Contrary to the exciting title, I'm saddened to admit that I don't have any new travel adventures to share this month. The spring round of postdoctoral fellowship proposals, aka trying to convince people that my fantastic research proposal will cure all diseases and save the world, has been keeping me way too busy. Instead, I figure I'll use this time at home to add my two cents to the world of backpacker blogging.
About a year ago, I found myself equipped with a roundtrip to Bangkok and no clue as to how I'd ever fit a month of supplies in just one backpack. For that matter, how did some people pack for much longer than that?? It turns out, the blogosphere is ripe with answers to that very question.
What advice worked best for me? Nearly a year later, there's no doubt in my mind of my #1 most important item: a comfy and durable pair of Teva sandals. These were worth every penny. From wandering down the streets and through the temple complexes of Bangkok to hiking through the jungles of Vietnam, these guys never let me down. And they even let you show off your pedicure, should you find yourself caving for their oh-so-cheap prices.
And for the rest of my top-ten pack list tips...
2. Pack light on the clothing, and clothing that's light (though at least one shirt with sleeves and a pair of pants that covers the knees). You don't need so many outfits, as you can hand wash things in hostel sinks or just pay around $1 per pound for laundry services. And if anything tears, new clothing is so very cheap. It's incredibly hot in March and April in this part of the world, so you don't want anything heavy or clingy. However, you'll need at least one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees in order to get in to certain Buddhist temples.
3. Don't bother with books. You can download things on a smartphone or buy the ubiquitous photocopied bestsellers anywhere. This is an easy way to cut down on luggage weight.
4. Buy an ultralight microfiber towel. These guys dry so fast, roll up tight, and feel feather-light. An excellent traveler's investment.
5. Get a waterproof bag. Especially if you plan to travel around New Year's in mid-April, which is celebrated in SouthEast Asia with massive city-wide waterfights. No mercy is shown. But barring that, you still never know when you'll want to take a camera or a smartphone on a kayak trip, or when the weather may turn.
6. Consider purchasing a tablet, a bluetooth keyboard, a travel-proof case if you don't already own these. Writing home is so much easier with a full keyboard and a proper screen, but you don't want to lug a laptop around all month.
7. Bring bug spray. Just make it a part of your morning and evening routine, like brushing your teeth. You won't regret it. Cinq sur Cinq tropic worked well for me. I went with a skin spray and a clothing spray, and never got too badly bitten.
8. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Enough said.
9. Stock up on any medications and get your vaccinations in advance. I was lucky not to need my stomach and gastrointestinal pills, but it was a comfort to know they were there. Taking a monster-sized malaria pill every morning might not be the best way to start your day, but it sets you up to enjoy the rest of it out and about.
10. Take one cozy sweatshirt and comfy pair of pants. You never know when a sudden cold snap may descend upon you, and you'll be very unhappy if you only have tank tops and tees to layer.
Don't stress too much, and certainly do not overpack. You can always buy things along your travels that you may have forgotten or didn't realize you'd need.
Finally, for anyone who really wants to dive into the nitty-gritty of it, here is my final pack list in all its glory:
About a year ago, I found myself equipped with a roundtrip to Bangkok and no clue as to how I'd ever fit a month of supplies in just one backpack. For that matter, how did some people pack for much longer than that?? It turns out, the blogosphere is ripe with answers to that very question.
What advice worked best for me? Nearly a year later, there's no doubt in my mind of my #1 most important item: a comfy and durable pair of Teva sandals. These were worth every penny. From wandering down the streets and through the temple complexes of Bangkok to hiking through the jungles of Vietnam, these guys never let me down. And they even let you show off your pedicure, should you find yourself caving for their oh-so-cheap prices.
 |
| The Teva Kayenta sandal. Girly enough for a night on the town, tough enough for a hike through the jungle. |
2. Pack light on the clothing, and clothing that's light (though at least one shirt with sleeves and a pair of pants that covers the knees). You don't need so many outfits, as you can hand wash things in hostel sinks or just pay around $1 per pound for laundry services. And if anything tears, new clothing is so very cheap. It's incredibly hot in March and April in this part of the world, so you don't want anything heavy or clingy. However, you'll need at least one outfit that covers your shoulders and knees in order to get in to certain Buddhist temples.
3. Don't bother with books. You can download things on a smartphone or buy the ubiquitous photocopied bestsellers anywhere. This is an easy way to cut down on luggage weight.
4. Buy an ultralight microfiber towel. These guys dry so fast, roll up tight, and feel feather-light. An excellent traveler's investment.
5. Get a waterproof bag. Especially if you plan to travel around New Year's in mid-April, which is celebrated in SouthEast Asia with massive city-wide waterfights. No mercy is shown. But barring that, you still never know when you'll want to take a camera or a smartphone on a kayak trip, or when the weather may turn.
6. Consider purchasing a tablet, a bluetooth keyboard, a travel-proof case if you don't already own these. Writing home is so much easier with a full keyboard and a proper screen, but you don't want to lug a laptop around all month.
7. Bring bug spray. Just make it a part of your morning and evening routine, like brushing your teeth. You won't regret it. Cinq sur Cinq tropic worked well for me. I went with a skin spray and a clothing spray, and never got too badly bitten.
8. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Enough said.
9. Stock up on any medications and get your vaccinations in advance. I was lucky not to need my stomach and gastrointestinal pills, but it was a comfort to know they were there. Taking a monster-sized malaria pill every morning might not be the best way to start your day, but it sets you up to enjoy the rest of it out and about.
10. Take one cozy sweatshirt and comfy pair of pants. You never know when a sudden cold snap may descend upon you, and you'll be very unhappy if you only have tank tops and tees to layer.
 |
| Who'd have thought that northern Vietnam would be a full 15-20 degrees Celsius (around 30 degrees Fahrenheit) colder than southern Vietnam? Thank goodness for my sweatshirt and waterproof jacket! |
Don't stress too much, and certainly do not overpack. You can always buy things along your travels that you may have forgotten or didn't realize you'd need.
Finally, for anyone who really wants to dive into the nitty-gritty of it, here is my final pack list in all its glory:
Clothing
2 regular bras, 1
sports bra
10 pairs of panties
2 pairs of regular socks
Harem pants
5 t-shirts, 3 tank
tops (non-strappy)
2 dresses
Fast drying shirt for
hike
Fast drying pants for
hike
3 pairs of hiking
socks
Pair of shorts for
campsite
Bathing suit
Sweatshirt
Shoes
Hiking boots
Flip flops for showers
Walking sandals
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Soap (body, face)
Moisturizer
Razor
Antiperspirant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Panty liners
Band-aids
Hair ties
Minimal jewelry (1 of
each item)
Nail file and clippers
Tweezers
Chapstick with sun
protection
Birth control
Acne medicine and
cream
Basic make-up
(eyeliner, mascara, 1 lipstick, 1 eyeshadow)
Travel Gear
Microfiber towel
Sunscreen
Bug spray (skin,
clothes)
Antacid/antidiarrheal
Headache medicine
Anti-malarial medicine
Small purse for day
outings
Backpack
Travel pillow (inflatable)
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Light-weight foldable
cloth poncho
Electronics
iPad, charger, SD card
reader
Camera, charger,
upload cable
Phone and charger
Headphones
USB key
International
all-in-one adapter
Waterproof bag for
electronics
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