You especially need biodegradable sunscreen if you plan to enter the water when any other life also lives in those waters. The ingredients of most sunscreens and insect repellants can severely harm fish and are one big reason why coral reefs are dying.

It’s best to buy biodegradable and reef-friendly sunscreen at home and bring it because it can be difficult to find and/or is very expensive in other countries.

Read up about your destinations to make sure you’ve got the right DEET level (stronger for those higher-risk areas).

While traditional spray-on repellant still works a treat, we’ve heard great things about mozzie-repelling wristbands, which are a brilliant option for those traveling on hand luggage only as it negates worry around the 50ml in-flight liquids limit, plus you don’t need to shower yourself in spray every six hours.

It may sound weird now, but on the road, you’ll use them ALL THE TIME – from storing tea bags, hair ties, and leftover snacks, to placing fragile souvenirs into.

Every backpack needs a good backup of different-sized zipper bags for use at the drop of a hat. Ziploc bags are becoming the number one hack for long-term travel planning!

This one is a game-changer. No ultimate packing list for long-term travel is complete without duct tape. Permanently fixes your backpack, your raincoat, or your tent in seconds.

Patch up your bike, re-waterproof the soles of your shoes, use it as a label for hostel fridge food storage, a temp fix for clingy shower curtains, or a quick-fix for earphone wires or glasses – its uses are limited only by your creativity.

From patching up the trusty flip-flops (thongs, for our friends down under) to essential backpack maintenance and lovingly repairing those little rips in your favorite top. A needle and thread is an absolute must for any adventure. Be sure to include a sewing kit in your long-term travel packing.

ⓘ They’re so tiny, they need barely any packing room.

Lost your hair tie? String! Tent ropes disappeared? String! Hammock fallen down? String! Finger falling off? String (plus duct tape)! Worried you’ll lose your travel buddy in a big crowd? Why not tie yourselves together for added security?

Joking aside, you can do so much with a simple piece of string. Small and portable, it’s an easy addition to any backpack and the sky’s the limit in terms of uses.

Take it from Rosy, an Englishwoman who’s spent the last rainy season in Guatemala – you never know when the rain will hit. Smartphone raincoats are cheap and effective, and most travelers will have at least one with them.

If you want to waterproof larger items as well (like your laptop, tablet, passport, etc) check out our genius waterproofing travel hack below!

Yes, this really is a thing. You can use this revolutionary device as a laundry bag and, once it’s full, you drop in a little laundry liquid and water, leave everything to soak, then basically just punch it for a bit. Drain, rinse, and hang out to dry!

ⓘ This is also a great substitute for a dry bag (if the water can’t get out, it can’t get in either). Dry bags are perfect to protect your camera, phone, and other valuables if you plan to do any water-based activities (taking a boat in Thailand or across the San Blas Islands of Panama, jumping around in the Semuc Champey cascades of Guatemala, or going caving in Borneo, for example).

A travel water bottle with an inbuilt purification filter that is Eco-friendly, easily portable, and provides a vital way to ensure your drinking water is safe. No Earth-conscious traveler should leave home without a re-useable water bottle. 

The Life Straw bottle is our personal favorite. You can also get just a single Life Straw if you find the bottle is too limiting!

No traveler should leave home without a sufficient supply of charcoal tablets. They’re a brilliant solution to general digestive grumbles (which can strike at any time!) and they take up very little space.

If you are traveling to countries known for questionable food and water safety (looking at your Latin America and Southeast Asia), then activated charcoal tablets are essential. These are some great organic ones.

You can pick these up in most pharmacies around the world, but when you need them most you may not feel like popping out to the shops and trying out your new language skills. Bring a decent supply of rehydration sachets wherever you’re going to keep on top of your health and fitness (they’re also the best hangover cure we’ve ever come across).

But there’s no substitute for drinking plenty of water, so remember to drink at least two liters of water each day. The sachets give your body the minerals it needs to absorb the water.

As a bare-minimum inclusion, we suggest: plasters, blister plasters, mini bandages, antiseptic cream (many are also local anesthetics that you’ll be glad of if a mosquito got through your carefully-planned defenses), anti-histamines (also great re: mosquito bites), and malaria tablets.

