You want packing tips? We got packing tips. You want tips on what type of gear to get? We got that, too! We love getting in touch with other RTW travelers to see what tips and suggestions they had for packing for a RTW trip, so be sure to check out all they had to say!

Get Gear in Advance

“Buy all the gear you need for your trip at the time of the year when the climate in your home country is closest to the one in your destination-country. And wear your gear for at least two days (even if it’s ridiculous). You don’t want to have any surprises once you are gone.” – Timo Luge

Open Toed Shoes Can be a No-No

Open-toed shoes will keep you out of more than swinging nightlife hotspots – it will also keep you away from some religious sites. Inquire ahead of time.

Consider Disposable Contact Lenses

If you wear permanent contacts, consider switching to disposable lenses. They’re less hassle and easy to replace. For the diehard permanent lenses-wearers, make sure you bring a spare set of permanent lenses, just in case.

Taking a Mobile Phone

Only take a mobile phone if a) you have lots of money and don’t care about roaming charges or b) you plan on staying in one area long enough that purchasing one when you’re on the road is worthwhile. You can also look into jailbreaking your phone and buying sim cards in each country while on the road.

GSM and Sim Cards

GSM phones work on more telephone systems around the world than any other phone. If you’re travelling from country to country, look into purchasing different prepaid SIM cards. SIM cards change your telephone number, but they also allow you to take advantage of in-country calling rates. The card usually comes with credit equal to the amount you paid, i.e. a SIM card costs 20 bucks and comes with 20 bucks worth of calling credit.

Europe and Australasia Cell Phones

In Europe and Australasia, mobile phones are charged per minute of use. With most companies, incoming local calls in your home area are free.

Top up Cell Phones

In Europe, you can purchase mobile phone credit ‘top up’ cards regardless of the country the phone originated in. For example, a Vodaphone mobile phone purchased in the U.K. can be topped up with cards from Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Italy and anywhere else Vodaphone credit is available.

Cell Phones in the US

In the United States, most mobile phone plans allow for free long distance and do not charge roaming fees for out-of-area code calls (i.e. a mobile phone bought in California can still be used in New York for the same price).

Things to Leave Behind When Traveling

Impractical things to bring on a RTW trip: wetsuit, cowboy boots, guitars, ski-jackets and significant others. Especially the last one. Just kidding. Kinda.

Pack a Small Calendar

A tiny calendar is nice to have around. You’ll be amazed at how fast you lose track of time when you’re on the road.

Pick the Cards you Want to Carry

Don’t bring the whole purse/wallet. Take out those grocery-store savings cards, those gas cards, frequent-buyer cards and anything else that you won’t be using.

Contact Lenses Need Backup Glasses

Contact lenses-wearers should bring a pair of glasses as back up. Glasses give your eyes a break and if you’re eyes are irritated, you’re not totally out of luck.

Pack Extra Set of Glasses

If you wear glasses every day, bring two pairs AND a prescription from your doctor. You never know when one pair will break, be forgotten on the Eurail, etc.

Things to Bring on an International Flight

Pillows, eye coverings, earplugs and your favorite blankie will all help you sleep on a long plane ride. A book, iPod, iPad, or similar device to waste time is also quite nice.

Bring Lotion on Flights

Your mouth isn’t the only thing that gets dry on a long flight: keep a small bottle of lotion on your carry-on bag to keep your skin moisturized and help protect you from bacteria.

Wide-Tooth Comb Vs. Brush

A wide-tooth comb takes up considerably less space than a brush and works only slightly less well.

Sunscreen Saver

Sunscreen is a must have addition to your gear, especially when travelling to countries near the equator. Don’t waste any of your trip laying miserably in a hostel room with aloe on your back. Consider bringing this from or at the very least not waiting to purchase it in a beach town – it will be considerable more expensive.

Leave the Glass

Glass sucks. Don’t bring it. This includes moisturizers, nail polish or other items. If you want to bring these things, transfer them to more durable plastic containers. Besides, with the liquid restrictions on planes these days, it’s a pain anyway. Remember that you can always get what you need in your destination.

Scissors Stay

Scissors are really nice to have, but make sure they’re in your checked luggage. They will get taken at security if you have them in your carry-on.

Tech Section

Considering bringing a laptop, PDA or other electronic device with you on the road? Check out our Tech Section for pros and cons on these objects and many more.

