Here are the BEST tried-and-tested long term travel essentials in 2024 and beyond – from travel clothes to photo gear that I have been using for years (9 years on the road, to be exact) to my travel packing list I use every trip! I’ve tried SOOO much different travel gear over the years, so if an item has made it to this list, it has my full stamp of approval.
I have been planning this article for YEARS and it is finally here! I am happy to finally announce my comprehensive list of WHAT’S IN MY BAG. These are my long-term travel gear must-haves, recommendations, and travel products I can’t live without.
I’m not the most materialistic person so I used to try and just use whatever works. But since becoming a blogger I have begun to try out different products that I could actually use myself and recommend. And now I bring this list to you!
If you are going on a trip soon, you might want to dip into this little list and see if you can supplement your suitcase with some helpful supplies. The below items are great for long-term travel, but also good for any kind of travel and simply make your life easier on the road!
Best Random Long-Term Travel Essentials
Here are the things that don’t fit into a category but are travel essentials nonetheless. Underneath each is why I love them and use them myself!
iPhone Case with a Cord/Crossbody Sling Strap
If you met me from 2021 onwards, you would have noticed my phone hanging on a cord around my neck like a purse. Some people think it’s silly, some think it’s smart, and others are confused by it, but let me tell you having your phone on a cord is a GAME CHANGER.
When I moved to Barcelona for the summer of 2021, I knew it was famous for pickpockets and I didn’t have the best track record with putting my phone down in random places and accidentally leaving it there (and having a massive freakout 5 minutes later).
If you can relate… you NEED one of these. You never need to worry about which pocket your phone is in or where it is in your bag. It’s just ON you at all times in a way that is convenient yet not annoying at all. It can sit under a purse for the ladies or even in a jacket pocket. You are then forgetfulness-proof AND pickpocket-proof. Win!
Budget: I used to have a basic cord case like the first photo on the left. This is super cheap yet durable and adjustable!
Splurge (Only about $10 More): I have ordered this crossbody phone case several times, and it’s my FAVORITE. It has a little wallet on the back that pops out and can even prop up the phone to take a photo with. It’s durable and adjustable and has space for multiple cards, change, and cash.
Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco-Sheets
I was indifferent when my mum made me put these in my bag when I left for another long-term trip, but let me tell you these are INCREDIBLE. You can carry 60 LOADS of laundry detergent in a tiny, convenient, nice-smelling flat packet.
Never again do you have to pay for the detergent in the laundromat or try and buy a cheap bag at the store only to end up hauling it around your next destinations with you. I think I’ll use these amazing little detergent sheets for the rest of time.
Travel Water Bottle
It’s very important to have your own reusable travel water bottle when on the road for ANY amount of time, long or short term. Sustainability has never been more important, and if you can avoid using any plastic bottles, the Earth will thank you!
Many destinations, airports, and hotels have water refill stations, and chances are you can get away with using less plastic on most trips now, even when you can’t drink tap water. Stock up on a water bottle you can call your own, and even decorate it with stickers from your travels.
Standard Bottle: Hydro Flask/ThermoFlask – Many people use the HydroFlask brand of water bottle, but I find that the ThermoFlask is pretty much the same but cheaper! I have one of these right now and it’s trustworthy, durable, and keeps water nice and cold. I have tons of peeling stickers on it so it might need a clean, but they last forever! IT even comes with 2 lids.
Space Saving Travel Water Bottle: Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle – These bottles are amazing and made for travel! They’re a great size for travel but when you’re done they FOLD UP super neatly and conveniently with a little strap that hooks it in shape. This way you don’t need to waste space when your bottle is empty!
Splurge for Outdoors: LARQ Water Bottle PureVis – If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink tap water or where you will be doing a lot of outdoor adventures, hiking, or camping, you might want to invest in a self-cleaning/UV purifying water bottle that can make any water drinking quality. I recommend Larq – they’re cute, too.
Fluentalk T1 Mini Handheld Translator Device
This is a newer of my long term travel essentials that I absolutely LOVE. This tiny, credit-card-sized device can instantly translate between THIRTY SIX languages!!! The future is truly here.
It includes one year of data (which means you can have instant conversations through the translator in two languages anywhere, anytime). For travel through countries where the language is completely foreign, this thing can be a godsend. It can do Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and of course about 30 more.
When learning a few words is not enough, this thing makes up ALL the ground. I actually wrote a review about my experience using this device here, so check that out or the website below.
