Packing — it sounds simple, but it can make or break your trip. Pack too much, and you’ll end up dragging a heavy suitcase through airports and narrow streets. Pack too little, and you’ll find yourself panic-buying essentials in a language you don’t understand. Over the years and through dozens of trips across Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa, I’ve learned (often the hard way!) what’s truly worth bringing and what’s better left at home.

Whether you’re heading for city sightseeing, hiking through nature, or relaxing on a tropical beach, smart packing is all about planning, practicality, and comfort. The goal isn’t to pack everything you might need — it’s to pack everything you’ll actually use.

In this post, I’ll go through my essential packing list, share some of my best tips, and highlight a few items that have made travelling so much easier for me — from gadgets and clothes to underrated little lifesavers I never travel without. Click on the links to go straight to that section

Clothes Electronics

Toiletries Useful & Fitness Essentials

Dont do like me a start to pack for you Asia-trip 9 hours before the flight leaves

1 - CLOTHES

When I travel further away — not just a quick weekend trip to London — I always make sure to bring practical and comfortable clothes that can handle different climates and long days of exploring. These are the essentials I rely on for my longer adventures, where comfort, function, and versatility matter more than style alone.


1. T-Shirts men, T-shirts women 2. Shorts men, shorts women

3. Linen shorts men , linen shorts women 4. Shoes men, shoes women

5. Sarong women 6. Cap unisex

7. Flip flops women, slippers unisex 7. Waterproof jacket men, waterproof jacket women

8. Long pants men, long pants women 9. Linen pants men, linen pants women

10. Swimming shorts men, bikini women 11. Long sleeve shirt men, long sleeve shirt women

2 - Electronics

I always pack light but smart when it comes to electronics. A good powerbank and universal adapter are must-haves, and noise-cancelling headphones make long rides so much better. I also bring extra cables, and sometimes a small camera or GoPro to capture the moments. Simple gear that makes every trip smoother.


1. Headphones 2. Universal adapter

3. Powerbank 4. Three in one Apple charger

5. Amazon kindle 6. GoPro

7. Smartphone 8. Camera

3 - TOILETRIES

I always keep my toiletries simple and compact. A good travel-sized shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen go a long way. I also bring basic medicine like anti blister plasters and anti infection preps — better safe than sorry when abroad.


1. Roll on deoderant 2. Toothbrush

3. Toothbrush case 4. Anti infection preps

5. Plasters 6. Anti blister plasters

7. Toothpaste 8. Sunscreen

9. After sun lotion

4 - Useful & Fitness Essentials

These small but essential items make every trip smoother — a powerbank, universal adapter, refillable water bottle, sunglasses, and a small lock for your bag. I also bring a few tote bags for laundry or snacks. For fitness, I always pack resistance bands, a jump rope, and a smartwatch to stay active on the go.


1. Pad lock (good to have in hostels) 2. Sunglasses

3. Anti scimming passport holder 4. Jump rope (perfect for getting workout done)

5. Wallet (many countries in Asia uses cash) 6. Resistance band

7. Forearm trainer (perfect to do in airplanes, bus rides etc) 8. Neck pillow

9. Waterproof packback cover 10. Osprey backpack men, women