The Expert Traveler’s Long Term Travel Packing List (2025)

There's nothing worse than traveling abroad and realizing you forgot something really important. Or, partway through your trip you realize you actually needed that one thing.

That's why lists like these can be so helpful while you're preparing for a long-term trip overseas.

Written by an expert traveler turned-expat, this list is a must-read while getting ready for your journey ahead.

What should you pack for a long-term trip?

There are a few things to think about when you're packing for a big trip like this.

First is weight. If you're checking bags, it's important to make sure you understand what the weight limits are and what fees might be accrued if you're over. The same is true if you're shipping your personal belongings.

Second, ask yourself: are there things you can't get where you're going? For example, there may be specific brands, medications, or personal items that you can't get where you're going. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure you have an ample supply of whatever that is.

Lastly, you need to consider your new environment. Are you going somewhere that's warm most of the year? You may not need your winter boots. This is why it's tricky to provide a universal packing list that applies to everything. We think this one's close 😉

How much should you bring when traveling long term?

In general, it's easier to pack lighter. With that said, what you need depends on a few things, like what resources you have available to you and whether you're a light packer or a self-proclaimed pack rat.

If you will have access to a washing machine, you can consider packing less since you can wash your clothing more often. If a washing machine is iffy or unavailable to you, you will need to pack more clothing, especially foundational things like socks and underwear.

Some people use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule as a guide for packing.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 rule?

This is a great guide that can help you pack lightly, which can be complicated when you're traveling long-term. With just a few core articles of clothing, you can create a lot of outfits.

5 tops

Pack tops that make sense for the climate you will be in. This could be t-shirts, tank tops, blouses...whatever you feel comfortable in and enjoy wearing. In this category, jackets are excluded. Only consider "regular" tops.

4 bottoms

Again, take the climate into consideration as well as what you actually enjoy wearing. This could be 4 pairs of shorts, jeans, skirts, etc. Make sure that the tops you choose will look good with the bottoms.

3 pairs of shoes and 3 dresses

Also climate-dependent, it can be nice to have a few pairs of shoes to work with. For four seasons, sandals, tennis shoes, and a winter shoe can suffice, but it really depends on your lifestyle and the purpose of your trip. If it's for business, you may want to have a dressier shoe as an option.

If you're a dress wearer, bringing 3 dresses will help you mix and match your outfits.

2 jackets

If you're heading to a much colder destination (like Norway, for example), you may want to reconsider this and bring a few more jackets to choose from.

1 accessory (of each)

If you are a watch wearer, bring a watch. Scarves? Bring a scarf. Etc.

Packing in this method works well if you have a washing machine available to you and gives you the ability to easily create outfits.

The 5-4-3-2-1 doesn't include outfits for special occasions, working out, sleeping, or foundational wear (underwear, socks, etc.).

When's the best time to pack for a trip?

Because you're packing with things you currently use in your everyday life, it's best to pack as close to your trip as possible without feeling overwhelmed or like you don't have enough time.

If you pack too far in advance, you may be tempted (or even need) to use items that you've already packed up. This will cause you to open your luggage and rummage through it, possibly resulting in forgetting to put items back in.

Packing the bulk of your luggage 1-3 days before a big trip is ideal. Then, you can pack the most-used items the night before or morning of (such as toiletries and chargers).

Long term travel packing list for adults

Take this list with a grain of salt, as it will vary depending on the climate and your lifestyle. You can remove things or build upon it, depending on the type of traveler you are. Regardless, this is a good base to make sure you pack everything you need.

Essentials

Documents

• Travel documents like passports or visas.
• Proof of travel insurance.
• Proof of vaccinations (only if applicable for your destination).
• photocopies of all documents (just in case).
• Your wallet.

💡 Tip: Keep important documents in your carry-on, just in case your bag is lost. While it's not common, it's worth taking the extra precaution.

Medicine, health, and first aid

• Prescription medications (with a few extras in case you experience unforeseen delays in returning home).
• Copy of your prescription (just in case).
• Necessary medical devices, instruments, or aids (if applicable).
• OTC medications (it can be helpful to have a little bit of everything on hand, just in case: Benadryl, Pain/Fever reducer, Anti-diarrheal, Cold medicine).
• Vitamins (if applicable).
• Band-Aids and tweezers.
• If you're going to a place with mosquitoes, bug spray isn't a bad idea.
• Sunscreen (make sure to look up local laws - Aerosol sprays are banned in some places).
• Your prescription glasses or contacts, as well as anything that goes with them (such as solution).

