How Do You Pack for a Yearlong Trip?

While traveling through Europe I met a couple from Australia and they have me the best tip ever. Australia is so far from everyplace except New Zealand they learned to pack old clothes and worn out things. They knew they would want to buy more stuff as they moved on. So when they bought something new they threw away something old. It was briliant and worked perfectly for me too.

The one thing I seem to disagree with every travel writer about is the checking of luggage. I have a credit card that lets me check my luggage without additional fees and I always do that because I like the freedom of getting on a plane with one tiny bag. I don’t have to lift anything into the overhead bin or try to stuff it under the seat in front of me. When I am at the airport I do not have to keep my luggage with me when I go to the restroom or to eat in an airport restaurant. I am not always having to watch my luggage. This makes the extra time spent waiting for my bag at the luggage carousel worth it, and the chance of my luggage being lost and ruining my trip is very low .

This is a rare travel article that resonates with me. In some yers I've traveled 35 weeks, and you need to keep overhead and annoyances low. While I've made some slightly different decisions (I use the same travel pro luggage as flight crews) everything I read here was sound advice. I found the female-centric advice entertaining and my wife found it valuable. Credit cards and cash access are always the biggest risk. Most things can be bought at some point (even if inconvenient to do so) if you have money. I was once stranded on Morocco with limited cash access. Not fun. I always carry two complete wallets. Each has: American Express Gold Card (AmEx will wire you cash in an emergency), two Visas drawn on different banks in different countries. And two ATM cards from different banks/countries. There is a mix of Euros, CHF, and USD always packed in my luggage. And there is redundant identification in my luggage and extra wallet. This includes photos of passports, visas and residency permits. You cannot carry enough photocopies of your passport and visas.

Pack bug spray or lotion. DEET or picaridin...

Rolled clothes take up MUCH more room than flat clothes. It just depends on how you pack them. I start by tucking shoes in thin plastic bags in the hollows of the roller posts at the bottom of my carry-on. Then, on the bed, I lay out and stack pants (folded lengthwise), a skirt and/or dress (ditto). In the middle, I stack T shirts, underwear, any short stuff—all flat. Then I fold the two ends of the long stack up over the short stack, lift the whole "package" as a unit and slide it into my carry-on. When that's done, toiletries in ziplock bags (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, cleansing cream, etc.) are tucked in around the edges. There's always plenty of room left over on top for last minute items. I carry a fairly large crossbody Baggallini purse (they weigh almost nothing when they're empty and are super durable) with lots of compartments for comb, make-up, meds, iPad (I don't carry a camera anymore), cellphone, notepad, book, whatever else I'll need easy access to. Inside the purse I slip a mini crossbody, with money, credit cards, license, passport—any documents that could be stolen, to hang around my neck when I head for the toilet, or when I'm sleeping. When I arrive at my destination I open my case, lift out the stack, and place it on the bed or dresser, fold back the two ends, and voila, everything I need is immediately visible and uncreased. I have put on cool white linen pants directly from my case that were perfect. Try it, you'll like it.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all your woman-centered advice. I did a lot of research before my six week honeymoon backpacking Europe and had a hard time finding advice about chub rub, periods, make up, all of it! You are a great resource for all of us! Keep on keeping on, and thank you for your honesty and advice.

Two words... Wool! Technical Wool is fabulous - Icebreaker, etc! Keeps you warm (even when its damp), very comfortable, stylish, and easy to wash. Bring one short-sleeve, and one long... wool underwear and two-layered socks are wonders. Jesus saves, but Vaseline protects... use it everywhere. Godspeed.

Flip flops, waterproof sneakers or boots for plane, dressy walkings shoes, 1 pair capri/pants in black nylon, 2 piece bathing suit with halter top that can double as top for night out (with black cotton skirt instead of dress) ; 2 exercise tops paired with 2 long sleeve blouses, merino leggings, merino socks, including ones that double as compression socks, 4undies, 2 bras,. Get rolling bag that converts to backpack. If you have long hair bring some conditioner. 1 light sundress if you are going to beach. 1 Tee shirt.

