I’m a travel expert – here’s my packing list
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When I first started travelling on my own I would always forget to pack stuff.
Usually it’s toothbrushes. I bought so many while away that I ended up with three or four at home.
Now I travel so frequently that I always have a go bag ready.
It’s basically a bag of toiletries that I can just chuck into my luggage, and I don’t have to think too hard about what’s inside because I know it’ll cover the basics.
I still use a packing list though, because every trip is a little different.
On some trips I need to take hiking shoes for example, while others require packing for two different seasons.
A packing list just helps me to tick everything off, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to pack like a pro.
My travel essentials
Before I share my ultimate packing list, I wanted to share some of my travel essentials.
These come with me on just about every trip, and are in tandem with the stuff I take as carry on luggage.
And they really do make things so much easier.
Backpacks
On every trip I’ll always have an anti-theft backpack as well as my main luggage.
![Qin Xie luggage](https://culture-explorer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Qin-Xie-luggage-600x450.jpg)
As a full-time writer and part-time digital nomad, I work on the go a lot.
I always take my laptop, and usually my DSLR camera as well, and these can get heavy.
So when it comes to backpacks, I need something with a pretty good capacity that’s also comfortable to wear.
I use a Targus CityLite security backpack* and one from Briggs & Riley* interchangeably depending on how much space I need.
Neither are available to buy right now.
The VINBAGGE anti-theft backpack* is virtually the same design though.
It holds a 15.6in laptop, with a 25L capacity.
The main anti-theft features I look for are:
- Inaccessible zips – ideally blocked by the shoulder straps and against the back or blocked by clips
- Hidden pockets – usually against the back, for phones and documents
- Durable fabric – to prevent being cut into but also preferably waterproof
Day bags and camera bags
My backpacks are usually too big to take out for daytime activities so I’ll also take a smaller day bag.
![Qin Xie West Rattlesnake Mountain](https://culture-explorer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Qin-Xie-West-Rattlesnake-Mountain-600x450.jpg)
I used to use a Lowepro Tahoe BP 150*, a padded camera bag with plenty of capacity to carry other stuff.
It also has clips on the side that restricts access to the zips, which can be a theft deterrent.
I still use it sometimes but a couple of years ago I switched to the Osprey ultralight dry stuff pack*, and now it’s my go-to day bag.
The main attraction is that it folds down small enough to put into my back pocket, but has a 20L capacity when opened up.
The fabric is also water resistant so I don’t need to worry about it getting wet, while the opening folds down and clips under the straps to act as a theft deterrent.
There are mesh pockets on the side for water bottles and umbrellas, and clips to keep them in place.
![Qin Xie Yangshuo](https://culture-explorer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Qin-Xie-Yangshuo-600x450.jpg)
It doesn’t offer any protection for my camera though, which is why I also have a Lowepro Adventura SH 120 III*.
This bag is big enough for a single DSLR, plus my wallet, and small enough that I can put it into a day bag or backpack and still have room for all my other stuff.
Gadgets and gear
My phone is currently the Google Pixel 6 Pro*. While on the road, I use a CAROKI crossbody case* for it.
It keeps my phone accessible – so I can quickly switch between my phone and my camera – but also secure. It means I don’t need to worry about dropping it or getting it stolen.
I know Google has moved onto the Pixel 8* now, but even after two years my phone still works great.
I picked the Google Pixel 6 Pro for its camera but the other great thing about it is its battery life. On a normal day, I won’t need to charge it at all for the whole day.
If I know I’m going to be using my phone heavily, for photos or videos, I’ll take a powerbank with me, like this one from Anker*.
Medication and supplements
I always take a small bottle of multivitamins, or sometimes just a vitamin B complex.
I find it helps to keep my energy level up, and makes sure I cover all my nutrients.
It’s especially important when I’m eating out all the time, and not always at places that have healthier options.
When I travel to hot countries, or I’m on a more active trip, I’ll take some Phizz multivitamin hydration tablets*.
You just add these to cold water and they’ll dissolve into a flavoured electrolyte drink. They’ve got a few different flavours, including a caffeinated option.
I’ve tried a couple of different ones and I actually find the taste a bit cloying but they really do help.
Other stuff
When I’m away for three or four weeks, I’ll take a couple of individually sealed Steradent tablets* as well.
These are great for cleaning my retainers and to give my water bottle a deep clean.
![Qin Xie Preikestolen](https://culture-explorer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Qin-Xie-Preikestolen-600x450.jpg)
And finally, depending on the weather and what I’m doing, I’ll either take my Samsonite Rain Pro ultra mini umbrella* or my Mountain Warehouse Pakka II waterproof jacket*.
Both pack away small and are super lightweight.
My ultimate packing list
Before every trip, this is the packing list I use to tick off everything I need.
It also includes things that I don’t personally use but that might be useful to you – obviously pick what’s relevant for you.
Documents and essentials
- Passport
- Driver’s licence
- Travel insurance documents
- Boarding passes
- Hotel reservations
- Car rental information
- Emergency contacts
- Guidebooks/Maps
- Wallet
- Cash
- Credit/Debit cards
- Keys
Clothes
- Tops:
- T-shirts/Vests
- Shirts/Blouses
- Bottoms:
- Jeans
- Trousers
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Workout clothes
- Underwear
- Knickers
- Bras
- Socks
- Pyjamas
Footwear
- Trainers
- Sandals
- Flip-flops
- Smart shoes
Toiletries
- Face:
- Face wash
- Day cream
- Night cream
- Eye cream
- Serum
- Lip balm
- Cotton pads
- Cotton buds
- Wipes
- Teeth:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Retainers
- Retainer cleaners
- Hair:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Hair bands
- Styling products
- Body:
- Shower gel
- Moisturiser
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Accessories:
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lenses and solution
Make up
- Primer
- Foundation
- Eyebrow brush and pencil
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Lipstick
- Face powder
- Makeup remover
Electronics:
- Mobile phone
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Laptop plus charger
- Tablet plus charger
- Camera plus charger
- GoPro plus charger
- Memory cards
- Health tracker plus charger
- Travel adapter
- Headphones
Medication and health
- Prescription medications
- Painkillers
- Vitamins
- Travel sickness tablets
- Antihistamines
- Hand sanitiser
- Face masks
- Plasters
Other stuff
- Umbrella/raincoat
- Day bag
- Lock
- Sewing kit
For the flight
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Books/Magazines
- Pen
Seasonal additions
Hot weather
- Accessories:
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag
- Swimwear
- Swimsuit
- Cover-up
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Rehydration tablets
- Insect repellant
- Bite and sting relief
Cold weather
- Tops
- Hoodies
- Jumpers
- Fleeces
- Thermals
- Bottoms:
- Tights
- Thermals
- Outerwear:
- Coat
- Jacket
- Accessories:
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Hand warmers
Special activities (soft adventure)
For some holiday activities, you’ll want to take a few extra things,
Hiking
- Hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Trekking poles
- Knee brace
- Headlights
Kayaking
- Dry bag
- Booties
Snorkelling/Diving
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Rash vest
- Board shorts
- Waterproof camera
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![Im a travel expert heres my packing list](https://culture-explorer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Im-a-travel-expert-heres-my-packing-list-600x900.jpg)