💡 Tip: Keep our prescription medications and any frequently-needed medical items with you in your carry-on. This is, again, in case your checked bag is lost.

Electronics

• Your phone!
• Laptop.
• Ipad/screen (if applicable).
• Headphones (Air Pods, Bluetooth, etc.).
• Chargers for each of your devices.
• A power bank can be helpful when traveling abroad.
• Adapters! Different countries have different electrical sockets. Make sure you purchase the appropriate adapters so you can plug in your devices.
• Sim card or eSIM for your phone (if applicable).
• Athletic watch/Apple watch.

💡 Tip: Keep one adapter in your carry-on bag. That way, if your checked bag is delayed, you will still be able to charge your devices/use your electronics once you get to your hotel. Sometimes, it can take multiple days for a delayed bag to get to you.

Clothing

Regardless of whether or not you try the 5-4-3-2-1 method above, make sure you've considered the following for your trip's activities, lifestyle, and the weather where you're going.

• Tops/t-shirts.
• Bottoms (jeans, slacks, skirts, shorts, etc.).
• Underwear (bring more than you think you will need).
• Socks.
• Shoes (consider shoes for the weather, as well as shoes for walking/running/exercise).
• Jackets and coats.
• Sleepwear.
• Active wear for exercising.
• Layering items (tights, leggings, vests, undershirts, etc.).
• Swimwear.
• Comfy clothes (for any down time, if you're not feeling well, etc.).
• A suit or dress (depending on what you like to wear for more formal occasions).

 💡Tip: Keep some comfy clothes and underwear in your carry-on bag, just in case.

Accessories

• Any religious headwear/items.
• Sunglasses.
• Jewelry.
• Hats (if you like to wear them).
• Bags (even if you don't regularly carry a bag, it can be useful to carry one while traveling, especially if you are going to a destination where pickpocketing is common, such as Spain or France).
• Belts.
• Neck ties (if applicable).
• An umbrella (if applicable).

For colder weather

• A pair of gloves.
• A couple of warm hats to choose from.
• A scarf.
• Ear muffs (if applicable).

Toiletries

Depending on the length of your stay, it can make sense to purchase your toiletries once you get to your destination unless there's something very specific you want/use.

Regardless, it can be helpful to bring a small amount with you so you're covered until you get familiar with your new surroundings.

Shower/bathing

• Shampoo.
• Conditioner.
• Body wash.
• Face wash.

💡 Tip: Many airports have liquid limits. Make sure you are bringing small bottles of liquids if you're carrying them on. Any full-size bottles will need to go in your checked bag.

Shaving

• Shaving razor(s).
• Shaving cream or bar (if you use it).
• Aftershave (if you use it).

Haircare

• Heat protectant/leave-in conditioner/oils, etc.
• Detangler (if you use it).
• Hair styling products (such as gel, mousse, volumizer, etc.).
• Brush and comb.
• Hair clips, ties, bobby pins, or any other hair accessories you use.
• Hair bonnet/shirt (if you use it).
• Styling tools (blowdryer, straightener, curler, etc.; don't forget your adapters).
• Wig/toupé/extension care items, if applicable.

Skincare and makeup

• Skincare items such as serums and moisturizers.
• Makeup remover/wipes.
• Your daily makeup (foundation, concealer, bronze, blush, setting powder, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, brow pen, highlighter, lipstick, etc.).
• Lash care (if applicable).
• Body lotion.

💡 Tip: Like showering toiletries, keep liquid limits in mind while packing. Carry a comb, a few hair ties (if applicable), and a basic supply of skincare/makeup in your carry-on. This way, in the event of a bag delay, you will still be able to get ready in the morning until your bag arrives.

Oral health

• Toothbrush.
• Toothpaste.
• Floss/cleaning tools.

💡 Tip: Carry your toothbrush (and a small thing of toothpaste) in your carry-on for a quick freshen-up. Keep in mind that airport bathroom sink water is not potable.