Pack the Cards

A pack of playing cards is indispensable on a long train ride or flight. It’s a great way to break the ice and meet new people at hostels, too.

Flip Flops

A $2 pair of flip flops may be too uncomfortable to wear all day walking around, but they’re great to use in hostel showers and a quick run to the bathroom. On the flip side (get it?), you can splurge on a nice pair of flip flops before leaving that will be comfortable to walk around in all day, are good for the beach, and hostel showers.

Snag a Sewing Kit

The tiny sewing kits that you get at hotels are worth packing. You never know when you’ll need small scissors, thread or buttons. Alternatively, just packing a needle, some thread, and a few buttons will work, too.

Dark Clothes are Your Friends

Dark clothes maintain their appearance longer than light clothes. Plus they cover up stains and whatnot. White clothes are definitely no-go.

Pack Athletic Socks

Cutesy socks with designs are fun, but they’re generally very thin and wear through easily. Ditch them in favor of thicker athletic socks – your feet (and pocketbook) will thank you later. Or if you’re planning on hiking a lot or will be in really hot climates, splurge on a few pair of merino wool socks. They are expensive, but they wick moisture away from your feet and do wonders at preventing blisters.

Pack a First Aid Kit

If you don’t plan on any intense excursions, a small first-aid kit containing an antibiotic cream and band-aids is still a recommended addition to your pack.

Flashlights are your Friends

Miniature keychain flashlights rock, and headlamps are even better. Pack up your bag in the dark, navigate at night in the car and shine lights at annoying people.

Fleece Will Warm You Up

A fleece is a great alternative to a sweatshirt if you plan on visiting only warm-climate locations. It’s also a great addition to your cold-weather gear as it is an excellent layering piece. Microfleece is even better as it’s super lightweight yet still warm.

Leave Behind Delicate Clothes

Do not bring any clothes that require hand-washing, ironing or other delicate care. After being crammed in the bottom of your bag and tugged on when you’re pulling it out, flimsy items do not last very long on the road.

Ditch Small Applicances

If you plan on living abroad for a significant amount of time, don’t bother to bring your hair dryer/toaster/small appliances. Although you could go through the hassle of using converters, it’s safer and easier to just buy new ones and sell or donate them when you leave.

Get Converters Before You Go

Although not impossible to find, it can be very difficult to find converters in another country. For example, if you are from the United States and are travelling to Australia, you will be able to find Australia-U.K. converters, Australia-U.S. converters and various other products, but United States-Australia may be impossible to locate. It’s best to get converters before you leave your home country.

Throw in the Rain Gear

If you plan on doing any trekking, bring the rain gear to back up your trip. Instant-covering garbage bags aren’t going to cut it during the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
In a pinch, a large garbage bag can be used as an insta-rain jacket. However, if you plan on doing any overnight hiking or camping trails, it’s better to invest in some real raingear, or at the very least a good water proof jacket and shoes.

Skip the Binoculars

Unless you’re into birdwatching, leave the binoculars at home. Even if they are the super small kind. You won’t use them nearly as much as you think you would.

Leave Pencils at Home

Unless you plan on sketching, leave the pencils at home. Lead is messy and unless you go with the mechanical option, chances are you’ll never have a chance to sharpen them once the pencil lead goes dull.

Pack Blue or Black Ink Pens

When packing pens, bring ones with black or blue ink. Customs officials don’t appreciate applications or arrival forms in sparkly silver, ever if you think it looks cool.

Leave Your Favorite Pen At Home

You can never have too many pens. Avoid bringing your favorite one, however, as there is a high chance that you’ll loose it.

Sarongs are Excellent Beach Towels

Want to take a compact, quick dry towel but you’re worried about your time at the beach? A sarong works great as a beach towel as is extremely light and compact.

Sarong to the Rescue!

A sarong can come to your aid while you’re in cold weather, too! Fold it length-wise and wrap it around your neck. Pull the two non-connecting ends through the loop and you’ll have a scarf to keep your neck warm.

Bring Clothes to Leave Behind

Bring some clothes that you can trash on the road –- junky sweatshirt or ratty t-shirt for example. Chances are, you’ll find nicer ones to replace them and you’ll need the extra space.

