Okay so here’s what our version of packing for a trip around the world looks like:
Luggage
Six pieces altogether. We spent several hours in MEC and SAIL testing out all of the different options, in the end we went with the following, and reminded ourselves that luggage can be replaced anywhere in the world if it’s not working out (or gets lost!). Everything goes into packing cubes to keep it tidy and smaller in the bags.
- Mike: 95 litre duffel/backpack (the only checked bag) + electronics bag
- Darla: Carry-on roller suitcase + purse + snack bag
- Lauren: 30 litre backpack + activity bag
- Owen: 24 litre backpack
Adult Clothes
Each adult fits all of this into 2 medium packing cubes. We tried to pack light knowing that we could replace things along the way or add things that we may need. Our plan is to avoid winter, so no snowsuits or super-warm clothing required.
- Shoes (2-3 pairs each – casual, runners, sandals or flip-flops)
- Pants/Capris/Skirt (3)
- Shorts (2)
- T-shirts/Tank tops (4-6)
- Long sleeve shirt (1)
- Sweatshirt / fleece (1)
- Dresses (Darla), button shirts (Mike) (2)
- Bathing suit (1)
- Down jacket (1)
- Underwear (6-7)
- Socks (3-6)
- Rain coat
- Toque
- Scarf/buff
- Belt
- Towel
- Toiletries (small sizes, replace as required)
Kid Clothes
Each kid fits all of this into 1 medium packing cube. Lauren’s clothes go in her backpack, Owen’s clothes go in Mike’s bag. We let the kids pack their current favourite clothing from home and didn’t spend a lot of money on travel-specific gear. They’re going to grow so we’ll replace as needed and they’re happy to wear things they’re comfortable in.
- Shoes (2-3 pair)
- Pants (3-4)
- Shorts (3)
- T-shirts (5)
- Long sleeve shirt (1)
- Sweatshirt /fleece(1)
- Dress (Lauren), button shirt (Owen)
- Bathing suit (1)
- Down jacket
- Underwear (6)
- Socks (4-5)
- PJ’s (2)
- Rain coat
- Toque
- Scarf/Buff
- Hat
- Towel
Clothes are obviously a pretty important part of what we packed, but in the end they only fill about half the volume of our bags, and probably only a third of the weight. So next comes gear. First up, things to keep the kids entertained on long flights/trains, school materials, and comfort items. Each kid is responsible for carrying their own activities.
Kid activity bags
- Snacks – cram them into every corner available
- Lego (their choice of pieces fitted into container with base plate glued on top)
- Pencil case
- Boogie Board Jot 4.5
- Small packable puzzle games (3 each, some individual, some multiplayer)
- Playing Cards
- Harmonica
- Chapstick
- Notebooks & sketch books
- Neck pillow
- Small stuffed animal (2 each – don’t ask, if you’re a parent, you get it)
- Jump Math Books (grade based)
- English grammar workbook (grade based)
Next, we all want to stay healthy so we’re travelling with a mini pharmacy and first aid supplies. If everything goes well, we will never touch this stuff and wonder why we lugged it around, but just in case, we have the following on hand (fits into one medium packing cube):
Medical Kit
- Steripen water sterilizer
- Water sterilization tablets (back-up plan)
- Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, Gravol (adult + kids)
- Antimalarials (Adult + kids)
- Antibiotics
- Polysporin
- Electrolyte rehydration powder (wish I had this in Africa)
- Fucidin Ointment (treats impetigo)
- Diaper cream (you can’t beat it for moisture rashes)
- Lubricating eye drops
- Cough drops
- Vicks VapoRub
- General moisturizer
- Aloe Vera Gel
- BandAids (a bunch, these are easy to replace, but good to have a few on hand)
- Alcohol/Sterilizing wipes
- Q-tips
- Hand sanitizer
- Gloves
- Iodine packets
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
We also have a collection of things that previous experience taught us are useful to have:
- Swiss army knife
- Bowls
- Cutlery
- Cutting board
- Water bottles
- Headlamps (2)
And finally, the electronics bag. The last time we went on an international trip, we took a camera and one cell phone. This time is VERY different. We worked hard to pare it down but still ended up with a lot of stuff but so far it’s all getting used regularly.
Electronics
- Power bar with international adapters and USB outlets (this is awesome)
- Chromebook
- iPad
- iPhones (2)
- e-readers (2)
- Camera (point & shoot with zoom – better than a phone, lighter than a DSLR)
- Wireless headphones
- Skyroam Solis Wi-Fi hot spot
- 1TB USB Hard drive
- Lots of cloud based storage prearranged
- +Charging cords for all of it
That about does it. We’ll update the list in a couple months to see if it changes much along the way (just over a week into our trip now and we’ve picked up a pair of scooters – curious to see how far they make it before they find a second owner).
