THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR YOUR TRIP ABROAD

After months of research and planning, we were finally ready to embark on what would be the trip of a lifetime (and the birth of an exciting new venture, this very blog!). 4 full months of travel to 45 different destinations, in 21 different countries. The flights were booked and reservations, reserved.

Everything was sorted except for the one, most crucial, and most final item on our checklist...

... And we had no idea where to start. There was a lot of guidance out there for week-long or short term holidays, but nobody could tell us how to pack for 4 entire months.

So how'd we do it??

Find out below, as we list our top, non-negotiable essentials you should bring on any trip.

#1 - Sturdy, Pliable Luggage

This is probably the most important purchase you will make for your trip. How you transport your stuff from airplane, to bus, to car, to boat can be the difference between stressful or carefree travel.

We chose to ONLY use carry-on luggage throughout our trip, and absolutely loved our Osprey Fairview 36 Wheeled Travel Backpack for all the reasons below:

• Fits overhead on Easyjet, Ryanair, Wizzair and the majority of the discounted airlines that travel all over the continent (trust us, we rode 'em all)

• Comfortably fits 7-9 days worth of clothes, and 2-3 pairs of shoes (depending on bulkiness)

• Sturdy wheels stand up well to cobblestone alleys, and hidden straps unzip for the most difficult terrain

• Outer pockets and clips made traveling easier

• The front zipper opens like a suitcase, so you can easily access the entire bag

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#2 - Packing Cubes

This is the SECOND most important purchase you will make, because packing cubes are absolutely crucial to keeping your bag organized. We love these cute Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes because:

• Comes with a laundry and shoe bag (great for keeping your clean clothes clean!)

• The light color makes items easier to spot in your bag, especially in the dark

• Allows for easy organization (organize by underwear & socks, tops & jackets, and bottoms) which makes packing and unpacking quicker and easier, especially when you're on the go every few days

#3 - Toiletry Bags

If you decide to "carry on" your luggage, you'll need to store all of your liquids in a quart-sized bag. We highly recommend using these Lermende Clear Toiletry Bags so you can...

• Cut down your time spent rearranging liquids in the security line

• Keep leakage contained (these bags have sturdy zippers, and seal completely) if your travel-sized shampoo explodes during takeoff

• Keep all your liquids organized and together

#4 - Travel-Sized Toiletries

Obviously, little travel-approved bottles of soap, shampoo and conditioner likely won't get you through a 4 month-long trip. We bought travel-sized toiletries as we-went, refilling & conserving where possible. Some tips we discovered along the way, for those traveling for longer than one week:

• Sephora has store locations all over Europe, and has a great selection of hair and skin products that will meet your 100ml max

• This trip is a great moment to reassess what products you use at home, and try some new ones

• It's also a perfect moment to learn that less is more — only bring the products you ABSOLUTELY can't live without. When you're back home, stick to this minimalist approach!

Whatever you end up packing in your quart-sized bag, for longer stays, consider bringing this travel-sized bottle of Dr. Beckmann's Travel Wash. Staying in mostly airbnbs, we made sure to have access to laundry facilities, but this travel wash came in handy more often than not, when we needed underwear in a bind!

#5 - Mini First Aid Kit

From sandal-induced blisters, to painful bee stings (yes, both were very real experiences for us), a first-aid kit is a must-pack, especially when you're on the go, and need immediate treatment. We love this Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit because...

• It's small, compact and includes just the essentials you'll need for your trip

• Comes with safety pins, sting relief wipes, and multiple sizes of bandages, which are very useful for blisters, cuts or scrapes

• The reflective tin is easy to spot in your bag

#6 - Pill Organizer

Keeping important medications on you during your travels can save you from the big headache of trying to find drugs you might need urgently, in a different country. Use this cute Pill Organizer to:

• Safely store and carry pain killers, allergy pills, fever reducers, antacids, or any other medications that will come in handy during your travels

• Keep medications separate and organized

• Save space (no lugging around giant pill bottles)

• JUST A NOTE: If you take prescription meds, talk to your doctor before your trip about obtaining enough to cover you through your entire trip. Always pack your meds in your carry-on luggage.

#7 - Space-Saving Water Bottle

This Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle packs easily and is a great way to stay hydrated while on the go.

• Saves space in your bag, rolls up when not in use

• Well-made, sturdy and comfortable to drink from (no spillage on those stop-and-go bus rides)

• Leak-proof, BPA-free and dishwasher safe

#8 - A Travel Adapter

We used this Unidapt Universal Travel Adapter non-stop for two entire years, and are still using it for our UK-based appliances in the US today. We love it because...

• It charges multiple devices at once, with 5 USB ports

• Works on travel hair dryers*, shavers, laptops, curling irons, hair straighteners, tablets, bluetooth speakers and headphones

• Works in the UK, US & EU

*Max output at 110V is 880W, and at 230V is 1840W so check your hair dryers before plugging in!

#9 - A Passport & Document Wallet

It's incredibly important to dedicate functional space in your luggage for your personal documents to live. We highly recommend purchasing this Zoppen RFID Travel Passport Wallet & Documents Organizer because it...

• Holds your passport, travel documents, credit cards, money, ID and other crucial items all in once place

• Zips up so less chance of accidentally dropping a rouge credit card or boarding pass

• Comes with a pen holder so you can always have one handy!

#10 - Your Personal Item

This bag plays a crucial role in the success of your trip. We love this LIGHT FLIGHT Laptop Backpack because:

• It's comfortable on your back, but includes a luggage strap for easy stacking

• It's roomy but passable as an under-the-seat "personal item" for air travel (the dimensions are slightly larger than what's stated on Ryanair's website, but we had no issues!)

• It holds your 15.6 inch Laptop, & includes a charging cord slot which provides easy access to your portable charger

So there you have it. Whether you are studying abroad, or spending a long weekend in Paris — don't leave home without these must-have items. Take it from our experience, they will go a long way in making your trip all the more enjoyable!

Buon viaggio!