Fat Passport

Item

Comments and where to buy

Clothes

Short-Sleeved Shirts (5)

Go for comfort and versatility. All-cotton or light-weight knits are a good choice. Consider basic, mix and match colors so you get the most versatility out of your wardrobe. My shopping choices include Target, Old Navy, Exofficio, and Amazon (where you can find Eddie Bauer and other good brands).

Long-Sleeved Shirt (2)

Consider bringing a no-iron collared shirt – it is a great item to wear when you want to look as presentable as possible (i.e. when going through customs, obtaining visas while on the road, etc.). Nordstrom’s, Eddie Bauer and Brooks Brothers all carry a variety of colors and styles.

Also bring a long sleeved lightweight cotton or knit shirt to use on its own or as a layering piece. Target, Old Navy, and Eddie Bauer offer a good selection.

Tank Tops

I don’t recommend wearing tank tops on their own UNLESS you are at the beach, but they are great as a layering piece or to wear when you are relaxing in your room.

Long Pants (2 pair)

Choose pants that are comfortable, light-weight, quick to dry and wrinkle-resistant. Khaki pants are a good choice; and I then bring a second pair of dark pants that can also serve as a dressier option. Eddie Bauer carries no-iron khaki pants in a variety of styles. Dressier (and more expensive) options can be found at TravelSmith.

Skirts (2 – 3)

Skirts should go at least to the knee. You should focus on comfortable, washable items that allow for maximizing mix and match options. There are great inexpensive options to be found at Target and Old Navy.

Dresses (2)

It is great to have something nice to wear for times when you want to splurge and hit a nice hotel for a drink or dinner. Consider bringing a cotton version for day and a jersey knit for evening.

Jacket (1)

The weight of the jacket will depend on where you are going, but it is a very good idea to have a waterproof option. Eddie Bauer carries a nice variety of colors and weights.

Socks (5 pair)

If you’ll be doing lots of walking or hiking, consider walking socks from a place like REI.

Shoes (1 -4 pair)

Ok, this is where men and women’s needs vary greatly. Consider comfort and function, but here are my suggestions:

1) “Everyday” shoes: Comfortable shoes you can walk in, but which also decent. I’ve used a pair of Mephisto sandals and they have provided great versatility. But there are many other “comfort” brands to consider including Aerosoles and Naturalizer.

2) “Hiking” / “sports” shoes – consider Timberland or Privo.

3) Flip flops: For the beach or pool; for visiting sites that require you to remove your shoes; or for lounging around at the end of the day.

4) Dress shoes: Consider a lightweight heeled sandal that won’t take up too much room in your bag.

Consider Zappos.com, or Nordstrom if budget permits.

Swimsuit (1)

Bring at least one bathing suit. Good choices include Eddie Bauer and J Crew. It will be difficult to find a variety of styles while on the road!

Bras (3 – 4)

Don’t leave home without these! It will likely be very tough to find something to fit you while on the road. You want comfortable, good quality, cotton bras. Spend the extra money and pick up something at Victoria’s Secret. A racer-back style is a nice choice if you plan to be active.

Panties (7 – 10 pair)

Again, you need to bring your own panties, as there’s not a lot of quality choices while on the road. I always opt for comfortable cotton panties as they work well when you are traveling to high humidity destinations. Consider Hanes, Jockey, or Victoria’s Secret from places like Target or Macys.

Sleepwear

If you are traveling on a budget, you need to be prepared that you will be sharing a room with two or more people, some of whom may be strangers. Consider comfort and modesty. I personally like a tank top and cotton boxer short.

Accessories

Consider bringing a few items to accessorize your outfits: a belt, scarves which can be used as belts or hair bands, and simple inexpensive jewelry (do NOT bring anything that will make you a target for thieves! Your diamond wedding ring should be left at home in a safe deposit box!)

Electronics and related items

Camera(s) and charge kits

Everyone should carry a digital pocket camera, pretty much all the time. If you’re more serious about photography, then you should also get a digital SLR. See my article on digital cameras for more info. Check CNET for buyer’s guides and reviews, and buy at places like Amazon, eBay , or Buy.com .

Hard camera case

Consider using a lightweight hard case to protect your digital pocket camera on travel days.

Extra memory card

Bring an extra memory card for your camera(s), in case one gets full or has a problem. Spend a few more dollars and get a high-performance SD card.

Lens cloth

A smudge on your lens can mess-up all your pictures. Regardless of what camera you carry, also carry a special lens cloth to keep your lens clean. Can get at Amazon or any camera store.

Cellphone and charger

Many travelers carry cellphones while on the road. Talk to your carrier to ensure phone & service are covered at your destination.

MP3 player and charger

Great if you like music or audiobooks, as you’ll have idle time in planes, airports, and elsewhere. iPods are a traveler favorite.

Laptop

An increasing number of travelers carry a laptop. Take a look at my article "should you bring a laptop?" for my views on this. If you decide to bring one, a sub-notebook PC is the ideal way to go. Research at CNET, consider ultra-portables if budget permits (Sony , Fujitsu , and Dell have some great choices), and if pressed for money consider buying used on eBay.

Online backup account

Not something you “pack,” but something you setup. See my article on how to Never Lose A Precious Photograph, and use something like Mozy if you're carrying your own laptop.

Calculator

Handy for calculating exchange rates, tallying expenses, etc. Note that many cellphones include a calculator.

Electrical plug adapters

Different countries use different types of electrical outlets, so you may need to carry plug adapters if you’re bringing electronic items that need recharging. Go to Magellan's to learn all about adapters and to buy what you need.

Toiletries

Make-up / Beauty products

You don’t want to have a “20-minute” beauty routine, but you might want to bring the basics: cleanser, facial moisturizer with SPF (consider a tinted version, like Neutrogena), body lotion with SPF, mascara, tinted gloss.

Toothbrush kit

Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

Hair care items

Shampoo and conditioner, brush/comb, hair products like mousse or hair spray (in SMALL, travel sizes), hair clips, barrettes, or bands.

Deodorant

Sometimes hard to find on the road.

Other

Liquid soap (I like this better than carrying a bar of soap; Avon carries some good choices), SPF body lotion (I like Avon Skin-So-Soft because it also doubles as mosquito repellant), nail clippers, cardboard nail file, tweezers, a small pumice stone for your feet, nylon body scrubber.

Medical Kit

Basic first-aid items

Band-aids, antibiotic cream, aspirin, thermometer, cold medicine, pepto-bismol tabs, lightweight medicinal strips (ala Theraflu), moleskin, and alcohol swabs are the key things to have.

Medications

Bring any medications you need (including allergy pills), along with a copy of prescription.

Diarhheal treatments

If headed for the third world, then bring lomotil (available at your pharmacy) and a couple packages of re-hydration salts from somewhere like SCS.

Malaria pills

Critical for many third-world countries. See CDC for general info, then consult with your doctor regarding appropriate option.

Feminine and/or contraceptive supplies

These can be hard to find on the road, so bring what you need.