Packing List (for Traveling Slow)

When traveling slow, I’m usually traveling long-term, so my slow travel packing list has grown to include items in my luggage that provide me with long-term comfort.

Some items on this packing list might seem a bit quirky. However, these items make all the difference in the world.

Because slow or long-term travel can last a month or three, a year or two, or never end. It all depends on where we let each moment go.

Thus, this slow travel packing list allows me to travel into all four seasons, often not knowing where I’m going or for how long.

I must pack items that allow me to handle my everyday needs everywhere I go. This includes celiac disease, allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis, and more.

This means my slow travel packing list below meets my travel and living needs, in all four seasons, in just about any destination.

This list also itemizes nearly everything I own. Thus, the packing list below details how I live—essentially out of my luggage—even when I’m not traveling.

The key, for myself, is to make sure my bags are organized and nimble.

This allows me to proceed swiftly on transport days (once every few months) plus enjoy living out of my bags the rest of the time (while I’m settled into local life).

On transport days, I must be able to roll my wheeled bag long distances, lift it into and out of luggage holds, carry it up and down stairs, and fit it into tiny lifts.

I’ve drastically limited flights, but if I do fly, my wheeled bag is checked, my foldable backpack is on my back, and my personal (anti-theft) day bag is on my front (or inside my backpack).

If I know I’ll spend at least a year in one location, I can also bring my small LOJEL rolling carry-on if that seems wise, so I’m equipped to travel regionally (in comfort).

If I do take my small LOJEL rolling carry-on, I pack it like I would normally pack my carry-on backpack (and I pack my foldable backpack inside my rolling carry-on for use once I arrive).

Since everyone’s situation is unique, this packing list might not apply to another soul on earth. And that’s okay.

My hope is that by sharing my slow travel packing list, someone else won’t feel alone if they need to pack a little comfort in their luggage, too.

Personal Day Bag (Anti-Theft Pacsafe)

I pack the following items into my Pacsafe, my personal (anti-theft) day bag. It acts as a pretty day backpack or it can transition into a sling to wear on my front when I need to wear my larger foldable backpack on my back. On transport days, I organize this personal day bag exactly as I’ve noted below, so I have these items at my fingertips while moving from one place to the next…

exterior zipper

  • whistle (small, skinny)

exterior hidden pocket

  • passport (pulled from wallet and placed here before going through security)

  • boarding pass (pulled from wallet and placed here before going through security)

interior

  • wallet

    • micro carabiner (ultra-lightweight stainless; locks wallet to interior clasp)

    • driver’s license (enhanced)

    • passport card (great for picking up packages overseas at the post offices, etc.)

    • nexus or global entry card (depending on where I’m traveling most)

    • visa, chase sapphire reserve (CSR) credit card

    • visa or mastercard for unmanned kiosks—a true international “pin-priority”credit card

    • atm debit card (linked to my checking account)

    • wise card

    • medical power of attorney (giving my partner the ability to make decisions)

exterior front pockets

Carry-On (Foldable Backpack or Small Rolling LOJEL)

I pack the following into my carry-on. I can use my foldable backpack (it can fold flat and it’s sturdy enough to carry a heavy load) or I can use my small rolling LOJEL as my carry-on. I organize my carry-on as noted below on transport days, so my valuables are always with me.

zipper pocket

interior sleeve

  • laptop (lenovo yoga, has lasted forever, like a champ)

  • e-reader (thin, lightweight, easy to pack)

  • thin folder (with clear sleeves, holding ancestry paperwork)

  • small print (a little art)

interior

  • tote bags, XL (two ultra-thin, ultra-light, linen, organic; big enough to carry backpack)

  • large packing cube

    • long packable coat

  • medium packing cube

Checked Bag (Rolling LOJEL)

I pack the following into the bag I check—into my rolling LOJEL Cubo Fit. On transport days, I organize my checked bag as I’ve noted below and check it at the bus, train, or airport. At my destination, I remove a few household and toiletry items, then leave everything else as is. I position my LOJEL in a corner and never unpack further, using my packing cubes like drawers.

luggage door

  • laundry line (stretchy, attached to upper door strap loop, for laundry in a pinch, but mostly as a bungee I leave attached and loop back to my luggage handle, to hold my luggage door open)

  • luggage tag wire or small carabiner (attaches laundry line to door strap loop)

  • flipflops (house slippers/shower shoes; in XL produce bag as shoe cover)

  • sandals (in XL produce bag as shoe cover)

  • face masks (three ultra-lightweight organic cotton; washable)

