My packing list for trips lasting between one week to three months are pretty much the same. The only major difference is the type of outer wear I need to bring. I follow a strict carry-on only policy and I’m firm believer that you only need three (3) sets of clothes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a guy or a girl; three sets, that’s all you get and that’s all you need. One set you wear, the second set is drying, and the third is for emergencies. I know we all want to look cute and fashionable while meeting folks from all over the world, but let’s be honest, given the choice between being chic and a pain-free back, what do you think you’ll choose? Shame on you if you chose chic, and don’t come crawling to me asking for one of my precious Salonpas.
*BACKPACK
I carry a Gregory Jade 38L pack. It is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of planes and buses, even the smaller regional ones, but at the same time big enough to fit the loads of present I inevitably pick up along the way. The main compartment has only has one pocket, a small-ish envelope type that’s good for stashing flat or foldable items. The hood has two pockets, a roomier one that’s accessed from the outside, great for storing items you need quick access to such as your toiletry bag when clearing security lines. There’s also smaller more discreet one that can only be opened if you lift the hood, which I use for stashing makeup and other girly luxuries. The best part of the bag though, other than being super lightweight, is that the main compartment can be accessed three ways, the main opening on the top, the opening underneath the front pocket, and the bottom one hidden in the sleeping bag compartment. No more unpacking and repacking every time I need to find socks or knickers.
*CLOTHES
- 2 T-shirts *
- 1 Long-sleeved shirt *
- 1 Tank top *
- 1 Pair of dark jeans (substitute with a mid-length cotton skirt if going somewhere warm)
- 1 Pair of dark cotton pants
- 1 Pair of dark shorts (substitute with dark leggings or tights if going somewhere cold)
- 1 Dress (for slightly fancier excursions)
- 1 sweater/cardigan
- 1 blazer, coat or jacket *
- 3 pairs of knickers
- 2 bras
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair ballet flats or flat boots (depends on destination)
- 1 pair cute trainers/sneakers
- 1 pair flip flops (for communal bathrooms and hanging out in the hostel common room)
Adjust the number of t-shirts versus tanks or long-sleeved shirts depending on destinations and/or weather, as well as choice of outerwear.
*TOILETRIES
Non-negotiable in terms of type and brand
- Leave-on conditioner ( I have long curly hair, this is a necessity for me)
- Deodorant
- Facial wash
- Moisturizer
- Sunblock
- Zit cream
- Perfume/cologne
Can be bought on the road
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Mouthwash
- Lip balm
*ELECTRONICS
- Camera
- Ipad
- Iphone
- Spare batteries
- Memory cards and flash drives
*DRUGS/FIRST AID KIT
- Advil or anything with Ibuprofen
- Midol (works for headaches and hangovers if you run out of Advil)
- Immodium
- Salonpas
- Band-aids
- Disinfecting wipes
- Scissors
- Sudafed and/or Theraflu
- Moleskin
*SMALL NECESSITIES
- Nail clipper
- Tweezers
- Dental floss
- Hanger (eBay sells foldable ones for $5.00 for a pack of 5)
- Rope (for drying laundry or tying up anything you fancy)
- Extra duffel bag (you can skip this if you know for sure you’re not buying anything)
- Quick dry towel
- Laundry bag
- Toilet paper
- Small roll of duct tape
- Tampons
- Hair tie and bobby pins
- Eyeglasses (not wearing contacts on the road saves me from bringing solution)
- Journal
- Pen
- Phrasebooks
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Carabiner (different sizes)
*LUXURY ITEMS
- Benefit’s “Primping With The Stars” makeup kit (has all the makeup I need)
- Clinique’s Dark spot remover
- Small pretty and girly purse
For what’s inside my pack for my two week trip to Peru, check out http://michelinathan.com/peru-pack/..
Safe and happy travels…