Okay, I truly value all of your opinions, and I've learned a
ton from this site (thanks). I am leaving in a month for a
3-4 month trip around parts of W. Europe (furthest South is
Rome, furthest North is Paris), E. Europe (Hungary, Romania,
Bulgaria) and Turkey. Travel time will be from mid-April
(in Italy) until July or August (in Turkey). After having
read countless packing lists, I've come up with the
following list of clothes to bring, and I want to know what
you think. Keep in mind the length of the trip, variety of
climates, versatility, etc. Here it is:
one pair Teva-type sandals
one pair Rockport walking shoes (brown, broken in!)
one pair jeans
one pair light rayon (or similar) drawstring pants (khaki)
one long rayon (or similar) skirt (black)
one pair shorts (black or khaki)
one casual short dress (don't know what kind)
two short-sleeved t-shirts (black and white)
one long-sleeved t-shirt (black)
one long-sleeved dressier shirt
one sweater (light wool, black)
swimsuit
socks, undies, bras
scarf (for dressing up)
hat (baseball)
black tights or leggings
Gore-Tex light jacket
one tank top
Too much? Too little? Just about right? Please help, I'm
currently obsessed with what I'm bringing with me. Thank
you!
[There are 67 posts - the latest was added on Tue 20 April, 15:56]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
I've read on other bulletin boards about matte jersey
dresses and skirts - they fold up nicely and don't wrinkle.
I saw some this weekend at Target for about $20/each. I'm
adding that to my packing list.
Your packing list sounds really good although last trip I
went on I found that I preferred using my light hikers
(mine are by Hi-tec). I have a pair of Rockport walking
shoes - but, my hikers seemed better for scrambling around.
Just a thought...
Twice I have done this! My deodorant ran out mid-trip. In
Spain, couldn't find my favorite kind - In Israel, it cost
me $5 USD for a Lady Speed Stick, Highway robbery! Make
sure you have enough supplies to last you or be prepared to
suffer the consequences!
Your list is fine. Might I recommend, for a good night's
sleep, a few pairs of earplugs. I like the bright orange,
super soft foam ones. They were as important to me as my
passport!
Too heavy, take too long to dry. Shoes: add a pair of flat dress shoes you can walk in. Dress: I'd pick a skirt only (more versatile) and buy a dress overseas--something to bring home! Sarong: you can use it as a skirt, sheet, towel, shawl, etc, etc. Very versatile!
-
Don't forget: sleep sheet, flashlite, elastic laundry line.
Here's some stuff that I found really helpful-
shower shoes if your staying in hostels (tevas take so long
to dry and you have to get the soap out of them. You can
find a really cheap, light pair to take.
-also....dont take WHITE underwear only! They look
absolutely gross after you wash them without bleach and hang
them to dry a few times! Take dark colours and take good
bras because they are often unaffordable and awful sizes
abroad!
Have a lot of fun and you can always send stuff home or
throw it out ..you are definitely on the right track.
... Don't be obsessed with what you're possibly missing. If
you find you're in need of anything, Western Europe is
actually a developed region in which you can buy allmost
whatever you desire. Even with US Dollars!!!
I usually take a pair of medium weight cotton pants with an
elastic waist band. They are more comfortable to travel in,
dry a bit more quickly and are fairly warm, toasty if you
put your tights on under them. I don't know where you are
from but in Canada Cotton Ginny or Au Coton have good ones.
Make sure they have pockets. I'll put in my vote for a
sarong, too, and don't take a white tshirt unless you want
it to be grey. Have a great time!
