The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel - (2024)

Table of Contents
Packing for an extended trip? Packing for long-term travel? Don’t know where to start? ESSENTIAL PACKING GEAR 1. Wheeled suitcase 2. Travel backpack 3. Packing cubes 4. Everyday bag ESSENTIAL CLOTHING 5. Tops 6. Pants 7. Shorts 8. Leggings 9. Dresses 10. Underwear and socks 11. Bras 12. Comfortable Walking Shoes 13. Lightweight Rain Jacket 14. Shawl / scarf 15. Swimsuit 16. Sleepwear / loungewear 17. Sweater or lightweight fleece ACCESSORIES 18. Sunglasses 19. Foldable Sun Hat / Baseball Cap 20. Jewelry / Jewelry Box Organizer 21. Wearable technology / activity trackers ESSENTIAL TOILETRIES 22. Squeeze bottles 23. Hand Sanitizer 24. Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes 25. Hand cream, body lotion, face masks 26. Moisturizer with SPF 27. Sunscreen 28. Shower supplies 29. Dental supplies 30. Deodorant 31. Makeup 32. Dry shampoo 33. DIY survival kit 34. Extra plastic baggies 35. Tissue 36. Laundry soap 37. Travel towel 38. Travel Clothesline 39. Ear plugs 40. Eye mask ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS 41. Phone 42. Camera 43. Portable Power Bank 44. Noise-canceling headphones 45. Travel adapter 46. Chargers 47. Laptop (Optional) 48. E-reader ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS 49. Travel belt / money belt 50. Money 51. Tickets and travel documents 52. Travel-related cards 53. Journal, book, and activities OTHER TRAVEL GEAR FOR EXTENDED TRAVEL 54. Travel outdoor pocket blanket 55. Travel pillow 56. Water bottle 57. Reusable tote bag 58. Laundry bag 59. Small lock 60. Massage Ball 61. Emergen-C packets 62. Cooling towel GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR EXTENDED TRAVEL My Favorite Travel Booking Resources

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Packing for an extended trip? Packing for long-term travel? Don’t know where to start?

Got an extended trip coming up but not sure how to pack? Finding yourself standing in front of your closet, staring at your belongings, not knowing where to start? Trying to rack your brain to see if you’ve forgotten anything?

I’m here to help. Welcome to the only extended travel packing guide you’ll need. I’ve recently come home from a 3-month trip abroad and have gained so many learnings about how to pack to max efficiency. Read on to see exactly what you need to bring with you and pack like a pro!

*Please note: All of the products listed in this post are my personal tried and true recommendations and may contain affiliate links.You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running. Thanks!

Before you pack anything, it’s important to start with the skin and bones of packing. Having the right bags to put your belongings in is extremely important. The last thing you want is to toss everything for your trip into a bag with no method of organization.

Why? Because you’ll find yourself spending a lot of extra time later on packing and repacking once you’re actually on your trip. Trust me, your life will be so much easier when youactually apply a strategyto how you pack.

Table of Contents

ESSENTIAL PACKING GEAR

First, let’s tackle the question of what you’re going to be carrying all your belongings in. You’ve got two options here. Do you want to go with a wheeled suitcase or a travel backpack?

Wheeled suitcases are great because they are pretty much weightless for your body, you just roll and go. They’re also great because once you open them up, you can see exactly what’s inside without very much digging. However, if you’re going to places like Europe or Asia where cobblestoned streets, uneven pavement, and stairs are abundant, they might not be the best option.

If you’re opting for the wheeled suitcase, you’ll also need to consider whether you’re going to be checking your bag each time you fly or taking it along with you as a carry-on. This boils down to cost/potential savings.

  • If you don’t mind paying the checked luggage fees, you can opt for a larger bag.
  • If you want to save on luggage fees, a carry-on size makes a ton more sense.

Your other option is a travel backpack. They can get heavy since they’ll be holding all the gear for your long-term trip, but with adequate hip belts attached, they really aren’t bad at all.

