I am a big fan of lists, which is why, before I embark on a trip of any sort, I always refer to my very own ultimate packing list to decide what to bring with me. This particular list is really exhaustive and is the result of many years of traveling, of forgetting something important, and taking a note, thus creating this long list, easily adaptable to any type of trip or vacation. Of course, I never bring ALL of this stuff with me; I take what I need according to my destination. If I am spending a week in Paris, I most certainly won’t need a mosquito net, and if I am going on a camping weekend, I will not need a pair of stilettos… You get the idea! This ultimate packing list therefore groups every single thing I ever needed in my trips, from European capitals to third-world countries… I also try to be as eco-responsible and nature-friendly as much as possible with what I bring with me. I hope this list will help a few people stress less about what to bring on their next travel. Enjoy!
The Essentials
* Cards (credit, debit, id…) + fake wallet
* Passport
* Tickets (planes, buses, trains, attractions…)
* Insurance documents
* Medical information (prescriptions, allergies & contraindications, blood type,
vaccines, etc.)
* List of all important information: addresses, schedules, contacts…
* Padlocks
* Foreign currency
* Photocopies of all important documents (esp. passport)
* Adapters
* Electronics: Camera, phone, computer… + sockets, cables, wires, batteries
* Swiss knife
* Water Bottles (I love Nalgene)
* Headlamp
* Sleep mask
* Long distance calling card
* Silk sheets and pillowcase(s) and/or silk sleeping bag
Climate
* Sunscreen
* SPF lip balm
* Mosquito repellents (nature-friendly if possible!): cream (skin) + vaporizer
(clothing)
* Umbrella
* Waterproof bag cover
* Poncho or raincoat
* Sunglasses
* Fan
* Mosquito net
Health
* Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin (over-the-counter medicine)
* Prescription drugs
* Condoms and other contraceptives
* Probiotics
* Drugs related to the region (eg: malaria pills)
* Pristine or water purifier tablets
* Lozenges
* Cough syrup (with a goblet)
* Gastrolyte
* First aid kit (plasters, forceps, scissors, various bandages, gauze, disinfectant…)
* Polysporin or any type of antibiotic ointment
* Vitamins and other supplements
* Vaseline
* Zinc
* Melatonin or sleeping pills
* Thermometer
* “After Bite” cream
* Tiger Balm
* Oregano oil
* Activated coal
* Gravols, Gin-gins, or any type of nausea/motion sickness reliever
* Imodium
* Laxatives
* Decongestants
* Antacids
* Muscle relaxant ointment and comfrey
* Allergy medication
* Emergency antibiotics
* Aloe vera
* Anti-inflammatory and pain killers
* Antifungal cream
Hygiene & Beauty
* Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, mouthwash
* Make-up: concealer, eye liner, mascara, foundation (SPF), lip-balms…
* Make-up remover or cleansing wipes
* Menstrual cup and/or tampons, sanitary napkins, pantyliners…
* Towels (washcloths + tall ones)
* Scrub
* Razor + blades, depilatory cream, tweezers…
* Nail clipper
* Moisturizer (vit E)
* Body wash (biodegradable if possible), intimate soap, face wash…
* Shampoo and conditioner
* Toilet paper
* Wet wipes
* Q-tips
* Deodorant
* Purell or other hand sanitizer
* Face creams, body creams
* Rubbing alcohol
* Glasses, contact lenses (+ product, cases…)
* Dry shampoo
* Perfume (not if mosquitoes are gonna be in sight!)
Clothing
* (Cotton) underwear for 1 to 2 weeks
* Sports Bra
* Sleepwear
* 5-6 loose fitting t-shirts or tank tops
* 1 pair of jeans
* Socks (from light to very hot) for 1 to 2 weeks
* 1 “chic” outfit
* 1-2 belts
* 2-3 long skirts
* 1-2 pants
* Leggings
* Hair ties, headbands, pliers…
* Beach cover
* Swimsuit(s) 1 to 3 depending on how often you’ll swim
* 2-3 dresses
* Shoes: ballerinas, sneakers + spare laces, sandals, flip-flops (beach + shower)
* Walking/hiking boots
* Winter boots
* Windbreaker
* Scarves, gloves, winter hat…
* Cloth bag (for shopping, the beach …)
* Handbag
* Cardigans, jackets, sweaters…
* Sun hats, caps
* Jewelry (cheap one!!)
Miscellaneous
* Gifts if you’re staying at someone’s house (eg: wine bottle, maple syrup, local products, toys for kids…)
* Language guide
* Ropes, hooks, elastics…
* Novels, crosswords, notebooks…
* Pens
* Instant coffee
* Diaper pins, needles, thread…
* Duct tape (I stick it on my water bottles)
* Tie-raps
* Paper clips, useful to hold several sheets or a mosquito net
* Rag
* Transparent nail polish
* Alarm clock
* Utensils
* Plastic bags, reusable bags, cloth bags… (inc. one for dirty or wet clothes)
* Mirror
* Nalgene pots (to hold soaps, shampoo and other liquids)
* Carabiners
* Laundry soap (preferably organic)
* Food: granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, caning…
* Pouches, solid bags, compartments …. to group the items in your backpack or luggage
* Lavender spray
* Hanging bag for shower items
* Tissues
* Lighter, matches, candles
Bittersweet Travel Memories 