Gear, Tech & Packing

Choosing your luggage is an important decision, it determines how easy it is for you to travel and how much stuff you can take. You will want to choose it based on transportability, security, durability and accessibliity.

The big decisions for luggage usually comes down to using a suitcase or a backpack and whether to check-in baggage or go for one-bag travel that can be carried on. For any of these, keep several points in mind when choosing your luggage:

• Durability and quality: All luggage takes a beating and it pays to get good quality, you really don’t want your luggage breaking mid-trip.
• Size: take into account airline carry-one and maximum size limits. You should pack light so think carry-on bag only if possible.
• Transportability: You will be carrying around your luggage so you will want it to be portable - again think about packing light and only taking a carry-on. If you aren’t going with a carry-on then think wheels.
• Security: There are thieves everywhere so make sure you can lock your bag either with a built-in lock or a padlock.

Suitcase or Backpack

Both suitcases and backpacks have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your travel style, destination, and personal preferences. For a mix of urban and adventure travel, some travelers even opt to use both—a suitcase for the main journey and a small backpack for day trips and excursions.

When deciding between a suitcase and a backpack for international travel, consider the following factors:

Trip Duration and Itinerary

• Short Trips: For short trips or city breaks, a carry-on suitcase or a small travel backpack may suffice.
• Longer Adventures: For extended trips involving multiple destinations, a backpack might offer more flexibility and ease of transport.

Destination and Activities

• Urban Travel: If you’re visiting major cities with paved roads and good infrastructure, a suitcase with wheels is ideal.
• Rural and Adventure Travel: For trips involving rural areas, hiking, or off-the-beaten-path destinations, a backpack is more practical.

Personal Comfort and Health

• Physical Condition: Consider your physical ability to carry a backpack. If you have back or shoulder issues, a wheeled suitcase may be more comfortable.
• Packing Style: If you prefer organized packing with easy access to your belongings, a suitcase might be the better option.

Accommodation Type

• Hotels and Resorts: Suitcases are suitable for stays in hotels and resorts where storage space and easy access to your luggage are available.
• Hostels and Shared Spaces: Backpacks are more convenient in hostels or shared accommodations where space is limited.

One Bag Travel

One-bag travel is a minimalist approach to travel where the traveler uses only a single bag for their entire trip and is strongly encouraged.

Opting for one-bag travel can significantly enhance your travel experience by offering convenience, flexibility, and efficiency. With just one bag, you eliminate the hassle of checked luggage fees and the risk of lost or delayed baggage, making your journey smoother from start to finish.

Taking just one-bag encourages you to pack only the essentials, which not only lightens your load but also simplifies packing and unpacking at each destination.

Traveling with one bag means you can move more freely, navigating airports, public transport, and crowded streets with ease. Additionally, the ability to keep all your belongings close at hand enhances security and provides peace of mind.

Overall, one-bag travel allows for a more streamlined, cost-effective, and stress-free travel experience, enabling you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than managing your luggage.

Suitcases

Most modern suitcases come with wheels (either two-wheel or four-wheel spinners), making it easy to maneuver through airports, train stations, and city streets without carrying the weight on your back. However, wheeled suitcases can be difficult to maneuver on rough terrain, such as cobblestone streets, dirt roads, or stairs.

Hard-Sided Suitcases

Are made from durable materials like polycarbonate or ABS plastic. Hard-shell suitcases provide excellent protection for fragile items, keeping them safe from bumps and impacts. Many of these suitcases are designed to be water-resistant, protecting your belongings from rain and spills.

• Pros: Protects fragile items, water-resistant, sturdy.
• Cons: Heavier, less flexible for tight spaces.

Soft-Sided Suitcases

Are made from fabrics like nylon or polyester. Soft-sided luggage is more flexible in packing stuff in and fitting it into small places and is our recommended type of luggage if you want to take a suitcase. Ballistic nylon luggage is a great choice for durability and practicality. You will also want to check if the luggage is waterproof.

• Pros: Lightweight, expandable, flexible for fitting in tight spaces.
• Cons: Less protection for fragile items, may absorb water.

