After three years of slow travel, hopping between Greece, Vietnam, Mexico, and many places in between, our backpacks have become less like luggage and more like portable homes. We’ve refined what we carry down to the essentials—those few, faithful items that have followed us across continents, through changing seasons, and into new routines. In this article, I’ll share what is our essential family packing list after all this time, why these things matter, and how we decide what earns its place in our limited space.
Packing for Long-Term Travel as a Family
Packing for long-term travel is nothing like preparing for a two-week holiday. It’s a lifestyle choice, one that blends minimalism, functionality, and a deep understanding of what truly matters to you on the road. As a family of slowmads—slow-travelling nomads—we’ve learned that every item in our bags needs to earn its place. Space is limited, weight matters, and so does emotional attachment.
Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our packing list to include things that are durable, versatile, and meaningful. Whether we’re living by the beach in Greece, exploring vibrant markets in Vietnam, or working remotely in a quiet corner of Mexico, certain items keep coming with us, again and again.
This isn’t a list of trendy travel gadgets or “must-haves” found in every travel blog—it’s a personal collection of objects that have stood the test of time and movement. From tech tools to comforting daily rituals, these are our travel essentials, refined over three years of continuous travel.
The Philosophy Behind What We Pack
Over time, packing becomes less about what you might need and more about what you know adds value to your everyday life. Our approach to packing for long-term travel is guided by a few simple but powerful principles: travel light, choose mindfully, and make room for what matters.
1. Less is More
When you’re constantly on the move, carrying extra weight—both physically and mentally—becomes exhausting. That’s why we’ve embraced a minimalist travel mindset. Instead of overpacking “just in case” items, we focus on things we actually use week after week. The lighter our bags, the freer we feel to explore, adapt, and settle in anywhere.
2. Multi-Use over Single-Use
Versatility is key. A scarf that doubles as a beach towel, blanket, or sarong. A lightweight dress that works for a casual walk or a dinner out. A small speaker that turns family breakfasts into dance parties, or makes you temporary lodging feel like home. Items that serve multiple purposes are always worth the space.
3. Comfort and Joy Matter Too
Not everything in our backpacks is practical. Some things are there because they bring us comfort or remind us of home. A small stuffed animal our child won’t part with. A well-worn notebook filled with doodles and dreams. A favourite tea we always carry, even if it adds a little weight. These personal items are part of what makes a new place feel like our place.
4. Local First, not just Travel Gear
We’ve stopped trying to pack for every possibility. Instead, we trust that we can find what we need locally. Whether it’s warm clothes in a cold climate or a replacement charger, we’ve learned that the world provides. And buying local supports the communities we live in—even if just for a few weeks or months.
Our Travel Essentials: The Things That Stay
After years of full-time travel, we’ve learned which items deserve a permanent place in our bags. These essentials aren’t just useful—they’re durable, sustainable, and versatile, having followed us through monsoon rains, beach days, mountain hikes, and remote village life. Here are the things we still pack after three years of slow travel.
Clothing:
- RainKiss Rain Ponchos: Ultralight, windproof, and effective in serious tropical downpours. RainKiss ponchos pack light, are easy to wear, and make a big difference when we’re travelling across climates. Ideal for spontaneous storms and windy sea towns.
- UV-Protective Swimwear: We’ve learned that strong sun requires strong protection. Long-sleeved swimwear keeps us safe from UV rays and limits our use of sunscreen, which is better for our skin and the oceans.
- Good Sun Hats: Wide-brimmed, breathable, and protective. A must for outdoor life, especially in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean. We particularly like the brand Sunday Afternoons, high quality, very protective.
Blundstone Boots: Our Blundstones are the definition of durable travel shoes. Light, waterproof, comfortable, and reliable in every terrain, from mountain trails to city streets to muddy rice paddies. They’ve handled monsoon rains, tropical heat, and long urban walks. We’re still wearing the same pairs we bought three years ago. Blundstone is a 100% Tasmanian, privately-owned family company. To make sure you’re getting the real deal, buy directly from their official website or check that “Made in Tasmania” is stamped on the shoe tags. Another great Aussie brand I like is Redback.