Misc. personal items

• Tweezers.
• Nail clippers (and any other nail care).
• Deodorant.
• Perfume/cologne.
• Menstrual care (tampons, pads, cups, etc.).
• Contraceptives.

💡Tip: Keep tweezers and nail clippers in your carry-on for emergencies. Also, keep your deodorant, menstrual care (if applicable) and contraceptives in your carry-on too. Again, just in case your checked bag is delayed or lost.

Extras, entertainment, and comfort

This section is extremely personalized as it depends on your interests, lifestyle, and way of traveling. While some ideas are below, take or leave what doesn't apply to you.

• An eye mask to help you sleep.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Compression socks for the flight(s).
• Hand sanitizer/wipes.
• A plastic bag for surprise accidents, soiled clothing, wet clothing, etc.
• A book/journal.
• A pen.
• A safety pin or two.
• A neck pillow for the airplane.
• Tools/items related to any hobbies you have.

Long term travel packing list for kids

For babies and children, there are specific things that you'll need to make sure you have on hand.

Essentials

Documents

• Travel documents like passports or visas.
• Proof of vaccinations (only if applicable for your destination).
• Any documents required by your airline to establish guardianship (if applicable).
• List of allergies (if applicable).
• photocopies of all documents.

💡Tip: As mentioned in the list above, make sure to carry important documents in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage is lost.

Medicine and first aid

• Any prescriptions, including extras in case your trip is extended.
• Copies of their prescription in case it needs to be filled abroad for any reason.
• Any medical devices or aids, such as epi-pens or diabetic materials.
• Children's OTC medications. Some good ones to have on hand are Children's fever/pain reducer, Benadryl/allergy medication, anti-diarrheal, etc.
• Baby nasal aspirator (if traveling with a baby).
• Bandaids.

💡Tip: Carry prescriptions and must-have or life-saving medical aids or devices in your carry-on, including dietary supplements.

Miscellaneous items

• Sippy cups.
• Screens/iPads.
• Wet wipes.
• Glasses (if applicable).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Small backpack for a child.

Baby items

• A changing pad.
• Diapers and wipes.
• Diaper cream.
• Burping cloths/baby blankets.
• Bottles and bottle cleaning brush.
• Bibs.
• Breast pump and storage (if applicable)/nipple cream.
• Pacifiers.
• Baby nail clippers/body care.
• Onesies.
• Nightware.
• Baby soaps, body care, and lotion.
• Diaper bag or baby bag.
• Baby oral care, including teeth tools or necklaces.
• Baby toys and comfort items.

💡Tip: You may also want to bring a baby stroller, car seat, or baby carrier with you. You can usually check strollers and car seats.

Clothing

The 5-4-3-2-1 method can be applied to children, generally speaking, but extras are necessary in case of spills and accidents.

• Shirts/tops.
• Weather appropriate bottoms.
• Underwear (extras!).
• Socks.
• Jackets/coats.
• Shoes (comfortable walking shoes and sandals or winter shoes depending on the climate).
• Skirts/overalls/rompers.
• Sleepwear.
• Comfy wear.

Accessories

• Sunglasses.
• Hats.

Toiletries

Same as the adult packing list, it is often easier to shop for self-care items when you get to your destination. However, having some small amounts on hand isn't a bad idea. Especially if your child is sensitive to specific products.

Shower/bathing

• Shampoo/conditioner.
• Body wash/soap.
• Baby washcloths.
• 1 or 2 small bath toys.
• Bath towel.
• Lotion.

Haircare and skincare

• Detangler.
• Hairbrush/comb.
• Hair styling products (gel, anti-frizz, etc.).
• Face wipes.
• Hair ties/clippies, etc.
• Sunscreen.
• Small nail clippers.
• Tweezers.

Oral care

• Kid's toothbrush.
• Toothpaste.
• Floss/other dental care tools.

Extras, entertainment, and comfort

This section is highly personalized as it will depend on your child's age, what they like to do, and what gives them comfort. Here are some ideas to help.

• Baby blanket.
• A special stuffed animal or toy.
• Coloring/writing activities or books.
• A night light (don't forget an adapter).
• Headphones (either noise canceling and/or for entertainment).
• A card game or small board game.
• Lightweight books.
• Specific items for your child's unique interests.