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For
most trips
Pay the rent and other necessary bills
If you are lucky enough to have a flat you'd better
be sure to still have it when you come back. I like to have it
all sorted out nicely when I travel, so the best thing is to
give some money to a trusted friend who can pay all necessary
bills when you are out of town.
Balance your bank account
It's also important to let someone take care of
incoming salaries or outgoing expenses in the credit card.
Wash clothes
I like to have all my clothes shining clean when I
hit the road, and I also kind of prepare for my home-coming by
having a clean set of clothes at home to put on after the kind
of orgiastic shower you are craving when you return.
Wash the dishes
If you forget this you'll be sorry when you come
back.
Clean out your flat
This is a good idea, especially if you plan to let
someone else live there while you're away.
Change the message on your answering machine
It might be a bad idea to leave the message "I'm away
to Africa for 3 months" since it gives a thief plenty of time
to empty your apartment, but something that stops mom from
calling 90 days in a row could be nice. I guess you have to be
inventive.
Make a lunch
By having a few sandwiches made in advance you can
save quite a lot of money by not having to buy such stuff on
trains or similar where food is expensive.
Confirm airline tickets
It seems like everyone is recommending you confirm
airline tickets a few days before the flight, but it has
happened several times that airline employees sound as if I'm
an idiot every time I really DO confirm these tickets. This is
why I don't do it any more. Here is a
site worth visiting
in case you want to know more about the legal aspects of
flying.
Shave
It can be a very good idea to shave before you leave,
and therefore letting your shaving equipment stay at home.
Unless, of course, you are unfortunate enough to have a work
or upbringing that makes you shave every morning. Ouch!
Plant care
Have someone take care of your plants while you're
away or they will change colors.
Pet Care
Have someone take care of your pets while you're away
or they will change color too.
Empty all water containers
A filled water boiler can be rather disgusting after
a month. Not to mention in what condition a coffeepot or
coffee making machine filled with used coffee grounds can be
after a month! Absolutely disgusting!
Forward your email
I usually forward all my email to my Yahoo account (I
dumped Hotmail the day Microsoft bought them). That way I can
read email at internet cafes or at friends with web access.
To do before a longer trip
Empty your fridge of perishables
Vegetables, for example, are pretty disgusting if you
have to deal with them 3 months after they should have been
eaten. If you empty and unplug your fridge remember to defrost
it first, then leave the door propped open.
Empty all trash cans
Vegetables left in the trash can for 3 months are
even more disgusting than the ones left for the same time in
the fridge. Forgetting this might possibly even make your
neighbors call the police since they might think you've been
lying dead in your flat for 3 months.
Give copies of your keys to someone else
It is a good idea to let someone else have copies of
your keys if you are out on a longer trip, in case something
must be done in your apartment. Maybe someone needs to water
your poor plants, or take care of your mail. Don't let them
have your own keys, since they might be out of town when you
come back, leaving you sitting outside your own door without
any way of getting in.
Cut your hair
I like the feeling of being 110% prepared when
leaving home, so cutting my hair is on my list when I go for a
long trip. If you're male, having too long hair might also
reduce your chances of being let into some countries. In some
situations, it will also help when hitching rides. As long as
you don't expect to get a perfect cut, you can always do it on
the road.
Visit the dentist
A good idea if you go for more than a couple of
months. I'd hate to have to go to a dentist in Kisangani,
Zaire. For a humorous account of a visit to a Third World
dentist, read the "Innocent Anthropologist" by Nigel Barley.
Fill in the tax return form
I'm kind of boring, since I'd hate to come back and
find out I have problems with the authorities. Do it if your
trip coincides with when it is supposed to be filled in.
Prepare/update your will
It might be comforting to know that your will is
up-to-date in case you pass away during your travels.
Forward newspapers and magazines
If you're away for some time, it might be a good idea
to forward your subscribed newspapers and magazines to some
other place or person. Some newspapers also allow you to put
your subscription on a hold until you come back.
Unplug electrical stuff
This may reduce the risk of fire if the house is
struck by lightning, or if there is some kind of power surge,
while you're away. Some appliances consume electricity while
plugged in, even if they are off - televisions are a good
example of this.
Switch off the water to your apartment
In case a water pipe breaks while you are away.
Wax boots
Get a manicure
A woman has recommended to have nails cut as short as
you can tolerate. Polish optional. Well...
COA - Change Of Address
Tell your friends where they can contact you if it is
necessary. I must say that I have some great memories from
collecting Poste Restante mail abroad. Remember to tell your
friends the right way of writing P.R. addresses. My address
would be:
HENRICSON, Mats
General Post Office
Town, Country, etc.
If you
write it:
Mats
Henricson
General Post Office
Town, Country, etc.
it
might be sorted under M, not H, which is VERY annoying. Be
sure your friends and relatives write your name so it's easy
to read.
Clothing
This
list describes clothes most of us are quite likely to bring
with us, biased to male style of clothes. Avoid clothes that
look military, since that might cause you problems in
countries where spy paranoia is high (much of Africa). I try
to melt into the environment by using clothes that don't look
too odd. A good idea could be to bring enough clothes for one
week w/o needing to do laundry. Another suggestion has been
that shorter trips means lots of clothes while long trips
often means different climates and thus means you really need
to buy stuff underway. You can even throw or give away clothes
when you don't need them any more. Reminds me of Cairo where I
once saw a goat eating a T- shirt! Tough animals!
Some
places to buy travel clothes and gear.
Unisex clothes
Underwear
Can be obtained very cheaply in many towns, but if
you prefer the western style, you'd better get a basic set of
these at home before you go. Definitely stay with cotton.
Shirts
There is almost no place on the globe where you can
be without a good warm shirt. I usually bring one or two tough
flannel shirts, but I leave them at home if my traveling
destination is really hot.
T-shirts
Pretty impossible to be without, unless you just use
thin shirts. You can buy them cheaply along the road. In
Africa (and possibly other places) there is said to be a great
demand for T-shirts with English text on them. Bring a few to
trade.
Shorts
This is a must unless you travel in cold climates. I
think it is one of the most important pieces of clothing you
use. Buy one or two pairs of very good quality, and be sure
the pockets are tight enough to give pickpockets a hard time.
I lost US$100 in a bar in Zimbabwe by ignoring this. Shorts
can double as swimming trunks. Don't use sport shorts made for
running, since their length may be too short to be considered
decent clothing in some countries.
Socks
Good quality socks can be a blessing. Wool is best.
If you are hiking, be sure to bring a lot of socks in case the
weather is bad - walking in wet socks is horrible! Remember
that if it is hot summer at your traveling destination, then
you are unlikely to use any socks at all!
Pants/Trousers
I like black jeans at home, but leave them at home in
case you're going to a really hot place. Shorts will be a much
better choice.
Clothes for women
I don't
mind women wearing semi-see-through shirts and similar
clothes, but remember that with these on, you could get into
big trouble in many countries. Leave them at home! Remember
that in some countries women are forbidden to wear shorts.
Check with guide books and diplomatic missions of the
countries you plan to visit for specific guidance.
Bra
Should be cotton. Washed out in the evening, they can
be dry by morning.
Skirt
Some countries require skirts/dresses (no pants!) and
short skirts will cause problems in other places. A long
(mid-calf) full skirt is said to be cooler in hot climates
than pants anyway.
Clothes for men
Some
extra stuff only (?) applicable to men.
Tie
If you have to look sharp.
Shoes
Very
important. Only use good quality shoes!
Shoes
I usually use DrMartens since you can read "Oil, Fat,
Acid, Petrol, Alkali Resistant" on the sole. Just kidding, but
no doubt they are very tough shoes that should carry you
through the longest trip. A bit expensive and hot, so if you
travel in a hot climate, a pair of light jogging shoes can be
an alternative. Actually, quite a few people have claimed they
are not particularly impressed by the quality of DrMartens. I
guess it is almost a religious issue...
"I
find that with constant wearing (of DrMartens) the leather
breaks down on the uppers near the place where you lace them
up. On other leather shoes you get a crease which gets
softer with age and use. Maybe just my feet, though."
