Travel Essentials List
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I’ve traveled to over 45 countries and have learned the hard way that not all packing lists are created equal. This is my slightly chaotic but very tested list of must-have travel items I bring on trips.
Everyday Essentials
Copy of my passport - stored separately from my passport in case it gets lost or stolen
$20 bill - in case of emergencies. My parents will be clutching their pearls that I only bring $20 with me LOL. I once used it to get to the Bogotá airport when I was short on Colombian pesos.
Microfiber towel - I have used this in so many countries and in so many contexts — from something to sit on when you’re at a park, to using as a beach towel when the hotel won’t lend you one OR when you don’t want to pay for one.
Small card holder
Snacks: nuts, mints (because gum melts!), and granola bars that don’t melt (10g+ protein plus organic and vegan… if that speaks to you)
Clothing
Workout shoes with good grip - if you’re looking for a workout shoe that also has good grip for intense hikes, the Adidas Terrex Anylander shoes are a solid bet. I wore these constantly in St. Lucia and they were great for the insane Gros Piton hike.
Teva Velcro sandal - good enough for easy hikes AND for snorkeling. I wear these in place of water shoes!
Cheap sunglasses - I’ve lost sunglasses 39473 times when traveling so it’s important to me to have cheap ones so I’m not bummed if the ocean swallows them (like it did when learning how to surf in Nicaragua)
Related post: Costa Dulce Surf & Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua
Packing Gear
Compression packing cubes - these are your friend
Smaller backpack - I love the Fjallraven Kanken cuz I can roll it up and pack it in my larger travel backpack OR wear on my front if needed. These are super high quality and worth the price.
Fanny pack - I wear a cross-body bag on travel days because it gives easy access to my essentials and I can usually wear it onto the plane without getting in trouble for having 2 personal items. This is a carry-on essential!
Travel backpack - a 35L+ travel backpack fits a TON of stuff and is incredible for trips where you’re moving around loads
Large Ziploc bag - handy for packing a wet swimsuit OR opened food
Medicine & Health
Rennies - the holy grail for upset tummies, works within 10 minutes - I will name my first-born child Rennie
Melatonin - for extreme jet lag; I usually take this the first 3 nights after arriving in Europe (8 hour time difference!)
Calms Forte - for minor jet lag; I usually take this every night after stopping Melatonin
Anti-diarrhea meds - you learn that you need these the hard way
Altitude pills - start taking these a few days before you hit altitude to prevent altitude sickness. Necessary if you’re planning to hike Acatenango!
Related post: Acatenango hike near Antigua, Guatemala
Electronics & Tech
Noise-cancelling headphones - I like these because they have Bluetooth AND a cord to plug into airplane if needed. Plus they look cool if you wear them around the airport.
Headlamp - Good for sunrise hikes and power outages. Your phone flashlight does not compare.
Kindle - I never have room for physical books and I want to read on the beach, so a Kindle is necessary
Universal travel adapter - works anywhere, so you don’t need to keep buying different ones
AirTag - throw this into your checked luggage if you’re forced to check (or if you choose to check… but why?)
Toiletries
Packing like a pro for my Acatenango hike in Guatemala
Sunblock stick - avoids liquid limits since they’re stricter about it outside the US!
Face mist - so nice on long-haul flights or when you’re really hot or exhausted
Aquaphor - the world is dry, and this will heal you
Nail clippers - these double as scissors in a pinch
Earplugs
Tweezers