Every traveler is different and you know your own body best – put careful thought into what you need to include in your first aid kit.

You’ll really never know when this item will come in handy. You may need it for cutting up tomatoes when having a park-baguette lunch in expensive Europe, tightening up a loose screw on your camera, popping open a bottle of beer, or opening a wine bottle.

At the very least, carry it around in your daypack for a bit of protection on the streets (fingers crossed you’ll never need it).

With so many affordable options out there, there’s no excuse not to get one of these brilliantly-designed security wallets. Strap up in the morning, tuck your shirt over the top, and enjoy a hands-free day safe in the knowledge that your valuables are going nowhere without you.

Honestly, though. These are only good for people who wear loose clothes. For the rest of us, an anti-theft backpack might be a better idea. We have compared the best anti-theft backpacks so you can choose one that’s best for you. Couple it with an anti-theft wire and you have yourself a portable safe.

Thinking about how to pack for long-term travel? If you’ve heard people rave about packing cubes but really don’t know what all the fuss is about; just try them. We are sure you’ll be converted! They will turn even the people with no organizational skills into seasoned travelers!

There’s honestly nothing better than being able to just pull a cube out of your backpack and throw it in a drawer. They also keep your luggage tight and space-efficient.

After trying many travel pillows and never being 100% satisfied, we finally found one that’s both comfortable and packs down small. It uses both soft foam inside and air to give you a malleable comfort. Stop the inflation at your desired support.

This is as good for mother earth as it is for you. Just scrunch it up and throw it in your daypack for any supermarket side trips.

They are also perfect for taking to the beach (just throw in your sarong and some sunscreen and you’re good to go)!

You’ll need a lightweight, quick-dry microfibre towel for any cheap hotels or Airbnb’s that don’t provide one. It also doubles as a blanket on cold buses, etc.

Make sure you get a LARGE-sized one as you’ll want it to wrap around your body… Trust me, a small one is no fun! Crystal also prefers the more absorbent, thicker ones as they feel much nicer on the skin.

ⓘ Buy a dark-colored one – trust us.

This is essential for long-term travelers and Crystal couldn’t have been on the road for so long without it. A VPN can save your ass in so many ways.

If you ever use public access WiFi while traveling (like an airport, restaurant, vacation rental, or hotel) then you’re potentially putting your online security at risk by hackers.

It also helps out in other ways too. Can’t access your Gmail because it thinks you’re in a dodgy country? (Which you ARE, but still). Just connect to your home country using the VPN. PayPal payment won’t go through because you aren’t in your home country? VPN…

With a quality VPN such as Nord VPN, you instantly protect your sensitive data on all different devices with just one click. Also, Nord is really affordable, super easy to turn on and we use it daily.

These affordable, small and lightweight little friends are a travel essential; imagine that 15-hour overnight bus journey without a podcast or Netflix series to binge! Unthinkable.

In fact, I can’t even get through a day of using Google Maps on my iPhone without needing some sexy charger juice (thanks for that, Apple *shakes fist vigorously into the air*). Anyway, charge your smartphone, tablet, MP3 player, or even laptop (sometimes) on the go.

If you do a lot of camping or you go to places with no access to power, you might also like a solar power charger. Charge your devices using energy from the sun! Perfect!

Maybe an obvious one, but I’ve managed to forget this crucial item on a trip or two!

An essential on any international travel packing list, we definitely recommend bringing a high-quality converter along as opposed to buying abroad; for example, we can tell you from personal experience that the cheaper ones sold outside countries with strictly-enforced quality laws may not have decent regulating abilities and will, therefore, kill your phone… Surprisingly quickly.

Action cameras are becoming somewhat essential for everyone – and that’s awesome. There’s really not much they can’t do!

If you don’t need a manually operated DSLR, a GoPro can easily replace this camera. You really don’t have an excuse not to buy one when their prices start at only $350 USD!

If a DSLR is essential for you, try to make sure it’s as small and powerful as possible and that it has good video capabilities! Add a few lenses and other attachments and you’ve already gone over your carry-on limit!

