Bookmark This Gap Year Packing List

After you’ve gone through the process of deciding to take a gap year, figuring out what to do with your time abroad, where to go, and how to get there, packing seems like the easiest part of the process. We hate to burst your bubble, but on a scale of one to applying for a visa, packing for a gap year is probably a seven. 

While you’ve most likely packed a suitcase before, preparing your gap year packing list is a beast of a different nature. Don’t be Kevin McCallister—learn how to pack a suitcase so you don’t become what the French call les incompétents. 

There’s more to packing than shoving your life in a suitcase

Minimalist or not?

If you’re going to be spending an entire year abroad, chances are you’ll need more than a carry-on backpack. There’s nothing wrong with having a suitcase or two to check if you’re going to be spending considerable time abroad, but let’s make sure you’re filling these duffles with what you’ll actually need vs. what you assume you’ll need. It’s always better to lean towards the minimalist side when traveling abroad because at the end of the day, you’re going to have to carry with your own two hands whatever you pack. There’s nothing worse than realizing when you get to the airport that your 50 pound backpack is too heavy for your back!

Location, climate, & social etiquette 

Are you planning on spending your gap year backpacking through the Caribbean, or working for a corporation in Scandinavia? Your gap year packing list should first and foremost reflect the weather and environment that you’ll be in during your gap year. The clothes you bring to hang out on the beach should (in theory) be much different than what you wear to an office surrounded by snow!

Be sure to also take into consideration any cultural norms when gap year packing. Are you going to be living in a conservative country where showing legs is taboo? Better leave your shorts at home. The moral of the story here is to do your homework well in advance of getting on the plane!

Your gap year packing list 

To help you out in your quest for meaningful travel, we’ve put together the ultimate gap year packing list. Here are all the essential items you’ll need to pack, no matter what you’re doing during your gap year or where you’re headed: 

Paperwork

• Passport: The most important part of traveling abroad is having your passport! Always double-check that your passport is packed, and make sure it’s valid for at least six months after you plan on returning home. This is strongly recommended by any government agency and all professional travelers, plus it will enable you to stay abroad longer if you want to!
• Visa: Do you need a visa for wherever you’re headed? Some countries require a tourist visa to even enter, so be sure you have any additional paperwork you need to go to your gap year destination(s). If you’ll need to obtain a visa once abroad, bring whatever paperwork or documentation necessary. Nothing worse than finding out you need a copy of your birth certificate and having no way to get it!
• A few spare passport photos: It’s always a good idea to carry a couple extra passport-sized photos in case you need to obtain a visa while abroad, get a student ID, or to give to that hottie you met to remember you always. Nothing says romance quite like a 2x2 shiny passport picture.
• A second form of ID: You never know when you’ll need more than just your passport for identification! Pack a driver’s license, your student ID, or another local form of identification, and always keep this separate from your passport in case you lose it or someone steals it. 
• Copies of important documents: Pack one to two copies of all of your important documents and keep them separate from the originals. It’s a good idea to have a copy of your passport on you at all times while abroad...you never know when you will need to prove that you’re in a foreign country legally!
• Proof of onward travel: This depends on your destination(s), but you might need to show some type of proof of onward travel or you might not be let into the country. Always double-check any entry requirements!
• Bank card without ATM fees: Apply for a card with free ATM withdrawals and no foreign transaction fees, like one from Charles Schwab. This is the best way to save money while traveling!
• Insurance policy: Always carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and/or international health insurance card so you have all the details handy in case of emergency. Better safe than sorry!
• Vaccination booklet: If you’re required to get any vaccinations to enter your destination(s), make sure you carry proof! Unfortunately border control won’t just take your word for it. A good idea is to just put your vaccination card right into your passport sleeve so you always have it with you.

[Download the expert guide on how to get a visa for anywhere]

There are people who lose their passports and people who do not. Think about who you want to be.

