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Published: January 20th 2023
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I am hitting the road again tomorrow (more on this in my next blog). But, while I spend the day cleaning, organizing and packing it made me think about how often people ask me what and how I pack.
As you might expect, I pack more clothes than I need since I like to be prepared. But, I thought you might be interested in the items I have learned to bring to make life a bit easier in a developing nation.
Making Packing Easier: Reusable Ziplock Bags: after having regular ziplock bags rip on me during travel I now travel with lots of reusable ziplock bags. They keep items from leaking but they also keep my items more organized
Liquid Travel Pouches: It took me awhile to find travel pouches for liquids that are actually leak proof and are flat for better packing
Bag Scale: I make sure to bring my bag scale with me so I can weigh my bags before heading home!
Bottle Covers: While I always put my liquid products in a zip lock bag it is still very annoying to learn the top opened and you lost half
your body wash. These covers keep tops from opening from cabin pressure or just being bumped around.
Pillow and Cover: I have been traveling with my own pillow for awhile, but I added a travel zip cover I can put over it to protect from dirt etc when I want to attach it to my carry on.
Travel: Airfly: For the flight you can plug this into the airplane ear plug port and then use your bluetooth earbuds for listening
Inflatable Travel Pillows: I have an assortment of inflatable pillows from neck, back, feet, butt etc I bring depending on the length of my flights. They pack down nicely into my carry on. I also like having them on a train or bus rides in country.
Travel Blanket: I bring a travel blanket, in a pouch so it doubles into pillow. I find I use it on the plane but also when I arrive if I come upon a cool night
Items for on the Go: Day Pack: I have switched from an over the shoulder day pack to around the waist. I think it is more
comfortable when hiking, easier to protect in a busy area, and you don't have the backpack straps in all your photos 😊
Fanny Pack: I have a small fanny pack with my money and phones so I can keep it close to me. I don't walk around with my passport but I do carry a color copy of my passport wherever I go.
Paper Soap: I keep a container of these in my bag for the bathrooms as they almost never have hand soap
Toilet Paper: I buy biodegradable toilet paper sheets not a roll (usually meant for an RV) and carry them in one of my reusable ziplock bags. It is rare that the toilets have paper in them so it's nice to have your own!
Flat Hand Sanitizer: This leak proof hand sanitizer fits into a pocket or a fanny pack which is great for keeping bulk down. Frequently food is eaten with your hands so this is a must.
Magnet Clip: I always want a sun hat with me. I have lost more than one hat off the back of a backpack before I got this magnet clip
Tide Wipe: After
having the tide pen leak or run dry I now travel with the wipes
Tooth Paste Pills: After having toothpaste leak in my bag I found these tooth paste pills that turn to paste with water. These are just for on the go, not day to day use.
Making Life Easier: Shower Shoes: having shoes for the shower is a must, these are great since they have holes in them and will drain instead of tracking water through the hotel or apartment
Tide Soap: Sometimes I have to do laundry in the sink, these are great for not making a mess in your bag!
Rechargeable Fan: in some of these really hot countries this is a life saver when we are having meetings inside a building that has no air flow. Quite often locals don't know what I am using until they feel the wind.
Travel Mirror: You would be surprised how often the bathroom in my hotel room or apartment does not have a mirror over the sink. I have learned to travel with one. Adam frequently borrowed mine to shave his face in Bolivia.
Second Cell Phone: When I
arrive in a new country I will purchase a local SIM card and place it in my second phone. I then use that phone as a hot spot which allows me to use my real phone just like I was at home. The added benefit is that I also have a local phone number if needed.
I hope some of these items might be helpful for your next trip near or far!
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Jim
non-member comment
Great tips!
Please be careful and safe!