As we approach the eve of our departure, the question of what to bring and what to leave behind is a long way from being solved. How do you pack for a year away? A year of fridged mountaintops, sweltering beaches, and smog-filled cities? A year of hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and museum-going?
There are too many places, too many climates, too many activities, and far far too many medications to fit into one small backpack.
Less is More
The one theme we constantly hear from seasoned travelers is "Do not bring too much." Every travelogue we read includes frequent trips to the post office to mail back useless items -- photography vests that looked great in the catalog, that fourth pair of shoes, an extra jacket.
The general rule is to pack the stuff you can't easily get abroad and bring as little as possible of everything else. Items like underwear and t-shirts can easily be purchased as you go, probably for cheaper than at home. However, medication, prescriptions, and perfect-fitting shoes are more difficult to find.
Not once in our research did we come across someone wishing they had brought more stuff. We are trying to keep that in mind as we shoehorn item after item into our backpacks.
Packing Lists
We're relying heavily on fellow travelers' advice of what to bring. Rather than copying what they've said, we'll send you right to the source. Here are some great packing lists.
We will post our own packing list once we've been on the road long enough to know what's useful.
Medical Supplies
Perhaps the most important items in any traveler's pack are their medical supplies. Here's a list of what we're bringing. (See "Ouch! The Shots Begin" for more information):
Prescriptions
- Mefloquine (Malaria)
- Ofloxacin (diarrhea)
- Metronidazole (diarrhea)
- Sterile syringes and needles
Other Medication
- Immodium AD (diarrhea)
- Tylenol PM
- Tylenol Cold
- TheraFlu Tablets
- Dramamine (motion sickness)
- Advil
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Neosporin
- Lotrimin AF
- Tums
- Ex-Lax
- Cough drops
- Daily multi-vitamin
- Refresh eyedrops
Supplies & Misc.
- Band-aids
- Large adhesive pads
- First-aid tape
- Moleskin
- Rehydration salts
- Thermometer
- Lip Balm
- Bug repellent with DEET
- Suntan Lotion
- Washless hand sanitizer
- Tweezers
- Yellow Card (International Health Certificate)
- Toilet Paper
Camping Equipment
We have decided NOT to bring camping equipment. With the exception of a kayak trip and a possible hill-tribe trek, we will be spending most of our nights in cities or seaside resorts. The extra weight of a tent, stove, pots & pans, etc. won't be worth the few nights we would use it.
Sarah is going to bring her sleeping bag. It packs down small and may come in handy on those drafty Chinese train rides. I'm going without -- we'll see if I regret it.