Travel backpacks are really convenient when it comes to hands-free, hassle-free commuting. It’s easier to go up and down flights of stairs with them, it’s easier to transport them along uneven streets, and it’s easier to maneuver when you’re walking through crowds.

And because of these little conveniences, I actually prefer a travel backpack over wheeled luggage when I know I’m going to be commuting a lot on a 3+ month-long trip!

Once you decide which one you plan on traveling with, continue down the list for more extended travel packing essentials:

1. Wheeled suitcase

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I use my Monos Carry-On Pro whenever I want something sturdier. It’s roomy and super sleek-looking. The built-in TSA locks help to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling.

I love the Monos brand and all the bags they offer!

Read More:Monos Carry-On Pro Review: Is It Actually Worth The Price?

2. Travel backpack

Personally, I’m a travel backpack kind of person; I love myOsprey Aura 65 so much.It’s incredibly comfortable because of its super intense hip belt (if you get it, you’ll see what I mean) and perfect for those warm travel days due to the ventilation technology.

I actually went backpacking with this pack and can attest to its greatness. Totally worth the investment. If you’re looking for a new travel bag or backpacking bag, GET THIS BAG! You won’t regret it.

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3. Packing cubes

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You need toget these packing cubes, they are amazing at creating space in your luggage that you never thought you had. However you want to organize your clothes— by day, by outfit, by type—these will be the most useful thing you have in your packing artillery.

You’ll no longer need to dig through the entire suitcase for that one thing you’re looking for, because you’ll know exactly where it’s at!

Read Next:

9 Best Compression Packing Cubes For Travel

4. Everyday bag

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A mini backpack that can fit a water bottle, phone, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen is a great option. Another good option for days where you’re not feeling the backpack look is a medium-sized, cross-body bag. If you’re able to find a bag that folds flat so that you’re able to stow it in your carry-on, even better!

I like theFjallraven Kanken Mini Classic Backpackfor something simple and compressible, so when I’m not using it, I can flatten it and store it in my luggage. For something more elegant, I go with a simpleleather backpack.

For the guys (and gals too), crossbody shoulder sling bags work really well for traveling! My boyfriend is absolutely obsessed with his Bellroy Sling Bag.

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Read More:The Best Travel Backpacks and Carry-On Bags For Your Next Trip

ESSENTIAL CLOTHING

5. Tops

If you’re trying to pack light, you really don’t need that many shirts. Choosing simple colors allows them to be multifunctional. I’d go with 5-7 shirts. I had a few plain workout tops that weren’t branded, so I was able to wear them out as regular shirts as well.

You can go with a mix of sleeveless and sleeved, as there may be instances where you need to cover up your shoulders (such as when entering cathedrals and temples).

6. Pants

Bring 2-3 pairs at most, depending on the season. In the spring, fall, or winter, you can bring 2 pairs of jeans (a blue and black one). Wool leggings or baselayers will keep you warm and comfortable when sightseeing outdoors.

For summers, in the face of humidity, go with something loose and light and a pair of shorts. Jeans will likely be way too hot for summer travel. When I went to Europe last summer, my legs would almost immediately start sweating once I began walking. It’s pretty uncomfortable, to say the least.

Some of our favorite travel pants are from prAna, one of our all-time favorite sustainable travel/workout clothing brands:

7. Shorts

I’ve seen a lot of blogs out there mentioning the taboo of shorts abroad. To be frank, I think that advice is pretty outdated, namely with regard to Europe. I’ve asked a lot of locals in many countries about this shorts controversy and they see no problem with it — I went to Europe with zero shorts and a few long dresses because of this notion.

Once I got there, I saw SO many locals rocking shorts. So I bought some. Because it was really hot and I was miserable in my sticky jeans. Just don’t wear booty shorts and you won’t have a problem.

