Round the World Travel Gear I (Still) Recommend

If you’re planning a round-the-world trip or trying out the digital nomad life, these are the things I recommend packing. I’ve used all of the items below, and I’ve been happy with them, so let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Some of the links below are affiliate links and I’ll get a small (seriously, tiny) commission if you click and buy something. Thanks for your support!

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2025 Update: LOL I have a home now

The life of minimalism is no more. I have a real apartment in Palma, along with multiple carry-ons and a big suitcase. We bought a car, furniture, and many, many plants for our new home. Marko and I were also able to ship all of our wedding gifts from the UK to Spain. We’re locked in. If we move now, we’ll need a van… and professionals.

Still, to anyone looking at digital nomad life, I always suggest traveling first: Purely traveling or backpacking, rather than trying to balance it with work, is the absolute best. So start there if you can.

To anyone planning a round-the-world trip, I still recommend a carry-on size backpack like the 40L Osprey Farpoint. And for anyone traveling Europe, I’d pick a carry-on that’s small enough to meet budget airline requirements to save yourself time and money. (Remember, airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet force you into a smaller carry-on than Delta and British Airways.) I still love my packing cubes too.

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2018 Update: A Real Suitcase!

Ever since we started choosing destinations for whole months at a time and making the transition from backpacking to digital nomad-ing, I’ve lost the backpack and opted for something slightly bigger. But I’m still all about that carry-on-only life, so I’m using a hardshell 20″ spinner (get one that expands like this). It definitely holds more, which is essential for cold weather destinations, like Budapest or Krakow in the winter. Beware, if you choose to expand it using the zippers, then it’s no longer carry-on friendly. I’m still carrying all my valuables in that old reliable Longchamp tote.

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The Ol’ Standbys… Still Recommended for Backpacking or a Round-the-World Trip

For the OG packing list, check out this post I wrote before leaving for South America. For my trusted round-the-world essentials, this page has been updated for 2025.

My Backpack

The 40L Osprey Farpoint. After much debate and research, I opted for this carry-on-sized backpack (and decided against wheels). It’s very well-constructed with sturdy zippers and lots of space. I am in love with it. I chose the Small/Medium which is actually only 38 liters. For reference, I’m 5’4″. This backpack is short and wide rather than long and tall like lots of travel or camping backpacks, so it doesn’t hit me in the head while I’m walking. I harassed people on the internet and agonized over this purchase for a while.

If Amazon doesn’t have it in stock, check out REI because they have a great money-back guarantee. I visited REI many times to try on other backpacks before choosing this one.

***Post-South America & Southeast Asia trip update: I am STILL in love with this backpack! Everybody on the road always comments on the small size and it has been no problem to bring as a carry-on for flights. I’m very happy I chose to bring something on the smaller side as I’m the one who has to carry it! And I’ve saved so much on checked bag fees.

My Tote

Basic much? Not to be all sorority girl, but I’m on my second Longchamp Le Pliage Tote and I used the last one until it fell apart. It’s great on planes, zips closed, and holds my laptop and camera with room to spare. I usually throw my purse and a sweater in there too. I always keep my valuables in this bag and never let it out of my sight. Longchamp bags come in multiple sizes, but I prefer the biggest one (the shopper, “Le Pliage”). If it can hold multiple law school textbooks and accompany me to work every day, I trust it.

Almost every big city will be selling a knock-off version, but this is the real deal. They are a bit expensive, but I had my last one for almost five years and took it everywhere, even on boats in the Philippines. (It’s a nice luxury contrast to the backpack.)

Tip: If you’re in any major European city, like London or Paris, you can get these cheaper, especially when the dollar is strong. You can also claim your VAT back at the airport if you’ve done a lot of shopping.

Packing Cubes!

Every travel blogger raves about these, but in case you haven’t heard, packing cubes are game changers, whether you’re carrying a wheely suitcase or a backpack, but especially if you’re carrying a backpack. You can actually find stuff in your luggage. And I typically wait weeks to unpack when I get home from a trip, but with these cubes, it’s so easy to un-sort your clothes back into your closet. I will never travel without them again. I love Eagle Creek but a cheap set works too.

Eagle Creek Clean-Dirty Pack-It Cube – This thing is genius. It has two sides: one for clean stuff with a breathable, see-through front, and one for dirty stuff, with a plastic coating so that if your clothes are smelly or wet, it won’t seep into the rest of your luggage. If you roll your clothes, it will fit a surprising amount of stuff. The dividing wall moves so that you can have a full clean cube at the beginning of your trip or a full dirty cube at the end, or a mix during the in-between times. (It fits well in the Farpoint backpack.)

Eagle Creek Pack-It Half Cubes – I also have two of these smaller half cubes: one for tops and one for bathing suits, socks, and underwear. They fit perfectly with the larger Clean/Dirty cube in my backpack like a little game of Tetris. 

