Packing List

What to pack?

This is my packing list, take it and make changes where needed.

• Travel pack – Won’t be able to bring much without a suitcase or large backpack.  Just remember to pack light, especially if you’re traveling long term.  Depending on how often you will be packing/unpacking, I recommend a front opening instead of a top, easier to pick out just the things you need.
• Clothes – I shouldn’t have needed to tell you this… but you never know.  Just remember to research weather.  And also if you can look up the dress code for the area you’re going to.  While Bangkok may be a big backpacker hub with high temperatures, you’ll need more than tank tops and thongs (both American and Australian meanings).
• Sneakers – I don’t care if it is just a weekend wedding or a year abroad.  Always bring a pair of shoes that you are comfortable running in.
• Towel – “My hostel says they provide towels!” Bring your own.  Trust me.
• Daypack – You don’t want to have to bring your whole bag if it’s just a day trip to the beach.  I recommend bringing a smaller backpack as well as an even smaller option, like a string bag.
• Camera – Bring a camera other than your phone.  Whether it be a GoPro, a DSLR, or both.  Just nice to get a little better quality as well as diversify in case you lose or break something.
• Phone – Bring it to communicate and take pictures.  But whatever you do, don’t be the person who travels thousands of miles to sit scrolling through twitter or bumble the whole trip.
• Watch – What if your phone breaks?  Wear an affordable, durable watch to ensure you will be on time for everything from trains to dates.
• Plastic Bags – This one might have surprised you.  From taking food on a trip to protecting your phone during a rainstorm, they pack light and can save the day.  Bring heaps!
• Meds – All of these adventures can take a toll on our body.  My travel first aid kit has band-aids, medicine for headaches, stomach, and digestive issues.  Remember to look up where you’re going.  You can buy some stuff when you arrive.  But if you’re going to Australia, bring sunscreen.
• A small game/deck of cards – From hostels to delayed flights, these will make your time more enjoyable.  It will help you avoid some of the stress and it works as a great icebreaker, win-win!
• Extra batteries/chargers – There is nothing more frustrating than having the perfect subject for a photo, only to have a phone and/or camera be dead.  Make sure to pack plenty of extra batteries and chargers.  Don’t forget storage either (sd cards, thumb drives, hard drives, etc.).
• Photocopies AND electronic copies of important documents – What happens if a bag/wallet gets stolen and you lose a passport, drivers license, credit cards, or anything else.  You need to have a backup plan.
• Condoms – You may meet someone fabulous.  And everyone likes to bring home souvenirs, but these may help you keep some things away.
• Computer – Not completely necessary, but if you intend to do any blogging, video editing, or anything like that, might be worth taking a slim laptop.  Also booking accommodation and flights on a phone can be exhausting.
• Book(s) – There will be times you will not have wifi and will have to entertain yourself.  It is also a great way to relax if you have had some stressful travel.
• Something you’re willing to give to someone – Travelers are some of the coolest people.  I always like to give a gift to my favorite people, it doesn’t have to be anything big. A t-shirt, bracelet, or a book work great.
• Do not bring anything you cannot lose – a lost phone or computer can be devastating.  These are replaceable.  However, the ring that your late friend got you, leave that at home.