I chose to travel with only carry-on luggage. Why? Well, I had read a lot of stories of people travelling with only 7kgs for months overseas and couldn’t understand how. So I wanted to test if this was true while learning to live with less. Not having so many choices, not having all the luxuries, and learning to live with less makes me value my items more.
It’s been the BEST way I’ve ever travelled and rarely have I complained to myself about it. There have been moments when I’ve had to hire suitable gear for activities such as long hikes, scuba diving/snorkelling etc. But the cost savings have outweighed this.
So, here’s what’s in my bag on a day-to-day:
Documents:
Tickets (Flights, Trains, Bus’ etc)
Hotel Bookings (Addresses, Numbers)
Passport
Debit Cards (have at least 2)
Foreign Cash
ID (License)
Photocopies of Passport, Drivers License, Emergency Contacts, Travel Insurance.
Wallet (recommend having a coin slot)
Mobile Phone
Overseas SIM card (Travelkon works a treat)
Toiletries Bag:
Acetazolamide, or Diamox (Altitude Sickness) *requires script
GastroStop/Imodium – Help diarrhoea etc.
Cipro – Treat bacteria (gonorrhoea, etc) *requires script
Cold&Flu
Panadol
Water purifying tablets
Alcohol Wipes
Sunscreen
Nail Clippers
Bandages
Condoms
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Cotton Buds
Eye mask
Deodorant
Ear Plugs
Soap/Shampoo (get from hotels)
Chapstick
Sewing Kit
Ziplock Bags (spares, great for food/storing items/waterproofing)
Other:
Padlocks
Packing Cubes
Microfibre towel/Towel
Day Backpack Bag
Water Bottle
Chopsticks/Spork (I’ve now learnt how handy it is to have these around)
Technology:
Power Bank
Laptop
AirPods/Headphones
Chargers/USB Cords (Lightning Cable, 2xUSB-C, Watch Charger, Micro USB)
Travel Adapters
Pen/Paper (notes/scribbling)
Kindle
GoPro (handle, extension, dive case)
Clothing:
Warm Jacket
Spray/Rain Jacket
Sunglasses (wearing)
Hat (wearing)
T-shirts x5 (highly recommend Merino t-shirts)
Rashtop
Hiking Pants (wearing)
Shorts/Swimmers
Underwear x6 (will be wearing a pair) (highly recommend Merino underwear)
Socks x5 (will be wearing a pair)
Runners
Thongs/Adventure Sandals (buy there)