...for assuming I'm completely ignorant. I don't recall
saying anything about being worried that I can't buy clothes
in Europe, but anyway...Thanks to everyone else who took my
questions seriously. I have been looking for a sarong, but
have yet to find one that comes in relatively neutral colors
(I'm trying to stick with neutrals so everything matches, at
least somewhat). Anyone know how I can learn to tie one
correctly (when I find one)?
sometimes a b-ball cap screams "I'm foreign!" (of course,
carrying around a loaded pack does to, so this might be a
non-issue :) maybe just wait and pick up a hat in one of
the cities you go to
I agree about not taking jeans. They are heavy, take too long to dry and are neither warm nor cool to wear. I took
a pair of baggy beige mid-weight cotton pants for a 7 month trip that took me from high mountain ranges to the
tropics and those pants were great. Pockets are essential. Also black tshirts, shorts and skirts are hot to wear
during the summer, and will also attract mosquitoes. Contrary to what you think black does not hide dirt. Go for
colours. Also here's a little trick I learned about drying clothes you've washed in the sink. If there's a ceiling fan,
try attaching your clothes to the fan from hangers if their available, and they will spin dry in minutes. A few clothes
pins or saftey pins work great to attach lots of clothes to one hanger. Cold feet. Take one pair of wool socks
which are good for sleeping in cold rooms. Absolutely essential are ear plugs. Don't rely on being able to buy
clothes while travelling unless you want to spend time shopping and don't mind paying lots of money for cheap
clothes. Buy what you can here and spend your valuable time doing what you can't do and see at home. Good
luck and have fun.
Also always carry toilet paper with you - you will thank me for that. In a pinch with none? I've used read pages
from my book. Hey, it works.
...Robbin, you are right about black being hot. A lot of
the clothes I wear at home are black (I live in a cold
climate, so this is mostly not a problem!), so that's mainly
what I have. I'm too lazy to try and make things
match! Pill, I see what you mean about the baseball cap. I
love to wear mine at home when I don't feel like messing
with my hair. I might bring one anyway. Mine is plain
(black, of course), no Nike logos or anything. Besides,
like you said, there really is no way I'm going to make
anyone think I'm not traveling, at least with my backpack
on! And why should I try? You can be low-key without
completely blending in, right?
Someone else wrote me and said they wouldn't bring the
sweater. What do you think? (I'm really not
as self-indulgent as I may sound, I'm hoping others of you
will benefit from this discussion!)
HOw about taking a lighweight fleece? I found this better
than a sweater because it dried quicker. Don't stress too
much about what you are bringing- most of it sounds good and
as long as it all fits in your pack and you can carry it,
that 's what really matters. I've travelled lots and I
still bring stuff that i never wear! I tend to struggle
with shoes! Just think....- will I be too hot or cold?
Will it dry quickly? Can I reaplace it if gets lost or
damaged! Good luck and keep us posted, as I am travelling
again later this year and I am struggling again with what to
take!
Don't even consider taking a towel with you, it is very
heavy when wet and smells. I invested in a Chamoi Towel
which can be brought from any sports shop. Speedo make them
and recommend them for their swimmers. It just basically
takes all the excess water off your body and hair, works
just like a towel, only needs rinsing to clean and goes back
into a very compact plastic container. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
have a great time!!!!!!!!
Don't forget the tooth floss-for the teeth, for a
clothesline to dry all the lovely clothes, to hang things
frum the ruuf, fixing your backpack, repairing your undies,
etc. Have fun.
REI ( http://www.rei.com ) other travel clothing companies
cotton and nylon pants that the legs zip off of for both
men and women. I have spent a 2 months traveling with just
two pairs of these.
Also I swear by Rockports. I hike the highlands of Scotland
with a pack that was much too heavy in a pair and had
little problems.
I think you need one more pair of shorts for your trip. The
zip-off pants could be the answer to that and you could cut
out one of your pairs full-length pants. I saw some zip-
offs at the North Face and they're pricey but they look
excellent. They've been recommended to me very highly by a
number of fellow travellers. Good luck on your trip!
I did the same trip you're doing: backpacking around for 3
months. Seems I took two of everything: two jeans, two T-
shirts, two long sleeve T-shirts, two shorts, etc. Wash
one, wear the other... There are laundromats over there,
though they're hard to find. I found that people I met
traveling were happy to combine clothing to make a full
load, split costs (we did this on rainy days). Once a month
in a laundromat for some really clean clothes- its worth it.