What to Look For

• Roller Wheels: For wheeled luggage, make sure they are sturdy, roll well and are spaced far enough apart so your suitcase is not prone to tipping over.
• Retractable Handle: Look for a telescoping handle that can be adjusted to different heights and locks securely in place.
• Comfort and Grip: Ensure the handle is comfortable to hold and easy to grip, with ergonomic designs reducing strain.
• Main Compartment: Check for a spacious main compartment with straps to secure your belongings.
• Additional Pockets: Multiple internal and external pockets help keep your items organized and easily accessible.
• Locks: Integrated TSA-approved locks provide added security and ease of access for airport inspections.
• Zippers: Durable, high-quality zippers reduce the risk of breakage and ensure the security of your items.
• Easy Handling: Test the luggage to ensure it rolls smoothly and turns easily. Spinners should glide effortlessly on flat surfaces.
• Stability: Ensure the luggage stands upright without tipping over when packed.
• Trusted Brands: Choose reputable brands known for quality and durability, such as Samsonite, Travelpro, or Rimowa.
• Warranty: Check for a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, providing peace of mind for your investment.

Backpacks

Backpacks are still the most practical way of carrying around your gear on a long trip. When you travel, your backpack will become your home from which you live. It will either make your trip easier and pleasant or it will be a cause of frustration and pain, or both. Choose your backpack after thorough research and many, many different fittings. It is definitely worth the effort.

When you travel, your backpack will become your home from which you live. It will either make your trip easier and pleasant or it will be a cause of frustration and pain, or both. Choose your backpack after thorough research and many, many different fittings. It is definitely worth the effort.

When traveling abroad, if you plan on doing a lot of moving around, avoid hand-held luggage and opt for a backpack. Your backpack should be light, durable and comfortable. Look for a ‘bombproof’ pack because it’s going take a lot of abuse. Look for tough fabrics like pack-cloth or Cordura (especially in high-wear areas). Go with a reputable name-brand pack to ensure quality (hopefully). A name-brand pack will probably have some sort of warranty feature as well. Keep the colors subtle and ‘easy on the eyes’… avoid hot pink and other disgusting colors. Aim to fit into the crowds as much as possible rather than stand out.

Your backpack is definitely one item that you do not want to try and save money on in exchange for poorer quality. You will be dependent on your pack, and any problems with it — and there will be more if you buy a low-quality pack — will directly impact your traveling experience. Spend good money on a good pack and feel confident that it will perform for you when you most need it to.

Top loaders vs. Front loaders

With backpacks there are two additional styles to choose from. The first is the top-loading pack (TL). This is primarily a large backpack with a small opening at the top, closed with a cinch string and covered by a pocket flap. The other style is a front-loading pack, often called a ‘convertible’. On this pack, the entire front of the pack unzips to expose the inside in its entirety.

Top Loaders (TLs) are by far the more durable of the backpack styles. They offer more protection from the elements (like rain), tend to ride better on your back, and are usually narrower, fitting very closely to your body. Plus, because the main compartment doesn’t rely on a large zipper, you don’t have to worry about zipper problems like you would a convertible pack. TLs are the first choice of hikers and mountaineers for these reasons.

Although TLs are usually more durable and have better support systems, TLs make finding items in your bag somewhat difficult. You Top-loader backpack (TL) - the only way to access the bag is through the top. To get anything from the bottom, you must remove some of your equipment. 71 litresusually have to pull most of your stuff out to get to what’s at the bottom. This is also a safety concern because there may be someone watching you pull out your camera, binoculars, shoes, etc while trying to get at something at the bottom.

TL styles also usually have straps hanging out everywhere. If these straps get caught on a conveyor belt at the airport, the ‘baggage bashers’ will simply cut the strap to keep everything flowing smoothly. If you do use a TL, wrap and tuck the loose straps under each other to avoid this hassle.

• Best For: Travelers who need a durable and versatile bag for outdoor adventures, hiking, or camping. Suitable for carrying larger loads.
• Pros: Durable, expandable capacity, suitable for rugged use.
• Cons: Difficult to access items at the bottom, less internal organization.

