Here’s how this is going to go— I’m going to write out my entire packing list from Bali below. But I’m going to annotate it as I go. Because I always think I’ve narrowed it down to the bare minimum, but there’s always a few things that I end up bringing that I don't need or use.

Clothes

+ 1 bikini (the top doubled as a sports bra for yoga, win win)

+ 2 one-piece swim suits (I only wore one)

+ 2 pairs of denim shorts (I would have been just fine with one pair)

+ black leggings (So hot and sticky. I wish I would have had spandex shorts and thin jogging pants)

+ 1 pair of jeans (wore these quite a bit actually)

+ 6 shirts (only wore three, yes I could have made it a month on three shirts)

+ black t-shirt dress

+ green dress (didn’t wear it)

+ 14 pairs of underwear (seemed excessive when I was packing, but I’m grateful for every single pair)

+ rain jacket (I’m shocked with this $4 thrift store find. Held up great and came everywhere with me)

+ 2 sweaters (while they both came in handy in Chicago, I only needed one once in Bali)

+ keens (wore these more than I expected)

+ black sandals (hardly wore these, weren’t comfortable enough to walk around much in)

+ van high tops (knew I wouldn’t wear these)

Bathroom

+ minimal makeup (will keep it to concealer, highlighter, cheek tint and brow gel next time)

+ skincare (happy to have it all)

+ razor (shaved once probably, but it was good to have that one time)

+ straightener (leave it home)

+ RubyCup (lifesaver on the plane)

+ toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (gotta have it, duh)

Electronics

+ Daysy + cord (necessity — use code "FEMME" at checkout for discount)

+ MacBook Pro + charger (necessity)

+ Canon t5i (filmed a few things, but wish I had a more compact camera)

+ GoPro (this was the MVP camera, ended up using it instead of my Canon)

+ small tripod (used it when I filmed those few videos)

+ batteries + charger

+ SD cards

+ headphones (necessity)

+ external hard drive +cord (didn’t need it, but brought it as backup)

+ converter (necessity)

Misc

+ Rhodia dot journal (normally my lifeline, but I didn’t stick to it as much as I do back home)

+ 2 black felt pens (only needed one)

+ ruler (used it but could have probably done without)

+ red journal (necessity)

+ yellow journal (had to bring it)

+ morning pages notebook (necessity)

+ orange + blue pens (necessity)

+ cartridge refills (yup, needed them)

+ ukulele (played it a bit in the beginning, but let’s be real, I should have left it home)

+ pretzels + chocolate (must remember more snacks next time!)

+ passport (duh)

+ wallet (also, duh)

+ phone (necessity)

+ 2 books (almost packed 4, glad I didn’t. I hardly read at all)

+ blue Jansport backpack (never leave home without her!)

+ Northface Terra45 pack (must have when traveling via motorbike)

+ packing cubes (I’m obsessed. Don’t think I’ll travel without them ever again, even for just weekend trips)

Phew, sounds like a lot of crap, but all said and done it wasn’t much. I don’t have any month long trips coming up soon, but I’m in Texas, Florida and on a cruise ship for the next week and a half. You better believe I’ll be taking my lessons learned with me.

What are some packing lessons you’ve learned over the years, or just in the recent months? Share them below.

[Post includes affiliate links as well as just regular links to products recently purchased for those curious.]