Crocs (Yes, Really!): Not the most stylish, but incredibly practical. Crocs are our go-to slip-ons for everything from walking around the house to going to the beach. They’re better than flip-flops for protecting feet in rough or dirty environments.
- Foutas (Lightweight Cotton Towels): These beautiful, versatile cotton towels have been with us from the very beginning. We use them as beach towels, bathroom towels, light blankets, picnic mats, or sarongs. They dry quickly, weigh almost nothing, and are made of sustainable cotton. I’ll link our favourite brand here—they’ve lasted for years.
A Fleece (‘Polaire’): Even in tropical countries, you’ll want a fleece. Air-conditioning in buses, planes, and trains can be freezing. And when you land back in a cooler country, it’s your first layer of warmth. It packs small and offers big comfort.
Toiletries & Health
- Savon de Marseille (Original Marseille Soap): It’s a travel miracle. We use it for washing clothes, dishes, hands, bodies, and even stains on shoes. It saved our wardrobe in Bali when nothing else worked. Natural, unscented, and endlessly versatile.
- Green Clay Powder (Argile Verte): A natural remedy for everything from infections to bug bites. We use it as a poultice (cataplasme) for wounds, heat rashes, and minor skin infections. It was especially helpful in humid Malaysia, where small cuts can quickly worsen.
Hair Scissors and Comb: After enough time on the road, you’ll need a haircut. Finding a stylist who understands your preferences can be tricky, and frequent cuts can get expensive. A quality pair of hair scissors and a simple comb let us give quick trims to ourselves or each other. Just remember to pack them in your checked luggage!
- Eye and Nose Drops: A must-have for travel, eye drops can help relieve irritation, dryness, or tired eyes from long journeys. Nose drops are equally essential for clearing nasal congestion and soothing irritated passages, especially in dry or polluted environments. Both are compact, easy to carry, and provide quick relief when needed.
Aspirin: In some countries, it’s harder to find aspirin compared to paracetamol, so we always make sure to pack a bottle for when we need it.
Personal Medication & Prescription: If you’re on medication, it’s essential to carry a good supply and the necessary prescriptions. In certain countries like Malaysia, you may be able to refill prescriptions without seeing a doctor, which makes it easier to stay prepared.
Nail Cutter: A small, essential item that’s often overlooked but crucial when you’re on the road.
Band-Aids & First-Aid Essentials: A few Band-Aids and a good disinfectant go a long way when dealing with minor cuts and scrapes during our travels.
Electric Toothbrush: Oral hygiene is a must. We prefer an electric toothbrush for better cleaning and efficiency, even on the go.
Multi-Purpose Cream: We always carry a good cream, like cold cream, Egyptian balm, or shea butter. These are perfect for everything from moisturizing dry skin to soothing irritated skin.
Nail File: We learned the hard way that the cheap nail files found in Asia often break easily, so we always make sure to bring a good one with us.
Thermometer: A reliable thermometer is essential, especially for checking the kids’ temperature when they’re feeling unwell. It gives peace of mind and helps monitor their health during travels.
Tech
- Universal Adaptors: An absolute must for any digital nomad or family working and schooling online. We always carry at least two, to keep our phones, laptops, and cameras charged no matter the country.
Kindle E-Readers: We’re a reading family. In countries where we can’t easily buy books in French or English, our Kindles become our lifeline. Unlike reading on a computer, Kindles feel like real books—without the weight. Durable, long-lasting, and essential for slow, mindful travel.
iPad Pro + MacBook Pro: For editing videos, running our business, schooling the kids, or staying creative, these tools are essential. They’re powerful, lightweight, and reliable—even with heavy photo and film editing.
iPhone Pro Max: Our main camera. It fits in a pocket, films beautifully, and captures the world with ease. We film our Slowmad series and more with this small but powerful device.
Good Microphones (DJI or Rode): Quality audio is just as important as video. We’ve tested a few, and love the compactness and clarity of both DJI and Rode’s portable mics—perfect for podcasting, voice-overs, and interviews on the go.