Front Loaders (or convertible packs) are designed specifically for traveling. With convertible backpacks, the front panel zips open completely, so everything stays organized and is easily accessible without unpacking each time you needConvertible backpack. Front-loading backpacks open like a suitcase, with a large zipper that runs around three sides, allowing the main compartment to lay flat when opened. This design provides easy access to all your belongings without needing to unpack everything, making it convenient for organizing and finding items quickly.

Disadvantages to this style of backpack are that they are less weather resistant and the zippers may burst on you. Look for compression straps to take some of the stress off of the zippers. Travel packs are designed to have the civilized look of a soft suitcase. Because these packs are designed primarily as luggage, they tend to have a relatively less supportive suspension system than TLs. Walking for long periods or on uneven terrain will be less than pleasant while wearing a convertible pack.

• Best For: Travelers who prioritize organization, easy access, and efficient packing/unpacking. Ideal for city travel, hostels, and frequent stops.
• Pros: Easy access, multiple compartments, packing efficiency.
• Cons: Heavily reliant on zippers, potentially less secure.

Ultimately, the choice between a front-loading and top-loading backpack depends on your travel style and needs. If you value easy access and organization, a front-loading backpack is likely the better option. If you need a durable, versatile bag for outdoor activities, a top-loading backpack might be more suitable.

Buying Your Pack

When you go to purchase your pack, try it on and let the sales person adjust the straps, pads and internal frame for you to fit your body size. A good store will have weight bags that you can put into your pack and walk around the store with to simulate loads. Check out the quality of the suspension system. The suspension systems of modern packs are designed to transfer most of their weight to your hips, reducing back strain. The waist belt should allow you to put most of the weight on your hips and the straps should be wide and have plenty of padding for comfort. Play with the adjustments to fine-tune the fit. If a pack doesn’t feel right now, it won’t feel right after several hours of walking around.

Fit is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a backpack for a couple of reasons. First, backpacks come in different lengths depending on the length of a person’s torso (upper body). Second, the larger the pack, obviously the more that can be carried in it. The volume of a pack’s interior is usually measured in liters or cubic inches. If you are an ultra-light traveler, take a small pack. It’s easier to walk in crowds and on trains with a smaller pack. If you run out of room, you should be able to strap extra stuff to the outside of your packs. I prefer to take a larger pack and keep everything inside for ease of use and organization. However, when you have the extra room in your pack, you will more than likely be tempted to fill it up.

Take a day-pack with you. You can either buy a separate one or just buy a travel backpack that has a detachable one that zips onto the outside. Carry your daypack on the plane to keep your toiletries, travel guide, cards, etc in. When you arrive at your destination, just put it into your large pack (or zip it on if you have a travel pack). When you arrive, you can use your day-pack for daily outings while you store your large pack at your hostel or the local train station. Daypacks also come in handy when you have collected too much junk and your large backpack is full. You can wear your day-pack on your stomach like a baby holder.

Keeping your Stuff Safe

No matter how secure you make your pack, by using zipper locks, cables, etc, if a thief wants into your pack he will simply cut the material and take what he wants. Keep your eye on your pack as much as possible, particularly when in crowded areas, and don’t rely on zipper locks.

If you are using a zip-on daypack, while wearing your full-size backpack, do not keep anything valuable in your daypack if it is zipped onto the back. Thieves can easily remove your daypack without you even noticing. Keep your valuables in your full-size backpack or on your body, or put your daypack inside your backpack if you have room.

Carry On

Airlines have strict limits on the size of luggag that can be carried on. These limits can vary significantly between airlines and regions, but there are general guidelines and common practices.

Carry-on baggage must fit under the seat or in an overhead compartment. A good rule of thumb for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width, and depth of the bag) and weigh no more than 40 pounds (18 kg). Note: while the “45-inch” rule given above will satisfy most dimension-based regulations; a more conservative guideline is “multiples of seven” (i.e., no bigger than 7 x 14 x 21 inches).

