in another, etc. Another great tip is to roll your clothes instead of folding them.
Additional Bag
If you’re struggling for space or worried about not having enough, bring a carry-on-sized bag with you as well. For years now I’ve been traveling with a Longchamp Le Pliage Original. I love this bag because it’s very spacious and it’s waterproof. This feature has saved me more than once! I love this bag for storing my laptop, chargers, tripod, notebook & reading book, water bottle, and sometimes even my toiletries.
These bags go for $145 on their site. However, I found a pre-used one on eBay in great condition for only $19! If you don’t mind shopping around a bit, you can find a great deal.
Daily Bag
Once you’re actually traveling, exploring new cities, and going on daily adventures, you’ll need a perfect day bag. Something for carrying around just the essentials, such as your phone, wallet, money, and maybe a snack!
I just purchased my first Travelon bag, which I’m very excited about using on my trip coming up. It’s an anti-theft security bag and has the following features:
- Locking compartments
- Locking straps
- Slash-resistant strap
- RFID blocking
- Slash-resistant body panels
When traveling to different countries or areas you’re not familiar with, it’s always important to have some security. Unfortunately, theft happens everywhere! I already feel more confident knowing I’ll be carrying my valuables around in this bag. It’s also very cute, stylish, and will go with anything!
What To Pack For Long-Term Travel
Now that we have the “how” covered, let’s move on to the “what.” This is largely going to depend on where you’re traveling to and the seasons you’ll be encountering. I’m going to give you an outline based on what I am packing for my trip to Peru, where I will be experiencing mainly summer temperatures, but could also encounter some cooler days and possibly rain. This is also going to be targeted towards women, but guys, you can still get a basic idea.
Clothing:
- Five short sleeve tops
- One long sleeve (warm) top
- Four pairs of shorts
- One pair of jeans
- Two pairs of long pants
- Two dresses (one long, one short)
- Two rompers (perfect for beach cover ups)
- Four active wear sets (for hiking)
- A rain jacket
- A warm fleece
- Ten pairs of underwear
- Seven pairs of socks
- One bra (I rarely wear bras unless they’re sports bras- if its something you wear every day bring two)
- Hiking boots
- Sandels
- Birkenstocks
- Sneakers
My main tip for clothing is to choose pieces that are practical and neutral so everything will go with each other. Even if you only have a handful of tops and bottoms you should still be able to make tons of different outfits!
Important Things To Pack For Long-Term Travel
Besides the clothes and toiletries you’ll be packing (I’m going to leave that open-ended as everyone requires different toiletries) there’s a handful of really important things you’ll want to bring with you on any long-term trip:
A Padlock
Especially if you’re staying in hostels, having a padlock will come in handy for locking up your valuables.
Photocopies of Your Passport
It is always a good idea to travel with a few photocopies of your passport! Just in case anything happens because you never know. Also, I like to travel with a photocopy of my passport for day trips and leave my actual passport locked up at my accommodation.
Travel Towels
Travel towels are much more compact and dry a lot faster than your typical towel. I recommend traveling with at least two of them.
Universal Adapter
Depending on where you’re traveling to there’s a good chance you’ll need an adapter for outlets. Do yourself a favor and bring a universal adapter, which will come in handy no matter where in the world you travel.
Diva Cup
This one is just for the ladies. Having to bring along feminine products takes up extra room. I switched over to the Diva Cup about four years ago when I was traveling long-term and was struggling to find feminine products in a somewhat remote area. With the Diva Cup, you’ll never have to worry about that time of the month coming during your travels. It saves SO much money, space, and contributes zero waste. It’s now all that I use- not only when I’m traveling, but each and every time my cycle comes.
Tripod & Bluetooth Remote
You’ll want to capture amazing memories from your long-term travels. Weather you’re traveling alone or with a group, a tripod will definitely come in handy! I would suggest shopping around a little to find one that works for you, depending on if you’re mainly using your phone or a real camera. Along with that, I’d highly recommend getting a bluetooth remote! I purchased one last year and bring it with me everywhere now.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit with just the essentials is very important to bring with you on any long-term trip. I would suggest bringing bandaids, alcohol wipes, any vitmins or medications you need to take daily, tweezers, and neosporin. It’s much better to be safe than sorry. I have not personally needed to use my first aid kit for myself, but one time it really came in handy for another traveler I befriended and that alone made it worth having.
I hope you found this post helpful and has given you some insight in packing for your next or maybe first long-term travel trip! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below, and as always, happy travels!
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