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Packing Tricks
Some experts say to limit your load
to 20 Pounds. First, you are advised to buy a backpack which converts
to a shoulder bag or what might pass as a suitcase. The more pockets
the better as you can stash different things for easy retrieval while
travelling. Try to keep everything you plan to take in this one
bag! If you're not used to travelling, this might seem a bit
light at first, but remember you are travelling in a foreign country
and aren't seeing the same people every day. Wearing the same clothes
more than once a week should not create a fashion crisis! And you can
always do your laundry in your hostel. The following is a list of
items for you to consider. I don't recommend you bring everything
here, but this should help you remember what to bring:
Backpack + locks
Passport
Train Tickets
Credit or Debit Cards
Hostel ID and Student
Identity Card - They're a small
monetary investment but usually pay for themselves in a short time
Traveller's cheques
Driving License and International
Driving License
Health Insurance Card
Foreign Money -
for the first country you plan to visit take about $100 worth of the
local currency. I usually exchange some money for every country we
will pass through so we won't need to search for a bank upon our
arrival. Having $50 to $100 in local money basically lets you get
settled in and find somewhere to stay. Exchanging money can be a
challenge. Basically, exchange money at regular banks. Never go
to an exchange booth on the main street of some large city. They
are there for a reason; to overcharge tourists on their exchange
rates. Don't exchange eg. US Dollars in Germany for French
Francs. The bank or exchange will charge you for the Dollar to Marks
and then from Marks to Francs.
Currency Changer - or small
calculator to help you figure just how much things cost
Chain + lock -
lock backpacks or doors of your train compartment; it doesn't prevent
from being robbed but the thiefs may choose a different compartment or
luggage when they see a chain
Dictionary -
always better when you can say a couple of words in local language.
People appreciate when you try.
T-Shirts -
I usually take something like 6 t-shirts + one shirt.
Pants -
2 pairs - cargo trousers + jeans or smarter trousers
Shorts -
two pairs
Swimming trunks
Underwear -
seven pairs
Socks -
seven pairs. When it's hot you usually wear sandals so 7 pairs is
enough
Shoes -
one pair of comfortable shoes ... test them and break them in before
you go!
Sandals -
don't leave without sandals!
Foot Powder -
you know why...
Sweater
Jacket or a Wind breaker
- something very light - you can always wear
the sweater underneath. A heavy jacket is just too much to lug around
Camera
Film -
take several rolls with you - they are really expensive in some
countries
Extra Batteries
Small flashlight -
for reading or looking around in the dark
Laundry Kit -
for washing clothes in your sink. This consists of a clothes line, a
few clothes pins or clips and some liquid soap
Travel Iron -
a folding compact iron is important if your clothes don't come out of
your suitcase looking perfect
Travel Guide -
Let's Go, Lonely Planet, Frommers, Rick Steves, Berkeley Guides, Rough
Guides, and Michelin Guides; the best is to copy the pages of places
you plan to visit and staple them together because those books are
really heavy
Travel Alarm Clock -
so you won't miss your early morning trains!
Umbrella -
I don't use it but in some countries it's useful
Day Pack -
small nylon shoulder bag or a small pack for your day walks. Most of
our backpacks have a zip-off daypack. It's nice to carry your
map, camera, guide book, and picnic snacks with you when you are out
walking about
Money Belt -
if you like your documents, cards and money don't leave without it
Sewing Kit -
preferably the small travel size
Band-Aids -
or a small first aid kit
Vitamins -
you need vitamins as you probably don't eat enough fruit etc... when
you travel
Headache Medicine
Insect Repellent
Tweezers
Hygienic Thingies
Bar of Soap
Shampoo and/or Conditioner
Razor
Toothbrush with Cover and
Toothpaste
Tissues
Comb or Hair brush, Hair
ties - I don't use it but if you have
long hair
Suncream
Towel
Kitchen supplies -
can opener (micro size), cork screw for wine, fork, spoon, and cup
Swiss knife
Menu guide -
for translating items on the menu. I've always taken a these
guides which at one time I doubted, but found out they are worth their
weight in gold
Instant Coffee or Tea, Cup, Spoon,
and Submersion Heater
Ear blocks and Eye mask,
Inflatable Neck Pillow - if you have
trouble sleeping on planes or trains or in noisy hotels
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping
Mat - for sleeping in train corridors,
for some hostels where you have to rent the beddings
Water bottle
Water Purifier or Tablets -
for certain areas
Address and Phone List -
of people you want to send postcards or letters
Note pad and Pen -
I usually keep a diary while traveling where I make all sorts of notes
Journal -
if you like to keep a running diary of your journey
Paperback Novel -
for when you are waiting in airports or just need some distraction
Walkman
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