Items You'll Need

These items are absolutely essential for your travel. Everyone’s needs are different, but there are some common items we've listed below along with checklists that will help you decide what's important.

• ALL the Items in a Travelers' Backpack

  I made a video while I was traveling, so you can see everything I put in my bag. This is not only useful to discover items you'll need, but also to judge how much is too much!

• Backpack Pros & Cons

  Your Backpack is your best friend. So, you are going to want to pick the right one! I suggest a front-loading backpack - but here is a link explaining the positives and negatives of a front loading bag.

• Item Checklist

  This will help you find a list specific to your needs based on your destination and activities. I'd suggest printing this out and start by crossing off items you don't need. Then, use it to check the things you have and purchase as you go. Start organized - stay organized!

• Female Travel

  Traveling as a female can be a different experience, especially solo. So it's important to have some female advice before you head out. Here is a female blogger that can help you with travel packing lists specific for females in different regions. Peruse her blog for cool insights.

Important Documents for Travel

No one likes paperwork...we want waterfalls and zip lines! But nevertheless, you have to do your homework before you get to play. Here are documents you'll need before you fly away.

• Your Passport

  You have to make sure you have at least six months left before your passport expires. Most countries won't let you in without at least that. Make sure you get your passport in time and that it's up to date.

• Travel Health Insurance

  Always plan for the worst. Although it's unlikely, there is still a chance you can get hurt or sick. You'll want to get insurance, so you are covered while you are overseas. Here is a link to buy some travel health insurance.

• Visas

  Every country has a different visa requirement. Make sure you know the rules before you take-off. Always use government websites when possible to avoid scams! The US provides an overview here, but you'll need to look up your specific destinations requirements, cost, and process.

• Vaccines

  Every location requires and recommends different vaccinations. Look up your local travel clinic and get a consultation well in advance of your trip as some vaccinations require multiple months and shots to complete. Look up your local travel clinic through the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

• Emergency Contacts

  You'll want to make sure to know the phone number to the United States Embassy in the country you are visiting. Here is a way to find that information.

• Special Access Documents

  Everyone likes to avoid lines and hassle when traveling around the US and back into the country. For a fee, you can be VIP. Here is a link to sign up.

Books & Websites You'll Want To Save

There are a billion travel books and websites. Which are important, and what is everyone using? This list will make you look like an expert. And you can save all the resources you'll need right here in Bublup!

• Get THE Book

  The gold standard for travel books, the one every backpacker has on the trail, is lonely planet. I'd suggest the book in an electronic version to reduce packing weight. Make sure to get your specific region or country.

• Fly Like a Boss!

  There are plenty of ways to find flights, but if you are bargain hunting, flexible, and hopping around the globe, you have to know how to use Skyscanner.

• Another Great Flight Resource to Have

  Find cheap flights in seconds, explore destinations on a map, and sign up for fare alerts on Google Flights.

• Find a Place to Stay

  I'm sure you are on a budget like all backpackers, so you'll need to know how to find cheap accommodations. All regions of the world use different sites but Hostel World is pretty universal.

Meet the Author

• Josh Pavano

  Joshua Pavano is a social entrepreneur, YouTuber, and world traveler. Along with founding Jonas Umbrellas to fund clean water projects in Africa, he has visited over 25 countries, so he is an expert when it comes to backpacking.

• Follow My Travels on Instagram (@joshpavano)

  Watch me as I travel around the world!

• Check out My Vlog!

  What's going on guys?! My name is Josh and I founded a company Jonas Umbrellas that funds clean water wells in Uganda. I took off to explore the world in 2016 and haven't looked back since.

• Jonas Umbrellas

  The foundation of Jonas, LLC is giving back by providing greater access to clean water.