We know packing for a long trip can be overwhelming. It can be hard to know exactly what to pack especially when travelling to a new country. Whether you’re travelling for business, a family holiday, or a Solo 2-week trip, there are certain things that you should always pack for a trip to Asia.
If you’re taking a trip to Balis beautiful beaches, Island hopping in Thailand or touring around any of Asias stunning countries, Dive into this ultimate 2-week packing list for Asia to discover a detailed packing list including all your essential items, packing tips, and more travel info to make travelling in Asia a breeze.
Table of Contents
Essential travel Items
No matter the type of trip you’re going on, there are certain essential items that you should always pack. Here are some of the most important things to consider when packing for your trip to Asia.
Essentials for Everyone
Medicine
It’s always a good idea to pack some medicine in case of emergencies or any bugs in Asia.
Different medicines are required for different countries. Ensure to discuss with your GP first about what medicine you are ok to take. The most common medications you are recommended to bring to Asia include:
Allergy Medication
Prescription medication
Charcoal Tablets
Stomach settler
Motion sickness
Antibacterial cream
First Aid Kit
Travel Adapter
Different countries have different power outlets, so you’ll want to make sure you have a travel adapter that is fit for the outlets in the countries you’ll be visiting. There are universal adapters available that work in multiple countries, which are an essential item for anyone planning to travel abroad. They are incredibly helpful devices that allows you to use your electronics in any country with ease.
Reusable Water Bottle
A reusable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated while traveling while supporting the environment. It’s not possible to drink most tap water in Asia without risking getting sick. Rather than using a lot of plastic drink bottles on your trip consider using a reusable bottle that you can fill up at restaurants and from your accommodation.
Copy of Passport
Keep a copy of your passport with you at all times. It’s a good idea to keep a physical copy as well as an electronic copy on your phone or another device.
Reef Friendly Sunscreen
If you’re heading to the beach or are going to be snorkelling in any area with coral reefs, make sure to bring reef-friendly sunscreen. Reef-friendly sunscreen does not contain any of the ingredients that usual sunscreens dow which harm the well-being of the reef.
Insect repellent with Deet
With the lush ecosystems and waterways in Asia, Mosquitoes can be a problem in many areas. Bring mosquito spray with Deet to help protect yourself from bites.
Earbuds, Ear Plugs, Eye Mask
These items are essential for long flights or noisy hotel rooms. They’ll help you get some much-needed rest needed to keep your energies high on this trip
Quick Dry Towel
A quick-drying towel is helpful for anyone heading to the beaches or any water-related activity in Asia. They’re lightweight and easy to pack and make your life easier travelling with a dry towel. A beach towel is also very handy for lounging and relaxing on the Beach or taking a boat trip.
Travel cards
Having multiple travel cards can be a life saver while travelling. Ensure to keep them in separate locations with one in your bag as well as your wallet. A great backup in case your wallet happens to go missing.
Packing essentials for Women
When Creating a Travel wardrobe Women may have specific clothing and accessories that they need. Here are some of our best tips for packing for a two-week trip to Asia:
Swimwear
If you plan on visiting the beach or taking a dip in the hotel pool, be sure to pack your bathing suit. It’s a good idea to pack at least two swimsuits so that you always have a dry one to wear.
Shoes
Packing shoes is a major reason why your bag can be too over-filled or heavy. It is important to only bring comfortable shoes that can be used for multiple occasions such as runners for treks and hikes or some sandals for a beach trip. High heels are not necessary for most places in Asia but can always make a good addition to an outfit if you have room.
Long pants
In some cultures, it is more appropriate to wear long pants, particularly when visiting religious sites. Pack a few pairs of lightweight, breathable pants that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Long skirt
Similarly, a long skirt is a versatile item that can be worn to religious sites or dressed up for a nice dinner. Look for a lightweight, flowy skirt that won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Light singlets and tops
It can get quite hot and humid in Asia, so be sure to pack some lightweight, breathable tops that will keep you cool. Look for tops in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched with different bottoms. Don’t forget a nice dressy top for those special occasions. A long sleeve top is also great for layering in cold areas.
Comfortable shorts
Shorts are another versatile item that can be dressed up or down. Look for a comfortable, lightweight pair that won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
Comfortable bras and underwear
When traveling, comfort is key. Be sure to pack comfortable bras and underwear that won’t be too tight and rub.
Mineral powder and Tinted Moisturiser
Heavy makeup is not practical when travelling, you can keep it simple with your favourite powder and brush or even a tinted moisturiser with sunscreen. It is a simple one-step process that makes you feel presentable on the go and doesn’t feel sticky in the humid weather. BB cream is also a great option.
Menstrual cup / Tampons
Finding Tampons in Southeast Asia can be difficult at times, as they are not very popular. Pads can be purchased in most stores for a hefty price. Bringing a reusable menstrual cup can be a great alternative and save you room depending on your preference. Do come prepared for any situation to save you the hassle.
Perfume/Deodorant
Smelling good is always nice whilst travelling, carrying around spray deodorant and bulky perfume can get heavy and inconvenient for flying. switching to a roll-on deodorant and a travel-size perfume will save you a lot of space and weight when travelling.
