I'm so excited about my upcoming trip, but it really snuck up on me! I booked this trip to SE Asia back in May feeling like it was so far away. Now it's crunch time and I have to get packing! Taking the same approach as my last trip, I am limiting myself to my simple trusty backpack that got me through Central America. So as not to deviate from my usual M.O. I'm find myself packing the evening before my trip. Yes, I know, crazy procrastination! My single backpack system is definitely not for everyone. I'm not packing for fashion; I'm packing for function. I'm definitely not sporting the hardcore backpacker look, but at the same time I'm not decked out in cute sundresses and accessories. Unlike like last time, I'm taking my little Acer netbook. Not sure if this will prove to be a burden or not, but I also remember missing it on my last trip. The weight is starting to add up and I might tip over when I throw this on my back. The great thing about travelling to a warm climate is that the clothes take up less space, so I guess I'm not sure if my method would work if I were headed somewhere cold. Sweaters and the like would definitely take up much more space. Love the thought of that challenge though. That definitely has got my mental gears spinning with ideas for the next trip! There's actually a ton of tips online in the form of blogs or videos on how to be a minimalist packer. For girlie girls that may be a tall order, but definitely not impossible. It is pretty cute how my stuff is smaller than the equivalents for guys - underthings for example, socks, tops - a girl's got an advantage over the average sized guy. I've had a few people ask me to give them a list of things that they should pack to take this same minimalist approach without missing anything. I would really hate to give you a list of items to pack though because I guess the best piece of advice I could give you is a bit simple and obvious, but still takes a bit of thought: Take what's important to you and skim the fat. You want to take a little bit of home with you if that's going to make your trip comfortable. For me, going without a blow dryer is not a big deal for example and I'm ok scaling down the products I use for hair and make up.
For three weeks, the things that I pack are really the basics. Under things; enough for a week and a half and a plan to do laundry 2 - 3 times over the course of my trip. Stick to natural, breathable fabrics. Up to you, but I have at least two pairs that are a quick dry material, just in case I can't do laundry for some reason and have to wash it myself to air dry overnight. When I say do laundry, I mean paying someone to do it while I'm having fun. In places like Central and South America that's a very inexpensive must so that you don't waste your time. As for clothes, 5 days worth of tops and a thin long sleeve T-shirt or button up shirt. These should breathe really well. I usually stick to cotton or the specialized blends optimized for hiking. I always have two dressy tops just in case. To that I add two pairs of comfortable pants - one that could be used for hiking one that could work for hiking and as good casual wear or could get dressed up with a nicer top and a comfortable pair of heels. I take on pair of hiking shorts& two skirts that work with the dressier tops. As far as colors, I stick to neutrals and earth tones and I do one top item in a good variation of a primary color - pick one that looks good on you. For me that's red. This will make your shoe choices easier. For a warm climate, I take one pair of comfortable sandals, and one pair of dressier shoes - that could either be a pair of flats or a really and truly comfortable pair of not too high heels. For the most part I know I'll be wearing a pair of comfortable & broken in hiking shoes. These should be breathable and light. Ideally they should also be waterproof. Just be sure to know if it's rainy season where you're heading. You'll want to take a light rain jacket with you and a light hoodie for bus rides where they crank up the AC. I take 2 pairs of sport socks & 4 pairs of good hiking socks. I've really taken to Smart Wool socks, even in really hot climates. They're really comfortable and wick moisture really well. My feet don't feel hot in them, but make sure they work for you before you take them on your trip. Just a note that these do not air dry fast.
Next I pack toiletries. I take small containers of face wash, a good everyday face moisturizer and sunscreen (this is not optional) . A small container of makeup remover and a toothbrush. I take a travel sized tube of toothpaste, but I don't take things like shampoo or body soap. If I don't have any where I'm staying, I just buy some at my destination as it's usually pretty cheap to get. I take a bare minimum of make up with me that I can use for day and night. I take a good powder foundation (much better than liquid when in a super warm weather) and a 4shade set of eye shadow and a black mascara. One eye shadow brush, one eye liner brush and one powder brush. I use the mascara as eye liner applying it with an eye liner brush so that I don't have to bring any eye liner. Honestly, though, most days I skip make up. You'll also want to grab some of the travel rolls of toilet paper, fill a small container with handsoap and take a packet of antibacterial wipes. Believe me, these are things that you take for granted at home and you definitely miss overseas when traveling. Consider taking a nail clipper, small file and tweezers and a good supply of over-the-counter pain killer and any other drugs you need. I'm taking malaria pills just in case, but make sure you talk to a travel clinic at least a month before your trip. An mp3 player (iPod) is always a good idea as well as a good camera. Be sure you have all you power cords/chargers. Throw in a reusable cloth bag that you can fold up, just in case. I carry a small bag/purse with things like a paper notebook, a pen, lip balm, and my wallet & passport as well as a travel book for the area you are visiting.
Well, that should do it, all of that should fit in a medium backpack and you should be set to carry this on with you. On some smaller domestic flights, you might have to check it plane side, but that's much better than checking it in. I'm ready to go! I have no idea what SE Asia will be like, but I'm about to find out.
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