<Malcolm Dunn>
"If
you are traveling by plane you might prefer ones WITHOUT
steel caps, since they beep at the metal indicators. As a
blond, small woman I've always been able to communicate with
the customs officials but my tall long-and dark haired
boyfriend has had a hard time sometimes." <Ursula Vesala>
"Be
warned that in some places you may be attacked/mugged for
your Dr Martens. They are very popular." <Malcolm Dunn>
Sandals
Very nice to have in very hot climates, but since
they don't cover your feet completely, they might give sand
fleas (chiggers) a chance to get a fresh place to lay their
eggs. Not dangerous, but very icky. I got them in Tanzania. "Teva"
and "Teva clones" are sometimes mentioned as a kind of
Industrial Strength sandal. I have a pair myself and I'm a
satisfied customer. A pair of flip-flops are OK as long as you
don't walk too far in them. They don't last long. Great when
you have to enter that filthy hotel bathroom.
Training shoes
Nice if you want to do some kind of sports during a
trip.
Optional clothes
Well,
pick the ones you like, and leave the rest at home.
Belt
Useful for many purposes.
Cap/hat
More or less government recommendation in Australia.
I don't like caps at all, but I have burnt my nose to pure
coal so many times now that I might change my mind. Of course,
if you have style, take a hat. I recently read that more than
10% of all citizens of Canada are likely to get skin cancer!
Track-suit
For me, a light track-suit works in two ways: both as
something you can wear when you are washing your other
clothes, and as good clothes when it gets cold. They take up a
lot of space in your backpack though.
Raincoat
I usually carry a Gore-Tex anorak, but it takes up a
hell of a lot of space in my backpack. Difficult decision.
Leave it at home, unless you are heading for colder climates
or the mountains where this is essential. Some people prefer a
poncho. Packs very small, is light, and doubles for a ground
sheet or simple tent. You can buy one at many camping stores
for $5.
Umbrella
Some love them, others hate them. What kind of person
are you? Can also be used as a sun shade. The word "umbrella"
actually means literally "a little shade".
Swimming trunks
Takes virtually no space in your backpack, and can be
very nice. I read that women may have problems in some
countries if they are too revealing. Reminds me of a friend
who told me swimming is not allowed on Sundays on some islands
in the Pacific Ocean. Pretty weird!
Morning gown
Well, my friend Johan Schimanski always has a kimono
with him as the single luxury which reminds him of
civilization. Oh boy.
Sarong
Piece of cloth used in parts of Africa and Asia. Can
double as towel, beach towel, dressing gown, pillow and table
cloth.
Beach pants
Thin cotton pants that are great when shorts are too
casual and it is too hot for regular trousers.
Palestinian scarf
A square piece of soft cloth (1x1 meter or so). Can
double as just about anything but the kitchen sink (read
Jack Campins comment on this). Also called a bandanna in
some countries.
Clothes for Cold weather
The
title says it all. If you go to hot climates you can just skip
this list.
Sweater
A must in colder climates. I often bring a fleece
jacket. It can double as seat cushion, head cover on cold
nights, and pillow.
Gloves/mittens
In really cold climates these are a must. A thin pair
of cotton or light wool mittens takes up virtually zero space.
The ones with grips on the palms and fingers are the best.
Will also keep your poor thumb warm when hitch-hiking, as well
as protecting your hands while scrambling up mountains.
Jacket
I have brought a black suit/dress jacket on most
trips since it has lots of handy pockets. But if it gets too
hot it will end up in your backpack and take up a bleeding lot
of space. Note that Rohan (UK) and Tilley's Endurables
(Canada) produced very lightweight, attractive suit jackets
and pants/trousers which may be rolled up very small.
Long underwear
Only if the temperature is well below freezing. Your
track-suit bottoms can double as long underwear.
Hair-band
Keeps your ears warm and works as a sleeping mask as
well.
Knitted (woolen) cap
Nice to have on that glacier in northern Norway.
Scarf
Can save you from getting a cold.
Money and documents
This
list is about what kind of documents and what kind of money
you better not be without.
Basic documents
Passport
On some continents you'll need lots of pages in your
passport. I have 4 pages (!) of fancy stamps in my old
passport from road checkpoints in Central African Republic.
Visas
A trip to Africa can be very difficult to plan since
you have to get all these visas. I'm not kidding when I say
that it can take you two months to get all the visas you need.
Plan ahead! Note that while many African countries require you
get your travel visas in your country of origin, this is not
entirely practical. Traveling in Africa is, at the very least,
a test in patience - no amount of pre-planning will prepare
you for any of the delays or detours you are likely to
experience as a result of weather, politics, or bureaucracy.
Vaccination certificate
Many countries demand that you have one. Be damn sure
all stamps and signatures are in perfect order. On the border
between Malawi and Tanzania the customs officer discovered
that a nurse here in Sweden had forgot to write her occupation
on one of the notes. The customs man said: "This is very very
serious". It was just sheer luck I didn't have to bribe him to
get into Tanzania.
Insurance certificate
I never understood why you need this, but I tend to
bring it with me just in case. Packs very small.
Paper from your local social insurance office
In this bright new Europe I have been told that I
need a paper from my local social insurance office EACH TIME I
go somewhere in the European Community!
Travel cheques/cash
Everyone knows TC's are safer than cash, but remember
a few things: in some countries it takes two hours or more to
change a TC, and in other countries (often the same as the
ones with the slow banks) you can get very much more by
changing on the black market. In Iran you could once get 11
times as much on the black market, but I can easily think of
funnier places to get caught by an undercover agent on the
black market. Also, travel insurance won't cover a large loss
of cash. The limit at Swedish travel insurance companies has
been US$300 or so. If you bring cash, the equivalent of US $10
and $50 are the most convenient. When crossing borders, I put
cash in my underpants since it is unlikely to be found there,
but there are no guarantees. I have heard of people having to
strip completely at the border to Brazil.
Emergency money
"When
I traveled to Egypt, I stashed a $US50 note under the soles
of my shoes (which I rarely took off)! In the developed
world, $50 is enough for a couple of nights' food and
accommodation plus telephone calls. In Africa it's enough
for a week's traveling to the capital city where your
embassy can help (or at least you can get some money sent to
you)." <Stephen Psallidas>
Receipt for travelers' cheques
Carry it very much separate from your Travel Cheques.
I have lost TC's 3 times or so, and all of them were very sour
experiences.
Cards (Visa, Euro card/MasterCard, American Express
etc)
Well, try to use them in Libya! But, what the heck:
It takes virtually no space in your backpack. American Express
has the advantage of letting you use the Amex office
facilities. In a group, have each person bring a different
"brand" card. Make sure to carry the phone numbers to call to
report if your card is stolen!
PIN code to cards
So that you can use them with ATM machines to get
cash. Do NOT put these codes in the same place as your cards,
since all your money might be withdrawn by someone stealing
your cards. Maybe you should
encrypt them!
Driving license
Can often double as your ID card.
ID-card
I have my Swedish driving license for security if I
lose my passport. Swedish is a pretty good language since
being fluent in Swedish will reduce most suspicions at Swedish
embassies. Being American or so can give you some problems if
you have no way of proving who you are at the embassy when
applying for a new passport.
Address list (with phone numbers and email addresses)
For writing letters, sending emails from a cyber
cafe, or for phoning home to Mum for more money.
Optional documents
Well,
some of the items on this list might be very good to have with
you, so you'd better read it.
Notebook
"Although I brought a nice journal on my last trip, I never
made the time to write in it. However, I had a small
notebook (about 2 inches by 3 inches) in which I write down
all purchases. My main reason for doing this was to see how
realistic our budget was, because this was our first trip. I
wrote down what I bought, where & the price. When I got
home, I found I had a very complete travel record of where
we went, where and what we ate and drank, etc, plus I got to
make graphs comparing my budgeted and actual expenditures.
(I'm an accountant, that's fun for me). It was also large
enough to press small flowers, and we also made a list of
"things we wish we'd brought" and "things we didn't need"
for future trips." Karen
Notepad
For writing letters.
This packing list
Can be very handy if you have things stolen. It can
be darn hard to remember what you lost otherwise. Remember to
delete all items you didn't bring with you.
Photocopies of important documents
Keep a set of these in case you lose your passport or
any other valuable document. Might be of help. Of course, keep
them separate from the important documents. Note: it's a good
idea to leave photocopies of important documents with friends
or relatives outside of the places you are traveling. They may
be able to help verify the documents for you if your papers
are lost/stolen.
Tourist organization certificate
Useful from the same reason as an ISIC card.
Photographs for visas/passports etc
Carry at least a dozen in case you need to get a new
visa or passport. If you are going to Africa for any length of
time, 2 or 3 dozen would be better. Cheap and easy to get at
automatic booths in the western world. May be hard to get in
other countries. Some people also bring
photos of friends and family with them.
Addresses to embassies
Just in case you get into problems.
