Long-haul packing list: what really belongs in your suitcase

Anyone flying to Asia, the Americas or Africa for several weeks for the first time usually packs too much. And yet the one charging cable or medication that’s hard to find abroad is often missing. Our long-haul packing list focuses on what really matters – and on what belongs in your carry-on versus your suitcase. As vloggers we also travel with cameras and tech, so there’s a section on batteries and power banks too.

Which documents do you need for a long-haul trip?

Without the right papers, your trip ends at check-in. So sort these out first – ideally weeks before departure:

• Passport: Many countries require it to be valid for several months beyond the end of your trip, often six months. Your government’s travel advice for the destination tells you which rule applies – for German citizens, that’s the Federal Foreign Office. Make sure there are blank pages for stamps, too.
• Visa or entry authorisation: Some countries require an electronic authorisation or a visa in advance. That’s also listed in the official travel advice.
• Flight and hotel confirmations: offline on your phone and printed as a backup.
• Driving licence and, if needed, an international driving permit if you plan to rent a car.
• Proof of travel health insurance, including the emergency number.
• Copies: Photograph your passport, cards and insurance documents and store the images encrypted in the cloud. If anything goes missing, you’ll still have all the details.

German citizens on longer trips can also register with the Federal Foreign Office’s crisis preparedness list ELEFAND, so the embassy can reach them in an emergency. Many other countries offer similar registration schemes.

What goes in your carry-on?

Rule of thumb: anything you can’t afford to lose or will need during a long flight goes in your carry-on. Suitcases sometimes get lost or arrive a day late.

• passport, cards, some cash
• phone, chargers, power bank, headphones
• regular medication for the whole trip plus a few days’ reserve
• glasses or contact lenses
• a change of clothes (T-shirt, underwear, socks)
• a jumper or light jacket – the cabin often gets cold
• eye mask, earplugs and an empty water bottle to refill after security

How to get through the flight as relaxed as possible is covered in our airplane etiquette guide. And for tiredness after landing, see our jet lag tips.

What are the rules for liquids in hand luggage?

At most EU airports the familiar rule still applies: liquids, gels and creams only in containers of up to 100 ml, together in a clear, resealable bag of about one litre. Some airports have new scanners that allow larger amounts at certain security lanes. But that doesn’t apply everywhere, and often not on your return flight. The safest approach is to keep planning with 100 ml bottles and pack larger amounts in your suitcase.

Power banks, batteries and tech: what’s allowed?

Strict rules apply to devices with lithium batteries, because batteries can catch fire:

• Power banks and spare batteries (including for cameras and drones) may only go in hand luggage, never in checked baggage.
• Up to 100 watt-hours they’re generally allowed without approval, between 100 and 160 watt-hours only with the airline’s permission, and above that not at all. If your power bank only lists its capacity in mAh, use this rule of thumb: mAh × 3.7 ÷ 1,000 = watt-hours.
• Lufthansa Group: Since 15 January 2026, power banks may neither be used nor charged on board Lufthansa Group flights. A maximum of two per person is allowed, and they may not go in the overhead bin – keep them under the seat in front, in the seat pocket or on your person. Other airlines sometimes have their own rules, so check your airline’s conditions.

Also useful: a travel adapter for the sockets at your destination, a small multi-socket or a charger with several ports, and an eSIM or local SIM card for mobile data.

Money and cards: what should you bring?

Don’t rely on a single card. Take at least two cards, keep them in separate places, and carry some cash in the local currency for the first few hours. Which cards have worked for us and what to watch out for with fees is explained in detail in Paying abroad.

What goes in a travel first-aid kit?

The most important items are your regular medications – in sufficient quantity and ideally in their original packaging. For everything else, the health service of the German Federal Foreign Office has published a suggested travel first-aid kit, and other countries’ health authorities offer similar lists. For long-haul trips, a travel medicine consultation well in advance is also worthwhile, for example about vaccinations and mosquito protection. Allow enough time, as some vaccinations require several appointments.

How many clothes do you really need?

Fewer than you think. For most long-haul trips, clothes for about a week are enough, whether you’re away for two weeks or six. You can do laundry almost anywhere – at the hotel, at a laundrette or, if needed, in the sink.

• Layers instead of bulky items: T-shirts, a long-sleeved top, a jumper and a light rain jacket cover many climates.
• Modest clothing for temples and churches: In many countries, shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites. A light scarf is ideal.
• Two pairs of shoes are usually enough: comfortable walking shoes and sandals or flip-flops.
• Swimwear and a quick-drying towel if you’re heading to the coast.

Tip: Pack your suitcase completely, leave it for a day, then take out a third of the clothes. You’ll almost never miss any of them – and you’ll have room for souvenirs.

The packing list at a glance

Category	Carry-on	Suitcase
Documents	Passport, visa, cards, cash, insurance proof	Copies as a backup
Tech	Phone, power bank, spare batteries, camera, headphones	Travel adapter, multi-socket
Health	Regular medication, glasses	First-aid kit, sun and mosquito protection
Liquids	Only up to 100 ml in a 1-litre bag	Full-size shampoo, shower gel, sunscreen
Clothes	Change of clothes, jumper	Clothes for about a week, swimwear, second pair of shoes
Comfort	Eye mask, earplugs, empty water bottle	Travel detergent, quick-drying towel

Our conclusion

A good packing list is short. Once your documents, money, medication and tech are sorted, you can buy almost everything else on the road. Take care of your passport and entry requirements early, stick to the rules for batteries and liquids – and treat yourself to a suitcase you’re still happy to carry at 35 degrees.

For ideas for your next long-haul trip, read about a month in Bali and island hopping in the Philippines, or browse our destinations and videos.