Crystal has used Panasonic cameras her whole career because they have some of the BEST video capabilities.

There are loads of versatile and lightweight tripods that do some cool shit like wrap it around tree branches and fence posts. You can attach your GoPro or your phone. You can even use it as a stand for your phone or small iPad for those long-haul flights.

Don’t want to splash out on any fancy cameras but still like to do cool stuff with lenses? Be sure to take these tiny lenses that fit right onto your phone’s camera!

This set includes a macro lens for cool close-ups, a fish-eye lens for warping buildings, a wide-angle for spectacular scenery shots, and even a telephoto lens to capture things that are far away. All you need to do is clip them onto your phone (any type) and start taking awesome photos!

Crystal doesn’t do any long-term traveling without her Bluetooth speaker (she just loves music THAT much). The UE Roll is one of the best options because the sound is clear and loud and the actual speaker is small and flat-ish. It is also water-resistant, which comes in handy when traveling (spills, rain, and whatnot).

Honestly though, once you hear the sound of a UE, you won’t be able to listen to anything else.

From retrieving broken-off earphone jacks in your laptop, tablet, or smartphone (trust us – it is possible) to quickly removing splinters or a loose thread, tweezers are a must-have for any traveler. And you can even stretch their use to essential eyebrow maintenance if the inclination so takes you.

Like the multi-purpose tweezer, these handily travel-sized little tools have no end of possible uses. Cutting that string or duct tape, for starters.

Don’t bother trying to buy disposable ones overseas. Not only will you end up carrying large bulk packs of razors, but they just don’t do the job right. Bring your favorite interchangeable head razor with a handful of spare heads.

Women travelers will be all-too-familiar with the necessity of this little gem, so this tip is especially for the gentlemen – keep those lips smooth and healthy with a dab or two of SPF lip balm each day.

It protects against every extreme weather type and I promise nobody can tell you’re wearing it. Unless you are actually kissing them at that very moment and, if that’s the case, they’ll be grateful for the added softness 😉 

ⓘ Also great for smoothing dry skin on the hands, elbows, knees, and face.

While sanitary towels are generally available in most places worldwide, tampons are much rarer and can be eye-wateringly expensive.

You will not believe how many countries don’t really sell tampons (think Southeast Asia and South/Central America). It’s utterly crazy. So you can either bring a huge backup of tampons (if you’re traveling one of the above countries for a year you’re going to need A LOT)…

OR you can bring one tiny little Menstrual Cup. These are reusable orb cups you put up your hoo-ha to catch your unfertilized baby bag. They are a little weird/uncomfortable to use at first but after a couple of go’s, you won’t even notice them!

And if you’re wondering how to clean them, it’s easy. Just boil them at the end of the period cycle or wash with soapy water.

This may seem an obvious one, but I’m listing it on the basis that shampoo is a highly versatile travel companion. If, like me, you travel light; you can use shampoo as soap, laundry detergent, and in a pinch, a tasty and nutritious cool drink (joking on that last one. Please don’t ingest shampoo).

If you love Mother Earth, then try out solid shampoo bars. They are like soap bars but shampoo (and conditioner if you like!) While most bottled shampoo is 80% water, the solid shampoo will save you space in your backpack AND they will mean you are buying (and then throwing out) LESS plastic bottles. It’s a win/win.

Bring your favorite because chances are, where you’re going, they will be crap. Loads of hotels only provide shampoo too (not conditioner), so if you have thick long hair you’re going to need the best you can get.

If you are considering a solid conditioner bar (to save room and Mother Earth) Crystal will just quickly tell her experience… Initially, she brought one on her latest trip with her because she hates using so much plastic. But, she found the conditioner made her hair really oily and her hair was still super knotty after using it. It was a shame.

If you suffer from seasickness or motion sickness, then this simple invention is a godsend. They work by applying pressure to a pressure point on your wrist which has been shown scientifically to restore balance in your body. Crystal’s girlfriend uses them all the time and says they help her a lot.

