Read on to find out my top tips to help you prepare thoroughly for any type of trip!
Research your choice of backpack extensively. If you're going to be carting it around anywhere from two weeks to 6 months (or even longer!), it is vital that it is comfy, practical and sturdy. My choice of backpack opened so you could see its entire contents (meaning I wouldn’t have to pack/unpack from the top opening): much easier! The bank also had a flap so I could zip the straps in for checking it in at the airport.
Learn about the features of your backpack before setting off on your journey! Two weeks before the end of my trip, I made friends with someone who had the same bag as me and they taught me some of its key feature; if I had done my homework beforehand, it would have definitely made my travel experience a little easier!
Don't pack lots to begin with! If you're anything like me, you'll want to buy some cute clothing pieces along the way or pick up those all important souvenirs!
A good friend I met- whilst travelling- told me: "pack what you think you will need for a week and then half it!" This is great advice as I definitely packed too much, which is never fun when manoeuvring your backpack for many months... Plus there are often lots of laundry places en route, which (in my opinion) is more practical and comfortable.
Bring carabiner clips so that you can attach things to the outside of your backpack thus creating more space inside! Although don't attach anything that you wouldn't want to lose; I lost a few things in transit so after a couple of losses, I finally learnt my lesson.
If you like reading, invest in a kindle!
Packing cubes were great for keeping my things organised and maximising the space in my bag.
Invest in a good, reliable pair of walking boots and you won't look back! I ensured that I bought a pair that were water resistant, with ankle support (as I knew I would be hiking across difficult mountainous terrain). I sought advice to ensure that they fitted properly and, as a result, I had no issues with the dreaded blisters...
Bring clothes that you would normally wear (within reason!). I packed clothes that I thought I would wear (and I wore most of them) but sometimes I longed for my 'old familiar favourites'.
I brought a quick dry towel and this proved a great investment!
I didn't bring nail clippers or mini scissors and this was a mistake...
For me staying connected (and being able to communicate with people back home) was extremely important, so I opted to bring two chargers, two plug adaptors and two cables along with a power bank. Although it was more to carry, it put my mind at ease: knowing that if something got lost or broken, I had backup. It also meant that I had spares to lend.
Choose your hat carefully! I didn't bring a cap and the hat I opted for didn't have a tie, which became redundant in any windy weather (which we had a lot...).
Don't forget to pack a combination padlock: ideal for keeping your luggage safe and secure in the lockers of shared hostels.
Sunglasses are essential and you need a good pair but be willing to part with them! I sat on my first pair (snapping the arm off as a result); my good friend's got washed away by the sea after coming head to head with a big wave; and my second pair got dropped (nearly down the toilet), with the lens coming out. Luckily I was able salvage this pair, that is until my Labrador got hold of them on my return...
Tote bags have multiple uses: a laundry bag, shopping bag or even to attach to your backpack for when it’s beginning to overflow!
Have any useful apps on your phone already downloaded, whether that be for taxis/transport, currency converters or language translation.
For a little slice of luxury, I wish I'd packed some cheap slippers to wear in the hostels/hotels. I sometimes didn't want to feel like wearing proper shoes or flip flops but didn't want to make my socks dirty…again!
Some of these items really proved to be essential, such as: hand gel, baby wipes, ear plugs, mini sandwich bags, first aid kit and waterproof bags.
Multiple bank cards served me well; my bank cards weren’t compatible with all of the ATMs so it was reassuring to have alternatives at the ready!
For me personally, I think it's not a good idea to have all your travel plans booked and planned (with a rigid itinerary) before you begin your trip. I had a lot planned (and booked in advance), but now I have realised that you won't necessarily know how you're going to feel that far in the future so it can be best to "go with the flow". For example, you won't know who you will meet or how much energy you have left in the tank!
If you feel that you need some grounding, trial some of the following techniques to see which work best for you: meditation, journaling, chatting with friends and family back home, breath work or simply practising gratitude at different points throughout the day.
A travel pillow was a nice little addition for those long over night buses and uncomfortable flights but I think I would now opt for an inflatable one as mine felt bulky and awkward to carry around for that length of time.
Bring a proper hair brush! I tried taking a smaller, travel brush and let's just say, it didn't work...
Don't forget any items required to conduct essential admin. My bank card sometimes requires a specific card reader to transfer to new payees or send larger sums of money; it can be a little stressful if you don't have these things, as I later found out...
A Bluetooth speaker: I didn't bring one, however a good friend of mine did and this was a great addition if you love music and need an upgrade from your mobile phone speakers!
Toiletries and cosmetics can be a tricky to plan for if you have multiple "must haves" and rely on specific products. I opted or a shampoo bar, which was brilliant and lasted up to four months! This was the best swap I made. I also tried using a conditioning bar for my hair but found I needed to return to a liquid conditioner (which also helped with top tip number 24!).
Flip-flops are not only needed for trips to the beach or pool but also useful for the shared showers in hostels.
If you need to rest, relax or sleep, do it-it's okay to skip some of the excursions on the itinerary! Both your mind and body will thank you for it!
A pen and notebook are handy for quickly jotting things down or doing a spot of journaling.
Still follow your passions, whether that be reading, writing, photography or history. Whatever interests you have, this can be precious time to explore and enjoy them!
A silver, metallic water bottle worked well for keeping my water cool.
Following on from this, keeping hydrated was essential for looking after yourself (especially in the heat or at high altitude).
Carrying currency is key (some change for use of the bathrooms and if you have notes, keep them in different places just in case you lose something like your purse or day bag etc).
And finally, keep learning, keep experiencing and keep in the present!
Thank you for reading my blog!
xxx
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