Ultimate RTW Packing List: What You Need & What You Don’t
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Looking for the Ultimate RTW Packing List? Look no further!
If you’re heading on a trip around the world or any type of long-term travel, this RTW packing list is the only one you need and has been fine-tuned based on almost 2 straight years of solo backpacking.
Before the start of my own round-the-world trip, I made my own RTW packing list based on dozens of different travel blogs and Youtube videos I found. I bought almost every item suggested, aiming to be the most well-prepared solo traveler ever.
My backpack and I have now traveled to more than 50 countries (and counting) across 5 continents.
If you’re a new backpacker, you might decide to squeeze “too much” stuff into your luggage. That would be a huge mistake. Think about it – you’ll be carrying your stuff from place to place, maybe every few days or so. And even worse, you’ll be packing and unpacking your stuff every few days, and struggling to zip up your bag. That’s the worst!
This post will tell you everything that’s in my backpack, my must-haves vs nice-to-haves, what I recommend leaving at home, and what I use the most.
Obviously, everyone and every trip are different, so use this packing list as a baseline to create one that works best for you!
My best piece of advice to you is to pack as lightly as possible.
Pro Tip: Lay out everything you want to bring on a table so that you can see it all, and then cut it in half.
If you’re going to be traveling long-term and moving around, you’re not going to want to carry a closet with you. You really only need one week’s worth of clothing, and you’ll have no problems doing laundry on the road.
Backpack or Suitcase for Your RTW Packing List?
This is one of the most hotly debated questions amongst travelers.
And there really is no right answer. I actually have both, and love both – but it depends on what kind of trip it is!
When to Choose a Suitcase
If I’m going on a regular vacation where I’m not moving around too much, where I am not taking too much public transportation with my luggage or having to carry it very far, then I am definitely a rolling suitcase kind of girl.
I have used my Away luggage for several years, and it looks like new. It’s held up to being dragged for a mile over cobblestones and being thrown around by the luggage handlers.
I use the larger carry-on size the most, but if you’re traveling on smaller planes, it may be too big to carry on sometimes. Since I mostly fly on large international flights, carrying it on hasn’t been an issue for me. They have a smaller version that will fit all carry-on requirements. I have the bigger check-in size too, but honestly, I never use it.
I’m a carry-on girl, whenever possible.
When to Choose a Backpack
If your trip involves a lot of moving around (like my around-the-world trip does) and needing to carry everything on your RTW packing list from one place to another, then a backpack is definitely the way to go.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people trying to drag a suitcase up a cobblestone street or upstairs – it looks awful. And if you’re staying in a hostel dorm, you won’t have much room to store your stuff, so a backpack is probably easier.
The Backpack On My Around-The-World Packing List for Long-Term Travel
I love my Osprey Fairview 55L Women’s Travel Backpack!
It also comes in a 40L size, if you’re a lighter packer (one day this will be me!).
This backpack is two backpacks in one – the small one can be attached by zipper to the big one, but I like to use them separately. I carry the big one on my back and the small one on my front. I look like a turtle when I’m carrying them, which is only typically to and from a train or bus, or airport.
Here’s what else I love about it:
- It’s perfectly sized for everything on my round-the-world packing list. In a perfect world, I’d be able to get the 40L version, but I haven’t learned to pack light enough yet. One day.
- It’s super comfortable on my back, has the right amount of padding, and can be adjusted so that most of the weight is on my hips.
- It opens up like a suitcase (as opposed to the more common top-loading backpacks). This lets me access things without having to take everything out.
- The zippers can be locked, which deters theft.
- It comes with a detachable daypack that is another 15L of storage.
- It’s not technically carry-on size, but I can usually carry it on anyways (unless the airline is super strict or the plane is very small).
- If I have to check it, the straps can be zipped into a flap, which protects it from damage.
Pro tip: Whichever backpack you choose for your RTW travel packing list, be sure to try it on with some weight in it before you buy it, to make sure it is comfortable. Some backpacks will fit you better than others.