Your list seems O.K. to me. Consider some broomstick
skirts- they can be wadded up in a corner of your pack with
no worries. (some places in Rome are strict about the way
you're dressed: no shorts, etc. A broomstick skirt can be
pulled on over top of shorts & no one is the wiser) (I
think). Someone gave me the greatest gift in the world when
I went away: 7-8 partial rolls of toilet paper! Begin now.
When the roll gets down to about 1/2 inch thick on the roll,
put it aside. Collect a bunch of them. They can be
flattened, folded, stuffed into corners of packs, put in
fanny packs or pockets. European toilet paper is quite an
experience (England's was like wax paper); you'll be glad
to have some squeezeably soft Charmin'. Any travel or
luggage store will have small packets of Woolite; they're
great for washing undies, etc. in sinks. The suggestion on
bringing enough deoderant is a good one. I ran out & bought
some in France. It didn't work. Had to throw all my shirts
& bras away when I got home. Bring one more than you think
you'll need. Have a great trip. Don't worry about over/
under packing. its not like wilderness trekking. Whatever
you discover you're missing can be found, & you can unload
the unnecessary things.
I agree that fleece would be better than a sweater, which
you don't need. If you're trying to go as light as possible,
I'd skip the versatile drawstring pants, because it sounds
like you want to look good AND be comfortable. As
UNpractical as jeans are, I would bring them. They are
always appropriate for travelers to wear when going out,
look great even when dirty, can be dressed up a bit. They're
worth the extra space in the pack. Bring the 1 pair you feel
best in, and you won't regret it! I swear by black leggings
for travel...they are most comfortable to me during long
bus/train rides, as well as perfect for hikes in moderate
climates. As for sweaters and blouses, it's more fun to pick
up something regional when you need it!
I have traveled 9much of it cycling), and I recommend
taking a pair of leather steel-capped boots and a pair of
lightweight lycra sandals. The steel-capped boots are good
to about -2 degrees, can be used for formal wear (if
they're black), and are good if you have to kick some butt
(and then escape if necessary).
The sandals are good for when it rains as they dry out very
quick. The only problem with these is the smell. After a
few days of wear, the smell of them will knock over a black
snake. Can anyone help here?
In reading your posts I have noticed that running out of
deodorant is a common problem and trying to buy more when
travelling can be futile or expensive. I am planning to go
travelling this summer, so I have been reading up on all of
the Dos and Don'ts and I think I have the solution to your
problem: Crystal deodorant(Deo-rok?)it is a large crystal
of silica or bicarb (don't know the chemistry) which you
wet and rub under your arms for all day freshness!! The
beauty of it is that you only ever need to buy one as they
last for years, they are 100% natural and totally eco-
friendly! They come as a roll-on or in their natural ball
shape in their own little bag.
P.S Ditch the jeans- ever tried hiking in wet jeans? It
isn't fun. If you want a pair of versatile yet smart
trousers go for black cotton pants. Black ALWAYS looks
smart and they are lighter, more comfortable and will dry
faster than jeans. (if you wear tights underneath they are
warmer too!)
I don't know if it will work (or even if I am allowed to
'advertise' on their behalf) but the email address/website
above is where I got my info about the crystal deodorant.
If it doesn't work try the less subtly named Pitrok at:
http://www.pitrok.co.uk
... it's good for wearing on your head in lieu of a cap, as
it is lightweight, can be washed out easily, stuffed into a
pocket when not in use. of course, bandanas are
multi-functional and can be used as a neck scarf to look a
little dressed up, as a tourniquet or bandage, and as a
hanky when you're desperate! (although paying heed to
others' advice re: loo paper should see this option
unnecessary!)
~~~
as for other items mentioned... go with the jeans! i am a
"jeans girl" and have found they've never failed me!
sometimes it just won't cut the mustard without a pair of
denims! i also like to pack a denim jacket, as it's more
"me"... go with your instincts! it's a great time to get to
know them!