The weight limit for carry-on luggage can range from 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg), depending on the airline. Some airlines, particularly in North America, do not enforce strict weight limits but expect passengers to lift their own bags into the overhead bin. Certain international airlines have very restrictive maximum weight allowances. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Quantas, and Singapore Airlines have weight maximums for carry-on as low as 11 pounds!.

In addition to a carry-on bag, most airlines allow a personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. The typical size for a personal item is about 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), but this can vary.

North America: (e.g., United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines)

• Carry-On Size: Usually 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
• Personal Item: Allowed, typically fits under the seat in front of you.
• Weight Limit: Rarely enforced.

Europe: (e.g., British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet)

• Carry-On Size: Ranges from 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches to 22 x 16 x 8 inches.
• Personal Item: Allowed, often stricter size controls.
• Weight Limit: Often between 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg), more strictly enforced.

Asia: (e.g., Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia)

• Carry-On Size: Generally 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
• Personal Item: Allowed, but size and weight limits can be more stringent.
• Weight Limit: Commonly around 15 pounds (7 kg), strictly enforced.

Budget Airlines

• More Restrictions: Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and AirAsia often have stricter policies on both size and weight.
• Additional Fees: Exceeding the limits can result in hefty additional fees.

Always check the specific carry-on baggage policies on the airline’s official website before booking your flight.

Note: The following items are no not allowed to be carried onboard: Any cutting instruments or devices (including ice picks, straight razors, scissors, nail files and of course knives or box-cutters), corkscrews, baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles or hockey sticks.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage should generally not exceed a linear dimension (length+width+height) of 62” and a weight of 70 lbs. (each piece). Additional pieces of checked baggage may have lighter and smaller restrictions.

Most airlines will allow oversize or overweight baggage or additional baggage for an additional fee which varies depending on the situation. Please contact a particular airline or visit their homepage for further information.

Note: These guidelines can change at any time and this guide should only be used as guidelines to help you prepare or plan a trip. Always confirm this information with your travel agent or directly with the airline.

Day Pack

A small backpack or daypack is essential for daily excursions. It should be lightweight, comfortable, and have enough room for essentials like a water bottle, camera, and snacks. Having a reliable day-pack can significantly enhance your travel experience and is strongly recommended even if you are one-bagging it as you don’t always want to carry-around a large backpack.

Keeping your valuables, such as your passport, money, and electronics, close to you in a day-pack can enhance your security. Many day-packs come with anti-theft features, such as hidden zippers and RFID-blocking pockets, which can help protect against pickpocketing and electronic theft.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a day-pack:

• Compact: Choose a day-pack that is small enough to be portable. A capacity of 15-25 liters is typically ideal for day trips.
• Lightweight Design: A lightweight day-pack reduces the overall weight you carry, making it more comfortable for long days of travel.
• Padded Straps: Look for padded shoulder straps to reduce strain on your shoulders.
• Adjustable Straps: Ensure the pack has adjustable shoulder and waist straps for a customizable fit.
• Breathable Back Panel: A breathable or ventilated back panel can keep you cool and comfortable during long days of sightseeing.
• Reinforced Seams: Check for reinforced seams and sturdy zippers to ensure the pack can handle heavy use.
• Dedicated Pockets: Consider packs with dedicated pockets for items like a water bottle, sunglasses, and electronic devices.

Some Optional Features:

• Water-Resistant Material: Ensure the pack is made from water-resistant material to protect your belongings from rain.
• Laptop Sleeve: If you’ll be working on the go, a padded laptop sleeve can be very useful.

Traveling light is a HUGE advantage giving you flexability, ease of travel and many other advantages.

Every guidebook and packing site has a different packing list (and we include one here). However, it really is a matter of personal preference and each person has different requirements and tastes. The one over-riding rule is to Pack Light - in all cases it is better to bring less, not more! What you pack, what you bring it in and how you pack it can be a major travel decision.

You can break down what to bring into 4 categories: Clothes, Tech, Hygiene and Support. Let’s jump into each of these.

