This is the third installment in my Eurotrip planning series.
(Here are Part 1 and Part 2.)
Part 3: What to Bring?
First and most important of all, this is The Backpack.
It’s the sole piece of luggage I will be taking with me on my 3-week tour. The money is there to give you an idea of how big this bag is.
I had initially planned on buying an Osprey pack but my friend, Jeremy, was kind enough to offer his Eagle Creek Voyage travel pack. I’m not one to turn down an opportunity to NOT spend. It’s also an awesome backpack for the following reasons:
1. Hip support
The last thing I want on a backpacking trip is an injured back. Having the weight sit on my hips with a strap instead of just my shoulders will prevent that as I’m lugging my stuff to and from the airport or train station. It’s also lightweight, so there’s no added burden.
2. Panel access
The thing I like about suitcases over backpacks is that you can open them all the way around so you don’t have to pull everything out just to find what you’re looking for. This backpack opens all the way around like a suitcase, so you have easy access to all your stuff.
3. Detachable day pack
There’s a smaller backpack that’s connected to the front of the main pack. I don’t need to bring another bag for my day excursions!
4. Security pockets and lockable zippers
Anything that keeps my valuables safe is always a good thing.
There are a lot more things to consider when choosing a backpack, but these were enough for me. Sold!
Next, I took a trip to Daiso and admittedly went a little nuts. They have so much random inexpensive stuff that you just take one look at and say “I didn’t know I was looking for you until I found you.”
Here are my top Daiso picks:
1. Sleeping helpers
To keep from becoming THAT dorm roommate who says “Sssshh!” all night to a bunch of noisy 20-somethings, I bought ear plugs and an eye mask. See no evil, hear no evil…so I will speak no evil.
2. Sealable storage bags in various sizes
Perfect for keeping dirty laundry in that you don’t want contaminating your clean clothes, or for small items that you don’t want to lose, like your home SIM card.
3. Stackable cream containers
I cannot live without my moisturizer and night cream, but don’t want to bring those big tubs. These will help to save space.
4. Soft bottles
I’ll transfer shampoo, conditioner and lotion into these. I might have access to some in the hostels, but in case I won’t then I have these on hand, without weighing myself down with big, heavy bottles.
5. Disposable underwear
They take up so little space, you wear them once and then don’t have to worry about washing them. This one was a great suggestion from my flatmate, Janice.
6. Packing organizers
Did I mention that I hate having to pull everything out just to find a specific item? Well, this is another solution to that problem. These will help me to sort my clothes into categories. I also have one for my toiletries.
Packing List
I created yet another sheet to keep track of what I need to pack. If you need help with what to bring, you can download it here: Excel format, Numbers format.
Basically, I categorized everything into: documents, electronics, currency, clothing, toiletries, and miscellaneous. Once I had an item on hand, I’d mark it on the list, and I’ll do the same when I start packing.
I tried to keep everything to just the bare essentials, with a few extras. I will be a very unfashionable tourist – with only 2 pairs of shoes – but I’ll have my sketch book and pencils. I also chose clothes with thin fabrics that don’t need ironing (Ain’t nobody got time for that! That’s why I’m going in the summer!).
Some things to think about:
- Bring separates. You can mix and match your outfits so you’re not wearing exactly the same thing in all your pictures! This is also why you should choose hostels that have laundry facilities so you can reuse your outfits.
- If you’re not planning on going anywhere fancy, leave the heels at home. You need comfortable shoes!
- A lot of churches will not allow shorts or tank tops. Even though it would be comfortable to walk around like that, it’s advisable to wear a long skirt and take a cardigan on days when you’ll be visiting any churches.
- You probably don’t need your entire makeup stash. Just bring foundation, one lipstick (it can double as blush!), mascara, and eyebrow pencil.
- Security underwear is a great idea. You wear them over your regular undies, and they have zippered pockets big enough to keep your passport, money, and other items that you can’t afford to lose to sticky-fingered thieves.
- Google average temperatures and weather conditions on the dates of your trip. Different cities may have different clothing needs!
- If you like to accessorize, but don’t have space for bulky necklaces, bring thin scarves instead.
- Some hostels will provide lockers, but not locks. Bring your own.
- Another tip from Janice: Bring a tiny bar of soap. If you have any dirty laundry on your trip that you need to pack, put them together in a zippered plastic bag. The soap will help to keep it odor-free.
- Some hostels will charge you for towels. A normal towel will be too bulky, but a microfibre towel will take up much less space, and dries out more quickly too.
I actually did a “test pack” and managed to fit everything into the backpack!
Next I’ll talk about…how to deal when things DON’T go as planned.
Link to Part 4
