Long-term trips pose more challenges considering the amount of stuff you need to bring without sacrificing comfort and mobility. Deciding how many tops or trousers to bring for more than a month travel can be daunting. Oftentimes, you end up bringing items that are impractical for your planned activities. A detailed itinerary saves you time and unnecessary expenses as well as the hassle of carrying heavy luggage to and from your point of destination.
The Packing List
The ultimate backpacker’s list is not complete without these travel essentials, which you may alter over time depending on experience. Initially, your travel lifestyle determines the type and size of bag you are comfortable with. Some choose an internal frame backpack for maximized space and mobility, while others stick to wheeled luggage.
Second, clothing should be weather and culture-appropriate. If you are travelling to India, Middle East or any other countries with prevalent gender customs, dress to cover up, not to flaunt. A long scarf or sarong is always useful as an additional layer of protection against the weather elements. It can also be transformed into a DIY skirt if need be.
Stick to light clothing especially during hot climate, but always bring a poncho or hooded jacket in case of rain or sudden drop in temperature. Bring at least a pair of pants, a multifunctional dress, shorts and skirts, and sweatshirt aside from your undergarments. Any other type of clothing can be bought in the place you are going to.
Additionally, footwear can be limited to two pairs: flats, sandals or flip flops, and a pair of lightweight boot. Your everyday-carry essentials must include passport, driver’s license and/or nationality card, annual travel insurance certificate, personal medicines, a small knife, whistle, pepper spray, mobile phone, map, flashlight, a pen and notepad, watch, and money or credit card. If you are travelling for more than six months, your passport should be valid for at least a year from the date of departure.
Keeping Your Luggage within the Airline Limit
The goal of backpacking is to increase mileage with minimal baggage and additional costs. All airlines implement the 7-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance for economy flights. Adherence to this requirement is tricky for first timers, but you can shed off a few pounds with these travel hacks.
Do not carry liquid items more than 50ml to avoid getting your items confiscated. Wear the heaviest of your clothes such as trousers, jackets, and boots as you check in the airport. Aside from your backpack, bring a handy pouch where you can stash your toilettries, travel documents, and money without searching the luggage all over.
Tips and Other Considerations
When travelling, do not hesitate to give away clothes or items that you can live without. Refrain from buying bulky souvenirs especially if your next destination is not your home. Tag along some friends or other backpackers if you feel that the location compromises your safety.
Travel insurance is also a must for frequent and long distance travellers. It is an element of travelling that is commonly neglected primarily because it is regarded as a miscellaneous expense. Check with your favourite airline or insurance company about their specific coverage. Some extreme adventure sports like mountaineering are not included in annual travel insurance.