Here is my generic packing list.
You can adapt it to any destination by removing the items that do not apply.
The essentials
- small daypack with an outside pocket for water bottle (for hikes, day trips)
- light shoes or sandals (waterproof sandals are ideal)
- walking/hiking shoes or boots
- 4-8 tops (T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, blouses, tank tops)
- 4 bottoms (shorts, pants, knee-length skirts, capris)
- sweater or fleece, and windbreaker/rain jacket (depending on destination)
- socks (2 to 6 pairs)
- underwear (4 to 8 pairs)
- small toiletry bag with small size toiletries
- earplugs (try the foam type – essential unless you are a very heavy sleeper!)
- medical kit
- good sunglasses
- sun hat (e.g. Tilley)
- sunscreen
- drinking bottle (0.5 to 1 L) – stainless steel is ideal e.g. Kool Kanteen
- insect repellent (in the tropics)
- small amount of laundry detergent
- money belt
- print-outs of e-tickets, vouchers, booking confirmations
- passport (with enough validity left on it)
- money (cash, debit card, credit card)
- travel insurance policy number and emergency phone number
- one or two pen
- photocopies of all important documents and cards kept separately from the documents
- mini sewing kit
- ziplock bags (for food storage, wet items, etc)
Very useful in the developing world:
- small flashlight (during power outages, or to explore caves)
- universal sink plug (for hand-washing in the hotel sink)
- flip-flops (for beach, bathrooms, etc)
- light sleeping bag or sleeping sheet, pillowcase (treks, dubious linen in guesthouses)
- small lock (for your checked luggage and lockers)
The extras
(Depending on your preferences and your trip, you may want to bring some of these.)
- bathing suit
- sarong (replaces a bulky beach towel – you can buy one cheaply in Southeast Asia)
- snorkeling mask and tube (rent the flippers)
- light folding umbrella
- camera, memory cards, battery, battery charger
- universal plug adaptor or individual adaptors
- binoculars
- small hairdryer with dual voltage
- sleeping gown or pyjamas
- small towel (for treks, or hostels that don’t provide them)
- small dictionary and/or phrasebook
- guidebook (in paper or electronic format)
- notebook/diary
- reading material/E-reader
- small laptop or iPad and/or smart phone and/or iPod
- noise-cancelling headphones (for noisy bus or plane rides)
- Swiss army knife (in your checked bag)
- washcloth (rarely provided in hotels)
