The essential travel packing list

You’re excited. You’ve planned your route, booked your flights and sorted your visas. Now the bit most people dread – what am I going to take and how will I carry it all!? Having the right things is important, to be prepared for different conditions and minimise spending on your way. Having said that, too many things will drag you down, cost you money on excess baggage and ruin your back!

Fear not, Emily and I have put together the list below to help you out! Our caveat is that we’re doing this from Canada, mainly between Airbnbs via cars or planes, but we’re still dealing with contrasting climates and a varied trip, from hikes and soccer, to dinner and clubs. Add to the mix, my minimalism and Emily’s maximalism, this list took a while and a few disagreements to finalise!

CLOTHES

• T-shirts

• Jumpers/sweatshirts

• Trousers

• Shorts

• Belt

• Underwear

• Socks

• Boots/shoes

ACTIVITY/TRANSPORT

• Gym/sport trainers

• Gym/sport socks

• Gym/sport shorts/leggings

• Gym/sport t-shirt

• Waterproof jacket

• Warm coat

• Hiking/day boots

• Hiking/boot socks

• Day bag

• Warm Hat

• Gloves

• Travel documents – passport, visa, insurance

• Sunglasses

• Water bottle

• Flight socks

• Hand sanitiser

• Tissues

TOILETRIES

• Toiletry bag

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Body wash

• Hair product

• Hair dryer

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Tweezers

• Nail scissors/clippers

• Deodorant

• Makeup

• Prescriptions

• Razor

• Sun cream

• After sun/moisturiser

TECH

• Mobile phone and charger

• Portable charger

• Batteries

• Laptop and charger

• Earphones

• Plug adapters

There you have it! You will need to tailor this list around your needs (duration, health, vanity etc.) but it should hopefully get you off to a very good start. Soon we'll also share our list of less essential items that added loads of value for us, to compliment this.

What do you think of this list? Have we missed anything vital or could we be more minimalist? Let us know!

Safe travels, Spencer