✈️ Travel Planning & Packing Essentials for an Epic Overseas Trip
- Nomadic Tribe
- May 28, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Ready to jump on a plane and disappear into a new timezone?
Whether you’re prepping for your first overseas adventure or adding another passport stamp to your collection, this is your ultimate guide to travel planning and packing like a pro (without losing your mind or your socks).
Let’s take the stress out of planning and make space for the good stuff: exploring, eating, and making memories.
🧳 Bonus: I’ve included my go-to gear, apps, and packing hacks with affiliate links. If you buy through them, I might earn a tiny commission-at no cost to you. Think of it as tipping your travel guide!
🗺️Research & Plan Ahead Like a Travel Ninja
A little pre-trip prep goes a long way-saving you time, money, and suitcase meltdowns.
Here’s what I always do before I even think about packing:
✅ Know your destination
What’s the weather like? Humid? Rainy? Four seasons in one day?
Are there dress codes (temples, conservative towns, fancy dinners)?
Do you need plug adapters or voltage converters? (Psst! This one works in over 150 countries and has USB ports!)
✅ Make a loose itinerary
Highlight must-sees, must-eats, and must-naps (you’ll thank me later).
Leave gaps for happy accidents-the magic often happens unplanned.
✅ Brush up on local culture
Learn a few basic phrases (Google Translate helps, but a pocket phrasebook can save your data plan!)
Check for festivals, closures, or public holidays that could affect your plans.
🔍 Pro Tip: I like to save everything-maps, tickets, notes-in a shared Google Doc or offline maps app. That way, even if I lose Wi-Fi, I don’t lose my mind.
2.🧳 Must-Have Travel Gear That Makes Life Easier (and Lighter)
Initially, I felt totally overwhelmed preparing to pack for a climate I’d never experienced before. How on earth do you decide what to take? What size backpack do I need? Why the heck are bag volumes measured in litres!?
Over the years, I’ve tested travel gadgets, bags, and little lifesavers that seriously improved my adventures.
Here’s the gear I swear by:
🧭 Essentials You’ll Actually Use
🎒 Anti-theft backpack: Keeps your valuables secure in busy cities. Bonus if it’s carry-on sized.
⚡ Portable power bank: Because your phone always dies when the sunset is perfect.
💦 Reusable water bottle: Saves money and the planet. Get one with a filter for sketchy tap water.
🛠️ Smart Add-Ons
🧳 Packing cubes: Game changers for staying organised.
💧 Waterproof dry bag: Perfect for beach days, waterfall hikes, or surprise monsoons.
🌍 Digital Essentials
Here's how to download and use offline maps in Google Maps:
Downloading Offline Maps:
Open the Google Maps app: Navigate to the desired area and tap "Offline Maps".
Select your own map: Choose the area you want to download.
Download the map: Adjust the area as needed and tap "Download".
Using Offline Maps:
Navigate with the downloaded map: Open the Google Maps app and search for a destination within the downloaded area.
Follow directions: The app will use the offline map for turn-by-turn directions.
💬 Translation app or device
💸 Currency converter (don’t get tricked at the exchange counter!)
✈️ Bonus Tip: If you’re heading into the wild, invest in a lightweight microfiber towel-it dries fast and fits in your daypack.
3. 📱Stay Connected & Informed While You Roam
Being overseas doesn’t mean you have to feel lost. With the right digital tools, you can feel at home wherever you land.
📲 Must-Have Travel Apps
🗺️ Google Maps (offline mode) - For navigating like a local without burning data.
💸 XE Currency - Converts prices on the fly so you don’t accidentally spend £15 on a banana.
💬 Google Translate - Lifesaver for menus, signs, and awkward conversations at bus stations.
🛜 Staying Online
Grab a local SIM card or invest in a global eSIM plan if your phone supports it.
Alternatively, bring a portable WiFi hotspot - great for couples or remote work warriors.
🧾 Keep your important stuff backed up
Store copies of your passport, insurance, bookings, and emergency numbers in the cloud (Google Drive is free and easy to use!).
I also recommend carrying a paper copy of emergency contacts and addresses just in case.
💡 Pro Tip: I share my live Google location with a close friend or family member-it gives peace of mind and works even offline.
4.🚨 Safety First, Adventure Second
Don’t skip this part-it’s boring until it’s not. Trust me, having the right safety setup can turn a crisis into a non-event.
Plasters, ibuprofen, antiseptic wipes, tweezers
Any personal meds (plus a copy of the prescription)
Electrolyte tablets for heat exhaustion, hangovers, or travel tummy
📱 Install Safety Apps
Hollie Guard - My go-to for solo travel safety; it tracks your location and sends alerts with a shake.
Sitata - Real-time travel alerts and health updates. Think of it as a bodyguard in your pocket.
💳 Money Safety Tips
Keep a backup stash of emergency cash hidden in multiple places
Bring two cards: a main one and a backup (I swear by Monzo-low fees and slick app)
🎒 Safety Tip: Always have your accommodation address written down in the local language. I once ended up in the wrong district in Hanoi at midnight-lesson learned!
