“How to pack for full-time travel…”
I would type this exact phrase over and over again in any search bar I could get my hands on. Google, Pinterest, you name it. I was looking for a “know it all” guide on what to bring for this unique experience because honestly how does one even prepare for this sort of thing?
How Do You Pack for Full-Time Travel?
Well, I’ll be honest with you: you truly will never know exactly what you need until you get out there. It’s one of those “learn by experience” things.
However, you can absolutely be prepared! And I’m more than happy to help you with that.
If you’re new around here, my name is Jess and I’m the author behind The Road Jess Traveled. My boyfriend and I have been traveling full-time on and off for the past couple of years and it’s been a journey full of many lessons! One, of which, is what to pack for full-time travel and this very different lifestyle.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, slow traveler, study abroad, or the like… you’ve come to the right post.
Pack for Full-Time Travel: The “Stuff”
This blog post is going to be about packing the “stuff.” (if you’re looking for clothing specifically, scroll down to the bottom of the post for resources!)
There are so many categories to comb through when you’re packing so I’m going to break it all down for you.
As a girl who just entered her 30’s (eek!) the categories that are very important for me during this process are: makeup, toiletries, bags, safety tools, first aid, and, of course, snacks.
Everyone packs a little bit differently, so feel free to take what’s useful and leave what doesn’t! I will link the specific products I use as well, so you have reliable recommendations.
Without further ado, let’s get these lists started!
Pack for Full-Time Travel: Makeup
I am a pretty glam girlie when it comes to makeup, but I can fit my routine very easily into my Vera Bradley makeup bag for traveling. These are my favorite products broken down by category:
Eyes:
- Brow Gel
- Eyelash Primer: Tarte Opening Act
- Eye Lift: REN
- Eyeliner: ILIA
- Eyeliner: Rare Beauty
- Eyeshadow: Anastasia Beverly Hills – “Soft Glam”
- Eye Shadow Primer: Fenty Beauty
- Mascara: ILIA
- Super Shock Shadow: ColourPop – “Amaze”
- White Eyeliner Pencil
Face:
- Blush: Clinique – “Cupid“
- Bronzer: Too Faced
- C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40: ILIA
- Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Max (190)
- Concealer: ILIA – “Yucca“
- Contour Stick: Fenty Beauty – “Mocha”
- Highlight: Artist Couture – “Coco Bling“
- Highlight Palette: Sleek
- Liquid Highlight: Cover FX “Moonlight“
- Primer: Too Faced
- Setting Spray – Urban Decay
- Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: ILIA
- Translucent Powder: Laura Mercier
Lips:
Tools:
Pack for Full-Time Travel: Toiletries
I don’t tend to realize this when I’m home, but I use quite a lot of toiletries to make my world go ’round! When traveling, it’s important to narrow down to the necessities and also try and downsize into travel-size containers if possible! I just pack all of these up in Ziplock bags and it does the trick.
Dental:
Hair:
- Bed Head Hairspray
- Catwalk Curls Rock
- OUAI Wave Spray
- Gingerbread Couture Scrunchies & Headbands (Use Code JESS508 for a discount)
- Sun Bum Detangler
Skincare:
- Aquaphor
- Drunk Elephant Sunshine Drops
- Eye Makeup Remover: Neutrogena
- Face Wash – Cetaphil
- Lotion: Pistache
- Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm – Farmacy
- Moisturizer – Summer Fridays Gel Cream
- Essie Nail Polish
- Native Deodorant
- SPF Moisturizer
Shaving:
Pack for Full-Time Travel: Purses & Bags:
Having the right bag while you’re traveling truly makes a big difference! There are the options I opt for depending on the situation:
Unique & Miscellaneous Items:
The following items I consider to be unique because I’m not sure if every single person out there would bring them! However, for me, they really make a big difference in feeling prepared and sustaining this lifestyle.
First Aid:
- Bug Bite Thing
- Bandaids + Neosporin
- Electrolytes: LMNT
- Electrolytes: Nuun
- HotHands Hand Warmers
- The HoneyPot Company Period Products
- Tummy Drops (Sweet Blackberry Ginger is the best!)
Packing Tools:
Safety Tools:
Snacks:
Lastly… let’s talk about snacks! I always live by the method that I don’t want to get stuck anywhere without food (you never know how a travel day is going to go!) so I think it’s important to pack the right snacks to tide you over. Definitely don’t just bring junk either – bringing a balance of both savory (with protein!) and sweet snacks will get you far.
- CHOMPS Beef Jerky Sticks
- Kate’s Real Food Organic Energy Bars
- Lily’s Chocolate Bars
- Nature’s Bakery Gluten-Free Fig Bars
- Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers
- Traditional Medicinals Tea
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate & Amazon Associate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting the website.
Want to See More?
During my most recent packing process, I created a Packing Vlog on Youtube so you can pack along with me for Phase 2 of Nomad Life! Check it out here:
Looking for a Clothing Packing List?
As you know, today’s post was focused more on the “stuff” category. However, if you’re looking for a clothing packing list, I got you covered! I have two options for you:
Option #1 – For cold weather travelers, check out my blog post called: Packing for Winter in Europe | Clothing Guide | Full-Time Travel Edition
Option #2: If you’re traveling to a warmer climate, put your email address into the box below and I’ll send you a full packing list directly to your inbox:
Pack for Full-Time Travel: Complete!
Thank you so much for being here today and visiting The Road Jess Traveled. Packing is truly only the beginning of the adventure. Be sure to come back real soon for blog updates or follow along on Instagram @JessicaFaye508 for real-time posts.
Until next time… ✈️
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