Travel Packing Checklist: What Every Traveler Needs in Their Backpack

For many, the art of packing for a big trip is tiresome — sorting through clothes, toiletries, and other essentials for what to bring and what to leave at home. Instead of reading dozens of packing lists, use this travel checklist and guide to decide what to have in your travel backpack. Whether you’re an avid traveler or a total newbie, here’s the travel packing checklist of items every traveler should have in their backpack or suitcase.

Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links.

Travel Essentials: What to bring in your day pack

Let’s dive into some must-have travel items for the ultimate trip to Europe or wherever!

Anti-Theft Bag

No matter where you’re traveling, theft is possible. Though Europe consumes 8/10 of the world’s top pickpocketing destinations, it can still happen on any continent. Prevent your stuff from getting stolen with an anti-theft bag. I’m a huge fan of these and have been using them for years.

I usually use this Anti-Theft Cross-Body bag. It has locking compartments to prevent someone from unzipping your bag. It also has slash resistant straps and body, as well as RFID blocking pockets, preventing electronic pickpockets and identity theft. Cool. If you want a smaller bag, Travelon also has this smaller version which I’d love to try.

For men, you can add this sling backpack style to your travel checklist.

Pictured above, you’ll see I brought my anti-theft bag on a 3-day trip to Rome.

Portable charger

You’ll absolutely need a portable charger / power bank. The last thing you want is to be wandering around an unfamiliar city and have your phone die (which is also acting as your map) and you are clueless how to get back to your accommodation. Avoid this problem by packing it in your day pack. This is a fantastic, lightweight portable charger.

Bonus tip: Portable chargers are also useful for long-haul flights and layovers. Add one to your travel checklist!

Read More: How to Avoid Being Pickpocketed Abroad

Small journal and pen

Some people prefer writing notes in their phone to save space, but if you can get a small journal it’s worth keeping it in your day pack. Jotting down thoughts in the moment will result in the best descriptions for how you feel about a certain place in that particular moment. Plus, writing down dialogues you’ve had, places you’ve eaten or went will remain fresher in your brain rather than waiting until the evening when you’re back at your hostel.

Also, who doesn’t love sitting in a cafe with paper and pen in hand as you sip on a flat white and watch the city life go by around you?

Shop the engraved AND vegan travel journal you see above here.

A form of I.D.

I wouldn’t recommend walking around with your passport — it should stay somewhere secure in your accommodation. But you should bring a drivers license or some form of official identification just in case. You don’t want to be in a situation where you need to prove your identity but can’t.

Plus, drinking laws are different everywhere and you might need it for purchasing drinks as well.

A great travel camera

Many primarily use their mobile phones to take photos, but if you’re like me and want the most high quality results, you’ll want to pack a great travel camera. My beloved Olympus EM10 Mark II is my ultimate go-to travel camera, and it’s affordable. It’s also mirrorless, meaning it’s small but still packs a punch, and has built-in WiFi for easy uploading. Plus, the kit lens is great, but you can still purchases other lenses for even better results.

Even if you don’t want to buy a nice camera, it’s always fun to use a disposable camera to take fun shots, develop them later, and see the results. It’s a fun, creative way to document your travels in the digital age.

Reusable water bottle

Conscious travelers know that plastic water bottles are a no-no. Avoid them by packing an eco-friendly water bottle. This water bottle is a brilliant option for travel because it’s collapsible and easily packed away in your bag or suitcase.

And if you’re traveling in European destinations like Spain or Italy, you’ll easily be able to re-fill for free at various public founatins.

Travel packing essentials:

What to back in your backpack or suitcase

Here’s what you need to have in your carry-on bag. Of course, you’ll want to check your destination for your clothing packing list and your preferred toiletries so just know that those items are a given and are not mentioned below because of that. 😉

Universal travel adapter

If you’re going abroad, you’ll likely need an adapter to plug into the wall to use your electronics. This universal adapter has four USB ports and 1 universal socket so you can charger your phone, portable charger, camera, and laptop all at once if you want!

A week’s worth of underwear (unless you’re on a weekend trip)

You can wash your underwear at the end of every week. Hotels, hostels, or local laundry mats will offer this. Just ask the reception of wherever you’re staying.

A functional scarf

Whether you’re male or female or otherwise, a scarf will come in handy when it’s chilly, during long flights as a blanket, on cold trains, as a headband, visiting mosques, etc. A scarf is the most multi-functional clothing item and I never go on a trip without one.

A mini first aid kit

There have been too many times while traveling that I’ve gotten a nasty blister or a cut and needed a band-aid and some alcohol wipes, but had to go spend money on an entire pack because I didn’t bring any. It seems to be something we always overlook when packing. Especially if you’re going to be doing outdoor activities, definitely add this handmade first aid kit from Etsy to your carry-on and travel checklist.

Comfortable travel shoes

This one is very important because it can really impact your travel experience for the worst if you don’t pack the right shoes. I remember years ago when I was a newbie traveler, I wore a cheap pair of Forever 21 sandals to Paris… worst mistake I made. My feet were blistered, throbbing, and bleeding — meaning I definitely had to go buy band-aids because this newbie traveler definitely didn’t pack any. HAHA.

Chaco, Clarks, Teva, and Toms are my top favorite brands for comfortable, travel-friendly shoes. A pair like these are a travel packing essential! I also love the rubber Birkenstocks (pictured above) for staying in hostels or summer wanders.

Solid toiletries

Solid toiletries are the way to go for travel. They’re far less messy and a whole lot more eco-friendly. You’ll cut down on your plastic waste and solid products are easily better for your skin and body, too. Lush and Eco Roots are two great shops for finding solid shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and even deodorant and toothpaste!

You can also support local and small businesses by purchasing solid toiletries on Etsy.

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And those are my top travel checklist essentials. What do you always pack when you travel abroad?