5. 🌍Embrace the Chaos - Adventure Awaits
Planning is great, but remember: not everything will go to plan-and that’s the point.
✨ Be open to the unexpected
Say yes to the random beach bonfire invite.
Try the weird fruit at the market (unless it’s durian-smell at your own risk).
Skip one museum for a long, slow coffee and people-watching sesh.
📸 Capture the Moment
Whether it’s a mirrorless camera or your phone, take the photos-especially the goofy ones.
Journaling or sketching? Pack a tiny notebook to capture your daily adventures.
🌈 Big Energy Reminder: The best travel moments often happen in the detours. Be flexible. Be curious. Be kind.
6. 🧳Pack Light, Pack Right - The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Your Overseas Trip
Packing for a trip overseas doesn’t have to feel like you’re preparing for a polar expedition-it’s about packing smart and maximising your space while keeping essentials within reach.
Here’s how to pack like a pro:
👕 Clothing - Comfortable, Versatile, and Ready for Anything
You don’t need 17 different outfits. Instead, go for versatile, mix-and-match clothing that can handle any situation.
👗 Quick-Dry Fabrics - Get lightweight, wrinkle-resistant clothes that dry fast and save room. Think breathable shirts, pants, and a fold-away jacket. I’m obsessed with my Pac-A-Mac rain jacket-it’s a lifesaver when tropical rains surprise you.
👚 Layering is Key - Pack a hoodie, raincoat, or light scarf for chilly mornings and evenings.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes - You’ll want a pair of shoes that can handle cobblestone streets and hiking trails. I love my Allbirds for long walks or beach strolls.
👗 Dress for All Occasions - A nice sundress or button-up shirt can easily transition from a day of exploring to a night out. Just add sandals and a small crossbody bag!
Pro Tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them-this saves space and reduces wrinkles.
🧴 Toiletries - Keep It Simple, Keep It Tidy
Travel-sized, eco-friendly toiletries are a game-changer for both your luggage and the environment.
🧴 Travel-Sized Toiletries - Go for solid shampoo bars, toothpaste tabs, and refillable containers. I use this travel toiletry kit to stay organised without wasting single-use plastics.
🧴 Sunscreen and Bug Repellent - Essential in many destinations, especially tropical ones.
🧻 Hand Sanitiser - Always handy when you’re on the go and can’t find soap! This one is my go-to.
💡 Bonus Tip: Keep your toiletries in a clear, zip-lock bag to save time at security checkpoints.
📱 Electronics - Stay Powered Up and Ready to Capture Every Moment
Whether you're working remotely or documenting your adventures, having the right gear can make or break your trip.
📸 Camera Gear - If you want more than phone pics, a compact mirrorless camera is light and takes stunning shots. (Plus, it’s much more discreet in busy tourist spots!)
⚡ Portable Charger - Don’t leave home without a portable power bank. It’ll save your phone’s life during long days of sightseeing.
💻 Travel Adapter - Get a universal adapter like this one that works in every country (no more scrambling for plugs at the airport!).
🎧 Noise-Cancelling Headphones - Perfect for long flights, train rides, or even just tuning out the world when you need some downtime.
🏥 Health & Safety - Be Prepared for Anything
Better safe than sorry! Here’s how I stay healthy and safe on the road:
🏥 First Aid Kit - Pack the essentials: plasters, painkillers, and any medications you might need. I also bring electrolyte tablets for quick hydration boosts.
🦠 Hand Sanitizer & Wipes - Always good to have when you’re navigating public transport or street food.
🧳 Secure Your Belongings - Don’t forget an anti-theft bag. Keeping my passport and cards close gives me peace of mind wherever I go.
🌍 Health Tip: If you’re heading to remote areas, get any vaccinations or anti-malaria meds in advance.
🍫 Extras - For the Little Things You Can’t Forget
Let’s not forget about the fun, quirky little things that make your travels more comfortable.
🍫 Travel Snacks - Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit will keep you going during long travel days.
🧴 Reusable Water Bottle - Save money and reduce plastic waste. I always carry a stainless steel water bottle.
📚 Entertainment - For downtime, bring along a book, journal, or sketchbook. (I recommend a little travel diary-it’s great for capturing those spontaneous moments!)
Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, hiking through pristine wilderness, or simply soaking up the sun on a tropical beach, proper preparation and a sense of adventure will ensure an unforgettable journey.
Happy Travelling!
Some links in this lightweight travel gear camping packing essential must-haves Amazon travel packing list are affiliate - I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It all goes back into future adventures (and probably snacks). 🍪🚐✨
Head over to my Travel Destination Blogs for off-grid inspo, quirky guides, and tips to make your next adventure unforgettable. Whether you're chasing sunrises, wild swims, or just decent coffee in the wilderness – there’s something there for every kind of explorer. Your next escape starts here. 🗺️✨
Comments