Travel Packing Checklist for Women Traveling with a Backpack

Packing for a trip can be both exciting and challenging, especially when you’re traveling with just a backpack. The key is to find a balance between packing light and ensuring you have all the essentials.

I have been traveling with only a backpack for over ten years through Asia and Europe and have found a way to fit everything in this list in two bags, one on my back and one on my front.

This list includes a downloaded PDF to help you plan your next adventure, so come with me and my trusty Osprey 40L, and let’s dive into my tried-and-true tips to help you create the perfect travel packing checklist!

General Tips

• Plan to do laundry: If you’re traveling for more than a week, look for laundromats or accommodations with laundry facilities. Bring laundry sheets!
• Pack versatile clothing: Choose versatile, mix-and-match clothing. Include at least one long-sleeve top and one pair of long pants, even for hot destinations. They’re useful for cold airports and visiting temples.
• Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes, versatile sneakers, and sandals. Leave the heels at home.
• Toiletries: Use travel-sized containers for toiletries. You can buy 99% of what you require in other countries.
• Beauty: Every blogger will tell you to leave your hairdryer at home but not me! I have brought both full-size and travel-size dryers on every trip I have ever taken, it’s just my thing!

Clothing Tips

When it comes to packing clothes, versatility is your best friend. Choose items that can be mixed and matched easily. For tops, pack a few T-shirts and tank tops in neutral colors. These are perfect for layering and can be dressed up or down.

When I know I will be traveling in Asia, I plan to buy dresses and lightweight clothes when I arrive. It’s cheaper and easier just to purchase them when I am in the country.

Don’t forget to include one long-sleeve shirt or a lightweight sweater. Even if you’re heading to a warm destination, you’ll appreciate it in cold airports or air-conditioned places.

Pack a couple of pairs of shorts and pants. I always bring one pair of long pants, regardless of the climate. They’re great for visiting temples where you need to cover your knees, or for cooler evenings.

Undergarments are crucial, so pack enough to get you through a week, and plan to do laundry if you’re traveling longer. I recommend packing one pair of warm socks for those chilly hotel rooms.

Footwear Tips

Shoes can take up a lot of space, so choose wisely. I always pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of versatile sneakers that look stylish but are comfy enough for a full day of exploring.

Always bring sandals! They’re not just for the beach; they’re great for hostel showers and saunas too.

Accessories Tips

A scarf or sarong is incredibly useful. It can serve as a blanket, a beach cover-up, or something to sit on during a picnic.

For those planning active adventures, pack some fitness gear. Two sets of breathable workout outfits should be enough. Include a sports bra and workout pants with pockets for your phone. A running belt or water bottle can be handy if you’re planning to run or hike.

I always bring a massage ball, even if I am not working out. They come in handy after a long day of walking.

Toiletries and Beauty Tips

Use travel-sized containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face wash. You can always buy more when you run out. In Asia, make sure you look for products that have NO whitening product in them. Ask a clerk to help you or use Google Translate’s image feature to try to read the bottle.

Bring your favorite deodorant and floss. These are the two items I could not find the American equivalent so it is best to bring them so you don’t waste precious traveling time just looking for your favorite products.

Look for compact versions of your hairbrush. I travel with my hairdryer, I have been since 2010 and have no shame about it. I will give up a pair of shoes for a dryer. The best travel dryer is made by Elchim as it is dual voltage. Everyone says to leave their dryer at home but that’s just my thing!

When it comes to makeup, stackable makeup is a great space-saver. I leave my perfume and scented lotions at home to avoid attracting mosquitoes. Jewelry should be minimal and not too valuable. I like to use a pill organizer to keep my small accessories safe and organized.

Health Tips

Insect repellent is a must-have. Opt for a lotion version so it doesn’t explode in your bag. I use Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent. I buy two bottles and split them into two smaller travel-size bottles.

Research if the country you are visiting needs a vaccine or not. Use the CDC Traveler’s advice page to search for your destination’s requirements.

For headache, stomach, and allergy medications, I bring four of each pill as an emergency only. You can buy similar brands over the counter at most pharmacies and 7-11’s throughout the world.

If you take any daily medications (like birth control for example), you can request to get multiple packets in advance of travel. When I lived in Thailand and traveled Europe for a year, they gave me 12 packets at once. I stuffed them into every crevice I would find in my backpack!

Financial Tips

Print a copy of your passport and have a backup wallet with at least one credit card and one debit card to keep in the safe at your accommodations.

