Packing
The less carried, the easier is the journey. Saying that, I struggle to take less than 15 kilos. Generally, everything is available in most large cities for a price. I take enough personal toiletries to last for 4 – 6 weeks. If I travel for only 2 months it is easy to take everything I need. The one item I always take a generous supply is a good quality face cream with SPF 15/30 and sunscreen. I try to take enough to last the trip. Good face cream can be hard to find or very expensive; sunscreen can be very expensive.
Colors: When I travel I coordinate the clothes in three to four colors. For example, my favorites area blue and beige with white and black for items such as tank/camisole tops and a blouse/shirt. An additional compliment color is green or rust. These colors can be worn with each other and they do not show the dust or dirt. I also wear mostly plain colored items.
Tops: I take a couple of fitted T-shirts and a couple of tank tops (white, black and beige) and 2 - 3 blouses which can be used as a jacket on top of the T-shirts for warmth or modesty or sun protection. I also take one sleeveless blouse if I am going to hot climates. Light weight weight cotton poly blends are ideal for the shirts and T-shirts as they dry quickly and do not crease.
Pants: I take two pair of light weight pants in a neutral color. I also take a couple pairs of capri pants. Some people take zip off pants which convert into shorts. I prefer to wear skirts, but that is all about your own preference.
Skirts: I take two light weight skirts, usually a rayon fabric. I like the comfort and breathability of skirts.
Shoes: if i am not hiking I take a pair of comfortable walking shoes such as ECCO. They look less touristy than runners, are more dressy and are just as comfortable. I also take a pair of comfortable sandals, such as Teva or Mephisto brands, depending on how dressy I want them to look. In europe I like to look more dressy so I will fit in and the streets are paved so their are fewer dangers of uneven roads or dirt roads.
Under Wear: I take 5 or 6 pair of light cotton panties. One heavier pair of thermal socks and 2- 3 lighter pairs of socks. I prefer to wear sandals unless it is really cold. The socks and underwear can be washed daily and will dry over night. I take three bras, one in beige, one in black and one in white.
Outer Wear: For colder climates such as Europe in spring and fall I take a all weather rain proof jacket with a hood such as Gortex fabric. I also take a pair of gloves. I like to layer and will take one light weight fleece zipper up sweater and/or a fleece zipper up vest. If it is cold I can wear both of these over my tank top and my T-shirt if I need extra warmth.
Accessories: I swear by a sarong and a light weight Pashmina type shawl. I have picked both of these up at Second Hand stores. I also have purchased these from markets in Asia where they are only a few dollars. These are my most worn items. I take a few pairs of earrings and a couple of small light weight costume necklaces. As I am fair I always take a beige colored wide brimmed hat.
Strategy: Many people will go to a travel store or outdoor specialist and get clothes made of high tech fabrics. I must admit I go to the Second Hand store such as Good Will and will buy my travel clothes. I then discard them along the way as I tire or them or as my trip is coming to an end. The exceptions are a good fleece sweater/vest, a light weight rain proof wind breaker and shoes.
Packing List
|
