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As mentioned in my post How to Pack for Long Term Travel, I use one of three packing strategies for my current stage in my indefinite travels.
I refresh and replace as I go!
As my destinations and interests have changed in the past 3 years as a permanent nomad so does my packing list.
My Long Term Travel Packing List
While my long term travels in Central America required a Round the World inspired packing list and strategy, my current ambitions to scuba dive in the top destinations has me packing based on my interests: beaches and diving.
I always include a couple of ultra-versatile pieces for the other random activities I do, but generally my long term packing list at the moment consists of summer clothing – I’m a sun chaser!
When I stop to live somewhere for several months, then I buy things on location and ditch certain items when I leave.
Capsule Wardrobe
I follow the Maximista Packing List as a guide taking a 15 piece capsule wardrobe, which is more than enough. I always begin each trip segment as a Maximista and end up with an Essentials packing list within a couple of months.
1st Column: Maxi Dress / Convertible Skirt/Dress / Purple Tunic (similar) / Travel Pants
2nd Column: Romper (similar) / Long Sleeve (cute alternative)/ Camisole Top / Shorts
3rd Column: Dress (similar or cute alternative) / Coral Top / Green Top / Striped Skirt
4th Column: Black Dress (similar) / Black Tank Top / Band Tee / Black Denim Shorts
Tops
- 1 Long Sleeve Top
- 5 Sleeveless Tops
- 1 Tunic Top
Bottoms
Dresses
- 1 Maxi Dress
- 2 Summer Dresses
- 1 LBD Dress
Outerwear / Layers
Shoes
- Comfortable Sandals
- Cute Flip Flops
- Trainers
Other
- 2 Bathing Suits
- 10 Underwear
- 3 Bras
- 2 Socks
In order to make your packing easier, consider these 6 factors in choosing your travel clothing.
Accessories and Toiletries
Accessories
- 1 Scarf
- 2 Purses
- Costume Jewelry
- 1 Sun Hat
- 1 Sunglasses
Cosmetics
- 1 Travel size mani/pedi kit
- 1 Travel size hair brush
- 5 No rip hair ties
- 5 Mini hair clips
- 1 Pack of bobby pins
Toiletries
- Travel size baby powder
- Travel size shampoo/conditioner
- Full size Cetaphil body moisturizer
- Full size Cetaphil Face Moisturizer
- Full size St. Ives face scrub
- Travel Size leave in conditioner
- Lancome anti-wrinkle eye cream
- Neutrogena sun block
- Tooth brush
- Small toothpaste
- 1 Mini Nail Polish
- 1 Razor
- 1/2 Foot Scrubber
Check out these 5 steps in choosing toiletries for a RTW trip.
Electronics and Other Gears
Electronics
- 1 laptop
- 1 phone/camera/kindle/mp3 player
- 1 portable wifi router
- 1 portable power bank charger
- 1 point and shoot camera
- 1 universal adapter
- 1 extension cord
Diving Gear
- 1 underwater camera case
- 1 mask and snorkel
- 1 fins
- 1 fish ID guide
- 1 rash guard
- 1 pointer stick
If you don’t want to forget to prep your electronics, read this post and stay up to date with my latest digital nomad packing list.
Lugagge and Additional Gear
- Osprey Meridian 22 Wheeled Backpack (backpack straps removed)
- Osprey Daypack (attached to wheeled backpack)
- AmazonBasics 4-Piece Packing Cube Set
- 1 Headlamp
- 1 travel towel
- 1 sleeping liner
Remember: This list varies and sometimes I can have more dresses and less tops, different toiletries as they get used, or just two pairs of shoes. Learn more about creating a capsule wardrobe to travel carry-on only to any destination.
Are you surprised to see any items on my list?
For more tips and ideas on long term travel packing, please read the following:
- Long Term Travel Tips: Transitioning from Hot to Cold Weather
- What Travel Shoes Should I pack for a Round-The-World Trip?
- RTW PACKING LIST: Your Ultrimate Guide for Around The World Travel
Packing for Portugal for a month and this list was an amazing help. I believe I also found anatomy close through your blogs… I love them. A bit pricey but quality items that never wrinkle’n
going to Peru – what do I need to take to protect my electronics? charger & adapter & converter?
any help with these questions would be most helpful
Hi Rosalia thank you for your question! Have a look at this TFG post on Peru: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-peru/. Concerning your electronics have a look at these posts: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-electronics/ https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/trip-checklist-dont-forget-to-prep-your-electronics/ hope this helps. Have a great trip! 🙂
Thank you, I love getting your tips and
hearing of your travels. I’d love be able
to travel full time, but my budget and my
Travel ideas are not in sinc. Keep posting.
Thank you Kate 🙂
Hi Alex,
Great list. How many liters is the meridian pack? The fact that you manage to fit in your snorkeling gear on top of your other items is impressive.
Also I can’t leave without plugging my beautiful part of the world. Albany on the south coast of Western Australia has the best beaches I have been to anywhere in the world. Yes maybe I am biased 🙁 And Ningaloo reef off the mid west coast of Western Australia is paradise for divers. Whale sharks, dugongs, turtles, and sea life in abundance. Definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already and your travels bring you back to Australia. Much less touristy than the East Coast.
Thanks, Bonnie
Hi Bonnie, thanks for your comment and your tips on traveling to Albany. If I make my way back to Australia I definitely want to check out other areas. The decision to travel the east coast is mainly due to budget…as for the Meridian I believe it’s 40 liters as the daypack is an additional 20 liters. Thanks!