I travel around 120,000 miles a year for work and play, and if I wanted to, could buy all the brand-name stuff you mention. But why would I? 90% of the brand-name stuff you list is no better than the discount-store equivalents. Were you paid by these companies for product placement? It's actually offensive--your article will discourage as many would-be travelers as it will encourage. The generic advice was largely on target--go light on clothes and shoes, stock up on toiletries, use bags inside bags, roll, don't fold. But people need to know they don't need to spend $400 on anything in your list.

The suggestion that using a wheeled/spinner bit of luggage identifies you as an American tourist may be true in Kathmandu, but it certainly isn't the case if you are in London, Paris, Stockholm, etc. where no one other than tourists would be caught dead with a backpack. A few tips that I've found fit my travels well: -Wear black everywhere other than the beach -Only take the DSLR(s) when absolutely necessary -Skip contact lenses and opt for glasses (bring a cheap second pair) -Use Google Fi (even as a secondary phone) -If there are things that you "might" need during an extended trip, package them up in a shipping box (if in the States, USPS Priority International is a breeze) and leave them with a loved one, colleague, etc. with easy instructions on how and where to send them ... the sheer "availability" of such items will curb the overpacking and alleviate undue anxiety about "not having" something seemingly important

$425 for a single pair of leggings? That's a joke, right?

For older travels like me who are more concerned about falling and breaking a hip than what to pack for menstruation, I suggest closed-toe sandals, preferably with a rubber tip and soles that grip. I travel with only a 20 inch suitcase that I can lift without assistance, and that won’t strain my shoulder when schlepping it across an airport or up a narrow staircase. It’s imperative when traveling to dress for comfort, safety and climate at any age, but it’s particularly important for those of us older folks who still love adventure. And bring extra glasses — I lost mine on a rickshaw in India.

Comfort is critical, but the challenge is finding a look that doesn't scream "Tourist who's given up on looking even halfway decent!" What's worked well for me, from the top down: Silk or rayon t-shirts suit any occasion, any climate. For the cold, add a wool or cashmere cardigan and scarf. For the heat, a large cotton or silk scarf for warmth, modesty, sun-protection, color. Long skirts serve those same functions, and need less frequent washing than slacks. Leggings aren't for everybody, except as a base-layer. I prefer plain, synthetic travel or hiking pants. Light wool socks. For walking on trails and cobblestones, hiking shoes are ideal. Ecco make a few models in Goretex that are better-looking than most. A waterproof slip-on shoe for airports, slippers, or dressing up. Ecco has been making great ones for years. Luggage: I love my small spinner. No more aching shoulders! I use a messenger bag for my second carry-on, nesting a small shoulder bag and a fabric shopping bag inside it for boarding the plane. Anti-bacterial wipes for unsavory surfaces. Last-- but definitely not least-- a mantra, a prayer, a photo of someone you love, or anything else that helps you in the inevitable moments when things go wrong.

A universal adaptor and surge protector (2 for ~$7 from Amazon) and dual voltage power strip (also Amazon, ~$14) let me plug in 3 chargers + a USB device anywhere in the world on either 110V or 220V. My PacSafe daypack has aircraft cable sewn into the straps and steel mesh in the fabric, making it almost pickpocket proof; at least long enough to turn around and shout, "What are you doing!" It also has an RFID pocket to ward off electronic sniffers. And it's large enough to carry a digital SLR (also with PacSafe strap), digital pocket camera, all the chargers, my laptop and tablet, and a complete change of clothes and my quart Ziploc of liquids and gels, yet it still meets carryon requirements. My first-aid kit always has a couple of sheets of Spenco adhesive knit, for blister protection (no pair of shoes is ever so well broken in that it can't give you a blister), and a good antihistamine for that cold you picked up on a 14-hour flight. Brooks Brothers button-down dress shirts: they wear like iron, are always in fashion anywhere, and drip dry overnight. I can, and have, gone around the world for 5 weeks with just three of them. And Cubed pick-pocket proof travel pants. Cargo pants are acceptable just about anywhere these days, and these have enough space to carry everything you need for a day including a water bottle. The combination of zippers and buttons forestalls most bad guys. Most important: a back-up credit card, in case Visa isn't everywhere you want to be.

