Overpacking can make travel uncomfortable, while forgetting essentials can lead to unnecessary stress. After lots of research, I have learned what is truly vital and what’s better left behind. Here’s my guide to help you pack the best way possible, as well as my own personal checklist.
Versatile Clothing
Your clothing choices need to be lightweight and loose, for both carrying on your back and the climate. Swimwear of course is an essential, along with comfortable sandals, flip flops, or crocs. I also recommend a light rain jacket or poncho in case of unpredictable rainfall, and a sarong or scarf for temples and beaches - but I have seen a lot of people buy these items out there!
Health & Hygiene
High-SPF sunscreen is a must – when doing my research, I have seen that sun cream is very expensive in SEA and may contain whitening agents. A basic first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and antiseptic will definitely come in handy, alongside hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Most insect repellents you can buy in local shops like 7 eleven, but one thing I have been recommended is mosquito repellent bracelets (which I will be taking with me).
Travel Gear
For any trips, a neck pillow is so important. I have seen suggestions online for blow-up pillows and memory foam pillows. After looking over multiple product reviews on Amazon, I opted for a memory foam compact pillow that can roll up and be secured in a small bag. I will report back and let you know if this was the right decision! Of course, I also had to buy a blackout sleep mask and noise cancelling ear plugs for busy hostels and chaotic bus journeys.
A lightweight backpack for small daily trips is also a necessity, but usually you can buy a larger backpack and a small one together. A dry bag is also useful to protect electronics from water damage on beach and boat trips, as well as a waterproof backpack cover to protect your whole backpack from water damage. Smaller but commended items also include padlocks, carabiners, and luggage wires.
Electronics
The first non-negotiable electronic item is a universal adapter. These commonly have USB, USB-C and European ports which can be used all at once, perfect for recharging all your devices. A reliable portable charger is also necessary for travelling, for big day trips and long journeys. Previous backpackers online also highly recommended a spare phone, covering your back in case your phone gets stolen or you drop yours in the sea. For book lovers, a kindle or book-reading app will become fundamental for your beach, travel, and chill days.
Documents & Money
Alongside your passport, you need physical and digital copies of your passport. These can act as a backup in case of emergencies. You will also need to investigate travel insurance options and choose the best provider for your trip. After Immy and I researched into multiple companies collecting their quotes, we went with Big Cat Insurance, who gave a great quote and specific cover for activities we plan on doing.
Specific banks can offer travel cards with unlimited fee-free withdrawals, access to all ATMs across SEA and the Mastercard exchange rate. After research and recommendations, I went with Monzo and Starling Bank.
My Checklist
Clothes
- Packing cubes
- Crocs
- Flip flops
Health & Hygiene
- Suncream
- Mini first aid kit
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Makeup wipes
- Vitamins
- Sanitary items
- Shampoo bar
- Hair mask/conditioner
- Face cleanser
- Tooth brush and toothpaste
- SPF lip balm
- Mini perfume
- Hairbands/headbands
- Small mirror
- Hanging toiletries bag
- Small makeup bag
- Mosquito bracelets
- Clothing travel wash
- Silk hair bonnet
- Mesh soap bags
- Shower cap
- Mesh laundry bag
Travel Gear
- Travel neck pillow
- Blackout sleep eye mask
- UNIQLO Bag
- Small drawstring bags
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Microfibre towels
- Padlocks x2
- Carabiners
- Security wires
- Ear plugs
- Waterproof dry bag
- Fan
- Water bottle
Electronics
- Small power bank
- Wired earphones
- AirPods
- Air Tag
- Mini speaker
- Cable organiser
- Chargers (phone, AirPods, speaker)
Extras
- Travel journal
- Jewellery box
- Travel wallet
- Passport cover
- Sunglasses