Since the idea of this long trip to Asia arose, I’ve been questioned by so many people on what I was taking.
How do you know what to pack?
You’re only taking one backpack?
How will you survive? I don’t know how you’ll do it.
Seriously, one small backpack?
How are you going to get it all done before you leave?

I have noticed many people backpacking or interested in backpacking have been reading my blog, so I thought I’d make a post on the checklist and essentials before leaving.

It’s convent for this occasion that I’m a very light packer, and thankfully (blessed by my mother’s influences), I need very little to survive (and be comfortable even). As for the stress of leaving for a long period of time and getting visas, etc., I see this trip as something I’ve always wanted to do (and saved for), so the pure energy of pursuing it erased any stress that might arise. My biggest sadness was being away from Michael, my husband, for that length of time.

For those of you that are giant suitcase luggers and multiple bag checkers, this article (or backpacking), might not be for you. If you’re on the edge, do it! It is much easier than you might think, and you’ll NEVER regret it. As for spending the savings, we work to do these types of things, right? You can always work more when you get back.

As I started reading other blogs and making my own checklist, I eliminated a lot of what other people suggested. My co-workers gave me a going away party and got me some extremely practical items that I’ve almost worn out from so much use.

If you consider a budget backpacking trip such as the one I’m doing, here are some items to consider. Modify it to your own needs and preferences. I included the brands I used, but obviously pick what you want. I welcome any comments on things I might have forgotten or other opinions.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Valid passport (and copies), get extra pages if you’ll need them
• Travel insurance card (or photo/email), I used Liaison International, Seven Corners, Inc.
• Health insurance card (or photo/email)
• Proof of immunizations (check country requirements)
• Driver’s license/possibly international driver’s license (copy or picture of all)
• Business card (a couple of visas required a copy of this)
• 10-15 passport photos to use for visas (will save you a lot of time and money). I bought a pair of photos at CVS then scanned them to photo paper.
• Lonely Planet book(s) – I only brought Southeast Asia on a Shoestring and electronically downloaded any other country I visited. I like the LP hard copies so much better, but it sucks to carry them.
• SCUBA certification cards (if certified)

GEAR/PRACTICAL

• Osprey Backpack, with detachable day back. In Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild, she starts to call her backpack “Monster,” and I felt I started to have a relationship with mine as well. I also found myself breaking/tearing items just to throw away useless parts of items in order to lighten the load. Keep it as light as possible. Your shoulders will thank you!
• Small black durable strap purse, change purse, could buy as souvenir
• SeatoSummit Dryilte MicroTowel, Antibacterial (many hostels won’t have towels or will make you purchase, this is a tiny towel but is very helpful)
• 1 light weight sleeping bag for protection (sheet like), Hammock Bliss (folds up to hand size, gave me so much comfort when I was surrounded by bugs)
• 1 Northface light weight rain jacket that fits over your backpack or daypack as well
• 1 backpack rain cover (optional, this fell off my backpack, and I was fine without it)
• Pen (you find yourself randomly filling out a lot of forms)
• Pacsafe lock (1 large with range, 2 small)
• Vision glasses or contacts (if needed)
• Sunglasses
• Large ziploc bags and/or backpack dividers (makes it so much easier for all the re-packing)

ELECTRONIC

• MacBook Air 11 inch, charger (or iPad), whatever you bring, make sure it is light
• 1 kindle (or iPad)
• Watch/SCUBA watch
• iPhone, charger, Mophie extra charge (Mophie has been a lifesaver, thanks Allison!)
• Converter-adapters needed
• Earbuds
• Tiny flashlight (mine is the size of my thumb)
• Point & shoot camera, extra SD card/converter, extra battery, charger (optional) – I ended up only using my iPhone because I got sick of having both devices. If I had to do it again, I’d leave the camera at home (and I am a photography minor, yikes!)

CLOTHES:  Keep them light-weight, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-free

• 1 black light weight hiking pants (roll up to capris or down to pants)- maybe two, many places you’ll have to cover your knees to get into temples.
• 1 light weight, moisture-wicking long sleeve shirt with hood
• 1 yoga pants
• 1 jean short
• 1 running shorts
• 1 long cargo shorts
• 3 tank tops, moisture-wicking
• 3 moisture-wicking shirts
• 1 swimming suit
• 1 black maxi skirt
• underwear, bras
• 1 flip flop
• 1 tennis shoes
• 5 socks

TOILETRIES – Keep small, and take less than you think. You can buy them most anywhere. Gotta love 7-11! Most all countries have 7-11 convenience stores, and at times the glowing beacon across the street seems like a lifesaver for a late night snack or toiletry.

• Travel sunscreen
• Travel body spray (can help if it’s been too long between laundry)
• Travel deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, razor
• Travel bug spray
• Malary medications (if needed)
• Anti-bacteria medications (I didn’t use, but just in case)
• Tamiflu (I didn’t use, but just in case)
• Aleve, Dramamine
• Culturelle
• Eyedrops (my eyes get dry)
• Ponytail holders (a lot)
• Q-tips
• Floss
• Small tweezers, fingernail clippers, fingernail filer
• Tiny first aid kit (thanks Julie!)
• Waterproof bandaids
• Chapstick
• Tiny mirror
• Tampons (hard to find in places)
• 5 or so individually wrapped laundry detergents (sink laundry)
• Roll of toilet paper (you will have to buy or swipe several more of these along your way as you’ll hit some nasty places and become quite good at the squat)

Apps to Download and/or Familiarize

• XE (currency exchange rates)
• Skype
• Google Translate
• Google Maps
• Trip Advisor
• World Clock (already on iPhone)
• Facetime (already on iPhone)
• WhatsApp

To Do

• Call bank and credit cards to notify of travel.
• Call cell carrier to unlock phone for SIM card use (if not already unlocked).
• Start blog if you want.
• Get immunizations and passport photos.
• Check credit card/rewards points balance. If you have these, this might be a good time to use them. At some of the bigger cities if I felt road weary, I’d cash in some Starwood points and enjoy a nice bed and bath for free. It can be the boost to keep you going.

Don’t stress about planning advance flights or hotels before you leave because often times it will change, and I find the more you have booked ahead, the more it sucks and the more pressure there is. What if you want to stay somewhere longer? The majority of the trip I didn’t know where I’d be sleep one to two days out, and it worked out perfectly. Prior to leaving, focus mainly on things you can’t get done once you leave.

Leave space in your bag for the cheap souvenirs you’ll want to buy! Seriously, if you have the space you can get all your Christmas shopping done for such a small price.

“Are you going to become a minimalist [when you return] and get rid of stuff or will you be glad to have stuff?” —My mom after I’d been on the road for four months.