10 Most Important Items in My Bag as a Full-Time Traveler

For the past six months, I’ve been traveling around the world with just a backpack full of my essentials. From clothes and shoes to medicine, chargers, and accessories, everything I need is packed inside. Along the way, I’ve learned what truly matters—what I reach for almost every single day and what has saved me in unexpected situations.

These may not seem like must-haves to everyone, but I can confidently say that each of these items has made my life on the road easier, more comfortable, or just plain better. So if you’re wondering what a long-term backpacker considers absolutely essential, here are the 10 things I would never want to travel without.

1. Universal Travel Adapter

First and foremost, a universal travel adapter. If you’re visiting multiple countries, just do yourself a favor and get one. I bought mine on Amazon for under $20, and it has been a lifesaver. Many universal adapters have multiple USB ports, so you can charge more than one device at a time. Whether you’re stuck in an airport you didn’t plan to be in or suddenly realize the country you’re in uses a different plug type, this little gadget will save you. A dead phone or headphones on a long travel day is never ideal—come prepared!

2. Journal

One of the simplest yet most valuable things to have is a journal and pen. Whether it’s jotting down thoughts, recording memories, or making a note of an interesting conversation, journaling helps keep me present. Writing down my experiences and emotions has been a great tool for mental clarity, and it’s something I always make time for. Plus, flipping through old entries is like reliving my travels all over again.

3. Kindle

For passing time while traveling, nothing beats reading. I know some people love physical books, but a Kindle is unbeatable in terms of convenience. It’s lightweight, compact, and can store hundreds of books at once—perfect for long bus rides, flights, or lazy afternoons at the beach. Instead of lugging around multiple paperbacks, I can carry an entire library in my bag.

4. Locks

I always carry at least two locks with me, and they’ve come in handy more times than I can count. Most hostel lockers require you to bring your own, and having one gives me peace of mind when leaving my valuables behind. I also use a lock when storing my backpack under a bus or in shared luggage areas—it’s a simple way to add an extra layer of security.