Why even have a period when traveling? The IUD or a the Pill (daily, no break) are easy and safe options for many women.

I am currently living abroad for a year and this summer am spending 3 months in North Africa. I brought virtually no toiletries, except for day of travel necessities e.g. deodorant. I live across from a pharmacy and there is a grocery store with US toiletries down the block. I have the Anker 20100 powerbank and it is worth every penny. Chuck Taylors are my go to travel sneaker. All black, lowtop, Chucks make an excellent dress sneaker. They're classic, lighweight, and easy to pack. They have been around the world and never let me down.

Very interesting. This old lady likes traveling with a trench coat --layering up/down under that (temperate zone -autumn, winter, spring); alternatively, the down jacket/pillow under nylon/poly exercise cover-up two piecers --zipper jacket going from winter cold to summer hot. (Light weight - will stay in suitcase. One never needs more than three and a half outfits -washable - I prefer detergent which can mean shampoo. For pants, one can rinse out the crotch area to freshen up. In the old days it was inexpensive to mail back what one no longer needed. Hat and sunglasses -summer. And always a large scarf - cotton /silk to cover face so one can sleep wherever. T-shirt type dress longish can serve multiple purposes -- nightgown to evening dress to beach cover. Always two pairs of shoes-- I like short boots for winter or a version of loafers and sometimes even a pair of short rubber boots (Venice). Nothing worse than wet feet. In the end it all depends on the trip and yes, less is more.

Any article that advocates using a wheeled suitcase for a trip like this automatically loses points with me (especially when the author admits that the bag is heavy!). Why waste weight on the bag instead of on what's inside? Tom Bihn, Red Oxx, Patagonia, MEI, Tough Traveler -- all make excellent minimalist carry-on bags. If you absolutely need a laptop, go Chromebook, as they are lightweight. Three pair of shoes is a lot, too. It's all about what you can carry with you. Pack your bag and carry it around your neighborhood for an hour. If you can't, take things out. (Don't forget, you can often - not always - buy things on the road.)

Re: "11. Choose your shoes wisely. " Indeed! The writer's shoe comments trashed her credibility—regrettably, because I am always on the lookout for better/lighter/more minimal travel gear. Excuse me, please? This professional traveler person packs (1) "blue Altra Escalantes" (which are running shoes) (2) "black Columbia Fire Venture Mid Waterproof hiking boots (bulky! heavy!) and (3) Reef flip flops, to boot! PLUS she is looking for "dress sneakers." Really? For starters, lugging all that footwear around the world immediately condemns her to ALWAYS check bags. The "always" part is the big problem. Myself, I have no wish to blow any chances for a last second upgrade and a better connection to, say, Delhi, sans stopover in Dubai, because I had already checked 3 pair of footwear. Listen, my children, you need respectable-looking (NOT sneakers) shoes for the airport which are also your street shoes when you get there. NOTHING labels clueless quicker. Because you need to happily walk miles in these, they are the MOST critical travel purchase you ever make. THINK CAREFULLY. Then I need a pair of good (better than Havianas) flip flops, probably in discrete black. Hiking at altitude offers an entirely different set of packing challenges. Any other time, hiking boots are absurd. NOTHING more accurately pegs the wearer as American, all too often not such a wise choice. Maybe female readers can find some useful tips on impedimenta for periods. My women pals go local.

Must have: 1) a facecloth-most hotels no longer provide one and nubs are essential for washing body parts that are FAR away from badly designed shower heads and 2) a pillowcase- for covering a rough pillow. Countless cheap hotels n BnBs have not so nice bedding. And 2nd hand stores everywhere are great for an hour nexpensive sweater or jacket if cold weather catches me by surprise.

Noise-canceling headphones! The shoes on your feet plus the ones unique to your destination- beach, city, mountains. Proctor and Gamble is everywhere, so minimize toiletries. Vick’s Vapo-Rub for your feet. Polyester shorts and pants, with zippered pockets for wallet and passport. Cotton tops. A weathered hat. Good shades- think Anthony Bourdain. No electronics bigger than an iPad - NY Times, New Yorker, email, banking, travel apps, journal, etc. Electronically saved copies of your passport on gmail or other accessible media. An adventurous attitude.

