What To Take? Ten Tips About Packing
Lugging around a too-heavy bag is no fun. On the other hand, not having something you really need can be a real problem. And, on the topic of packing, the wrong clothes can do everything from attracting mosquitoes to offending the locals. Confused? Well, here are some tips:
Take the least that you can…
In general, you can easily find things like pants, shirts, and skirts while on the road, so no need to bring piles of clothing from home. Many long-term travelers start out with only two pair of pants and three shirts, and buy more if/when they need while traveling.
…but ensure you bring key hard-to-find items from home!
What’s hard to find? Personal care items are probably at the top of the list. I remember a traveler I met in Myanmar who was absolutely miserable because he didn’t bring dental floss and couldn’t find it anywhere. Be sure to bring medications (which you may be able to find, but may not trust), contraceptive and feminine hygiene items, and proper mosquito repellent. Most clothing items will not be a problem, but shoes and underwear can be exceptions, particularly if you’re a lot smaller or a lot bigger than folks who live where you’re going (many Americans in Asia fit this bill).
Don’t wear clothes that locals find strange …
This varies by country, so you’ll want to check your guidebook for details. A general example is men’s shorts, which are considered somewhat bizarre in many countries.
…And don’t wear clothes that locals find offensive
A more problematic example is female travelers in Muslim countries wearing clothing that exposes skin. In Muslim countries women should cover their legs and shoulders, and in the more conservative Muslim countries you’ll need to cover your arms and hair. It’s important to understand that women showing skin in these countries isn’t just strange, but can be downright offensive.
Be comfortable
You’ll be wearing a lot of the same clothes over and over, and if you’re in the tropics then it’s going to be hot and/or muggy. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothes. I have a strong personal preference for 100% cotton, though there are a number of new blends available for travel which some may prefer.
Don’t wear clothes that attract mosquitoes
Clothes can attract mosquitoes? Apparently folks who study such things have concluded that dark clothing attracts more mosquitoes than light clothing. The same folks have found that perfumes, colognes, and other scents can also attract mosquitoes. Long pants and long socks are more obvious ways of keeping mosquitoes away, and you may also want to consider soaking your clothes in permethrin to further discourage insects.
Try not to look too rich
Displays of obvious wealth can risk making you a more attractive target to pick-pockets and other scoundrels. I’d suggest leaving all good jewelry at home, and avoid wearing ostentatious accessories like designer sunglasses or nice watches.
Understand carry-on baggage limitations (TSA)
The US Transportation Safety Association has various limitations on what can be included in carry-on luggage. Many travelers get upset when finding out that they can’t take a pocket-knife or a 4-ounce tube of shampoo in their handbag. Check the TSA website for the latest on this.
“No-iron” clothes are good
Unless you’re spending a lot of money and staying at top-end hotels, you won’t be able to iron or dry clean your clothes. Stick with clothes that look good even if you wash them in the sink and hang them to dry. No-iron all-cotton clothes are an excellent fit here!
Women may want to bring a little makeup
You’re not heading to the third world to do a fashion show, but you may still want to spruce up a little (remember that you’re going to be in a lot of photos!), particularly if you want to have an occasional nice evening out. Bring only what you absolutely need, and try to bring those items in travel sizes, or transfer them to smaller plastic bottles. You need to bring your own, as depending on where you go, it will be difficult to find your favorite products.
Mix & match clothing
Women will generally be more sensitive to this than men. Try to bring clothes that you can easily mix and match to create different “outfits” while still minimizing the amount of clothes you’re carrying.
Above are practices that we’ve found to be useful, and we hope you do too.
Wishing you a Fat Passport,
Bob & Michelle
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