Packing list for long overseas travel
Let me be honest with you. I get stressed out with packing, especially on a long overseas travel. I often take more things than what is required as I pack at the last moment of my travel. I decided to write down a packing list that will help me and other travellers with the list of things to take. I have divided the post into three sections – one contains things that will go into my suitcase, second are the things that will be packed into my backpack and third is my first aid kit.
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Page Contents
Packing List for Long Overseas Travel
One of the most important and critical things I have learned while traveling is that it is important to pack and travel light. It is difficult usually and takes a little bit of planning and practice. In order to help facilitate the planning of packing light, read the post top 20 tips on how to pack light.
When I am going on overseas travel, I carry a suitcase and a backpack. In this post, I have divided the sections of packing list based on my suitcase and my backpack.
Part 1 of Packing List – What’s in My Suitcase?
| Item Number | Item Description | Required for Summer Season? | Required for Winter Season? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | |||
| 1 | Shirts/T-shirts | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Pants/Jeans/Shorts | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Sweaters | No | Yes |
| 4 | Jackets/Coats | Yes, but carry a light jacket | Yes |
| 5 | Dress | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Underwear – I usually carry a pair extra than what is required | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Pajamas/Night clothes | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Socks | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Slippers | Yes | Yes |
| 11 | Sneakers/Boots | Yes | Yes |
| 12 | Dress shoe | Yes | Yes |
| 13 | Hat/Cap | Yes | Yes |
| 14 | Scarves & Gloves | No | Yes |
| 15 | Swimwear | Yes | Yes |
| 16 | Belts | Yes | Yes |
| 17 | Thermals | No | Yes |
| 19 | Towel | Yes | Yes |
| Electronics | |||
| 1 | Chargers for Cell phone, Camera, tablet, laptop. Note: Batteries are not allowed in the suitcase. | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Power board (so you can plug multiple devices and use just one plug point) | Yes | Yes |
| Medical/Health | |||
| 1 | Vitamins | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Personal Medication | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Insect Repellent | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Volini | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Paracetemol | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Panadol | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Brufien | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Band aids | Yes | Yes |
| Miscellaneous | |||
| 1 | Poncho/umbrella | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Food – Ready to eat or snacks – DO NOT TAKE RAW FOOD | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Travel lock & key | Yes | Yes |
| Toiletries | |||
| 1 | Toothbrush, Tongue cleaner, Tooth paste | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Dental floss | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Ear buds | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Sunscreen | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Moisturiser | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Tweezer & Scissors | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Comb | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Shampoo & Conditioner | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Tissues | Yes | Yes |
| 10 | Soap | Yes | Yes |
| 11 | Perfume | Yes | Yes |
| 12 | Tampons | Yes | Yes |
| 13 | Razor | Yes | Yes |
| 14 | Mirror | Yes | Yes |
| 15 | Deodorant | Yes | Yes |
| 16 | Safety pins | Yes | Yes |
| Laundry | |||
| 1 | Detergent | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Laundry bag | Yes | Yes |
Part 2 of Packing List – What’s in My Backpack?
Backpacks are very essential for all the travelers. Knowing the right things to pack in a backpack is very important. I have learned what and how to pack my backpack over the years of my travel.
Also attached is the downloadable file: packing-list-long-overseas-travel
| Item Number | Item Description | Required for Summer Season? | Required for Winter Season? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | |||
| 1 | T-shirt (1) | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Undergarment (1 pair) | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Pant (1) | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Scarf | Yes – as flight travels get cold and scarf can be used as a blanket | Yes |
| 5 | Ear rings/chains – Do not carry expensive jewellery | Yes | Yes |
| Money | |||
| 1 | Credit Card | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Debit Card | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Photocopy of Credit Card and Debit Card (Store these information on your email as well) | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Airline Cards – Qantas & Velocity | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Cash – Forex (Do not carry too much cash) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronics | |||
| 1 | Cell phone | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Camera and accessories | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Tripod | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Laptop and accessories | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Travel adapter | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Selfie Stick | Yes | Yes |
| Medical/Health | |||
| 1 | Prescription | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Prescribed medicines | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Paracetemol | Yes | Yes |
| Miscellaneous | |||
| 1 | Sunglasses | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | House Keys | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Journal | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | A book or two | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Ear plugs | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Neck pillow | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | YHA Card (in case you are staying at a hostel) | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Water bottle (light) | Yes | Yes |
| 10 | Chocolates/Snacks (always make sure you have some snacks in your backpack for travel journey) | Yes | Yes |
| 11 | Pen | Yes | Yes |
| Toiletries | |||
| 1 | Lip balm | Yes | Yes |
| Documentation | |||
| 1 | Drivers Licence | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Passport | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Copy of your visa (if in case it is provided electronically) | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Flight Tickets | Yes | Yes |
| 5 | Accommodation | Yes | Yes |
| 6 | Travel Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| 7 | Travel Journal | Yes | Yes |
| 8 | Any photography settings | Yes | Yes |
| 9 | Tour details | Yes | Yes |
| 10 | Map | Yes | Yes |
| 11 | Emergency Numbers | Yes | Yes |
What’s in My First Aid Kit?
I carry an up to date first aid kit in my backpack usually. The first aid kit is very crucial especially when hiking or diving as it prepares oneself during unforeseen emergencies till the medical help arrives.
Note: Ensure you check the expiry date before using any of the medicines. And ensure you don’t carry the scissors and tweezers with the first aid kit if you wish to take the kit as a carry on baggage.
I maintain a small pouch and carry it with me all the time, even during small hikes and travels. My first aid kit contains the below things:
- Waterproof band aids.
- Bandages with either a sticky tape or butterfly clips.
- Block out for treating the sun burn.
- Aeroguard insect repellent.
- Panadols (pain killers).
- Anti-nausea tablets.
- Tablets for loose motions.
- Tablets for constipation.
- Antiseptic cream/wipes (Dettol wipes).
- Wet wipes.
- Headache tablets.
- Scissors & tweezers.
- Medicines for cough and sore throat.
- Eye drops.
Closing Notes | Packing List for Long Overseas Travel
It is very important to pack right and pack only what is required as it can be very stressful if you are traveling with a heavy suitcase or a backpack, especially during solo travels. Is there anything that I have missed or is there something that you think is not required that is specified in the packing list? Let me know, would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me on Solopassport@gmail.com.
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