In December of 2026, I made my first trip to Central America in Guatemala (and did it all by myself). Being the cheap girl I am, I was not going to spend the extra $30 to bring a checked bag, so all I had was a personal item sized backpack. Continue reading to find out what was in my bag!
backpack
I borrowed (stole) the Outdoor Adventures Mist Hydration Backpack from my parent’s house. This was the perfect bag for me that had plenty of different pockets to keep things separated and safe. The water holding portion was long gone so I had extra space to put my things.
It counts as a personal item on flights, is very light, and super cheap. This isn’t sponsored but I wish it was lol. I am looking forward to bringing this along for many more trips!
clothes
I was headed on a yoga retreat, so I prioritized packing items I could move in but were also comfortable for long travel days. I also was going to be in warm, potentially rainy Guatemala weather.
My most-used items ended up being my thin long sleeve shirt that was just enough for nippy mornings without being too hot. I also never travel without my birkenstock-dupe sandals that are so comfortable for long walking!
- Athleta Elation Ultra High Leggings
- Athleta V-Neck Crop Bra
- Lululemon Dance Studio Mid-Rise Pant
- Zara Short Sleeve Cropped Top
- Thin black long sleeve shirt
- One shoulder crop top
- Loose linen pants
- 1 bathing suit
- 1 bra
- Underwear/socks
- Compression socks for flights
- Nike Air Force 1
- Madden Girl Brando Footbed Sandals
toiletries
I was lucky that my backpack had multiple pockets so I could store my travel-sized toiletries for easy access. 3 things I will never travel without are my makeup eraser washcloth, my solid shampoo/conditioner bars, and my carmex lip balm!!!
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Lush Gorgeous Moisturizer
- Glasses/contacts/contact solution
- Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
- Vitamin D supplement, ibuprofen, birth control
- Deodorant
- Mascara and Carmex
- Makeup Eraser Washcloth
- Lush Seanik Shampoo Bar
- Lush American Cream Conditioner Bar
- Random bar of soap
miscellaneous
I had to be very careful about everything else I brought as my space was quickly weaning and I had to make sure I had everything I absolutely needed. My journal and a book were non-negotiable! FYI, Guatemala has the same outlets as the US, so no need to buy an adapter.
- Cell Phone
- Passport
- Wallet
- Water bottle
- The People We Meet on Vacation (highly recommend!!!)
- Journal
- Phone charger
- Airpods
- Gum
- Disposable camera
what i brought home
I am typically not much of a souvenir girl, but I was going right before Christmas and of course waited until the last second to buy gifts for family. I had just the tiniest bit of space left in my luggage for a few gifts and treats for myself!
- Handmade crossbody bag
- Handmade headband
- 6 postcards
- 2 handmade shot glasses (gifts)
- Jade necklace and bracelet (gifts)
All-in-all, I felt very accomplished with my backpacking game and felt like I had everything I needed. If I had a smidge more space, I would’ve added a windbreaker/rainjacket and a hairbrush, but I was just fine without both! An additional consideration is a towel, but I checked that my accommodations would provide them for free ahead of time.