Before creating the ultimate packing list for women working and travelling around the world (if I do say so myself) I was a bit heavy-handed when it came to packing. (Don’t shoot me, I was packing for a year of travel!)
Okay, let’s be real, I used to be a chronic overpacker. But there’s something about travelling around the world that forces you to condense your life. If the thought of lugging your entire worldly possessions around for an entire year doesn’t make you reevaluate what’s truly important, Southeast Asia’s luggage restrictions and overweight fees definitely will!
Coming from Europe, where carry-on weight isn’t usually an issue, it was a shock to have my bag weighed in Asia. It forced me to rethink everything about packing. Fear can be a great motivator, and in this case, it taught me to pack light and let go of my attachment to “things.” That mini projector that my best friend bought me for Christmas? Yeah, it’s not coming. It took one too many overweight baggage fees to get me to downsize. Thankfully, I figured out my packing needs early on (month 5 of a 14-month trip counts as early, right?!) and adjusted accordingly.
So, with the wisdom of experience and my upcoming trip in mind, I was able to give you the ultimate packing list for women:
Packing My Personal Item: Mary Poppin’s Bag of Treats
I don’t play when it comes to travelling. I’m at the airport at least 3 hours early, lounge access is a must, I disinfect my seat, and yes, I still wear a mask on flights. So, it makes sense that my personal item and carry-on are always fully stocked with everything one would need to travel comfortably. Whether it’s a train, plane, or even coach, I come prepared! First up, my “go-bag.”
Inside My “Go Bag”
- Passport
- Cash
- Phone
- Portable Charger
- Kindle (Books pre-downloaded)
- Handheld Fan
- Pen
- Lip gloss or Lip balm (I always remember to put this into my liquids bag)
- Prescription medication
Pro Tip: Make sure your go-bag fits inside your personal item. I have the BEIS Sports Sling. I haven’t had issues taking it on flights separately, but it’s good to be prepared just in case.
The rest of my personal item contains everything that will go under the seat in front of me that allows me to work whilst I’m, travelling. I use pouches to keep everything organised, which makes packing a breeze. To read what I deem as an essential you can read My Travel Essentials – The Ultimate Travel Toolkit Here’s the ultimate packing list for women and how I break them down:
Liquids Bag:
Everything is under 100ml and in a clear, pre-packed bag for security; Mine is the Beis Clear Pouch.
- Toothpaste
- Vaseline Lip Care (Dry, cracked lips? No thanks!)
- Hand cream
- Face mist
- Cream Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Facial wipes/makeup remover
In-Flight Pouch:
- Antibacterial wipes (Planes are filthy)
- Hand sanitiser
- Eye mask and face mask (For the air and to sleep peacefully)
- Toothbrush and dental floss
- Hydration sachets (like Liquid IV)
- Reusable straw
- Wired earphones (I’ve had wireless headphones die mid-flight, so wired is a must)
- Compression socks (Hot girls wear compression socks!!)
- Soft mints and chewing gum (For the breath and ear popping)
- Snacks (junk and healthy)
- Hair bands
- A backup charged power bank
- Vitamins
- Stain remover
- Hydrating face and lip sheet masks
Medicine Pouch:
- Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, and diarrhoea relief
- Cold and flu meds
- Travel sickness meds
Other Essentials:
- Wireless headphones
- iPad (Fully charged with pre-downloaded entertainment)
- Laptop
- Empty water bottle
- Neck pillow
- Hoodie or cardigan
- Bonnet (Usually on long-haul flights)
- Extra underwear
- Seat belt extender
Carry-On Essentials:
- All Electronics (especially fragile or expensive ones) to avoid damage, theft, or loss. Remember: Because portable chargers are Lithium batteries they must go in your carry-on!
- Portable Monitor (Remember we’re working and travelling! We want to make this as easy as possible for ourselves!)
- Ergonomic Mouse
- Portable Laptop Stand (Heavy on the working and travelling)
- 2x Universal travel adapters
- Multiport charger or mini USB cord
- Waterproof phone case
- External hard drive
- Pocket camera (I still use my DJI Pocket 2)
- A change of clothes, including underwear
- Speaker
- Straighteners
- Hair dryer
- An empty tote bag
- Travel-sized umbrella
For Carry-On Only Trips, I Add:
- 2 pairs of jeans,
- 2 pair of trousers
- 2 pair of leggings
- 1 dressy top
- 3 t-shirts
- 1 versatile two-piece outfit
- Teva sandals
- Crocs wedges
Recommended: Remote Year: Working and Travelling The World and destinations you NEED to visit
Packing for my Checked Luggage: Cube It Up!
Alright, let’s talk about the big boy; your checked bag. Many digital nomads have condensed their lives so much so that they no longer use a checked bag. I’m not quite there yet. For me, working and travelling means I need some comfort and variety! First things first: PACKING CUBES ARE A MUST. I don’t care how you pack your clothes (okay I do, but this is not the point of this post.) They changed my life, and if you can get compression packing cubes, even better!
Here’s what I squeeze into those magical cubes:
- Clothes: 2 jeans, 2 trousers, 3 leggings, 3 shorts, 1 dressy top, 5 t-shirts, 3 vest tops, 3 camisoles, 1 hoodie, 1 long-sleeved shirt, 1 maxi dress, 1 two-piece outfit, 3 workout shorts, 3 bras, 2 swimsuits, 1 cover-up
- Footwear: 2 trainers, 1 pair of sandals, Tevas, Crocs, water shoes
- Toiletries Bag: This is where I keep the rest of my essentials, including my shower cap, African net sponge (a must!), exfoliating gloves, tongue scraper, and mouthwash. – I always buy my shower gel when I land.
Pro Tip: You’re bound to pick up souvenirs and trinkets on your travels (mine were mainly jewellery). That’s okay, just remember those pesky luggage restrictions! Don’t let a last-minute impulse buy tip you over the edge.
And that’s it! Remember, packing light is about prioritising and being realistic about what you’ll actually use, especially when packing for a year of travel. Prioritise your essentials like your portable monitor and laptop as these allow you to stay working and travelling. Now go forth and explore the world, unburdened by excess baggage!
Happy travels!
