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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Seasonal additions

Special activities (soft adventure)

For some holiday activities, you’ll want to take a few extra things,

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