Calendar
Very nice as a souvenir, since I like to write down
where I have been each day to give me a chance to remember
what happened on the trip.
Envelopes
For keeping documents in, or for letters.
Business cards
They can sometimes give you an air of respectability
that your appearance might not warrant. Some people bring
small cards with just their name and address on. Handy when
you swap addresses with someone. Note: business cards may
cause trouble in places where authorities might believe you
are trying conduct trade there without first completing their
requisite mountains of paper work, paying vast licensing fees,
or giving them a cut...:-)
Diving certificate
If you are a certified diver you'd better take this
card with you if you pass by any kind of diving water. It
takes no space and can save you from lots of trouble.
Phone card
For making long distance- or local phone calls.
Medical history
It could be a very good idea to write down your
medical history on a piece of paper and put it into your
passport in case you're involved in a car accident or so. Such
a list of important information could include blood type,
prescription copies (eye), medical conditions, diabetes, heart
problems, etc.
Marriage certificate copy
"If
you want to visit your wife in a hospital in the States, and
have any say in the doctor's decisions! Also a wise thing to
have in China and Muslim countries." <Marc Brosius>
International Youth Hostel Card
Sometimes required if you want to stay in a youth
hostel.
Hotel and car rental vouchers
For those that book in advance.
Membership cards (AAA, Hertz, Avis, Hilton, ...)
Everybody has several of these stuck somewhere and
going abroad may be a good opportunity to use them.
International driving license
In many countries this is a must. In some countries
you might be refused car rental if you don't have this kind of
license. Make sure your insurance covers you to drive! For an
amusing, and surprisingly accurate, account of driving in the
developing world, read "Third World Driving Tips and Tricks"
in PJ O'Roark's "Holidays in Hell".
International Student Identification Card (ISIC)
Can save you some money in Youth Hostels, trains,
museums, planes, so get one if you qualify as a student. If
you can, get the brochure with addresses to student travel
organizations in different countries, and tear out the pages
you want. You will need these addresses if you want to buy
student plane tickets. In many parts of the world an ISIC is,
however, of dubious usefulness. "Anything with a photo and the
word 'Student' on it works 8 times out of ten."
For
carrying money and documents
You
might end up carrying a lot of important documents, as well as
money. This list gives some hints on how to carry them.
Remember to carry these things in 2 or more locations. Unless
everything gets stolen, this way you'll have some extra money
and papers that will make it easier to replace what was
stolen, not to mention that some extra money can make it
possible for you to continue your travels while waiting for
new travelers cheques or documents. When making purchases, be
modest. Don't flash large amounts of cash. The wallet of a
westerner can tempt people in poor countries to commit murder!
Please remember this!
Pouch for valuable documents
I hate neck pouches two reasons: they are pretty
horrible to wear when it's boiling hot, and they make it very
obvious you are a tourist. With women the problem is that
these pouches are designed to hang on a flat chest. You can,
however, wear them horizontally below your breasts and above
your waist. Some travelers have found out that the ink used on
airline ticket smears greatly after a couple of months in the
pouch. Putting them in a small plastic bag inside the pouch
keeps out the moisture.
"They
are best worn at the side, not on the chest, or gut. Sort of
like a holster, slung around one shoulder, and hanging by
your side. It's cooler, it's convenient, it's more discrete,
and no matter how large your chest is ;-)." <Bernd Wechner>
Money belt
Also bad when it's hot. Less practical for women. The
kind you wear under your clothes is inaccessible if you're
wearing a dress, and the kind that looks like a man's belt
looks like a man's belt. There are many different designs,
sizes and materials, so you may find one that suits you
perfectly.
Wallet
This is my bag for money! They have a distinct
disadvantage though - pickpockets! Where pickpockets are a
problem, carry your wallet in your front trousers pocket.
Coin Purse
In some countries, a coin purse can protect your
pockets from premature wear, not to mention guarding against
damage to parts of your lower torso, should you decide to do
any running! :-) Travelers who visit several countries on a
regular basis use empty film cans to store coins from each
country. Carried in baggage, the film cans may be easily
retrieved on the next visit.
Paper folder
I tend to carry quite a lot of paper with me (see
below); to prevent it from becoming unreadable from the
massive pressure in my backpack, I put it all in a sturdy
paper folder. I have never regretted this. The folder also
gives some steadiness in the backpack. The stiff envelopes
available from Federal Express or Express Mail (in the US) are
great for carrying the assortment of papers one picks up. They
are a little stiffer than folders and available free of
charge.
Clothes with hidden pockets
There are various ways in which people carry money
and important documents in hidden pickets in their clothes. I
haven't tried them myself, but others use them all the time.
"In
India, we usually wear cotton banians (vests?), which
absorbs most of the sweat in the tropical weather. While
traveling I carry banians with pockets. So few important
documents & cash, I can carry without much problem
personally. Since we wear shirt over the banyan, there is no
way a pickpocket can venture so much. Another option is
cotton underwear's with pockets - to store the buffer cash."
Dayanand N
"Tailors in any part of the world will sew a small zippered
pocket inside the front of your trousers for a few pennies
(Africa) or a few pounds (Europe). This gave me a lot of
peace of mind in Africa." Stephen Psallidas
Tickets
Maybe
you'll be hitch-hiking. The rest of us might need tickets.
Airline tickets
Boat tickets
Train tickets
Bus tickets
Timetables
For buses, trains, boats and flights.
Maps
I
always travel with lots of maps. Remember that good maps can
be pretty hard to find in many countries.
Large scale map
I like to have a large scale map for these occasions
when you sit at a cafe and try to figure out where to go next
month.
Small scale map
For more detailed kind of traveling. In cities in the
western world you can often get them for free in tourist
information offices. Good souvenirs!
Small world map
For showing people where YOU live. You may have one
in your diary.
Books
Books
are heavy but hard to be without.
Phrase-book
Saying hello, goodbye and thank you in the local
language may give you a friendlier response outside heavily
loaded tourist areas: you may find these words in your
guidebook, or by asking people you meet (even better
response). Some people prefer dictionaries. "Collins" pocket
dictionaries have been recommended, while "Berlitz" are
reported to be especially bad.
Novels
You'll end up waiting a lot on most trips, so a novel
or two or three will make your trip more enjoyable. A
guideline is to bring one book per month of travel. Books in
your native language are all nice and cozy on the road, but
the price of it on the second hand market may be reduced.
Travelers often swap books so if you have a book in Swedish
you're out of luck. Choose English.
Guidebook
I usually have a Lonely Planet guide with me, but
they're approaching the weight of a brick nowadays, so try to
reduce it by ripping out pages or leave it at home. A
too-complete guide-book is kind of boring, since it reduces
the thrill of finding your own hotels and magic places around
the globe. You can be pretty sure that if a place is in the
guidebook, it is more or less crowded with travelers.
"If
you buy a massive book that is bound together with some sort
of glue (most are, let's go, Berkeley, Lonely Planet) you
can take a razor blade and make it into many small guide
books. Just cut the section out you want, making sure that
the blade goes through the cover. The glue will hold that
section together (it worked better if the section is thick,
like for a country, rather than for a small town). I also
carry a few paperclips to hold them together as they
disintegrate... hey, paperclips are handy in general, for
fixing cameras, picking things out of cracks, picking your
teeth, what ever." <Christina>
Equipment
Quite a
few lists of general equipment handy in different situations.
Some
places to buy travel clothes and gear.
Things for packing
Items
that enable you to bring along the other items as effortlessly
as possible. A very important list, I'd say. Put an up-to-date
address label on backpacks, suitcases and day packs. I once
lost a suitcase full of my stuff since it had a very old Hong
Kong address on it.
Backpack
Stay away from the cheap ones! I don't like the ones
with lots of external pockets since they are easy to steal
from. I also try to use one that seems a bit too small since
that forces me to skip some unnecessary things. Remember that
you are most likely going to have more things when coming home
than when you go. Backpacks with an external metallic frame
are very popular in Sweden. I think you should avoid them,
since the frame can break if thrown up on a truck or so. They
are not easy to push into small boxes at railways stations and
similar places.
Backpack rain cover
To wrap around your backpack if the rain is too
heavy.
Small extra backpack (Knap sack)
I can't be without a small extra backpack, since that
is where I carry things when walking around in cities. It
serves two other purposes as well. First, it gives you a
chance to carry more things along the road since I try to keep
the small backpack more or less empty from the start. Second,
when carrying the big backpack, I have the small one attached
by a carabineer (a climbing D-ring with a spring-loaded latch,
and possibly a safety lock so that it will not disconnect) to
the shoulder strap of the big one. This way I have easy access
to tickets and other important things in the small backpack.