One of the handiest things you can take traveling. Just open it up and hang it off the towel rack. Make sure you get one with an enclosed plastic section for shampoo and other liquids so when you change altitudes and your bottles pop open – you don’t ruin your whole bag!

If you’re anything like Crystal and you have a terribly tiny bladder (Crystal has named hers T.B), then you might want to think about trying out a SHEWEE. It’s a female urination device that enables the ladies to FINALLY pee standing up.

Although we have not used them ourselves, we have heard people swear by them. They are especially good for festivals and camping!

If you plan to take any type of jewelry traveling that can get tangled, you will have to think about how to look after it. For rings and earrings you can put them in small plastic jars and for necklaces and bracelets, you might be able to fit them in a 7-day pill box organizer.

If you really need to protect them, here’s a sleek AF jewelry organizer that would be sure to keep everything safe.

This is possibly the most versatile piece of clothing on my packing list. It can take the place of a scarf AND a light blanket. You can wear it over your swimmers as a cover, even tie it into a dress. And when you’re on the beach, it’s the perfect lightweight towel.

It even dries you off. In emergencies, a sarong can also take the place of a bath towel.

You won’t find the locals or long-term expats wearing shades, but whether you plan to stay a week or half a year, so many incredible places in the world have fierce sunlight and nobody wants their travel mementos to include squint-induced crow’s feet!

These little pieces of headwear have so many uses! A headband to keep hair off your face, an eye mask for sleeping on overnight buses/planes, a sweat rag, the list could go on! Always have one in your day pack for use whenever needed!

Use it as a top layer in cold weather and always keep it in your daypack for emergency downpours. If you are traveling long-term, you will inevitably run into rainy weather.

In that case, a waterproof jacket or raincoat is essential, and don’t you dare pack an umbrella!

Perfect for walks, of course, but also general wet weather, navigating gravelly/pot-holed roads, caving/climbing, and long sightseeing walks. This is one thing it’s worth splashing out on.

This is honestly the best (yet unfashionable) travel item. Crystal wears a bum bag almost every day wherever she’s speeding around cities and sightseeing. Having your phone right there (without having to reach around for backpacks) keeps you happy and taking pics.

They are good to keep valuables close on overnight buses and even better to keep your passport and travel documents in while zipping around airports. Better than handbags because you can just do them up and forget about them!

Fingerless because you ALWAYS still need to use your phone when you’re wearing them, and you don’t want to be taking them on and off. It’s even better to have ones with little mitts on the end so you can cover your fingers when needed. Mmmm toasty…

Not having a quality coffee or two in the mornings ranks pretty highly on my personal tragedy barometer. To that end, I am happy to introduce you to the travel coffee press! Just add fresh ground coffee and hot water, and you’ll never suffer morning sluggishness again, whether you’re in the middle of the Sahara or halfway up a tree in the Amazon.

Shout out to our friend Debs, clinician and volunteer coordinator at Project Ix-canaan, Guatemala for this invaluable tip.

Again, Rosy is from England, where the sun comes out about three days a year and the entire nation immediately suffers comic levels of sunburn. She cannot conscientiously write this list without including aloe vera.

Whenever she’s sunburned, she uses about half a liter every couple of days and IT IS MAGIC. Sometimes she even looks tanned after a few days.

No… Two packs of cards! Do not ever leave your country without at least one pack of cards. Cards games are awesome for passing the time and breaking the ice in a hostel general area.

One of the most common ones played in a backpacker hostel is Shithead. For drinking card games, you need to know how to play Ring of Fire aka King’s Cup.

If you’re going to be on the road for a REALLY long time and you have loads of electrical items, then this is the product for you. Sometimes you’ll end up buying electronics in strange countries leaving you with strange cords and they all need charging at once!

Make sure you buy one with USB connectors too. Crystal uses hers every day, and although it’s taped together with duct tape (after so much use) she honestly doesn’t know what she’d do without it (probably just charge stuff one-by-one with her boring universal converter I suppose…)

Hard copy books are excellent and perfect to pass time when you are on a long-distance bus or train. But do you know what’s better? A kindle!

