The number-one rule in packing for a trip, unless you have hired several football players to carry your gear for you, is to pack lightly. You will be moving your luggage into the trunk of your car, out of the trunk of your car, through the airport, off of the luggage carousel, to the train station, to the bus stop, onto the bus, off the bus, back two kilometers because you overshot your stop, up six flights of stairs, and onto the dresser.
While this might be a great exercise, you might rather save your energy for climbing up to the top of the cathedral. Leave the bowling ball at home.
Below is an initial list of recommended items to pack for your travel. Feel free to add or take away items from the list based on your travel needs.
While this might be a great exercise, you might rather save your energy for climbing up to the top of the cathedral. Leave the bowling ball at home.
Below is an initial list of recommended items to pack for your travel. Feel free to add or take away items from the list based on your travel needs.
Clothes:
- 2 Pair Trousers, one casual/nice-ish type, one casual/jean-ish
- 1 Long, lightweight, travel-type skirt--optional, as trousers are acceptable in most countries now days ("packable" and non-wrinkle)
- 1-2 Pair lightweight shorts (can double as swimsuit and pajamas, though maybe not in the same day!)
- 2 Lightweight, nice (not old), not white T-shirts or polo's
- 2 Nice (dressier) shirts/blouses, long or short sleeve, your choice (depending on climate)
- 1 "Layerable," lightweight, long-sleeve shirt such as a Henley, turtleneck, or a lightweight sweater (can wear if arrival city is a little chilly)
- 1 Rain jacket, waterproof, packable, & lightweight (always plan on rain...); When traveling by plane, it tends to get a little cold on most flights; plus, it can make a nice pillow
- 1 Swim suit (if don't want shorts to double)
- 7-9 Underwear (small to pack and clean underwear make a world of difference!)
- 7-9 Pair of Socks (small to pack and clean socks make a world of difference!)
- 1-2 Shoes. A pair of comfy, low-profile tennis-type shoes and/OR a pair of waterproof-breathable shoes that can be used for moderate hiking and playing activities with kids in the street. Unless you are planning on hard core trekking in Patagonia, you don't need anything special.
- Never skimp on shoes. A pair of comfy shoes is essential!
- 1 Walkable sandals (not flip-flops) for shower floors, beaches, etc. (aqua socks are nice).
- 1 Belt (reversible is nice)
- 2-3 Brassiers (bras), women only (I hope!)
- 3 Scrungees or hair clips, long hair only
Other Items:
- 2 pair of earplugs; these are INVALUABLE!!
- 1 Map of the region; A GOOD MAP IS ESSENTIAL!!
- 1 small, reliable, tough flashlight w/new batteries
- 1 Shampoo; small squeeze bottle! (Dr. Brommer's Castile Soap can be used for everything from washing clothes to brushing teeth...I like peppermint flavored...)
- Soap - (I recommend custom made and natural soaps from Majestic Events & Gifts - http://www.majestiqueevents.com/)
- 1 Each: Comb/Brush, Razor, & small Travel Tooth-stuff (if you run out, just pop into a neighborhood department store -- usually a great cultural experience in itself!)
- 1 Camera, loaded with film
- 1 Film (1-7 rolls, depending on length of stay)
- 1 Each, Travel Journal & small notepad
- 2 Pens...make sure they write in hot, humid, & cold weather
- 1 Pair of small binoculars (Great to get a close-up look at ceilings, architecture, and art in cathedrals, galleries, and museums and birds, animals, landscapes...)
- 5 Yards small nylon cord/rope, for clothesline & other uses (optional)
- 1 Sunglasses
- 1 Prescription glasses or contacts and solution (if necessary...I take a back-up pair of glasses as well)
- 1 Small towel &/OR large washcloth (optional)
- Several small packages of Kleenex, very handy! (optional)
- 10-15 small "wet naps" (like from KFC...you can also pick these up en route sometimes...) -- optional, but very handy!!
- Any prescription/OTC medicine you need, clearly labeled and in the original bottle
- 1 "Ditty" bag for ladies' supplies (make-up, etc. - Recommend Fugly Lab - Sample Size Cosmetic products - http://www.fuglylab.com)
- 1 Waterproof, reliable watch with alarm
1 Pit Jit (deodorant - I recommend Essential Deodorant 2 oz from http://smellgoodspa.com/)
1-2 Really, really good Guide Books (Blue Guides for History/Art/Architecture/Archeology; Green Guides for driving and a good overview; Rick Steves, Rough Guides, or Lonely Planet for travel info; Footprint for South America); Always buy the most recent edition of the guidebook
Make sure you do NOT forget these items (should be kept on your body):
Passport
- Wallet w/credit cards (ATM/Debit card, 1 each VISA & Master Card, make sure one is GOLD status or higher) and Cash (US$100 emergency fund)
- Plane/Rental Car tickets/rail pass/reservations (or receipts if you have e-tickets)
Luggage Recommendations:
Luggage Brands - I love Samsonite and Eagle Creek luggage. Not too bulky and lightweight. I have not used the other brands listed, but they have very high reviews.
Samsonite
Briggs & Riley
Eagle Creek
Hartmann
Kipling
Tumi
Bric's
Victorinox/Swiss Army
Vera Bradley
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