The carabineer makes it impossible for thieves to just grab
the small backpack and run. To be honest, I'm pretty proud of
this idea.
Expandable carry-on
The expandable bag will provide more room for
souvenirs when returning home from a trip.
Rubber-bands
It's kind of amazing how much you can put into a
backpack if you do a good job. By using rubber-bands, I
squeeze clothes down to a minimal size.
Plastic bags
Excellent to put stuff in, but unfortunately not that
durable.
Stuff Sack
I have a set of small sacks (up to 3 liters) made of
cloth with a drawstring, in different colors. I keep different
types of things in different sacks, and with this color code I
can easily find what I'm looking for in my backpack. Without
these sacks, your backpack will look like a mess in no time.
Bring a few spare ones as well.
Small box
Can be a good idea for small things that easily get
lost in the backpack. Such a box is also a good place to put
fragile stuff in, such as a pair of extra glasses.
Suitcase
For trips of a more businesslike character, or if you
really hate to see all your clothes wrinkled up, it might be
worthwhile to bring all clothes in a large suitcase. I have
one of the new plastic types with three clasps, and it is very
good. Some people dislike travelers with backpacks. A suitcase
could make such people treat you better.
"For
suit-case security: Use Panduit ties; the plastic ties that
have notches one end and an eye on the other, instead of a
lock. Put one through the loops where a padlock would go.
Warning, these are used by police as handcuffs, so you can
imagine that they don't break. That means no one will get
into your luggage, but you need to find scissors or a small,
sharp knife when you arrive at your destination in order to
get the tie off." <Randal Tietz>
Flexible steel cable (or chain)
I have a 1.5 meter long plastic coated steel cable of
proper dimensions with loops at both ends. With it and the
padlock, I make damn sure my backpack doesn't disappear on
trains at night. It cannot prevent anyone from opening the
backpack to steal some of its contents, but the cable prevents
the whole backpack from disappearing. It has many times given
me considerably better sleep. Heavy!
Padlock
Necessary when using the steel cable above, but also
works in cheap hotels where you don't trust the default
padlocks provided by the hotel. Some backpacks are lockable by
allowing you to lock the zippers. Keep an extra key somewhere
separate so that you don't end up with a locked room if you
somehow lose the first one, or, preferable, buy a combination
padlock and make sure you remember the combination!
Sleeping things
Things
that might give you a better sleep, or actually give you a
chance to sleep at all.
Sleeping mask
A black hair-band is said to work as well, when for
example trying to sleep on a intercontinental flight or on a
ferry.
Inflatable neck supporter
Kind of wimpy, but has given me some good nights
sleep recently.
Earplugs
Packs very small and can save you (or your fellow
traveler) a night's sleep. My girlfriend claims I snore, but
there is no evidence. Toilet paper is said to work as well.
Sleeping bag
Takes up a hell of a lot of space in your backpack.
Get one in a sack that makes it possible to compress the
sleeping bag as much as possible.
Woolen socks
It is a very good idea to put a pair of woolen socks
inside your sleeping bag. It turns out that your feet are the
part of your body that is most likely to freeze, so a pair of
woolen socks can keep your feet warm enough to give you a good
night's sleep.
Sheets
If you find out that you don't trust the ones you get
in hotels. A sheet bag is also an option and a requirement for
sleeping in most YHA youth hostels.
Pillowcase
A pillow is too large to fit in a backpack, but you
can make one by just stuffing clothes into a pillowcase.
Hammock
Bulky, but some people need it.
Mosquito net
Bulky as hell, but necessary in some places like
Africa due to the Malaria problem, and they can also keep many
other insects away from you. A well tucked-in mosquito net
probably kept a huge spider from entering my bed in Indonesia,
and a poorly tucked-in net made it possible for a big
cockroach to enter my bed in Malaysia. My girlfriend can
testify that it is a BAD experience to wake up with a
cockroach crawling over your body... Also remember that these
nets easily get holes in them, making them pretty useless. You
can patch such holes with masking tape.
"Be
sure to get a very small mesh ("no-seeum" net in Canada) and
if it's available, get the kind which is impregnated with
mosquito repellent or insecticide. Overkill? I've watched
African mossies land on my no-seeum net, fold their wings
then push themselves through the mesh..." <Malcolm Dunn>
Sleeping mattress
Very useful! I use it in its rolled state for sitting
on, and it keeps you from dirty floors and scorpions at night.
I just recently bought one of the new self inflating variants.
I think it was a good idea. These mattresses also comes in the
shape of pillows.
Eating / food equipment
Read
this if you are likely to cook your own food every now or
then. Remember that this kind of equipment weighs quite a lot
and takes up a lot of space in your backpack.
Stove
Well, try to find something so small that it fits in
your shirt pocket. Some reports say "multi-fuel" stoves are
excellent.
Extra fuel
Can be difficult to find abroad depending on the
fuel. If it is a liquid - bring it in a bottle sturdy enough
to stand a direct hit from a nuclear warhead. That's the kind
of pressure your backpack will produce. Remember, never EVER
bring this kind of stuff on board a plane!
Swiss army knife
Buy one! You'll end up using it all the time. Some
people prefer the ones with scissors.
Folding knife
A Swiss army knife is good for many things, but the
blade is usually too short for slicing bread or fruit. Avoid
anything that might look military unless you want problems at
some border crossings. But then again, the customs officer in
Zaire was worried for me when I told him that the Swiss army
knife was the only weapon I brought with me. There are also a
few expensive but handy multi-purpose knifes, like SOG and
Leatherman.
Can opener
One of these things you are bound to need sooner or
later. Unnecessary if you have a good Swiss army knife.
Bottle opener
Bring a good Swiss army knife instead.
Corkscrew
Bring a good Swiss army knife instead, but make sure
the screw is long enough or the cork may stay in the bottle.
Water bottle
If you go to Africa, Asia, Southern America or even
the Rocky Mountains in Canada, you'll be very sorry if you
don't bring a good watertight bottle. Soda bottles are
sometimes OK, but they don't last very long. Buy one of the
metallic types, e.g. Sigg (they also make fuel bottles) or a
sturdy plastic one (Nalgene). Pour in some dubious water and
throw in some of these purifying tablets; in some minutes you
have some horrible tasting water. I prefer bad tasting water
to Amoebic Dysentery or "Beaver Fever" (Giardia).
Thermos
Nice for keeping liquid cold in hot climates, as well
as keeping liquid warm in cold climates. A metallic
indestructible thermos can double as a water bottle. Heavy.
Tea spoon
OK, I might be prosecuted for this, but I advise you
to steal one from the first cafe along the road! Great
souvenirs! My dad has hundreds of them!
Eating utensils
Also possible to steal, but I think a Swiss army
knife works OK. But then again, I don't cook much food on the
road. People going to China are often advised to bring their
own chopsticks, since washing bamboo ones doesn't sanitize
them.
Drinking cup
There are some indestructible plastic drinking cups.
Very useful.
Plate
Perhaps the best kind is made of heavy-duty plastic.
Sometimes also works as a Frisbee.
Washing-up liquid
Try to find a small bottle that can hold just as much
as you'll need on your hike. Reports say that shampoo can
double as washing- up liquid. You may not want to try the
other way around.
"Please be sure never to use any sort of detergent in a
natural waterway or lake. Even though some products are
biodegradable, this does not mean instantly, and in the
weeks it does take them to break down they can have serious
effects on water quality and chemistry, and subsequent
effects on plant and animal life. Minimal impact camping and
trekking advice suggests that you carry any water for
washing well-away from the stream or lake, where you can
then use your detergent wisely and tip the waste water onto
the ground. Also of importance is
that in some areas, you may very well be contaminating other
people's water supply." <Viki Cramer>
Miscellaneous equipment
Things
that just didn't fit into any other list.
Compass
I was once lost on a mountain in Sudan. I had a
compass with me, but didn't use it to find my way. Pretty
stupid, I know. Sometimes useful in the city.
Binoculars
On a mountain in Sudan I saw a couple of baboons on
the savannah, and that was just about the only time I used
them. If you decide to bring a pair, stick to very small ones.
Pens
You can buy them anywhere, but the quality is often
very bad. Bring a bunch of them. Works as much appreciated
gifts to kids. Bring a few with a very fine point felt top
since they are excellent for writing compact letters. I
remember buying stamps for postcards in Belgium a few years
ago and found out they cost more than a glass of beer!
Candle
Nice in your hotel room late at night when the
electricity is gone.