Save room in your bag while still enjoying access to thousands of books. It is the perfect long-term travel gear because you might not always have the internet to keep you entertained, but you can read a kindle even in the Andes Mountains of South America! They are pricey, but essential if you like reading.

This is not an essential travel item, but by golly, they are GREAT. There’s nothing sexier than a crisp bird’s-eye view of amazing scenery. Now that drones have been around for a while, the technology has made them small and seriously powerful.

FYI: Crystal has written an entire article comparing all of the best travel drones and talks about their specs and functions.

When you travel long-term you are going to need a way to stay fit on the road. So you can either run along the beach every day (a great option if you are near a beach), pay for expensive gym entries (not a great option IMO), or carry a travel yoga mat to exercise on!

Crystal has written a post comparing all the best travel yoga mats out there, with a video of her personal review of the yoga mat she has been traveling with for the past 1.5 years.

If you plan to stay in hostels and 1-2 star hotels this might be something you are interested in. It’s a fact that in cheap places you don’t always get the cleanest sheets, so bringing along a sleeping bag liner could help with the mental battle you’ll inevitably end up having when sleeping in questionable beds.

This is a luxury item for the budget traveler! String your hammock up anywhere for a free place to sleep. The hammock pictured includes a zip-up mosquito net for those tropical climates and is lightweight and durable.

This is listed as non-essential because neither of us carries a portable washing line. However, they do have great functionality and fold up very small so they are a great thing to carry.

There have been many situations where we’ve wished we had one because the room was dusty or there was nowhere else to hang out wet clothes (once Crystal simply draped hers over a pot plant, haha).

If you’re like Crystal and you have so much camera gear and other stuff that you just can’t fit them into carry-on luggage, you’re going to need a large backpack for your travels.

I have tried three different backpacks; one hiking pack (hated it – annoying to get stuff out and didn’t hold enough) and one 70 Litre adventure open-front backpack (far too heavy and totally overkill). The final backpack I found and the one I use now is the 65 Liter Osprey Wheeled Backpack.

Hybrid backpacks really can do it all! They can be wheeled (which is how Crystal uses hers most of the time) and they can also be put on your back (think deep cobblestones or muddy pathways).

After six weeks in Spain with a MASSIVE wheeled suitcase (checked luggage), then another month with a smaller wheeled suitcase (hand luggage), Rosy was ready to admit that neither of these was practical for long-term travel. Backpacks are a much more user-friendly option and, of course, far more portable than the suitcase.

But what about those moments when you have to walk for miles? Sometimes, a person needs wheels… Enter the MATEIN Waterproof Wheeled Backpack for Travel.

Complete with durable straps, extendable handle, AND wheels, it has a multitude of pockets including a cushioned compartment for laptops and tablets, a side pouch perfect for water bottles, and a pocket perfect for the straps when not in use (or flip flops, when the straps are being used).

If you roll your clothes and pack carefully, the bag will fall well within the limits of hand luggage size specs, so you can avoid the risk of lost luggage and the cost of checking luggage – and enjoy the added bonus of having everything right at your fingertips during the long-haul flight. It’s also a really reasonable price for what it is. Did we mention that it is waterproof?

Combining a casual day pack with a small backpack that you can also take on day hikes is usually the best option. For added security get an anti-theft backpack to keep your valuables safe while in transit and also in your hotel room. 

I have written an entire post comparing all the top anti-theft backpacks and weighing up their pros and cons. Check it out if you’re in the market for a new backpack (because you might as well make it an anti-theft one).

The best anti-theft daypack is the Pacsafe Venture Safe 25L GII. This bag is stylish, lightweight, and durable. Its anti-theft features include RFIDsafe blocking materials throughout the bag and a padded laptop compartment too. The PacSafe has hidden eXomesh slash guard stainless steel wire mesh within the fabric for protection against slash-and-go thefts. This anti-theft backpack mesh is the best of its kind on the market.

The turn-and-lock security hooks are a great feature that adds a subtle additional security element while allowing you to get in and out of the bag with ease. The zippers discreetly attach to the security hooks to offer this bag anti-theft security galore. Ideal for all kinds of travel experiences including hiking and the daily commute.