A Mini External Hard Drive: We shoot a lot of footage and photos. While many digital nomads rely on cloud storage, we prefer to keep our creative work offline—stored privately and securely. A lightweight, durable external hard drive gives us total control over our files and avoids dependency on internet speeds (which aren’t always reliable).
- A power surge protector. Power surges—especially in regions with unstable grids or frequent storms—can absolutely damage or destroy your electronics, even if you don’t notice them when they happen. Using a surge protector like the Belkin SurgeCube or the Tessan Tour is a smart precaution, especially for travellers and digital nomads. We didn’t know this at the time and ended up losing three devices while in Malaysia.
Staying Connected: Being reachable and having access to data abroad isn’t just about posting travel pics—it’s essential for safety, navigation, work, and daily life. You have two main options: an international SIM card or buying a local one in each country. Both have their pros, depending on your needs and travel rhythm.
International SIM cards (like Airalo or Holafly) can be installed instantly as eSIMs on most modern phones. They work in dozens of countries without needing to swap cards, which is a game-changer if you’re hopping borders often or landing late at night. No hunting for a phone shop, no language barrier—just instant access to maps, bookings, or emergency calls.
Local SIM cards, on the other hand, are often cheaper and offer better data plans for long stays. In most countries, you can get one at the airport or a corner shop for just a few euros. If you’re staying a few weeks or more, this can be the most cost-effective option.
Either way, being connected helps you:
Use maps, translation apps, and ride-hailing services
Work remotely without Wi-Fi dependency
Stay in touch with family or get help in an emergency
Verify identity or payments (many banks require SMS codes)
Tip: Always have a backup communication method—like WhatsApp, Signal, or even a basic offline map app—in case your SIM fails or coverage is poor.
Bags
- WANDRD Transit Travel Backpacks: Our everyday travel companions. These 45 L rugged, weatherproof backpacks protect our tech gear, organise everything with clever compartments, and are carry-on friendly. Yes, they’re expensive—but they’ve been worth every cent.
Everyday use items
- Small Day Backpack or pouch: A compact, light backpack or pouch we use every day for markets, hikes, as personal bag. Just enough space for a camera, water bottle, wallet, and a notebook. Our favorite brands are Kipling, Fjallraven, Osprey
Sturdy Fabric Shopping Bags: We always carry two strong fabric bags to avoid using plastic. Especially in places where pollution is high, these bags make everyday shopping more sustainable.
Sturdy Travel Bags With Wheels: We now avoid giant suitcases. Instead, we use compact, lockable rolling suitcases or bags—easy to move around cities, train stations, or airports. Our favourites are from Samsonite (be sure it is a suitcase made in EU though) and Kipling (such good quality)—both brands offer durable and well-designed luggage that has stood up to years of use. If you prefer a backpack, we recommend Osprey and WANDRD
Everyday use items
- Grayl GeoPress Water Bottle: Safe drinking water anywhere in the world. This bottle filters bacteria, viruses, and chemicals in minutes. Perfect for countries with unreliable water sources—and an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles.
Laundry Sheets: Compact, mess-free, and ideal for sensitive skin. We always carry a stash because laundry detergent in many places—especially in Asia—is heavy on artificial perfumes and harsh chemicals.
- Laundry Nets: Lightweight and space-saving, laundry nets are essential for protecting delicate clothes during machine washes—especially when using unpredictable washing machines abroad. They help extend the life of your garments, keep your socks together and everything in better shape, from underwear to lightweight fabrics.
- Binchotan Charcoal Stick: A natural and effective way to purify tap water when you’re unsure about the state of the pipes or the chemicals used to treat it. Simply place it in a bottle or jug—it’s perfect for destinations where the tap water is technically drinkable but might carry an odd taste or residual impurities. Lightweight, reusable, and eco-friendly.
