It would’ve been much easier to make a video of this, but due to my fear of speaking on camera, you’re getting a typed out blog post. For reference, here are a few of my favorite packing videos that are similar to my trip. In no particular order: 1, 2, 3. There are a bazillion videos out there, but here are a couple that I took some good notes from.

PSA: I’ve made a Pinterest board for planning the destinations of my trip with sections for each country + city, which I’ll link out here in case anyone else is interested in looking at it. If you’re curious about what I’m doing abroad in general, check out my Backpacking Diaries Posts, BUT if you’ve come looking for packing advice, you’re in the right spot!

What I’m Bringing

(Master List located at the bottom if you’d like to skip down)

Here’s a fun little photo of my first draft of a packing list just for kicks and gigs, but also to emphasize that planning isn’t a one stop shop. It takes time to think through the difference between what you want and what you actually need. It’s a mental game if you ask me.

I’ve heard more than a couple times that when deciding what to pack you should lay it all out and cut it in half … and then cut that in half again. I promise I went through a lot of cuts, even though to some this may look like a lot of clothing.

Packing for several seasons is what makes things tricky. The main goal is to bring pieces so that no matter what top or what bottom you pull out of your bag they will go together. I’m a big fan of the layering trend, so I did my best to make sure that my tank tops and dresses would look good on top of long sleeve or t-shirt options as well.

Below are all the clothes I have packed in my bag for 3 months, and several different kinds of weather. The only thing not featured is the last minute gloves and hat I threw in. (Updated: I’m so thankful that I decided bring these items because I’ve absolutely needed them for places like Iceland.)

Next up is my airport outfit and packing cubes. Everything you saw previously is now inside one of three zipper packing cubes. You need to purchase packing cubes, it’s as simple as that. It’s doable, but difficult to keep things straight without them. Packing cubes make it easy to quickly find things in a dark hostel, which is key while traveling. And they also pack down really nicely! They’re sold super cheaply off amazon too.

When it comes to packs, I’m biased because I believe that mine is superior to all. The Osprey Fairview 40L in Rainforest Green has done nothing but increase my quality of life. The 40L fits in the overhead bin of every airline I’ve ever flied and it’s not too much to lug around on my back. In my opinion, you should only select a larger bag if you’re bringing camping gear with you.

The other small essential items are featured in their own photos below, but if you’re interested in another post that shows you everything I have in detail, please let me know in the comments below!

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Master List

• Boots
• Running Shoes
• Thong Flip Flops
• Heavy Coat
• 2 Turtle Necks
• Cardigan
• Sweatshirt
• Joggers
• Jean Shorts
• Jean Skirt
• Blue Jeans
• Black Leggings
• Sleep Shorts
• White Tee
• Tank Top
• 2 Muscle Tank Tops
• Sleep Shirt
• 2 Swimsuits
• Dress
• 2 Bralettes
• 10 Pairs of Underwear
• Sports Bra
• 5 Pairs of Socks
• Hairbrush + Hair Ties
• Razor
• Motion Sickness Bands
• Medicine
• First-Aid Kit
• Retainers
• Floss
• Tooth Brush
• Reusable Cotton Swab
• Nail Clippers
• Workout Bands
• 2 Towels
• Tripod
• Cup + Bowl + Spork
• Laptop + Cell Phone
• Chargers + Headphones
• Books + Notebook
• Portable Charger + Adapters

Disclamer: All opinions are my own & I’m not receiving any payment if you purchase any items.