Packing Light
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Packing
Light: What to Bring & What NOT to Bring
by
Judy Wolf
I've never met a single traveler who said, "Gee, I wish my bags were heavier," or "Golly, could I have a few more suitcases to tote around?" This may sound obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many people forget this simple truth in their frenzy to foresee every possible scenario while packing.
Unless you're going to some utterly remote mountain village in a never-before-visited part of the world, the likelihood is there will be some semblance of basic clothing and hygiene items available -- if not the very brand you prefer. Think of it this way, part of the adventure may be figuring out how locals deal with things like dry skin, tooth care, menstruation, and bathing. You may even find you prefer what you learn. Worst case scenario, it's an anthropological investigation with great stories to tell afterward!
That said, if you have allergies or special concerns that limit your ability to be so bold in the personal hygiene department, by all means take what you normally use. Just be sure to look for travel-sized containers, or get creative about repackaging.
Personally, I've found everything I needed everywhere I've been (that includes countries all over Central and South America, Southeast Asia, India, Nepal, Egypt, Europe, Russia…). For instance, tampons are one of those items that many guidebooks urge you to "carry your own because they may be hard to find and expensive!" That's just silly. First of all, you're not the first woman to have her period in that country. Even if women in the local culture don't use tampons, the stores in tourist areas will most likely have some available (note: applicatorless tampons are super compact and tend to hold up better while banging around in your bags -- no pun intended), and if they don't, they'll definitely have pads -- maybe not the aisle-long selection you're used to in the States, but perfectly serviceable nonetheless. Secondly, not many countries are really that much more expensive than the U.S., and this is not an item that's going to break the bank. So my advice is only take what you need to get you through a day or two in case the stores are closed…they take up space!
Okay, where was I? Oh yes, what to pack. When you're carrying all your belongings on your back, saving space (and cutting weight) become top priorities. You want to bring clothes that are non-restrictive and still feel comfortable even after you've spent hours sitting, walking, or sleeping in them.
Multi-purpose clothes that allow you to mix and match without hesitation mean you can bring fewer items (that black t-shirt that spent all day sightseeing with your shorts can now slip under a cardigan with slacks and a stylish scarf for your dinner date).
I firmly believe that hotel sinks were made for handwashing clothes. And those impossibly miniature bars of soap that still get left behind half-melted? Perfect for scrubbing garments.
Extend your wardrobe by packing fast-drying items of a color and texture that hide wrinkles and dirt so you can wear them multiple times, then handwash when necessary and let them dry overnight in your room. (Note: cotton takes forever to dry.)
Okay, you've still got some space left? Think twice before you throw in your CD player, cosmetics, hairdryer. Do you really need to lug all those batteries and CDs and expensive electronics around? People can be pretty entertaining to watch (and isn't that why you're there -- to see something new?). Bring a journal instead and record your journey. Can you go lighter on (or free of) your usual make-up or hair regimen? After all, who's going to know the difference? If you can't stand to leave it behind, is there a travel-sized version of the appliance -- or better yet, can you wait to buy it there so you know it works in the wall outlets?
When it comes to packing, it's easy to assume that we have to take every single item with us into the "wilderness" of another country. Stop! It's a myth! Take what you need for a typical day or two, and resist the urge to think "oh, it's just one more small thing." I promise you'll be able to find it there if you really, truly, absolutely cannot live without it...and in the meantime, you'll actually be able to lift your bag without giving yourself a hernia.
Copyright (c) 2002 Judy Wolf
About
the Author:
Judy Wolf (www.judywolf.com)
is a world traveler, freelance writer, speaker, and whitewater kayak instructor.
She's taken numerous, extended solo journeys around the world, traveling
by foot, bus, jeep, camel, truck, boat, train, plane, elephant, and bicycle
to over 30 countries on five continents. She currently lives in upstate
New York with her husband and border collie, where she's working on a
book-length travel narrative about her most recent adventures…that is,
when she's not plunging off waterfalls or entertaining the dog.
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Don't Worry!
- You'll be able to find some version of almost anything you need abroad (and if they don't have it, maybe you don't need it!)
- Contrary to popular belief, other countries do sell tampons and pads-and they're not that expensive!
- This is an adventure, a chance to experience new ways of solving familiar puzzles
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