How To - Pack For A Trip Around The World

Written By 2 Tickets 2 Everywhere

Introduction

So you want to pack for a trip around the world and are worried you might need a shipping container? Don’t worry, the below lists will (hopefully) help you narrow down your packing to what you’ll need most!

Hats

Hats are an absolute necessity on any trip. You’ll be doing a lot of outdoor exploring, whether you’re on a multi-day hike, spending the day out on a boat, or simply walking around town, so SPF protection goes beyond sunscreen. Also, sometimes it’s nice to just cover that messy hair with a hat. Here are the four hats I packed: 

Outerwear & Layers

While we’re aiming to stick to warmer temperatures throughout the year with our chosen travel route, I knew we would come across weather that would warrant additional layers, like fleeces or raincoats. Some wool items would also come in handy in more alpine climates. See what I packed below: 

Tops

Knowing that we would stick to fairly warm climates or Summer, I decided to pack a range of different cuts and styles that would offer versatile ways to style similar outfits. My choice of fabrics really led to my decisions here, where I focused on breathable / activewear materials like nylon, elastane, cotton, and linen.

Tank Tops

My first focus was tank tops. It’s taken me forever to figure out the best fit and material for the trip and best comfort. Here are my top picks and what I packed: 

Short-Sleeve Tops

Next, I packed an array of short-sleeve t-shirts. Most of them are suitable for hiking with moisture-wicking features and SPF protection. I also made sure to throw in some graphic tees to switch things up when I’m bored of plain colors, as well as a cute top for nicer activities or nights out. 

Alongside the above, I packed two button-ups for countries with stricter dress codes for women or in temples, like Egypt. These shirts will also double as beach sun protection and as an additional layer on cooler days. One of the button-ups is a simple white, non-crease oversized shirt from H&M, while the other is a Craighoppers Insect Shield shirt with added mosquito repellant fabric (I also have their socks and a long-sleeved shirt). 

Bottoms

For bottoms, I took the approach of choosing a truly diverse mix of pants, shorts, and skirts, to give myself a solid set of options. My hope was that with these options, I wouldn’t get bored with my limited wardrobe and be able to style a range of outfits for different climates, activities, and moods. 

Shorts

My hunt for the best shorts was a long one. I knew I wanted different colors, quick-dry material, pockets, an adjustable waist, and most importantly, a flowy, wide leg. I started with REI, which has some great own-brand pairs that are light and fairly affordable, especially in one of their annual sales. I found that many were too sheer or not quite loose enough in the leg, but ended up finding a good option linked below. Next, I rediscovered Patagonia’s ‘Baggies’ shorts in the 5 inch length. I ended up buying two of these because they come in great patterns and sturdy materials! Finally, I stumbled on the JACKPOT – Patagonia’s Fleetwith shorts. Let me tell you, these are SO comfortable, airy, easy to wash, and I truly find myself reaching for them on most days. I’ve linked them for ya below too! Lastly, I packed a simple pair of Abercrombie jean shorts for city exploring.

Long Pants

For long pants, I wanted a mix of bottoms that could work for travel / plane days, hikes / other outdoor activities, and more casual city days. Here’s what I packed: 

Skirts

As for skirts, the key elements to check off were breathability and wearability in more modest, yet warm places, like Dubai. Given my height and my need for something more versatile, I looked for skorts on Tall American, a brand that caters to women 5’10” and over. With my height, I wanted to ensure I packed a skirt long enough to cover my ankles. Thankfully, I found exactly what I needed on a trip to California in Spring of last year when I was browsing a little boutique in California. Here are links to my final choices: 

Jumpsuits & Dresses

While I assumed I would mostly want to wear a shirt and some bottoms, I envisioned myself wearing a flowy dress on Australia’s beaches or an easy jumpsuit in Bali. With that, I searched for a long, quick-drying dress and stumbled upon one from Sweaty Betty (linked below). I also packed two old, favorite mini dresses for even lighter days and an activewear dress with shorts underneath from Gap. As for the jumpsuits / rompers, I chose comfy activewear options from Abercrombie and Lululemon. You can find them linked below: 

Underwear & Socks

I MAY have packed too many underwear (27 pairs), due to both the typical what-if-I shit-myself fear, as well as the concern for regular laundry washing. That said, I haven’t been low on underwear yet, while Jackson has already looked forward to laundry day after camping for a few days. In terms of bras, I kept things fairly uncomplicated by packing two Patagonia bralettes and two VS Pink activewear bras (the comfiest). For socks, I packed a handful of low sneaker socks, ankle socks for everyday wear, and a solid number of hiking socks. To keep things fresh, I’ve added a little lavender sachet to my packing cube alongside my laundry bag. See my favorite brands for underwear and socks below: 

Base Layers 

I won’t be needing any base layers for a while, yet our trek in Patagonia may warrant some warmer clothes, especially for chilly camping nights. So, I snagged the Craft CORE Wool Mix Base Layer Set in the latest REI sale. 

PJs

We’re staying in a number of different hostels and campgrounds on our trip, so I knew we’d be spending time around other travelers. To be able to sleep comfortably and look presentable while brushing my teeth in the shared bathroom, I packed a VERY compact pajama and some sweatshorts. 

Swimwear

We’ll be spending a lot of time in bodies of water – from oceans, to lakes, to hot springs, to rivers, to pools – so I had to make sure my swimwear would last the year. I went with two swimsuits and two bikinis:

Shoes

Shoes are INCREDIBLY bulky, so I kept things simple with only three pairs. That said, I’ve now added a pair of cheap supermarket flip flops for hostel showers and beach trips because sandals can be tricky to slip in and out of. 

Toiletries & Makeup

This is the trickiest category because toiletries tend to take up quite a bit of space and your list here simply depends on your skincare and hygiene needs. Here’s what I whittled my items down to:

Toiletries:

Make-Up:

Bits & Bobs

My bag’s many little pockets are filled with a few additional bits and bobs that have made this trip easier already. One of my pockets contains two quick-dry PackTowels, one large and one small. Another contains a Patagonia fanny pack, which has come in handy every single day for quick excursions or city days. My side strap pockets contain bottle cleaning tablets and retainer cleaning tablets. 

Camping Gear

Jackson is carrying most of our camping gear, which includes cooking tools and our tent. I’ve packed my sleeping bag, pillow, and camping mattress. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post on our favorite gear and what features we looked for!

Summary

Ultimately, your packing list is fully customizable based on your needs and trip destinations. Throw on some music, write up a list, and get packing! Consider setting up a spreadsheet to list out each item by category or perhaps, from head to toe. You can find a copy of my list here for reference. 

2 Tickets 2 Everywhere
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