Clothes

First category is clothes, and this is the category that causes most people to way overpack. Choose clothing that will allow a minimum amount of items to be carried. This is done by selecting items that can be mixed and matched together, based on colors or styles, to create a variety of outfits. Choose the basic essentials that you will need but ensure that they are versatile enough to be easily combined. Choose muted colors that are easier to care for and allow you to blend into the crowds a little more.

Try to choose functional clothing items that will offer protection from the elements yet will be comfortable and easy to care for. You need low-maintenance clothing that will be flexible enough to keep you warm and dry, if need be, yet also be compact and light enough to carry in your pack. Natural fibers like cotton don’t wick sweat away from your body very well and dry very slowly, but are warm and easy to care for. Synthetics like polyester are great at wicking moisture away from your body and dry quickly, but can be expensive. Aim for a combination of these to accommodate all your travel needs.

Shorts and t-shirts are essentials on almost any trip. However, on some occasions, you will need to wear pants or cover your arms and shoulders, such as in some churches or holy places. Women in particular should be prepared to ‘cover-up’ in some countries (such as Muslim countries). Wearing revealing clothing could be unsafe to the wearer or be disrespectful to the locals. Also, in some larger cities, shorts are not worn at all by the locals (even in warmer climates). By wearing shorts yourself, you would stick out as a foreigner right away.

• Pack clothes that are made of lightweight / breathable materials and are quick-dry like merino-wool, linen or synthetic blend
• Consider packing clothes that are versatile and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. For example, pack neutral-colored pants or skirts that can be paired with different tops.
• Pack clothes that are appropriate for the destination and the activities planned. If you’re going to a hot and humid location, pack shorts, skirts, and light-colored shirts. If you’re going on a hiking trip, pack comfortable and sturdy hiking boots, a rain jacket, and moisture-wicking clothing.
• Pack clothes that are comfortable and fit well. Avoid packing clothes that are too tight, too loose, or uncomfortable.
• Consider packing wrinkle-free clothes or clothes that don’t require ironing. This will save you time and hassle during your travels.
• Pack clothes that can be layered. This will allow you to add or remove layers depending on the weather or temperature.
• Don’t forget to pack comfortable and supportive shoes suitable for the activities planned.
• Remember to pack only what you need and avoid overpacking to avoid carrying excess weight. A common rule for “How much stuff do I need to take?” is to set aside what you need, take half of that, and then plan on buying clothes that you need if and when you need them. It’s also essential to check the weather forecast and research the cultural norms of the destination to ensure that you pack appropriately.

A quick minimum list of items that can be used for short trips as well as long-term travel would be:

• 1 shirt (linen or synthetic blend)
• under-shorts x4
• t-shirt x3 (merino wool)
• pants x1
• shorts x1
• waterproof rain-jacket
• lightweight jacket
• socks x3
• flip-flops (can server as shower shoes)
• hat (packable)

If you are using fabrics like merino-wool they can be used multiple times without odor and using quick-dry fabrics can be washed every couple nights to provide indefinite travel time.

Layering

The key to staying warm when the temperature drops is to layer your clothing. Rather than pack bulky or heavy items, simply take a few lighter and thinner pieces that can be worn together.

For example, a t-shirt combined with a fleece vest and a wind breaker or rain shell will keep you relatively warm and dry. These are all light pieces that can be worn on their own or all together to offer you the protection you need, depending on the weather. Layering not only allows for greater versatility and comfort but also ensures you are prepared for unexpected weather changes and different cultural settings.

• Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that keeps you dry and comfortable. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics are great choices because they help regulate your body temperature and manage moisture.
• Middle Layer: The middle layer serves as insulation. Depending on the climate, this could be a fleece jacket, a lightweight down vest, or a wool sweater. This layer traps heat and keeps you warm in cooler conditions.
• Outer Layer: The outer layer protects you from the elements, such as wind, rain, or snow. A lightweight, packable waterproof jacket is ideal for most situations. Look for options that are breathable and durable.