Things You Think You Need (But really don’t)
We started as minimalists—but even then, we packed too much. After three years on the road, we’ve realised that most of what we thought was necessary wasn’t. Here are a few things we now avoid:
- Too many clothes: Clothes can be bought almost anywhere—and usually more affordably and appropriately for the climate you’re in. Carrying too much clothing is not just unnecessary; it’s exhausting. What matters is quality over quantity.
We’ve learned to prioritise:
Durable, breathable fabrics
Earth-toned colours (which hide stains and ageing better than whites or brights)
Clothes that don’t wrinkle easily and survive tough washing machines (common in budget accommodations)
Good socks (yes, really!)—sturdy cotton or wool. Wool might seem counterintuitive for hot countries, but it’s breathable, odour-resistant, and the best material for walking long distances.
- High maintenance outfits: If it needs to be ironed, dry-cleaned, or babied, it doesn’t come. Our travel clothes must be low-fuss, multi-use, and tough enough to survive line-drying in tropical storms and salty air.
- Too Many Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, conditioner, toothpaste—they’re available almost everywhere. You can also try organic and natural brands you didn’t know before, while supporting local businesses. Plus, carrying large bottles adds unnecessary weight. We now travel with just the essentials and restock locally. Unless you have a specific brand you absolutely need, skip the bulk.
Travel Sheets or Sleep Sacks: Unless you’re backpacking in very remote areas or staying in ultra-basic hostels, you probably won’t use these. Most accommodations provide clean bedding, and carrying a full-size sheet adds bulk.
- Bulky Tech You Don’t Use Often: It’s easy to fall into the “what if I need it?” trap with gear. If you’re not regularly using that drone or second lens, it might be better left at home. We’ve learned to favour multi-functional tools and keep it light.
- A Massive Medical Kit: Basic first aid is important (and we carry essentials), but there’s no need for a pharmacy. Many meds are easy to find abroad, and local pharmacists are usually helpful. Stick to what you really need.
Mosquito Lotion from Back Home: You’ll quickly discover that most repellents brought from Europe or North America simply don’t work in Southeast Asia. Even the strongest DEET-based ones tend to fall short. Local solutions are more effective and usually cheaper.
We’ve also learned to rely on:
Loose, breathable clothing
Mosquito nets or room plugs
Staying indoors at peak biting times (dawn and dusk)
Sometimes, the local way really is the best way.
Things You Think You Don’t Need (But You Do)
- Vaccines & Vital Documents: It may not be what people imagine when dreaming of a nomadic life, but health and paperwork are non-negotiable. In hot and humid countries, you’re more exposed to viruses—some of which are serious. Make sure to:
Check vaccine requirements and recommendations before you go
Visit a travel health clinic if needed
Carry your international vaccination record if you have one
Store digital and paper copies of your health documents
Being prepared isn’t fear—it’s freedom.
- Travel Health Insurance: It’s one of those things you hope you never need—but when you do, you’ll be so glad you have it.
Many people overlook travel insurance, especially long-term nomads who aren’t just “on holiday.” But accidents, infections, and emergencies happen—and costs can skyrocket fast.
Choose a health insurance that works worldwide, or at least covers the countries you plan to stay in
Make sure it includes medical evacuation and repatriation (these are often the most expensive parts)
Read the fine print: some insurances don’t cover pandemics or extreme sports
We personally use Genki, which is tailored to digital nomads and for the moment it has worked for us. On the oppposite we absolutely do not recommend Safety Wings.
It may seem like an extra expense, but it’s really a ticket to freedom—and peace of mind.
- Digital Backups & Money Matters: Getting stuck without access to money or important documents abroad is more common than you think—but it’s also avoidable. Here’s what we do:
Travel with at least two bank cards (from different banks if possible): one for daily use, one as a backup
Store scanned copies of passports, IDs, insurance, prescriptions, and important documents in an encrypted cloud folder
Consider services like Wise for easy currency exchange, fee-free payments, and the ability to freeze your card in one click
Keep some emergency cash in USD or EUR tucked away in a hidden pocket (for those “no ATM, no card” days)
Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) for your main accounts (email, banking, etc.) to keep access secure
Carry a small drive with offline copies of your essential documents (encrypted, if possible)
Being digitally prepared gives you peace of mind—and access to your world—wherever you are.