Again, I love the shorts that prAna makes–they’re good for traveling, hiking, exploring, and downright lounging!

The next thing I want to suggest is a pair or two of bike shorts.

Let me be the first to tell you about my newest discovery on how to keep my legs from becoming a huge sweaty mess… I loveThigh Society’sshorties for hot weather!

There are two different options I like depending on what look I’m going for. If I want to wear an above-the-knee dress on a hot day, I go withThe Cooling 5″option. It’s so thin, meaning “sweaty butt” won’t be an issue.

And they’reespeciallyuseful if it happens to be a windy day. These lil’ shorties make me feel so much more comfortable knowing that I have an extra layer of protection and coverage should the wind decide to do me dirty and lift my dress in one swoop.

The other pair that I have isThe Original, which has become a staple in my hot weather arsenal too. They’re super-versatile because these guys areveryopaque, meaning they can be worn alone or layered under clothes.

I find that I can wear them in all sorts of situations — while exploring a new city, ziplining, ATVing, working out, on airplanes, on road trips,andeven as pajama bottoms! Love ’em!

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8. Leggings

Leggings are very useful if you plan on working out at the resort, hiking, or want something comfortable to lounge in on the plane ride. I love traveling with leggings and can’t really go on any trip without at least 1 pair!

A pair of lightweight leggings like Lululemon’s Fast and Free Tight is a great option if you’re looking for breathability while getting that protection from bugs and the sun’s UV rays. The best part? These have pockets large enough to fit your phone in!

9. Dresses

Long or flowy dresses/skirts are really good for days when you plan on visiting places like cathedrals (no bare shoulders or exposed knees, so be prepared). If your knees are showing slightly, it’s usually not as big of a deal as those bare shoulders.

2-3 long dresses will do for the summer season.

If you plan on going out at night, aim for one of the dresses to be appropriate for both daytime and evening looks. Add a nice cardigan (or even a shawl), swap out the flip-flops for your nicer sandals, and be on your merry way! It’s all about versatility!

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10. Underwear and socks

Bring 5-7 sets and just find a washing machine whenever you can. Or save water and wash them while you’re showering!

The Scrubba Portable Wash Bag also works wonders if you don’t want to head to the laundromat every time.

11. Bras

Depending on your activity level, 2-3 will do. Because I’m pretty active and tend to do a lot of tropical hiking, I typically bring more sports bras than regular bras. (Plus, your swimming suit tops can function as bras too.)

In order to save on luggage space, bring less and just throw them in the wash as needed.

12. Comfortable Walking Shoes

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With all the walking that you’ll be doing, make sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes. Bring one or two pairs of comfortable walking shoes with good support and traction. I usually go with one pair of sneakers (gives you the ability to go for a run in the morning and then walk all day in them) and another pair of cuter shoes when I want to dress up a bit more.

My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! The best part is that they have them for both menandwomen.

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For your second pair, consider sandals in summer.Birkenstock Mayari’s are my go-to because they allow you to walk miles and miles without any pain. Yes, they may seem expensive, but considering they’ll last you at least a decade and provide you with the best foot support out there, they’re so worth every penny.

When I was in Europe this summer, I was averaging 8-9 miles in both of these with zero pain or blistering! You only have one set of feet, so please take care of them and give them the support they need.

Pro Tip: Staying in hostels or heading to beaches on your travels? A pair of light flip-flops or slides are also handy to bring with you if you’ll be using communal bathrooms at hostels or plan on visiting beaches on your trip. I’d highly recommend Oofos Recovery Slides—these water-resistant (and machine-washable!) slides feel like walking on clouds!

13. Lightweight Rain Jacket

Ideally, the one jacket you bring with you will be a packable, lightweight, water-resistant windbreaker.

You’ll be walking around a lot, the last thing you want is to be lugging around a bulky jacket that you may (or may not) wear. It’s important to bring something compact that you can easily pack away in your travel bag when you’re not wearing it.