Combination Locks
I ALWAYS have a combo lock on me while traveling long term, as it could come in handy for many different reasons. If you are like me, you may end up spending a night or 2 in a hostel (or spend your whole trip in them) to save some money. Hostels have lockers, but usually require you to use your own lock to keep your stuff safe.
Sometimes I use these locks to lock the zippers of my bag together for extra precaution, too. You never know when you’ll need it, so it’s good to have. These ones are even TSA-approved, have long locks you can use them on luggage, and are affordable.
Face Mask and Earplugs
Some long-term travel essentials I ALWAYS have with me are a face mask and earplugs. Sometimes your hotel is on a noisy street, sometimes you stay in hostels with other people around, and other times your curtains do NOT block the morning light properly. Sleep while traveling is SO important!
A face mask and some pairs of earplugs are some of the easiest travel essentials to have on you at all times. They’re cheap, too! I love my unicorn face mask and recommend you get a cute/silly one too for maximum fun.
I recommended some reusable earplugs below and also some soft/moldable silicone ones as I find the gooey ones are MUCH easier on my ears when I’m sleeping.
Quick-Drying/Small Microfiber Towel
Ok, I would be lying if I said I ALWAYS had a small or quick-dry towel with me on the road – sometimes I just use my sarong as I mentioned above, and hope that hotels will provide a towel. But I’m not always so lucky.
Having one of these tiny-pack quick-dry towels is extremely useful on the road, especially long term. There’s nothing worse than a wet smelly towel in your bag or paying for one at your accommodation.
Best CLOTHING Essentials for Long Term Travel
Black Leggings
Black leggings are probably my NUMBER ONE GO-TO long-term travel essential. I always have at least one, if not two pairs with me on the road because they are good for literally everything. You can wear them to a yoga class, and then under a cute top for a night out. You can sleep in them. You can wear them on the place. They’re versatile and go with everything.
Currently, I have a pair of cheaper polyester leggings and also a warmer spandex pair that’s more suited for hiking and cold. See the two options below:
Budget: These polyester leggings come in a 2-pack online for less than $10 a pair. My philosophy: take as many pairs as you can 😛
Splurge: Eddie Bauer Tight trail leggings – these are AMAZING and so durable, with zipper pockets and a little pocket at the top too! They won’t get holes like the ones above did for me!
Waterproof Shell Rain Jacket
This is another MUST essential packing item for travel. I don’t care if you are spending a week in Mexico or 6 months in Europe – you NEED a waterproof jacket, and preferably a shell jacket that folds up small. I speak from experience when I say, you do NOT want to be caught in a surprise rainstorm without one.
Budget: I have had this jacket for a while and have absolutely no complaints. It’s a bit thicker than some shells I’ve had but it still folds up small and works a charm.
Splurge: If you’re all about the quality and the brand, then check out this Marmot waterproof lightweight jacket. It also comes in 3 colors!
Balance of Clothes
Just as a quick packing tip, try and have a good balance of shorts, pants, tank tops, tees, and long sleeve shirts that can layer and go with each other. The best way to do this is have a good balance of solid colors, black/grey/beige/white/other colors that go with everything, and some patterns that also match with a few other items.
You may want to have ONE big puffy jacket that you can usually carry on your arm if it won’t fit in any bags. See my video below for more as well as using packing cubes (link below)
Cover-Ups/Kimonos
A GREAT way to add fun to any outfit is with a kimono, cover up, or similar. You can wear the same black leggings, boots, and crop top every day with a different kimono and maybe necklace. I legitimately do this. See the photos above!
Sarong
I also always have a sarong on me while traveling, no matter where I am. I use sarongs so much that I usually go through one a year or more as they get so worn and torn. What can you use a sarong for? Let’s see:
- a towel
- a cover-up when swimming
- a cute wrap skirt or dress
- a scarf or headwrap in the cold
- a cushion for your camera in a backpack
- a blanket on the plane
- and more! Sarongs are long term travel ESSENTIALS for females! I usually haggle for them in local markets but I usually have a cute patterned cloth sarong like the one below:
Swimsuit
Obviously you NEED a swimsuit if you are going to travel long or short term. You never know when there will be a nice pool, jacuzzi, hot spring, or beach, and you MUST be prepared.
I know that swimsuits are different for everyone so I am not going to link a product or brand but rather make a recommendation: always have a black swimsuit top and a black swimsuit bottom that you can mix and match with tops and bottoms of different colors and maybe a one piece!
I have a black top that ties like 20 different ways that I recommend – it’s a regular triangle top in black and I wear it ALL the time.
Pashmina/Scarf
This is another long term travel ESSENTIAL because you can use it in SOOO many different ways. A scarf/pashmina is similar to a sarong but tends to keep you warm more than keeping cool. But, it can still do both. Above are photos of me using my pashmina in 3 different ways.
