A packing list differs a lot depending on the type of trip you are going on. Therefore, we have chosen to gather our best packing tips in one post. You can also scroll down and Browse our complete packing list and check the packing list depending on the type of trip you’re doing.
Do you feel that you still forgot something, you can browse through our long packing list, which takes up virtually everything you might want to pack along on a trip.
Also read: Packing a camper list
Packing List for backpacker- and round the world trip
Before a long journey, it is important to pack smart, and our best advice is: Pack a bag with everything you think you need, then remove two-thirds of it and you’re ready to go. “Less is more, ” and there are several good reasons for this.
Firstly, it is a pain to travel around with heavy luggage. Secondly, you can fit on to things that are purchased during the journey. Thirdly, virtually the entire world, you can buy everything to cover your basic needs, often at a lower price in addition.
Packing list of things we consider essential and which can be good to have with you on a longer journey:
- Backpack (40-70 liter)
- Rain protection for your backpack.
- A small backpack for day trips and city walks
- A small first-aid kit with bandage and antiseptics
- Running shoes or boots depending on what environment you’re going to be in
- An unlocked phone + charger
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Swiss army knife
- A flexible sleeping bag
- Travel towel
- Camera + charger
- Memory card for camera
- Relevant guide books
- Copies of all your documents
- Name and phone number of relatives
- Notes with important phone numbers (bank and such)
- Extra ATM-card
- Travel adapter
- A few meter of lace (as a clothesline)
- Padlock
- Toilet paper (roll up during your trip)
- 20-30 USD hidden
- Deck of cards
Pack with you these things, and you will get by more than in most places in the world. What clothes you want to bring is up to you. Just make sure the clothes you take with you is quick drying, comfortable and not too expensive if your luggage is lost. The above packing list for backing in Europe and all over the world includes virtually everything you need to make a longer trip.
Keep in mind that the backpack should be appropriate for your height and weight. A backpacker often carries their luggage for a long period, so it is important to have a bag you enjoy. Anything over 70 liters is too much; we recommend that you choose a backpack that is maximum 40-70 liters.
Mosquito repellent available abroad are much more efficient and is, therefore, best to shop locally. Medications are often stronger overseas as well, and therefore often works better.
Also read: Best Travel Backpacks for men
Packing list for beach holidays
To pack for a holiday in the sun may seem simple, but there is often no space left for souvenirs and other things you bought or want to buy during the trip. Our best advice when you are on holiday in the sun is to pack light and not fill the bag with unnecessary gadgets and clothes you won’t use. Check out the packing list that is specially made for beach holidays and make sure you don’t forget anything or take with you a lot of things.
- Camera + charger
- Memory card
- Bathing clothes
- Bathing towel
- Beach bag
- Sunglasses
- Eco-friendly Sunscreen
- Sunscreen that is safe for children
- Eco-friendly aftersun
- Deodorant
- Small amount of local currency
- Travel bed for toddlers (if you have a toddler)
- Deck of cards
- EU-insurance card (if you go within EU)
- Drivers license/ID-card
- Copies of important documents
- Travel adapter
- Band-aid and antiseptics
Clothing is as always very individual, and there is no right or wrong, but it might be good to aim for a 12-15 kg about when you travel. Then you have plenty of room for wine bottles, souvenirs, clothes and other things you might buy abroad. Since it’s a beach holiday you are going on, you hardly need to bring several sweaters, shoes, etc.
Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel takes a lot of weight and is often cheaper abroad, therefore avoid this in your luggage if you do not have flexible travel packages to take with you.
Also read: Packing list for traveling in Asia
Packing tips – Use packing cubes
Packing cubes are essentially bags that are usually formed as cubes. These allow you to press out the air in the bag and maximize your luggage space. Some cubes can save as much as half the space by removing the air and compress the clothes.
See some recommended cubes here
The long packing list
Here we collect everything you could possibly need and want. Read through our long packing list and double-check that you haven’t forgotten anything that is important to you. Keep in mind that many of these products also can be purchased locally when you arrive.
Clothes
- T-shirts / tank top
- Shirt
- Underwear
- Pyjamas
- Shorts
- Pants / jeans
- Belt
- Socks
- Shoes
- Running shoes
- Workout clothes
- Sandals / flip flops
- Cap/hat
- Bathing clothes
- Sweater
- Blazer
- Suit
- Vind jacket
- Rain clothes
- Small backpack for day trip and city walks
- Fanny pack
Hygiene
- Comb/Hairbrush
- Hair straightener
- Hairdryer
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- razor + creme
- Gel/hair wax
- Hairspray
- Shampoo, balsam and dusch creme
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouth water
- Facial wash
- Skin Creme
- Makeup
- Makeup removal
- Body lotion
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Aftersun
- Towel
- Baby wipes
- Nail Scissor
- Hanky
- Tampoons
- Lip Creme
Pharmacy/First-aid kit
- Band-aid
- Blister band-aids
- Anti-diarrhea pills (t.ex. Dimor)
- Bandage
- Painkillers
- Antiseptic wipes
- Allergy pills
- Nasal spray
- Rehydration (e.g. Resorb)
Electronics
- Camera + charger
- Memory card
- Unlocked cell phone
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- If you use Spotify, download playlists offline
- Travel adapter
- Computer / tablet
- HDMI cable
- USB Stick
- Mp3 player
Documents
- Passport
- Tickets
- Visa
- Hotel reservation
- Insurance paper
- EU Insurance card (blue card)
- ID/drivers license
- ATM-card / Extra ATM-card
- Vaccination card
- Paper with important phone numbers
- Phone numbers to relatives
Miscellaneous
- Guidebooks
- Maps
- Clock
- Compass
- Sewing-kit
- Sunglasses
- Bath towel
- Beach bag
- Books
- Magazines
- Earplugs
- Neck pillow
- Eye mask
- Reading glasses
- Lenses
- Swizz Army knife (NOTE: not in hand luggage)
- Small amount of local currency
- Sleeping bag
- Light mattress
- Bed clothes/linen
- Wine opener
- Paper and pen
- Deck of cards
- Yatzi
- Condoms
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Duct tape
- Safety pins
- Clothesline
- Handwashing detergent
- Toilet paper
- Small padlock