The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket does it all–keeps you dry, warm, and doesn’t weigh a thing. Traveling light is key!

14. Shawl / scarf

One of my travel must-haves! I’ll always have a medium-sized thin scarf in my bag.

Not only can you use them for warmth or style, but you can also use them as a coverup in churches, as a towel, as a mat on grass/sand/dirt, as a quick rain shield, or as an emergency skirt if your bottoms get stained or soaked somehow.

15. Swimsuit

Swimwear is usually only useful in the summer. As I knew I was going to be beaching a lot, I brought 2 pairs.

They don’t weigh a lot, and for women, can double as a bra/pair of panties when you’re in a pinch. For men, swim trunks can double as shorts!

16. Sleepwear / loungewear

Yoga pants and a t-shirt or workout clothes are all you need here.

To save luggage space, you can reuse some of the other gear you’re bringing and rotate them in as sleepwear; these multipurpose items can then be used as pajamas, loungewear, and airplane/road trip outfits.

17. Sweater or lightweight fleece

Preferably you should bring a dark-colored one so it can be worn on multiple occasions. You can plan on bringing more of these pieces if you’re traveling in the fall/winter.

I love, love, love my trusty Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. Not only is it super warm, but it’s also extremely light and folds up into virtually nothing when you pack it away!

For something more affordable, I’d go with this one.

You may also like:5 Best Women’s Travel Vests For Style, Safety And Smarter Travel

ACCESSORIES

18. Sunglasses

Because it can get really bright during those sunny afternoons year-round.

While you’re at it, why not accessorize your accessories? Bringing a pair of sunglasses straps can also be convenient for putting them on/taking them off in a jiffy. And making sure they don’t get lost!

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19. Foldable Sun Hat / Baseball Cap

Hats are so necessary for sun protection, don’t forget it! You most definitely should have one if you’re going to be spending any prolonged time outdoors.

Baseball caps are great for more active days where you plan on hiking or getting out on the water.

Straw sun hats are better for those casual days by the pool or beach. I’d recommend getting a sunhat with a string so that you won’t need to worry about it flying off every few seconds on a breezy day.

Whenever I want to do my hair and protect my face from the harsh sun rays, I go with my trust roll-up sun hat. This hat is my favorite because it gives me the best of both worlds, a cute hairdo, and sun protection!

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20. Jewelry / Jewelry Box Organizer

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If you plan on bringing jewelry on your extended travel adventure, you’re first going to need something to store your jewelry and keep them from becoming a tangly mess. This is where the jewelry box organizer comes in handy!

If you have fancy jewelry, it’s better to leave it at home. I’ve read that many pick-pocketers abroad will either go for the wallet or even yank chains off of people’s necks on public transportation.

21. Wearable technology / activity trackers

We always travel with our Apple Watches because we love data, technology, and convenience. Not to mention, tracking all those steps you get while exploring feels good!

ESSENTIAL TOILETRIES

22. Squeeze bottles

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GoToob travel bottles are my favorite thing ever. Made of high-quality silicone, they are extremely durable, have never leaked on me, and are super easy to squeeze.

They have different TSA-approved sizes, but I found the large GoToobs to be the best for the duration of my trip. I put face wash in one of the large ones and it lasted me all 3.5 months without a need for a refill!

23. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer gelorwipesare a must any time you’re going to be in contact with surfaces many other people have touched. Never leave your hotel room without it!

And if you do happen to forget it, remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face.

24. Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes

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Feeling a bit gross after a hike but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip outone of thesebody wipes for a quick refresher.

And for the ladies specifically, it’s always good to carry around feminine wipes, especially for those post-beach or post-swimming scenarios. The ones I like are both very affordable and take up no space at all.

Trust me, you will feel and smell so much better. Always good to have a few handy in your travel bag!

