Keep it to one bag.

Forget everything from Scouts and leave the emergency candles, waterproof sponges and reinforced double-walled titanium toothpicks at home.

Do laundry abroad.

Whether you’re packing for a week or a month, you should prep for only a week’s worth of supplies. Use mini detergent packets to wash clothes in the sink or laundromat.

Save room for new stuff.

You may have no intention to shop, but you never know what gems you’ll pick up along the way.

Pack twice.

Round one: pick out everything you need to survive. Round two: cut your inventory in half.

Use compression bags or packing cubes.

These babies save space and condense your clothes for ultimate storage.

Clothes:

• 7-8 shirts/tops—bring dark and neutral colors that go with anything
• Sport coat, scarf or a few small accessories to dress with neutral tops (optional)
• 1 sweater or light jacket
• Underwear (pack for about a week)
• Socks (avoid cotton at all costs to stay comfortable and fresh)
• 1 bathing suit
• 1-2 pairs of pants
• 1 maxi skirt/dress or dress slacks (optional)
• 3-5 shorts or dresses (sub in 1-2 pants for winter)
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes
• Flip-flops* and/or dressy (flat) sandals
• 1 wool sweater** (for winter trips)
• 1 raincoat/windbreaker (for winter trips)

*For beaches and showers only.
**Avoid bringing big, bulky coats. Excessive layering is the way to go.

Electronics

• Phone charger*

• Camera/GoPro + accessories + charger

• Headphones

• Adapter

  Read more: Smart Tips for your Smartphone Abroad

Everything else:

• Passport + a copy to bring with you (send another copy to your email, or save it to your phone)
• Toiletries (only the necessities)
• Quick-dry towel
• Adult coloring book/crayons (or other entertainment)
• Books
• Neck pillow
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs
• Backpack/Purse
• Laundry bag
• Tide to-go stick/detergent packs
• Gallon plastic bags for toiletries
• Medications + sleep aid (for the plane)