Electronics:

Kindle Paperwhite

I’m on my third Kindle now. I really needed the backlight of the Paperwhite; it’s essential for reading on night buses and in bed, whether you’re in a hostel or at home (basically any time there’s someone in the room who wants the lights off).

Portable Charger

Nothing beats the anxiety of thinking your phone is about to die in a country you’ve never visited before! A portable charger is life-saving for long days on the road. It’s pretty sleek and easy to carry around in my purse or carry-on. I’ve had an older version of this Mophie portable charger for years and it still works well. Just remember to charge it before you head out!

DSLR Camera

Nikon D3300 – This is my fancy DSLR camera that takes fantastic pictures, and I’m still learning how to use it. After much research searching the words “best budget DSLR for beginners,” I made this purchase, and it’s been totally worth it. When it comes to putting images on the blog, they are no doubt better than my iPhone photos. (Like, now I’m embarrassed of my earlier blog post pics.) I have the kit lens and this one below.

Tip: When it comes to nice cameras and lenses, people are always upgrading, so you can get a refurbished/used one for cheaper. I did this via Groupon originally, but Amazon offers it too and you can save hundreds.

I also bought this neoprene cover to protect it from bumps during transit and from myself when I forget that I’m carrying it.

2025 UPDATE: As much as I hate to say it, I only break out the camera for special occasions now, but I’m glad I had it at the time. iPhone cameras have improved so much since my RTW trip in 2015-2016 that I think you can save yourself packing space (and hastle of editing in Lightroom) and just use your phone! I now follow the motto: “The best camera is the one you have on you.”

Second Lens

Nikon 35 mm Lens – All the YouTube videos pointed to this as the lens for travel, so here we are. My first prime lens. So far, I’m super happy with it. Pros: You get the really beautiful blurry background that a lower f-stop gives, and the landscape pictures seem clearer. Cons: The challenge is getting everything in the frame, but I’m learning.

Laptop and Accessories

MacBook Air – Wow, another agonizing purchase, but well worth it! Who would have known the dividends this laptop was going to pay?! I’m on my second Macbook Air in 10 years, and I have zero complaints. (They last way longer than a PC, just ask Marko.) While I’m no longer blogging and editing photos all the time, I do have a career working online, so this is my prized possession. I went with the 13″ screen, and it is fast and lightweight enough to carry around the world on a backpacking trip (if you must) or to live the life of a digital nomad.

Also, as a millennial, there’s just something about booking flights and making important purchases online… I want to do it on my computer, not my phone!

I use an old OGIO neoprene laptop sleeve to protect it while traveling, but it’s very similar to this one which is a great price.

My Passport WD 1 TB External Hard Drive – You probably only need this if you’re taking photos. I know I should use the Cloud, but this just uploads those giant RAW photo files from my camera so much faster. It’s great for holding pics if you don’t want them sitting on your laptop taking up space. Be warned: I purchased a second one because I broke my first. You CANNOT drop these! Devastating.

Pro tip: Store movies and TV shows to watch while traveling when your Internet isn’t good enough to stream.

Other Essential Travel Gear for a Round-the-World Trip

Universal Power Adapter

I use this cheap one to this day. I think I originally got it at TJ Maxx and have since bought a second one for around the house. It works anywhere in the world and sometimes falls out of the wall, but hey, it’s reliable.

If you’re from the US, don’t forget this will NOT convert voltage. Don’t use it with a hair dryer, straightener, or steamer. They will break. (In fact, don’t even try to pack those things from home. In my experience, even with a voltage converter, they will eventually break. I learned the hard way with a straightener in South America. If you must have a hair dryer, just buy one in that country.) It works with your laptop and phone because those things come with converters built in.

Travel Towel

Microfiber Towel – I originally got the 20×40″ size and it works like a charm. Today I’d recommend the 40×72″ today so you can use it as a beach towel too. It’s super absorbent towel, folds up really small, and covers your body if you need to sneak out of a hostel shower. Sometimes you have to pay to rent towels (especially in Europe), so this is also a money-saver. We still use it on hikes in Mallorca all the time because it’s so light and easy to pack.

I’ll never forget when my mom tried to get me to pack a towel before I left for Argentina. Nahhh, they’ll have towels at the hostel, I thought. No, they did not, and I’m pretty sure I had to dry off with the one tiny washcloth she convinced me to bring.

Travel Pillow

Inflatable Neck Pillow – I was pretty anti these travel neck pillows at first, but since you can’t always guarantee a window seat, they are pretty essential for long flights. Just before my 20-hour flight to Thailand, I bought one in the Atlanta airport. It was soft but bulky and kind of a nightmare to strap to my backpack, so this time I’m opting for an inflatable one. I’m not in love with manually blowing it up, but I found mine at TJ Maxx for $3.99, and it folds down to almost nothing.