Medication/first aid kit

If there’s a medication you rely on, make sure you research well in advance if it’s available at your destination, if you’ll need a prescription to get it, or if you can import it from home. For things like feminine products or contraception, you’ll want to do your research on if you should plan ahead or just buy them at your destination. They might be cheaper abroad, but if you’re accustomed to a certain type, you might not be able to find it abroad!

Depending on where you’re headed during your gap year, it’s probably wise to look into necessary (or even just suggested) medications for nearby regions. If you’re headed to Argentina to volunteer abroad during your gap year, you might want to venture over to Brazil for a long weekend. While malaria isn’t a thing in Argentina, it is in Brazil, so you might want to stock up on malaria pills before starting your gap year. In some cases you might not even be let back into the country you started in if you can’t prove you took preventative actions! 

Think about where you’ll be headed during your gap year and pack any other relevant medications or preventative tools...think anti-diarrhea, painkillers, insect repellent, acetazolamide for altitude sickness, etc. A lot of health-related issues that gappers encounter can be prevented and/or treated easily, so there’s no reason to let a little upset stomach or altitude sickness ruin an adventure. Plan ahead!

[Download your free copy of our gap year before college ebook!]

Electronics

Technology is everywhere, so don’t forget to pack the necessities to stay connected! Your friends and family back home will want updates on your amazing life abroad, and let’s face it, if you went to the Colosseum and didn’t ‘gram it, did you even go?  

• Laptop or tablet: Depending on what you’re doing during your gap year, you might need a computer or other device for work or school, or maybe you’ll just want one for ease of communication or Netflix binges. Either way, keep in mind the weight and overall size of the device...no one likes carrying around a 10 pound laptop! 
• Smartphone or other mobile device: Nowadays, smartphones are the rulers of the electronics world, and most of the time can be used abroad if you unlock it and purchase a local SIM card. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, just buy a cheap cell phone that will work abroad.
• Chargers and cables: The top forgotten items are definitely phone chargers, laptop cables, and other plugs. You’ll probably have to pay way more abroad for a new phone charger than you would at home, so don’t forget it!
• Adapters: Gappers who are going abroad for the first time are often surprised to find that outlets are different in other countries. Square pegs don’t fit into round holes, so don’t be a n00b when it comes to outlets! The best bang for your buck will be a universal adapter with a voltage converter included so you can plug any cable into pretty much any outlet around the world, and not fry your electronics by not having a voltage converter. Trust us, your blow dryer will fry without it!
• Camera: For all the shutterbugs out there, your smartphone camera probably won’t cut it when you’re trying to capture that spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. If you have the space in your bag, bring a real camera with you so your snaps are always on point. Same thing goes for the budding videographers...grab that GoPro before you head out!
• Translator. If you're not fluent in the native language of the destination you're headed to, earbuds that translate foreign language in real time can help! This pair from Timekettle translates over 40 languages with 95% accuracy. 
• E-reader: We know you love Harry Potter, but don’t try to pack the entire series in your duffle. All bibliophiles agree that there’s nothing like the feel of a real book, but for the sake of your back, stick to a Kindle or other e-reader while traveling. 
• Headphones: These will be a lifesaver during your gap year. Beyond being necessary for listening to music, language lessons, podcasts, and audiobooks, they can also be amazing for canceling out noise on long plane, train, or bus rides. You’ll want these when you have a screaming baby on your 12 hour flight!

Pics or it didn’t happen.

Travel essentials

Travel itself is an integral part of taking a gap year, so don’t forget the items that will make those plane, train, and bus rides easier! Pick whatever works for you personally to make your travels better:

