Packing for an Around-the-World Trip

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When all you're carrying is a backpack, you can't afford to overpack. Here are the bare essentials for making it around the world, visiting warm locations (you'll need a bit more if it's chilly). If wimpy little me lived off this list for two months, you can, too.

Backpacks

Grand Canyon backpack

A 50-liter backpack should give you more than enough space to store your gear. Make sure to find one that fits, and you may want to look for features like a mesh backplate to keep the bulk of the heavy pack away from your body so you don’t get too sweaty. If you check the bag on airplanes, don’t forget to tuck all the straps in so nothing gets caught or ripped; however, if you don’t stuff the pack too full – and are conscious about carrying only small liquids – you can use it as a carry-on.

Toiletries

Day 99 - Showering Late at Night As I Am Apt to Do
* Toothbrushe and toothpaste * A travel-size brush or comb * Hair ties (if you need them) * Sunscreen * Basic makeup so you can at least go out to a restaurant feeling OK * Shampoo and conditioner * Deodorant * Pumice stone for your feet * Razor * Nail clippers/scissors * Anti-bacterial hand gel

Shoes

cracks
* 1 pair of Tevas/sport sandals (If you’re doing serious hiking or going somewhere with major bug issues, you’ll want hiking boots instead) * 1 pair of flip flops for use in questionable showering situations, as slippers in your hotel/hostel and to give your feet a rest
 

Daypacks

If your backpack doesn’t have a removable daypack, you’ll want to bring along a small zip-top purse, a decent-size camera bag, or a fold-up backpack for lighter loads. Kathmandu has some great fold-up bags. 

Clothing

Laundry drying
* 1 pair of quick-drying pants that you can roll up to be capris—you’ll look like a dork if you buy zip-offs * 2 short-sleeve quick-drying collared shirts — they help keep the sun off our necks and to look a bit more presentable wherever we decided to go * 1 lightweight long-sleeve shirt * 1 warmer long-sleeve shirt or fleece * 1 bathing suit * 4 pairs of underwear * 1 pair of socks * 1 set of clothes to sleep in * 1 long skirt (for girls or men who swing that way) * 1 headscarf/sarong (also just for girls, though you can buy one along the way) * 1 hat that provides good sun coverage

Essential Odds and Ends

  • Bug spray — 50% deet
  • Money belt
  • Mini sewing kit
  • Laundry detergent — for washing clothes in the sink
  • Universal sink plug — also for washing clothes
  • First-aid kit including Band-Aids, neosporin, blister pads, hydrocortisone cream, Immodium, ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, Rolaids and Benadryl
  • Pack towels, medium size — good for showers if necessary, as impromptu pillow covers on less-than-clean sheets and on day trips where you’ll be near/in the water
  • Plug adapters
  • Ear plugs
  • Toilet paper and tissues
  • Anti-bacterial hand wipes
  • Cell phones and cell phone chargers
  • Small Swiss Army knife
  • Small travel journal if you plan to write
  • Guide books — buy them one or two destinations in advance

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francine Rss 

Lakewood, CA

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