*Check out my REVISED 3 months in Central America packing list that I put together after my trip: 3 Months in Central America: What I WISH I Packed*
My backpacking trip through Central America officially begins today, which means that I’m all packed up and ready to go…a feat that was NOT even slightly easy to achieve.
I’m a “carry-on only” kind of gal–yes, even for a multi-month trip like this one. Not only that, I also prefer strapping everything to my back rather than using a rolling suitcase, which means packing as lightly as possible so as to avoid throwing out my back while lugging around all of my possessions.
For the next few months, I’ll be busing it through countries like Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. Although the region’s tourism is increasing rapidly, it’s an area that’s still highly prone to petty crimes like theft and pick-pocketing, and I’m determined to keep my valuables (and myself) safe and sound while traveling alone throughout the region.
To complicate matters more, I’ll be facing a surprising range of temperatures and climates, from the chilly & dry mountain air in Antigua to the humid heat of Isla de Ometepe.
These are the items that I’ll be using to stay safe, organized and comfortable during my trip:
Clothing
I was determined to optimize my clothing assortment for this trip, and I actually think I was somewhat successful. My strategy was to pack very plain tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, skirts and pants, so that I could blindly select one top and one bottom and create an outfit that wasn’t totally ridiculous.
I also packed five dresses, which admittedly is probably more than I need. BUT all of my other clothing items are very casual, so if I happen to need to dress up for a meal that doesn’t take place at a street food stall, or if I find myself heading to a bar/club that’s not my hostel bar, I’ll have these dresses to fall back on.
Plus, those five dresses are complete outfits all on their own, which means I get more bang for my buck than I do with a top & bottom combo.
Dresses
Maxi dress x3
Knee-length dress x2
Bottoms
Yoga pants x2
Denim shorts
Loose cotton shorts
Athletic shorts
Maxi skirt x2
Tops
Tank top x5
T-shirt x3
Long sleeve shirt
Big t-shirt for sleeping x3
Workout tank top
Layering Pieces
Kimono
Sweater
Colorful scarf
Shoes
Reef Women’s Ginger Drift Flip Flops – Black
Hiking sandals
Tennis shoes
Misc.
Underwear x18
Sports bra
Bandeau/bralette x2
Socks x4
Swimsuit x2
Sunglasses x2
There’s probably an uber-minimalist packing expert out there somewhere who is cringing at the fact that I packed 18 pairs of underwear. But you know what? I’m going to be feeling clean and comfy for 18 straight days and I am totally cool with that.
Electronics
HP Notebook Laptop (super crucial for working remotely!)
iPhone 5s
Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Camera
Toshiba Canvio 750GB USB Portable Hard Drive
Kindle
(stocked with plenty of good reads!)
Gear
Shacke Pak 4 Set Packing Cubes with Laundry Bag
I used to think packing cubes were one of those things that were a bit…unnecessary? Over the top? Diva-esque?
The truth is, these packing cubes are a GAME CHANGER. This set comes with one extra-large, one large, one medium and one small cube, as well as with a small bag for dirty laundry. No more rummaging through my bag searching for that one pair of shorts, or that one t-shirt.
It’s a total time-saver, and brings me continuous organizational bliss.
Pacsafe Luggage Wrapsafe Cable Lock
Figuring out a safe way to secure my luggage and my valuables while traveling is always a challenge for me, especially when I’m staying in hostels. While hostels do typically provide small safes, it’s not like you can fit your entire backpack in there, and I would prefer not to have anything stolen from my bag, including the bigger items that can’t be stored in a safe. And often times, the safes are too small to hold my laptop!
To use this Wrapsafe Cable Lock, you wrap the cable around your luggage, and secure it to any permanent fixture. This could be a water pipe in the bathroom, or a bedpost in your dorm or guest room.
Since it’s so small and portable, you can even take it on-the-go to secure your bag on the beach while you go for a swim in the ocean, to secure your luggage to your seat while you walk around and stretch your legs during a long train or bus ride, or even to secure your bike in public. I’m totally obsessed with it, and wouldn’t travel without it now.
Tarriss TSA Approved Luggage Locks 2 Pack
While the Wrapsafe is great for making sure no one snatches up your bag, it doesn’t prevent them from unzipping your bag. For that, I use these handy little luggage locks. They come in a pack of two, so I use one for my backpack and one for my smaller personal items bag.
When I use these locks and the Wrapsafe together, I feel reassured that no one can a) Unzip my backpack while it’s sitting in my room, or b) Grab the whole thing and run.
These two products together are cheaper than many of Pacsafe’s other popular products, and they really make me feel like my valuables are secured. While a truly determined professional thief would certainly be able to break through these locks with the right tools, the more opportunistic thief, who’s only on the lookout for the easiest thing to steal, is likely to be deterred.
Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel 32″ x 72″
This lightweight, compact, quick-dry towel is a must-have for anyone who’s going to be frequenting hostels. It’s much easier to roll up and stash in your backpack than a regular cloth towel is, and the fast drying microfiber means that you don’t have to worry about carrying a damp, stinky towel around all the time.
ACME Slimline 636 Safety Whistle – Pink
It’s an unfortunate truth that females traveling alone need to take extra precautions to protect themselves on the road. That’s why I carry this safety whistle from Acme. At the very minimum, it reassures me that I can attract attention if anyone is ever threatening me, harassing me, or hurting me.
