After six months of traveling I have had lots of questions regarding packing and I thought I would create a list. This is very subjective especially regarding the countries you might travel to and the weather you might encounter. Take what you can out of this:
1) Clothing:
* consider whether clothing is country appropriate. Many countries find sleeveless shirts and bare legs inappropriate.
* almost every article of clothing should match so you can mix and match easily. Choose your favourite colours ie: black is always easy
* cotton should be your first choice of fabric for most things if possible as it is good in hot weather, wicks away sweat, and washes well (the only drawback is it may take more time to dry).
* white clothing is a bad choice on longer trips, in hot weather (sweat stains turn yellow), and with limited laundry facilities
* patterned clothing is fine on a short trip but plain clothing might be better for a long trip like six months.
* if on a long trip there is no point in bringing nice clothing as it will get trashed and you will not want to wear anything you brought after you return home
* use compression sacks to pack clothing in. Eagle Creek is a good brand or use Ziploc Big Bags if on a shorter trip. These compress clothes to make them hog less space and also help with organizations and keeping clothing clean. The only drawback is a slightly crumpled look but this would happen in your backpack anyway.
* put Bounce sheets in compression sacks and in shoes to maintain freshness or a use a drawer sachet (it really helps!)
A) Necessities:
Lightweight pants (1 to 2 pairs)
- cargos are great for the use of pockets
- choose easy maintenance colours
- don't bother with jeans...too bulky and impractical in hot weather
- great if they roll up/pin up for a Capri pant
- this pant should double for physical activity like hiking
- bring only 1 pair if shorts are an acceptable alternative
- cotton would be the best fabric but synthetic materials can be nice for quick drying effect
Walking shorts (1 pair)
- especially necessary if pants don't roll up for Capris
- these should be lightweight and longer to avoid chafing
T-shirts (2-3 shirts)
- cotton is the best for hot weather
- cotton washes well
- bring a size bigger than usual for more comfort
- change t-shirts to light long sleeves if visiting modest countries
Tank tops (1-2 shirts)
- great for undershirts or beach wear
- be sure this is country appropriate
Black dress (1 dress)
- choose a casual style that can be dressed up for evening
- can double as beach coverup
- I recently found a black dress that can be worn eight different ways including as a skirt which is perfect for traveling
- a reversible option would also be nice but this seems difficult to find
Long skirt (1 skirt)
- choose a casual skirt like black cotton
- can wear day or night
- may be necessary if entering a Mosque
Sweater (1 sweater) or jacket (1 jacket)
- even if visiting warm countries this is necessary especially during rainy season or for over air conditioned places
- fleece is the warmest option but whatever you prefer works
- try to keep lightweight since you likely won't be wearing it often
Long sleeved shirt (1 shirt)
- great to wear even in hot weather for sun protection
- I recommend running shirts that are meant to be lightweight
- can be three-quarter length shirt in many countries (ie India, Turkey)
Pyjamas or kaftan (1 pair)
- be strategic in choosing PJs that can double as other things ie: yoga pants can double for PJ pants, a kaftan can double as a pool/beach coverup, or shorts and a tank top can double for a casual outfit
- remember to be modest as you might be sharing sleeping arrangements with other people depending on your budget
Cotton undies (5-7 pairs)
- must be cotton (prevents yeast infection)
- bring more pairs if you are not bringing a laundry kit
- bring your favourite style but be practical (G strings while traveling..?)
Cotton socks (2-3 pairs)
- depending on what kind of shoes you bring you may need more or less pairs
- black ankle socks are probably the best choice
Cotton bras (2 bras)
- not white!
- choose tan coloured bras or black - - - comfort first! Bring basic ones with no underwire or push-up
Bathing suit (1 suit)
- may get trashed due to over wear and hot sun
- can wear bikini in most countries
- bathing suits are only appropriate on the beach in some countries and you should bring adequate coverups for transport to and from beach
B) Shoes:
* Shoes take up the most room so be strategic and practical and choose a colour that goes with everything
* definitely bring a closed toe shoe if travelling to places that might have dirtier streets ie) India or that have religious restrictions when visiting sights ie) Vatican
* shoes that are slip on may be more practical if visiting sights where taking your shoes off is necessary ie) mosques
Walking shoes (1 pair)
- must be exceptionally comfortable!
