Divya Hasti

Once you finalise your destination after hours of research, the next thing that daunts is ‘What do I pack? How to pack? What if I miss something? What documents to carry? A suitcase or a backpack?’ – Well, the good news is you don’t have to worry about it anymore. I’ve got you covered, so you can have a stress-free trip. In this blog, I detail out everything you need to pack including all the essentials, for any kind of a trip. I have linked all the related products I use (the ones underlined), and none of this is sponsored. I have tried and tested many products over the years, these are the ones I have sworn by and have been using for over 3 years now. This list is to make it easier for you – so you can put your energy to things that need your undivided attention!

Must Have Packing Accessories

Stuffing all the clothes into the bag is as ancient as the dinosaurs. There are now smarter and easier ways to pack.

• Packing Cubes: This is what I start my packing with, these are such a boon. Packing cubes are lightweight, zippered compartments in which you can organize clothing and accessories within your suitcase. It is easy to separate items by category, keeping your luggage neat and accessible throughout your entire trip.
• Compression Cubes: Packing for that dreamy winter trip, but not enough space? This is where compression cubes come in handy. Similar to packing cubes, these are vacuum sealed to remove air, making your clothes compressed and the space compact.
• Backpack: There are various sizes and volumes to match your needs. I prefer this 50L rucksack and 60L backpack from Decathlon. The back support on both of them is strong, have compartments. I have been using them for 4 years now.
• Suitcase: Since I choose to pack light, this safari suitcase has accompanied me on most of my travels. I purchased it for 1500 INR years ago, and is going stronger than my discipline. 😉
• Toiletry Organiser: For easy access of toiletries and liquids, this organiser is a must.
• Portable Luggage Scale: Carry this scale to keep your luggage weight in check so you avoid paying heavy baggage fees at the airports.
• Foldable Bag: Are day trips on your itinerary? Then you need to have this foldable bag, to stuff in some snacks and water to get you through the day.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes

You decide how many you want to carry, because clothes are a personal preference. Here’s what I would suggest.

• Tops: Throw in those multipurpose tops that you can style in various ways. Lightweight T-shirts for warm weather, long sleeve shirts for the cold, a dress for the special days.
• Bottoms: A pair of jeans, comfortable track pants, a skirt, activewear that double up as outdoor wear too.
• Lingerie and Underwear: The only thing that’s better carried extra. It doesn’t need much extra space too.
• Socks: Atleast a pair. Carry an extra bag to keep in the dirty ones.
• Sweaters/Cardigans
• Sleepwear: Comfortable Pajamas
• Footwear: Shoes, Sandals, Flipflops, Hiking/Trekking shoes
• Scarf, Cap, Belt, Swimsuit as applicable
• Blanket: I usually carry a thin one to cover up during travelling, or spread it in my accommodation, because not every place cleans well. You know what I mean?
• Must haves for layering up in Winter: I have used all these products from Decathlon – Lowest Price, Best Value.
• Thermal Wear: This is your base layer. For Women and Men
• Jackets: All or some based on the climate of your destination. See here for Women: Fleece jacket, Down Jacket, Puffer Jacket. See here for Men: Fleece jacket, Down Jacket, Puffer Jacket
• Poncho/Rain Jacket
• Beanie and a balaclava
• Hand Warmers/body warmers: These are patches you can put on your hands/body to keep you warm in the cold.
• Hand Gloves

Electronics

• Universal Adapter: Not all plug points are same as your home country’s. Take this universal adapter so you can plug in your devices safely. I have used this one across Europe and Asia, no complaints.
• Phone, Laptop and earpods
• Charger: For your phone and earpods (if applicable)
• Power Bank: To support your devices when you are on the go, 2000mh power bank will keep your devices charged and happy.
• Tripod: If you are travelling solo, this is your most reliable friend to click photos. This tripod has a bluetooth button, is height adjustable and very affordable.
• Adjustable Strap: This strap will ensure you don’t have to worry about your phone being snatched away as you click those beautiful pictures.
• Kindle: For all the readers out there.