Daypack

Outlander Packable Daypack 20 L – Another heavily researched item, this little lightweight backpack is not cute, but it’s great for outings, hikes, or beach days when you don’t wanna haul your big backpack – my travel towel and camera fit. It also folds into a little zipped-up pouch for packing it away. I used it on the Inca Trai and bought my dad one. The convenient, smaller front pocket I use for my phone, money, and chapstick. Plus, the company is super responsive and they offer a lifetime warranty.

Around Malaysia, this bag developed a hole and the zipper inside got stuck (possibly from saltwater), but I still highly recommend them because of their amazing customer service – one email and they shipped me a brand new daypack! 

Dry Bag

Dry Bag – I got this 25 L dry bag for activities where things might get wet. This was a “just in case” item, especially since we were attempting the Inca Trail during rainy season (we got lucky with the weather but it gave me peace of mind hiking with my fancy camera). It’s also great for a kayaking trip or booze cruise when you don’t want to take any risks.

Locks

Master Combination Locks – I bought two of these, and they are so handy for locking your luggage on long bus rides or lockers in hostels. I prefer the ones with 3 digits rather than the combination locks with the spinning wheel – trust me on this, those are really tough to get right on the first try, in the dark, in a hurry, in a hostel when you’re trying not to make too much noise. These days I’m still using it for the lockers at my gym.

Shoes

“Carry-on only? But how many pairs of shoes are you bringing?” Well, not many for a round-the-world trip. Shoes will eat up all the space in your backpack.

Trainers, flip-flops, and a pair of nicer sandals. That’s it. I reject the idea that you need hiking boots since I didn’t need them for hiking the Inca Trail or the Himalayas. I refuse to be one of those backpackers wearing their hiking boots in the airport. Get outta here.

Rainbows – A comfortable wardrobe staple that I cannot NOT bring. They are leather and already in a state of disrepair, but I pack them regardless. You can also buy a pair of cheap pair of rubber flip-flops on the road. I lost these in the Philippines on my birthday, then caved and bought some real Havaianas, but they just weren’t as good and broke within 4 months! I’m now on my next pair of Rainbows and still use them on the beach in Mallorca. Maybe I’m rough on my flip-flops, but these just last SO much longer!

Merrell Bare Access Trail-Running Shoes – Lightweight, quick-drying, grippy running shoes were what I was looking for and I believe I’ve found it in these Merrells. No, they aren’t the sexiest pair of shoes on the market, but heavy hiking boots were not on the agenda. I found these on sale for $70 at REI where they seem to be currently out of stock, but I found a similar pair on Amazon here. If I had to do it all over again, I also love these. ***Post South America trip update:  I hiked the Inca Trail (and many other trails) in these and was really happy with their lightweight feel. No, they’re still not super cool, but they’re comfortable and easy to pack. I think the larger toe box is really something I need.

Nike Flex Running Shoe – I bought a pair like these after I wore out the Merrells and they had to be retired. I needed shoes that would be good for hiking, walking, running, and everyday wear… that looked good, not goofy. Black or grey is always a good choice. These Nikes are super lightweight and bendy, so they’re very packable. While not as grippy as the Merrells, I wore them on my five-day trek in Nepal with no worries. I’m on my fourth or fifth pair now and still wear them today to the gym. I do buy a half-size bigger larger than usual in Nikes.

Finally, a decent pair of sandals, not flip-flops. Something like these or these. On the road there will be times when you don’t want to look like a dirty backpacker. There are also bars, especially the fancy rooftop bars, that have dress codes that don’t allow flip-flops or sneakers. Look for something you can throw on with a dress or skirt and look presentable in.

These days, like every other traveler out there, I have a trusty pair of Birkenstocks, the Arizonas in black leather, but I also love the suede sand color. I love them for life in Mallorca and European travel, but they’re bulkier to pack and they don’t look quite as fancy as a dainty pair of sandals.

Travel Insurance (Medical)

Although healthcare is phenomenally cheaper outside the US, you should still have some coverage in case anything truly bad happens and you need to go to the hospital. I previously used WorldNomads, but it was pretty expensive. It also covered property loss.

For the past few years, I’ve used SafetyWing. It offers a cheap monthly payment that you can cancel at any time, like a subscription. The only downside is that coverage is limited in the US if you need to make a trip home, although it does allow short visits. I like that it’s affordable and you don’t have to commit for long periods of time or even really know where you’re going – because I sure didn’t have a long-term plan during my backpacking trip!

Full disclosure, I’ve never had to use it. Thank goodness. But don’t leave home without it. Seriously, if my dengue incident or motorbike accident had been worse, I would’ve been gratefuI I had it! Until now, I’ve just paid doctors, dentists, and pharmacies out of pocket. To be honest, it’s always been cheap enough that it’s not worth the paperwork for me to get reimbursed.

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If you’re prepping for a round-the-world trip and struggling to pack, feel free to reach out. I put a lot of thought into these purchases, researched, and asked a lot of questions. And I’m always on the lookout for a good deal!

But remember, all you REALLY need is a passport and credit card. Take the trip.