- consider planned activities like hiking because this shoe may need to be a runner
- smart to choose a shoe with a solid sole
- lose your vanity, nothing is worse than sore feet
- Vans turned out to be a good brand for me
Flip flops (1 pair)
- can be a cheapie pair that is non-fabric for grotty showers or pools
- if walking shoes are not suitable enough for evening, buy a nicer flip flop or sandal to double as evening shoes
C) Extras:
Pashmina or scarf (1)
- great on the plane to use as a blanket or pillow
- may be necessary for head covering when visiting mosques
- easy to dress up travel outfit
- very easily purchased in most countries
- can use for extra privacy ie: curtains
- a large pashmina can double as a "beach blanket"
Small rain shield/cheap poncho pack (1)
- + small umbrella if necessary
- don't bother bringing a rain jacket
- a rain shield can be very small and still warm if worn over sweater
Sunglasses with UV protection (1 pair) - bring cheap ones; they are easily lost or broken in backpack
- easily purchased in most countries but sometimes without UV protection
2) Medications:
Note: information is relevant in Canada. Some adjustments may be necessary in other countries regarding availability, brand names, OTC vs. RX, and cost.
* let your pharmacy know as soon as you can about upcoming travel plans. It can be difficult to order RX medications earlier than you should if your pharmacy team is trying to bill an insurance plan or fill narcotics. It is a good idea to call your insurance plan yourself and inquire about the process.
* ask your pharmacy to blister pack your RX medications for your trip (including OTC medications like vitamins) and/or provide you with small labelled bottles (use tape on the labels so that they stay legible throughout the trip).
* ask your pharmacy for a copy of each RX you are bringing. If it is very difficult to read, ask your pharmacy team to stick a label on the back of the copy to outline the medications. Keep these with your travel documents.
* if medications are vital it would be wise to bring more than necessary (but not too much or the airport security may inquire why you would need such a large supply). Ie: if going for four weeks, pack six to eight weeks of medications. Obviously this may not be practical for longer trips. Bring two different sets if possible and put the second set in a partner's bag or a carry on. Your primary set should always be in your carry on.
* always check with your pharmacist before taking OTC medications re: allergies or drug interactions.
* consider if it is necessary to pack all vitamins and supplements ie: instead of bringing Omega 3 capsules try to eat fish twice a week
A) Medications to bring:
Anti fungal cream (ie: Canesten/clotrimazole OTC or Lamisil RX) for athletes foot, rashes under skin folds like breasts, tinea versicolor (rash where skin loses pigment in little circles often on back/chest)
Yeast infection (ie: Fluconazole tablet OTC or cheaper if RX)
Antibiotic cream (ie: polysporin OTC or Bactroban RX)
Complete cough/cold medication (ie: Tylenol Cold and Sinus)
Analgesic (ie: Advil or Tylenol OTC)
Pepto bismol tablets for stomach symptoms and prevention of traveller's diarrhea (two tablets four times daily may prevent 65% occurrence)
Imodium for severe diarrhea (but not significant enough for antibiotics)
Antibiotics (ie: Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin both RX) for severe travellers diarrhea
Oral rehydration salts for dehydration (you probably won't need these but bringing a couple packets would not take up a lot of space)
Fabric band aids (stick better for blisters) in various sizes and non stick wound pads and tape for larger wounds
Hydrocortisone cream (1% RX 0.5% OTC) for bug bites or rashes
Allergy tablets (Reactine or Benadryl both OTC) for bed bugs or allergic symptoms
Gravol (or Scopalamine during longer boat trips) for motion sickness
Melatonin (OTC) for a natural aid for sleeping and preventing jet lag
Ativan (RX) for anxious flyers or long haul plane trips
Birth control (oral contraceptives, condoms, etc) are not readily available in some countries
Antiviral cream for cold sores if necessary (Abreva OTC or Zovirax RX) because sun is often a trigger
Lubricant eye drops and Polysporin eye drops (both OTC) if you are a contact wearer for irritation or eye infections (trust me: when traveling with contacts infections are inevitable due to overwearing/improper cleaning to save contact solution)
Malaria medications if necessary (ie Malarone, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine all RX). Malarone is very expensive but has least side effects.
