Packing Checklist (for Foreign, International, Overseas Travel)

My packing checklist below (for foreign, international, overseas travel) includes items that provide me with long-term comfort. This is because I travel slowly.

This packing list allows me to take my luggage into any season, often not knowing where I’m going or for how long. I am prepared for just about anything.

Some items on this packing checklist might seem a bit unique. They make all the difference in the world when my travel lasts for months, a year or two, or never ends.

These items I pack make it possible for me to handle my everyday needs wherever I go. This includes autoimmune issues and the desire to nest sustainably.

This packing list helps my life run more smoothly, beautifully, and peacefully.

This means my packing list below meets my travel and living needs, in all four seasons, at just about any destination. I love this sense of preparation and security.

This list also itemizes nearly everything I own, which means this packing checklist details how I live—essentially out of my luggage—even when I’m not traveling.

This is my entire life.

Whereas if I were on a two-week vacation and I had a home and a job to return to (and assuming I had access to a washer during those two weeks), I’d pack much lighter.

Either way, it’s super easy to trim this list.

The key, for me, is to ensure my bags are organized and nimble.

This allows me to proceed swiftly on transport days (once every few months) plus enjoy living out of my bags the rest of the time (while I’m settled into local life).

On transport days, I must be able to roll my luggage long distances, often on cobblestones, lift it into and out of luggage holds, carry it up and down stairs, and fit it into tiny lifts.

I’ve drastically limited flying, but if I do fly, my wheeled bag is checked, my foldable backpack is on my back, and my flatter personal (anti-theft) day bag is on my front (or inside my backpack).

If I know I’ll spend at least a year in one location, I can also bring my small LOJEL rolling carry-on, so I’m equipped to travel regionally in comfort, too.

If I do take my small LOJEL carry-on, I pack it just like I’d pack my foldable backpack (I can also pack my foldable backpack flat … inside my rolling carry-on).

Since everyone’s situation is unique, this packing checklist might not apply to another soul on earth. And that’s okay.

My hope is that by sharing my packing list below, someone else won’t feel alone if they need to pack a little comfort in their luggage, too.

personal day bag

My personal day bag is a securable Pacsafe. I love its lightness, quality, and sustainability. My current bag (in the photo above) is an anti-theft sling bag that can be worn on my back or on the front of my body (so when I need to wear a carry-on backpack, too, I can wear both bags and remain hands-free). It’s a slimmer bag, perfectly padded, not bulky. I find all of this vital for comfort. If I could make one change, I wish Pacsafe made this sling a hint bigger, so it could fit my small laptop, too—so I could carry my small laptop in any of my bags, at any time.

  • wallet

    • micro carabiner (clasps + locks wallet to inside of bag)

    • passport book

    • passport card (for when I don’t want to use passport book)

    • enhanced driver’s license

    • nexus or global entry

    • visa credit card (as not everyone accepts mastercard)

    • visa or mastercard with true international chip + PIN priority (for unmanned kiosks)

    • atm debit card

    • wise card

    • required proof of visas

    • required proof of vaccinations

    • boarding passes

    • my set of keys (an identical replica of partner’s keys)

    • mini multi-tool on keyring

    • medical power of attorney

  • cell phone (unlocked)

    • screen protector (already on)

    • phone case (already on)

    • eSIM (for data; for data + talk + text)

  • emergency meds (in linen zipper pouch)

    • apis 30 c (in tiny tin/pot)

    • benadryl (in tiny tin/pot)

    • advil (in tiny tin/pot)

  • eyeglasses (nested, in one large hard case)

    • reading glasses

    • sunglasses

    • cleaning cloth (protects them from each other)

    • neckstraps

  • reusable mug

  • spork (in padded linen pouch so tines don’t scratch anything)

  • baby spoon (matcha)

  • whistle (small, skinny, reliable)

  • face masks (organic cotton = washable liner; KN95 = protector)

  • footies (to walk through security; stored inside out in a linen zipper pouch)

  • eco wipes (I pour eco hand sanitizer into a package of pure wipes)

Carry-On

For my carry-on, I use a foldable backpack or my small rolling LOJEL (here is my entire journey with LOJEL luggage for many more details). It took me a long time to find a foldable backpack that was comfortable (padded straps), capable of a heavy load (slight back structure, a bit of padding, plus ventilation), and could be cleaned in a front-loading washer. Thus, it’s thin and flexible enough to fold into a front-loading washing machine. It also fits flat inside my small rolling LOJEL (so once I reach my destination, I can use it for hiking or shopping).

  • tote bags, 2 (very thin linen, XL, multiple travel uses)

  • coat (long, packable, loosely in L packing cube)

  • electronic accessories (sorted into linen zipper pouches, in packing cube)

    • skross world adapter (only adapter that hasn’t sagged in sockets)

    • power strip (surge-protected, 2 USB + 2 plug outlets, 6’ cord for table use)

    • phone charger

    • laptop charger

    • laptop external drive (tiny, rugged, love it so much)

    • camera charger

    • camera batteries

    • camera lens filters

    • camera memory cards

  • luggage accessories

    • luggage strap, long + stretchy (holds anything on top of checked luggage)

    • luggage strap, short + not stretchy (secures rolling carry-on to checked luggage)

    • carabiner, L (secures luggage straps to each other and to luggage)

    • luggage cable, 2 (ultra-light; locks luggage to anything)

    • luggage lock, combination (small, light, TSA-approved, locks luggage cables)

Checked Bag

My checked bag is my rolling LOJEL Cubo Fit. I absolutely adore this bag (my entire journey with LOJEL luggage shares so many more details). This bag is literally my lifesaver. I would not travel without it. I pack it like an old-fashioned wardrobe, my luggage cubes acting as drawers. At my destination, I roll my LOJEL Fit into a corner, leave it on its wheels, and never need to unpack it. With my packing cubes acting like drawers, I pull out a packing cube when I need it, place it on top of my luggage, then put it back. It brings me so much ease. How did I survive without it?

