General packing tips
Universal packing tips regardless of mode of transportation, destination, etc.
- AirTag on all backpacks, luggage, wallets, etc.
- Packing cubes to organize everything and anything.
- Hardshell luggage to protect contents inside, especially during checking on airplanes or stacking on busses.
Transportation packing
What I think about packing on long bus, train, or plane
- Eye mask
- Neck pillow — posture in sleep.
- 2 portable battery tanks; 1 that holds multiple charges; 1 solar.
- Umbrella
- Fragrance free baby wipes. These can serve as a “face wash” when you do not have access to water or bathrooms (ex: the bus I took 29 hour bus to Ukraine). Note that baby wipes are not actually good for your face, and do not remove makeup. Thus, I do not wear makeup when I know I will have to use these.
- Snack bag
Snacks
Put all snacks in a zip lock bag!
- Sandwich
- Charcuterie board
- Apples
- Bananas can be too soft and be squished if you have harder snacks or neighboring items .
- Protein bars
- If you have bag of food from air port [Starbucks bag], they won’t make you get rid of it on this plane.
Outfits
- Be an outfit repeater
- Put each outfit in a bag (socks, underwear, dress)
- Removes pre-trip anxiety
Day packing
- Tote bag over backpack; backpacks can make you a target for theft as a very obvious tourist.
- Jacket with many large zipped pockets (passport, wallet, phone, etc).
Further reading
See my travel and travel tips pages for tips!