Poker cards
Can be a hit when waiting for transport.
Frisbee
You'll need plenty of room to show what it is to the
customs officer.
Sink plug
When you need to wash your clothes, you often find
out that this necessary thing is missing from your hotel room.
You can use one of these lids for film containers. Wrap it in
a small plastic bag and it fits neatly in most sinks. They
also sell "universal plugs" which are actually flat pieces of
rubber large enough to cover any size drain.
Small plastic hook
Can be very handy.
"In
the shabbier kind of washrooms and toilet where there's no
dry surface and all the hooks have been stolen, a small
plastic hook with a sucker attached is really useful. (The
best kind are the ones with the pivoting hook, easier both
to stick and to unstick. In the UK at least you can get them
in hardware shops, Woolworth's and similar.) Weighs next to
nothing and as long as there's a smoothish wall it helps
keep your wash bag or shirt or whatever out of the puddles,
or worse. Particularly handy if you have to change in a
toilet cubicle (courier flyers who can't wait to get out of
that daft office uniform may have had this experience...)."
<Michael Sullivan>
Lighter/matches
Matches can be bought everywhere but are sometimes of
lousy quality. You should really bring a couple of cheap gas
lighters even if you don't smoke.
Rubber door-wedge
For use at night when a door has no lock. "Essential
for a lone woman".
Sunglasses/clip-ons
Small ones are cool but will leave your eyes pretty
unprotected.
Keys
I once forgot the keys on a short trip to our summer
house. Very annoying!
Laundry brush
In case you do your own laundry.
Juggling balls
Always make good impressions on the other sex (if you
know how to NOT drop them :-) And it's fun too.
Small tear spray gas can
Definitely the smallest, cheapest and easiest-to-use
protection weapon available, but remember it is illegal in
many countries since it is also used to mug people!
Trekking poles
They look very much like ski poles, except that you
can adjust their length, and minimize it when strapping them
to your backpack. I've never used them, but I once climbed a
volcano in Indonesia with a German semi-pro mountaineer, and
he used them. His altitude record was 7800 meters, while mine
is only 4400. My guess is that the poles made the whole
difference.
Universal faucet valve handle and radiator key
"I
travel in Europe, mostly in the winter and I carry a
universal faucet valve handle and a radiator key. Both are
extremely cheap and light. The faucet handle is great for
turning the heat up or down and the radiator key works well
for draining the air out of ice-cold radiators." <Matt
Maynard>
Extra things / repair supplies
If any
of your equipment breaks or you lose something. There are
actually kits
you can buy that contain many of the items below. It could be
an option instead of buying them one by one.
Extra straps
When you need to attach a guitar to your backpack.
BTW, there are three things you cannot stop: Volcanoes,
earthquakes and boys with guitars.
Backpack spare parts
Bringing along some spare backpack parts can be
heaven sent in case it breaks. Using a broken backpack can be
tough on your shoulders.
Extra shoe laces
Extra glasses
If you are like me, blind without glasses, you need
some kind of backup. Carry your prescription as well, and keep
the glasses in a sturdy box so that they will not be crushed
in your backpack.
Straps for glasses
The sporty type that makes your (sun) glasses stay on
your nose. Bodysurfing can be expensive: I have pairs of
glasses on the bottom of both the Pacific and Indian Ocean.
Safety pins
You are wrong if you think you don't need them.
"Take
a variety of sizes. The best use for them is as fasteners on
back/day packs. I always fasten the little tab on the
zippers on my back/day packs with small safety pins. These
suckers are tough to open. So if my pack is on my back, it
is very difficult for someone to open the zipper and take
stuff out! This saved my sister's belongings in Rome when
she was accosted by a group of gypsy kids. Note that the big
pins are easy to open. I have also heard of people using
them to seal pockets on their clothes as protection from
pickpockets. Women can also use them as a small weapon to
poke at a pickpocket, or if they are physically assaulted."
<Sanjiev Chattopadhya>
Paper clips
Sewing Kit
These are normally the size of a soft cover book of
matches, and can be purchased for a reasonable price from most
travel stores, and many airlines even give these out for free.
They usually contain 2 needles, a little bit of different
colored threads, and a couple of buttons. This can be *VERY*
handy sometimes, and does not take up any space at all.
Sturdy nylon cord
Can be used for just about anything, including a
clothesline string. Remember that drying clothes overnight
indoors only works in hot and dry climates. It can take
several days if it is damp and/or cold.
Extra buttons
Duct tape
Also called "racing tape", "gaffa tape" and "gaffer
tape". Rolls of silvery gray sticky tape are standard issue
for National Geographic photographers out in the field, and it
is also used by astronauts! It can do
anything,
but bringing along a few different types of tape might also be
a good idea, such as packing tape, masking tape, duct tape,
etc.
"Clear tape is for repairing paper tears. Beige masking tape
is for holes in mosquito nets, and peep holes in hotel
walls. Heavy clear tape is for packages, and to cover
addresses on packages in case they get wet, so the writing
doesn't bleed. Duct tape is for big problems like shoes
falling apart, or torn bags, etc We did use it all!" <Marc
Brosius>
Iron-on patches
"Quick and dirty" way of mending holes in clothes.
Hygiene
This is
a list of the kind of hygiene things all of us are very likely
to bring with us. It is a good idea to put most of these
things in a separate pouch so that you can easily heave it out
of your backpack every time you go to the bathroom.
Hygiene (basic)
Necessaries/Toilet bag
A handy bag where you put all your hygiene items.
Shaving equipment
Well, a must if you are a guy. Leave the can of
shaving gel/foam at home, unless you can find a really small
can. I prefer to use soap since you must carry soap with you
anyway. Another option is to use brush less shaving cream, or
shaving
oil. Remember not to shave in dirty or contaminated water
since you can pick up a nasty disease that way. I tend to get
small bleeding wounds after shaving, and it's easy to see why
that is bad.
Electric shaver
If you are just going for a shorter trip and don't
mind the weight. But then again, if it is a short trip, why
not just leave it and shave when you get home? Remember that
you may need a
wall
socket adapter if you wish to recharge the batteries in
the shaver.
Extra blades for Shaving equipment
This only applies to us who prefer to avoid electric
shavers. They are heavy, and electrical standards are not
standard.
Mirror
Nick your sister's handbag mirror if it looks sturdy
enough. Glass may not be a good idea for some journeys. Highly
polished stainless steel mirrors are available. Also very
reflective are the undersides of CDs.
Toothbrush
One of the few things you can buy all over the world.
Toothpaste
Can also be bought almost everywhere.
Soap
The ones you find along the road may not smell the
way you are used to, but at least they are available
everywhere.
Soap dish
The box where you keep your wet soap.
Liquid soap
Liquid soap in little containers is said to be more
convenient to carry than bar soap. A sample size bottle can be
refilled from normal size bottles.
Shampoo
If you are really hard-core, you can use soap, but,
well, I'm kind of wimpy and prefer real shampoo. Not as
available as soap, but it should be no real problem getting it
in most towns all over the world. I remember even getting a
super efficient shampoo against bugs in a pharmacy in Assuan,
Egypt, by sketching a bug with legs on a piece of paper and
making crawling motions with my hand in my hair. Pretty
international problem, I guess. A combination shampoo/ liquid
soap is sometimes very handy. Make sure you bring a small
bottle, or it will be half full when you come home.
Toilet paper
NOT available everywhere, but nevertheless kind of
indispensable. In Africa it took me two months to get somewhat
used to using just my hand and water. In a pinch, you can use
newspaper. It's no worse than some of the toilet paper I've
seen.
Towel
I just used a T-shirt on one trip, but now I think a
medium size towel is a must, unless I know I will be staying
at fancy hotels all the time. Alternatively, there are very
absorbent cloths which act like a sponge to soak up water.
They dry very quickly and are much smaller than towels.
Sun protection
Can be hard and/or very expensive to get in some
countries. Bring some heavy duty stuff! Factor 15 was not
enough last time I was up on a mountain, so I'll go for at
least factor 20 next time. And a hat.
Contact lenses
It might be a good idea to bring some extra lenses in
case you lose one, for example if a big wave takes you by
surprise on the beach.
Lens cleaning liquid
Take a small bottle of multi-purpose liquid.
You usually don't need a big bottle.
Lip balm
If the climate is dry or windy, or if the sun is just
outrageously strong.
Hygiene (women only)
Thanks
to Evelyn C. Leeper and CattMoran for the suggestions below!