25. Hand cream, body lotion, face masks

Highly recommended, learn from my mistake. I didn’t bring any with me because I didn’t want to carry ‘luxury’ items and I ended up being pretty annoyingly dry. Halfway through the trip, I just had to buy some. If you get dry while traveling, bring something to combat dry skin.

26. Moisturizer with SPF

You’ll be out in the sun all day. Save yourself face from premature aging and sunburns.

27. Sunscreen

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Sunscreen is absolutely necessary if you’re going to be spending time outdoors. Even if it’s overcast or cloudy, the UV index can be very high, so be sure to apply it whenever you’re outdoors.

No matter where I go, I always opt for a coral reef-safe brand, as traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that damage our environment.

For the face, I am absolutelyobsessed withSupergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. It goes on completely matte and doesn’t add any extra sheen or white film on your face.

28. Shower supplies

Buy in your destination country and only as you need them. Don’t stock up or else you’ll end up carrying too much extra weight.

29. Dental supplies

Same as above. This includes toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, retainers, etc.

Don’t forget the floss! If you haven’t heard of Cocofloss, now you have. This was the only kind of floss to get me to start flossing on a daily basis. YOU ARE WELCOME.

30. Deodorant

If necessary. I don’t really have odor in my armpits so I didn’t need this– less weight to carry if this is you too!

31. Makeup

Some girls have a huge collection of makeup. Bring only what you need because you’re going to have to carry it around with you for months. Makeup can get heavy to carry.

You probably won’t be needing that green eyeshadow, glitter eyeliner, or those multiple tubes of foundation. And remember, you can buy more when you’re at your destination!

Pro Tip: If you’ve got a lot of toiletries and plan to be moving around a lot, it may be best to keep everything in a hanging toiletry bag. These things are so darn convenient, and they’ll save you a ton of space–especially if you’re rooming with others or are dealing with a tight bathroom.

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32. Dry shampoo

I tried not to wash my hair every day, but at the same time, Europe was really hot and muggy. Dry shampoo came in handy very frequently.

If you’re traveling during the summer months, you should consider having this in your arsenal of toiletries.

33. DIY survival kit

Make a little bag of the following: ibuprofen, allergy pills, Immodium, ciprofloxacin (or whatever your doctor prescribes for traveler’s diarrhea), bandaids, floss, hand sanitizer, eye drops, lip balm, a sharpie, tape, and extra contact lenses (if applicable).

Think about the ailments you typically suffer from and have to deal with on a regular basis and adjust the contents of the bag as needed.

34. Extra plastic baggies

Because you never know, but they always come in handy.

35. Tissue

Sometimes, your hands get dirty. Sometimes, there’s no toilet paper in the public bathrooms.

36. Laundry soap

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Save on those overpriced hotel dry-cleaning fees and laundromat fees by bringing a super-concentrated laundry soap so you can do your own laundry.

A travel clothesline is also super handy if you want to air-dry your clothes. It creates so much hanging space out of thin air!

If you’d rather do laundry at a nearby laundromat, bring small amounts of laundry detergent sheets with you. These are way more convenient than detergent pods, liquids, or powders.

37. Travel towel

Travel towels are useful if you plan on having beach, lake, or river floating days but don’t have access to a beach towel.

And if you’re staying at hostels, pay attention! Some hostels don’t provide towels, or they’ll have them available for rent. Save yourself the trouble and just bring one with you.

Travel towels are not only light and quick-drying, but they’re also very packable and take up little space. I highly recommend this one.

38. Travel Clothesline

A travel clothesline is a small and portable clothesline that allows you to hang up your wet clothes almost anywhere.

I’ve found that it’s really handy whenever I have wet bathing suits or towels that need to be air-dried. I love it for its multi-purpose functionality!

39. Ear plugs

Very much necessary if you plan on sleeping on planes, in hostels, or anywhere where other people could disturb your sleep.

Remember to bring multiple pairs with you because it’s so easy to lose these bad boys in your sleep! Mack’s Dreamgirl Soft Foam Earplugs are my favorite, they are very well-rated, and are even doctor-recommended.