~~~
regarding the towel dilemma (bet you didn't even realise it
WAS a dilemma! trust me... think carefully about this
one!): i first travelled with a chamois type piece of
cloth, and found it really pissed me off! it is impossible
to towel dry hair with one, and anyway, i like to dry off
with a towel wrapped around me... that's a little indiscreet
if the 'towel' in question is a 25cm square cloth! now i
always travel with a small sized bath towel and use a sarong
as my beach option, wearing it there and back too! so
flexible! buy one at a market or op-shop at your home
before you leave, or wait til you reach a coastal town and
buy a great souvenier.. even if it may be a little
over-priced!
~~~
addition: pair of thongs for the shower - must have!
~~~
extra bits: pen, plastic bags, book you don't mind swapping
once read, bag of home town lollies to share and make
friends over!
~~~
have a fab trip, and travel safe!
Sorry, I disagree with taking the rock deoderant if you are
likely to get too hot or sweaty. In cooler climates, they
work reasonably well, but with a bit of exertion and sweat
(and who doesn't do that when backpacking) they tend not to
be strong enough. Take your usual, and enjoy the
opportunity to check out the strange and wonderful things
on offer in the local shops if you need to replace it!!
PS I have also done a similar trip. It doesn't matter how
much/little you take, you'll still get sick and tired of
everything really quickly :) Have a marvellous time
As a crystal deodorant is just that- a deodorant- and NOT
an antiperspirant, of course you are going to sweat when
you exert yourself. The difference is that the
antibacterial properties of the Potassium Alum (I checked
my chemistry) kill the bacteria which thrive on sweat and
are responsible for the bad smell we know as BO, so you may
sweat but it won't be smelly. Furthermore, it is good for
your body to sweat, it is a cooling mechanism, if you don't
sweat you overheat.
__
On the subject of 25cm square towels, you can buy travel
towels in about 3 sizes (S,M,L) so drying on something of a
decent size shouldn't be a problem. I have to say I have
never used them though, so I don't know whether it is like
trying to dry yourself with sandpaper! I'll have to find
out this summer and I'll let you know :-)
I love this discussion board! As always, great advice. I've
got a Paktowel, which I hope will work well. Still debating
jeans...shoes are still an issue, though. It seems like
it's impossible to bring two pairs of shoes that will work
for every situation, doesn't it? I was totally against
bringing three, but neither of the two I've bought are at
all dressy. But where am I going to need to be "dressy?"
I'm not really planning on hitting any clubs, since I'm more
the pub/taverna/Weinstube type anyway. Churches don't
require dress shoes. I can't afford fancy restaurants! So
how important will it be to have a nice pair of shoes?
Please advise...
I know cotton is a popular fabric because it is soft and
natural, but it has some drawbacks for travelling. It dries
slowly, and wears out quickly. With the frequent and
repeated washing your be encountering, there are better
choices.
Synthetics, such as nylon or polyester, dry MUCH faster and
are more durable. They also are easier to clean. Dirt and
grime practically rinse right out.
I realize that this may conjure up images of McDonald's
uniforms, but synthetics have really come a long way.
Afterall, the almighty fleece is merely polyester fibers.
If you still can't bear to depart from cotton, consider a
cotton-poly blend which will meet your needs half-way.
I'm off to Malaisia in a couple of weeks and having lugged
loads of clothes plus a carpet or two around India, I'm
planning to travel really light: Cotton trousers, sarong, 1
short sleeved t-shirt, one long sleeved t-shirt, jumper,
swimming costume and underwear. The problem I have is
shoes. I really don't want to carry around heavy walking
boots, but although I'll be mainly living in sandles, what
can I take for (short)walks in the jungle which isn't going
to weigh a ton? I'm on a VERY restricted budget. Any
suggestions? Otherwise I may just take the clothes I'm
standing in with my boots in my bag.
It's true that jeans are heavy and take a long time to dry,
but the times I've traveled without them -- even in hot
climes -- I've regretted it. I love the way my jeans look and
feel, and the way I look and feel in them -- like myself! For
me, anyway, it's worth the (very slight) extra effort. (For a
more complete treatise on the benefits of the blue, please
see my rant on the South American Explorers Club board, In
Defense of Blue Jeans.)
Also -- you can probably do without the short dress if you're
bringing a skirt, or vice versa. You might want to just buy
something along the way. You could lose the shorts too,
unless you're doing a lot of beaching/hiking (or enjoy
looking like a tourist)
Happy travels!
