The last of tasks, after giving away our no-longer-needed belongings to charity and assigning our lease over to a new tenant, is to pack up the few bits and pieces that will be schlepped around on our backs for the entire trip.
I used my iTouch to find apps for handy packing lists, but here's some useful guidance I found online:
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I used my iTouch to find apps for handy packing lists, but here's some useful guidance I found online:
http://url2it.com/cfeh
A few general rules.
1) Travel light
2) Travel small
3) Make copies of all important travel documents (passport, driver's license, etc) and keep them separately.
Backpack (about 3000 cu. inches or 50 liters)
Day pack
Money Belt
Passport
Driver's license
ATM card (the best way to get cash)
Credit Cards (Visa, MC, and remember your cash advance PINs just in case something goes wrong with your ATM card)
ISIC card (if you are under 26 it gives you travel insurance and numerous discounts)
Medical information (in case of emergency that hopefully will never happen)
Two small locks
If you plan to travel on train, I recommend a ski lock or something
with a coil, which you can get through the zipper handle and some pole
in your compartment. If someone really wants to steal something from
your bag it's not going to help, but it's a deterrent against curious
strangers. Also take a "Master" lock for regular lockers to store your
stuff while staying in hostels.
Swiss Army Knife
First Aid kit (pain and cold medicine, anti-nausea medicine,
anti-diarrhea medicine, Band-Aides, Vitamins, Antacid and anything else
you think you'll need)
Sewing kit (needle, thread, scissors, perhaps a few extra buttons)
Toiletries (tooth brush, soap, shampoo/conditioner, hand wipes,
Q-tips, Kleenex, razors, shaving cream, floss, deodorant, condoms (you
never know), etc) If you are taking an electric shaver, don't forget to
get a current converter.
Ear Plugs
People snore. People talk. People party. If you feel like falling asleep during the thunderstorm, take ear plugs.
Small Alarm Clock
Or use a cell phone.
Photo Camera with extra batteries and film
You will see very few backpackers with a video camera. And I doubt you want to carry both on your shoulders.
Pen, paper, journal
Playing Cards (poker size)
Plastic bags
Ziplock bags are great. I take a few of different size. Makes packing much easier and protects against water.
Guidebook
Lots of choices: Let's Go, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, Rick Steve's.
Sunglasses
Small water bottle
Fork/Knife/Spoon combo
Windbreaker/raincoat
Two pairs of pants (jeans/khakis)
One pair of shorts
5-6 pairs of socks
5-6 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of shoes(sneakers/walking shoes/boots)
This is a very subjective area. Take whatever is more comfortable for you. Whatever you decide, don't pack more than two pairs.
3-4 T-shirts
You can buy more in Europe.
One nice shirt for going out
One sweater
