Preparing for a Round-The-World (RTW) trip can be a daunting task — especially if you decide to pack all of your worldly belongings for five months in just a carry-on and a shoulder bag. I undertook all sorts of research, made more visits than I can count to LL Bean and REI, and did more shopping than I would have expected. Here’s my round the world packing list as I head out on the road (note that I’m not paid by sponsors for any of the links below):

Luggage

I spent a long time debating whether to bring larger luggage or try to smash everything in a carry-on. I finally settled on the carry-on option because I don’t want baggage delays or other misadventures to be part of my RTW experience.

For my main luggage, I’ve opted for the Osprey Farpoint Wheeled Travel Carry-on. Why? First and foremost, I want a roller bag — I’m long past the time in my life when carrying all of my worldly belongs on my back felt like a good idea. But I also want something that converts to a backpack if I need to go up and down stairs or navigate cobblestone streets. The Farpoint is one of the only bags that meets the wheels-plus-backpack requirement. And while the Farpoint is smaller than most US carry-ons, some European airlines have smaller size restrictions.

For my shoulder bag, I have a Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Tote. It’s a workhorse, though I had to have it modified by a tailor in Singapore to make sure it sits reliably on top of the Farpoint.

Clothing

• 4 T-shirts
• 1 workout tank
• 3 long-sleeved shirts
• 1 pullover
• 1 jacket (I splurged on the SCOTTeVEST Chloe Hoodie for the pickpocket-proof pockets)
• 1 pair shorts
• 2 pair pants
• 1 pair yoga pants
• 3 dresses (all of which cover my shoulders, and two of which cover my knees)
• 1 nightgown (can double as a sundress in a pinch)
• 5 pairs underwear (I finally settled on ExOfficio for quick-drying reasons)
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 bra
• 1 hat
• 6 pairs socks (3 short, 2 long, 1 hiking)
• 1 colorful scarf

A few notes on clothing: It needs to dry quickly, be relatively lightweight, and wrinkle minimally. Three dresses might sound excessive, but I’ll take a dress over pants and a shirt any day, so I packed extra. I’m still wondering whether three long sleeved shirts is too many (though I may wonder less when I’m in the Greek mountains in March). All of the items above — minus the jacket, which I’ll carry separately — are packed in 5 packing cubes.

Wondering how this wardrobe actually performs on the road? After three months of my round-the-world trip across three continents, I shared an honest review of what worked, what didn’t, and key reflections in my post, The Carry-On Wardrobe: Clothes That Last for Long-Term Travel

Shoes

• Trail runners (I like Merrell’s Trail Gloves because they’re lightweight but still great for hiking)
• Sneakers/walking shoes (I went with Cloud Aikas)
• Sandals (after trying on at least a dozen options, I settled on a pair of Aetrex)
• Travel slippers

Many RTW packers only travel with two pairs of shoes, but I wanted separate hiking/workout shoes and walkers. Also, I know that travel slippers are an indulgence, but I love them.

Other Stuff in My Carry-On

• Lightweight Cotopaxi hip pack
• Monocular
• Sea-to-Summit Ultra-Sil minimalist backpack (this thing is truly tiny and works remarkably well)
• Travelon anti-theft handbag
• UltraLite PackTowl towel
• Scrubba wash bag (I have no idea how often I’ll end up using this, but when you’re traveling with just a carry-on, you need to have a clothes washing strategy)
• Travel clothesline
• Laundry sheets
• Small umbrella
• Exercise bands
• Reusable shopping bag
• Liquids bag: shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, hair gel, sunblock, insect repellent, insect bite relief gel, antiseptic cream
• Toiletry bag: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, tiny hairbrush, glasses
• Tiny travel lock

Stuff in My Shoulder Bag

• Passport
• Wallet (with some extra USD)
• Phone
• International driver’s license
• Physical copy of visas & travel calendar — not sure I need these, but they feel reassuring somehow
• Eye mask (I swear by the Nidra — never travel without it)
• Travel pillow (I like my Turtl — I’ve used it for years)
• Tiny notebook & pen
• Sunglasses
• Reading glasses
• Electronics: iPad, Kindle, earbuds, charging cords, travel adapter, portable charger
• Camera (not something I usually carry, but I’m going on a safari & snorkeling, so I’d like to have it)
• Med kit: ibuprofen, Band-Aids, GI medicine, Benadryl, Mucinex
• Body Glide
• Personal medications
• Disposable contact lenses
• Jewelry (2 necklaces, 2 pair earrings)
• Hair clip & ties
• Black scarf
• Teabags

Obviously, some of these things aren’t strictly necessary — many people travel happily and successfully without teabags and earrings. But I’ve decided to add a few small things that matter to me. We’ll see if I regret the weight as I go on.

Final Notes on My Round the World Packing List

• There’s no room in my bags for souvenirs, aside from the odd jewels and baubles. I recognize that if I’m desperate to own a bolt of Senegalese fabric or a set of Moroccan tiles, I’m going to have to ship them home.
• I’m not technically going around the world. But I’m starting in Singapore and headed to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, hitting all sorts of countries and climates, so that seems close enough!

Looking to plan your own Round-The-World travel trip? Here are tools, tips, and checklists for a fun and successful adventure.

Curious about my RTW travel reflections? Read my thoughts after 1 month and 2 months on the road — including surprises, challenges, and what I might have done differently