Hi everyone. This site is great.
I'm going to be taking my first trip to Europe next fall
(Britain and France). I'll be going mid-Sept to beginning
or mid Oct. I tend to feel cold easily though I'm used to
the rain. What kind of pants can I wear that are as warm as
wool but clean easily? I'm assuming that cotton wouldn't be
very warm and wouldn't be good in the rain.
Also, I sleep with a space heater or electric blanket at
home. I seem to need 70 degrees F to sleep. I've heard
that Europeans don't keep their rooms nearly as warm as I
do. I'll be sleeping in hostels, B&Bs and some hotels. Any
ideas? Thanks!
There are always the much touted/maligned Birkenstocks.
I've lived in them for 20 years. They are NOT good for a
long/strenuous hike, but for strolling/walking and even job
interviewing (I got the job) they are just fine. I usually
travel with my stocks and good hiking shoes.
My advice on, keeping warm at night in the UK:
Lose the space heater and the electric blanket that you now
rely on at home. Try to climatize yourself. You'll be
amazed how well your body will accept new conditions. I
find I sleep better at night if it is a little cool. You
might too. Also keep in mind that the UK and France have
pretty moderate temps. It's not like you are going to be
travelling in 0 degree weather. Also, September and October
can be beautifully warm as it is the time for Indian
summers.
Yup its me again... I think you should take thongs (or flip flops, whatever you call them) because you will be in
very public showers and risk the chance of getting plantars warts on your feet. Not to be paranoid but warts are
very hard and painful to get rid of. I know it took me 10 years to get rid of mine sooo.... Thongs in public showers
and swimming areas are a must, they don't weigh anything or cost much. Instead of thongs I have started to wear
my Birkenstocks in the showers when travelling light. They come out as clean as me when I'm done. Either way
barefeet in public wet places is always a risk.
Also I think you should dress for comfort not looks while travelling. I found people- men and women- were just as
interested in me no matter how I looked. Actually I think local people are more inclined to approach or be friendly
to you if you dress down a bit while travelling. It certainly was my experience when travelling especially in poor
areas. Has anyone else found this to be so???
1 pair of boots, which can double as hiking boots and
formal shoes.
1 pair of tevas/adventure sandles, easy to live in (but
whether you will do the sox-and-sandles combo is another
story)
1 pair of $1 thongs/flip-flops which are for the showers
only (as someone else said, Tevas will take too long to dry
if you want to wear them just after showering)
Running shoes for everyday wear. You can walk all day in
comfort in them. Check out www.travelsmith.com. Their
things seem a bit pricey but you may find it worth the cost
if you find clothing that is: lightweight, wrinkle-proof,
mix-&-matchable, warm, cool, etc. Don't forget a
flashlight!!!
Hi there,
I just arrived to Melbourne after a few months in Asia.
I intend to do the regular backpacking 'Down Under' that us
POMs seem to do so well.
I have no special plans other than my burning desire to get
over to Adelaide (in a few days, for a month or so).
It so happens that I'm GAY and I wondered are there any
genuine gay backpackers out there, that simply want to have
a good laugh together. I have put a notice on a couple of
other boards but most replys seem to be sexually
oriantetated - not my thing.
If you would like to meet up, and perhaps travel together,
or even simply stay in contact, then please Email me at -
manulike@hotmail.com
Regards, Philip.
P.S. - the address is a bit of a giveaway - I'm a Manchester
lad, YES - United and YES - Oasis, what can I say...
There is a page "Equipment" on my site
http://www.altnews.com.au/heather/
For those planning to travel on a motorcycle this might be
of interest. Also includes money, security, clothing,
medications etc. etc. etc.
In Africa, there are second-hand clothing markets just about
everywhere. Especially in Nairobi. At the River Road Market
(don't go alone or you'll get MUGGED, especially on a
Sunday when the police are on their rostered day off), you
can buy good quality name-brand hiking jackets, boots etc.
everything for all your climbing needs in Africa. Also
designer labels, and lots of Italian leather shoes (when I
was there).