This is what they say on this subject:
Tampons
"Tampons are far more compact than sanitary napkins; the
latter will probably be available in almost any city anyway.
I recommend the tampons that have no applicator, since
that's one less thing to worry about discarding or breaking.
Don't trust the plumbing systems to flush tampons, and some
small plastic disposal bags might be a good idea (or you can
use newspaper). Out in the wild the problem is made worse by
animals attracted by the scent of blood, so tampons are a
definite plus here." <Evelyn C. Leeper>
Menstrual cup
"If
you will be traveling where clean running water is available
at least once a day, and are already accustomed to using
applicator-less tampons, check out
The Keeper.
It is a "reusable menstrual cup" (think "diaphragm" in
reverse), that will last 10 years. A bonus is that once
you've learned to insert it correctly, it is far less likely
to leak than a tampon. And, there's nothing to throw away."
<CattMoran>
Hygiene (optional)
Some
optional hygiene items. After taking a sneak look at some
women's makeup "equipment", I realize that this list could
easily grow to ridiculous proportions.
Comb
You might be pretty unhappy without it. Packs very
small.
Hair brush
Bulkier than a comb.
Washcloth
Popular in Norway but by some reason not in Sweden.
Packs very small, and gives you the chance to get clean all
the way into your pores. Can also double as a small hand
towel. Terrence Gyles Foley adds: In a hot climate, a
washcloth is extremely useful. It's not indispensable but it
affords a large measure of comfort in areas potentially
without amenities. Some people rarely use a washcloth for
bathing because it's unnecessary. It may be essential for
hygiene in very hot or infested climates. A washcloth can be
used to keep the face and hands clean of perspiration and
after dinner. Few things on the road can afford such instant
pleasure. I usually buy a dish rag about 10 inches square,
made of as heavy a terry cloth (absorbent) material as
possible. Any old rag is preferable to nothing. Just have a
wipe immediately at hand at all times as you travel.
Handkerchief
Can double as a washcloth.
Detergent
Available almost everywhere, but you can use soap
with satisfying results.
Laundry brush
If you want to sprinkle on some detergent and scrub
your clothes clean.
Clothes pegs
Pretty usable, actually. I carry with me perhaps 8 of
these magnificent inventions.
Deodorant
Some say this is a must. Some even say "lots of
deodorant, PLEASE!!!" I have been recommended a
deo crystal
that might be a good idea for travelers (it is small and has
no container that you need to throw away afterwards). I
haven't tried it myself...
Dental floss
Is said to be perfect as a cheese slicer, and reports
say it is perfect as heavy-duty sewing thread!
"I
also found it useful to mend my tent, tie up on a broken
strap on my daypack, even as an emergency shoelace! I heard
of travelers using it as fishing line when camping beside
rivers and lakes. Floss is very strong, practically
unbreakable in most situations." <Stephen Psallidas>
Fingernail clippers
If you can travel without biting your nails.
Moisturizer
Can also be used on hair if sun makes it impenetrable
for your comb.
Qtips
Cotton on a stick to clean the ears after dusty bus
trips.
Tweezers
The metal tongs women use to pluck hairs from their
eyebrows!
Health
Things
which can help preserve health on your trip. Put most of your
things in this category in a special pouch. On long trips
through many remote parts of the tropical world you should
count on becoming ill at some point and make allowances for
the eventuality. Many things can be sorted out given time and
care - be prepared to forget your schedule and stay put for a
week or so.
There are sure to be gaps in the information below.
Conditions change almost daily. For the most accurate and
up-to-date health information, be sure to consult with your
doctor and your local health authority.
General health stuff
Condoms
Can be kind of hard to find in some countries. Don't
go abroad without them! As for birth control pills/devices,
these can cause some raised eyebrows (or worse) at customs
checks in some countries if the woman is traveling alone.
Wearing a wedding ring even if you're single is often
recommended.
"Bring your own condoms and plenty of them. Buying them in a
foreign country can be embarrassing, especially is you're
allergic to nonoxynil 9. I bought some in Spain that were
small thick and had some of the most powerful spermacide
known to man. The words burning sensation should be enough
warning to all. Anyhow, condoms are waterproof, if nothing
else you can put your money in one and safety pin it to the
inside of your swimming trunks." <Christina>
Sore tape
If you need to protect and/or cover these blisters
you got from cheap shoes. Plasters/bandages work alright for
this; however, there are excellent products available which
are made specially for walking blisters/sores.
Insect repellent
Very good to have in Malaria prone countries, as well
as in Canada and Scandinavia during the summer. Note: malaria
prophylaxis is not a sure thing anymore. Taking malaria
tablets cannot guarantee that you will not get malaria in
places where it is endemic. There are now many resistant
strains of malaria. So if you want to avoid getting it, you
must avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Some insect spray also
repels leeches, such as the ones that can make jungle treks in
Malaysia less than perfect. For specific brands of mosquito
spray, check out what this
expert has to say.
Plasters ("Band-Aids")
These are available in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes. Take a good selection as well as some tape rolls.
First aid kit
I have never had to use one, but I carry one with me,
just in case.
Iodine
Iodine drops can purify water, and are great on cuts.
Water purifying filter
If you know you have to purify large amounts of water
for a long time, then this gadget might be an option. Quite
expensive and quality varies. Many water filters have appeared
on the camping market in recent years. It would be wise to
read reviews about them before purchase, or stick with the old
standard (Katadyn). Water filters also vary in what they will
remove. Some are capable of removing virus organisms and even
chemicals. Others filter only larger organisms and
particulates. Determining what your needs are will help
simplify your choice.
Ear drops
Very nice if you get an infection in your ear from
exposure to sea water. May not be necessary if you wash your
ear with bottled water after each swim in the ocean.
Pills and tablets
There's
a lot on this list, since there are a lot of diseases you can
catch. Remember that with a backpack full of strange pills,
you can get into border problems. Keep the pills in their
original containers, and stuff them all in a box so that they
don't end up being ground to dust by the pressure in your
backpack.
Water purifying tablets
Take lots. Perfect gifts in poor villages in Africa.
Remember that they are also necessary in "civilized" places
like the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where there is now a
greater incidence of "Beaver Fever", a form of giardiasis,
reported by wilderness travelers.
Vitamin pills
When traveling, my diet leaves a lot to be desired.
"The secret of healthy hitch hiking is to eat junk food." Ford
Prefect in The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by
Douglas Adams.
Motion sickness tablets
Also available are "patches" which attach to your
skin (behind the ear) and slowly release the required
medication. There are devices, wrist bands, which are reported
to provide relief by applying pressure to wrist pressure
points.
Fever tablets
Paracetamol/acetaminophen is recommended by some (I
try to avoid naming specific brands of tablets).
Pain relievers
There are many different brands, so make sure you
bring a type that works for you.
Allergy pills (anti-histamines)
Malaria tablets
Don't mess around with malaria! I've seen travelers
on the edge of dying, so bring lots of malarial medicine. Many
tropical specialists recommend taking 2 different kinds as
prophylaxis. Also bring the stronger malaria tablets
(Fansidar, others?) which are considered "the cure" in many
places. Bring more than you need - you can always discard them
(safely!) or give them away. Please note: malaria is endemic
in many parts of the tropical world. There is a wide range of
resistance to current malaria drugs, including "the cure"!
Seriously, the only sure way to avoid getting malaria is to
avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. An alarming fact is that
many doctors in the Western world seem to be pretty out of
touch when it comes to resistant strains of Malaria. Malaria
is one of the most popular topics among travelers!
Core
vaccinations
Don't
travel without taking the necessary shots! Hospitals love to
give them to you, since they charge money for them. You are
not likely to be competent enough to judge if their list of
necessary shots is relevant or not, so just bite your teeth
together and pay. You can get them quite cheap abroad, but
remember the AIDS risk. I don't trust needles at all.
Typhus
Transmitted by lice, ticks or fleas.
Typhoid
Another infection from food and water contamination.
Shots are good for approximately 3 years. Ever been kicked by
a mule? This is what your arm feels like after this shot...
Fortunately the vaccine can now be taken orally. It's taken
every other day a week before traveling, and it comes as
packets which you mix in a glass of water.
Polio
Ten years ago, in the face of a polio resurgence, the
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine was recommending
a full course of polio vaccine instead of a booster.
Tetanus
Destination specific vaccinations
Yellow Fever
Endemic in South America and Africa. The shot is good
for 10 years. The disease is also enjoying a renaissance so be
sure to get this one.