Sleeping Bags Are No-Nos

Many hostels do not allow sleeping bags due to bedbug infestations and other diseases. If you’re really against sleeping on sheets, pack up a Dreamsack or a bed sheet and use that as protection.

Add an Extra Duffel Bag to Your Pack

If you are only checking one item, throw a duffel bag in your rucksack. You’ll be glad you had it when your bag starts to overfill or you don’t have the time to pack everything perfectly before rushing off to your next destination. Keep in mind, however, that if you fill it, you’ll have to carry it, so don’t bring anything too large.

Zip Lock Bags Save Hassle

Zip-lock sandwich bags are great for keeping everything clean and organized in your bag. It’s especially important to keep makeup, shampoo and any other liquid separate from your clothes if you want to avoid a big mess and sticky bag.

Vacuum Bags Save Space

Reusable vacuum bags sound like a great idea…if you have a vacuum. Many hostels and hotels will let you borrow theirs if you ask nicely.

Grab the Quick Dry Towel

They cost a bit more than your average towel, but the quick-drying speed and size more than make up for the price of chamois. Pack one!

Eye Cover in a Pinch

If you forgot to snag the sleep shades that the airlines provided and you’re desperate for some eye-cover, use a light article of clothing as a substitute, such as part of a sarong or a shirt (just make sure it’s clean) and drape them over your eyes. Obviously, the darker, the better!

Ditch the Eye Shades

Unless you plan on using them a lot, don’t worry about buying eye shades. Most airlines provide them on long international flights and are perfectly fine in a pinch.

Bring the Ear Plugs

Earplugs are an essential travel item. They’re small, light and indispensable – especially when your bunkmate is snoring so loud you think a train is passing through the room.

Condense Your Technology

It’s amazing what a cell phone or a PDA can do nowadays. Consider all the functions your tech gadgets can do before dragging along another one. Many watches have alarm clocks, as do mobile phones. PDAs are great for organizing and some offer wireless connections. Check out the tech section for more.

Grab the Flask

If you have a flask, pack it! They’re small, easily transportable and great for storing extra booze without the big bottle.

Grab the Twist Ties

Twist ties/cable ties are a small little extra that you never expect to use, but always do. Throw some in your pack and use them for extra grip when your zipper breaks, or for a makeshift instant theft deterrent.

Pack Carabiners

Carabiners – you know, the clippy things that rock climbers use for their harnesses and everyone else uses with their water bottles – really come in handy for securing things. Make to grab a few. They come in more than just monster harness-holding size: smaller, lighter, thinner (and cheaper) ones will probably do you just as well on the road.

Double Up With the Bathers

Swimsuits can double as excellent undergarments. Run out of underwear? Your bathers will give you an extra day. Women with bikinis may also find uses in their tops.

Snip and Snap

Zip or snap on pant legs are pretty nifty things. Unfortunately, you look like a major dufus bending over to add on some material to the bottom of your shorts. Avoid wearing them in a hot-and-trendy city and unless you’re a sexy superstar, don’t push your luck and try wearing them into a club. But for everyday use or hiking, they’re great.

Looking Good in the Neighborhood

Men – always pack at least one button down shirt. You never know when you need to dress up – a hot date, a sudden job interview, you name it.

Hefty Lock Love

Although those small, cutesy mini-locks may be lighter and tinier, this is one item where it pays to bulk up in size: many hostels have self-lock lockers and the small lock loop can be too tiny to fit through the ring, rendering it useless.

Pack the Rugged Sandals

Don’t bring flimsy slip-on sandals. Easy slip on translates into easy slip-off. Instead, invest in some rugged sandals that will last for your whole trip – no matter if you walking the streets of Hong Kong or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Tevas and Chacos are two highly recommended brands.

Swiss Army Knives: Get One

Swiss Army knives definitely come in handy when you’re on the road. Need to open that bottle of wine when you’re on a train? No problem. Want to cut some bread and cheese while you’re riding on the bus? Easy! Looking to pick your teeth after the food fest? They’ve even got that covered.

Leatherman: An Awesome Tool

Don’t try to pack it on your carry-on bag, but a Leatherman is one of the best devices to have on the road. Knife, scisors, pliers and bottle opener all in one. What more could you ask for?

Frisbee Fun

Looking to have a little bit of outdoor fun on the road? Pack a frisbee – it can be easily tied or strapped on to a pack and can double as a plate – just make sure you wash it first!

