So you've done some research, you know where you want to go and when you want to go, but what comes next? There's a lot of things to think about and it's hard to know where to begin when it comes to packing or planning the important bits of your trip, so I'm going to give you a quick idea of what to bring, what you definitely shouldn't bring and a couple more important things to consider.
WHAT TO BRING:
So you're all excited for your trip abroad and maybe like me, the first time, you'll start buying a whole new wardrobe thinking you're going to spend every day of your trip looking like an bronzed goddess, well in reality you'll actually just end up with bad roots, more or less constantly sweating and wearing the same shorts and t-shirt for days on end! HA no but seriously.. pack smart! although you can fit a lot into a 20kg backpack, it doesn't necessarily mean you should. Remember everything you bring, you have to carry on your back.....in the sun....through cities...across beaches....for weeks on end! So here's a better idea of what to bring:
Decent light walking shoes
Hats (The Asian sun is very intense, it also hides your greasy hair)
A good pair of sunglasses (Again that Asian sun will get ya..)
Light exercise shorts
A comfortable pair of sandals
A warm hoody (Although its hot and humid outside, air-con on buses, in hotels, in airports or in taxi's can be really cold)
A light rain mac (especially if you're going during Monsoon season)
Light T-shirt/shirt that covers your shoulders (for when you're entering religious temples or in a Muslim area)
Light pair of pants (sold everywhere in Asia, good to protect you from mosquitoes at night)
Small shower towel
Travel pillow
A waterproof bag (also sold everywhere, so handy for boat trips if you want to bring your phone or camera)
Washing bag
Bum bag (or for you gents, a fetching man bag)
Sarong (buy one there, use it in favour of a towel on the beach. They're quick drying, light and easy to clean. I even converted my boyfriend to the sarong life! No one likes a wet, sandy, stinky towel in their bag)
A small plastic folder (to keep all your travel documents in)
Adapters (minimum of 3, the ones you buy out there are about as trustworthy as a fork in a toaster)
Compact first-aid kit (plasters, anti-septic, bandages ect.)
Power bank (not vital for everyone, but for anyone that needs access to their phone or laptop for work it could be a good idea)
A padlock (to use in hostels to lock your locker or to lock the zips of your backpack)
BUG SPRAY! (I find the roll on repellent really effective)
Bar of detergent soap (for those 'Its not THAT dirty' kind of washes)
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
For most people these will be obvious, but there's always one..
High heels (there isn't enough words to fathom how ridiculous you'd look)
Heavy towels or clothing (very difficult to dry anything heavy in humid weather, they will HONK and you'll have to throw them away)
Loads of make-up (bring the bare essentials if you can't live without it, but by day three you won't even give a shit...trust me)
Fake tan (save yourself the sweat stains)
Too many clothes (bit of a pot-kettle situation cos I still do this, but at least TRY to cut back)
Expensive or designer clothes (they WILL get destroyed)
Valuable or sentimental jewelry
Curlers or Straighteners (I'd settle on a hair drier but leave the rest at home, despite your best efforts the humidity will turn you into Monica from Friends regardless)
OTHER INCIDENTALS:
Vaccines: Vital for everyone, especially those traveling for an extended period of time. Contact your doctor ASAP as some vaccines require boosters a few weeks after the first injection so factor in time. A lot of people have asked me about the malaria tablets, and personally I have never taken them because they have some strong side effects that can really make you sick. However if you are going to an area that is known to be a hot spot for Malaria, I would suggest at least taking tablets with you if you do start to feel unwell while there.
Insurance: GET IT! I wouldn't get on the plane without it, chances are you won't ever need it but risks are increased while traveling. I normally always take out a separate travel plan from my regular health insurance but there are also great companies who cater specifically for people who travel. I know 'World Nomad Insurance' is highly regarded as a good company with great rates.
Online banking: Make sure you have all your finances in order and access to them at any time (otherwise you could end up with no access to money, begging your bank to illegally get into your funds and living out of a Swedish girls bank account you met on your travels haha you live and learn...) Also worth letting your bank know you are abroad to stop them from blocking your card. You can add a travel notes in your online banking that notifies them where you'll be and when you'll be there.
Travel Card: For anyone going for longer than a few weeks, 100% sign up for a travel card. Its basically specific companies (e.g Transfer wise or Revolut) who you can open a bank account with, that are tailored for travellers to avoid high bank charges and exchange rates. (I'm going to give a more in depth view on travel cards in my next post) Unfortunately using your regular debit card can set you back up to fifteen euro a transaction, over a few months it can cost you hundreds!
*for anyone going for only a few weeks, try take larger sums of money out at a time to save on bank charges. Try budget for the next few days and take out what you'll need.
THE NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO BRING:
Your Backpack: The most important piece of equipment you will own while travelling is your backpack. Its essentially your version of a house while traveling. It'll hold every single thing you hold dear to you during your adventure, so make sure you choose the right one. Look at it as an investment and something you'll use continuously for the foreseeable future, my backpack has gone across the world with me eight times and its still standing! I have no real preference on brands but the style I'd always favour is a front-loading backpack, where you can access your stuff from an opening at the front as well as from the top. Also try choose one with a separate compartment at the bottom (so useful to keep your shoes and washing from your clean clothes)
And finally...
I hope this guide will give you a clearer idea of what to bring before your big trip, but definitely try not to worry too much about having all of the right stuff and don't forget to leave room for all of the things you'll likely pick up along the way. Just remember things are replaceable and when you look back on your time travelling in years to come, you're going to remember the places you saw and the people you met, not the outfits you wore. Don't stress the small stuff and enjoy the adventure!
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