There is nothing worse than overpacking and having to lug all of your belongings around. Be mindful of the weight and amount of your items to avoid a workout every time you’re moving your bag.
Remember to pack clothing that is appropriate for the activities and locations you plan to visit, while still keeping in mind cultural dress codes. Be sure to choose items that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, which will help you pack light and save space in your luggage.
Packing essentials for Men
Casual Swimwear
Whether you’re headed to the beach or just relaxing poolside, a good pair of swim trunks is a must-have for any man’s packing list. Look for a pair that is comfortable, quick-drying, and versatile enough to wear both in and out of the water.
Toiletry Bag
Keep it compact: Toiletries can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to bring a toiletry bag on your journey. Very convenient for keeping your items close together and out of the way. Look for a bag with multiple compartments and pockets to help you organize your items efficiently.
Essential toiletries
There are always the essential toiletries that we all know such as toothbrush and deodorant, but a lot of Toiletries are a personal preference. Some items that every man should consider bringing on a trip include:
Razor and shaving cream
Face wash
Hair product
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Comb or brush
Cologne
Sunscreen
Bum bag / Fanny pack
Comfort, convenience, and security are what a bum bag provides.
When you just have one too many items in your pockets but you don’t want to carry a backpack around all day, the bum bag is the perfect option. Highly convenient to place all your personal items within reach and secure while having your hands free
Formal Attire
If you’re planning to attend a nice dinner or a business meeting during your trip, it’s important to pack some formal attire. A dress shirt, trousers, and dress shoes are essential items for any man’s packing list.
Packing clothes
When packing clothes for a two-week trip to Asia, it is important to take a few factors into consideration. Mainly the weather, cultural considerations, comfort, and ability to be easily mixed and matched.
Here are some tips on how to pack your clothes for a two-week trip to Asia:
How many clothes to pack
The general rule for packing clothes for a two-week trip is to pack enough for one week, and then do laundry at the start of week 2. This means packing seven outfits suitable for your destination that can be worn in different ways by mixing and matching.
Packing light is essential as it makes moving around with your luggage easier and helps you avoid extra baggage fees.
What type of clothes to pack?
Choose according to the weather
When packing for different weather conditions, it’s important to choose the right fabrics. For example, if you’re travelling to a hot and humid destination such as Sri Lanka, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. On the other hand, if you’re travelling to a colder destination further north, choose fabrics like wool, cashmere, and fleece.
Cultural considerations when packing clothes
When traveling to Asia, it is essential to consider the local culture and dress appropriately. In some countries, it is customary to dress conservatively in temples and palaces, and showing too much skin may be seen as disrespectful. In these cases, it is best to pack long pants or skirts and long sleeve shirts.
If you plan on visiting religious sites and monuments, make sure to pack clothes that cover your shoulders, arms, and knees. It is also a good idea to bring a scarf that can be used to cover your head or shoulders when needed.
Clothes for Activities
Think of the activities you have planned and pack accordingly. If planning to do a lot of outdoor activities, consider packing comfortable clothing to move in and shoes that can handle a lot of dirt and sweat. If you’ll be by the beach, consider swimwear and sun-protected clothes.
Planning ahead for activities can make them much more enjoyable with the correct wear.
Managing laundry during the trip
Carrying your dirty laundry around whilst travelling is inconvenient and smelly.
Washing machines In Asian countries can be difficult to find in certain cities and this can be frustrating when the washing piles up.
Some of the best options for washing include:
Accommodation service
We found that the best option was to get it done at the accommodation Hotels, Guest houses, and Hostels throughout Asia usually have a service where they have a washing machine that can do it for a small fee. Most definitely the easiest way.
Laundromat
It’s a good idea to find a laundromat if it is not possible to wash your clothes in your accommodation. Many cities in Asia have laundromats where you can do your own laundry for a small fee. This is often more cost-effective than having your laundry done by the hotel.
Carrying around a mesh bag or a spare plastic bag to separate your clean and dirty washing is also very helpful.
How to make packing easier
Packing can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little organisation and planning, you can make packing quick and easy. One of the best ways to make packing easier include:
Packing Cubes
Using packing cubes is a great way to make packing easier and more organised while saving an amazing amount of space. Packing cubes make packing and unpacking incredibly easy and are live savers when on your travels.
Here’s how to make the most out of them.
Organize Your Items
Organize your items into categories like clothing, toiletries, and electronics before packing. Then, place each category into its own packing cube. This makes finding items much easier and prevents lost items
Maximize Space
When packing, try to maximize space by filling every inch of the packing cube. This will help prevent items from shifting during travel, keep everything compact, and create as much space as possible.
Colour Code Your Packing Cubes
To make it even easier to find what you need, color code your packing cubes. For example, use blue packing cubes for clothing, green packing cubes for toiletries, and Black packing cubes for electronics.
Silicone travel bottles
Instead of getting cheap plastic bottles that end up leaking, breaking, and getting thrown in the landfill, you should get some environmentally-friendly leak-proof silicone bottles. You can get kits that come with bottles for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or whatever else you want to use them for, two toothbrush covers, and three small containers for creams, scrubs, or even pills all in a clear carrying case. It’s great for long-term travel to keep all of your things neat.
