In 2022, I quit my job and traveled the world solo. It was a big decision, as I was putting my life in Canada on hold for a year. I also chose to pack light for this journey, which was new for me. This year-long adventure involved getting off the beaten path with only a carry-on, so no checked baggage. I am sharing my carry-on packing list for that journey and the trips I continue to take to this day.
If you are interested in learning more about traveling off the beaten path read my blog My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology
Choosing the Right Carry-On Backpack
One of the most important decisions for long-term solo travel is choosing the right backpack. With so many options available, the process can feel overwhelming. I was looking for something compact that wasn’t like carrying one of those towers three feet over your head. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my drift. I wanted a backpack that was easy to carry on buses, trains, planes, and automobiles.
I began visiting hiking stores like Sporting Life, MEC (Mountain Equipment Company), and Altitude Sports in search of the perfect carry-on backpack. Then, one day, while at MEC, I met the Osprey Farpoint 40, and it was love at first sight. The Farpoint 40 is a compact backpack that holds much more than it looks and is surprisingly a 40-litre backpack. People are always shocked when I tell them I traveled the world with this backpack after sharing my packing list. The Farpoint 40 currently sells for about CAD 249.
How I Pack Light for Long-Term Travel
You may wonder how this dude fits a year’s worth of clothes and toiletries into a backpack. Of course, that is impossible, and I doubt that’s going through your mind. In a nutshell, I pack a week’s worth of clothes and do laundry on the road. Most hotels and hostels offer wash-and-fold laundry services on the cheap, especially in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. It typically costs just a few dollars, depending on the region you are in.
Listen to my carry-on packing list Podcast
Clothes That I pack in my Carry-On for Long-Term Travel
I mentioned that I pack one week’s worth of clothes, so here is the complete carry-on packing list. To save even more space in my backpack, I often wear my jeans and hoodie when traveling unless it’s extremely hot. Other than that, everything else is straightforward.
- 7 t-shirts
- 7 pairs of socks (I’m all about the socks)
- 1 pair of jeans
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 1 bathing suit
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 dress shirt
- 1 hoodie
- 2 hats. I wear one and hang one on my backpack
- 1 pair of versatile shoes that I can wear for nights out and on adventures such as hikes.
Toiletries on My Carry-On Packing List
As far as toiletries go, this is one thing that I don’t stress over for the most part. I am sharing my list of toiletries I pack for long-term travel, but if you forget something, don’t stress. The reason is that anywhere you go, you can buy the basic essentials such as a toothbrush, deodorant, and any other daily products you use. When traveling long-term, you will replace products, so what you pack should be minimal. I don’t pack a “shaving kit” to save space, as it’s too bulky. You only need a ziplock bag, which takes up very little space in your backpack.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- razor
- Shaving Cream
- Floss
- Imodium, antibiotics, Advil, Tylenol
Travel tip: Always bring Tylenol on the plane in case of a fever. Tylenol can help reduce a low-grade fever, making your flight more comfortable and ensuring you can board if you aren’t feeling well. If airline officials think you are sick, you might be denied boarding, which you want to avoid.
Travel Documents in my Carry-On
The most important item to pack is your passport, which I keep in my cross-body fanny pack. If you haven’t invested in a fanny pack yet, you should add it to your shopping list before your big trip. This will keep your most important possessions, such as your passport, wallet, and keys, safe and easily accessible.
- Passport
- International Drivers Licence
- Printed flight and first night’s accommodations
- Vaccination certificates
Vaccination Documentation is Important
Ensure your vaccinations are current and packed in your carry-on. There may be times when you need to provide this documentation to border officials. I was asked for proof of my yellow fever vaccine when traveling from Brazil to Europe, as it’s very common in Brazil, especially in the Amazon. In 2022, while traveling the world, I was frequently asked for my COVID-19 vaccinations. Pick up a passport cover and keep your vaccination documentation up to date with your passport. Adding your vaccinations to your packing list could save you from immigration headaches while traveling. For a list of my vaccinations as I prepared for world travel tread my blog, My Vaccinations Are Up To Date For World Travel.
Vlogging Equipment on My Packing List
As a travel blogger, I pack my vlogging equipment in my backpack. I use my iPhone for videos and pictures, which makes it easy, but I have many accessories. I use a packing tube for my equipment, keeping everything in one spot and easily accessible. Additionally, I use a packing tube for my socks and underwear. Packing tubes are excellent space savers and help with backpack organization. I bought mine on Amazon, and they have many to choose from. Here is a link to packing tubes I found that are similar to mine.
- 2 iPhones
- Tripods
- Lighting
- Microphones
Other essentials that go in my Carry-On
I am sharing everything else that goes on my carry-on packing list. For me, A laptop is essential for blogging, but it may not be crucial for you. I recommend picking up a microfiber towel because some hostels don’t provide them. I have also visited many accommodations where you can’t take the towels from the hotel or hostel to the beach.
- Laptop
- Chargers
- Earbuds
- Beach Towel
- Sunglasses
- Reading glasses
- My travel itinerary book
- Reading glasses
- My travel itinerary book
- Plastic bags – great for dirty laundry and wet clothes.
- Travel first-aid kid: I have my first-aid kit tucked away in a secret compartment at the bottom of my backpack. Most of the time, it’s completely out of mind, but it’s crucial when needed, such as on a long hike with no stores nearby.
- Travel converter – Make sure you have a universal power plug adapter and travel converter in your backpack. This is especially true if you travel with small appliances like a curling iron.
This was my carry-on packing list for my trip around the world, but it also applies to shorter trips. I recently visited Guatemala for three weeks, and it was the same. Of course, your packing list will be different, but if you want to pack light, this will get you started on the right path. Happy travels!
Not sure about hostels? Read my blog, Hostels for Solo Travel at 49, and see why staying in hostels is the best way to travel off the beaten path, regardless of age.
Follow my travel blog for more tips, tricks, and itineraries on my journey around the world.
You can watch my short travel videos on TikTok
Check out my best travel pics on Instagram
Leave a Reply