Back when we first started this adventure in April, we both shared our detailed packing lists. (See Megan’s 35-liter RTW packing list here, and see Jonathan’s 45-liter RTW packing list here.) Today, we’re sharing our “VIP” items so far. This post isn’t a comprehensive list of everything you should pack for a long-term trip (you won’t find sunscreen or a reusable water bottle on this list, for example, but you should definitely pack both for any trip!), but after more than six months on the road, here are the specific items we’ve used/appreciated the most:
Jonathan’s VIP List:
GoPro
Many of you know I enjoy making home movies of our travels and family functions. On this trip, I’ve been creating one highlight movie per country to document our travels. Many people think of GoPros only for filming hardcore action (which they are great for!), but I love using mine for everyday filming as well. My GoPro Session 5 goes with me everywhere! I’ve used it for everything from filming us in action while sea kayaking and swimming, to walking around town checking out the sites. It fits in my pocket, it’s discreet, and because the Session model has no viewing screen, I don’t spend my travels looking at the world through my camera lens.
Wool T-Shirts
This could encompass my other quick-drying clothing as well, but my merino wool T-shirts are worth their weight in gold. They are expensive for sure … but when you only have a couple shirts, these are the ones to get! They regulate temperature really well, they dry super quickly, and they don’t smell funky even after a full day of travel and walking around with my backpack on. Priceless! My favorite has been my Smartwool 150 Baselayer T-shirt [pictured above right].
Saxx Boxers
Guys, if you want comfortable, quick-dry boxers that will prevent you from ever chafing again … buy these. I work out in these, sleep in them, and they’re my go-to for travel days. I can rinse them out in the sink before leaving for lunch and a couple hours later they’re good to go!
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Have you ever been on a plane where there’s a super obnoxious group two rows back keeping everyone up with their loud chatter? Everyone around you is looking at each other sympathizing with how rude that group back there is being … and then you see the one guy across the aisle fast asleep with his headphones in. That’s me 🙂 Many people prefer the wireless, over-ear headphones but I chose to go with these corded earbuds for two reasons: 1. I never have to worry about connecting them. The noise-cancelling might not work if they aren’t charged, but I can still use them as regular headphones. Plus, I can use them everywhere, including with the media interface on an airplane/bus. 2. I can fall asleep with them on. Unlike the over-ear headphones, which don’t allow me to turn my head, I can fall asleep with the earbuds in. This is essential to ignoring the loud group in the back.
Resistance Bands
For anyone looking for a way to get a good workout in on the road, resistance bands are arguably the best bang for your buck. Aside from exercise, I love using my bands to stretch out and loosen up after long travel days. Additionally, I’ve been able to work through some knee pain and minor nagging injuries while on the road by using the bands to do strengthening/rehab exercises to keep me moving well. I have red and black resistance bands from this set as well as a mini-band set. I also packed a lacrosse ball that has been clutch for self massage. Rolling out the arches of my feet, pinpointing that knot on my upper back/shoulder, or loosening up tight spots in my legs … the lacrosse ball has been a life-saver!
Packable Daypack
We’ve definitely gotten our use out of this little guy [pictured above left]. From carrying our water bottles around town on a walking tour, to our lunch and essentials for a hike, to our entertainment on-board the bus … this bag has gotten use almost daily during our trip. Plus, the convenience of being able to pack it into itself and clip it to the outside of my backpack has been invaluable.
Paracord
This was an item I almost didn’t pack but ended up taking because it’s so small. We have around 15 feet of paracord packed into the side pocket of my pack that has gotten way more use than I ever imagined. We use it most often as a drying line for our clothes, but I’ve also used it for: a measuring tool, a sliprope for shadowboxing, an anchor point for my resistance bands, etc. It can be used as a belt in a pinch, to hold your bag together if you break a zipper, and on and on. Versatility with a very small footprint and negligible weight is definitely a win!
