I love to travel, even when it is “just” a long weekend getaway or back and forth between my homes of Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i and Cologne, Germany. Having become a bit of a gearhead while ultralight long-distance backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the early aughts, I then navigated international travel and a move clear across the globe since.
I’ve become fascinated with essential items in demanding conditions and what minimal and creative living look like on the move for me. Over time I’ve also discovered that anticipation can add to enjoyment of my adventures, so I start packing well in advance, devise lists of experiences I’d like to do (and at the end of the trip, next time), items to confirm in advance, and the like.
Packing Light-ish
Going through customs, traveling cobblestone streets, train stations, airports, all kinds of weather, for pleasure and professional engagements, I’ve developed a system that works for me to feel confident and as comfortable as possible in many environments.
Here is the “4 Layers” packing checklist I created in Evernote which I reference before each voyage:
It is it’s own art, to bring supplies for creating in abundance, while maintaining a fleet and flexible step.
4 Layers of International Packing
The most critical items remain on my person for the entirety of the journey, and each successive layer becomes less essential. As often as possible, I travel carryon-only, but sometimes bringing checked luggage is also necessary.
Layer 1 – MUST NEEDS
In pocket/small crossbody/jacket:
- Passport & Visa
- IDs – German ID/Ausweis, HI Driver License
- Credit Cards
- Cell Phone, SIM Card & Tool
Layer 2 – Personal Item
Under seat small carryon:
- Glasses & Case
- Sunglasses & Case
- Reading Glasses
- Cell phone charger & Cable
- Portable Power Bank(s)
- Headphones, Adapter
- Electric Adapter/s & Cords (International)
- Kindle & Charger (fully charged)
- Journals – more information below
- Stationery & Art Supplies: Pens, Pencils, Papers, Ephemera, Washi tape, glue stick, stickers, date stamp – more information below
- Neck pillow
- Turkish Towel/Blanket/Scarf
- Compression Socks (Flights)
- Gum & Candied Ginger 🫚
- Snacks
Layer 3 – Carry-On
Larger backpack, goes in the overhead bin:
- Computer & Charger (Fully charged)
- Filming: tripod, microphone
- Pain/massage ball
- Yoga Paws
- Theraband
- Water bottle
- Gifts
Clothes
- PJs: shirt, shorts
- Ballet Skirt
- Dance Socks
- Undies in packing cube (bras, panties, socks)
- Bathing Suit
- Tops in packing cube (Tank, Tee, Long Sleeve, layers, tunic/dress)
- Bottoms in packing cube (leggings, shorts, jeans)
- Hoodie
- Jacket
- Warm hat, Trucker/Sun Hat
3 Pairs of Shoes
- Sneakers (Xero) or Hiking Boots (left old ones at parents for labor there)
- Walking flats, Dress shoes or Sandals (Birkenstock)
- Slippers (Havaianas)
Jewelry Pouch
- Earrings
- Rings
- Bracelets
- Necklaces
Cosmetics Tin
- Concealer
- Eyeliner
- Lip Balm
- Tea Tree Oil
- Nail Clippers, File, Tweezers, Ear Cleaner
Toiletries
Liquids:
- Contacts, Case & Solution
- Allergy meds & Prescriptions
- Moisturizer / lotion / oil
- Conditioner (50% ACV)
- Tea Tree and Lavender Oil
- Tiger Balm
Dry:
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Cup
- Soap
- “Shampoo” (baking soda & vinegar or use at location)
Layer 4 – Check Through Bag
Larger rolling suitcase (only when necessary):
- First aid kit / Bandages
- Rain Poncho & Emergency Blanket
- Hiking Poles
- Snorkel Gear
- Pareo
- Bigger presents
IMPORTANT To-Dos
Remember also to activate any SIM Card(s) needed and
Charge Devices:
- Power Bank(s)
- Kindle
- Computer
- Phone
Sketchbook Packing List
After my trip home last year I sketched what I packed that worked well so now I have a handy visual reference as well and the process like my creativity continues to evolve.
Pack with Me for Hawai’i
This spring I again had the opportunity to visit family and friends, spend time with my parents, guest teach at my home dance studio, and enjoy the unique charms of Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. The mountains, the beaches, cultural sites, and eats.
So, I got out my handy 4-Layers packing lists (digital and illustrated) and had an easy and fun time preparing for 24 hours of travel through 12 timezones and varying climates.
Not a recommendation of what you should pack since what each individual needs to feel comfortable and prepared differs, but a useful reference for my future self and perhaps interesting to other nosy/curious creatives who like to move through the world relatively lightly and well-equipped.
Had the chance to film what’s in my bags once returning to Europe, so this is an unpack with me rather than a pack with me video, and in part 2 I cover what I brought in terms of stationery, notebooks and writing utensils.
Notebooks & Journals
The core books of my note-keeping, journaling and planning that accompany my travels are:
- Daily Field Notes/Pocket Rapid Logging BuJo: small pocket notebook (Moleskine Cahier or similar) with leather cover from Liebhardt (gift from my gf coming up on 7 years ago!), this is what I actually have with me almost all the time to capture inspirations, nuggets of ideas and poetry, memories, gratitude, tasks, etc.
- Annual & Seasonal Books BuJo Rhodia Rhodiarama softcover notebooks A5 dot grid inside ManufacTica saddle leather traveler’s notebook-style cover handmade in Germany, contain everything to do with my current classes, workshops, projects
- Morning Pages: college block, composition book, looseleaf, or scrap paper
This has emerged as a pillar of my content, so I created a YouTube playlist to provide a home base where updates and archives of my journaling, notebooks, pens, inks, and creative process can gather. Here is where you may find past, current, and future sharing around the materials I use the most:
Creative Materials Playlist
I’ve been writing (daily-ish) Morning Pages for a few years since going through _The Artist’s Way_ by Julia Cameron, I use a version of _The BuJo Method_ by Ryder Carroll, and have applied concepts from James Clear’s _Atomic Habits_ to help those practices stick, and these continue to form a foundation for my current journaling practice.
Being inherently flexible, my system continually evolves to suit my needs well as other tools I learn along the way, such as Tiago Forte’s _Building a Second Brain_. I’m not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned, they are just what I happen to enjoy and currently be using.
Current Stationery Stash
In (Un) Pack With Me Part 2 – Stationery Stash & Ephemera Essentials of an International Dancer, I show-and-tell exactly what I brought with me for 3 weeks of work and vacation, and what I brought back to document my memories:
Resources for Further Exploration
- Over a Decade of Dance Notebooks – A Teaching Artist’s Journals of Class, Rehearsal, Performance
- Reflective Practice Through Journaling
- Bullet Journaling for Order and Inspiration
- Current Notebook Lineup – Analog Journals for Creativity (2022)
- Artful Archiving
- My Creative Morning Ritual
- Learning from Mistakes and Failure
Questions for Reflection
- What is your favorite travel destination?
- Where would you like to go?
- How do you pack for trips?
- What do you never leave behind when you are on-the-go?
- What about traveling do you most enjoy?
Glad you joined me for this nerdy voyage through my international travel packing system. Thanks for reading and moving together in spirit or in fact, take good care of yourself.
Happy trails!
Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst
they/them or she/her
Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through difficulty
and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life