Packing Tips

Those who are just starting out in the area of backpacking must start with the basics, and that is to pack well. Many newbies find themselves swamped over the sheer number of packing tips that they get either from booklets and the internet, telling them that everything is important, but that some things are more important than others, leading them to pack way more than necessary!

Remember that as a backpacker, there is only one generally recognised rule, and that is to pack light. It is a given that you will be travelling a lot more than what you have originally mapped out, and mobility is paramount — would you want to travel on a small bus (a popular mode of transportation across towns in some countries) when your pack is heavy and bulky cannot be slid underneath your seat?

Here are some other packing tips:

Take twice the amount of money with you and half the amount of clothes. This helps if you are planning to tour the country/countries on foot, leaving you with more room to maneuver.

Bring a light jacket and a rain jacket where you go, even if the country you are going to is hot and humid. Nights can often be cool.

Footwear can be scaled down to a pair of good hiking boots, a pair of dressy shoes (if you plan on going out), and a pair of sandals or flip-flops for wearing in the hostel bathroom.

If you plan on visiting ancient cultural and religious sites, bring a conservative top and bottom that covers bare shoulders and knees.

Bring an adapter if you plan on visiting countries with 220V. There is no need to bring a converter if the voltage in your country is 230V.

Your first-aid kit should contain salve for your lips, sunscreen, insect repellent, pain relievers, decongestants, medicine for upset stomachs, a Swiss Army Knife, antibiotic ointment, motion sickness medicine, needles and syringes (for emergencies).