Not only that, but if I ever get lost or stranded somewhere, this whistle will allow to me make a lot more noise than I probably could on my own. Let me tell you, this baby is LOUD.
Other Gear
Power converter
Money belt
Spanish phrase book
Passport
Sleep mask
Ear plugs
Toiletries
Mini bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and face wash
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Makeup bag
Face lotion
Mini bottle of body lotion
Dry shampoo
Hairbrush
Razor
Advil
Band-Aids
*Whew* And that’s a wrap! Next time you guys hear from me, I’ll be posting from colorful Granada, Nicaragua.
Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @WanderinBlonde for live updates!
So, how did I do? Did I pack too much? Did I pack the right things? Give it to me straight!
*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!*
This is such a great list! I’d be very interested to see a follow-up after your trip discussing what you ended up using most, what you didn’t use at all/very much, and what you wish you’d also included (if anything!)
So excited to follow along on your adventure! Have a safe trip to Granada!
Emily recently posted…Weekly Roundup | Lake Days
Thanks! I’ll definitely do a follow up post, I already have an idea of things I probably didn’t need to bring haha 🙂
Thank you for this post! There were a couple items you listed that I’m definitely going to buy for my next long term trip. I’m excited to get the whistle–very useful and pink is my favorite color 🙂 hope your trip is off to an amazing start!
Yes, I’ve actually loved having my whistle on this trip! I just feel better having it near me.
Your commentary made me laugh–I’m with you, underwear is one of those things I will always want to make room for! Seems like you did a good job of packing the right things, good luck on your adventure!
Hahah glad we’re on the same page 🙂
You sound very organised Kelly and I’m sure you are going to have an amazing trip! I backpacked through Central America for 5 months in 2009 (started in Mexico City and ended in Peru), travelling only by foot and public transport. It was amazing and I have so many great memories. Let me know if you want any tips 🙂
Claire xx
Claire (@Kurea_San) recently posted…cream cake & baby bump in Lake Bled – Slovenia
That’s awesome, sounds like an incredible experience!
Wow! You are a much better packer than I am. Have fun!
Michelle recently posted…5 Home Businesses You Can Start Right Now
Haha wow, didn’t expect to hear that from anyone! Thanks!
I’ve never seen the Pacsafe Luggage Wrapsafe Cable Lock without the cage! I bought this lock, but it came with a wired cage to put my backpack in – it was honestly the biggest piece of mind when my boyfriend and I would leave our hostel for the day/night. We went knowing our stuff was locked up and secured, so we could fully enjoy our time not having that worry at the back of our minds – best purchase we made for our backpacking adventures (besides our packing cubes!)
Amanda | Lesson Plans & Layovers recently posted…Love in Edinburgh
I know, I love knowing that my bags are secured while I’m out exploring all day…especially since my laptop, external hard-drive, passport, extra cash, and other valuables are usually in there!
Love this! I’m leaving for South America next month and have the same “How many dresses should I pack?” conundrum. But you’re right, they are a complete outfit in and of themselves so I don’t feel too bad about bringing a few extra. And yes, packing cubes are a game changer. I too bought a PacSafe and while I don’t know how often I’ll actually use it, I’m glad to have it just in case (and for my mental state). CARRY ON ONLY FOR LIFE!
Rachel recently posted…Big Shrimpin’ Down in ENC
Hahha well already I’ve realized that my nicer maxi dresses are WAY too fancy for Nicaragua. I’ve worn one of the more casual short dresses once already and it was perfect, and I’ll probably wear the other short dress at some point too, but two of the three maxis I brought are a silky material and very colorful, and they’re just “too much” for this location. So, I’d keep that in mind for your trip! I may still wear them at some point but at the moment they’re feeling a bit impractical.
Kudos on fitting everything into a carry-on, that’s a big achievement in itself! Seems like you packed a good mix, but if you realize you need to make some changes you can always throw away/send back things and buy new ones along the way.
Camille recently posted…Sigulda, Europe’s Undiscovered Adventure Playground
Exactly! So far it seems like I did alright, I haven’t been missing anything too much.
Kelly! I am heading to Nicaragua in a week for almost 3 weeks and I’m curious what you loved having with you and what was unnecessary. Also did you pick up anything on the way or really wish you had something? It sounds like you had an amazing time on your trip!
Hi Hannah! So, there were a few things I ended up not needing, and other things I wished I had.
3 out of 4 of the dresses that I packed I didn’t wear even a single time. Not only would they not be comfortable in that heat, but I would have looked WAY overdressed compared to the locals and other backpackers, which isn’t really a way that you want to stand out there.
Also, I should have packed more jean shorts (just because they’re my favorite kind to wear). I only packed one, and I ended up wearing them all the time. Overall, those are really the only changes I’d make!
Best vacation spots in the planet are most in Central America.
I agree!! I love Central America.
Hi there! Heading to Nica for a couple months and wondering what kind of backpack you use and if you’d recommend it. Thanks!
Hi Anna! Okay soo, I actually use my dad’s old backpack from when he traveled around Europe in his 20’s. So, I can’t really recommend that one hahah. But I recommend getting something as small as you think will work for you–people constantly comment on how small mine is, and it forces me to pack extremely light. I’m definitely a minimalist packer because of it, and my back is SO happy for it.
Didn’t you need a rain jacket?
A rain jacket is definitely a good idea! I actually forgot to bring one and while it wasn’t a huge inconvenience, I would recommend it for other travelers.