Packing - What to Take on Your Trip
Each trip has different requirements, a different mix of day and night activities, a different climate, a different terrain, and a different duration. This information is for the kinds of trips we take - trips that include hiking and walking. But, whether you are walking or riding a tour bus, our packing list will provide you with good ideas to help you prepare for your trip!
Here are a few resources we recommend that carry pretty much everything you might need in terms of travel clothing and supplies.
A Few Basic Packing Rules
All said and done we have found a few basic rules we follow when it comes to packing.
- While we always try to pack for the possibilities, less is better than more. The most important item to take is always the VISA card. Mostly, everything is available everywhere if you need it!
- Making sure you have all your prescriptions is more important than all your clothing. It is easy to shop for clothes.
- Take an extra pair of cheap reading glasses! (reminder to Ralph who buys the foldable kind at the Dollar Store)
- If the clothes you want to take won't dry overnight, then consider your alternatives. We try to travel with clothes we can wash, that will quickly dry, and that do not need to be ironed!
- In general, no matter how long the trip, take only the clothing you need for 3 days. Travel detergent weighs less and takes less space than too many clothes!
- Forget the jeans (too bulky, too heavy, and too hard to dry). Take 1-2 pair of zip off travel pants instead.
- Always assume that it will rain and be prepared to layer your clothing. We have found that the combination of long underwear (silk), zipoff travel pants, and rain/wind pants takes care of most situations. On top, long underwear, a shirt, a fleece, and a rain/wind jacket is a pretty good combination. Add a tee to the mix for extra warmth.
- Don't underestimate the sun and be prepared, Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and good sunblock!.
- If we go hiking we always break in new boots before the trip!. Good socks are very important (some socks need sock liners) and nothing can make you more miserable than hurting feet.
- Walking sticks can really help when it comes to your knees. But, make sure you know how to use them. We understand their merits but we also understand that they don't work well in all terrains. We would always opt to have them us.
- If you are bringing hiking boots, save space in your luggage by wearing them on the plane. And, whenever we bring hiking boots, we always bring a pair of walking sandals - even if we have to wear them with socks.
- We always take a few large trash bags - to line the inside of our backpacks, for dirty laundry, etc.
Clothing
- 1 pair of shorts, better fast-drying synthetic than cotton
- 1 pair of long pants, better fast-drying synthetic than cotton
- 2 tee shirts, better very lightweight woven cotton (not knit) or fast-drying synthetic
- 1 - 2 sleeved shirts, better very lightweight WOVEN cotton (not knit) or fast-drying synthetic
- polar fleece jacket or sweater: fleece recommended as it is lighter and dries faster
- rain jacket or poncho: poncho is cooler but jacket is recommended as ponchos are not as effective in wind
- rain-wind pants - we always take them with us on any trip (make certain pants and jacket are waterproofed)
- long underwear(packs small and is always handy)
- 2-3 pairs socks (regular and hiking)
- sleepwear
- 2 changes underwear
- sports bra for the ladies
- belt
- Swimsuit
- Something to wear in the evening as daytime clothes are drying. Ginger typically brings a long skirt, fancier top and several pairs of inexpensive earrings.
Gear that is Necessary
- hat(s) for sun, rain and cold
- polarized sunglasses
- high protection sunscreen
- lip balm (with sunscreen)
- walking shoes or hiking boots - terrain appropriate (Must be broken in and waterproof) Do you need blister protection
- off-trail shoes and perhaps walking sandals
- backpack - big enough for your stuff and light enough to carry
- water bottle, capacity around two quarts or two one-quart bottles (always carry water!) (Note: We generally just buy a few bottles of water and refill the bottles)
- eyeglasses or contacts if used, including extra pair (what about reading glasses?)
- toiletries including soap, shampoo, toothpaste
- prescription medicine and vitamins, enough for length of trip (bring prescription or generic name)
- small first aid kit with familiar medicines you might need (respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, blisters)
- Ziploc plastic bags or plastic bags and twist ties, various sizes, including large
- travel laundry detergent - enough to wash out clothes by hand each day
- small sewing kit and some safety pins
- small fanny pack - useful when walking around town
- extra shoelaces
- maps and guidebook
- whistle
- Swiss army knife
- flashlight (extra batteries and bulbs)
- a little toilet paper in a plastic bag
- wet wipes (non-fragrant) and hand sanitizer
- watch
- matches (if you bring matches make certain that they are in a match container)
- quick dry towel
- 1 - 2 bandanas - great for multiple uses
- small roll of duct tape (repair backpacks, cover blisters, you never know)
- 2 decks of cards and 5 dice
- cork screw
Gear that is optional
- Travel Scrabble
- walking poles
- sock liners (if your hiking socks require them they are not optional)
- gloves
- compass
- bug repellent (deet,25% or higher works best)
- water filter and water treatment tablets
- camera (make sure you can recharge it and store enough pictures) Snorkeling? Take a disposable underwater camera
- Binoulars
- cell phone (make sure it works where your travels take you)
- GPS (be certain it is loaded with the right maps)
- alarm clock
- electrical adapters and plugs
- phrase book or language translator
Essentials
- address list and list of important contacts or numbers
- backpack, suitcase, or sports bag (something to pack everything in)
- paper or notebook
- passport (check validity!)
- copy of passport (packed separately from passport!)
- pen
- tickets and itinerary
- visa - if necessary
- travel, rental car and medical insurance - are you covered?
Finances
- ATM card
- calculator or currency converter (optional)
- money - make sure it is convenient to change to local currency
- credit card (Visa or Mastercard are most widely accepted)
- money belt (we think this is a good idea)
- travellers' check receipts - if you use travellers' checks (we don't)
Have some suggestions? Please email your comments and recommendations.