The Golden Rule: Pack Light
There are so many things you need to prepare before going on a sabbatical. What are you going to do with your house or apartment? Pets? How long will you go for? The list goes on and on. Another part of preparing for your sabbatical that can bring unwanted stress and worry is how to pack for your trip.
When you take an extended trip, packing can be difficult. You may be traveling to multiple countries with different vibes, cultures, and climates. Figuring out exactly what to bring, especially with limited space, can be a daunting task.
Start by asking yourself three simple questions:
- What will I really need when I come back?
- What can I live without?
- What genuinely brings me joy?
From there, everything you own falls into one of four categories:
- Sell it. Use the money to pad your travel fund.
- Donate it. Let someone else benefit while you travel lighter.
- Store it. Keep the few items you truly can’t part with.
- Pack it. Bring only what you need for the journey ahead.
Let’s dive deeper and figure out what needs to be considered when making your sabbatical packing list.
Do I Bring a Suitcase or Backpack?
This is the constant dilemma with travelers. The backpack can provide a bit more flexibility and can give you that romantic feeling of backpacking around the world. However, it can also be a burden. A backpack is heavy, harder to organize, and can be physically exhausting. That’s why, after years of traveling around the world, we suggest the combo of a small suitcase and a day pack.
There are so many benefits to this combo. For one, you don’t need to lug all of your things on your back all the time. Having a roller suitcase can save you aches, a lot of sweat, and a much better way to stay organized.
So yes, if your sabbatical travel is focused on backpacking or camping, obviously, the backpack is the better choice. But for most long-term sabbatical travel, go for the suitcase. Your shoulders and your sanity will thank you.
Toiletries and Tiny Luxuries
While we suggest everyone pack light as far as clothes go, this rule also applies to your toiletries. However, here are a few smart tips that can make a huge difference while on your career break:
1) Use bar shampoo, conditioner, and soap as opposed to bottles. They last for months and don’t count as liquids.
2) Laundry strips. Weightless, mess-free, and perfect for coin laundries or handwashing.
3) Tweezers, nail clippers, and a tiny pair of scissors. You’ll be glad you have them.
4) Start with your favorite moisturizer or sunscreen. Everything else, from deodorant to toothpaste, can be found wherever you travel.
There’s also a category of small, optional items that can make life on the road a lot more comfortable; let’s call them your micro-essentials. These aren’t necessities, but they can dramatically improve your wellbeing and routine while traveling. A Kindle or lightweight e-reader saves space and keeps your mind nourished without hauling heavy books. A compact massage gun or travel-sized foam roller can work wonders after long flights or days of walking. Stretching bands or a jump rope help you stay active anywhere—hotel rooms, rooftops, or quiet parks. Some travelers pack a collapsible water bottle, reusable tote, or mini first-aid kit too. The rule here is simple: if it supports your body, creativity, or calm without adding clutter, it earns its place in your bag.
Bonus tip: Bring a nice journal and a quality pen.
While this may seem like a non-essential item, trust us, it isn’t. Writing just a little bit each day can be one of the most beneficial things you do on your sabbatical. The act of journaling can help you process all the incredible experiences that you’re having, and down the line, you will be happy you did it. Whether it’s trying to find the name of that incredible restaurant in Sicily to recommend to a friend or just to remind yourself years down the road about those few incredible months you took off work to have the trip of a lifetime, you’ll be happy you wrote it down.
If physical journaling isn’t your thing, try one of the many digital journal options. Apps like Polar Steps or Pineary can help you (and friends and family) track your journey. That being said, good old-fashioned pen and paper are still hard to beat.
Take the Stress Off Packing
Yes, packing is an essential part of preparing yourself for a sabbatical trip. It can mark one of the first steps of the transformation and journey you are about to go on. Just the act of stripping your life down to a few essentials can be both cathartic and deeply rewarding. The freedom of your sabbatical can start with figuring out what you need and what you can live without.
Still, don’t put too much stress on the act of packing. You’re just leaving the country, not going to another planet. Most of the things you need you can easily get along the way, and when spills, rips, and other travel mishaps happen, you’ll be happy you didn’t spend hours or days picking the perfect clothing for your trip.
The packing portion of your sabbatical is now sorted. You are officially ready to explore the world!
