Finding Chi

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Packing List for a Year Around the World

Christina Nguyen

This is a female tailored packing list but guys will have a good sense of what to add to their list. I've read through tons of other packing lists and made my own based on the destinations I'm traveling to and the type of weather those places will have. I purposely picked warm locations so my list will not contain heavy winter attire. I personally think that if you are traveling for a year and living out of a backpack, it's smart to focus on one type of season, specifically summer. *After my year, I will revisit this list to review how well I actually packed for my year.

Backpacks

Travel Backpacks

Make sure you do your research and get a good backpack that will fit your nicely and not hurt since you'll be carrying a lot of weight around. I went through 2 backpacks before finally being happying with my Ariel 55L. Go to REI to try a few one, take them home, go on a short camping trip and test it out. You can always return or exchange for another one, they're really good about that. I would advise against getting a bag too big or too small so aim for a bag between 40 - 55L. 

Clothes

Tops

  • 2 Workout tanks
  • 2 Sleeping tshirts
  • 2  V-necks
  • 5 Tanks/nicer tops
  • 1 Long sleeve
  • 1 Long sleeve base layer
  • 2 Dresses
  • 1 Romper

Bottoms

  • 1 Capri yoga pants
  • 1 Long yoga pants
  • 1 Fleece leggings
  • 1 Black jeans
  • 3 Shorts

Outerwear

  • 1 Cardigan
  • 1 Fleece jacket
  • 1 Waterproof shell jacket
  • 1 Jean jacket
  • 1 Scarf

Undergarments

  • 5 Pair of socks
  • 7 Undies
  • 2 Bras
  • 3 Sports bras
  • 2 Bathing suits

Like I mentioned, since I will be going to mostly warm destinations, I have ditched my thick coats for more LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. It makes more sense to bring items of clothes that are versatile, can be worn during the hot and used as layers for the cold. You can also buy things on the way if you need especially if they get worn out or you get tired of them or ship those big items back that you'll no longer need. Especially in SE Asia, a lot of items can be bought for really cheap. Since traveling for a year is different than a few weeks where I'm packing every destination in back to back, there will be more downtime during the year to do laundry. So the biggest mistake is overpacking! 

Shoes

  • 1 Running shoes
  • 1 Birkenstocks 
  • 1 Shower flip flops
  • 1 Nicer sandals

I was contemplating bringing my hiking boots and heeled booties but I went without them since they were pretty heavy and I didn't know if I would be using them that often. If I need them along the way, for example trekking through Patagonia, I'll buy a pair. 

Technology

Camera

  • Sony Alpha 6000
  • 3 different lenses
    • Wide, zoom, prime
  • Memory card
  • Charger 
  • 2 Extra batteries
  • Remote (must for solo traveling)
  • Travel Tripod

Having a good camera was the one thing I missed most on my last backpacking trip (6 weeks through Europe). I was mainly using my phone but the quality wasn't as good and I couldn't take any night photos because of the limit on my phone. Investing in a good point-and-shoot or mirrorless would pay out in the end with amazing pictures! DSLRs are great if you are a photography expert but be warned, they are very heavy and you might end up not bringing they along. 

GoPro

  • GoPro Hero 4
  • Memory card + reader
  • Charger
  • 1 Extra battery
  • Chest strap
  • GoPro stick

The GoPro is mainly for when I go underwater or do anything live-action, i.e. bungee jumping in New Zealand, but for just walking around town, I'll use my Sony Alpha as a videocamera. 

Misc.

Make sure you check the voltage on each of your items. The voltage in the US is 120V while the rest of the world is 220V (I know, we're annoying like that). Most electronics are compatible to both but items such as hair straighteners are not and will break if you don't have a converter. 

Misc.

Makeup

  • I condensed my makeup bag to only take things I really needed 
    • I will let go of contouring this year
    • I'm only going to wear make-up on special occasions - living the Alicia Keys lifestyle
  • Bought extra foundation, mascara, and eye-liner since these are the things I'll use most
  • Keep it to only 1 bag if possible! 

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Face Wash
  • Makeup Wipes
  • Floss
  • Face cream/serums/toners/moisturizers
  • Sunblock
  • Q-Tips
  • Contact lenses
  • Glasses
  • Bobby pins
  • Hair ties
  • 2 Travel shampoo
  • 2 Travel conditioner
  • 1 Body wash
  • 1 Hand Sanitizer

First-Aid Kit

  • Advil
  • Tums
  • Band Aids
  • Neosporin
  • Lysol wipes
  • Bug repellent

REALLY Misc.

Important Things

  • Passport
  • Drivers License
  • Wallet 
    • Cash (hidden in different places)
    • Cards (with 0 Int'l transaction fees)
      • Credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve 
      • Debit card: Charles Schwab
        • You can withdraw cash from any ATM worldwide without worrying about fees. They will reimburse you for every ATM/Int'l fee. 
  • Photocopies of important documents