Heather Ellis
http://www.altnews.com.au/heather/
Oh yes, jeans are a must and they are worn in most
developed countries. But make sure they are loose enough
and comfortable enough to squat in. Picture this: A tight
waistband that leaves red indentation marks on your
stomach- NOT a pretty site!
For years I have used a fake chanois towel called
The Absorber, sold at all Wal-Marts in the U.S. It is more versatile than a cotton towel, is stored damp in a plastic tube. It does feel somewhat uncomfortable using it because it feels like a big sheet of cold rubber.
My boy and I are are students in Perth Western Australia
and are saving everything we can to get to Edinburgh for the
2000 new year hogmanay (TRYING TO GET AHOLD OF TICKETS FOR
THE PRINCES STREET MCEWANS/VIRGIN STREET PARTY).We are
trying to find out everything we can but seem to only be
discovering that everythig is shut for winter or fully
booked out for new year already,so I'm quietly freaking out
down here......
ANY ADVICE, SUGGESTIONS,EMAILS FOR ACCOMIDATION, STORIES OF
PREVIOUS HOGMANAY GOERS PLEASE CONTACT ME.
INFACT ANY ONE WHO HAS ANY THING TO ADD TO THIS
PLEASE,PLEASE DO.
******P.S,WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY GOOD DRUM AND BASS
CLUBS THAT WOULD ACTUALLY LET US IN.ANY WHERE FROM
LONDON,EDINBURGH AND NEWCASTLE.THANKS
A makeshift first aid kit is a must. A great holiday
always has one or two accidents along the line somewhere.
Oh, sorry now I sound like a nagging parent. Have a great
holiday!
I'm planning my first o/s trip at the end of the year; Amsterdam, London, Paris. Since Australian winters are hardly brutal I'm worried about handling the extreme cold. Any suggestions on warm clothing, essentials, etc? Will jeans alone be warm enough? I won't be backpacking but would like advise on packing for a 3-4 week trip.
For steph and anyone else who doesn't know what to take
away.
Most important-try not to take too much stuff, you won't
need it and your bag will be too heavy. Try a medium size
backpack (not a massive one) and just take as much as you
can fit in it.
Do take a medium towel, You won't want a chamois towel on
the beach (or anywhere for that matter, they're crap). To
stop it getting damp (and heavy & grim) use a small flannel
to get the water off yourself and just use the towel to
finish off-try it, it does work!
Sarongs-Pukka, well useful.
Take a small, light backpack for day (few days) trips, but
don't pack it before you go-thats just an excuse for taking
more stuff.
Swiss army knife-millions of boy scouts can't be wrong, If
you plan on cooking for yourself at all it might be
worthwhile taking a decent medium sized chef's
knife-hostel's never have any good knives and they make
cooking so much easier.
Needle & thread (in something like a 35mm film case).
Finally take some strong nylon cord, like the stuff tent guy
ropes are made of. 10-20m doesn't weigh anything or take up
any room and you will use it
Have a wicked one!!
Why toilet paper? it takes a lot of place. I have always
paper tissues, they are good as handkerchiefs and as toilet
paper.West Europe has plenty of shops where you can find
what you want.
Take from home the heavy dressing (polarfleece is warm and
light), but you can buy t-shirts and light dressing while
travelling, as they are not too expensive
i'll be travelling through southeast asia, nepal and india
over the next year and i'm wondering about the usefulness of
a bug net for sleeping. i would rather not have to carry it
around with me but if it's a very good idea to have one than
i suppose it's worth it. any advice from someone who's done
the same trip?
We are travelling to the US in April and driving from San
Francisco to Yosemite. Could someone tell us how long that
drive will take and suggest the most interesting/scenic
route? Also can five people travel in a taxi together in
the State?
A few suggestions from a Canuck for handling cold:
1) Cotton is clammy and unpleasant in the cold and it takes
forever to dry so lose it. Synthetics are your friends.