B) Vaccines prior to leaving:
*travel clinics are expensive and often unnecessary if you have a general practitioner. With the exception of a couple of vaccines, a general practitioner (GP) can prescribe and administer medications necessary for travel without a fee. It is usually cheaper to fill an Rx at a pharmacy (especially Costco or Wal-mart) rather than through a travel clinic.
Hepatitis A and B (Twinrix). Rx only. This can be given in a rapid series over the course of a month if necessary or in separate vaccines also
Typhoid vaccine available in capsules or by injection is often necessary
Yellow fever vaccine required for a few countries and other countries will require proof of vaccination if arriving from certain epidemic countries
Dukoral (oral vaccine for traveller's diarrhea regarding E. Coli strains). Good idea for travellers going to exotic countries where it might be more difficult to be cautious. Can purchase without an Rx but should get an Rx if you have prescription insurance. Two doses cost about $80; the first dose is taken orally two weeks before traveling with the second dose taken a week before traveling.
Tetanus injection (every ten years). Your GP will administer with no cost.
3) Toiletries:
*check travel sections in department stores like Wal-mart. Avoid buying toiletries in "travel stores" which are very expensive. If you are particular about products, I recommend buying liquid containers from a pharmacy (try compounding pharmacies like Rexall) because they need to be high quality for dispensing Rxs in.
* buy a nice toiletries kit to keep everything organized and for quick re-packing. Mine has several compartments, a mirror attached, and a hook to hang on doors.
* if your hotel ever offers toiletries snag them for your bag in case you run low. Especially soap!
* separate toiletries for organization into containers like old makeup cases or Ziploc bags if you have nothing else
A) Toiletries to bring:
* do not bother with a hair dryer, you will not use it!
Sunscreen SPF 30
Shampoo and conditioner (a 2 in 1 is a good way to save space/time getting ready)
Antibacterial body wash (don't bother with bars of soap because they are too messy. This doubles as hand soap)
Face wash (if necessary for sensitive skin)
Deodorant
Toothpaste, floss, travel toothbrush
Contact solution (difficult to find in some countries or very expensive in others), contact case, eyeglasses, eye drops if necessary
Hand sanitizer (bring several little bottles for different bags)
Bug repellant (must be DEET)
Small packets of Kleenex (always bring in day bag)
Travel pack of wet wipes
Toilet paper depending on country (can buy great compact rolls from camping stores)
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Tampons (difficult to find in some countries), panty liners, pads
Brush and comb that folds up
Q-tips
Razors and refills (electric razors can be a handy alternative but very bulky)
Pony tails, bobby pins, headbands etc
B) Make-up to bring if required
*tip: go to make up counters like MAC, Clinique etc and ask for samples of products like mascara to "try." Or admit it is for travelling and they are usually very accommodating.
* buy a neutral toned (pinks, beiges...) travel pack of blush, eyeshadow and lip colour from a counter like Clinique
Tinted moisturizer with SPF for concealer
Mascara sample
Eyeliner
Travel pack containing neutral tones
One small eyeshadow for evening wear
Lip balm with SPF
4) Laundry:
*may not be necessary for shorter trips as most hotels have laundry service
- buy a laundry kit or make your own:
- sink stopper
- small clothes line (suction cups keep it up)
- little packets of detergent (powder/liquid)
- tide pen
- sewing kit (buy a cheapie one at Shopper's Drug Mart)
5) Security:
A) Small luggage lock for bag
- good idea to lock bag when leaving hotel or while in transit
B) Lock with cable
- able to lock bag to solid items if you must leave bag unattended or in transit
6) Day bag
* some backpacks will come with a detachable backpack for day bag use
Requirements for purse like day bag:
- must have a zipper
- better if it has multiple pockets for organization
- better if worn across body
- better if tougher strap to avoid strap cutting
- large enough to accommodate necessities (never leave without hand sanitizer, sunscreen, water bottle, and small packet of Kleenex)
- neutral colour or masculine enough so that male partner can wear also
* also bring tiny pouches holding bags to throw in day bag that can be used for purchases (buy at travel store like MEC)
7) Miscellaneous:
Water bottle with clip to attach to bag:
- can buy deflatable ones for space saving (found at Chapters)
Duct tape:
- trust me!