Merino Wool

Merino wool clothing is highly favored by travelers for its many benefits, such as breathability, odor resistance, and comfort. Merino wool is something of a magical-unicorn and highly recommended by many long-term travlers for several reasons:

• Temperature regulation: Merino wool fibers are naturally insulating, which means they help keep you warm in cold weather, but they also have excellent moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool and dry in warmer weather. This makes merino wool a versatile material that is suitable for different climates and seasons.
• Odor resistance: Merino wool fibers have natural antimicrobial properties that make them resistant to odor-causing bacteria. This means you can wear merino wool clothing for several days without worrying about unpleasant smells. This is particularly useful when traveling and you may not have access to laundry facilities.
• Easy care: Unlike other types of wool, merino wool is easy to care for. It is machine-washable, dries quickly, and doesn’t require special care or ironing.
• Durability: Merino wool is a strong and durable material that can withstand wear and tear. It is also naturally elastic, which means it can retain its shape over time.
• Softness: Merino wool fibers are very fine and soft, making them comfortable to wear against the skin. This is particularly useful for travel clothes that you may wear for extended periods.

However, it does have some downsides:

• Expensive: Merino wool clothing tends to be more expensive than other fabrics. High-quality merino wool garments can cost significantly more, which might not be feasible for budget-conscious travelers.
• Durability: Merino wool is a fine and soft fiber, which makes it prone to pilling and snagging. Frequent use and washing can cause the fabric to wear out faster than more durable synthetic materials.
• Delicate Care: Merino wool requires gentle care to maintain its quality. It often needs to be hand-washed or washed on a delicate cycle with special wool detergents. Improper care can lead to shrinkage or damage.
• Skin Sensitivity: Although merino wool is softer and less itchy than traditional wool, some people with sensitive skin may still experience irritation. It’s essential to test the fabric before committing to multiple pieces of merino wool clothing.

For t-shirts I find that marino wool clothing works very well, and merino wool socks are just amazing. However for clothing items that will experience rubbing and chaffing (like underwear and sweater sleeves) I find it doesn’t work very well and can quickly degrade.

One final note that needs to be mentioned - you can buy almost any piece of clothing anywhere in the world. Don’t take something “just in case you might need it”. If you happen to go to a cooler country, chances are they will sell warmer clothing. The same is true for countries with warmer climates. In both cases, take clothing that will prepare you for the general climate, but be realistic.

Tech

Whether a computer, camera or entertainment, technology can quickly add the most weight to what you are carrying. What to bring is a personal preference, but here are some general guidelines.

• Check Voltage Requirements: Ensure your devices are compatible with the voltage in the countries you are visiting. Most modern electronics have dual voltage (110V-240V), but it’s always good to check. If necessary, bring a voltage converter.
• Use a Protective Case: Invest in sturdy, protective cases for your devices to prevent damage during transit. This is particularly important for fragile items like laptops and tablets.
• Bring a Universal Travel Adapter: Different countries have different types of electrical outlets. A universal travel adapter ensures you can plug in your devices no matter where you are. Look for an adapter that includes USB ports for added convenience.
• Carry a Portable Charger: A portable charger, or power bank, is essential for keeping your devices charged while on the go. Choose a high-capacity charger that can recharge your devices multiple times.
• Organize Cables and Accessories: Use cable organizers to keep your chargers, adapters, and other accessories tidy and easily accessible. This prevents them from getting tangled and damaged.
• Use Strong Passwords and Encryption: Ensure all your devices are password-protected and consider using encryption for sensitive data. This adds an extra layer of security in case your device is lost or stolen.
• Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data and maintain privacy when accessing the internet through public networks. Most websites use secure connections now, but it pays to be safe.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that covers electronics. This can provide financial protection in case your devices are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.

One tech item that is generally recommended is a small flashlight.

Laptops

You can now expect your laptop to be examined carefully and x-rayed separately so you should make sure that it can be removed from your carry-on luggage quickly and easily. You might be asked to turn on your laptop when you go through airport security so you should leave it in ‘stand by’ mode (Windows users) or ‘sleep’ mode (Mac users) to make sure your laptop starts up quickly and doesn’t use battery power.