Cholera
Considered fairly recently to be ineffective in
preventing infection, vaccinations are still required in some
countries. Not having the shot might result in the vaccination
being administered in less than ideal conditions, not to
mention the bribes you might have to pay!
Hepatitis
A Immune globulin shots confer some protection for a
limited amount of time. For extended trips where sanitation is
a problem, be sure to drink good water, don't put ice in
drinks, avoid uncooked foods, cross your fingers.
Plague
Endemic in many parts of the Developing World. It is
transmitted by the fleas of rats and other rodents and may be
a risk in areas of overcrowding and poor sanitation. It is
certainly curable with current antibiotics. There is a vaccine
available but it is reported to give limited immunity and has
some pretty severe side effects. Don't play with rats...
Meningitis
Check with your local health authorities for risks in
your travel area.
Japanese B Encephalitis
Rare but serious infection in Asia, transmitted by
mosquito.
Electrical stuff
General
electrical or electromechanical stuff sometimes worth bringing
with you.
General electrical stuff
Alarm clock
I think a watch with alarm is perfect, but I sleep
hard like a stone and need an alarm clock that can wake the
dead. Essential if you have a flight very early in the
morning.
Cellular Telephone
Remember that you may need a
wall
socket adapter if you wish to recharge the batteries in
the telephone.
"The
cell phone has become ubiquitous in many parts of the urban
world. Lost hikers in the mountains nearby have been saved
by having a cell phone with them. However, there's something
slightly comical (or sad) seeing somebody pull out their
cell phone after having just completed the arduous but
spectacular climb to the top of the Stwamus Chief, a sublime
mountain near Squamish, in beautiful British Columbia. I
still applaud the gent who, while dining in a London, UK
restaurant, deposited the cell of a constantly connected
fellow diner in the nearby lobster tank." <Malcolm Dunn>
Computer
There
are many choices from Laptop, Notebook, Subnotebook to PDA.
Make sure you really need it, since many of them are heavier
than you first might think! Remember that you may need a
wall
socket adapter if you wish to recharge the batteries in
the computer.
"In
some parts of Africa and other parts of the world, be
prepared to be arrested constantly for being a spy if you
insist on traveling with this kind of equipment. And, nearly
everywhere, you'll be a very interesting target for thieves
and other opportunists..." <Malcolm Dunn>
Solar cell calculator
The value of different currencies can be rather
tricky to track, so I once carried one of these calculators
with me. I ended up never using it, and eventually gave it
away.
Watch
Next time I'll buy myself a Swatch or something
similar. No big deal if it gets stolen, and they are
waterproof and sturdy. Be sure the battery is fresh! Some
watches have a handy alarm feature and a built-in tiny
compass. Another handy option would be a watch with a built-in
calculator, but they are unfortunately often ugly beyond
description and also seldom watertight.
Torch/flashlight
I have a Maglite (a thin black slick metallic torch
with an adjustable magnifying glass) that I like to bring with
me. It's nice to carry along at night in strange
neighbourhoods abroad. Kind of expensive. The smallest Maglite
is called "Solitaire" and can hang off your key ring. Some
people bring miner's headlamp style torches. "Great for camp
cooking as you always have your hands free."
Wall socket adapter
There are at least half a dozen different wall socket
designs in the world. I forgot to bring an adapter to the US
recently and if it wasn't for a well-stocked Radio Shack
store, my portable computer would have run out of charge
without any way for me to recharge it.
Hair dryer
Some people cannot live without it... Remember that
you may need a
wall
socket adapter to plug it to the wall socket.
Iron
The travel (small) size that can be used with 110 and
220 V. "The iron is a must if you don't want to wear wrinkled
clothes straight from the suite cases." You can also use an
iron to dry your clothes in a hurry. Remember that you may
need a
wall socket adapter to plug it to the wall socket.
Batteries
For your camera, flash, torch, watch and Walkman.
Solar battery-rechargers
Some of them are small enough to carry around. They
recharge AA batteries in a few hours in bright tropical
sunshine, and of course avoid the pollution of other peoples'
countries with nasty batteries.
Shortwave radio
Remember that you may need a
wall
socket adapter to plug it to the wall socket.
"You
can get pretty small ones which are invaluable for catching
up on news (unless you want to forget the outside world of
course). They can also be useful in an emergency if you are
unlucky enough to be caught up in trouble in Africa or
elsewhere." Stephen Psallidas
Photo equipment
I'm a
very bad photographer, so lately I have ended up not bringing
a camera at all. There are two other reasons to leave it at
home: Cameras are very prone to be stolen; I hate to be
paranoid about the risk of being robbed. Cameras can also be
very heavy, and my shoulders are weak. Except for that, a
camera is a must.
Camera
Be sure the batteries are fresh, or choose a camera
which needs no batteries at all!
Video camera
Some video cameras are now so small that they're
actually an option for travellers.
Film
Bring lots of it, and, if you have an old camera that
does not automatically sense the film speed, try to keep the
same ASA/DIN sensitivity on all of them. I have ruined a lot
of film this way, since I forgot to change the settings on my
camera after changing film type. Yeah, I know, I'm stupid.
Anything other than 35mm can be hard to find in many
countries, but if you travel in Europe or the US you can buy
film anywhere.
"On
long trips to hot countries, you should take along some
aluminium foil to wrap your films in - this will keep them a
(little) bit cooler than otherwise. After every 4 or 5
films, mail them home! (Don't forget to put 'Exposed films'
on the package in case a light-fingered person thinks they
are new)." <Stephen Psallidas>
Film safety shield
Customs will insist x-rays are harmless to film. I
have rolls of x-ray fogged film which confirm this... if you
want to avoid hassles with over-zealous inspectors, buy a
lead-lined film shield at any camera shop. Store all film in
it, as well as your camera (if there's film in it) for your
meetings with x-ray happy airport authorities.
Video tapes
One-Use camera
People have recommended a Konica panoramic one-use
camera with 17mm lens. "Very nice for scenic shooting". But
how do you dispose of them in an environmental-friendly way?
Others recommend the
Kodak
Advantix camera.
Flash
Camera bag
Extra lenses
Tripod
A few people have recommended a thing called
"Ultrapod". It is a 50 gram, 10cm long plastic tripod
available at camera stores. It comes with a Velcro strap to
attach to chair backs etc.
Extra battery
Just like film; always cheaper at home (unless you
live where I travel, then it's more expensive).
Music stuff
A
Walkman can be heaven and hell. It can be stolen, and it can
also give you some of the best highlights of a trip. I
remember one night walking down the centre of Khartoum with
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry on maximum volume in my earplugs! A
truly special memory!
Walkman/CD player
A Walkman with a radio tuner can be very handy. There
are Sony Walkmans with built-in solar panels so that you don't
need to buy so many batteries. Remember that you may need a
wall
socket adapter if you wish to recharge the batteries in
the walkman.
Headphones
Music cassettes/CDs
If you bring too many, they take up a lot of place in
your backpack. If you bring too few, you get sick and tired of
them in a flash. One option is to leave them all at home with
your Walkman. That way all your music will be like brand new
when you come home.
Microphone
Tapes with sounds from trains or cities can be
marvellous to have to remember how the trip was like. Packs
very small.
Walkman headphone 'doubler' plug
It plugs into your Walkman headphone 'out' socket but
has two sockets on the other end to plug two sets of
headphones into. That way two of you can listen to the same
tape.
Diving equipment
(Thanks
to Rick Vondrasek for giving me this list!)
Most
airlines will not replace any lost or damaged equipment. I am
not sure how they get away with this but they manage to be
able to break your $500 regulator and then blame it on you or
better yet say "so what". It is always best to try and carry
as much as you can onto the plane. Never pack your dive
computer. Many airline workers know which planes are going to
dive locations and target the luggage from these flights.
Besides, finding a new mask or regulator in the middle of the
South Pacific can be quite difficult unless you are at a dive
resort.
Basic diving equipment (even for non-divers)
Fins
Rentals can cut up your feet.
Mask
Again, a rental can leak and some people have
prescription lenses.
Snorkel
Essential and often forgotten at home.
Gloves
Good for many uses as well as diving. Besides
blue-ringed octopuses may look nice but are rather deadly if
touched.
Booties
Made out of the same material as your wetsuit.
Basically there to keep your feet protected from your fins and
to keep them warm. In cold water - around 40 F - they are a
blessing. But the type you use for warm water diving are
usually only 2 mm thick and slip onto your feet. They have
soft rubber soles so they have rather good traction. They are
great for walking on the beach, under your fins and for scummy
shower stalls.
