How I Packed for 12 Months of Travel ✨Organization is Key

One of the many questions I've been asked is,"How did you pack?"

Packing for a weekend getaway can feel like a puzzle, so how did I pack for 12 months of travel? It’s a challenging task, but with a little strategy and a lot of trial and error, I managed to fit everything I need into one medium size suitcase, a back pack, a cross body bag and a neck pillow.

1. Roll your clothes

2. Pack clothes that have multiple uses. For example: A Beach Cover-Up/Canga/Dress...Can be used as a towel, beach blanket, airplane blanket, scarf, wrap, cover up, dress. I've even used a canga as a curtain on my bunk bed at Hostels.

3. Pack shoes and toiletries towards the bottom of the suitcase when its standing up. This will prevent it from tipping over.

4. Divide your things. For example: I Pack all of my clothes for cooler weather in the side of the suitcase with the zipper. I do not even open this side until I need to.

5. Use packing cubes to remain organized

6. Layers-instead of packing bulky items, I rely on layers to stay warm. A lightweight puffy jacket or raincoat paired with a sweatshirt/sweater and a base layer like a tank or tee keeps me comfortable in cooler climates.

7. Limit "just in case" items. It’s tempting to overpack for every possible scenario, but most things can be purchased on the road if needed.  If you are unsure, leave it at home, trust me

   I know it sounds like a lot but this post along with my Packing List is all you need. Trust me it will all come together!

*Items marked with an *were in my day bag every time I left the house* 

Luggage- Choosing the right luggage is crucial. For my 12-month journey, I opted for:

1. Suitcase-Béis -Rolling Suitcase-Brand-Beis/Size-Medium/Color-Black

2. Back Pack-Brand-LOVEVOOK Carry on Backpack. It counts as a carry on and fits in the over-head compartment. It is pretty lightweight, durable, and easy to carry on public transportation and/or up stairs. I kept a change of clothes, medication, my clear toiletry day bag and several other items in the back pack depending on where I was going and what I would need easy access to.

3. Cross Body Bag-my everyday bag. Perfect for holding my travel documents and necessities allowing for easy access. This bag has a secret pocket on the back making it perfect for important travel docs and money.

4. Neck Pillow- Empty neck pillow that you stuff with your own clothing to create a travel neck pillow. It hooks around your neck to help you rest comfortably. Every ounce counts and this doesn't count, so ;)

5. Packing Cubes- Keeps things organized. The cubes I used came with the back pack I have listed above. (4 sizes)

   1. S- Bathing Suits and Cangas

   2. M-Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bra

   3. L- Misc. small items such as my foldable back pack, foldable bag, first aid kit, etc. All this misc. small items that you don't want to just shove places as you want to be able to access them easily.

      *I did not use the fourth size(XS)

The Packing Essentials

Here’s what I packed, divided into categories:

Clothing- The key to packing clothing is versatility and layering.

• TankTops/3-Neutral colors that could be dressed up or down.(white, black, beige)

• Pants/3-1 pair of Jeans, 1 pair of black Stretch pants, 1 Pair of Cargo Pants(these items can be dressed up or dressed down) Cargo pants are a must for the days in transit as they have a lot of pockets for random "ish" I wear them every time I'm on the plane or train.

• Dresses/2- 1 long sun dress and one straight black maxi tank dress.

• Skirt/1- beige wrap skirt

• Bike Shorts/1 Black-Essential for hot destinations.(dress up or down)

• Puffy Jacket-foldable down jacket for cooler climates that folds or rolls into a bag.

• Foldable Rain Jacket-Doubles as a wind breaker and/or added layer

• Underwear/5

• Socks/5

• Bras/2

• Swimsuits/3*

• Cangas/Sarongs/2*-Multipurpose: used as a blanket, beach cover-up, or towel. I have used it as a curtain as well when staying in hostels.

• Sweat shirt/sweater/1

• Blouse/2*- 1 white and 1 pattern- Can be tied around my waist for when it is cooler or I need to cover up to enter a temple or church. Wear it to dress up leggings or jeans with a blazer, etc.

• Work out-1 pair of leggings/1 sports bra

• Blazer/Black- Great for cooler areas and/or a formal events.

Footwear- Shoes can take up a lot of space, so I limited myself to:

• Sneakers/2- One comfortable for walking, working out, and/or hiking. One groovy pair but still comfortable to walk in.

• Sandals/1- 1 Pair of for casual outings, dinner, beach or pool

• Flip/Flops/Slides/1*- 1 pair to throw on any time

• Hiking Boots/1(if hiking is your thing)I sent these home as my sneakers served the purpose when I was hiking.