Megan’s VIP List:
Kindle Paperwhite
Raise your hand if you’re surprised! No one? Okay…. But really, as much as I love print books, an e-reader makes long-term travel so much easier. My Kindle [pictured above left] fits in my purse, so it doesn’t take up any room in my luggage and I always have it with me. (The new version is even waterproof!) I have almost 1,000 books downloaded on there, so I can find something for any mood. And if I want a new book, it’s as easy as connecting to WiFi. I don’t have to worry about finding books in English while traveling, finding specific books when I want to read them, or getting rid of books after I’m finished reading them. The best part? I use the Libby app through my local library back in the U.S. to get all these books for free. (Oh, and here’s the link to my adorable passport-inspired Kindle case.)
This Dress
When we first started this trip, I anticipated I would be wearing this black tank dress from Columbia every other day. Although I do love that dress and wear it often, my Arc’teryx Cala dress [pictured above right] has definitely taken the cake as the most comfortable and versatile item I packed. The cap sleeves and high neck give me a little more sun protection, the body is loose-fitting and comfortable, and though it could be a few inches longer, it’s not too short. I can also wash it out in the sink and it will hang dry in just a few hours. Oh, and it has (deep) pockets. Can’t beat that!
A Scarf
I’ve always been a huge advocate of scarves for travel. Yes, a scarf is great to have in unexpectedly cool weather, but I also love a scarf for HOT, sunny weather because I can drape it around my arms for extra sun protection. I’ve also used my scarf as a head-covering and/or shoulder wrap when entering religious sites or visiting conservative areas, as a blanket on chilly transportation, and as a tablecloth for a picnic in the park. Scarves also make great souvenirs. 😉 I purposefully didn’t pack a scarf on this trip because I knew I would want to buy one; I found one during the second week in San Miguel de Allende. I chose a lightweight scarf because we’re chasing summer, so I usually need it for sun protection or modesty, but if you’re traveling in cooler weather, I love a good blanket scarf (though it does take up a lot more room in your luggage).
Double USB Charger
Most of our devices charge off USB cords, so having a wall plug with two USB outlets has been really helpful, especially considering we only have one adapter between the two of us. Looking back, it would have been nice to have this version with a European plug (so we didn’t have to use our adapter at all), but the U.S. plug I have has worked just fine.
Travel Underwear
You only need two qualities in your travel underwear: comfort and quick-dry material. Ex Officio Bikini Briefs definitely have both. Considering how often we need to wash underthings in the sink and pack up the next day, the quick-dry material is much appreciated.
Thigh Saver Shorts
As mentioned above, my most-worn item on this trip has been a dress. As comfortable as the dress is, walking for miles a day in hot weather means thigh chafing is an issue. For the first few months of this trip, I used BodyGlide, which worked fine. But I finally upgraded to these thigh saver shorts from Knix, and I love them! They are comfortable, cool and barely take up any room in my packing cube. Wins all around.
Plenty of Storage on my Smartphone
Before we left for this trip, I had a 16 GB phone. I had owned the phone for nearly five years, so 13 GB was taken by software updates. This means I never had room to take photos, I couldn’t download podcasts to stream offline, I never wanted to download any apps … it was a struggle. 😉 Before leaving for our RTW trip, I finally bought a new phone and I splurged for the 256 GB of storage. It’s amazing!! I’m always fully stocked with podcasts and audiobooks I can stream offline. I’m never worried about running out of room for photos (which is good, because I take a lot!). I can download new apps on a whim. And perhaps most importantly for travel, I can download as many offline maps and languages as I want for navigation and translation. That being said, I just checked my phone and I’m only using 59 GB, so 256 might have been a bit excessive. BUT, I’m happy to not have to worry about running out of space when I need to download something new.
Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer
Hey, we didn’t say this list was going to be glamorous or sexy. 😉 I always keep toilet paper (or extra napkins) and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in my purse. These have come in handy so many times! You never know what public bathrooms will be like; I have paid to use bathrooms that didn’t have toilet paper, and sometimes I forget I’m supposed to get my paper from a dispenser before I enter the stall. In any case, it’s nice to have some extra. Also, so many apartments we’ve stayed in have not provided extra toilet paper. What’s up with that?! Bottom line: Never travel anywhere without toilet paper.
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Featured image: Wearing some of our favorite items at the abandoned Olympic bobsled track in Sarajevo, Bosnia (July 2019)
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