Hats for Travel
These are the hats I usually have. I often pack them flat in a smaller compartment of my suitcase lke a bit of an afterthought.
- One sun hat with a wide brim, foldable if possible. These are great for photos but can be annoying to pack. I have a foldable one which is MUCH more convenient than some stiff brimmed hats. These are also great for photos.
- One bucket hat: I LOVE my bucket hat because it’s fun, great to block the sun, great for parties or festivals, and great for bad hair days. I wear this the most out of all my hats. It’s like this one.
- One snapback/baseball cap: Works for excursions, hikes, runs, or certain fashion days.
- One Beanie: If you are going somewhere cold. Beanies are tiny and cal usually squeeze in your bag somewhere.
Sunglasses
Obviously, you need sunglasses no matter where you are traveling. I’m not going to tell you which ones look best on your face, but I will share with you a link to the ones I have purchased literally 5 times on Amazon (I never buy fancy sunnies as I always ruin them). Here they are.
Best Shoes for Travel
I have traveled with all kinds of shoes over the years – some great and some I would never travel with again. Here are the best.
Waterproof Versatile Sneakers
Loom Footwear are the ever-versatile sneaker-running shoe combo. They come in black or white, and are great as running shoes but cute enough to wear out on the town and to events. They’re perfectly low-key enough to go with anything. And they’re waterproof, too – perfect for hiking or rainy days!
I’ve already gone through a couple of pairs of Loom footwear while on the road, simply because I wear them to EVERYTHING. Going on a run? Loom footwear. Going to a festival? Loom footwear. Walking around a new city all day? Loom footwear.
Tevas – Comfy Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals are something I never thought I would get into, but once I tried Tevas I was sold. These babies are EPIC – they’re super versatile and perfect for traveling in hot destinations where you don’t feel like putting your feet into a hot sweaty sock/shoe but still want comfort and the ability to go for miles.
I’ve had the same pair for so long that I can’t find the same color online, but the design is exactly like the pair below. They ar great for walking around a new city all day, hiking a mountain, or just everyday wear, too.
Birkenstocks
Yep, it’s true. These are one of the pairs of travel shoes I cannot live without. For some reason some people make fun of birks, but my theory is that those people have never slipped on a pair of properly broken-in birks that are perfectly molded to their feet. They’re durable, they LAST, and they are so comfy. Team Birks forever.
Other Travel Shoes
Besides a pair of trainers/running shoes (that should usually be wearable for other occasions), hiking sandals, and birkenstocks, I sometimes pack:
ONE pair of cute travel shoes (like flats or cute strappy sandals): When Teva’s don’t cut it for a cute night out (and let’s face it, they wouldn’t work for something fancy), I like to have a cute pair of flats just in case. I usually pack a VERY small flat pair so they hardly take up any space and pack easily next to another pair of shoes.
Black ankle boots or similar: Even in warm destinations, I find that a pair of black ankle or combat boots (like Doc Martins) are AMAZING to have (and usually to wear on the plane). A good pair of these works for so many occasions, such as being cute with a dress, comfy to walk around cities all day, cute AND comfy with black leggings, or even to go hiking in if they are comfy enough. I currently have a great pair of knockoff Doc Martins like this.
Converse: You can’t go wrong with a pair of connies. I don’t bring these on EVERY trip, but a pair of solid tennis shoes is always a good idea if you have room. You won’t always need a pair as the running shoes/boots can fill the same function, but they’re good to keep in mind. I usually have a classic pair of chucks.
Best Packing Necessities for Travel
Here are the game-changing long term travel essentials that help with packing, organizing, and keeping things where they need to be.
AmazonBasics Packing Cubes
I SWEAR by these. I have had them for years. The Amazon Basics packing cubes below come with 2 large and 2 medium packing cubes, but I have only ever used three – one large one for tops, the other large one for bottoms, and one small one for undergarments and swimsuits.
The 3 packing cubes fit wonderfully whether you are backpacking with a large backpack OR using the cutcase I recommend below. The size is perfect, and organizing your clothes like this makes it feel like you have mobile drawers to keep things neat. See the video below for how I pack them.
Smaller Daypack Backpack
I always pack at least one smaller backpack in my bag because I am not going to want to wear my huge backpack everywhere. Sometimes you have a small day trip, a hike, or a festival where you just need a mini backpack to carry a couple of things around.
