Your backpack is going to be the extension of your travel self!.You are literally carrying your home with you. Whether you plan to go off a few-day trip or just have a one way ticket to a long adventure, what you carry in your backpack can make your life easier or harder.
In my first backpack, I packed everything that I considered essential. I ended up using just a small part of all these items, and many times I paid with inconvenience or back pain. In every trip from then on, I started little by little getting rid of or replacing these impractical possessions.
There is no way to avoid carrying your bag. Between transportation, while looking for your accommodation or heading to the next destination, you will have to carry your weight. And believe me, every kilo will matter! Being organized and keeping the essentials, will also help avoid forgetting some of your stuff, or chaotically search for them when you actually need them. For these reasons, I would strongly recommend that your backpack is less than 10kg.
This is not a guide for all the objects that a traveler would possibly want (cameras, beauty products, snacks etc) or an individual needs (contact lense, glasses etc), but the absolutely essential items that you will necessitate before heading off.
Essential clothing
Depending on which part of the world you are setting off to, you will have to make the right choice for your clothing. It is obvious that if you are heading to a region where temperatures are low, you would have to be prepared for it with some extra warm clothes.
For the last few years, I have been swapping between warm and cold climates so it is important to have options that offer flexibility. Also remember, that you don’t need many outfits, since laundry is accessible almost everywhere, and you can always buy some new clothes on the way.
If I had to break down an estimate it would look like that:
- About 5 shirts that you feel comfortable wearing on different occasions.
- A couple of pants for more formal events and a couple of shorts for sports, hikes or other activities.
- Around 5-6 pairs of underwear and socks would be more than enough.
- One pair of shoes for casual occasions and sport shoes for walking and comfort.
- Get a swimsuit even if you are not heading in a coastal area, since it’s likely you will have access to swimming pools, saunas or other chances you will need it.
- One warm jacket for those cold days. Even if you are visiting a tropical area, you never know where your excursion will lead you, and when you are going to really need it. Even better if it is waterproof. If not, you can easily get a cheap foldable waterproof ponzo, that doesn’t demand a lot of space, and believe me, it can be your savior.
Essential documents
- You will not make it really far away without your passport. It’s the most important identification that you will need to carry with you. Within the Schengen zone (Europe), the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and some South American countries, the relevant citizens do not need a passport, but can cross borders just with an ID. You will have to take great care of it, because losing it can mean a lot of paperwork, costs and inconvenience. Making a photocopy of the main page, or at least getting a picture in your phone is a good tactic, to make things easier in case you lose it. It’s also wise to carry at least another form of identification for emergency or for day to day use.
- Driver’s license for a car or motorcycle can be very useful for your trip. Making your license international is a simple process before starting your trip. Many countries around the world will accept it, and will offer you a lot of flexibility in transportation.
- Various countries demand specific types of vaccination before visiting them. Check online the requirements when planning your trip, and bring a copy of your certificates. You will most likely be checked by the immigration, and entrance could be denied if you have no proof.
- It’s also common that immigration would require a flight ticket out of the country, and sometimes even a bank statement that you have enough money for your stay. You can either print them out,, or keep them in your phone, ready to show when required.
Medicine and hygiene
I am pretty sure your mother could turn your whole backpack into a first aid kit to protect you but you don’t have to exaggerate. Remember that anywhere humans live in this world you will find the most commonly used types of medicine. However, it’s essential to be prepared to some extent for cases of emergency.
- The medicines I found most useful while traveling are those related with food poisoning and some cream for stings and bites. It is good to have some allergy tablets since you will come in contact with new types of food and plants that you don’t know their impact on you.
Excessive or not justified consumption of pills is not the best way to deal with health issues. While visiting different parts of the world, you will find a lot of local wisdom related to medicinal plants and natural products. My personal opinion is using those first for dealing with any discomforts during your trip.
- Sunscreen is a must for almost any part of the world. Especially in tropical regions, spending your days sightseeing or doing activities under the hot sun can be unbearable. Not only that, but excessive sunlight for extensive periods of time can gradually create serious skin disease and general health issues.
- You never know when mosquitos will attack you! In the best case scenario, they will just disturb your sleep, but there are also various diseases that can lead to a really bad experience. Always carry your mosquito repellent with you!
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, bodywash and shampoo are products you will need for everyday use. I would recommend selecting small sized ones, so that you can carry them with you on a plane, and also save luggage space.
- Your life will get easier if you carry a small body towel since it’s possible that your accommodation will not offer any.
Money related essentials
Once upon a time, exchanging money to the local currency was one of the most baffling, costly, and unsafe parts of the trip. Thankfully, nowadays it is much easier to have access to your money from anywhere in the world immediately. Although it can vary depending on your residence country, you would just need a credit card and some emergency cash.
- ATMs are also nowadays available everywhere around . Make sure to activate your card in the region you are traveling, so that it is not blocked when you try to withdraw money. It is also good to know your bank withdrawal fees and the exchange rates, and have a talk with your bank about what would be the optimal choice for you. There are also online banks (like Revolut) that can send a credit or debit card to your home address, and usually offer smaller fees and more flexibility than physical banks.
- When heading to a country with foreign currency, it is good practice to carry some emergency cash. I usually have some dollars, which are the easiest to exchange or be accepted around the world. If something happens to your credit card, you can stay safe until the problem is resolved.
Make your travel life easier
These are some travel hacks that can make your trip more safe, comfortable and fun. They might seem not so important, but believe me they can really make a difference for your experience.
- Mini padlock is a must for securing your luggage. In hostels, guests are storing their backpacks in lockers, which you can then secure with your padlock. Also while using transportation, it is best practice to lock your belongings, since pickpocketing is the number one danger you will have to deal with.
- Get a pair of earplugs. You will most definitely have to deal with noise coming from other guests or from the surrounding of your accommodation. They are a savior when taking a sleeping bus or train as well.
- Bring with you a rechargeable water bottle. Not only will you help protect the environment, but you will also save a good amount of money.
- Use little bags for organizing your belongings. For example you could have a kit for medicine, one for your electronics and one for your important documents.
- If heading to a region with a different plug system, it would be wise to get a plug adaptor. There are universal ones, which you can purchase and solve your connectivity problems once and for all.
- Pack some items that will help you get entertained or continue practicing hobbies. It could be a book, some cards or a small chess board. I usually carry with me a small fishing gear and a frisbee, since it’s a good way to meet other people and have some relaxing time.
Although packing the correct items will help you have a more comfortable and secure trip, the most valuable belonging of any traveler is his good mood. Load yourself with positivity, and prepare for an experience far more exciting than any object in your backpack.