World Travel Packing List • What you really need in your backpack!

Are you ready for your world trip and already have a packing list in mind? Stop! Before you pack your rucksack, you should take our World Travel Packing List look at it. We know from our own experience that less is often more.

I’ll take you through all the important categories – from the right clothes for different climates to the technical gadgets that will enrich your travel experience. Whether you want to travel minimalistically or need more comfort, this guide will help you find the perfect Packing list Create for your needs.

Packing list World trip: download PDF now

The PDF version of our world travel packing list You can simply download and either digitally on your smartphone save or print. So you have a super practical when packing Checklist at hand and can be sure that you pack everything important.

Here is the packing list:

Clothing

When dressing for your trip around the world, you should pay particular attention to versatility and functionality. During our first world trip, we quickly learned that less is often more, especially if you have to carry everything on your back.

Make sure that your clothes can be combined into several outfits if possible. Neutral colors are helpful here. Packing cubes, by the way, are a revelation when packing – they help you keep order and get more in your backpack.

Tip: Onion principle in cold regions!

• 4-5 uppers (fast-drying)
• 2-3 shorts
• 1-2 long trousers (one of which can be taken off for different climates)
• 1 light dress/shirt for fancier occasions
• 1 Fleece sweater for cool evenings
• 1 water repellent jacket
• 7 Underpants
• 5-7 pairs of socks (including 1-2 thicker pairs for cold regions)
• 1-2 sports outfits (can also serve as pajamas)
• 1 swimwear/swimsuit
• 1 light shawl (usable in many ways)
• 1 Sun hat/cap for protection against the sun

Suitcase/backpack

The question "backpack or suitcase?" is one of the most important decisions for your trip around the world. In our opinion, a good backpack is the better choice for world travelers. It gives you more flexibility, especially in areas with bad roads or if you are on foot a lot.

• 1 large backpack (50-70 liters)
• 1 small backpack (20-25 liters, max. 15 kg) Optional with laptop compartment
• Packing cubes for organisation
• Rain cover for the backpack
• Small padlock for hostel cabinets
• Compressible bag for dirty laundry
• small bag for purchases/beach (jute bag)

Footwear

The right shoes on your world trip can decide on comfort and mood. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must, because you will be on the road a lot and often walk long distances.

• 1 pair of hiking shoes (water repellent, run-in only if you really want to go hiking, otherwise you don’t need them)
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 1 pair of flip-flops
• 1 pair of sandals
• Shoe bag for separating remaining luggage

Culture bags

Your cultural bag is an essential part of your world travel packing list, but it should be handy and well organized. Less is more here – remember that you can buy almost everything on the go.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen (high LSF)
• Shampoo and shower gel in travel sizes
• Microfibre towel
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Razors and spare blades
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Moisturising cream
• Hairbrush/comb
• Waterproof Drybag as a culture bag
• For women: hygiene article/menstrual cup
• Small mirror
• Laundry clamps for drying laundry

Travel pharmacies

The travel pharmacy is quite manageable, but you should always have the most important medicines with you, because not everywhere you will find a pharmacy, especially at 3 o'clock at night.

• Pain and fever medications (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Anti-diarrhea agents (e.g. loperamide)
• Agents for congestion
• Disinfectants and patches of various sizes
• Antihistamines against allergic reactions
• Remedies for travel sickness
• Insect repellents with DEET for tropical regions
• Sun protection with high sun protection factor
• Electrolyte powder at dehydration
• Antibiotic ointment for small wounds
• Bladder patches for long walks
• Thermometers
• Tweezers for removing splinters
• Personal medicines with international names
• Small scissors
• Malaria tablets (depending on the target region)
• Waterproof bag for the entire travel pharmacy

Documents and paperwork

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the journey, always stowable at hand)
• Copies of all important documents (also stored digitally)
• International driving licence
• Vaccination card with all necessary vaccinations
• Travel insurance policy with emergency contacts
• Visas or information on visa requirements
• Air tickets (digital and printed)
• Booking confirmations for first accommodation
• Emergency contact list
• Small notebook with important addresses
• Waterproof document bag
• Contact details of the embassy/consulate in destination countries
• Small pen for filling out forms

Finance

• 2 different credit cards (different provider)
• EC card for money withdrawals
• Emergency cash reserve in euro or US dollars
• Prepaid travel card for cheap withdrawals
• Information about bank charges on your cards
• Small wallet for daily needs
• Hidden money hiding place (e.g. belt with secret compartment)
• Emergency card blocking telephone numbers
• Copies of all cards (separately kept)
• Online banking access data (securely stored)

Technology

• Smartphone with unlocked SIM card compartment
• Powerbank (minimum 10,000 mAh)
• Universal adapter for various sockets
• Camera (if the smartphone camera is not sufficient)
• Headphones (ideally with noise cancellation)
• Charging cables for all devices
• Small laptop/tablet (if necessary for work)
• E-book readers for books
• Multiple plugs (to charge multiple devices at the same time)
• Waterproof envelopes for electronic devices
• Camera/smartphone memory cards
• Yield Drone for aerial photography
• Bluetooth speakers for music enjoyment
• Headlamp for poor lighting conditions

Useful Things to Do on a World Trip

• Drinking bottle with filter
• Sleep mask and earplugs for restless accommodation
• Microfibre travel towel
• Small castle for hostel cabinets and backpack
• Sewing set for small repairs
• Laundry line and equipment for use on the road
• Army knives (not in hand luggage!)
• Drybags in different sizes
• Small flashlight/head lamp
• Travel guides or digital alternatives
• Quick drying towel
• Multiple Ziploc Bags for Small Parts
• Light sleeping bag or sleeping bag inlet
• Interchangeable glasses/contact lenses and care products (if necessary)
• Compressible daypack for day trips