40. Eye mask

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Eye masks are amazing for airplane rides or shared rooms where the beds aren’t separated by curtains, or if you’re sharing your hotel room with an early riser.

People being able to see your sleepy little eyes? A bit awkward. But with this, the awkwardness is gone! I find eye masks to be awesome for plane or train travel too.

Using advanced ergonomics, the Nidra Deep Rest Sleep Mask uniquely contours to your face and eyelids for maximum sleeping comfort. Its deep eyecups allow your eyes to flutter during sleep and the technology used here is even patent pending!

ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS

41. Phone

Make sure you have everything right with your phone before you go on your extended trip. Get the battery changed and free up some memory space.

Learn from my mistake! When I was traveling throughout Europe for 4 months, my phone was operating on 79% battery efficiency so it wasn’t really holding a charge. I pretty much had to go through all of Europe with an external battery by my side all day every day.

It was certainly not the most convenient, so don’t let this be you!

42. Camera

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You’re going on a huge trip, some higher-quality pictures wouldn’t hurt. During my extended trip, I brought my Nikon D5500, which I found to be on the heavier side but produced great photos that I’ll cherish forever.

These days I travel exclusively with my newly purchased Sony a7 IV! It takes amazing photos and shoots even more amazing videos.

If you plan on doing a bunch of adventurous activities (ziplining, skydiving, kayaking, paddling, ATV-ing) and/or want some underwater footage when surfing or snorkeling, you should definitely go with the waterproof GoPro action camera!

43. Portable Power Bank

Crucial, especially if you’re going to be out all day exploring and using your phone for Google Maps and such.

A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bankis tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.

44. Noise-canceling headphones

Always good to be able to get into the zone and tune people out. Not to mention, you can use them to watch Netflix all night in your hostel room without disturbing anyone!

45. Travel adapter

Necessary for many countries. This one here is tried and trusted. It allows for a normal plug and has two additional USB ports.

46. Chargers

Bring multiple phone cords since they are light (and easy to misplace).

47. Laptop (Optional)

Depending on what you plan to do on your trip, you can either bring a laptop or leave it at home, because it is a heavier item to carry around.

For longer trips, I’ll definitely bring my computer. There are just some things I’d rather do on a full screen rather than my teensy phone screen. I’m old school in that sense!

Not to mention, having an actual keyboard and multiple tabs visible allows me to be so much more efficient in responding to emails, having meaningful conversations with my friends/family, and keeping up with news/social media.

The iPad mini is a much lighter option that I tend to go with on shorter trips where I might not need to do as much typing.

48. E-reader

Go with the Kindle Paperwhite over books if you plan to read a lot– it eliminates a lot of potential weight from actually carrying books.

This was one item that I didn’t have during my last few months of travel. I dealt with heavy, bulky books and they were such a hassle that I ended up leaving them all at my hotel on purpose.

ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS

49. Travel belt / money belt

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A travel belt is a smart traveler’s best friend. They are the best thief-proof tool for airplane travel, public transportation travel, walking around abroad, and just about everything else in between.

I always, always use a Flip Belt to carry around identification, important documents, and money that I want to keep safe and right by my side.

Another benefit of the Flip Belt? It’s supposed to be a running belt. I swear, this thing doesn’t budge or jiggle at all when I run, plus it’s super comfortable!

If you’re looking for a true travel belt that is large enough to house your important documents too, consider the Venture travel money belt.

50. Money

A mix of local currency and your home currency for emergencies.

51. Tickets and travel documents

Passport, student ID, medical card, proof of travel insurance, printed documents of your flight/hotel bookings, visas if you need them

52. Travel-related cards

Credit cards, debit cards, airport lounge access cards, visas, Global Entry card, vaccination card, etc.

