Planning for long-term travel? Whether you're a seasoned one-bag nomad or a first-time minimalist adventurer, packing can be a daunting task. Trust me, I've been there. Over the years, I've devised a few rules that have stood the test of time (and frequent flyer miles).
Rule 1: If You're Unsure, DON'T BRING IT
Oh, the infamous "just in case" syndrome. We've all been guilty of stuffing our bags with items we might need. Newsflash: you won't. Tablets, eReaders, portable speakers, umbrellas, jackets, and filtered water bottles? Leave them at home.
And clothes? Extra pants, shirts, or that thick hoodie? Forget about it. From one traveler to another, if you're on the fence, it's not necessary. Trust Rule #4 and thank me later.
Rule 2: If You're Afraid of Losing It and Don't Need It, DON'T BRING IT
Got a favorite hoodie you "borrowed" from your best friend or a water bottle with a million stickers? Leave them behind. Imagine constantly worrying about your prized possessions while exploring new cities. You’re there to make memories, not to fret over lost items.
So, if the thought of losing it makes you anxious, do yourself a favor and don’t pack it.
Rule 3: If It's Expensive or Irreplaceable, DON'T BRING IT
This one should be a no-brainer, but let's spell it out. Jewelry, watches, family heirlooms, and customized luggage? They have no place in your travel bag. The longer you’re on the road, the more likely these valuables will vanish. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
You won't come home with the same things you left with, and that's okay.
Rule 4: If You Can Easily Buy It While Traveling, DON'T BRING IT
Here's a revelation: people live in the places you're visiting. Shocker, right? Which means you can buy necessities like toiletries, shampoo, sunscreen, and even socks and underwear locally. Often for much cheaper.
I've stopped flying with soap, shampoo, or conditioner altogether. Most hostels provide them, and if not, a quick trip to the nearest store solves the problem. The same is true for almost all liquids, gels, pastes, and smears; if you're not sure how "common" an item is, run to the nearest gas station and see if they have it, you may be surprised by what you find.
Rule 5: If It's Expensive and Replaceable, Consider Alternatives
Nice headphones, pricey jackets, or designer luggage? You may want to rethink those. The less you care about your stuff, the less you'll worry, and the freer you'll feel.
For instance, I once splurged on a $300 backpack for a 3+ month trip. It was my pride and joy until I spent the entire trip worried someone would steal it.
We're all about high-quality travel gear, especially regarding clothes, but it's important to consider the opposite side of the coin; the more you spend, the more you'll be emotionally invested in that gear.
Bottom line: if you're on the fence about making a purchase, opt for something functional yet inexpensive to start. Once you get some miles under your belt, you can start refining and optimizing.
Rule 6: If You Need It and It's Not Easily Replaceable, Bring It and Protect It
There are some things you simply can't leave behind: phones, laptops, eyewear, camera equipment, drones, passports, and medications. If you need it, you need it—end of story.
Invest in protective gear for these essentials: hardened phone cases, laptop sleeves, padded bags, and waterproof covers. It's money well spent to avoid the hassle of replacing these items while far from home.
In Summary
Prepping for long-term travel is as much about what you leave behind as what you pack. By following these six simple rules, you'll streamline your packing process, minimize worry, and enhance your overall experience.
Whether you're hopping across continents or settling into a new city for months, these principles ensure you carry only what you truly need. Ready to embrace the ultralight travel lifestyle? Happy packing!
For more tips and gear recommendations, check out our How-To Guides. Safe travels!