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I’m starting to prepare for my five and a half month long backpacking trip! I’ve been meticulously planning and budgeting and I’m really looking forward to visiting 12 different countries during that time…
With that being said, packing and traveling for 12 different countries and a few different climates, can be tough. Today I’m sharing the basics I travel with — the necessities if you will. What are your basic necessities?
1. Travel Backpack
I found this backpack awhile ago on supersale. I actually saved about 100 dollars which was fantastic, since before I left I was trying to stay on a budget. This is a great backpack because its a travel backpack, which basically means the entire thing unzips, not like a lot of backpacks that you can only unzip/pack from the top. My backpack is 60L which fits a lot of things, and it comes with a smaller backpack (10L), that unzips off the back, making a fantastic daypack.
2. Compression Sacks
These are a lifesaver. I had a different brand of compression sacks for my trip to Europe last year and unfortunately they were a bit too large to fit in my backpack. When I saw my friend using these, I knew I had to buy a few for my backpacking trip. These are awesome because not only can you fit a ton of items into the sacks, but you can zip them down even smaller than you would expect! Perfect for several months of travel. They’re also really helpful because you can pack the clothes you’ll wear in a certain destination in different packs! They also come in several different colors which makes color coding a give in.
3. Carry-on Size Toiletry Bottles
I love bottles like these because I can take my favorite products from home with me if I want to. Of course you can get shampoo and conditioner almost anywhere you travel to, but in certain parts of the world, different ingredients are often present in skincare products. (For example, most lotions in Thailand have bleach in them)… I use these all of the time during my travels.
4. Lock
A lock is pretty basic, but when you stay in hostels all of the time, its important to keep your valuables safe. Most hostels have lockers in the rooms, but you must provide your own lock. I travel with at least two of these so that I can lock my backpack on bus rides and so I can use them at the hostels.
5. Converter
An electrical converter is necessary in certain parts of the world. This one is great because it has pieces for several different types of outlets and acts as a wattage converter as well.
6. Packable Duffel Bag
This duffel bag has saved my life so far. When I travel on the weekends here, its helpful to have a smaller bag. I’m anticipating being able to pack this up (it folds into itself) and using it if I accumulate some more things during my travels.
7. Travel Towel
These microfiber towels are EVERYTHING. I have two of them. I have one for the shower and one for outdoor activities. They’re antibacterial and dry so fast which allows me to pack them up quickly! They also take up almost no room in my bag which is a win in my book.
8. Sleep Sack
I LOVE my sleep sack. Sometimes you have to stay in places that aren’t the nicest. I try to stay in the cleanest hostel I can find without breaking the bank, but even then, the sheets are not always ideal. My sleep sack has saved my life on many occasions…. Like the sleeper train (where there were mosquitos flying into my little bunk ALL NIGHT LONG).
9. A Good Book or Travel Guide
I put several books on my iPad whenever I can. Whether its a novel or a travel guide, I’m always looking to read something new. I’m really looking forward to reading through Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016.
10. A Good Pair of Headphones
I feel like this one is pretty self explanatory. You can’t travel without headphones!
