The lighter the better. The last thing you want when traveling is to be weighed down by too many things. It is costly, time consuming and expensive. Checking a bag on an airplane now costs money, so does hiring a porter to carry your luggage, not to mention tips for every cab driver who puts your bag in the trunk. Save time, save money and save your back: pack light.
In preparation for this trip i challenged myself to take less than ever before, I committed to one 26L backpack (about the size a student takes to school for the day). I spent months creating and refining a packing list that would provide me with most of my needs, although you can buy almost anything you need or want for your trip anywhere you go.
The list below is what i took with me on this trip:
Bags and Packing materials
• Backpack
• small side bag for day(fits computer)
• ziplocks of varying size
Tops
• camisoles/tanks x 4
• t-shirts x 3
• long sleeve top
• zip up hoodie
Bottoms
• black cargo shorts
• jeans (controversial among travelers but i can't live without)
• green zip on/off shorts-pant
• gym shorts
Other Clothing
• cotton sundress (also can work as a skirt)
• socks x 3
• bra x 2
• undies x 4
• sports bra
• bathing suit
• sarong(can double as a beach blanket/towel)
• waterproof rain jacket
Shoes
• hiking boots
• flip flopz
Things I Might Need
• sunglasses
• earplugs
• hair ties
• hair brush
• tweezers
• safety pins
• duct tape (good idea Kate)
• face-wash
• moisturizer
• deodorant
• conditioner
• shampoo
• hand sanitizer
• insect repellent bracelet
• sunscreen
• chapstick
• hair moose
• toothpaste/toothbrush
• laundry soap
• tide pen
• Q-tips
• bandaids
• neosporin
• condoms(the sexual health advocate in me usually ends up giving them away at hostels)
• tissues
• Razor +2 refills
• insect repellent cream
• Mascara/eye shadow/nail polish/makeup remover
• prescriptions/inhaler
• excedrin
• imodium
• dramamine
• travel towel
• carabineers
Technology/fun• netbook/case/charger
• blackberry/charger(works as a calculator($ conversion), alarm clock)
• ipod/headphones/wall charger
• head lamp(great for dark hostels and night hikes)
• camera/2 memory cards/charger
• power strip(plug in all your electronics and be popular in your hostel dorm room)
• deck of cards
• books
o history of central america
o spanish phrases
o lonely planet central america
• journal/pen
• bottle opener(trust me, you will want one)
Travel Docs/ID/$
• drivers license
• passport
• student ID
• reservations papers
• cash
• debit Cards
• PADI Card
• coin purse
And yes, i am crazy!
I am super impressed! Rock on... Everyone needs a little duct tape. Can't wait to hear when you use it. And I am confident you will use it. :-)
ReplyDeleteDamn that's impressive - no one I've known has yet beat us at 32L til now! I'll be interested to see how you fare... We have our packs plus a day bag each. Of course, since we're on a long ass trip we have stupid needless stuff like PS2 video game controllers, a double cd wallet of tv series we got in Nepal for a steal and couldn't pass up (seasons 1-10 of Friends for 12 bucks? Seriously?), etc. The idea was to not carry the day back when in transit, but...eh. :) Besides, we've found you need to keep some stuff separate anyway for when your main bag gets thrown on top of/below the bus, or just thrown in general. Can we get a pic of your transit get-up on your body when you get a chance?
ReplyDeleteOmg. You added the sign-in feature I requested. I love you.
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to add an email field too so it will show my gravatar? Yeah I know...give em an inch...
I can't believe how organized you are! Good job lady! Why do you need a deck of cards?
ReplyDelete