I have one cute leather one for nicer events and another miniature backpacking backpack with straps and compartments similar to the ones below. You may also want to consider a foldable day pack that folds back up into itself for maximum space saving.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
A hanging toiletry bag is another absolute travel packing essential that I ALWAYS have, no matter if my trip is 3 days or 9 months. I have had 3-4 different hanging toiletry bags over the last 10 years and I find it best to have at least 2 larger compartments with some smaller ones. The ones below are great – one cuter and one cheaper.
I haven’t listed out ALL the toiletries that I bring, but check this video below for an idea of how I pack toiletries for long-term travel:
Best Suitcases and Backpacks for Travel (The Bags I Use)
Samsonite Rolling Duffel with Compartments
I ended up with this bag completely randomly, and now I am on my second one. If you are the type who LOVES different compartments and being able to separate your stuff conveniently and easily, you NEED this suitcase… er, I mean, wheeled duffel. Wheeled duffers are the vibe.
This type of bag mixes the best of all suitcase worlds. It has two main compartments – one on the bottom and one on the top. You can access the top compartment from the bottom OR the top, there are other compartments along all the sides of the top compartment, there’s another zip pocket on the top, AND there are two larger compartments on either side. Oh, AND there are backpack straps if you wanted to wear it on your back!
I put different things in each one – shoes and one packing cube in the bottom, other packing cubes/bags and toiletries in the top, and extra stuff in the sides. MY exact bag isn’t available online right now, but I linked two similar ones below. I think the make is called Andante.
Solgaard Check-in Closet Suitcase with Built-In Hanging Closet
After many years with the rolling duffels above, I have finally swapped to an EPIC suitcase as of this year. I have a Solgaard Check-in Closet, which is a large-sized aluminum suitcase that snaps closed. It has a TSA lock, 4 wheels, and a completely innovative built-in closet that you can hang in the closet when you get to your destination.
I have traveled with every different kind of suitcase under the sun and I can CONFIDENTLY say that this one is my favorite. The convenience of opening your suitcase and having an immediate, hangable closet is unmatched. And yes, I did some content for them as you can see above, but I’m never swapping suitcases again!!
Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack
To be honest, I was never on team ‘expensive backpack’ until I got this bad boy. I made my way around the world with cheap backpacks (always ones that had many compartments, of course) for SO long until Manfrotto reached out to me and sent me this incredible piece of wearable technology I reviewed here. I will never go back.
Yes, this is a camera backpack, but listen… I think this thing would be great for anybody. It comes with more velcro dividers than you could possibly need, which you can organize inside the main compartment in any way you’d like and access it from a few points using the zipper design.
You can use the different compartments for cameras (it’s fantastic to be able to organize the bag depending on your equipment using the different sizes of dividers), OR you can use the compartments for literally anything that you like. The main compartment can be divided up to keep equipment safe, or to keep your clothes seperate from your food.
The top compartment (also with tiny dividers) can separate all the things you’d usually have in the ‘random sh*t’ compartment of your backpack (we all have one). There’s a separate laptop sleeve, secret-looking side compartment, water bottle holders, front zip, TONS of extra straps, tripod attachment loops, and even an attached TSA lock. Best backpack EVER.
Travel Camera Equipment Packing List for Different Budgets
It’s no secret that I have a lot of different camera equipment for travel. I now pack most of my stuff in the backpack above, but it hasn’t always been this way. I will share some great camera bags for travel and also the cameras that I use now and have used in the past on more of a budget.
My Cameras / Best Cameras for Travel
I think it’s very important to have a camera to record all your travel memories with. I know most people use their phones these days, but nothing can replace the quality of a good camera. I have always had a big DSLR (now a mirrorless) but I have recommended a smaller camera for those who don’t place as much emphasis on photography!
Budget DSLR: Nikon d3500 – I had this camera for YEARS and years (well I had the d3300 but now it’s the 3500). It’s a wonderful entry-level DSLR with good quality and capabilities for a crop frame camera. It’s a perfect camera to get used to shooting with a big camera and learn lots of skills.
Splurge DSLR: Nikon D780 – This is the newer version of the camera I have now (the D750), and I love it! Nikon has a d850 out too but in all honesty it’s not much better than the d750/d780 (in fact I prefer the d750) and WAY more expensive. This is a fantastic full-frame DSLR you can use with tons of lenses and get incredible content with.
Budget Mirrorless: Sony a6000 – The Sony a6 series are a fabulous mirrorless camera series that are more compact and affordable than many other cameras on the market today. I will suggest the entry level camera for the sake of budget and ease of use, but check out the further cameras in the series to upgrade.
