A Packlist for Traveling Light

THE Pack List!!!
“Pack Light and Pack Tight! “

I take two (2) bags when I travel: a small backpack that will fit under the seat on most any plane (overall dimensions [w + l + h] < 42 inches) and a small carry-on bag—I used to use a fanny pack by Dana Design, but after 15 years, it finally croaked; now I use the Rapid by Mountainsmith, it's very versatile! That’s my one carry-on bag and one “personal item” allowed by the airlines (if you're “roughing it” take your sleeping bag as your personal item). When traveling on excursions (foreign or domestic), I attempt to NOT check any luggage, enabling me to (sometimes) hop earlier flights, get to my destination quicker, and thus spend more time in country. The best travel advice I have for people unaccustomed to traveling light is this: Layout what you think you are going to need. Then, leave half of it home, and take more money. Have you ever heard anyone say, “Next time, I'm going to pack more!”?

I also pack the same amount of clothes for a week-long trip as I do for a 2 or 3 (or more!) month excursion. The only difference between the two is that I will wash clothes more often on a 2 or 3 month excursion (usually in the sink or local Laundromat)... If all else fails, you can always buy clothes in the country you're visiting! Clothes bought on a trip can be great and unique souvenirs! Imagine your friends asking, “Great shoes! Where did you get them?” You reply, “Oh, last time I was in Paris…there was this little shop, see…”

If you have “extra” space in your bag, that's OK. When packing light, the mantra is “less is more.”

Make sure that your clothes are lightweight, packable, mostly wrinkle-proof, & color-coordinated. This will save you precious time (and headaches!), because you'll never have to worry if your clothes are going to match or if they need to be ironed. All “clothes” (see below) go in the backpack, and the “other items” (see below) are distributed between the backpack & other small bag.

The Packing List

Picture of What I Take (click on image to enlarge)

Clothes (I always roll mine):

· 2 Pair Trousers, one casual/nice-ish type, one casual/jean-ish

· 1 Long, lightweight, travel-type skirt--optional, as trousers are acceptable in most countries now days (women and Scots only, “packable” and non-wrinkle)

· 1-2 Pair lightweight shorts (can double as swimsuit and pajamas, though maybe not in the same day!)

· 2 Lightweight, nice (not old), not white T-shirts or polo's

· 2 Nice (dressier) shirts/blouses, long or short sleeve, your choice (depending on climate)

· 1 “Layerable,” lightweight, long-sleeve shirt such as a Henley, turtleneck, or a lightweight sweater (can wear if arrival city is a little chilly)

· 1 Rain jacket, waterproof, packable, & lightweight (always plan on rain...); I usually wear my jacket on the plane because it tends to get a little cold on most flights; plus, it can make a nice pillow

· 1 Swim suit (if don't want shorts to double)

· 7-9 Underwear (small to pack and clean underwear make a world of difference!)

· 7-9 Pair of Socks (small to pack and clean socks make a world of difference!)

· 1-2 Shoes. A pair of comfy, low-profile tennis-type shoes and/OR a pair of waterproof-breathable shoes that can be used for moderate hiking and playing soccer with kids in the street. Unless you are planning on hard core trekking in Patagonia, you don't need anything special.

o Never skimp on shoes. A pair of comfy shoes is essential!

· 1 Walkable sandals (not flip-flops) for shower floors, beaches, etc. (I like aqua socks).

· 1 Belt (reversible is nice)

· 2-3 Brassiers (bras), women only (I hope!)

· 3 Scrungees or hair clips, long hair only

Other Items:

· 2 pair of earplugs; these are INVALUABLE!!

· 1 Map of the region; A GOOD MAP IS ESSENTIAL!!

· 1 small, reliable, tough flashlight w/new batteries

· 1 small bar of hand soap

· 1 Pit Jit (deodorant)

· 1 Each: Comb/Brush, Razor, & small Travel Tooth-stuff (if you run out, just pop into a neighborhood department store -- usually a great cultural experience in itself!)

· 1 Camera*, loaded with film

· 1 Each, Travel Journal & small notepad

· 2 Pens...make sure they write in hot, humid, & cold weather

· 1 Pair of small binoculars (Great to get a close-up look at ceilings, architecture, and art in cathedrals, galleries, and museums and birds, animals, landscapes...)

· 5 Yards small nylon cord/rope, for clothesline & other uses (optional)

· 1 Sunglasses

· 1 Prescription glasses or contacts and solution (if necessary...I take a back-up pair of glasses as well)

· 1 Small towel &/OR large washcloth (optional)

· Several small packages of Kleenex, very handy! (optional)

· 10-15 small “wet naps” (like from KFC...we used to use hand sanitizer, but FAA regulations now...you can also pick it up en route if you really want it...) -- optional, but very handy!!

· Any prescription/OTC medicine you need, clearly labeled and in the original bottle

· 1 “Ditty” bag for ladies' supplies (make-up, etc.)

· 1-2 Really, really good Guide Books (I use Blue Guides for History/Art/Architecture/Archeology; Green Guides for driving and a good overview; Rick Steves, Rough Guides, or Lonely Planet for travel info; Footprint for South America); Always buy the most recent edition of the guidebook

· 1 Waterproof, reliable watch with alarm

* See my piece on The Advantages of Using a Digital Camera...This is what we use. It's one of the best investments we have made!

Make sure you do NOT forget these items (should be kept on your body):

· Passport

· Wallet w/credit cards (ATM/Debit card, 1 each VISA & Master Card, make sure one is GOLD status or higher) and Cash (US$100 emergency fund)

· Plane/Rental Car tickets/rail pass/reservations (or receipts if you have e-tickets)

Travel Smith has some good ideas for travel clothes, but are a bit expensive for my tastes (I'm a cheapskate, you see). We take what we normally use -- why buy everything brand new for a trip?? The clothes we pack come from our closet. Who's going to know (or care) that you're wearing the same trousers for 5 days?

I used to take my Swiss Army knife for cutting bread, cheese, fruits, etc., but due to FAA regulations, I no longer do. I just buy a small, discreet, inexpensive knife upon arrival in the country; sometimes even a plastic one will do, and those can be had nearly everywhere.

As one of my mentors said, “If you have your passport, money, and tickets, you can go anywhere!” If you have questions, please drop me a line. Indeed! My other pages have even more information about traveling frugally, plus other fun stuff!!!

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