Don’t worry about the airport x-ray machine as it won’t harm your laptop’s hard-drive. But make sure you keep a close eye on your laptop as it passes along the conveyor belt as it is exposed to theft at this time. There is a chance that the airport metal detector could cause damage and you should ask that a customs officer does a hand check rather than scanning it with the metal detector.

Remember that your laptop is one of the items most likely to be targeted by thieves as it is expensive and clearly visible. Make sure you keep your laptop with you at all times and don’t be tempted to store it in the overhead compartment during your flight. It is a good idea to try to disguise you laptop by keeping it in a strong bag or backpack rather than an easily recognizable laptop case.

Hygiene

This is basically your toiletries bag including personal-care items. You will want a small waterproof organizer bag (Dopp kit) to carry it in, one that contains a mirror and can be hung up is very useful. You will also want a clear bag (kitchen storage bags work) to carry your liquids and toothpaste through airport security.

A basic list would include the following:

• shampoo
• body wash
• tooth-brush
• tooth-paste

As needed:

• personal medications
• makeup
• body-grooming: razer, comb

Support

The support category is for things you don’t need all that often, but definitely need every single trip. A short essential list would include:

• first-aid kit / injury kit
• sim-card tool (so you can local sim-cards)
• money carrier / credit-cards
• small sewing-repair kit

First-Aid Kit

It is always wise to pack a small medical kit with certain essentials that may be required during your trip.

What to Take

• Doctor’s Contact Info: Pack your doctors contact information including his phone and fax number. Also see IAMAT for getting treated by western trained doctors overseas.
• Eyeglasses: Be sure to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses along with any needed cleaning and disinfectant solutions.
• Health Insurance Information: You should also include your health insurance information.
• Prescription Medication: If you are currently taking any prescription medications, you should be sure to bring enough with you to last your entire stay. Frequently, medications that are common in the U.S. may not be readily available elsewhere.

First aid supplies

All medical supplies can be taken in a small case. It is probably a good idea of this is at least partly waterproof and made of a sturdy material so your medications don’t get crushed in your backpack. It is generally not necessary to take a large first-aid kit as you mostly need it to handle emergencies and have on-hand a few commonly used medicines that will hold you over until you can resupply.

• Bandages: Selection of Bandages, gauze pads, tape. An elastic bandage (such as Ace bandage) can be helpful for strains or sprains
• Cleaning Supplies: Towlettes, box of pre-moistened for cleaning hands and abrasions.
• Condoms / Birth Control: Condoms or similar protection – be aware of STD’s and be careful out there.
• Dental Kit: Emergency kit (oil of cloves, dental floss).
• Gloves: Gloves & small disposable plastic bags for safety from contamination
• Insect Repellents: Containing at least 30% DEET. There are newer long lasting non-absorbed formulations (Ultrathon by 3M, now marketed as HourGuard by Amway).
• Medical Guide: Small guide or booklet to medicine. These are valuable for personal diagnosis and treatment advice. Read it before you leave!
• Moleskin: For prevention of blisters.
• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Sunscreen: with an SPF of greater than 15. Look for those which are waterproof and block both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Tools: Tweezers (to remove stingers), Scissors (but they can’t be taken in carry-on), Safety pins (a multitude of emergency uses). Thermometer
• Water Purification: It is a good idea to bring along tablets for water purification (such as Potable Aqua) or a filtering device in case no safe drinking water is available. Iodine or chlorine may also be good. Vitamin C tablets can mask the unpleasant taste of iodine.

Keep in mind that you will probably be able to buy anything extra that you might need. There are pharmacy-type stores world wide with similar products to the ones listed above.

Medications

These are a list of common medications to include in a first-aid kit, however not all of them would be needed for every trip, so choose the appropriate ones for where you are going.