2) If you're worried about sleeping cold and don't mind a
little (very little) extra weight pack a hot water bottle
and take it to bed with you. This is a tip I got from my
great Aunt in Northern Scotland. Just make sure it doesn't
leak or you'll be VERY cold.
3) If you have room wear thermal underwear under everything.
This will also let you get away with wearing cotton in
really cold climates.
Just my two cents from the land of the maple-leaf.
Steph,
I'm doing the same as you and I've just printed your list
out to use myself (Hope you don't mind!). I think it sounds
about right. As for jeans, I am taking them - an old
favourite pair that have only got a few months left in
them. I'm putting them right at the bottom of my pack to
protect everything in case I drop my pack in a puddle or
something, and they'll only get dragged out and washed if I
end up in a restaurant or something, which isn't too likely
to happen. Have a good trip!!
I never leave home without a pair of good black tights- you
can wear them under pants to keep you warm and they are
good when you have to dress up. Black stretch pants or
leggings are good too- they are a bit bulkier under pants,
but you can also sleep in them or wear them as pants
themselves.
Are you all insane - zip off pants, how to tie a sarong -
get over it. Just go and have a good time - the best part
is gettting by - clothes dont matter!
What a great chat about what to put in your bagback!
I'm from a quite cold country in Europe, and Europe is not
India, if you're running out of stuff, you can find a lot
of stuff in locals supermarket. After one and a half year
travelling, my underwear don't look as beautiful as in the
beginning of my trip, so I've bought some new ones, I don't
find my favourite toothpaste, "tonigencil", but nevermind,
some other are good too. For your trip to Europe, in the
winter, a raining jacket is very, very usefull. (As well
as during the summer)If you want visit all over Europe or
almost, get a railpass, valid 3 months, everywhere in
Europe, you can get some info about that in any railway
station or infostation... It is VERY difficult to find a
accomodation in Amsterdam,or London, even if it's a youth
hostel, always book a few days in advance.(from any other
youthhostel)All the best, Fifi abdu 2
P.S: take your jeans, 2 tee shirts, a long large trouser if
you visit alone Turkey or ex Yougoslavia it is very
useful.., one big pullover, a raining coat, one pair of
sandals and one pair of walking shoe, and it's almost it!
I've always found a small travel sixe alarm clock to be handy... that way you only miss the hostel breakfast by a few minutes.
You can find them with built in calculators... which is excellent for doing monetary conversions while shopping.
Indespensable.
.
And lots and lots of good quality film.
The Smith Family Charity sell a small yellow synthetic fibre
towel... lightweight, super dryer and dries quickly itself.
We've been carrying one each when travelling over the past
three years and they've always been used frequently, both
for bath and after swimming. Unsure of where to get them or
of price as ours came from sales person visiting my husband's
office but contact with the Charity would give results I'
sure.
We're going to Barra de Navidad and Melaque at the end of
March and would like to know about hotels, bungalows, or any
other tidbits about the area you would care to share. Since
it may be spring break, do you recommend reservations?
hey,thanx for the info I am leaving for indo, australia
and new zealand in one month any way obviously you'll be
eating a lot of strange foods on your travels and you never
know how your body's going to react so I highly recommend
you take a packet of Immodium because when you're
traveling things like that are really important.if any one
has some info for me , please e-mail me.cheers
Don't forget some little things that can be very useful. I
bring Advil or some sort of pain reliever, very useful for
headaches and those sorts of things. I also don't forget
hairbands, to keep hair out of your face while hiking;
sunscreen, because no matter how cloudy the day is, if you
are pale like me you WILL get sunburned; and a little
sewing kit to fix up holes and tears as soon as they happen
so you don't have to show up in town with gaping holes in
your knees. All these are quite light, and don't take up a
ton of space. And they come in use often. Have fun on your
trips!
If you can afford a new pair get the ones made out of
tencel. They are light weight and dry quickly. The ones
designed for men look more like real jeans
Reading your various responses has been great... does anyone
have expierience in backpacking around (southern) South
America, particularly Bolivia? I am 19, female (fair
skinned and blonde - past expierience has proven that I
won't blend in!) and travelling with a male friend... advice
on safety is especially appreciated, but any words of wisdom
dispensed will be received with open (and grateful)
I ran out in Hong Kong so had to buy some. I developed a
very nasty rash that made my pack pretty uncomfortable. I
recommend taking enough for the trip.
