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In places where clothing is cheap, such as Southeast Asia and India, don’t stress too much about having a complete wardrobe ready to go before you take off. If carrying large cameras and a computer, I bring an electronics backpack with locking zippers, which I wear in the front.Packing cubes are the single most important thing for organizing my clothing and compressing my belongings.There is a wire running through the strap, the colors are not flashy, and it is equipped with hidden pockets that block RFID readers from scanning passport and credit card information. I use this Pacsafe messenger bag as a day bag, especially for towns like Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, where drive-by motorbike theft and bag-snatching can occur, or in parts of Europe or South America, where people try to unzip your purse when you’re distracted.I use a 65L REI bag, which is big enough for all of my belongings, including some hiking gear.That being said, these are the tried-and-tested staples that I take with me around the world: Many people are afraid that carrying a backpack will take a toll on their backs, but if you have the right one that fits your body, the weight will be evenly distributed and you will be fine! I highly recommend testing out backpacks (with weights in them) in person (REI stores are perfect for that), as everyone’s body is different. It’s also great to not have to wait for your luggage at the airport upon arrival! I am a huge advocate of backpacks, as it gives me the advantage of mobility (trust me, dragging a wheeled suitcase on a staircase is not fun at all!). Should you go with a backpack or a suitcase? It depends on your travel destination(s) and length of trip.
TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST FREE
Feel free to mix and match and take just what you want. The following are my tried-and-true methods and products that, even after years on the road, I still love and use, and make for the ultimate packing list. I’ve learned that, thankfully, with a few staple items, you can travel just about anywhere without spending a fortune on gear. I found myself in the same situation eight years ago, but with the benefit of hindsight and over a decade of travel experience, I may have finally figured this female packing list thing out. I know that it can be daunting trying to figure out what to pack for a week, a month, or a year abroad without much - or any - prior experience in the place you aim to visit. In this guest post, solo travel expert Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse shares her tips and advice to help you pack for your next trip abroad.
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