Your ultimate packing guide for your next adventure
Passports and Identification
The most important thing to bring when travelling internationally is your passport. If you forget everything but one thing, make sure that one thing is your passport! It’s also a good idea to keep photocopies of your personal information on you at all times. Print three or four copies of your travel insurance, passport, driver’s licence, and any other documents you believe you will require.
It’s common for hotels to ask for your passport or identification when you check in, so having extras is a good idea. The most important reason, of course, is in case any of the important documents are lost. Keep a copy in your backpack, small bag, and, if available, the hotel or hostel safe. This will ensure that if you lose or have your documents stolen, you have backups to show to authorities or police when you need help.
Use this checklist for all things related to identification:
Passport
International Drivers Licence
Flight Details
Emergency Contact Information
Banking Information
Covid-19 Entry Requirements
Most countries that have reopened to tourism post covid may require some specific entry requirements for travellers. Sometimes, travellers are required to present COVID-19 vaccination records or a negative PCR test which is obtained within 48 hours prior to their flight departure. You should check the countries entries requirements before travelling to make sure you qualify for entry without quarantine.
Use this checklist for all things related to identification:
Vaccination Record
Negative PCR Test Results
Clothes
Many people feel perplexed when it comes to packing for Asia and have no idea what to bring. You’re not on your own. The first thing to remember is that the climate in Asia varies dramatically throughout the year and from country to country. Snow and ice is common in northern Japan, the monsoon season effectively closes down entire islands, and humidity is a year-round season in several regions.
Finally, before we get started, keep in mind that with a travel packing list, less is more. In the heat, the last thing you want to do is drag around a big, heavy backpack. Backpacking Asia will be a lot easier if you pack only what you think you’ll need. In most regions, you can buy whatever else you need after arriving. It is also best to pack neutral colours so you can mix and match outfits easier!
It is best to research what the weather is expected to be like for the country you are travelling to. This way, you will have a better idea of what to bring and possibly be able to leave some of the heavier, winter items at home.
Use this checklist for all things related to clothing:
3 – 4 T-shirts
3 – 4 Pairs of shorts or pants
Lots of underwear
Something to swim in
A jacket if you’re travelling to a country with a lot of rain or snow
1-2 pairs of pants
Something to cover your shoulders or legs if you’re visiting a temple or religious site
Flip flops or thongs
Shoes for hiking
Electronics
Living in the digital world we live in today, we cannot forget our electronics! Being able to stay in contact with loved ones back home, posting some amazing shots to your Instagram feed or even checking in for flights and hotels.
However, none of these electronics will work if they run out of battery and you cannot charge them! So you’re going to need a travel adaptor. The type of adapter you’ll need differs per country, and they can be much more expensive at the airport if you need one last minute. There are numerous sorts of adapters to pick from, some of which are better than others. To make things easier, getting a high-quality one with multiple ports would be a good idea. You can charge numerous devices at the same time this way! When choosing a travel adapter, make sure it is of good quality and suitable for use. Just in case, stay away from the really cheap ones!
Use this checklist for all related to electronics:
Phone
Headphones
Charger
Portable Battery
Camera
Travel Adapter
Memory Cards
Toiletries
Whether it’s essential medication or your favourite lipstick, losing any form of toiletries may be anything from a minor inconvenience to a major headache. Make sure to bring your important essentials, such as medication, contacts, and any other goods that you might not be able to acquire or replace while travelling. (Keep them in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage.) If you want to save some space if you’re travelling on a far journey, you can purchase toiletries for quite cheap at a local supermarket or convenience store.
If you have extra space, you can also recommend bringing a travel first-aid kit with you, which should include tweezers, first-aid ointment, bandages, travel-sized hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and insect repellant, among other things.
Use this checklist for all related to toiletries:
Medication
Reusable water bottle
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Make up
Contacts/ Eyeglasses
Sun Block
Mosquito Repellent