I use a wallet with RFID protection to keep my cards safe from electronic theft.

Do I need to bring my passport with me every day? I only carry my passport with me if I know I am going to need to show ID to rent a vehicle or enter a historic site (like Macchu Pichu for example). Otherwise, keep your passport in the safe or locked up in your bag, at your accommodation.

Bags/ Containers for Travel:

• Main Backpack
• Makeup Bag
• Compression packing cubes (2 large, 2 small)
• Shoe bag
• Shower/ Liquids Bag
• Hanging Toiletry bag (Pricey but durable and useful option)
• Secondary Backpack for Electronics
• Cord Organizer
• Soft Pouch for extras
• (2) Sets of travel tubes for liquid items
• Soap Holder (Or small zip lock bags)
• Flat pack for bandaids/ nail polish remover

Travel Packing Checklist

The Basics (Weather dependant)

• T-shirts/ Tank Tops (Check out Prana for quick dry items)
• Shorts/ Pants
• 1-2 dresses (I like Halara as they dry easily)
• 1 Long-sleeve shirt or sweater/ hoodie
• 1 long pant
• Undies/ Socks (one large pair)/ Bras
• Pajamas
• Bathing suit

Outerwear

• Lightweight jacket (like a jean jacket)
• Raincoat (I like Uniqlo as they are durable)

Footwear

• Running/ Walking sneaker (OnClouds are my go-to)
• Fashion, yet comfy sneaker (Classic Keds work for me!)
• Sandals (Bring them even in cold weather)

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Scarf/ sarong

Active Wear

• 2 Sets of breathable fitness outfits
• 2 Sports bras
• Workout pants or shorts with a pocket for your phone
• Running belt/ running water bottle (if you are a runner traveling)

Toiletries

• Hairbrush(es)
• Toothbrush/ Toothpaste/ Floss
• Travel Toothbrush (keep in your electronics bag)
• Deodorant (Regular size and travel)
• Shampoo/ conditioner/ body wash/ facewash (in refillable bottles)
• Face/ Body Lotion
• Razor/ shaving cream bar/ electric buzzer
• Tweezers/ Nail Clippers/ nail file
• Q-tips/ Makeup remover pads
• Baby oil (use as a makeup remover)
• Bar of Soap
• Sunscreen packets
• Travel aloe
• Tampons/ Pads
• Glasses/ Contact lenses

Beauty

• Makeup (I like stackable makeup)
• Hair dryer (Expensive option or less powerful option)
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover pads
• Jewelry (nothing expensive!)

Travel Health

• Pill Case
• Pain Reliever/ Cold Medicine
• Stomach/ Antacis medicines
• Personal prescriptions
• Insect repellent lotion
• Antibacterial ointment
• Hand sanitizer
• Bandaids

Extras

• Laundry sheets
• White Noise Canceling Machine
• Phone Holder (for watching shows)
• Sleep Mask
• (2) Large zip lock bags (hold papers/ wet clothes)
• Flat travel mirror
• Grocery bag
• Travel Lock
• Change Purse
• Purse with zippers
• Nightlight (trust me on this one)
• After the shower dress (can double as a bathing suit coverup)
• Set of travel towels (for hair, makeup and to sit on at the park)
• Travel umbrella
• Notebook/ pen
• Water bottle (skinny is better than wide for packing)
• Massage Ball
• Prescription Goggles (If needed)

Electronics (packed in a smaller backpack)

• Converter (For International Travel)
• Phone charger
• USB-C charger
• Smart Watch/ charger
• Headphones / Charger
• Power strip / Charging Pad (Apple/ Android)
• Portable power bank
• Laptop/ Charger (if applicable)
• Mouse and Extra Battery

Travel Documents

• Passport/ ID
• Visa (if required for your destination)
• PRINTED versions of passports
• Travel insurance information
• International License (if applicable)

Financial Items

• RIFD Wallet
• Cash (both local currency and some USD for emergencies)
• Credit cards and debit cards
• Backup credit card/ ID to leave in safe

Final Thoughts for Your Travel Packing Checklist

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, but having a well-thought-out checklist can make it much easier. Remember, the key is to pack light and versatile items that can serve multiple purposes.

Adjust the list based on your destination, the duration of your trip, and your personal preferences. This list could work for Thailand, Germany, Portugal, and even New York City!

Don’t forget to leave some space in your backpack for souvenirs and new items you might pick up along the way. The most important thing is to enjoy your journey and embrace the adventure.

Happy travels, and may your backpack always be perfectly packed!

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