Biggest mistakes when packing
Here are some of the biggest mistakes people make when packing and how to avoid them:
Bringing an oversized bag
One of the biggest mistakes people make when packing is bringing a bag that is too big. It’s important to pack light and bring only what you need.
Bringing an oversized bag not only makes it difficult to navigate through airports, train stations, and on buses, but it also increases the risk of going over the weight limit and incurring additional fees.
Packing too much
It’s easy to fall into the trap of packing everything you might need, just in case. But packing too much is a one-way ticket to travelling the hard way. It’s best to pack light and only bring the essentials. Remember, you can always buy items that you forgot or didn’t bring enough of at your destination.
Not considering the dress code
Another common mistake is not considering the dress code of the destination. Some countries have conservative dress codes and it’s important to pack accordingly. Make sure to research the dress code of the places to avoid having to buy more items overseas.
Forgetting to leave extra space
It’s important to leave extra space in your bag for souvenirs or extra items you may purchase during your trip. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 20% of your suitcase or backpack empty.
Bringing too many shoes
Shoes can take up a lot of space in your luggage. It’s important to pack only the essential shoes you’ll need for your trip. The greatest way we’ve found is to pack one pair of comfortable walking shoes, one pair of dress shoes, and one pair of thongs and sandals if going to a beach or warm weather destination.
Not using packing cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer when it comes to packing. They help keep your luggage organized and make it easier to find what you need. Just leaving your clothes and belongings in your bag without cubes is going to end up with your belongings lost and mixed.
Best Backpacks
Backpacks are just about the most important item with you on this Asian adventure.
A good backpack can be a lifesaver when travelling and it’s incredibly helpful to have a bag that’s light, comfortable, and has all the compartments necessary for your belongings.
Here are the best backpacks we’ve found from personal experience that can really improve your travelling experience.
Osprey
A hugely popular brand among backpackers and offers a wide range of backpacks designed for different types of travel. Here are some popular Osprey variations:
Osprey Farpoint/Fairview:
Our personal favourites are these backpacks. They are designed for backpackers who need a durable, comfortable backpack for long-term travel. They have a lightweight suspension system, plenty of organizational pockets, and a detachable daypack for added convenience. The Farpoint is designed for men, while the Fairview is designed for women.
Osprey Porter
This backpack is designed for travellers who need a versatile backpack for various types of travel. It has a padded laptop sleeve, organisational pockets, and can be carried as a backpack or a duffel bag.
A major bonus and reason we recommend Osprey is due to their lifetime guarantee against all damages to the bag and the incredible quality bags for a great price
Best suitcases
If you’re not moving as frequently on your trip or carrying more bulky items, a suitcase can be a much better option to suit your needs than a backpack. When looking for a suitcase, it’s best to look for some with qualities including durability, size, maneuverability, and weight.
The best suitcase that we have come across on our travels is the Osprey Ozone Convertible Wheeled Luggage.
Osprey Ozone Convertible Wheeled Luggage
This is a versatile and high-quality suitcase that has been designed perfectly for adventure travelers. Its standout feature includes a convertible design with the ability to easily switch to backpack mode. Perfect for navigating through airports and stations, as well as for outdoor adventures on more rugged terrain as the travel pack still remains light when it’s fully packed. A great carry-on bag and day pack.
Ultimately, the best suitcase for traveling depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider factors such as size, weight, durability, security features, and ease of use when selecting a suitcase.
Packing with tech
Packing with tech has become an essential part of traveling for many people. With the rise of digital nomads, remote workers, and travelers who like to stay connected, technology has become essential to bring on all travels across the world. Here are some essential tech items to consider when packing for your next trip:
Laptops for digital nomads
If you’re a digital nomad or a remote worker, your laptop is your lifeline. You’ll want to make sure you have a lightweight laptop that is easy to carry around with you but also has enough power to handle all your work tasks.
Some popular options include the MacBook Air, Dell XPS, and Lenovo ThinkPad.
Drones
If you’re into photography or videography, a drone can take your travel content to the next level. Especially with all the sights Asia offers. However, drones can be bulky and heavy, so you’ll want to make sure you have a good travel case to protect them. Also, keep in mind that not all countries allow drones, so be sure to check the regulations before it goes in your bag
Power Banks
With so many devices that need charging, power banks have become a must-have for travelers. Make sure you choose a power bank with enough capacity to charge all your devices and ensure that it is compact and lightweight for easy travel wherever you go.
Protect you camera
A digital camera can be a fragile and expensive piece of equipment, and breaking it on a trip is not wanted by anyone. Invest in a sturdy camera bag or backpack that has compartments to keep your camera and lenses organized and protected.
You may also want to consider a camera case or sleeve for added protection.
Good luck!
Good luck on your adventure. Asia has an incredible amount to offer and after reading this Ultimate packing List, you should know how to pack for a two-week trip to Asia. You can now get on your flight assured that you’ve got everything you need.
Where's Next?
No matter where your heading to in Asia we have the guide for you check out our ultimate guides and best places to see below.
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