Yay! You're going on an adventure! Time pack your bags and get the hell outta here... wait before you leave, you do actually need to ‘pack’ your bags. NOOOOO! What should I bring? What is the weather going to be like? It's a stressful situation even for the most organised of us.
But don't worry fellow sufferers of packing stress. Make yourself a cup of camomile tea and check out these 8 packing hacks that will help you pack like a pro for your next big trip!
#1 Check, check, double check!
If you’re a fan of checklists then this website will help you check and double check, so you don't forget a thing. You can enter where you are going, when you are going and what type of travelling you will be doing... (you can even mention whether or not you will take your pets!) and it will tell you EXACTLY what you need to bring.
In the very likely event that you do forget to pack something... don’t panic. Your travel buddies can help you out or you can buy whatever you need at your destination. Haggling in South East Asia or op shops Down Under will be your life savers!
#2 Organisation is key
An organised backpack is a traveller's best friend. You can use one of those fancy schmancy travel pouches to organise your stuff, but you can also just create your own cheap version. Thin plastic bags will come to the rescue here. Try to get all the air out of them and make them as tiny as possible and that way you can separate all of your stuff. If you really feeling the ‘I love an organised backpack’ vibe, you can EVEN use a marker to label those bags. It may sound time-consuming, but it will save you so much time on your trip. “Where are my tops? Oh, here they are! In my special, little plastic bag that says TOPS. Ha!”
#3 Keep your toiletry bag to a minimum
You don’t want to carry around big bottles of shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. So save small containers or samples that you get during the year and pour some of your toiletry stuff in there.
Also keep your make-up to a minimum. Or how about going all the way Beyonce style and opting for zero make-up. Bye bye panda eyes and hello fresh air for your skin! If you’re not convinced, just stick to the basics: some mascara, maybe some concealer to cover up dark circles under your eyes after an overnight bus from hell, but that’s it!
#4 Minimalism is your mantra!
Over packing is dangerous, so just don’t do it! Choose colours that you can combine easily and wash your clothes in hostels. You can even just wear your clothes under the shower and wash them like that. Win-win, because you are clean and so are your clothes... Haha!
If you want to go even more hardcore minimalist, then check out this video.
#5 Leggings ARE pants
Not only are leggings pants. They are super-hyper-multi-functional! You can wear them as:
- Tracksuit bottoms when you go hiking - oh no mosquitoes, my legs are a no-go for you!
- Yoga pants when you sign up for a super cheap, but super nice yoga course
- Pants under your shorts, dress, skirt when you are visiting temples in Asia
- Pants to keep you warm during a cold night out camping under the stars
- The list is endless!
I also always make sure I bring a pair of tights. That way the weather can’t surprise you. Is it sunny? Then show off your stunning legs. Is it raining or rather chilly? Then just wear tights or a legging underneath your shorts/skirts/dresses.
#6 Maxi outfits equal maxi fun
Maxi skirts and dresses are really useful when you go backpacking in Asia. At some places you will have to make sure that your legs and shoulders are covered, that can be a real bummer when it is really hot. Maxi skirts and dresses are nice and airy, but still cover your legs.
#7 Prepare to party!
Even when you’re backpacking, there will be occasions where you will want to look pretty(-ish). So be sure to pack at least one party outfit. It can be a lovely colourful dress that takes up minimal space. That way you will be all unleash your glamorous side! Use a sarong to finish your look.
#8 Never change a winning raincoat
I have had my raincoat for over 10 years... and counting! It is the best travel buddy I could ever wish for. I can fold it up, carry it as a fanny pack around my waist or just put it in my day bag. It doesn’t take up much space and what’s more, it protects me against rain AND wind! So if you are a fan of hiking or trekking excursions, do not underestimate the power of a good old raincoat and invest.
#8 Think practical!
There are some practical things that will come in very handy when you’re backpacking:
- Duct tape, a piece of rope, some pegs and safety pins: make your own DIY hanging line in your room to dry your clothes, or fix up torn parts of your backpack
- A sarong: another multi-functional item you can use as a blanket, beach towel, sun protection, something to cover your shoulders
- World travel adaptor: snoop around on Amazon or eBay if you want to buy one
- A pair of hiking socks: you can use them for hiking, but they can also keep your feet warm on a chilly night or on the plane
- Washing liquid: pour some in a small empty water bottle, that way you can do some quick washes in the sink
- Pocket knife
- Micro fibre towel: very light and dries quickly
- Head torch: especially if you’re planning to do some overnight trekking
- Phone + phone charger + power bank: use Google Maps offline, listen to music or some philosophical podcasts on a long bus/train ride, take photos etc etc.
- A set of playing cards: invite people in your hostel for a round of poker or play Ring of Fire, an easy way to meet new people