Fish id charts
These are great to have along. It is always good to
look them over before you go so that when you are in the water
you can readily id anything you see.
Mesh dive bag
These are great for the beach. The mesh allows you to
dump everything into the bag and then just run water over the
whole thing. It is also quite easy to find items in the bag.
They also work great for a quick way to wash your clothes when
the time has come.
Beach towel
Good for almost anything including drying off.
Equipment for divers
Buoyancy Compensator (bc)
It is nice to have your own. That way you do not need
to mess with straps and you usually do not have to worry about
it working. The best ones for warm water diving are quite
streamlined and rather minimalist. They are designed to be
easy to haul from island to island and are usually more
comfortable than the big bulky ones. Most of them have padding
on the back so that the tank is not resting directly on your
spine.
Regulator
I find this essential. I do not like putting a
regulator that has been used by untold others into my mouth.
It is always good to have it serviced before you leave.
Dive watch
Essential for diving. Also doubles as an alarm clock.
They are usually quite loud.
Knife
Good if you get tangled in fishing line or for any
other tangles you encounter. Customs officials often do not
look twice at a dive knife. One with a blunt end is best.
Wetsuit
A 3mm works best for most tropical climates. Some
folks use a shorty or even just a spandex suit. It depends on
how cold you get. This can often be an optional item depending
on where you are going. The coast of California is quite cold,
but Fiji is bath water and a T-shirt and shorts work fine.
Torch
For those night dives. Most of the really neat stuff
comes out to feed at night. I once spotted 10 eels, 3 sharks,
1 octopus, 3 lobsters, 2 rays and 5 quite sleepy giant green
sea turtles on one dive. They can also be used at any other
time and are definitely weather proof.
Absolutely essential for the diver
Dive tables or dive computer
This is a must have. Local operators often do not
bother with dive tables. You cannot rely upon them to tell you
when to surface. Many times they are busy doing other things.
One time in Hawaii we were 10 meters below the surface when I
turned and saw the dive master who was supposed to be on the
boat sitting next to us on the sandy bottom with a freshly
speared fish. It made for a great lunch but not smart diving.
And many times you are quite a distance from a recompression
chamber.
Diving certificate
If you are a certified diver you'd better take this
card with you.
Diving log
This log might be required so that your dive-master
can see that you have dived recently. If not, you may be
required to make a tune-up dive before they will let you go on
your own.
Toys
for hard-core divers
Most of
the high priced resorts offer rentals of these types of
things. It is often best to go this route so that you are not
burdened with getting the equipment to where you are going.
And you also do not have to worry about servicing it. Most
places that offer rentals also offer classes in the operation
of the various toys.
Spear gun
This one is a bit harder to get past customs. Even
though they usually know what it is I think they like to
hassle people with them. Always be sure to remove the spear
tips before packing them. Having holes in your bc is no fun.
Photo stuff
This is a whole list unto itself. You can fill a
whole pack with the different cameras, lenses, flashes and
films one uses in underwater photography. Be sure to pack it
very well and bring lots of batteries.
Video camera
Again a nice toy to have but the lights which are
associated with it are quite bulky. Remember that you may need
a
wall socket adapter if you wish to recharge the batteries
in the video camera.
Underwater scooter
It may seem hard to believe but I actually saw a
person unloading one of these from the plane. Cousteau they
were not but they got to cover quite a lot of territory on it.
Again, the bulk and hassle of getting it to where you are
going is often not worth it.
Climbing equipment
I am
not really a climber, so don't take for granted that these
lists contain everything you will ever need. The life of a
climber can depend on how well you have treated your
equipment, so it is well advised to make sure you buy only
good quality stuff, and use and store it with care. Also,
please remember that climbing is serious stuff and without
proper training can cost your life! Consult an experienced
climber before you buy or borrow or USE any climbing
equipment!
Rock Climbing Equipment and Techniques is an excellent
site explaining climbing equipment.
Places
to buy travel clothes and gear.
Hiking equipment
I love
to scramble in the mountains, so I almost always bring these
kinds of things with me. Remember that it can be really COLD
at high altitudes, even in tropical climates, so the "Clothes
for Cold weather" list may very well be worth a second look.
Hiking trousers
You can walk in a pair of jeans, but I find jeans too
tight. Choose a pair with big pockets. I like to keep a lot of
things in my pockets when I'm up in the mountains. Your
track-suit bottoms can double as hiking trousers, but they
usually don't have that many pockets. They also tend to get
wet fairly quickly.
Hiking Boots
Takes up a lot of place in your backpack, but
necessary if you like rough walking. Be sure they are
reasonably watertight if you are likely to walk across snow
fields or glaciers. Hiking boots are also useful if you want
to take forbidden literature into a country. I ripped Lonely
Planet's book "Africa on a Shoestring" in half, pushed each
half into my boots and got it through a thorough check at the
border to Malawi. The book was considered forbidden literature
in Malawi since it had some not so nice things to say about
the Life Time President Hastings Banda. Things are said to be
different in Malawi now.
Tent
I carried one with me 10 weeks in Asia, and used it
only once to sleep ON, not IN. Leave it at home unless you
trek in cold climates or are on a tight budget. Actually, I
once remember sleeping at a camp site in Paris, which was
cheaper than a hostel, but I ended up spending quite a lot of
money on buses to and from the remotely situated camp site.
Tents are often very heavy and bulky, but there are also a few
small and light ones. It seems like you can very often rent
tents whenever you are in a place where they are useful, such
as close to the highest mountains in a country.
Woolen socks
Great to have in the tent. Also perfect in your
sleeping bag so that your poor feet will stay warm all night.
Basic (rock) climbing equipment
Insurance
Make sure your ordinary insurance covers climbing!
Not all of them do!
Rope
Must be of very good quality and specifically made
for climbing. Using the towing rope from your car trunk can
break your back!
Wedges, hexes and spring-loaded camming devices (SLCD)
Wedged into cracks in the rock for safety. You need
quite a few of them, in quite a few sizes.
Carabiner
At least three of them, but possibly ten or more for
difficult climbing.
Locking carabiner
At least one is usually needed.
Tubular webbing
Used to attach the rope to the wedges, hexes and
SLCD's.
Harness
Should be of good quality to distribute the load over
your body in case you fall.
Helmet
Many climbers have died after being hit by falling
rocks!
Climbing shoes
They should be tight.
Prusik
Quite thin ropes with a special sliding knot used in
case you have to climb on the rope itself after a fall. You
usually need at least four of them.
Belay devices/Descender
Works as a break to stop a climber when he falls.
Also used when descending down a rope.
Equipment for glaciers
This
list contains stuff you need in addition to the list of
ordinary climbing equipment mentioned above. Please note that
this list is not necessarily complete. You may very well need
other stuff I have forgotten!
This
page is
an excellent site for ice climbing equipment. Also consult
The Climbing Dictionary.
Ice axe
Shorter ones are best for ice climbing, while longer
ones are best for walking on glaciers.
Crampons/Climbing irons
They are so essential for walking safely on glaciers
that it might be wise to bring an extra crampon in case one of
them breaks.
Rope
It is not necessary to use ordinary climbing ropes
for glacier walks. A much cheaper rope might do even better.
Harness
Should be full body (supporting both your seat and
shoulders). Otherwise your heavy backpack might put you
hanging upside down in a crevasse, or break your back!
Ice screw
Looks like a large bolt that can be screwed in hard
ice.
Snow anchor
Used to secure yourself if you don't have any solid
ice at hand, only snow.
Clothes for glaciers
Walking
and climbing on glaciers can be extremely demanding on your
body. Dressing for such activity is difficult. One hour you
might be sweating heavily, climbing up a steep slope with a
heavy backpack, while an hour later you can be sitting in a
freezing bivouac in a snowstorm. Not being prepared for both
situations can cost your life! Do NOT use this list as if it
listed all clothes you need! There might very well be things I
have forgotten. Also check the list of hiking equipment, as
well as the list of clothes for cold weather!
Shoes
Must be very sturdy and allow for crampons to be
attached.
Heavy duty underwear
Do NOT use cotton! Wet cotton underwear can in
extreme situations kill you!
Wind jacket and pants
Gore-Tex or other similar stuff is recommended, since
it is wind and water proof while still breathable.
Sweater
To put on when you stop climbing. Wool or fleece.
Gaiters
Stops ice and snow from entering into your shoes.
Mittens
Winter gloves
Goggles/Sunglasses
These are a must even on overcast days. Even diffuse
light reflected off snow can cause temporary snow blindness.
Ensure your goggles/glasses are designed specifically for this |
