Packing Light List for Five Weeks In Thailand

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I never used to pack light. I was the one bringing eight pairs of pants and twelve shirts for a weekend. This has changed considerably because I learned I like to shop and hate lugging around a 75 lb suitcase. Zach, however, has a very different philosophy for packing. He grabs a stack of clothes (may or may not know what is in the stack) and throws them in the suitcase. He brought like four pairs of jeans last time! Then, he relies on me to remember the essentials.

The following packing list could potentially fit in one carry-on and is plenty for a five week trip. It is also plenty for a two week trip or two month trip. Granted, if you are travelling somewhere rather frigid, this would be modified a bit. I prefer to have one carry-on and one checked bag on long trips because I want to shop and I don't want to buy a suitcase while I'm there. This is geared more towards a woman but a man could easily modify some of these. For instance, they probably wouldn't need tampons or a bra, but I don't judge! :P

I will highlight in italics what items really aren't that essential but are my "really like to have with me" items

Luggage

1 suitcase with wheels of medium size

1 backpack for carry-on

1 cheap canvas bag with strings for straps: I use this as my day pack in replace of a purse; it folds up tiny and is super light

Money belt: fanny packs are just wrong on so many levels. Hide your money under your pants

Clothes

1 pair of loose fitting pants/trousers: I like black palazzo pants. Wear neutral colors- lighter colors are cooler but get dirty faster. I will wear these on the plane

2 pairs of capris: I am bringing one pair of jean capris and one pair of black gauchos, which I will also use as pajama bottoms

1 sweater/hoodie: I will wear this on the plane

1 black shrug: It allows you to carry something lightweight that can go over tank tops when you want to go into temples or if you get a little chilly

2 tanktops: I will wear one under my sweater on the plane

1 Tshirt: Can use as pajama top or whatever, plain colored shirt preferrable

2 swimsuits: Usually one is sufficient but I am doing a lot of water activities and don't want a cold, wet suit

1 dress/cover-up: Semi-dressy, loose fitting, and can also be used as a swimsuit cover up

2 pairs of socks: One fuzzy pair for the plane and one regular pair just in case

1 bra: Don't need more than one because you also can wear your swim suit top. Will wear on the plane

3-5 pair of underwear

1 pair of sandals: Comfortable, not flip-flops. Will wear on the plane. If you want flip flops, buy some for $3 over there

1 pair of tennis shoes: Debateable if you need to bring these, but I did regret not bringing a pair when I did a lot of walking

*Note, I do not bring any shorts. Why? I don't look good in shorts. If you can pull off shorts, bring only one pair. They are small and fold up nice. Preferrably bring a pair that aren't jeans because you might throw them on over your swim suit. Wet jeans suck. You will also notice that if you take off all the things I'm wearing on the plane, it really only leaves a few items in your suitcase. Folded up properly, they will hardly make a dent in your carry-on.

Miscellaneous Items

Toothpaste and toothbrush: You could potentially buy this where you are going, but I like to have it for the plane. I'm counting it as essential though.

Deodorant: Same as above

Hairbrush: I like my own

Shampoo and conditioner: If you are going to be staying in classy joints, leave this out. The places I stay don't typically include shampoo and conditioner.

Razor/shaver: Unless you are planning on waxing

Loofah: Seems silly but I never could find wash cloths. I wanted to feel clean and was so happy we brought our little loofah sponges. Probably not essential and you could use a towel to scrub.

Tiny bit of makeup: Foundation, lip gloss. Trust me, that's all you need. The rest will sweat off anyway. If you don't wear makeup, all the better!

Face wash: Because frankly, shampoo isn't that good for your face and the sweatier you are, the more you break out.

Eyeglasses and case: Because my eyes get dry with contacts

Contacts, solution, and case: Need to see!

Sunglasses: It's sunny out

1 Hair tie/clip: Because this is the extent you are going to dress up your head because curling irons and blow dryers are a waste of space

Mosquito repellant: You could buy this there, but I already have a little bottle I bring. It has a nice little clip

Sunscreen: If you are going to Thailand, bring your own sunscreen. It's hard to find sunscreen without bleaching cream in it.

QTips: Just a little pack

Tampons: If you need them. Thailand doesn't seem to carry them or else they are super hard to find.

Ear plugs and eye mask: Must have for travelling

Moist towelettes: Must have! Bring a few travel packs of these. You will encounter lack of toilet paper, messy food, spills, and dirty objects. Best thing I ever brought.

Travel pillow: I bought a really nice around the chest pillow that folds up to nothing. This is not essential and is a luxury item. 24-26 hours straight of travelling takes it's toll!


Snorkel vest: This is purely because I don't want to wear a life jacket while snorkelling. This is not essential

Zip lock bags: I throw almost everything above in ziplock bags anyway to organize (and due to plane requirements), but these are nice to have for a just in case. You can throw wet clothes in them, extra food and snacks so you don't waste, garbage so you don't litter, etc. And you can chuck them when you are done with them.

Pen: You need it for customs, writing out email addresses and numbers you get from people, writing out directions, etc.

Tide-To-Go Pen: The extent of personally washing clothes, frankly. I don't wash my clothes in a sink. It is so cheap in Thailand, I take it to a laundry for cleaning, ironing, and folding. Some lodgings have a washing machine or a nearby laundry mat, and you can buy soap there that actually works in the machines.

Electronics

Laptop with charger: First time bringing a computer. Not always necessary, more of a luxury

2 cameras, SD cards, and chargers: I have one waterproof camera and one standard

Nook with charger: I can't live without my Nook

iPod with chargers and headphones/ear buds: Need my music

*Note, I may bring my phone too but I won't be using it. Also, all my electronics work over in Thailand and I don't need adapters/converters.

Medication

Immodium: Another must have! I gave it out like candy to other travellers and made some friends that way 😊

Tylenol/pain reliever

Antibiotics

Essential Documents

Passports with visas

Debit/credit cards: more than one, call before you leave to let bank know

Tickets/Itinerary List

Medical insurance card

Driver's License



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At first glance, it seems like a lot of items, but once you throw everything in your suitcase (neatly of course), it really isn't a lot. Electronics take up most of the space. A lot of the other stuff is disposable once used up. If you can help it, don't bring jewelry, a whole make-up kit, blow dryer/curling iron/flat iron, nail polish, more than one pair of jeans (unless one of them is shorts)... If you have electronics of some sort with a light, you really don't need a flashlight. I don't do my own laundry in Thailand so I don't bring sink stopper, washing powder, etc. I don't bring a sleep sheet or sleeping bag. I have never found the need for hiking boots. Lotion, perfume, etc tend to be a waste of room, but if you have dry skin, you may need something to help. Unless you are going to a 3rd world country in the middle of the desert, you will be able to run to a store and buy most everything fairly cheap.

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Comments

[Tricia]

So....
How in the world do you get clean clothes if you don't wash them while you are there and your packing list doesn't contain nearly enough clothes to last 5 weeks? When I went to Australia, I didn't pack enough clothes. Emily and I ended up washing our socks and underwear in the bathtub and hanging them to dry. One outfit would have been $55 to have them wash it. Yikes!