I generally go with the low maintainence/natural look. It is a bit like how I am at home so no big change over when I hit the road.
I let my hair grow long and hippy style so wash and comb is all the care it needs.
For clothes I generlly go for a cross between low maintainance and expat look. Usually a couple of dresses and sandals is all I take when going someplace warm.
Mel
Reply to this It some countries it is not advisable to look too good while traveling (e.g. Bulgarian countryside) because this attracts attention and makes you a potential robbery victim.
But I think that while backpacking you can still maintain a rugged sort of good looks because you are relaxed, happy and emotionally drifting. I think also ladies look the best when they are interested and active. The passively "decorated" fashion-victim may look good on pictures but isn't much fun.
Seeya!
Psemek
Reply to this I really liked the fact that over time, I stopped worrying about how I looked, because of only having a few things with me at a time. Sometimes I saw travellers around Thailand wearing gleaming white clothes and wondered how they managed it! If I went travelling again, I would even take half the stuff I took with me, (and even then I didn't have that much) coz it's just easier.
Reply to this I'm so glad you started this thread cuz I have been thinking about that while planning my trip. Plus, it would be kind of nice to look decent in some of my pics :-)
Reply to this Did a round-the-world few years back with for most of it only a small suitcase as carry-one...that was fun...special at the airport when they saw the ticket....the trick was to hit a washing machine every few days...and yes looking good is for sure more fun!
Reply to this For me backpacking does not = a fashion show. But perhaps that's because I have limited style as it is. In any case I was continually amazed at some of the wardrobes of other travelers. When it comes to lugging my crap all over world...less is more.
I know that bikinis don't take up much space, but I met two girls in Goa who had 9 bikinis each in addition to the rest of their stuff. (Rootie and Dids...I love you two...but really? 9 bikinis?)
Before I got to Asia (3 months in Fiji, NZ, OZ) I pretty much had hiking clothes. I felt a bit lame when I'd go out at night and others would have "cooler" clothes but felt less lame when I only had to pack up my 40L bag as I moved about. but in the backpacker world I don't think expectations are too high for fashion. Once I got to Asia I stocked up on some stuff that fit the semi-hippie backpacker look a bit - largely due to my laundry getting "lost" in Kathmandu & the clothing replacement options are largely limited to linen.
Leslie mentioned hitting up the washing machine every few days. One can also do small bits (socks, etc) every night in the sink to stay on top of things with a limited clothing supply.
In any case, I enjoyed the opportunity to be relaxed and not be in an environment that was driven by appearances. The trick is stopping my bum tendencies once back home...
Yup, I've worn these pants for the last 7 days...got a problem with that?
Reply to this Def. travelling light is better. It's great to look good in pic's but as long as my hair looks decent Im ok w. the rest. Also, most people dont care I think. Its about making memories, not fashion statements...hmm actually kindof a fashion statement in its own, to not look too polished!! So it all works!!
Reply to this It all depends on what we define as "looking good!!"
To me that means; relaxed, happy, tanned, smiling....
Carrying around a rucksack that has a full wardrobe in it would not be my cup of tea at all, although I have met plenty of girls who do (and even one boy with hair straighteners!). In saying that, I do change what I wear, so I have 4 t-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts and 4 dresses. All can mix with each other, as I get fed up with a t-shirt I throw it out and buy a new one. This means I only carry 13kgs & am still smiling after trudging around looking for a bed! I was laughing recently at one dress that has been with me from the start, I call it my "Sarah does it all dress" - cocktails, beach, laundry, museum, concert....the works! It's even my comfort when I am ill as it is so loose!!!!
Each to their own, as long as I don't have to carry it!
Reply to this "Sarah does it all dress"
I have 2 ''Mel does it all dresses'' which I bought 10 years ago in Uganda. They are attactive as well as unrevealing so perfect for travelling in all countries and dressed up or casual enough for most situations. I just cant seem to find replacements for them. Luckily they are also the types of dresses that dont seem to get shabby even after several years and look perfect after handwashing and they are made of a material which dries very quickly.
Reply to this If you are relaxed, happy and sun kissed...everybody is beautiful! I always take minimal clothes but make sure they all match! Have at least one nice top / skirt so that if you need to look good you can...and girls we can take more clothes because our clothes are smaller!
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