Packing List & Gear Review
When you plan to live out of a suitcase for a year, everything needs to be scrutinized before making it to the packing list. Weight, space and usability must all be optimized. Here is our packing list for a family of four. The highlighted ones have a special section on gear reviews and selections.
Luggage (carry-on roller bags and backpacks)
Packing cubes
Toiletry & toiletry bags
Rain jackets (outer shells only, to be layered with down jackets)
Down jackets & vests (packable)
Beanies, neck warmers & gloves for colder weathers
Hats & Sunglasses
Swimwear: Swimsuits, rash guards, goggles, water shoes
Sunblock & bug spray
Shirts, pants, underwear, socks
Shoes, sandals/slippers (it’s up to you if you want slippers for hotel rooms and public showers)
Phones, cameras, chargers, selfie sticks, waterproof case, action cameras
Electronics (Power adapter, USB multi-charger, charging cables, headphones, hidden camera detector, memory cards, etc.)
Laptops, tablets and e-book readers & chargers
Silicone waterproof shoe-cover (good for hiking through waterfalls, but not a necessity)
Credit card with touch-pay, zero international fees and Priority Pass membership (e.g. Chase Sapphire Reserve); ATM card with ATM-fee reimbursement
Passports & travel documents
International driver’s license
Cell phone SIM-card swap-out pin (or just a paperclip)
A few questions to think through before selecting the gear:
Carry-ons or bigger suitcases? Backpack-style or roller bags? Two or four-wheel rollers?
Given that our daughters are still small and can’t hand-carry the luggage, we opted for the combination that will allow maximum maneuverability on rough terrains and stairs by the two adults. This means a combination of roller bags and backpacks. We ended up carrying three rollerbags and two backpacks for the five of us. For roller bags, have one four-wheel suitcase that we can place a backpack on top to wheel around on smooth surfaces, and two two-wheeled ones that can roll better on normal streets and rougher surfaces. One new suitcase that seems very promising but didn’t come in time for our trip is the G-Ro 6. It combines the best of both worlds between 2 and 4 wheels and are easy for kids to push around. The high price is the main drawback. Give it a try and share your experience with us.