• Various sized bags: You’ll obviously have your main bag(s) that have all of your stuff in them, but you won’t want to carry these big duffles around on weekend trips or small excursions. Bring a smaller day bag or backpack for ease of travel once you’re abroad. Plus, if you only bring a carry-on with you for weekend trips, you’ll never have to pay a baggage fee!
• Space bags and packing cubes: These packing tools are lifesavers when it comes to cold weather garb! Not only do they help keep your stuff organized, but compressing your clothes by sucking the air out of them will save you serious space. Trust us, you need these.
• Reusable water bottle and/or travel mug: Bottled water in most countries is ridiculously expensive. Bring a reusable bottle and a travel mug to save serious dough on beverages, and help the environment while you’re at it!
• Neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs: Any traveler can tell you that these items are non-negotiable. You might feel like a prima donna boarding a plane with an eye mask, but if you only have a few hours to get some sleep before an adventure begins, you’ll need these items! If you’re trying to save space, an inflatable neck pillow is absolutely the way to go.
• Locks: You never know when you’ll need to keep your stuff secure, so bring at least one small lock in case you’re staying in hostels or just to lock the zippers of your luggage when traveling. Nothing worse than something getting stolen!
• Journal: You might not think you’ll want or need one, but when you’re experiencing all of these amazing and life-changing things, you might be grateful to have something to write your thoughts on. Plus, it’s always nice to document what you’re doing, who you’re meeting, and what you’re eating so you have something to look back on in the future!
• Travel scale: Are you a serial overpacker? Purchase a handheld travel scale before departure so you never have to pay an oversized baggage fee again!

Make Sure You are Prepared for Your Gap Year With This Checklist

Toiletries

The most personal of items, the below is just a guideline of what toiletries to bring when you’re gap year packing. Most of your typical toiletries are available in any developed area around the world, and if you’re going to be staying abroad for an entire gap year, it’s definitely impossible (and impractical) to stock up on everything beforehand. Bring what you think you absolutely cannot live without and buy the rest upon arrival. 

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss: These items are available everywhere but they are good to pack if your dentist has you on a specific type of toothbrush. They’re also handy for freshening up during your journey itself. You never know who you’ll meet on a plane, and you don’t want to be stinky!
• Deodorant: See above. Nobody appreciates B.O. on a plane. NOBODY.
• Travel-size shampoo and soap: You can buy these items anywhere, but it’s always nice to arrive at your destination and not immediately have to rush to the store. Kick back, take a long shower, and refresh before inevitably getting lost in your new city.
• Cosmetics: Whatever you need to make yourself feel fresh and fly, bring it!
• Grooming tools: Brushes, combs, hair ties, hair pins, electric razor, etc. etc. Bring whatever you absolutely need for your daily routine and buy the rest abroad.
• Special products: Most toiletries are available anywhere, but for those gappers who are a bit more high-maintenance, bring the items you think might not be so easily accessible. Do you have a particular lotion that’s good for your occasional eczema breakout? Do you need special shampoo for your hair type? Bring any “customized” toiletry to make your life abroad a bit easier.

Nana knows what is UP. Invest in a good eye mask.

Clothes

The most basic rule of gap year packing (or any type of long-term travel) is to only bring what you will actually wear. Everyone loves fantasizing about traipsing around exotic places in amazing new clothes, but we promise those trendy gladiator sandals and daisy-dukes are not conducive for walking 10 miles around a foreign city. You might be #fashiongoals in pictures, but your body will hate you after one day of this. Plus, if you buy a whole new wardrobe before departure, you won’t have any room (or money) to buy awesome clothes abroad! 

The practicality of your wardrobe is everything for long-term travel. Bringing one pair of dress shoes is fine for nights out, but bringing six pairs of heels is just stupid. The same thing goes for seasonal clothes...if you’re going abroad for a year, bring clothes that you can layer and wear throughout the whole year. It’s also good to stick to one color palette so you can create many different outfits from the same types of clothes. Dark neutrals are always your best bet!

Since you’ll most likely be packing for long-term travel/at least a year or so, we recommend packing the clothes you’ll need for one month and then budget for laundry from there. Choose clothes that are durable and quick to dry to expedite the process, as a lot of countries don’t use dryers.  