53. Journal, book, and activities

Jornal: ‘Cause everyone could use a little alone time. I love reading my journal entries from years ago; they bring back memories that I may have forgotten. Oh, the sweet nostalgia.

Book: I like e-books way better for extended travel because they just take up so much less space than actual books!

Other activities: Activity books and playing cards and easy to carry and provide lots of entertainment when you have downtime.

Read More: Top 10 Wallet Essentials: What’s In My Wallet When I Travel

OTHER TRAVEL GEAR FOR EXTENDED TRAVEL

54. Travel outdoor pocket blanket

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Chances are at some point during your travels, you’re going to be spending some time outdoors. There may be an outdoor concert or movie at a park, a festival, a beach, or somewhere else that warrants you to sit on the grass, sand, or ground.

This is where a travel-size outdoor blanket will come in handy! I love the BEARZ Outdoor Pocket Blanket because it’s small enough to toss in your daypack and forget about it, but is going to be the most convenient thing when you need it.

55. Travel pillow

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This one by trtl is THE one! It comes highly rated because it has so much support, almost like a neck brace (there’s a chunk of flexible plastic in there to prop your head up). It’s warm and super packable too.

They’ve recently come out with the trtl Pillow Plus, which costs a bit more but comes with a bunch of new and improved features (scientifically engineered with ergonomic design, height adjustability, and in-built breathability). The fact that it is fully adjustable means maximum comfort for any type of traveler regardless of their sleep style.

56. Water bottle

Go with a collapsable water bottle that you can easily tuck away when not filled or when it’s not in use. Hydroflasks are my favorite for everyday use, but they’re pretty bulky in this case.

57. Reusable tote bag

Great for doing groceries or carrying your belongings in a pinch. Since reusable shopping bags are pretty much weightless and take up no room, I will usually bring a few with me and leave them in different places so I’ll always have one handy.

58. Laundry bag

Keep your worn clothes separate from your clean ones, especially when traveling to high humidity climates. Summer and/or long days of exploring = lots of sweaty, smelly, dirty, and worn clothes. Don’t soil your entire travel bag by mixing worn clothes with your unworn clothes!

Definitely bring a laundry bagto separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes to maintain the utmost freshness.

59. Small lock

If you’re staying in hostels, you may need to provide your own small lock for the lockers. Otherwise, a lock can also be used on your luggage bag when you’re traveling and checking your luggage.

60. Massage Ball

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One of the best things in my extended travel bag, hands down! A massage ball is very much needed after a long day of exploring.

Roll your legs, upper back, and under your feet whenever you have downtime to undo that tension and soreness you’ve built up over the course of the day. I never go on any long trip without my TriggerPoint Foam Massage Ball.

61. Emergen-C packets

Emergen-C packetsorLiquid I.V. Hydration Packetsare a must for travel.

These are a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a trip. They are light, take up no space, and are very easy to pack!

62. Cooling towel

The Ultimate Packing Checklist For 3 Months Of Travel - (29)

For something simpler than a neck fan, you can consider aChill Pal cooling towelto stay cool. Trust me, it will save your life from the heat and make exploring the outdoors more bearable.

GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL

These are some of my favorite airport/airplane travel products that free my hands up and make traveling so much more convenient. Say goodbye to the days of fumbling around or not having enough hands for things.

  • Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap | Have a purse, briefcase, tote bag, or bag of souvenirs that’s causing you inconvenience by needing to be carried? Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need one hand to tow everything with you.
  • riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder | This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
  • Traveling Hat Clip | Have you ever brought a wide-brimmed hat on vacation and found it to be the most annoying thing to travel with? A hat clip for your bag or backpack completely removes the struggle of needing to carry your hat in hand!
  • Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder | Attaches to airline seat backs so you can watch movies hands-free. Also great for standing your phone up on tables too!
  • Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger Collection | Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc).
  • Priority Pass – I have had a Priority Pass membership since 2018, and I don’t think I’ll ever give it up! I love being able to gorge on lounge food/drink, shower, nap, and relax in peace before my flight. If you’re wondering if this pass is worth it, it is! (Especially if you travel internationally — the lounge options have gotten kind of poopie domestically, but are still amazing in other countries!)

THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR EXTENDED TRAVEL

To wrap up, let’s review the ultimate packing checklist for extended travel:

  • Wheeled Suitcase /Travel Backpack
  • Packing Cubes
  • Laundry Travel Bag
  • Everyday bag
  • 5 Tops
  • 2-3 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of shorts + bike shorts if applicable
  • 1 pair of wool leggings if applicable
  • 1-2 pairs of leggings
  • 1-2 dresses
  • 5 pairs of undies
  • 5 pairs of socks
  • 3 bras
  • 2 pairs of shoes
  • 1 pair of sandals / flip flops
  • 1 sweater or lightweight fleece
  • 1 jacket
  • 1 shawl or scarf
  • 1 swimsuit if applicable
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewelry
  • Toiletries
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Travel body wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • DIY survival kit
  • Extra plastic baggies
  • Tissue
  • Laundry soap
  • Travel towel
  • Travel clothesline
  • Ear plugs
  • Eye mask
  • Smartphone
  • Camera
  • UV Sanitizer for phone
  • External battery
  • Headphones
  • Travel adapter
  • Chargers
  • Laptop
  • E-reader
  • Travel belt / money belt
  • Money
  • Tickets and travel documents
  • Credit /debit cards
  • Journal or book
  • Travel pillow
  • Collapsible water bottle
  • Reusable tote bag
  • Small lock
  • Massage ball
  • Emergen-C packets
  • Cooling towel

Now you’re just about ready for your trip!

My Favorite Travel Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when planning out a new trip itinerary. The sites/companies listed here typically have the best overall value, offer deals, beat out other competitors, and offer great customer service when needed.

  • WayAway | This site compares flight ticket fares from hundreds of agencies. You’re going to get the best prices on the market, at least $10 lower than those on Skyscanner, Kayak, and Priceline.com. The best part is? The WayAway Plus membership. With the membership, you’ll get up to 10% cash back on airline tickets, hotel bookings, car rentals, and other travel services.
    • DEAL ALERT! Use code ‘travelswithelle’ for 10% off WayAway Plus.
  • Booking.com | Honestly, this is my go-to accommodation booking site. This site has free cancellation and no prepayment required on reservations which is huge for me. It also has amazing abilities to filter accommodation options by rating and price. Honestly, it’s shaved off so many hours of endless research for me and has made booking hotels and other accommodations a breeze.
  • Viator | Viator is a huge online marketplace for all things tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, ATV tours, sailing trips, walking tours, hot air ballooning, and more.
  • Go City | Go City offers great value-for-the-money attraction passes in various destinations around the world. Whenever I want to play tourist in a city, I always check to see if Go City operates in that city. The money you can save with this pass is unreal (as opposed to buying admission tickets for various attractions separately).
  • SafetyWing | SafetyWing is by far one of the best travel medical insurance for travelers as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those heading abroad.

If you get nothing else out of this post, at least take this with you… pack light! Everyone has the urge to pack a lot of things. I get it, there’s a scenario for everything you own to have a purpose on your trip.

But what usually happens is that we either wear them once or not at all. Remember to mix and match clothes and evaluate each item, only bringing it if you think you’ll use it more than 3-5 times.

Oh yeah, and pack early. You’ve got a lot to look forward to and a lot of trip to pack for!

Bon voyage!

Looking for more long-term travel resources? Read next:
  • How I Traveled Europe For 3 Months With Under $8,000
  • How I Saved Up $10,000 To Travel The World For 3 Months
  • 10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before My 3 Month Europe Trip
  • 18 Advanced Ways to Save Money For Travel
  • 13 Powerful Money-Saving Tips For Finding Cheap Flights

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