  • small gear bag

    • bear bell

    • emergency foil blanket

    • trekking pole rubber tips

    • trekking pole baskets

    • boot grippers for snow/ice

interior

  • medium packing cube (base layers)

    • 6 headbands (custom made in goldenrod; used as headband, sleep mask, neck gaiter)

    • 3 bras (just enough to keep things private, light enough for hot days and travel comfort)

    • 6 undies (I love the comfort of my period undies so much I wear them daily)

    • 3 socks

    • 2 base layer tops

    • 2 base layer bottoms

    • swimsuit (recycled eco material)

    • swim dress/tunic (regenerated eco material)

    • portable speaker (protected in this cube)

  • medium packing cube (bottoms + dress)

    • 3 light linen pants (for city/hiking)

    • 2 dark stretchy pants (for city/hiking)

    • 1 lightweight/stretchy boyfriend jean

    • dress, stretchy

  • medium packing cube (outerwear)

    • 2 gloves (1 pretty, 1 technical)

    • 2 gaiters (technical)

    • 2 hats (sun/hiking)

    • 2 hats (winter)

    • 2 light jackets (1 pretty, 1 technical)

    • 2 scarves

  • packing cube (household)

    • reusable cloth wipes, organic

    • mesh laundry bags for delicates

    • pincinox clothespins

    • 3 small Swedish utensils

    • 4 small Swedish decorations

    • collapsible linen bucket (kitchen counter organizer)

    • leakproof reusable bag

      • drain cover

      • drain strainer

      • tiny drain snake

  • packing cube (linens 1 of 2)

    • 1 pillow protector, organic

    • 1 pillowcase, linen

    • 1 flat sheet, linen

  • packing cube (linens 2 of 2)

    • 1 pillow protector, organic

    • 1 pillowcase, linen

    • 1 flat sheet, linen

Packing Questions and Answers

After viewing this list, one might ask why my toiletry kit takes up two packing cubes or why household items are even on this list, especially since I rent furnished lodging.

These are excellent questions.

I love having plenty of space to move things around, so I pack my packing cubes loosely. This makes it enjoyable for me to live out of my bags.

I also need extra room to pack products that allow me to bathe without having an allergic reaction, prevent rosacea flares, repel bugs naturally, soothe itching, and more.

As well, my travel kitchen ensures I can drink filtered water and prepare healthy food, as kitchens are minimal or missing items. I even pack a few small items to create a familiar environment.

In addition, at nearly every furnished lodging I’ve rented, I’ve needed household maintenance tools soon after arrival, though they’re not usually provided.

Specifically, I’m often greeted by clogged shower drains, kitchen sinks that splatter back at us, or sewer odors.

I can quickly place my drain cover over a shower drain to reduce sewer odors. My small stainless sink strainer almost always stops the sink splatters.

But, for clogged shower drains, I discover them while undressed, late at night, or early in the morning. Murky water has too often crept up my legs.

I’ve poured baking soda and lemon juice (later followed by hot water) down the drains, which has been incredibly effective. Unless that clog is thick with guest hair buildup.

I’ve searched stores many times for the least toxic drain cleaners, yet all those products with still questionable ingredients and plastic bottles feel never-ending.

I wanted a better solution because I can’t bring myself to burden a host when renting long-term. I feel a responsibility to handle things independently.

Plus, these issues were making me seriously question our sustainability while traveling.

Thankfully, I finally discovered a tiny (and short) portable drain snake that actually works. This has been life-changing.

Naturally conscious of icky things, I like to reassure others that I thoroughly sanitize these tools and carefully enclose them before they ever go back into my luggage.

As in, I zip them into a mesh bag (meant for delicates), toss them into a front-loading washer, add non-toxic soap, then run the hot cycle. I might wash them more than once, just to be sure.

Afterward, I can then carefully wipe these tools down with hand sanitizing spray. Then I securely enclose them inside a reusable sealable bag. Twice.

Because drains are gross. Drains contain all kinds of ick.

Another reality upon arriving at furnished lodging is that pillows, sheets, or upholstered furniture can often look or smell questionable. Everyone’s cleanliness levels vary.

And I’ve lost things in the cracks of sofa cushions. I’m most sad about losing my driver’s license which contained my one decent ID photo.

Also, if we’re in nicely furnished housing, I might worry we’ll accidentally ruin their really nice things. Especially since we snack and work wherever we’re sitting.

So I like to place a neutral flat linen sheet on the sofa as a cover or toss one on the bed. My pillow protectors zip over the provided pillows, with my pillowcases on top.

Slow travel feels truly peaceful when I pack what provides long-term comfort.

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