• Asprin: (Asprin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen…) for general relief of minor aches and pains or headache.
• Antihistamine: such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be used to treat allergic reactions and relive itching from insect bites.
• Antibiotics: Some additional antibiotic may be useful for travelers at risk for skin, respitory and other infections. Check with your doctor.
• Antibiotic Ointment: A topical antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Bacatracin) is useful to prevent infection of minor wounds and abrasions.
• Antifungal powder: A powder or cream for travelers prone to athletes’ foot and/or other fungal skin problems. Women prone to yeast vaginitis should consider antifungal vaginal creams or troches.
• Anti-Itch Cream: A topical cream such as hydrocortisone 1% may be helpful for treating skin rashes or relieving sunburn.
• Diarrhea Medication: Traveler’s diarrhea occurs frequently, you can take along some Pepto-Bismol liquid or tablets as a preventive measure along with Imodium AD to slow down the bowel movements. An antibiotic (Bactrim, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin) may be prescribed for treatment. It is generally not recommended that antibiotics be used for prevention of diarrhea.
• Decongestant: A decongestant is useful for colds or sinus congestion especially during airplane travel where cabin pressurization can cause ear pain
• Malarial Medication: if appropriate (consult your health professional)

Money Belt

Used by travelers all over the globe, money belts are pouches usually worn under clothes to conceal valuables such as money, ATM cards, travel tickets and passports. By using a money belt, you will be protecting yourself against theft.

Money belts come in various materials, sizes and fashions, but the standard pouch is large enough to include only your essentials. The safest place to wear a money belt is around your waist, under your clothes, but money belts designed to be worn outside of clothes are also available though they offer less protection against theft.

When traveling, it is import to carefully secure your valuables such as money, passport and credit cards. Having these items stolen can place you in a sticky situation, particularly if you are uninsured. Even those who are insured will be greatly inconvenienced in the event of theft.

Tips

• Only remove or reveal your money belt in private.
• Keep only small amounts of cash in your money belt at one time.
• For the greatest protection, wear your money belt under your clothes.
• Never leave your money belt in a hotel room or next to an open window.
• Choose a money belt made of a comfortable fabric so it doesn’t chafe against your skin.

Packing cubes are excellent for organizing clothes and maximizing space. Use different cubes for different types of clothing, such as tops, bottoms, and underwear.

Compression bags are great for bulky items like jackets and sweaters. They help reduce the volume of your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your suitcase.

If using a backpack, try to keep the weight in your backpack higher (but below the shoulders) for comfort. When walking on difficult terrain, lower the weight for stability and improve you balance. However, if using luggage pack heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top. This helps balance the weight and keeps your clothes in better condition.

• Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles. This technique is especially effective for casual wear like t-shirts, jeans, and shorts.
• Bundle Wrapping: Bundle wrapping involves wrapping clothes around a central core item, like a small bag of socks. This method minimizes wrinkles and maximizes space.
• Use Every Nook and Cranny: Fill empty spaces with small items like socks, underwear, and accessories. Place these items inside shoes, hats, and the corners of your suitcase.
• Pretect liquids: Bottles that contains liquids should be packed inside plastic bags (such as Ziploc bags). Include a few larger, lightweight bags to hold dirty shoes, soggy clothes and dirty laundry.
• When in doubt, leave it out: You can buy almost anything anywhere these days.
• Organize it: Use small mesh bags inside your backpack or bag to keep your gear organized

Check-in Luggage

• Pack Valuables in Your Carry-On: Keep valuable items like electronics, jewelry, and important documents in your carry-on bag. This ensures they are with you at all times and reduces the risk of loss or theft.
• Use Luggage Locks: Use TSA-approved locks to secure your luggage and deter potential thieves.
• Label Your Luggage: Label your luggage with your name, phone number, and address. This helps in case your bag is lost or misplaced.
• Remove old tags: Remove all old airline tags, no matter what their sentimental value may be
• Lock it up: lock, tie-up, or conceal all zippers on your pack so dishonest airport employees (and others) have more difficulty stealing anything. I say ‘more’ difficulty because if someone really wants something out of your bag, they’ll just cut your locks or cut through your bag anyway.

General Packing Tips

• look for sample-size containers of shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste to take with you
• your pack shouldn’t be full when you leave since you will inevitably acquire things as you travel, and you may need room for extra water and food in remote areas
• if you will be traveling with a companion, pack some of your belongings in each other’s packs. That way, if one of your bags goes missing, you’ll still have at least some items until you can recover your lost belongings.