Interesting read with some good tips (albeit some expensive ones). Was trying to figure out how you manage flights with three items (purse, roller and backpack) that all appear to be carry-on? Also flights that weigh your carry-on (many short-haul international), usually limited to 8kg plus personal item. The 20-lb backback with gear would be problematic in that case but at the same time am thinking you would be hesitant to check it, given its contents. Maybe you have been lucky and haven’t had one of those yet! Suggest ditching cipro as it presents a risk of tendon injury among other serious issues.

Enjoyed this article mostly because it brought back memories of my traveling days years ago.Two recommendations: 1. Mirena IUD to say goodbye to periods (and have excellent long acting reversible contraception) 2. Saucony classic sneakers- there are lots of cute color combinations out there (I like the dark gray with pink highlights) https://www.titlenine.com/product/classic-sneaker-908007.do?sortby=ourPi...

Although I traveled to Europe for only 2 weeks I took only a 10 lb back pack. I weighed my clothes and toiletries on a kitchen scale. A lightweight wool scarf kept me warm on the airplane using it as a blanket and for dressing up a neutral outfit. Toms canvas shoes were more version than sneakers and are washable if you take out the insoles. I met another passenger who wears most of her clothes on to the airplane even extra shoes in her pockets. I didn't have to dress up or hike in the mountains so I only took 2 pairs of shoes. The secret to happy traveling is carry-on luggage only.

Scott-e jackets that convert into vests have multiple interior pockets, blocking pocket to prevent theft of passport/card identity, and cord channels for music cables. This means your docs, money and devices are with you after your purse is stolen or if you go out without a purse. I travel where pro pickpockets are a hazard. Saved in the past by packing a role of duct tape. Bag repair, shoe repair, or temporary hack for the unexpected. The other essential is a flat drain stopper so you can hand wash things. Many rural sinks have no stoppers or leaky ones. And instead of flip flops, try Tom's shoes. Light weight and multi purpose.

Wonderful to have female opinions on travel for a change! As other commenters have said, periods and safety are almost never mentioned in travel articles, which is frustrating as a frequent solo female traveler!

There is good advice here, but as others have mentioned, this is a list for the extremely well-heeled traveller. I travel a lot, and have money to spend on things that make traveling easier but the total cost of the must-have items made my jaw drop.

Great travel tips, especially about the real needs of women travelers! After some trial and error, I used the Diva Cup to handle my period when I was a Peace Corps volunteer and backpacker. Use a spray water bottle to clean in public restrooms, then do a thorough cleaning when you can. Works great, no waste, and takes no space in your bag. Thanks and keep writing!

I agree about the LeSportSac purse. I have a few prints of the Classic Deluxe Crossbody. It's expandable, lots of zipper compartments, lightweight and washable. The adjustable strap makes it look like a purse for evenings and longer to wear crossbody like a small messenger bag. THANK YOU for addressing menstruation while traveling. I used to plan my vacations around the time of the month! To prevent leaks when sleeping, my mom taught me to place a rolled-up toilet tissue (at least 2 squares) by the perineum. This has worked my whole life to prevent leaks when I sleep. Tissue thickness matter, if it's the cheap one-ply, need to fluff it up by bunching it and use more. Everything I carry has to do double-duty and I am as pared down as I can go because I hate over-packing. It's just more to carry on the road! Puma used to make these really cute "street"sneakers. I forget the name of the style but it was very popular in the 90s/2000s. Alas they don't offer that style anymore.

To add to my earlier comment about "dressy" sneakers. The Pumas I mentioned the style is called Speed Cat. I have a pair in navy blue with orange logo. My sister a pair in dove grey and white logo. Dressy and functional in my opinion. Wish Puma would bring that style back.