Day Pack Rain Protection

When picking a day pack, look for one that can withstand the elements of rough and tough use and weather. You’ll be surprised by how many rainstorms you’ll get caught in – especially if you’re traveling to Asia during the rainy season.

Pack the Swimsuit

Don’t leave without a swimsuit, or undergarments that can double as such. Even if you don’t plan on swimming, you’ll be surprised at what offers come up while you’re on the road.

Ditch the Pillow

Don’t bring a pillow on the road. If you plan on camping, grab an extra pillowcase and stuff it full of dirty clothes. Plus, it’s a great way to keep all of your dirty clothes together!

Sleeping Bags, yes or no?

Unless you’re bringing a tent as well, there is no reason to bring a sleeping bag. Clean linens are almost always included in the price of a hostel room. A sleep sheet or liner will do the job when the linens are less than desirable – at a fraction of the size, and cost.

Attach Sleeping Bag Outside Your Pack

If you plan on packing a sleeping bag and will be strapping it to the outside of your back, consider investing in another, sturdier stuff sack. Because you will be constantly putting down and picking up your bag on the ground, on concrete, leaning against brick, etc., the chances of ripping or rubbing a whole in your stuff sack are very good.

Appropriate Sleeping Bags

If you insist on bringing a sleeping bag on your RTW adventure, invest in one that is appropriate for where you are going. If you’re sticking near the equator, there is no reason to drop 300 bucks on one that will keep you warm to -80 degrees.

Gadgets and Backpacks

When figuring out how to pack your rucksack, take advantage of the loops and gadgets connected to your bag. Elastic cords are great for holding in things, and the bottom is an excellent place for attaching a sleeping bag or bedroll.

RTW Shoes

Although hard core travelers may insist that the only shoes you need is a pair of hiking boots and set of sandals, social creatures know better. Make sure to bring some black shoes that will get you into a club as well (if you’re the clubbing type, that is).

Backpack Buying

When buying a backpack, make sure that it is absolutely, totally comfortable (within reason). Don’t take two steps with it on your back, and nothing in it, and decide this is the pack you want to carry on your back for the next year. Weigh it down (a reputable store will have weighted bags to put in a pack to test out), wander around the store (preferably in your hiking boots) and then decide if it’s something you’ll be able to stand. For more questions on travel gear, check out our forum.

RTW with Pets

It is very, very difficult to take a pet with you while travelling around the world. Some countries do not allow in pets from other nations and those that do can require quarantine times of up to 6 months. Best to leave Fluffy at home.

Must Bring: Plastic Shopping Bags

Plastic shopping bags are your best friends. Always keep a few extra around. They’re great for wrapping up food, storing extra stuff when you run out of room in your rucksack, separating wet or dirty clothes and great trash bags for train or plane rides.

Books in Your Bag

Books are heavy. Period. Ditch your country- or region-specific guidebooks as you leave the area. Many hostels will have book exchange areas. You can also donate them to a fellow traveller that is heading that direction. You may want to look into a Kindle, Nook, or some other e-reader if you’re an avid reader.

Leave the Wetsuit Behind

Unless your RTW trip is centered around diving or surfing, there is no reason to bring a wetsuit in your rucksack. Trust us. It’s heavy, bulky and although a great conversation start-up piece, not worth the room or 5 bucks you’d save by not renting one when you do hit the water.

Ditch Clothes

“Ended up ditching lots of clothes – could have taken less as it’s easy to pick up items to suit the climate wherever you are. Also, you can get second-hand guidebooks everywhere to save carrying them too far.” – Andrew Woods

Remove Old Luggage Tags

Remove old luggage-destination tags from baggage. Incorrect tags can cause confusion and lead to bag misplacement.

Pack Carry-on Carefully

Carry-on rules are always changing, so make sure you’re up to date on each country’s rules and regulations for what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on bag.

Pack Vitamins for Jet Lag and Sicknesses

Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants and can help with jet lag, stress and health. Double up before, during and after your flight. One of the best ways to fight colds is to take a lot of vitamin C, easy found in high quantities in orange juice. Many pharmacies also carry them in pill or tablet form.

Know Medicine Names

Some medicines carry similar packaging but different names overseas – or vice versa. The pharmacist may not be able to speak English to convey what it is you’re buying. If you have any specific over-the-counter meds besides common ones like aspirin and ibuprofen, it’s best to bring ‘em.

