LONG-TERM TRAVEL – Essential Packing Tips For An Epic Trip!

Packing for a weekend trip? Simple. Packing for months (or even years) on the road? Now, that’s a whole different game! Long-term travel isn’t just about stuffing a suitcase with cute outfits—it’s about strategy, versatility, and making sure you’re not hauling around unnecessary baggage (literally).

When I set off for New Zealand on a one-year Working Holiday Visa, I thought I had it all figured out. Fast forward two and a half years of continuous travel, and let’s just say…I learned a thing or two about packing the hard way!

I’ll share my best tips on what to pack, what to skip, and the game-changing hacks that make long-term travel a breeze. From downsizing your wardrobe to picking multi-purpose essentials—let’s get you packing smart and stress-free. Ready to hit the road light? Let’s dive in!

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Backpack Vs Suitcase

Picking Luggage – It Matters!

Backpack. Backpacking is a popular travel method, especially for those exploring multiple countries or cities on a longer trip. Many travellers prefer carrying their belongings in a backpack rather than dragging a suitcase, which offers more mobility and convenience.

There are different backpack sizes to choose from. For my first long-term travelling trip, I went with a 45L backpack, but I’ve now upgraded to an 80L backpack, perfect for packing everything I need.

Suitcase. A suitcase is perfect for organized packing, longer trips, and keeping your belongings neat and secure. Many travellers find suitcases convenient if they prefer not to carry a load on their backs and for easy access to their items.

There are different-sized suitcases for long-term travelling. Remember, you will pull it around as you go from place to place, and the cost of checking in luggage varies based on weight. I do like suitcases as they are prettier than backpacks, especially those that come as a travel set, but I prefer backpacking for a long trip.

Consider what type of trip, a backpack would be better for a long camping trip!

Packing For The Long Haul

Long-term travel isn’t just an extended vacation—it’s a completely different way of experiencing the world. While a short getaway allows you to pack based on a fixed itinerary, long-term travel requires a balance of practicality, comfort, and flexibility. The key is versatility and efficiency, ensuring every item in your bag serves a purpose (or even multiple purposes).

Knowing I was going for at least one year, I had to ration what I packed and take the essentials. Jackets and coats take up a lot of bag space, so decide if you’ll need one immediately or later in your travels when you need it. Anything for later travel, I’d purchase while away.

You might think you need more clothing, and maybe you do, but remember, minimisation is vital! You’ll usually be able to find clothes anywhere. Also, you’ll likely do laundry runs at least once a week while on your long-term travelling trip, so don’t worry about packing for your whole trip. The goal is to pack smart, not heavy!

Essential Packing Tips

Clothing: If you wouldn’t wear it at home in the next year, don’t pack it. Choose versatile, durable clothing that you’ll actually enjoy wearing repeatedly.

Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are a great way to save space and organise. Pack items by category (e.g., tops, bottoms). This makes it easier to find items and mix and match more efficiently.

Multi-Use Items: Pack multi-purpose items e.g. a sarong can be used as a towel, blanket, curtain, scarf, or even a makeshift dress—lightweight and endlessly useful!

Battery Pack/Adaptors/Wires: Speaking from experience, you don’t want to be lost in the middle of nowhere because you weren’t prepared. A battery pack saves me every time. Also remember to bring a universal plug adaptor and spare phone cable.

Washbags: You won’t need to stock up on additional items; your standard washbag will do. Remember to bring a nail clipper, tweezers, and a small pair of scissors – good to get as a set.

Dry Products: If you can, swap liquid toiletries for dry shampoo, conditioner, soap, and roll-on deodorant to avoid leaks and save space – it’s a nightmare to deal with!

First-Aid Kit: Pack a first-aid kit with rehydration salts, antibiotics, small bottle of antiseptic, bandage, small scissors, plasters—you might not need it, but you will be thankful if you do!

Day Bag: Having no pockets is annoying when you only have your big backpack or suitcase. You will need a small bag where you can put your keys, phone, battery pack, bottled water, etc.

Laundry Pack: Pack a travel-sized detergent bar, sink plug, and a lightweight clothesline can help you do laundry anywhere, extending the life of your wardrobe.

Emergency Cash: Keep small amounts of cash hidden in different spots—inside socks, a lip balm tube, or even behind your phone case—just in case. Also, bring multple bank cards.

Other Items To Consider

Tablets: Whether it’s medication, paracetamol or hayfever tablets, having these in your bag will be handy if needed. Sometimes, these tablets can cost more abroad, so pack them.