I traveled solo around the world in 1990 and lived out of one backpack. I started out with nice towels, jeans, two pairs of khakis, hiking boots, and a day pack. One of the first stops I sent it all home. I ended up with two bras, 5 pairs of underwear, a tank dress, 2 shirts, one jacket, pair of shorts, pair of khakis, and a swimsuit with flip flops and a pair of trail runners. At the time, mobile phones and internet access to the public were not available so i did not have to worry about chargers or plugs beyond a walkman. Funny - I did bring about 6 months of tampons given the uncertainty of availability in some of the countries I headed. I bought soaps, shampoo, and other products along the way. I also bought cheap tshirts, skirts, wraps (towel, skirt, dress, covering for temples) that i could use until they wore out. When I got home, I tipped over the backpack and threw everything out!

I can hear the conversation with your editor: “why not just go early with the tampons? Not the lead, but say, third?” Packing is, after all, about meeting all our needs. Which clothes (so gendered). Toiletries. (so biologic.) A bold decision but so *right. I’m a little more conservative than this by nature but I loved it. Many commenters today will learn, as I did, that iPhone autocorrect does not include the word “tampon.” Thanks, NYT, for helping me notice how left out women’s words are in everyday discourse, including mine. Because I don’t think I’ve noticed that since 2008; it’s possible that in 10 years I have never typed it myself. Leading me to a side note. Consider packing a Mirena IUD. You might never type the word “tampon” again.

I see a “Jada” brand in the future!

Thank you for writing about managing your period, toiletries, and safety, and sharing these tips in a very straightforward manner. Women, and people who travel with women, need to know this stuff. Should be a standard part of travel writing.

Tuck in a couple of pairs of surgical gloves. They take up no space and have a lot of different uses, such as pulling on and smoothing out compression socks (a breeze—and by all means, do try this at home), wiping off lint from dark clothes, and for emergency cleaning jobs, like swabbing out a grotty sink (a few drops of shampoo or powdered laundry soap work great). You can use them more than once—leave them on and wash and dry your "hands."

The epilator is a good idea but even better is one of the pulsed light gadgets that will remove hair almost permanently. You need to use them regularly and often at first but after that it's down to just occasional touch ups.

Jada keeps it real, her candidness is so refreshing!! Thank you for speaking to the nature of being a woman traveler. I'm loving your dispatches and accompanying insta posts, they have been a much needed respite from the negative daily churn of disheartening news.

For chub rub and any other chafing or skin irritation, try Body Glide (runners use it so you can find it in a decent running store or online). Its solid like a deodorant stick and its amazing for chafing, blister prevention, or to as a remedy. It stays on thru a marathon, its not greasy and its colorless. It comes in a regular size and a tinier stick as well.

The Nordstrom visa has no foreign transaction fees and great customer service. Um, I would just skip the shaving altogether. But that's just me, eh? This list makes me want to jump on a plane!

Great article and LOVE that you wrote about the very real challenges of menstruation and travel. So glad to see that in the NYT. Thank you for breaking that taboo. I will never forget trying to change a tampon in a latrine on a farm in Mexico when I was 18. And ziplock bags filled with OB tampons have accompanied me on all my travels. Please post when you find the elusive perfect dressy sneaker!

I so, so appreciate female-centric travel info like this! I've spent many months on the road and found myself nodding to so many of these!

Love this list--especially the notes on handling menstruation+body hair removal, topics for which I feel like I never see travel advice! A couple of additions for folks travelling on the cheap in hostels--don't forget your luggage lock(s) and some kind of small, super-absorbent towel. I got one at Muji that folds to about the size of an iPhone and could dry me off completely, and I had friends swear by microfiber. On clothes, UPF long-sleeved layers are great. Anything that covers your chest and shoulders is going to make it easier to avoid sunburns. My "uniform" definitely evolved as I realized that I'd never be able to keep up reapplying to beat the burns.

Thanks so much for addressing menstruation! I think this is worthy of a whole column/article if you're ever so-moved. I had terrible endometriosis until a hysterectomy, so I learned eons ago from my doctors to skip my periods entirely by taking active birth control pills continuously when traveling.