  P.S.- I did not bring heels or wedges. I weighed my options and decided it wasn't worth the weight for the amount of times I would wear them.

Toiletries-I streamline my toiletries by packing only the essentials.

I travel with 3 clear toiletry bags.

• One that I use daily in the bathroom/shower that contains essentials.

• One for some extras items that I pick up along the way (Greece and Thailand, oh my ladies)

• One that is empty that be can be stocked with whatever items you bring out with you for the day. Example- sunscreen, hand sanitizer, flashlight, keys etc. This makes it easy to grab and keeps your daily items in one place.

• Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, face/cream. I definitely had to replace these along the way. I always recycle travel size containers just in case I needed them to refill or use for something else. Remember to refill whenever you can at hotels or Airbnb's.

• Razor

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.

• Sunscreen* and Bug Repellant*

• A small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and antihistamines.

• P.S.- I did not bring a blow dryer. Again it wasn't worth the weight and can usually be found at hotels or AirBnb's.

Electronics-Electronics were some of my heaviest items, but they were essential for work and/or staying connected:

• Laptop

• Smartphone*

• Universal Power Adapter- A lifesaver for international travel.

• Portable Charger*- Kept my devices powered during long travel days.

• Headphones*- Essential for flights, working out and noisy environments.

• Flashlight*- Perfect for walking when it's dark or in case of a power failure. Small/rechargeable

• Charger Cord Case- Keeps cords/chargers in one place

*Items marked with an *were in my day bag every time I left the house*

My Must Haves

The items listed below have come to be items that I will never travel without. Some require a bit of an explanation, don't judge me, lol

• Flashlight*- is a must and it was always in my bag.

• Clear Toiletry Bag*- for daily essentials. Kept toiletries and small everyday items easily accessible.(see above)

• Nylon Shopping Bag/Foldable and Reusable*- Handy for groceries or daily purchases. Use it for wet clothes, a beach bag or just to sit on if the seat on the boat or bus is wet from rain or waves. Washable

• "S" Hooks-These are great for hanging clothes or towels to dry or just to hang a bag or a coat for easy access.

• Cell Phone Cross Body Strap-*-I would have lost my phone on many occasions without this gift from my kids. Easy access to your phone for photos, google maps, etc.

• Rubber Bands- bring a few. Just wrap them around a travel bottle or the end of your brush. They take up no space and I needed one a couple of times.

• Zip Lock Bags*- You never know when you will need a bag. Bring a few sizes and always have one in your Day Bag.

• Carabinar Link*-This is the hook that can be used for keys, a water bottle, whatever.

• Key Chain with Card Holder*- This key chain with card holder and key ring is great as it keeps everything you need to get into your place in one spot. Sometimes you get a key, sometimes a keycard. This holds everything. Also, I travel with pepper spray as it if legal to purchase it in the state I reside. I pack it in my checked luggage and I check security protocols and any event I plan to attend.

• Work Out Bands- Working out anywhere

• Charcoal Water Bottle*- Helps cut back on waste and ensure you have water wherever you go. remember to get the charcoal refills if needed.

• Foldable Back Pack-This back pack is separate from the one I mentioned earlier. It folds up super small into a little bag and is what I use daily when I'm not using my cross body bag.

• Hydrating Tablets- Helps with hydration as I spend most of my time outdoors doing physical Activity.

• Shower Caps- Purchase a bag from the dollar store and use them to cover the soles of your shoes.

• Pillow Case- Pillows are a bit gross. I pack a pillow case to use if needed.

• Travel Toilet Paper- a must for obvious reasons, lol

Over the course of my travels, I've learned a few key lessons about packing:

• You Need Less Than You Think: I ended up sending a few items home during my travels. And remember, you can buy things along the way (probably cheaper ;)

• Quality Items: Durable, high-quality items for items used often was worth the investment. Example: Cross Body Bag

• Pack for the Weather: Research the climates of your destinations and adjust your packing list accordingly.

• Always think ahead. Example: If your next destination is a hostel, pack necessities in your travel back pack and your daily essentials bag so you don't need to open your big suitcase as space is limited.

  Packing for 12 months of travel or packing at all might seem overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a focus on versatility, it’s entirely possible. This streamlined approach will lighten your load but also give you the freedom to enjoy your travels knowing you have everything you need to be comfortable, be safe and be groovy!

  I impress myself, especially after seeing others traveling for two weeks with the same size suitcase, hahaha!

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