Travel Headrest: Although it is not essential, it’s a game-changer. Say goodbye to awkward positions and hello to comfortable sleep. The travel headrest also doesn’t take up backpack space, as it can clip to the outer side of your bag.

Hair products: Getting hair products in specific destinations is challenging. When I lived in Thailand, my poor hair struggled. Depending on how much hair product you use, I would pack a few months’ supply and search for other products while you’re out there.

Makeup: Your standard makeup bag is fine. If you’re travelling to a hot destination such as Asia, make-up sweats off easy. As you develop a tan, you’ll be eager to showcase that radiant glow anyways! But, I suggest stocking up on a foundation with a few darker tones to match your tanned skin.

Women Products: Not all countries have the same or similar sanitary items as the UK. Bring tampons (or your preferred sanitary item) for caution in emergencies. Hygienic products are available in many places; however, when I was in Dubai and Morocco, I could not find tampons anywhere! I assume it’s for cultural reasons. If you find yourself in this situation, try a hotel shop instead of a regular local shop, as hotel shops typically cater to tourists.

Entertainment: Bring something to distract you from boredom during long trips, delays, or when you need entertainment. Maybe a pack of cards, a book, a notepad and pen, crosswords, or a Rubix cube?

Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid

Many first-time long-term travelers fall into the same traps when packing. Here are some of the biggest mistakes to watch out for:

Overpacking – The classic rookie mistake! When traveling long-term, carrying excess weight becomes exhausting. If you don’t wear it at home, you probably won’t wear it on the road.

Bringing Too Many ‘Just in Case’ Items – It’s tempting to pack for every possible scenario, but the reality is that you can buy most things abroad if needed. Stick to essentials. If you get bored with an item while you’re away, swap it out for something new—buy a new item while removing the equivalent from your bag.

Not Considering Climate & Seasons – Packing only summer clothes for a year-long trip? Big mistake. Layering is key to being prepared for different climates without overloading your suitcase.

Packing Outfits Instead of Mixing & Matching – Instead of packing set outfits, choose versatile pieces that can be combined to create multiple looks.

Ignoring the Importance of Quality Gear – Cheap luggage, uncomfortable shoes, or low-quality backpacks can ruin your experience whilst on the move. Invest in durable, comfortable, and quality lightweight essentials.

Make Money From Items You Don’t Pack

You have the choice to either pack up everything you own or leave your belongings behind. When I decided to travel, I was lucky to have the option to store things at my mum’s house, but I chose a total room clearout instead.

With a future full of spontaneous opportunities, I didn’t want unnecessary stuff lying around, so I packed everything up. It turned out to be the right decision—what was meant to be a one-year adventure ended up lasting over two years!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have, don’t stress—start by gathering everything in one place. Then, sort through and pick out only the essentials. For me, that turned out to be just 20% of my belongings!

Dividing into sections to help organise myself better before deciding what to do with the rest of the items

With the other 80%, I decided to sell, give to charity, or bin it. Here’s how I did it.

Sell, Charity & Bin Clothes

Sell: I took pictures of the items I wanted to sell and uploaded them to the Vinted, Depop, Shpock, and eBay apps. eBay was great for selling bundles, whereas selling on Vinted was great for individual items, and Depop and Shpock were good for selling non-clothing items. Also, my brothers and I went to car boot sales a few times and managed to sell items there.

Charity: Any items remaining that I had not sold when I was nearing my departure date were packed into bags and given to a local charity; anything you can donate is always appreciated!

Bin: I threw away items that couldn’t be sold or given away, such as damaged or partially broken items. Surprisingly, I ended up with quite a few bin bags. I had been clinging to unused items all this time, and throwing those away felt good. Those items do not need to come abroad or remain with you; get them gone!

Finalising Your Trip

Now that you’re all packed and ready for your long-term travelling trip make check out the GOV Site for travel and entry requirements for the destinations you are heading to, just in case anything had changed since deciding.

Also, remember to get travel insurance! It’s one of the most important things you may need because accidents can happen anywhere. If you’re unfortunate to have problems while you’re away, having travel insurance will give you peace of mind.

Don’t forget to pack your passport!

That’s A Wrap!

Packing for long-term travel isn’t just about fitting everything into a suitcase—it’s about adopting a mindset of versatility, efficiency, and minimalism. By prioritizing multi-purpose clothing, lightweight essentials, and strategic organization, you can make life on the road much easier.

Avoid overpacking, embrace smart travel hacks, and remember that less is often more. Whether you’re off on a year-long backpacking adventure or an extended remote work journey, packing smart will set you up for a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

Happy travels!