These are great tips! I appreciate the personal framing and deep dive into hard won insight. On a much lighter note, I love packing cubes. I know they have been around for some time and I believe they pre-date post-911 security procedures. But I have to say, I appreciate them more and more for those times you have to unexpectedly essentially unpack the bag for security or other task. On a similar note, reusable shopping bags, like the Chico Bag, make great travel laundry bags that wash and dry as easily as the clothes when necessary.

This is mostly a silly list. Battery operated toothbrush? Nope. Always, always think about weight when seriously travelling. Dragging a bag around the world is definitely not recommended. Take a look at what they do on the Amazing Race for instance. If you can't carry it on your back for hours, you do not need it. Mobility is key. Less is more. You can generally always find little stuff that one may need along the way. Not always but eventually. I've spent months on the road in places like S. America with a large day pack.

As a frequent international traveler for work, but who works for a non-profit (so no fancy stuff in my budget), I totally agreed with so much of this! The menstrual products comments are spot-on (have you ever tried finding heavy duty tampons for sale in Nepal!?). My suggestion: use a period tracker on your smartphone. It has changed my life. I can now prepare better (aka emergency tampon purchase in the Bangkok airport during a layover when I anticipate needing products soon). I have one I like personally (Clue) but others I know are equally devoted to “their app.” Another rec: the packable down hoodie from Uniqlo. Comes with its own little bag. I don’t travel without it now. Has saved me many times on chilly planes, can be used as a pillow when it’s in its bag, doesn’t look too unstylish, etc. I can always find a place to “smush” it in my backpack. Total lifesaver, even when I’m headed to warm/hot destinations. I’m curious about what outlet adapters you’re using, Jade. I haven’t found a good “universal” one yet and I hate having to schlep six different individual ones when I’m hitting several countries in succession.

Good tips. I also like cotton head wraps, worn like a wide head band. They let you go a day or two longer than normal after you wash your hair.

My first thought after recovering from a hysterectomy : I won't have to worry about my period anymore. My second thought a few months later: now I know what life is like for men.

Jada's list of "must haves" would easily pay for a month in Paris at a 3 start hotel in the off season. Additional most of these item can only be found in the US-that is they become indispensable everywhere else. Theft,a moment of carelessness,and heavy usage can suddenly strip you of your "must haves". All in all most of the items are more suited for a well-heeled 2 week jaunt. Nothing can be replaced or substituted. The credit cards selected and the yearly fee's is mind-boggling to say the least. Perhaps it works for one traveler,and it's certainly an interesting list -especially the personal items.

+1 for Megababe Thigh Rescue! It's the best. Great tips. My travel ensemble plan is always the same - don't pack any clothes that can't be paired together. Period. That fancy dress? Not worth it. Simple dress with a scarf? Winner.

I nair my legs before I leave and it lasts about a month of hairless legs. I pack very little in clothing: travel pants, short and long sleeve shirts (2 each), few undies and socks and flip flops for bath and beaches and one pair of walking shoes which I wear. I also take old clothing to wear and usually leave it for the maid/s along the way and have less to take home.

The tech section didn't permit comments. Check the voltage and plugs of the countries you will visit. Nothing like having a paperweight of a computer because your American plug does fit the socket in Jolly old England or Motherland to charge it.

Great list! The expensive annual fee rewards cards are by and large a ripoff. Sure, they may be popular with the instagram luxe crowd but you don’t need to spend $450 a year to get a card with no foreign transaction fees and reward of declining value. What’s more important is to make sure that your cards work; that you know the PINs which are not always required stateside; that you have a backup; and that you alert your credit company that you are traveling. The last point isn’t always required but it’s a huge bummer to get locked out by over aggressive fraud prevention. And write down customer contact numbers too. The PowerCubes are great but brick adaptors like those used for iPads or USB-C powered laptops don’t fit. Belkin makes a multi socket adaptor that also charges USB at 10W. At the end of the day, most packing lists aren’t necessary unless you’re traveling for an activity that requires special gear (like mountaineering). You can buy anything you need wherever you go these days. Sometimes you forget about the things you thought you needed. Other times it’s fun to try to track down a local replacement.