The first question I’m asked about travel writing is: Are you crazy? The idea of a single girl travelling the world alone can seem a little zany to some. I’m not going to get into the crazy debate but what I can do is answer my second most commonly asked question: How do you pack for a trip like that?
Packing for four hemispheres and four seasons requires a little finesse. There’s no need for snow pants in downtown Tokyo and no need for mascara in the Australian outback. Adding to this complication: everything you bring you have to carry on your back. Needless to say, in the packing game less really is more.
Space saving should be your number one priority. Make sure your luggage is portable and light enough on its own before you start cramming your worldly possessions inside. Lay out all of your essentials then limit, reduce, and streamline your gear. Lose any excess packaging, duplicate items or things you think you might need.
It’s true, you might wish you packed your favourite prop brain when a charming local invites you to a zombie flash mob in New Delhi. But wouldn’t it just be more fun to go buy your fake zombie parts in the local market like a normal person?
We all need our essentials, but your lumbar region will thank you in six months if you exercise some packing restraint. If you can’t comfortably walk around the block with your packed bag in tow, I suggest you go back to the drawing board. I’ve discovered that combining items can be a great way to save some space.
Trail running shoes = hiking boots + sneakers
Lush’s travel solid shampoos = laundry soap + body wash + shampoo + smells pretty
Argan oil = moisturizer + hair defrizzer
Sarong = dress + towel
Mesh sack = laundry bag + squirrel trap
I also make sure to keep one of those side pockets reserved for the things I can’t get anywhere else. You might be able to live without these items but if you’re leaving the motherland for a whole year, you probably won’t want to.
My tuque is as cute with shorts as it is with a parka and has been more of a Canadian calling card than a flag sewn on my backpack. I also never have to worry about going through maple syrup withdrawal in Belgian waffle country, I’ve got my own personal stash.
The only time you should overdo it is in safety department, or compartment, if you’ve still got a empty pocket somewhere in your backpack. My first aid kit is big- Jupiter big. I’ve been incapacitated by sickness, jelly fish stings, sprained ankles, and toxic Mexican sunblock too many times to scrimp on medical supplies. I prefer to have my own stock than limp to the pharmacy on my own.
I also overdo it with solid health insurance, paperwork in triplicate (stashed in separate pockets), a retired cop as my emergency contact, and a GPS tracker with an SOS button ready to beam my cries for help to a dedicated satellite.
My last piece of advice: Be yourself. Some of us aren’t into vacuum sealed bags, or even folding. Which is why I don’t preach about money belts, checklists, or how many pairs of socks you should bring. If your number is 24 pairs, that is your business. You know what you need. Now all you have to do is keep your bag under that oh so restricting airline weight limit.
My Favourites-
Go Pro HD HERO2 Outdoor Edition 299$ US
Go Pro – This compact camera is lightweight, waterproof, shockproof and a lot of fun. You can attach it to practically anything: your head, your surfboard, a camel. The footage comes out crystal clear, in first person perspective, and is infinitely more interesting than my bulky hand held camcorder that was always zoomed out too far. The Go Pro has never let me down.
Travelsafe 100 Anti-theft Portable Safe 49.99$ US
Portable Safe – Some hostels don’t have safes, some have safes but the staff is sporting a little too much arched eyebrow and sinister cackling. This little bag is reinforced with a stainless steel mesh and locks around any fixed object. Any thief will probably need a blowtorch and bolt cutters to get through this baby. You’re not just buying a bag here, you’re buying peace of mind.
- Di Erbe’s Sun Block 12.99$ CAD
Di Erbe’s Moisturizing Sun Protection– Di Erbe is a local Winnipeg organic beauty shop. They use all natural vegan ingredients in their cosmetics. Their scent-free spf 30 sunblock is topping my charts these days because it’s one of the few sunblocks I’ve found that doesn’t give my sensitive skin a chemical burn. It’s as soft on your face as it is on your Eco-footprint and I never leave home without it.
North Face Women's Apex Bionic Jacket 150.00$ CAD
Northface Apex Soft Shell Jacket– I accidentally field tested this jacket last winter when I locked myself out of the house in -25 degree weather. Although it’s not designed for extreme temperatures, I managed to stave off the shivers with nothing on but this lightweight jacket and pyjama pants (don’t ask). The breathable cozy material stands up to temperamental weather and keeps the goose bumps away no matter where you’re wandering.
Oleg February 4, 2012
For a girly-lady you are seems like you know very well how puck your bags. Just “don’t forget your passport”, or I’ll have to send you my spare one.
Now, you were gone almost a week, where are the stories ?!?!