Little help please.......
Hello Ladies,
I am going travelling with my boyfriend next year for 9 months. I've never been travelling before and was wondering if the ladies out there could help me with my packing list.
What do you think are the most important things to bring?
What was your clothes list like?
Was there an item of clothing that you just thought thank god I've bought this?
We are travelling around Thailand and Malaysia for the first 3 months, then will be hitting Australia for June, July, Aug and Sept. New Zealand Oct and Nov. And finally Fiji and USA for December.
So I will need a range of clothes as there is a difference in the climates.
Also, on a more personal note, how do you cope with the time of the month situation? Is it easy to pick up supplies everywhere?
I also wear contact lenses and was wondering how people cope with wearing them while travelling, because they can be a pain sometimes, like when you want to go swimming and with having to carry all the solutions around?
Thanks for ur help :-)
Reply to this You can buy tampons and contact lens solution in Thailand and Malaysia. You don't need to take them with you.
You will also be able to pick up clothes en route too.
Reply to this I'm a ladiieeee. I'm not, actually, but my girlfriend is and she now absolutely swears by her mooncup. It is an alternative to tampons, environmentaly friendly, cheap, and perfect for travel; check it out here www.mooncup.co.uk
She also uses contacts but has no probs. One large bottle lasts her a long trip and besides, as with so many things, its easily found most anywhere.
Reply to this You wont have a problem buying tampons or contact solution in NZ, Aus, Thailand or Malaysia or Fiji...one large bottle should do you - have you thought about contraceptives that will stop you getting your period while you travel? talk to doctor about that for your options.
Oh...and buy sarongs, they will come in handy for lots of things - beach towel, tied up to make a knapsack type bag in an emergency, to wear as clothing, quick scarf if your visiting a religious site that requires you to have your head and shoulders covered - no need to pack and take with you - theyre cheap as chips available everywhere.
Reply to this I second sarongs!! so handy. I was able to buy pretty much anything I needed in the way of clothing, just be careful in southeast asia as they are asian sizes, back home I was a small or a medium, in asia I'm a large or extra large, so if your bigger in size (bust waist butt whatever) maybe get some comfortable clothes (shorts or pants especially).
I wear contacts and have had no problems. I stocked up big time on my supply of contacts (got a years supply) and also brought my prescription along in case I ran out and could buy them overseas (I'm sure this is possible in Australia and NZ).
The only time I've had a problem finding tampons is in Cambodia Vietnam and China, in the major cities (Phnom Penh, Saigon, Hanoi and Hong Kong) it was no problem, but everywhere else is next to impossible. Thailand and Malaysia were readily stocked!
clothing wise again, I have one or two shirts that are pretty un-suitable for day use in hotter climates, but offer me some at home feeling comfort when I need it!!
Happy Travels
Kristy
Reply to this Hey everyone,
Thanks for your replies, I'm just working out how much to actually get at the moment, was quite shocked yesterday to go into a shop and they are already stocking up for winter clothes which is no good to me.
Good tip about the sarongs, might bring the one I've for with me and then pick up some cheaper ones when I'm out there. And that's interesting about the different sizes, I am a small/medium too, that's going to be a bit depressing pickin out extra large ;-)
About the tampons, I'm sure it would be ok.....very interesting tip about the mooncup.......i'll have a look at the website.
Keep the tips coming :-)
Reply to this sarongs are a must, bring tampons to lonely areas of asia, Aus and NZ supply these items everywhere, A headlamp has probably been my most used item. light easily rinsed out undies and bikini, wet wipes are great. large brimmed hat, long skirts/sarongs and a long sleeve shift as a sun protector but also in case you find yourself exploring places of worship and covering up is expected. In some countries I have found it difficult to find medication for the time of the month, might be an idea to bring some with you if you suffer pain ect. Keep your personal items nearby ie on a bus as it cn be a bit cramped and its good to have your supplies handy, No advice about contacts.......sorry. Raincoat is a must also, Thailand is cheap for beach type wear, Aus is expensive, any other questions get in touch.......happy trails, water bottles are great, buy one with a loop on the top then buy a carbiner from a climbing place and you can clip your bottle anywhere and it is easy to realise and use, also saves a fortune on personal size bottles...
Reply to this I second the contraceptive pill tip... if you can find that you suits you and stop your period while you're travellign, tampons are available pretty much most places but it's just one less thing to think about if you're on the pill all the time. This is not clothing related but my best tip especially for coming to australia is get a job. Not only will you pick up some extra cash to spend on nights out, it is the best way to meet people and feel like a local in no time at all... even if i don't need the money i love getting jobs just to meet a new crowd... there's arrival packages you can buy from
and they will put you up in a hostel for your first few nights, take you on a tour and help you get jobs anywhere that you travel in australia.... i have used them 6 times for work and am in a job now earning heaps of money with a catering company, working at fancy big-cash functions... anyhow wishing you all the best with your travels and hope you have a great time! Reply to this 