Beyond these general clothing tips, here is a basic guideline of what to pack before departing for your gap year:  

Tops and bottoms:

• A combination of 3-5 short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, and maybe a few tank tops if you’re going to a warm location.
• A sweater or fleece and a cardigan or two. Even if you’re going to a warm location, it can still get chilly at night and in airports! 
• A combination of 3-4 bottoms, including shorts, jeans, nicer pants, leggings, and/or skirts.
• Tip: dresses are great for traveling because they are lightweight and a full outfit all in one. Perfect for dressing up or down as well!

Outerwear:

• A layerable light jacket is ideal for travel so you can add layers underneath for really cold nights or just use the light jacket by itself for more temperate days.
• A travel raincoat is super great to have because it will roll up in your bag easily and replaces that bulky umbrella. 
• Tip: if you’re spending your gap year in a place with four distinct seasons, you might be better off not bringing a winter coat and just buying one abroad. It seems silly to waste precious luggage space on something you’ll only wear for a couple months, but gauge this based on the climate of your location. Always wear your heaviest coat while traveling so you don’t have to pack it!

 Shoes:

• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes. Sneakers or even a pair of semi-casual hiking boots are the way to go.
• 1-2 pairs of sandals or flip-flops if you’re going to a warmer location. Be aware, though, that flip-flops usually out you as a foreigner, so you might want to bring something a bit nicer than cheap-o sandals.
• 1 pair of nicer shoes for nights out or fancier events.
• Tip: Shoes are the bulkiest items, so pack as few as possible. Always wear your biggest and heaviest shoes while traveling so you don’t have to pack them. This will save you a ton of space!

Never sleep on a nice crisp T.

Underwear and swimwear:

• 5-7 pairs of underwear
• 3-5 pairs of socks (depending on climate and activity) and/or tights
• A combination of 2-3 regular bras and sports bras
• 1-2 swimsuit(s) 
• Sleepwear and/or something comfy to lounge in

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• A scarf, hat, and gloves if you’ll be in cold weather
• A belt
• Jewelry

Optional extras:

• 1-2 nice “going out” outfits
• Exercise clothes (lol) 

Specific gap year packing tips

Every gap year participant needs different things for their time abroad, so here are a few items to potentially add to your own gap year packing list based on the popular types of gap year activities: 

• Volunteer gap years. If you’re going to be volunteering abroad during your gap year, you might need specific types of clothes depending on the type of work you’ll be doing. Are you going to be helping kids learn English and playing games with them in a local orphanage? You’ll want to pack some casual and comfortable clothes, and maybe some postcards of your home to give to the kids. Are you going to be volunteering on a construction site to help build low-cost homes? Be sure to pack some sturdy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Studying abroad while on your gap year. Are you planning on taking some classes during your gap year? It’s probably wise to bring a backpack, laptop, basic school supplies, and international-school-appropriate clothes (leave those sweatpants at home, Americans!). Most school supplies like notebooks, binders, pens, and paper can be found abroad, but if you are going to be taking more specific classes like music or dance, be sure to pack whatever clothes, shoes, instruments, or tools you might need.   
• Gap year jobs abroad. Did you secure a job or internship during your gap year? Go you, you overachiever! Now make sure you look the part! If you’re going to be spending time in an office, bring appropriate clothing, shoes, and accessories so you blend in with your new coworkers. There’s nothing worse than putting on your business clothes for your first day on the job only to realize you just packed flip-flops and hiking boots!

Zip and lock that duffle, you’re ready to hit the road!

Always remember that if you forget something, chances are you can get it abroad. Unless something is a life or death situation, don’t stress about packing everything. There is no “right” way to start gap year packing because everyone does it differently, so keep in mind that things are just things and can be replaced or supplemented abroad. You never know, maybe you’ll find a new product abroad that you like better than your product at home! Leaving room to try new things is sort of the point of taking a gap year, so don’t try to bring your entire life with you. Once you’ve reviewed this gap year packing list and have everything that you absolutely need, stop trying to shove that eighth pair of shoes in your bag and ZIP. IT. UP.

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