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MY PACKING LIST
The following is a list I use before I travel. Keep in mind, I like to travel as cheaply as possible (if you stay in first class hotels, you can delete several items from my list):
• backpack with internal frame and a zip-off day pack
• a good pair of hiking boots
• Gortex jacket and a rain poncho
• plane ticket, passport, immunization record, travel insurance docs, $$, traveler's checks, credit cards, and copies of everything
• sunglasses
• prescription glasses
• bathing suit
• chamois cloth
• guidebook and paperbacks
• sheet sack (sew 3 sides of double- or queen-size sheet - believe me these are so useful when you stay in budget hostels as cleanliness varies so!)
• bandana and baseball hat
• sink plug and detergent
• flashlight, extra batteries
• digital camera, battery charger
• MP3 player and battery charger
• electric plug converter
• mosquito repellent (I like lots of DEET - REI has some great repellent called Jungle Juice)
• 3 layered outfits (dark colors)
• pajamas
• 4 days worth of underwear
• cheap pair of flip flops to wear in shower or when walking in streams
• extra passport photos (if you lose passport)
• iodine tablets for water (or you can boil water for 5 minutes) - both ways taste pretty gross so I bought a lot of bottled water
• plastic bags - large garbage bags to ziplocks!!! Can't say enough about usefulness!
• luggage locks are useful when traveling and when storing your stuff
• safety pins
• gifts for locals or people you're going to visit - I usually take U.C. Berkeley and Oakland Raider t-shirts which are a hit with everyone
• language phrasebook and dictionary
• photos or postcards from home to share
• mini travel alarm
• hidden pockets sewn into clothes beforehand
• printed address labels for postcards
• travel journal and pens
• basic first aid kit (include antibiotic ointment, bandages, tape, swiss army knife, anti-diarrhea pills, sting kit, HMO card and 800 number, Ibuprofen, Dramamine, moleskin, second skin, antihistamine, sterile gauze, etc.... you get the point)
• disposable ear plugs
• energy bars - great snacks to pick you up!
• toiletries in travel-size bottles
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Do not pack things just because they might come in handy. Here are some things you may want to leave at home:
Computers (expensive, can be stolen or broken, won't be used)
Wallets & Purses (easy to steal or lose, use money belts)
Anything in aerosol cans or glass containers
Dressy Clothes (While backpacking, are you really going to spend the $$ on a place where you have to dress up?)
Big Cameras (unless a prof. photographer go small, see Photo info)
A Bunch of Guidebooks (choose one and make copies of selected pages of others if needed)
Some Toiletries (usually easy to buy once you've arrived)
Many Pairs of Shoes (I usually just take 2 - hiking boots and flip flops - but sometimes I add my pair of Adidas)
Hardcover Books (paperbacks are lighter and you can leave when you are finished)
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