Overseas Travel: What To Pack In You Backpack And Purse

Posted February 22, 2023 by Prairie Wife -

My recent posts about overseas travel have become quite popular, and I particularly love hearing from readers that it has helped encourage them to begin to make plans of their own.

The more prepared we are when heading into the unknown, the more confident we are that we can handle whatever comes our way.

With my recent 3-week trip to England (with a detour to France), I learned a ton about what you should and shouldn’t do. Because more than two weeks of the trip was solo travel, I had to be thoughtful about what I took with me as I went out and about.

What I took to store my things varied depending on the activity.

I took my backpack when hiking in the French Alps and the Malvern Hills of England, and I used the same pack when walking for miles through the streets and museums of London.

For quick trips out and about for shopping in London, or a leisurely dinner in Nice, France, I took a belt bag/crossbody purse.

I’ve broken the article below into two sections, one about what to pack in your backpack and the other about what to pack in your small purse.

Backpack

This Ospry bag was purchased locally from Gear Up (use PRAIRIEWIFE15 for 15% off) and is the best backpack EVER for traveling. Not only is it a laptop case, but it’s water-resistant, easily washable, has tons of pockets, and has a waist clip which means it can be comfortably worn for miles of hiking. I used this as my carry-on for the plane and found it equally practical to take everywhere I went in Europe.

What To Pack For Day Trip Use

In A Small Inner Pocket: ID, Money, Credit Card, Lip Balm and Gum

Medium Zipper Pocket: Bandaids, Basic Meds (Tylonol, Allergy, Stomach), Chargers (if overseas, don’t forget an adapter), Battery Pack

Large Pocket: Jacket, Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Snacks, Extra Socks, Sandals (you never know when a shoe malfunction can happen)

Outer Pockets: Bottle(s) of Water

NOTE: There should be some extra room in your pack to place purchases, and souvenirs gathered as you explore

What To Pack For Carry-On Use

In A Small Inner Pocket: ID, Money, Credit Card, AirPods, Lip Balm, and Gum

Medium Zipper Pocket: Necessary Prescription Medication, Bandaids, Basic Meds (Tylonol, Allergy, Stomach), Hair Brush, Precious Jewelry You Can’t Wear, Chargers (if overseas, don’t forget an adapter), Battery Pack

Large Pocket: Zipper Pouch with Small Size Beauty Basics (Face Wash, Lotion, Eyedrops, Makeup, Hair Ties), Extra Outfit Including Underwear and Socks, Laptop, Kindle/Book, Sandals

Outer Pockets: Bottle(s) of Water, Snacks, More Reading Materials

NOTE: I also have a purse when I fly, and that is where I keep my Passport

Cross Body/Belt Bag

What I loved about the crossbody/belt bag above was that it looked chic with my formal outfits and was cute and comfortable to wear with my casual looks. It fit everything I needed without looking overstuffed and bulky, a total WIN in my book. And BONUS it was made by a Wyoming Woman Owned Small Business, Alexis Drake. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual and budget friendly you can find similar styles pretty much anywhere, but I love the look of this belt bag that comes with two zipper pouches.

What To Pack For Day Use

Phone, ID (I use a passport card), Money, Credit Card, Gum, Lip Balm, Powdered Sunscreen, Bandaids, Basic Meds (Tylonol, Allergy, Stomach)

What To Pack For Nighttime Use

Phone, ID (I use a passport card), Money, Credit Card, Gum, Lip Balm, Makeup for Touchups, Bandaids, Basic Meds (Tylonol, Allergy, Stomach)

NOTE: Keep your Passport locked in your hotel room’s safe during your trip. You likely won’t need it unless you are traveling across the border. I recommend purchasing a passport ID card or keeping a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Is there anything you think I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Planning some solo traveling for 2023? Take a look at this post for ways to keep safe.

Here are 6 of my favorite apps to use when traveling in the US and Overseas.

Categories: Life As It Happens, Product Reviews, This and That

Tags: , backpack, crossbody, international travel, pack in bag for travel, solo travel, Travel, travel overseas, what to pack