Bring Written Prescriptions

Bring all prescriptions with you when traveling for an extended period of time. If you can get your doctor to trust you, bring two copies in case you need to fill them in different places.

Check Expiration Date on Sunscreen

If you purchase sunscreen at a market, make sure that it is in a box or has the expiration date stamped on the bottle. Expired sunscreen is ineffective and will not protect you from the sun.

Put Soap in Plastic Container

Carry your soap in a plastic container – you can usually find one for less than $3 USD at any home furnishings store. They’re a lot less messy than plastic bags, and more durable.

Two-in-One Conditioning Shampoos

Two-in-one conditioning shampoos work great on short hair. However, if it’s any longer than two inches, your hair looks much better with separate shampoo and conditioner.

Cut Out Unnecessary Pages from your Guidebook

If you’re using a large guidebook to a general area, such as Let’s Go Europe or Southeast Asia on a Shoestring, and you will not be visiting some of the countries mentioned, use a sharp razorblade to cut out those sections of the guide to save room (and weight) in your pack.

Smaller Guide Books

The biggest name guidebooks aren’t always the best – because they are top sellers, the restaurants, hostels, and places they recommend are often crowded with others who use the same book. Just because you loved Lonely Planet Vietnam, it doesn’t mean that Lonely Planet China will be better than Lets Go China: different guidebooks are written by different authors, with various writing styles and areas of expertise. Check out some of the comparatively smaller names in the guidebook world such as Moon handbooks, DK Publishing and National Geographic (they have recently entered the field) for alternatives to the big-brand books.

Pack Socks for Train/Bus/Plane Rides

Always bring a pair of socks on long train/bus/plane rides. Even if it’s hot when you board your transportation, if there’s any AC at all, you’ll freeze.

Pack Handi (baby) Wipes

Handiwipes or babywipes rock while traveling. In addition to being a great way to clean your hands, they refresh you when you use them on your face. Particularly great on long plane, train, or bus rides.

Passing the Time on Trains/Buses

Even if you aren’t a writer or artist, bring a journal or small sketchbook. You’ll be glad you have one when you’re on a long train ride.

Keep Room in your Bag at All Times

If you’re cramming your bag full before you go, how will you have room for anything you pick up on the road? Try to build in space for objects because sending them home may cost you twice as much as the souvenir itself!

Ditch Pop Out Maps

Pop-out maps, although fun, are not practical. They are usually more delicate than other maps and can be ruined easily. Do not take pop-out maps on long trips.

Get a Map Before You Go

It is almost always best to have a city map BEFORE you arrive in a city. How else will you find the tourist office or your hostel? If you are bringing a smart phone, make sure an app like Google Maps has the city you’re going to in their system.

Think Hard About Bringing Big Items

Think extra hard about bringing a set of golf clubs, a guitar or a bike on a RTW journey. Not only are the items big and bulky and hard to transport, they are also very expensive to ship or fly with and can easily break.

Don’t Pack Hardcovers

Avoid carrying hardcover books unless you have a really really really good reason.

Skip the Jewelry

Ladies (and gentlemen) leave all jewelry, except for a pair of your favorite stud earrings and the necklace you never take off, at home. Small things such as earrings are easy to lose or misplace.

Break the Ice

Hacky-sacks, the round beanbags that are used in the kicking sport footbag are small and lightweight additions to your backpack, but are a great icebreaker when you’re standing around, waiting for a train.

Dirty Clothes – Contain the Smell

Save yourself some time and put your dirty clothes in plastic shopping bags and then pack them in your rucksack. It helps contain the smell, lets you know what you’ve already worn and makes for easy laundry – just pull out the bags and go!

Female Packing Tips

Makeup Melts

Makeup melts. Keep this in mind if you’re heading to a warm-weather destination and you’re fond of keeping some lipstick in your purse or bag.

Pack the Cotton

Ladies: leave the satin panties in the back of your underwear drawer. If you’re traveling in warmer climates, non-cotton undies can leave you with serious discomfort in the form of a yeast infection.

Ditch the Lacy Bras

Gals, when packing bras, leave the lacy ones at home. The lace tends to rip and is easily caught on clasps and various other components in the washing machine.