Use a Fanny Pack aka Bum Bag Instead of a Purse
For my American friends, be aware that a “fanny” means something else in most English-speaking countries (all my British friends are giggling to themselves right now). So when I’m abroad, I call this a bum bag.
A bum bag is a must for my RTW packing list. It’s better than a purse because it’s easier on my back and can be worn either on my waist or cross-body. I always keep it in front of me, where I can see it.
Check these ones out. Some airlines count a purse as an extra personal item, but I’ve never had anyone say anything to me about a bum bag around my waist.
Using Packing Cubes
Although using packing cubes probably takes up slightly more space than if I didn’t use them, they are a must for your around-the-world packing list!
Because I’m usually changing cities/accommodations every few days, it’s essential for me to be able to unpack and repack very quickly, and these cubes keep me organized and keep my bag from exploding all over the place. I know exactly where everything is, which keeps me sane.
And in hostel dorms that don’t have a lot of space, I can take out the cubes I need and stow away my backpack for the duration of my stay. Super easy.
I use a couple of different cubes since I’ve collected a few different ones over the years. I like these Eagle Creek Compression Cubes and these Travelwise Packing Cubes.
Consider a water-proof packing cube for things that shouldn’t get wet, just in case.
And in case you’re wondering, I tend to roll (not fold) my clothes.
Documentation/Money:
- Passport / Visa – if you’re going on an international trip, you’re going to need a passport, and potentially a visa (depending on the country and your nationality; research in advance)
- Take a picture of your passport and save it in an important documents folder on your phone and in your email, just in case.
- I also keep a few paper copies on hand in case I go to a country that needs one for a visa application.
- Passport-size photos (if applicable, often needed for visas)
- Debit and Credit Cards
- I only carry one of each in my wallet and have the others spread across my two backpacks, so that if my bum bag gets stolen, I still have access to money.
- Cash – I always keep some US dollars on hand and hidden in my backpacks for emergencies. Also, some countries require USD for visas.
- Driver’s license
- International driver’s license – Some countries require an international driver’s license to drive/rent a car, and it’s pretty inexpensive, so I always keep one on hand.
- Immunization records, esp yellow fever (if applicable) and COVID-19
- Digital copies of passport, credit cards, immunization records, and any prescription medications (just in case!)
- Travel Insurance – I use World Nomads and a lot of people like Safety Wing. This is arguably the most important item on your RTW packing list!
Clothes:
If you’ve seen my pictures, you know I’m not a fashionista. I choose comfort and practicality over fashion every single time. The clothes I choose are easy to wash (mostly synthetic fabrics or merino wool), hard to wrinkle, can be worn a couple of times without smelling, and dry fast.
I tend to wear mostly black or other neutral colors so that everything goes with everything.
Nobody really cares what you look like on the backpacker trail. So in my opinion, it’s better to pack as light as possible, than to be ready for the fashion runway.
I have enough underwear to last me about 1.5 weeks (although some people just bring a couple of pairs and wash them in the sink every other day, no thanks).
Everything else can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed, although I usually end up doing laundry about once every week or so, and I’ve never had a problem finding a washing machine (I think I washed underwear in the sink one time only).
Pro tip: If you stay in warmer climates, you’ll need less, lighter clothes.
I chase the sun so that I don’t have to worry about packing bulky winter clothes, and in a pinch, I’ll just layer up or buy something.
You should also research the local dress and customs.
For example, when I went to Jordan, I dressed more modestly (wearing mostly loose pants and short-sleeve shirts to cover my knees and shoulders) since it is a predominantly Muslim culture, and I wanted to be respectful. In Southeast Asia, I bought a cheap sarong to wrap around my waist when I visited temples.
I primarily wear athleisure wear from Target, Athleta, and Lululemon.
Pro tip: If you’re checking a bag, I strongly recommend keeping an outfit in your carry-on just in case your bag goes missing.