- probably more beneficial for long trips but good for taping up pashmina for holes in the wall, ripped luggage/clothing, charging devices on an angle if necessary, sealing a hole from potential pests etc
Small LED light:
- for power outages
- for evening strolls
- LED eliminates need for batteries
Sheet sleeping bag liner:
-for dodgy hotels or on trains,
- extra layer for warmth
-buy at a travel store (MEC) for $40 but this is a space hog so consider if necessary
- silk ones are much smaller but $80
Ear plugs and eye shade:
- always bring ear plugs even if you are a heavy sleeper
Quick dry towel:
- may be necessary if staying in budget accommodation
- can be expensive so decide if its necessary
Guide books:
- tough choice whether to bring or not because these are huge space wasters
- provide entertainment during transit
- can be very useful if there is no connection to Internet
- if going to multiple countries be willing to ditch the books along the way
8) Electronics
* very personal decision about what type of electronics to bring. Some people need a laptop and others need a fancy camera. Consider the risk of theft as we did have our iPod touches stolen very early on but were able to replace them due to relatively low cost.
A) iPod touch
- highly recommended
- can use to call using Skype if access to wifi
- can use as a reader through wifi and home electronic library
- can blog when offline
- can use for hotel bookings and attractions with wifi
- can use for directions prior to leaving wifi zone
- fits easily into pocket
B) Camera
- I brought a basic small digital camera and my husband brought another
- bring several memory cards; it's not a bad idea to switch up the memory cards once and awhile in case of theft if you are unable to upload photos to a laptop
- never erase a memory card even if you have had a CD burned. Chances are the CD is not perfect.
- very handy to have a strap for the camera
C) Charging electronics
-can be difficult
- always test converters before traveling
- you will need separate chargers for each device instead of using a splitter because the charge will not be strong enough to work
- some countries like India will require a surge protector as well
9) Backpack choice
* very personal decision so look around and choose wisely
* I carried an Osprey Porter 46 and what I loved about it was:
- 46 L was a perfect size for our six month trip (we did ship souvenirs back)
- able to use as a carry on when airlines weren't too strict
- straight jacket style created more security
- quick whistle very accessible when wearing pack for emergencies
- ability to tuck in straps of backpack to carry more like a duffle bag
- pouch at the top was great for non secure items like snacks
- my favourite feature was that it open up like a suitcase instead of digging into a backpack from the top down
- two mesh pouches for organization
10) Money/Documents
* bring copies of important documents like passports and birth certificates
* bring several passport quality photos for various uses like acquiring a cell phone
A) Passport
- seems obvious but check expiry
- check visa requirements for some countries which demand that a certain number of pages in the passport be blank for entry
B) Credit cards and Debit Cards
- consider limit and whether it would provide enough credit in an emergency
- bring credit card theft notification numbers
- consider bringing a separate credit card from a separate institution in case of compromised banking information
- watch for debit skimmers that will compromise card
- talk to Bank about fees for withdrawing cash and if there is a way to reduce them
- let Bank know exactly when and where you are going
- don't bother with traveller's cheques
C) Eyeglass RX
- many countries have inexpensive eye glasses
- in case of lost glasses/contacts
D) RX copies
- signed and dated by pharmacist
E) Visas for countries
- look into visa requirements ASAP
- Visa applications are not difficult but tedious
- check the paperwork three times and have someone else double check it of you WILL have to redo it
* Remember to be organized and prepared but not to worry if you have forgotten something because most things can be purchased. Happy travels!*
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