  • light tops (thin layers, in M packing cube)

    • 3 tanks

    • 3 short-sleeved shirts

    • 3 long-sleeved shirts

    • 3 blouses

  • dark tops (thin layers, in M packing cube)

    • 3 tanks

    • 3 short-sleeved shirts

    • 3 long-sleeved shirts

    • 1 dress, stretchy

  • bottoms (thin layers, in M packing cube)

    • 3 tights/leggings

    • 3 linen pants

    • 3 all-weather pants

    • 1 boyfriend jean (lightweight, stretchy)

  • outerwear (thin layers, in M packing cube)

    • hat, sun (4 packable, organic cotton, washable, worn daily)

    • hat, winter (2 packable, warm, washable)

    • scarf, three season

    • neck gaiter, winter

    • sun gloves, 2

    • winter gloves, 2

    • jacket, 2 (short, cute, lightweight linen)

    • rain shell (light color, so I don’t attract mosquitoes)

  • toiletries that don’t leak (in linen zipper pouches; in M packing cube)

  • travel kitchen (in M packing cube; filter + blender in clothing cubes)

    • produce bag, 6 (thin, organic, for groceries)

    • tote bag, 4 (ultra thin, organic, for groceries)

    • cutting board (mini, bamboo)

    • knife (small, in sheath)

    • knife sharpener (mini)

    • straw (stainless)

    • bowl, 2 (enamelware)

    • nesting food containers (small, leakproof, stainless)

    • cooking pot (2qt, lightweight, stainless)

    • blender, with glass jar (mini, portable, USB)

    • water filter + purifier (mini, portable)

  • household (in M packing cube)

    • cloth wipes (thin, organic, reusable)

    • sink strainer (sanitized before packing)

    • drain cover (sanitized before packing)

    • gloves (biodegradable, single-use)

    • mesh laundry bags (to combine small items)

    • clothespins

    • small collapsible linen bucket (kitchen organizer)

    • bose portable speaker (Revolve II; the richest, warmest, fullest 360° sound)

  • linens (in M packing cube)

    • pillow protector, 1 (organic)

    • pillowcase, 1 (organic)

    • flat sheet, 2 (organic)

  • linens (in M packing cube)

    • pillow protector, 1 (organic)

    • pillowcase, 1 (organic)

    • flat sheet, 2 (organic)

  • in luggage door

    • laundry line (+ small carabiner attaches it to door strap; holds luggage door open)

    • outdoor gear (in small stuff sack)

      • bear bell

      • trekking pole baskets

      • trekking pole rubber tips

      • boot grippers for snow/ice

Packing Questions and Answers

After viewing this list, one might ask why my toiletry kit takes up two packing cubes or why household items are even on this list, especially since I rent furnished lodging.

Those are excellent questions.

I love having plenty of space to move things around, so I pack my packing cubes loosely. This makes it enjoyable for me to live out of my bags.

I also need to pack products that allow me to bathe without having allergic reactions, prevent rosacea flares, repel bugs naturally, soothe itching, and more.

As well, my travel kitchen ensures I can drink filtered water and prepare healthy food, as kitchens are minimal or missing items.

In addition, at nearly every furnished lodging I’ve rented, I’ve needed household maintenance tools soon after arrival, though they’re not usually available.

Specifically, I’m often greeted by clogged shower drains, kitchen sinks that splatter back at us, or sewer odors.

My small stainless sink strainer almost always stops the sink splatters. I can quickly place my drain cover over a shower drain to reduce sewer odors.

But, for clogged shower drains, I discover them while in the shower, late at night, or early in the morning. Murky water has too often crept up my legs.

I’ve poured baking soda and lemon juice (later followed by hot water) down the drains, which has been incredibly effective. Unless that clog is thick with lots of past guest hair buildup.

I’ve searched stores many times for the least toxic drain cleaners, yet all those products with still questionable ingredients and plastic bottles feel never-ending.

I wanted a better solution because I can’t bring myself to burden a host, especially when renting long-term. I feel a responsibility to handle things independently.

Plus, these issues were making me seriously question our sustainability while traveling.

So I’m now packing biodegradable single-use gloves, which allow me to tackle drain chores myself. This has been life-changing.

Naturally conscious of icky things, I like to reassure others that I thoroughly sanitize my kitchen strainer and drain cover before they ever go back into my luggage.

As in, I zip them into a mesh laundry bag and toss them in a front-loading washer, add non-toxic soap, and run a hot cycle. Or two.

Another reality upon arriving at furnished lodging is that the bedding and furniture are too often stained, subpar, or smell. I feel like this is the one thing nobody talks about.

As well, extra linens and cleaning supplies are not always available.

And I’ve lost valuables in the cracks of sofa cushions (when I empty my bags onto them to reorganize). I’m still sad about losing a driver’s license that contained the only good photo of me.

Or, if we’re in really nice furnished lodging, I’ve been concerned about accidentally staining the nice furniture. Especially since we snack, snuggle, and work wherever we’re sitting.

So I like to have a neutral flat sheet to use as a clean sofa cover. And I often need two clean sheets for the bed. All mattresses vary, with flat sheets working on just about anything.

And I promise not to describe what I’ve found on pillows. Just know my pillow protectors zip over the provided (or if we need to purchase new) pillows. My pillow cases fit on top.

Slow travel feels truly peaceful when I pack what provides long-term comfort.

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