Must Have
- Underwear – 7-10 pairs (this is the only item of clothing I won’t wear more than once without washing, I don’t want to have to do laundry every couple of days, and they don’t take up much space)
- Regular bra – 1
- Sports bras – 2 (I live in these)
- Swimsuit(s) – I travel with 2 since I tend to use them a lot and they don’t take up too much space
- Loose travel pants or joggers – 1
- Shorts – 3-4
- Leggings – 1-2 pairs, depending on the weather (can also double as warmer pajama pants)
- Short-sleeve shirt – 1 (I love merino wool since you can wear over and over without it smelling)
- Long-sleeve shirt – 1
- Tank tops – 3-4
- Pajamas
- Hoodie sweatshirt
- Socks – 2-3 pairs, depending on what kind of shoes you’re bringing (wool socks can be worn a few times without smelling). I usually bring two regular ankle socks and one longer hiking sock.
- Travel rain jacket (if it will rain) – I use this instead of an umbrella
- Hat
Nice to Have
- Sun swim shirt with SPF – if you’ll be swimming a lot
- 1 Nicer outfit for the rare occasion when I want to look a little more dressed up
- Packable travel jacket (if it will get cold) – I usually leave this one at home, but I’m bringing it to South America
- Light scarf (or warmer, if needed) – some people swear by these to cover up in a conservative environment or to spice up an outfit, but I don’t carry one. If I ever need one, I’ll buy one locally.
Shoes – Your RTW Packing List Needs Only 2 Pairs
Shoes are bulky and heavy so don’t bring too many – you really only need 2 pairs!
I wear sports sandals as my main pair and love my AllBirds as my second pair (they’re weather resistant and machine-washable!).
For my 7 months in Central and South America, I traded in my AllBirds for some trail running shoes, since I am doing a lot more hiking than I was at the beginning of my trip.
A lot of people also bring flip-flops, but personally, I just use my Chacos instead. I would recommend you leave these at home and just use sports sandals. You can always buy flip-flops if you find yourself in need.
Pro tip: You can use shower caps to cover your shoes so that they don’t get your bag dirty.
Electronics:
Must Have
- Phone (obviously) – this is also my camera, so extra important
- Any chargers/batteries you need for your devices
- Travel Adaptor – I use this one
- Charging cables for your devices – I use an extra-long iPhone charging cable because sometimes the plugs in the hostels aren’t right next to the bed
Nice to Have
- Camera – only if you’re a serious photographer. Phones take such great pictures now.
- Portable battery to charge your devices on the road
- Kindle – I couldn’t live without mine! (Plus it’s waterproof so I can read in the pool)
- GoPro with accessories
- Selfie stick/tripod – this one fits in my bum bag
- Tablet or Laptop – I like to have my iPad with me, mainly for watching tv/movies
- Headphones/AirPods (don’t forget one for the plane)
- Waterproof iPhone pouch
- Waterproof fanny pack – which lets me keep valuables on me at the beach
- Airtag – in case your bag goes missing
- Scuba diving computer – I don’t have one of these yet but I sure wish I did!
Toiletries:
I love these two toiletry bags: Hanging Organizer Bag or Nylon Shaving Bag (I’ve used both). I also use this mesh shower bag so that I can take it into the shower with me when I’m staying in the hostels and leave my bigger toiletry bag in my room.
Must Have
- Deodorant – I actually carry a couple of these because I like the solid kind, and I mostly find gel or spray abroad
- I have been using The Earthing Co solid shampoo and conditioner bars for over a year now – they last a long time and are allowed in carry-on bags (Pro tip: cut them in half to extend the use).
