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Table of Content
There are different ways to think about packing. You can bring everything or almost nothing. Some may bring essentials like their passport, phone, and credit cards/cash, and rely on getting items during the journey. On the other hand, you can carefully consider your destination and strive to be well-prepared. There is no right or wrong approach. Some people are fanatic about keeping the weight down, even going as far as cutting toothbrush handles and packing only one pair of underwear.
Personally, I took the time to pack for all types of weather and for every country worldwide. Initially, I packed for what I thought would be a four-year journey, but it turned out to be much longer than anticipated.
When crossing international borders, a valid passport is undeniably the first and foremost requirement. I've never left my passport behind, except when taking a shower. My passport has mostly been in a watertight bag in my thigh pocket. On a few occasions, my passport has been locked inside my anti-theft backpack. Pacsafe anti-theft backpacks come equipped with a convenient RFID-blocking pocket, which provides an ideal storage solution.
Many countries require that you obtain a visa before you can enter. Therefore, I ensure that I always travel with spare passport photos and copies of important documents such as my passport, driver's license, and credit cards. Some authorities prefer colour copies, so if possible, obtain color copies of the documents. Fortunately, many countries are shifting to online visa applications nowadays, so simply need to have it prepared and submitted online.
Some hard-to-reach countries might ask for bank statements, employment records, an education diploma or proof of travel insurance. But usually, you’ll just need a couple of passport photos.
The only time you’ll see me in shorts is if I’m swimming or on vacation. Long pants not only appear more professional but are also often practical. Some cultures and religions discourage showing too much skin, and I have never offended anyone by wearing long pants.
In some parts of the world, tattoos are traditionally part of society and in others, they are forbidden. If you are unsure, cover your tattoos up.
In areas with mosquito-borne diseases, it is also beneficial to cover your skin by wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tucking in your shirt and pant legs into your socks can provide added protection. There is also some evidence that shows mosquitos are attracted to dark colours, so I prefer to travel in light-colored attire.
Before leaving home I packed a scarf. Little did I know how useful it would become. The primary uses were to wrap it around my neck if I was cold, to cover my torso with it if the air-conditioning in a bus was too strong, or to cover my wife’s hair/shoulders in certain countries at specific sites. The rest of the time the scarf was tied around my waist.
Additional uses included: creating a sling, using it as a towel, covering something, tying something, carrying water (by soaking it and wringing it), covering my eyes when trying to sleep, covering a filthy pillow before resting my head on it and the list goes on.
I left home with a duffel bag and a small backpack. The duffel would go on top of or underneath a bus while the backpack would fit between my legs. I would have less expensive and less important items within the duffel and more sensitive items close to me.
Throughout the Pacific Ocean and parts of Asia, I traveled with the Pacsafe® EXP35 anti-theft travel backpack, which provided an extra level of security compared to the ordinary daypack I used throughout the early days of my journey. The EXP35 has puncture-resistant zippers and cut-resistant fabric, making it a safer pack to carry through dense crowds or for leaving behind in a dorm room.
"Before leaving home I packed a scarf. Little did I know how useful it would become."
During my travels, I carried a basic first aid kit containing bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, scissors, and safety pins. I included painkillers for headaches, muscle aches, and minor injuries, as well as motion sickness medication and anti-malaria pills. I would also recommend packing sunscreen and insect repellent. While most of these items can be obtained while traveling, having them readily available can be convenient. In reality, there's very little you can't acquire while on the road; it often comes down to what you truly need versus what you want. Being practical about what you bring along is important. If you do fall ill or get injured, local clinics can usually provide the necessary assistance.
For almost ten years, I had a water filter, with the LifeSaver Bottle being my choice in the early days, and later switching to the Salomon Soft Flask XA Filter. The LifeSaver Bottle provided greater safety in extreme conditions, while the Salomon XA Filter was suitable for everyday use and offered more convenience. It's important to consider your specific needs and circumstances when choosing between them. Alternatively, water purification tablets and boiling water are also viable options to a certain extent. One significant benefit of using water filters was the reduction in plastic waste, as I no longer had to purchase water bottles everywhere I went.
Interestingly, despite packing it for practical reasons, I never actually had the opportunity to use one item: a compass! Whether in forests, deserts, or at sea, I never found myself lost, thanks to the presence of modern infrastructure and mobile cell towers. Thus, the compass proved unnecessary in today's world.
In the eternal debate of packing light versus being fully prepared for your adventures, the choice ultimately boils down to personal preference and travel style. Whether you embrace the minimalist approach or opt for meticulous preparation, striking a balance that suits your needs is key to a successful journey.
Checklist:
Essential Travel Documents and Money:
Clothing and Accessories:
Useful Accessories:
Go-To Travel Gear:
Health and Safety Essentials:
Miscellaneous Items:
