Packing in a carry-on
IF you want to travel in only a carryon on a long trip, you’ll have to plan on mixing-and-matching outfits, layers, and doing laundry. This is approximately what I’ll take on a long trip where I can do wash and will be staying for more than a week. This is just the basic needs. Depending on where you are going you may need items specific for hot weather, or bugs, or excessive sun, so just adjust this accordingly. Note: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from eligible Amazon purchases.
Clothes
I strongly recommend most of the clothing below be of a good breathable quick-dry fabric for easy laundering
- 2-3 pairs of pants
- 2-3 long sleeve shirts
- 3 layering t-shirts/tanks
- jacket (preferably with pockets for all your stuff)
- PJs
- underwear, socks
- scarf or shawl
- bathing suit and cover-up
- Towel – I recommend this one that can be used for the pool, showers, and even as a cover up – https://amzn.to/3ew2hiL – it’s the lightest and thirstiest I’ve found for the size.
- comfortable closed-toe shoes
- flip flops or water shoes for in camp and using the pool and shower
- rain poncho/umbrella
Toiletries and more
- shampoo, conditioner
- prescriptions (with a photocopy of med info)
- toothpaste, toothbrush, floss
- deodorant
- brush/comb and hairbands as needed
- cleanser/soap
- tissues
- baby wipes
- lip balm/vaseline
- sunscreen (and aloe)
- moisturizer
- tweezers
- cough drops
- q-tips
- razor/shaver (preferably non-electric; if electric, check power requirements)
Travel toiletries – Also check the health and safety kit
- dry shampoo can be really useful if you have some or can get a small size
- wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Pain killer, anti-nausea, anti-histamine, anti-diarrhea, and other common meds
- motion sickness medication
- laundry needs: a small container of Dr. Bronners soap for washing clothes as needed – also can be used as handwash and for cleaning other things (even as shampoo in a pinch), and/or laundry washing strips (if you, like me, need no-dye no-scent – these are available – https://amzn.to/3aJQV9I)
Tech and more
- water bottle and sling
- flashlight – something like this can be used as a flashlight or lantern and fit in your pocket – https://amzn.to/3sGydGo
- if international: passport with your yellow vaccination card, visas,
- printed itinerary and hotel info, plus any tickets you’ve purchased for attractions
- cash for tips and small purchases
- back up power
- camera and lens cleaning cloth (can be very dusty) – a dust blower is also recommended
- if international: power adapters – this set has plug adapters from Type A to Type M (very comprehensive) – https://amzn.to/3dzzlr1
- journal/writing paper, pen/pencil
- travel pillow
Other necessities
I always recommend a few other things. Namely my random items kit and a health and safety kit sized for travel that come with me pretty much everywhere.
And as usual, keep a copy of your passport somewhere you can get to it if the original is lost.