Toiletries

• Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Tongue Cleaner: From the time I have made sustainable choices, I switched to a bamboo toothbrush and it did not disappoint.
• Soap and Body wash: If you are travelling for shorter periods of time, carry travel size containers you could reuse and refill. If longer travels, then you can take the actual packages to last you the entire duration and avoid smaller single use toiletries.
• Shaving Kit: Razor with disposable blades, shaving cream and other grooming products.
• Quick Dry Towel: I used this towel from Decathlon on my recent slow travels of 4 months. Easy to roll, compact and dries fast.
• Deodrant
• Hand Sanitiser
• Cotton Swabs: For makeup removal
• Nailcutter
• Sanitary napkins/Period Pads/Menstrual Cup: I use Mahina period underwear, and it has been stress free – no fuss, no rashes. The underwear is your pad. You don’t have to wear a pad again. There are no leaks, lasts upto 12 hours. You rinse it for a few minutes under cold water and then machine wash it. They have underwears for every type of flow – medium, high, low and for every size. How cool and inclusive is that!
• Safety pins
• Bandages/Anti Blister Stickers: for those accidental injuries.

Skincare and Haircare

• Moisturiser: I have been using the one by Dot & Key (I have combination skin), and it has worked out well for me.
• Sunscreen: Heading to the Beach, to soak in the waves, then you cannot forget this! One for the body, and for the face. I use the Hybrid sunscreen from Conscious Chemist.
• Body Lotion
• Facewash: To remove all the dirt off after your wind down in your room.
• Lip Balm
• Hair Shampoo and Conditioner: I have switched to Shampoo Bars and have loved them. I recently started using Prezerve shampoo and conditioner bars.
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Hair Styling products: Hair oil, Gel, hairspray etc.
• Hair clips, extra rubber bands
• Sunglasses/extra spectacles
• Others: Everything that is a part of your skincare/haircare routine.

Documents

• Passport/National Identity Card (Aadhar card in case of India)
• Visa: If it is E-visa, it is better to have it printed and take a copy with you. Many countries still need a physical copy.
• Debit/Credit Cards: If travelling internationally then a zero forex debit/credit card is your best bet. I used Niyo DCB debit card and have had a very smooth experience. Use can download and order one using my code HASTI317 here and get 250 coins which you can later redeem.
• Physical Cash: Some countries need you to show physical cash (mostly USD), at the immigration. Be sure to take anywhere between 200-300 USD (I was asked to show atleast 300 USD at the Georgian Border).
• Driver’s License/International Driving Permit
• Health Records/Prescriptions for medicines you are already using and wish to carry on the trip.

Physical copies of these documents if you wish to:

• Travel Insurance
• Flight and Accommodation Bookings
• Emergency Contacts
• Activity Bookings

Food and Medicines

If you are travelling internationally, and are not used to eating their local cuisine due to your dietary restrictions, it is always safe to carry ready to eat/make food, or cook if time and your energy allows. Since I was travelling for long term, I packed myself Indian spices so I could cook. And took a few ready to make curries on those days when I might not find anything to eat. It did come in handy. The portable Blendjet Blender was a saviour too.

Tap water is safe to drink in most countries (be sure to check with the locals or your hosts). This Lifestraw Bottle saved me more than what it costed me also stopped me from single use plastic. The filter can last for 4000 litres and the carbon filter upto 100 litres. Though a bit expensive, it is a great investment and definitely worth considering. The return outweighs the cost.

The one mistake I made was not carrying Antibiotics, and this mistake costed me 100 euros. Constant weather changes took the better of me and I fell sick and prey to throat and ear infection. Antibiotics are not issued over the counter in many countries, and need a local doctor’s prescription. So, don’t forget precautionary medicines. Better safe the sorry, right?

Others

• A notebook
• Pocket Umbrella
• A spoon, knife, tiffin box – I planned to cook on a few days, so decided to take these.
• Pepper Spray
• Luggage locks
• Airtag
• Inflatable Neck Pillow
• Ziplock Bags

This is an extensive list that I have tried curating after a lot of hits and misses from my seven years of travels. Pick what is applicable for you, and get set go!

If I may have missed something, tell me in the comments.