- Bar of soap – I switched to solid soap for traveling
- Fast-drying wash cloth – better than a loofah for travel because it dries fast and is machine-washable; I actually bring an extra one to wrap up my soaps/shampoo bars when I’m not using them
- Contact lenses/contact solution (you can buy extra solution abroad)
- Travel-size sunscreen – I use this every day, so I’ll often pick up a full-size one when I arrive
- Personal wet wipes – I have these on me at all times, because you never know the bathroom situation
- Travel razor with extra blades
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, extra brush heads, charger or battery – I use this one, and the battery lasts a long time
- Floss
- Q-tips – just a few, you can always buy more
- Small hair brush
- Chapstick
- Hair ties
- Travel-size hand sanitizer
- Menstrual Cup (I use this one) – I switched to this from tampons a long time ago and I’m never going back!
Nice to Have
- Squeeze tubes for the liquids you can’t live without
- Bug spray – depends on where you are going, and you can buy it there too. I’ll usually bring a very strong travel-size one and then buy more as needed.
- Tweezers/nail clippers/nail file
- Lotion or face moisturizer – you can also buy some there, I promise.
- Body Glide – I’ve been obsessed with this stuff ever since I ran a half-marathon a few years ago. I mostly use it between my thighs when I’m wearing a dress/shorts in hot weather since I tend to chafe when I’m sweaty.
- First Aid Kit – they have pharmacies all over the world, but I like to carry a few things with me just in case:
- Immodium to stop traveler’s diarrhea when you don’t have easy access to a bathroom – My friends and I got super sick in Morocco (not unusual), and we were so happy to have this on the very long bus rides
- Charcoal tablets or Pepto Bismol – for less severe tummy issues
- Antibiotics for very severe tummy issues (my doctor prescribed me some for emergencies since I told her I’d be off the beaten path but asked me to try to avoid taking them if I can get to a doctor)
- Benadryl if you have allergies
- bandaids – just a couple, they don’t take up much space
- Anti-itch cream for bug bites (mosquitos always find me)
- Oral Rehydration Solution – If you’re vomiting or have diarrhea, the biggest threat to your health is actually dehydration. As an alternative, you can buy a coke and add a pinch of salt to it.
- Advil/Tylenol and Cold Medicine – I like to have just a couple of these in my bag, but honestly, you could pick these up at any pharmacy.
Miscellaneous:
Must Have
- Masks – this is the world we live in now. I usually have a couple of reusable masks and a few of these KN95s. You can always buy more abroad, but it’s nice to have a few on hand.
- Prescription medications – keep these in your personal carry-on, never check this just in case your bag gets lost
- Prescription Glasses/Contact Lenses (if needed)
- Sunglasses – I always have a couple of pairs of these with me because they’re not expensive, and I’m hard on my sunglasses when I travel.
- Sleep eye mask – this is a must-have for me since I usually stay in dorm rooms, and sometimes there’s a light on
- Ear plugs (I use these reusable silicone ones) – this is a must-have for me since dorm rooms are not always quiet
- Travel towel – especially if you’re staying in hostels (this one has served me really well for hostels, and I sometimes use it as my beach towel)
- Refillable water bottle (I use this filtered water bottle, which lets me have clean water anywhere I go)
- Snacks for plane and food emergencies – one of my biggest fears in life is feeling hungry
- Pens – I’m often the only one in my section of the airplane who has a pen on hand to fill out travel forms
Nice to Have
- Carabiners – I have these on my backpack so that I can attach random things to it if I need to (they don’t take up any room and they have come in handy so many times)
- Journal – I don’t carry one, but if you are a good journaler, that is awesome
- Blow-up neck pillow – I don’t carry one of these either, but I’m sure it could come in handy sometimes
- Water bladder and hose – if you’re doing a lot of hiking
- Headlamp with spare batteries – this has come in handy for me so many times, and I can use it as a hand flashlight too in a pinch!
- Lock for hostel lockers
- TSA Locks for luggage/backpack
- Duct tape (I carry this travel size one, and I used it once to fix a tote strap)
- Laundry bag – I just use an extra packing cube that doesn’t take up much space and lets me keep the smelly clothes separate, and makes it easy to bring to the laundry
- Stain remover pen – if you’re messy like me
- Packable tote bag
- Packable Light Weight Backpack
- A couple of extra ziplock or plastic grocery bags
- Rain covers for your bags
- Disposable ponchos – I’ve been carrying a few of these with me for years. They don’t take up much space and can cover me and my bags if needed.
