Packing List
This is the list I print out and check off as I get ready to go.
Money belt, containing:
- Passport.
- Tickets.
- Money (cash, credit cards, ATM cards).
- Insurance details (plus stick a copy in my pack).
- Driver's licence.
- Hostelling card.
Daypack/messenger bag, containing:
- Guidebook.
- Book.
- Sunglasses.
- Wallet.
- Roll of toilet paper.
- Baby wipes.
- A notebook/journal with the number to ring if the credit card is stolen, photocopies of important documents, reservation details, addresses of family and friends, bus timetables, etc.
- Makeup bag.
- Water bottle and food.
- Camera.
Pack, containing:
- Skirts.
- Bras.
- Knickers.
- Shirts.
- Swimsuit.
- Nightclothes.
- Wrap for cool weather.
- Flip flops for showers and beaches.
Washbag, containing:
- Toothbrush in a container, paste, and floss.
- Soap.
- Face wash.
- Shampoo.
- SPF15+ moisturizer or sunscreen or both.
- Comb.
- Antiperspirant.
- Menstrual supplies.
- Body lotion.
- Disposable razor.
- Foot file.
- Nail file.
First aid kit, containing:
- Anti-malarials, if applicable.
- Spare pair of glasses in a strong case, and a copy of the prescription.
- Bottle of tea tree essential oil.
- A large packet of ibuprofen painkillers.
- Multi-vitamins in a plastic bottle.
- Anti-histamine cream and/or tablets for insect bites or allergic reactions.
- Medicine for quick treatment of diarrhea.
- A couple of plasters.
- Germolene antiseptic cream.
- An elastic bandage.
Practical stuff, containing:
- A towel.
- Swiss Army knife.
- Laundry kit: A big plastic bag for grubby clothes, braided rubber clothes line, a rubber one-size-fits-all sink stopper, a nail brush.
- A sleeping bag liner.
- Mending kit: a needle and thread, replacement buttons and zips.
- Food kit: A large shallow mug and a spoon.
- A small combination lock and thin steel cable for locking the pack up.
- Tiny Maglite torch.
Things to leave behind:
- A note of the return transport details, such as flight/ferry number, its date and ETA (estimated time of arrival).
- A note of the reservations, if any.
- Some kind of rough itinerary, hedged about with large disclaimers re: changes of plan that don't automatically mean one is dead in a ditch.
- Contact email address.
- Photocopies of important documents.
- Scans of same which should be scanned and sent to a web-based email account.
- Anything electrical, irreplaceable, breakable, expensive, borrowed, or of great sentimental value.
Things to do before going:
- Arrange for time off, send an out of office email; or cut to the chase and resign!
- At home, chuck out perishables from the fridge, cancel deliveries, tell the neighbours, etc.
- Arrange for pets/plants/bills and rent to be fed/watered/paid.
- Leave keys, car, documents and money with family and friends.
- Read the guidebook.
- Agree a vague schedule of when to email/phone/send carrier pigeons.
- Gloat.
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