The Adventure Begins...Packing Crisis
Ok so ‘crisis’ is probably an over-exaggeration, but I’m really not the best at travelling light, and now the time has come to at least attempt to pack my rucksack before I embark on my solo travel adventure. On any given holiday, whether it be for three days, or three weeks, I’d usually take numerous outfits, shoes, toiletries, medical supplies… basically everything but the kitchen sink as the cliche goes.
Now that I’ve sorted visas, insurance, booked flights and some hostels, bought travel supplies etc, the time has come to attempt to pack up my life for a trip of five/six months (if not longer, who knows) in a bag of just 60 litres - yet still I can hardly carry it. The realisation has dawned on me that I’m also going to have to seriously limit the luxuries… do I choose my favourite Toni & Guy dry hair shampoo, or my beloved Marmite? Decisions, decisions…
Here’s a rough outline of what I’m intending to take so far:
Clothes:
- Socks - 4 or 5 pairs
- Underwear - 10-12 pairs
- Sports bra x 1, normal bras x 2
- Bikinis x2, Swimsuit x1
- Beach cover up
- Lightweight scarf/doubles up as sarong
- Zip-up Hoodie
- Long-sleeved top x1
- Jumpsuits x1
- Playsuit x2
- Shorts x 3
- Skirt x 1
- Dresses x 3
- Sports leggings x 1
- Normal cotton leggings x 1
- T-shirts x 3
- Strap tops x 5
- Other tops x 2
- Waterproof jacket
- Cap
Cosmetics/Toiletries/Meds:
- Make-up
- Medication
- Toothpaste + Toothbrush
- Antiseptic cream
- Paracetamol
- Imodium
- Rehydration sachets
- Make-up wipes
- Cotton wool buds
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Brush
- Moisturiser
- Sun cream & after sun
- SPF lipbalm
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Bite relief cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Hair bands
Footwear:
- Flip flops
- Flat sandals
- Merrell Hiking trainers
Miscellaneous:
- Self-filter water bottle
- Travel towel
- Sleeping bag liner (for overnight trains/buses/not so nice hostels)
- Money belt
- Bumbag (thanks mum!)
- Camera + spare battery
- Portable phone charger
- Headphones
- Eye mask & earplugs
- Multi-tool penknife
- Personal alarm
- Waterproof phone case
- Small tube of washing detergent
- Worldwide travel adaptor
- Bug repellant
- Jewellery
- Mini first aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Mini torch
- Padlock
Reading this list through, it feels pretty exhaustive and I’m really not sure how it’s all going to fit in. It’s going to take a few trial runs and edits I think. If you have any suggestions for things I can get rid of, or obvious bits I’m missing, I’d love to hear your thoughts!