My Essential Items for Slow Travellers.
Getting ready to travel post-corona? Heard about Slow Travel? After several long term backpacking trips abroad, one thing I’m regularly asked about is the contents of my backpack.
For the last 10 years, I’ve travelled regularly for extended periods of time– and learnt a few tips along the way. So, besides the basics like clothes and a backpack (see my in-depth review of the Osprey Fairview70 here), there are some essential items I recommend that can help save you time, stress and space on your adventure! I’ve had to narrow down my own must-haves when travelling slow. In this post, I want to share with you five essential items for slow travellers I’ve discovered.
Of course, I still have moments where I pack too much or too little- we’re all learning right? But, with each trip, I get a little bit closer to finding the balance- if one exists.
” Living with less comes with massive freedom.”
Leo Babauta
Less is More When it Comes to Slow Travel- Minimise & Prioritise
I’m now practicing minimalism as a lifestyle. And in doing so I’ve found what utilises a lot of your backpack space is the STUFF. Be it the unnecessary electronics, or too many pairs of socks. The books (I’m slowly transitioning to reading off a kindle) or the cute souvenirs you just had to buy…
Eventually, just like in your parent’s house, the STUFF accumulates. But, now your house is on your back, so you’ve got to think logically. Of course, there is no one right way to pack. But, a lesson I’ve learnt is to be clear on the absolute essentials in your travel pack.
The 5 Absolutely Essential Items for Slow Travellers
Each of these items, I have used personally and they’ve become part of my travel lifestyle. This post contains affiliate links, but have used each item in this list personally and can highly recommend each one of these essential items for slow travellers. Plus every little helps 🙂
1. Global USB Travel Adapter
If you’re anyone planning to use a phone, laptop, camera, powerbank- this item is essential to space-saving in your backpack.
This adaptor by VGUARD has accompanied me on my travels for over 3 years
To keep all your electronics charged and healthy, you’ll need a solid adaptor. One that saves you weight and space with an all in one solution. I’ve personally used this adaptor by VGUARD for over 3 years and it’s never caused me any problems and still works perfectly. I love the 4 USB ports allowing me to charge multiple devices at one time, while also being able to plug my laptop in. The functions allow it to plug into US/UK/AU/EU pins and the device overall covers more than 150 countries. This a truly universal product which is why it’s made it onto the essential items for slow travellers list.
2. Compression Packing Cubes
Lets be real, if you’re anyone like me who easily lets their hoodies, tops, trousers or underwear get in a twist- literally. Packing cubes provide the peace of mind that compares to having a wardrobe system on your pack.
Fitting into my Osprey Fairview 70 are 2 sets of these packing cubes. They’re durable, compact and allow you to separate your underwear from your beach gear, your tops from your dresses, trousers, socks and shoes. It gets messy when you’re on the road. Compression packing cubes provide you with a system, reduce space and, the peace of mind of not jumbling your entire ‘wardrobe’ every time you need to fetch something from your backpack.
I’ve personally used these- Gonex Compression Packing Cubes Mesh Travel Luggage Packing Organizers Zip Bags on my last 3 long term trips.
3. The Essential Earplugs!
I’ve tried various earplugs on my travels- and finally landed with these beauties!
The best I’ve found- Becheln Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs
NOTHING is more important in life than a good sleep. Whether you plan on staying in hostels, hotels, guesthouses or with hosts- while it might not be the first thing you think of, on the road you’ll be staying in unfamiliar beds, new environments, potentially in shared rooms, in areas where loud traffic flows nearby. Making it easy for any noise to disturb your precious sleep *remembers drunken hostel-mates strolling in at 5am on a recent trip to Portugal*.
As such I HIGHLY recommend the Becheln noise-cancelling earplugs that mould perfectly to your ears and block out anyone disturbing you while you rest. They’re also reusable, and you can easily clean them in hot soapy water.
4. Portable Charger/Power Bank
Get used to it, on the road, no plan goes to plan! Situations can easily arise where you think you had enough charge on your phone, Kindle or camera. *Reminicises on that time I had nothing to snap pictures on a beautiful hike I took through the Himalayan mountains*.
Anker’s 20000mAh Power Bank– has saved me a few times!
To save the unnecessary frustration of being stuck with a dead and useless device in your bag, I can highly recommend the powerful Anker’s 20000mAh Power Bank which has saved me a few times before! This model, in particular, has lasted me two years and reliably charges my phone 3-5times. The only downside is it’s slightly heavier than other models, but their batteries do not last as long. (Again finding balance) I regularly wander off into the unknown without a plan or knowing when I’ll return. So, the Anker’s 20000mAh Power Bank suits my travels perfectly.
5. And Completing the List, A Kindle (E-Reader)
Finalising my list of essential items for slow travellers is the Amazon Kindle. Be it sunny days spent in a hammock at your hostel, or sitting on a beach. Travel is the perfect time to get into reading.
Your new favourite travel buddy- The Amazon Kindle
I love flicking the pages of a traditional book, but to save space I’ve slowly transitioned over to the Amazon Kindle. The device is lightweight and has space for 1000s of books easily downloadable from the Amazon store. Plus an adjustable front light, and a battery that lasts a month at a time- the Kindle is a no brainer for slow travellers.
Essential Items for Slow Travellers in Summary:
With each of these items, one thing I can promise you is some peace of mind. They’ve made life on the road easier for me, so I hope they can help you with the laborious task of packing. A final note, get clear on your priorities in packing. You’ll need to consider potentially different seasons, activities and all those random situations that come with life on the road. The items have made it onto my top ‘5 Essential Items for Slow Travellers’ as the most problem solving and valuable- saving me space, stress and money. Please share your thoughts on this list, I’d also love for you to share any items you recommend carrying when slow travelling!
Looking for a backpack? Check out my view of the Osprey Fairview 70 Women’s Backpack for Curvier Women here!
I love this list Sophia, very practical. I’ll be travelling at some point so these will come in very handy. 😍🤩