Splurge Mirrorless: Sony a7riii – This was my DREAM CAMERA for SOOOOO many years, until Eliot and I finally purchased it in 2021 for a series of even photography jobs we had in Mexico. I love it SO much. I have always been a Nikon gal but the Sony has taken over the top spot for the camera I prefer to shoot with. It’s the smartest camera I have ever had.
We have a Tamron 28-75 lens first and foremost for this camera that takes care of most shots we ever need.
Go Pro: I have always traveled with a Go Pro which gets all the shots that my other cameras can’t… underwater, adventures, outdoors, and more. Go Pros have an amazing fish eye wide angle lens leading them to be able to capture a lot more than other cameras, especially during adventurous activities or filming yourself. I currently need a new one but the most recent one on the market is below.
Best Drone for Travel: DJI Mavic Series
I LOVE my drone (which is the version before the Mavic 3, the Mavic 2 Pro). I am sure that a smaller drone such as a mavic air/mini might be more convenient for travel, but my Mavic 2 Pro (his name is Alejandrone) folds up NICE and small, flies very long distances, and gets some of the best shots I’ve ever gotten in my life!
If you are just starting out with drones and want to give them a try for a cheaper price and a smaller product, check out the mini. It’s cute and VERY small. Check DJI for deals … they usually offer incredible Black Friday deals.
Best Camera Bag for Travel
Splurge: I already mentioned my FAVORITE Splurge camera bag above, the Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Camera Backpack. See abve for the description or here for the link.
Budget: NEEWER Flexible partition padded camera bag – this was our tried-and-trusted camera bag until I got the one above. This camera bag also has flexible dividers that you can move around to fit your gear. Somehow we were able to fit two DSLR’s AND a Drone in here with extra lenses and carry it around the world for two years. Love this bag, would 100% buy again.
My Tripods / Best Tripod for Travel:
Budget: The AmazonBasics tripod is more than adequate. I actually used this tripod for longer than I would like to admit before upgrading to the one below. If you are on a budget or unsure about tripods, try this one out.
Splurge: Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced – This tripod is INCREDIBLE and truly professional. If you want something top-notch, try this one.
Essential Electronics from Long Term Travel
And there is still more! Could this be the most extensive packing list ever? It’s not easy to pack for long trips, but I hope this guide is helping.
Laptop
A Laptop is one of the main essentials for long term travel especially if you plan on working (which most people will need to do if traveling long term). I have always and will always have a Mac. I’ll be the first to admit that Apple has an absolute hold on me and that I don’t think I am capable of moving away from them now… as annoying as they can be sometimes.
I have a MacBook Pro 16 inch – I upgraded from the 13 inch a few years ago when I learned that the basic version of the 16 inch has the same features as the upgraded version of the 13 inch. Better processing for photography etc.
Laptop Case
It is PARAMOUNT that you keep your super expensive laptop safe. Take it from me, the person who has probably had the most computer issues while traveling out of everyone in the world. I have the laptop case below and I think it’s the best I have had (with compartments – you know I love compartments). It even protected my laptop from spilled water on the plane once. And it’s cute.
Power Bank
A power bank is another true travel essential. You never know when you won’t have time to charge your phone or camera batteries and need to charge on the fly. Power banks are amazing for long days, flights, festivals, and just to have a backup power supply at all times.
We have the 2 Pack Miady 20000 power bank, and these things last FOREVER. They takes ages to charge but you can charge a phone and cameras multiple times on one charge. We ordered the exact pair below recenty.
Headphones
Everyone needs some music in their ears while traveling… whether it’s to have those existential moments staring out the window on the train or to drown out the baby on the plane. I have had everything from super fancy expensive headphones to a pair I got in a random electronics shop in Jordan. Here are some to look at:
Budget: Tozo t6 True Wireless Earbuds – I had these for a while until they mysteriously disappeared while on the road. They’re under $30, fine quality, and they have over 200k reviews on amazon.
Splurge: Jaybird Headphones – I got a pair of these for Eliot for his birthday one year and they lasted him YEARS. Thse are true top-of-the-line quality headphones and worth investing in f you spend a ton of time listening to music – traveling, at work, and more. The current model is below.
Universal Adaptor
To be completely honest, I usually travel with about 10 different singel adaptors and I have picked up over the years. But I do NOT recommmend that. I recommend getting ONE, GOOD universal adaptor that has a ton of USB slots and a USBC slot as well as plug slots so you can plug everything in at once, everywhere. The one below is a game changer.
I will no doubt be adding more long term travel essentials to this packing list over time – let me know what products you have questions about or would like to see! Thanks for reading!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.