Re: Ross's request for info on Yosemite. From San Francisco
there is only one way to go (I believe) & the closer you get
to Yosemite, the more scenic it gets. BUT! I hope you don't
plan on taking a taxi from SF to Yosemite (sorry, but that's
the way it sounds from your request); it would cost two
earths & a moon. But yes, 5 would fit (tightly) in a taxi.
Don't know where you're from, but our AAA has lots of info;
do you have an equivilant? Check them out.
I need to go to Nairobi in early Oct 99 and then want to
travel on to London and later on USA. Can anyone suggest
the cheapest way to do that? If there is anyone out there
who lives in London and can find out how much a Lon -
Nairobi return fare is can you please email me! PLEASE!!
Also, I am a first time traveller os...any valuable hints,
advice stories????
This is a great site....I've learnt so much by just reading
it...it's the little things that make the difference ie
toothpaste, towels etc!
Thanks! :)
Please give me as much info as you can about Greece and Turkey. Or another option os any other place where i gould go in November where it is not cold
I was #2 re the shoes but, have now read the previous 64
entries and there seems to be a few too many people who
missed the point of your post, steph! I read the stuff
about the crystal rock and I have used it too - it didn't
work for me - but I tend to sweat alot. I would recommend
it if you're not a sweaty person.
.
Re the jeans - remember the temperatures you'll be in!
Jeans may be too hot. I read all the pros and cons
others have mentioned. I personally, have never travelled
with my jeans - I found lightweight cotton pants to be the
best summer travel pants. #58 makes a good point about
tencel - sold by travelsmith.
.
Re the sandals - last trip I took a pair of Clark's leather
sandals - dressed up quite nicely for dinners out at nice
restaurants (bad, if they had airconditioning, though).
They functioned as my 'Tevas' and my 'dress-up shoes'.
.
Re the white t-shirt (also goes for white-underwear). If
you're sink washing your stuff, white quickly becomes - grey
and ugly - maybe go with tan or khaki?? If you have the
money the travelsmith catalog has their cool-max t-shirts
for $25 USD and they come in different colors & travel well.
.
I always travel with a broomstick skirt - it is the best -
fits anywhere in the luggage & it's supposed to be wrinkled!
.
Re the sweater - take the fleece - it weighs less.
.
Re the rain jacket - I bought a $10 plastic (ugly) rain
poncho as a just in case - My plan was to only wear it if
necessary (which turned out to be never!) but, if you want
to save money it's something to consider.
.
I have used #10's suggestion with the fan & it works - it is
a definite help!
.
Think about one pair of wool socks & a polypro liner (I hate
the feel of wool!). Wool will keep your feet warm, you can
wear them to bed, as slippers, out hiking in the rain, etc.
etc. - I used them to hike in 90░ weather and while my feet
were sweating, they were dry dry dry! - Cotton will leave
you damp and unhappy in those conditions.
.
If you're taking Immodium , don't forget the rehydration
salts as well. My last bout with Montezuma's revenge made me
very dehydrated and I was glad I had the salts with me!
.
Don't forget the following:
- a $2 sink plug at the hardware store (many hostels don't
have them & it can be difficult to do sink laundry without
one!)
- a couple of clothespins - just in case the curtains don't
close in your room at night and for hanging wet stuff on
your clothesline.
CONDOMS DARLING....LOADS OF CONDOMS...YOU NEVER KNOW!!! :-)
I love silk long underwear. Weighs a few ounces. Takes up no space at all and adds so much warmth.
Just to reiterate the plug idea from #63. I have used a wet sock stuffed into the drain when there is no plug for the
sink. It works in any size drain hole.
Hi all, I'm off to Thailand v. soon and want to get some
info on good places to stay! Our requests are:
Remote, beach (not shallow), bit of surf, supplies close by,
friendly, non-resortish, relatively inexpensive,
paradise-like and very chilled.