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Nicole's
Travelogues and Budget Travel Tips..
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PACKING TIPS
The best advise that always holds true? Lay out all the stuff and money you are going to take. Then pack half the stuff and take twice the money. Obviously it's difficult to list items you should pack without knowing where you are going. Your packing list should be appropriate for climate, special activities, and culture of the country you are visiting. In addition, take into account how you are traveling. Are you on a strict budget or are you doing to resort tour? Here are some random packing tips for you: Take plastic bags (especially zip lock bags) - in lots of sizes! These are invaluable for so many reasons. If you are going to do a lot of adventure activities, you can always rent specialty items (camping, climbing, and snorkeling equipment) if you don't want to lug them with you. Take a small, waterproof pouch for all your toiletries. Helps keep your backpack organized and useful when you stay in a shared- bathroom hostel. When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way. Also, remember to place the important things on top. Instead of paying a lot of money for "stuffer sacks", try lingerie bags (the kind you put in the washing machine with your delicate lingerie inside). They are made of mesh, have a zipper, and are cheaper than mesh sacks made specifically for camping purposes. If you are not going to use your whole guidebook, razor out pages to make book lighter. Or razor out pages you are going to use and discard the rest of the book. Or just make copies of the pages you want. When packing a flashlight, change the batteries around so that if the on switch is accidentally turned on, the flashlight will not go on. Put several fabric-softener sheets in between your layers of clothes. These will make your clothes have that 'freshly-washed' smell for weeks. Or carry a small bottle of Febreeze and spritz your clothes. Or put a scented sachet in your backpack. You should get maximum wear out of each garment you bring. A piece of clothing that you can only wear once or twice should be left at home. Key words to remember when selecting what to pack: practical and versatile. |
"Take only memories, leave only footprints." --Chief Seattle My Packing List A bunch of safety pins are a must for traveling. The larger ones can act as a hanger, curtain closer etc... The smaller ones are great for "locking" your backpack zippers. When packing clothing, roll them instead of folding them. This cuts down on wrinkles and ironing. You can also attach elastic bands to rolled clothes. It saves more space in your backpack and keeps clothes rolled when rummaging through pack. Choose dark or neutral colored clothing, so any dirt or stains acquired along the way won't be too apparent. Also, stick to one or two colors so that all your clothes mix and match. To pack shoes, stuff them with as many things that will fit and put them in a plastic bag. Carry a chamois cloth - you can buy them in swim wear shops or auto supply stores. They are great for drying clothes (roll the clothes inside the chamois and squeeze) and using as a towel (takes up 1/5 of space as a terry cloth towel will). For cooler weather, layering clothes is more effective than hauling around bulky sweaters or coats. |
