What to pack forBulgaria
in August
84° / 63°F
6 days of rain. Sunset around 8:25pm.
Typical August, from ten years of weather
6 days
of rain
8:25pm
sunset
Type C/F
plugs
0 of 58 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Download offline maps
Download the offline map before you lose signal.
Passport valid past your dates
Bulgaria wants 3 months left on a passport past August. Check the expiry date now.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid for Bulgaria. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Highway vignette
Motorways here need a vignette sticker or pass. Buy it before the first toll road, the fines are steep.
International driving permit
Rental desks here ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your license. AAA issues them same day.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Bulgaria, with no SIM counter to find.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Sunscreen SPF 50
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REIBadger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95Shop at REI
Project Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIProject Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26Shop at REI
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50Shop at REI
Badger SPF 50 Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen - 2.4 oz. Tin$18.95 at REIBadger SPF 50 Adventure Sport Mineral Sunscreen - 2.4 oz. Tin$18.95Shop at REIPolarized sunglasses
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38 at REIKnockaround Paso Robles Sport Polarized Sunglasses Pink Silver Smoke$38Shop at REI
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 was $38Shop at REI
Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38Shop at Backcountry.comTick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
Plug adapter, Type C or F
Bulgaria uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Bulgaria uses Type C or F sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 at REIMatador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at REI
Global Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Global Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Backcountry.comGlobal Travel Adapter Micro$25 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Eagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 at REIEagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at REIPower bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95Shop at REI
Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120Shop at REI
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIAnker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80Shop at REI
Anker Power Bank (30W, Fusion, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REIAnker Power Bank (30W, Fusion, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40Shop at REICarry-on backpack (35–45L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador GloberiderSee price at MatadorMatador GloberiderSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Go Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265Shop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiConsuelo 22L Daypack$120Shop at Cotopaxi
Elqui 24L Daypack$70 at CotopaxiElqui 24L Daypack$70 was $100Shop at Cotopaxi
Osprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Stargazer$49.50 was $110Shop at Backcountry.com
Arcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Linen or lightweight shirts
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 84°F.
Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 84°F. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Solta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 at CotopaxiSolta Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$59.50 was $85Shop at Cotopaxi
Sumaco Long-Sleeve Shirt - Women's$47.50 at CotopaxiSumaco Long-Sleeve Shirt - Women's$47.50 was $95Shop at Cotopaxi
Sombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$45.50 at CotopaxiSombra Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt - Women's$45.50 was $65Shop at CotopaxiMoisture-wicking t-shirts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt, women's$35 was $54.99Shop at Decathlon America
Simond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 was $69.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 9.7 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 9.7 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Topo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comTopo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 was $99Shop at Backcountry.com
La Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comLa Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 was $95Shop at Backcountry.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$37.50 at CotopaxiSombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$37.50 was $75Shop at Cotopaxi
Royal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.comRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120Shop at Backcountry.comSandals (sport)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
KEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 at REIKEEN Women's Bali Strap TG Sandals$69.73 was $110Shop at REI
Forclaz MT500 Lightweight Packable Hiking Sandals$40 at Decathlon AmericaForclaz MT500 Lightweight Packable Hiking Sandals$40 was $59.99Shop at Decathlon America
Teva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 at REITeva Women's Outflow Closed-Toe Water Sandals$74.73 was $100Shop at REI
Teva Women's Tirra Sport CT Sandals$110 at REITeva Women's Tirra Sport CT Sandals$110Shop at REIWide-brim sun hat
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 at REIPistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 was $68Shop at REI
Brixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Edith Brim Hat$32 at Wild RyeEdith Brim Hat$32 was $40Shop at Wild Rye
CTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 at REICTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 was $43.99Shop at REIInsulated water bottle
Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.
Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
CamelBak Fit Cap Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle$20.73 at REICamelBak Fit Cap Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Bottle$20.73 was $30Shop at REI
Quechua MH900 Double-Wall Insulated 500 ml Water Bottle$15 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua MH900 Double-Wall Insulated 500 ml Water Bottle$15 was $24.99Shop at Decathlon America
CamelBak Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle$18 at REICamelBak Podium Chill Insulated Water Bottle$18Shop at REI
LifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95 at REILifeStraw Go Series Insulated Stainless-Steel Water Filter Bottle$59.95Shop at REIReusable water bottle
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Que Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95 at Backcountry.comQue Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Collapsible Water Bottle$24.95 at Backcountry.comCollapsible Water Bottle$24.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Bidon Water Bottle$14.40 at Wild RyeBidon Water Bottle$14.40 was $18Shop at Wild Rye
Water Bottle$7.20 at Backcountry.comWater Bottle$7.20 was $12Shop at Backcountry.comMulti-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera. Don't have one? Check these out.
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
AirTag / tracker for bags
Packing cubes
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Packing Cube SetSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.comMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at Samsonite3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50Shop at Samsonite
Large Expanding Packing Cube$30 at Knack BagsLarge Expanding Packing Cube$30Shop at Knack BagsLaundry bag / travel detergent
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorMatador Laundry BagSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Nathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REINathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24Shop at REI
Knack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack BagsKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10Shop at Knack BagsNoise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
JBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REIJBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220Shop at REI
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REISoundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200Shop at REI
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonySony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300Shop at Sony
Sony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Sandstone WH-1000XM6/T$460 at SonySony WH-1000XM6 Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Sandstone WH-1000XM6/T$460Shop at SonyTrekking poles
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 at REIKomperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 was $270Shop at REI
Leki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 at REILeki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 was $220Shop at REI
Leki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 at REILeki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 was $200Shop at REI
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 at Backcountry.comBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 was $180Shop at Backcountry.comNice to have
You could skip every one of these
Shorts
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Helly Hansen Men's HH Quick-Dry 11" Cargo Shorts$59.73 at REIHelly Hansen Men's HH Quick-Dry 11" Cargo Shorts$59.73 was $80Shop at REI
Simond Women’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$30 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts, women's$30 was $54.99Shop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 was $24.99Shop at Decathlon America
Forclaz Men’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$40 at Decathlon AmericaForclaz Men’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts, men's$40 was $59.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaLip balm with SPF
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95Shop at REI
Badger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REIBadger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95Shop at REI
SPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.comSPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29Shop at Backcountry.comMotion sickness tablets / bands
Hand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REINoshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13Shop at REI
Noshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9Shop at REI
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50Shop at REIShort cables (USB-C)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignUSB-C CableSee priceShop at Peak Design
Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26Shop at REI
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Cable Kit$19.99 at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99Shop at Peak DesignLanguage app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Passport holder
Luggage locks (TSA)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorMatador BetaLockSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Knack TSA-Approved Lock$16 at Knack BagsKnack TSA-Approved Lock$16Shop at Knack Bags
Travel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 at Eagle CreekTravel Safe 4-Dial TSA Cable Lock$15 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13Shop at SamsoniteToiletry bag (hanging)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50Shop at Backcountry.com
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Pack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle CreekPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle CreekTravel pillow
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comBlackout Travel Pillow$39.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Zempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REIZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40Shop at REI
Sea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95 at Backcountry.comSea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Foam Core Pillow$34.95 at Backcountry.comFoam Core Pillow$34.95Shop at Backcountry.comThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
Toiletries kit
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Dr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REIDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95Shop at REIDeodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignDual Slim Charger$64.95Shop at Peak Design
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100Shop at REI
Anker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25Shop at REIUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
REI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95Shop at REI
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIInjinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21Shop at REI
Woolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 was $20Shop at REI
Balega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 at REIBalega Hidden Contour No-Show Socks$14.73 was $19Shop at REI
Balega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 was $18Shop at REISleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95Shop at rumpl
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag$49 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125Shop at Backcountry.com
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125Shop at Backcountry.comPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130Shop at REI
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REIShokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170Shop at REI
Soundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100 at REISoundcore by Anker AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$100Shop at REI
Shokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120Shop at REISunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.It keeps your ticks. Open it again on your phone when you are standing over the suitcase.