By request, I am sharing the best and worst things I packed for my 101-day trip around the world. After months of flights, hikes, city walks, laundry days, and constant repacking, some items proved to be incredibly useful, while others wore out quickly or simply were not worth the space in my suitcase.
A few people noticed that my wardrobe changed toward the end of the trip. That was because I did a small amount of shopping along the way and replaced a few pieces that were too worn out to keep wearing. Once I reached Portugal, I was no longer biking and hiking as much, and I wanted a few slightly more polished outfits. I stopped at Zara, Mango, and H&M to pick up a couple of new pieces. I also had to throw away my sneakers after they became completely caked in dirt and poop, thankfully not my own. My sister kindly brought me a fresh pair.
You can find my complete packing list here.
The Best Things I Packed:
Keen Waterproof Hiking Boots
These hiking boots were one of the most practical items I brought. I had owned them for years before the trip, so I already knew they were comfortable and reliable. They kept my feet dry during wet weather and were sturdy enough for long days outdoors. Since they are large and bulky, I wore them on flights whenever possible to save space in my suitcase. For a long-term trip with hiking, rain, and unpredictable terrain, waterproof hiking boots were absolutely worth packing.
Barbour Rain Jacket
Finding a rain jacket that is truly waterproof can be surprisingly difficult. Many jackets are only water-resistant, which is not the same thing. I needed something that could handle serious rain because I was visiting Milford Sound, one of the wettest places on the planet, and I also wanted to stay dry while climbing Kilimanjaro. After a lot of research, I chose Barbour. I liked the range of colors and styles, but most importantly, the jacket kept me dry. Some Barbour jackets also work well as windbreakers, which made this an especially useful piece of travel gear.
Canon Powershot G7x Mark II
My friend Jenn recommended this camera, and it quickly became one of my favorite travel essentials. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, but it still takes crisp, clear photos. I appreciated having camera-quality images without the size and weight of a DSLR. Another major benefit was the battery life; it could go a long time without needing to be charged, which was ideal for busy travel days.
All Things Lululemon
The quality of Lululemon really made a difference on this trip. The pieces held up well after repeated wear and washing, and several of the tops folded down very small, which helped me save space in my one suitcase. I packed three pairs of leggings, three pairs of shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, two sweatshirts, a tee, and two tanks. I especially loved the scuba hoodie because the large pockets could hold my phone and passport, making it a great airplane outfit.
Sam Edelman Sandals
I packed only three pairs of shoes: hiking boots, sneakers, and a pair of gold Sam Edelman sandals. The sandals ended up being one of the best things in my suitcase. They worked with everything from jeans to summer dresses, and they were comfortable enough for long sightseeing days. I could walk more than seven miles in them in a day without any problems. I chose gold because it pairs with almost everything, and these sandals had already held up well for two years. I have owned other Sam Edelman shoes too, and they have been comfortable and durable.
Sweatpants
I almost left my sweatpants at home, but I am so glad I packed them. I wore them to sleep again and again, especially when the weather turned out to be colder than expected. Italy was chillier than I had planned for, and I often slept in sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I also wore the sweatpants on Kilimanjaro, layered over leggings for extra warmth. They were not the most stylish item in my suitcase, but they were one of the most useful.
Ziploc Bags
Large Ziploc bags were incredibly helpful throughout the trip. I used them for dirty laundry, for organizing small items, and sometimes for protecting my laptop from moisture when I brought it on day trips. I only carried my laptop if I knew I would be in a car for hours and wanted to get work done. While climbing Kilimanjaro, the chef filled my water bottle with hot water at night so I could sleep with it for warmth. I put the bottle inside a Ziploc bag in case it leaked, and I think the bag also helped it stay warm a little longer.
J.Crew Jeans
J.Crew jeans were a smart clothing choice for long-term travel. I like them because they do not stretch out too much while you wear them, which means they can be worn a few times before needing to be washed. When you are traveling for months with limited luggage space, clothing that keeps its shape and can be reworn is essential.
Neck Gaiters
Neck gaiters were small, lightweight, and surprisingly versatile. I used them to cover my neck and help prevent sunburn, to hold my hair back, to absorb sweat during hot hikes, and to cover my ears when it was freezing on Kilimanjaro. They took up almost no space in my bag and served several purposes, which made them excellent travel accessories.
Medicine
I packed a large bag of over-the-counter medicine, and I was very glad I did. Sudafed and Imodium were lifesavers during the trip, especially because I needed them at times when I was off the grid and could not easily get to a pharmacy. I also swear by Airborne and took it after every long-haul flight, as well as while climbing Kilimanjaro. Having basic medicine on hand gave me peace of mind and helped me manage minor issues quickly while traveling abroad.
Lush Shampoo and Conditioner Bars
I bought Lush shampoo and conditioner bars during the trip and liked that they were solid instead of liquid, which made them easier to pack. The shampoo bar worked especially well. I used “Honey I Washed My Hair,” lathered it in my hands, and then massaged it into my hair. The conditioner bar was a little harder to use, and I ended up rubbing the bar directly into my hair. It was not perfect, but it was still better than having nothing and much easier to travel with than bottles.
Hershel Packable Day Pack
This packable day pack folded into a tiny pouch, which made it easy to tuck into my luggage. It was perfect for day trips when carrying a purse was not practical. I used it when I needed room for layers, water, snacks, or camera gear, and I appreciated that it did not take up much space when it was not in use.
True & Co. Bras
These wire-free bras were comfortable, practical, and easy to wash. For a long trip, comfort matters, and these were versatile enough for travel days, casual outfits, and active days. They were simple to care for, which made them a reliable part of my travel wardrobe.
The Worst Things I Packed:
Go Pro Hero
I thought I would use the GoPro Hero much more than I actually did. In the end, I never really felt the need for it because iPhones take such good video. I expected it to be useful while climbing Kilimanjaro, but once I was dealing with freezing temperatures and altitude sickness, filming with a GoPro was the last thing on my mind. For this trip, it took up space without adding much value.
J.Crew Tees
The J.Crew tees did not hold up well during long-term travel. They stained easily, stretched out quickly, faded after washing, and had to be thrown away after about two months. For a trip where every item in my suitcase needed to earn its place, these tees were not durable enough.
Natural Deodorant
I switched to natural deodorant and tried two different brands during the trip. Unfortunately, neither one worked well for me, and both gave me skin tags. This was one of the easiest items to regret packing, especially during a trip with hot weather, active days, and limited opportunities to do laundry.
If you have any questions about what I packed for my trip around the world, let me know in the comments.