Other

• Easy games for long journeys (cards, travel chess)
• Notebook and travel note pen
• Pocket dictionary or translation app
• Small first aid kit for hikes
• Emergency whistle
• Travel pillows for long flights and bus trips
• Water filters for regions with poor water quality
• Small spare parts for glasses, backpacks, etc.
• Mosquito nets for tropical areas
• Small binoculars for animal observation
• Rain protection for electronic devices
• Light flip-flops for showering together
• Baggage weighing scales
• Compass or GPS device for hikes

In addition to the classic packing list, it is worth taking a look at this Backpacking Packing List for World Travelers and Digital Nomads, which is specially designed for long-term travel and location-independent work.

Packing List for Bicycle World Tour

A bicycle world trip makes special demands on your equipment. Here’s what you need in addition to the basics:

• Quality bicycle with stable frame construction
• Bicycle bags/luggage carriers (watertight)
• Tool set for bicycle repairs
• Replacement hoses and patches
• Bicycle pump (small and powerful)
• Bicycle lock (compact but safe)
• Spare parts (spokes, brake trains, chain)
• Bicycle computer/GPS navigation
• Rainproof bicycle clothing
• Bicycle helmet
• Bicycle gloves
• Radhose with padding
• Reflectors and lighting
• Multitool with chain rivet
• Replacement tyres (depending on route)
• Waterproof card holder for handlebars
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Chain oil and cleaning cloths

If you want to explore the world by bike, well thought-out equipment is crucial. In addition, it may be Packing list bicycle tour: The right equipment for your cycling trip Be helpful to be well prepared for your adventure.

Packing list for motorcycle world travel

A motorcycle world trip requires special equipment for safety and comfort on the road.

• Quality motorcycle helmet
• Motorcycle jacket (waterproof, with protectors)
• Motorcycle trousers (waterproof, with protectors)
• Motorcycle gloves (for warm and cold)
• Motorcycle boots
• Rain clothing (if not integrated)
• Motorcycle bags/suitcases
• Tool set for motor repairs
• Spare parts (ignition plugs, fuses)
• Tyre breakdown set
• Motorcycle lock and alarm system
• Intercom system for drivers
• Navigation device/mount for smartphone
• First aid kit for motorcyclists
• Motorcycle-specific documents (Green Card)
• Towing cable/belt
• Chain fat/spray
• Visibility cleaners
• Guide for motorcycle routes
• Emergency contacts for motorcycle breakdowns

Packing List World Tour: Backpacking

For backpackers, it is especially important to pack easily and efficiently. This list focuses on the essentials for the minimalist travel style.

• Light backpack (40-55 liters)
• Ultra-light sleeping bag
• Compressible pillow
• Multi-tool with various functions
• Fast-drying clothing (max. 5 outfits)
• Packing cubes for optimum use of space
• Light walking shoes
• Flip-flops for hostel showers
• Microfibre towel (super small)
• Silk sleeping bag for questionable accommodation
• Mini culture bags with travel sizes
• Simple cooking equipment for outdoor cooking
• Water bottle with filter
• Headlamp instead of flashlight
• Light rain jacket
• Compact travel pharmacies
• Cheap sunglasses
• Smartphone as an all-in-one device
• Small clothesline
• Minimalist first aid kit

Packing list for world travel as a woman

As a woman, there are some additional or special things that can make your world trip more enjoyable.

• Menstrual cup or other preferred period products
• Light sarong (usable in many ways as towel, blanket, skirt)
• Sports brass (fast-drying)
• Longer garments for culturally conservative countries
• Light headscarf for temple visits/religious sites
• Cosmetics (Multifunctional)
• Dry shampoo on the road
• Hand-ready disinfecting gel
• Safety items (pocket alarm, pepper spray where allowed)
• Small handbag with anti-theft protection
• Make-up removal wipes
• Rubbers and hair clips
• UV face cream with high LSF
• Small cosmetic mirror
• Versatile pieces of jewellery (easy, few)
• Short nail file
• Dry detergent towels
• Toilet seat rests for travel

If you are planning a trip to Thailand on your world trip, then look here in our Packing List Thailand: For Backpackers & HolidaymakersWhether you need to add to your list.

Packing list for world travel with hand luggage

If you only want to travel with hand luggage, you have to pack especially efficiently. Here are the essentials for easy travel.

• Light rucksack (max. 40 litres)
• Liquids in 100 ml containers (transparently packaged)
• Rolling technology for clothing for space saving
• Ultra-light clothing (max. 3-4 outfits)
• Travel detergents for washing on the road
• Mini culture bags with travel sizes
• Electronic products reduced to the minimum
• Multipurpose clothing (e.g. zip-off pants)
• Light rain jacket
• Small microfibre towel
• Light shoes (max. 2 pairs)
• E-readers instead of books
• Minimum travel pharmacies
• Lightweight multifunction pocket
• Document bag that can be worn on the body
• Travel security belt with secret compartment
• Compact sleep mask and earplugs
• Small packing cubes for organization
• Folding water bottle
• USB stick with important documents

Want to travel the world and travel with light luggage? These Backpacking Packing List for World Travelers and Digital Nomads Helps you pack just the right thing.

Frequently Asked Questions about the World Travel Packing List