- Door stopper – I’ve never needed to use it, but if I ever feel unsafe in my room I can use it to prevent someone from opening the door
- Powder laundry detergent (just a little in a baggy), or liquidless detergent sheets – I’ll be trying these ones for the first time. You can also buy this abroad, but I usually don’t want to buy a full box.
- Sewing kit – my pants ripped at some point, so I stopped by a hotel reception desk and asked for a sewing kit. It’s so small so now I carry it with me.
What NOT to Include On Your RTW Packing List:
These are the things you don’t need on your round-the-world packing list. You know yourself best, but I personally wouldn’t waste valuable packing space on these items.
They have stores all over the world (gasp!), so you could always pick up something in a pinch.
- A backpack bigger than 55L – unless you’re a very serious trekker with tons of equipment, you should be able to fit plenty into a 40L or 55L backpack
- Bedsheet or Pillow Case – most people won’t ever need these, but I have heard of extreme cases when backpackers are staying in dirty accommodations wanting to use these…but I like to stay in clean places that I have researched ahead of time.
- Fancy clothes
- Jeans – these are bulky and slow-drying so I don’t like them on an around-the-world packing list
- Hair dryer / Straightening Iron / Curling Iron
- Excessive make-up or hair products
- Books – they’re so heavy!
- Fancy camera (unless you’re a serious photographer, or if your phone camera isn’t good)
- Expensive/flashy jewelry – you don’t need it, and you don’t want to make yourself a target of a robbery
- High heels or fancy/uncomfortable shoes – not worth carrying around to look cute for a couple of hours
- Liquids, as much as possible (and always travel-size if you have to have them)
- Clothesline and universal sink stopper – see the next section for why I’ve never needed these for doing laundry
- Umbrella – is bulky and will probably brak anyways. Just use a rain jacket.
How To Do Laundry While Backpacking
I read so many blogs about backpackers doing their laundry in sinks, and this has not been my experience. It has been so easy to do laundry on my round-the-world trip.
Either the hostel will offer an affordable laundry service, or they will recommend one nearby. Depending on the region, laundry usually costs $5 to $10, and I tend to do laundry every 1-1.5 weeks. Keep that in mind when budgeting for your trip.
Most of the time, I just drop off my laundry and get it back washed and folded the same day or the next day. In a few hostels, they had self-service options.
I haven’t had any clothes go missing or get damaged yet, but a lot of travelers do have this experience once in a while. So don’t bring any clothes that would be devastating to lose.
If you’re really desperate to save money, or if you’re in a pinch, you could wash your clothes in a sink or shower, but beware that some hostels will have rules against this, in order to prevent water damage.
What If You Need Something That You Didn’t Bring?
Don’t worry, they have stores all around the world!
And almost anything you may need for your RTW packing list can be easily found, with few exceptions.
For example, when I was in Rwanda, I went on a big trek in the rain and mud to see the beautiful mountain gorillas and bought some fancy, lightly used hiking boots the day before for $20 in a local market, and then donated them after the trek to the village (who probably cleaned and resold them to the next tourist for another $20).
What About Souvenir Shopping?
Buying souvenirs does get tricky when your backpack only has room for the items on your RTW packing list. And honestly, I rarely buy any souvenirs.
But if buying souvenirs is important to you, you can wait until you have a few and then ship them back home.
For me, the best souvenirs are pictures anyways!
Conclusion: Keep Your RTW Packing List Simple
If you’ve read this far in the article, thank you! You are now prepared to pack for your around-the-world trip.
The biggest takeaway is to pack as light as possible.
You can always buy something if you need it. And you can donate items along the way that you don’t need anymore.
Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you would change on this round-the-world packing list for yourself!