Packing for a long journey is tricky at the best of times, but when it’s in a 60 litre backpack you can be bursting at the seams.
I read a few blog posts on what to include in mine, and funnily enough it wasn’t clothes that took up the most room, but all the other bits you wouldn’t think of!
Medication/first aid
Probiotics to help with healthy digestion
Melatonin for long journeys on buses and trains
Cold and flu capsules for pesky air con
Paracetamol for too many the night before
Diarrhoea relief…you know what for
Contraceptives to avoid a backpacking baby
Plasters to cover the cuts
Antiseptic cream to sooth the sores
Thrush cream you’re probably going to need it!
Sun cream to protect you’re body wrapping
Bug spray to prevent the invaders sucking you dry
toiletries
Shampoo and conditioner (eventually you’ll just water wash most of the time)
Soap for washing clothes as you’ll be using the sink when out in the sticks
Shaver to make sure the only forests you see are the ones which look better au-natural
Toothbrush to keep your nashers nice!
Toothpaste to accompany the toothbrush as it gets lonely
Hand sanitiser because not every loo will be fit for a queen
Nail file because if you’re like me you’ll go nuts if one splits
Toenail clippers (see above for details)
Clothing 5 pairs of socks as you’ll be in sandals most of the time
7 pairs of underwear as you can wear them inside out or sink wash if that sounds gross
3 swimsuits/bikinis you’ll probably want to buy some out there as they’re super cheap
2 bras plus one gym bra if you need extra support
Leggings or light trousers for mild days and hiking
1 pair of jeans for the evenings
Scarf or sarong for beach and temples as women must cover their shoulders
Shorts for beach and gym if you feel guilty after that last dumpling
Light jumper which is a blessing for long, heavily air-conditioned journeys
Denim jacket if you can carry it for evenings and chilly days
Waterproof jacket (a lifesaver when it’s winter and bloody rainy!)
Shoes
Flip flops for putting those god-given toes on display (Havana is a good brand)
Sandals for daytime exploring and nighttime antics
Trainers that can be used for hikes and running if need be
Electronics
Phone for staying connected and taking that life-changing Instagram pic
iPad or laptop for writing shiz
Chargers to provide the juice of life
Camera to really look the hipster part
Headphones to block out your travel partner 🙈
Documents
Passport because you won’t get far without one
Credit or debit cards (make copies and leave at home with family just in case!)
driving licence in case you’re not comfortable taking your passport out
List of important numbers including insurance company, embassies, family, and banks
Visas don’t get swindled by an online company as you can buy these when you land
Miscellaneous
Silk sleeping bag liner for keeping you cool and dodgy looking sheets (one hostel gave us one with a muddy handprint!)
Waterproof bag to protect your valuables during water based activities
Bum bag for fashion of course 😂
Purse to keep money and cards together
Burner purse to throw at a scary thief (seriously though put in 10 dollars and old cards)
Rucksack for daytime wondering
Ear plugs to block out the world for a good night/day’s kip
Eye mask (see above for details)
Neck pillow never leave home without it!
Travel wallet to keep important documents in one place
Water bottle hydration is cool 👍
Note pad and pen for that million dollar idea
Jewellery (one or two necklaces for the evening)
Hair bands which I also like to call ‘keep shit together bands’
Travel sewing kit cheaper than buying something new
Mini scissors for when you’ve had enough of your travel partner