- Passport protection & Identity Documents: When you’re constantly on the move, losing your passport can mean weeks of stress. Keep it safe and backed up:
Use a protective sleeve to prevent damage
Never hand your passport to anyone, even police—show a copy first
Keep digital and physical copies (email, cloud, USB)
Carry a copy of your livret de famille if you’re a French family—very helpful when renewing passports for children abroad
Use a hidden body pouch or neck wallet when in crowded places
Know the location and contact info of your nearest embassy or consulate
Have a few printed passport photos for admin needs (some visas, lost passport processes, etc.)
These are the small things that can save big headaches.
Kid Essentials: Packing for the Little Explorers
When it comes to packing for our kids, the key is simplicity and comfort—just like with the rest of our travel gear. Over the years, we’ve figured out what they truly need to keep them happy, entertained, and comfortable on the road. Here’s what’s always in their backpacks:
- Favorite doll or Stuffed Animal: A comforting companion for those long travel days, making sure they feel at home wherever we go.
- Drawing Book & Pencil Case: Creativity never takes a break. A drawing book and a pencil case filled with crayons are essential for passing the time and sparking their imagination.
- Kindle: As avid readers, our kids love having their favourite books with them. The Kindle makes it easy to carry an entire library, wherever we are. And whenever you find books along the way in a language you can read, buy them — they instantly bring a homely feel.
- A pair of binoculars and a camera – two objects that help you observe the world.
Our children especially enjoyed having them along. The binoculars let them spot animals perched high in the trees or hidden far away in the bushes. The camera allows them to capture their own memories — which matters. Even better, it’s a skill they’re developing along the way. - iPad with Cable & Charger: For entertainment, learning apps, or study, their iPads keep them learning while traveling.
- Headphones (with Adapter): Our kids use their own comfortable headphones, and the adapter allows them to plug into plane entertainment systems (far better than the airline’s provided headphones).
- A Few Small Toys: We pack a few small toys like cars, marbles, and a spinning top—easy to carry, but enough to keep them entertained for hours.
- LEGO Set: The best travel toy we’ve found. Our kids love constructing and deconstructing with their LEGO set, and it’s small enough to fit in our suitcase. Plus, you can find LEGO sets everywhere!
Since our children have been unschooled their entire lives, we know firsthand that it’s not necessary to carry traditional school books with you. Everything they need for learning can be found on the web or in the world around them. From books to educational apps, documentaries, and real-life experiences, the world is their classroom. With this flexible approach, there’s no need to weigh down their backpacks with heavy school materials.
And, of course, we also pack our Bose portable sound system. For us, having music playing in the background is an essential part of creating a sense of home wherever we are. Music nurtures the soul, helps us relax, and makes any space feel more familiar. It’s one of the little luxuries we can’t travel without. It also allows the kids to listen to stories together, bringing even more moments of joy and connection during our travels.
These little essentials ensure our kids are happy and entertained, whether we’re on a plane, bus, or winding down at a new destination. Keeping their bags light and filled with things that provide comfort and creativity makes travel just as enjoyable for them as it is for us.
Packing Less is the Key to More Freedom.
After three years of slow, intentional travel as a family, we’ve realised that the key to packing well isn’t about having the perfect list—it’s about learning what you actually use. The longer you’re on the road, the more you refine what earns a place in your bag.
For us, that means gear that’s versatile, sturdy, and kind to the planet. It also means letting go of things we once thought were essential but turned out to be dead weight. Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It means travelling with purpose. Every item in our backpacks has been tested through storms, tuk-tuk rides, tiny washing machines, and sandy beaches—and survived.
👉 What’s in your travel bag? We’d love to hear from you. What are the things you can’t live without when travelling? Have you discovered your own essentials—or ditched something you thought you’d need?
Leave a comment below in French or English (we speak both) or share your own travel-tested must-haves.
Let’s inspire each other to travel lighter, better, and with more intention.
