This is our Ko Chang pet dog, she moved right in and made herself at home.
While on our tavels Sam and I have received neumerous emails from friends who are seeking out information about our trip. Most importantlly people have wanted to know what we packed.
In doing research for our trip Sam and I found other Blogs to be the best source of information. One of my favorites was; "euros ate my dollars" (you can google it). Mostly I liked it because it was a couple that traveled together and they provided funny insight into various situations.
Some of you may just be curious, how are we carrying our belogings (especially a high mainetance girl, such as myself).
Sam and I spent about 1 month planning and packing--but about 1 year researching (keep in mind, we are little more neurotic than the average Joe). We decided that large backpacks would be the best way to carry our belongings--although we see plenty of people we bring rolling duffle bags. It depends on what kind of trip you intend to have--this should be the first question you ask yourself. Will you be traveling via land? Air? Sea? All three perhaps? Do you intend to do extended stays in a few places or shorter stays and see more?
Once you know what form of luggage you're bringing you can start to fill it. Sam and I had different approaches to this, so I will provide you with what I did. I was of the opinion that I would be washing all of my clothing in sinks, and it would be best to have as little cotton as possible--nylon, polyester, wool, etc. From there I generated a list, which was very helpful.
Pack, Arc'teryx Maia 65 (Sam has te male version, the Naos). I have always viewed rain flys as rediculous--why not make the pack waterproof? Afterall, it's not when it's raining I am concerned, it's when the pack is set down in 2 inches of water, or carried over the ocean (and could slip). We happened to get really stellar deals on our packs, so for us they have been perfect. If your budget allows (or you come across a deal), we both HIGHLY recommend these packs.
2 wool socks--I brought smartwool
5/6 ex officio underpants (I also brought Patagonia), these are critcal... Even though it stinks that they cost $18/each. Underpants ia about the only thing I wash in the sink regularlly.
3 bras (2 underwire & 1 sport, all non cotton)
1 baithing suit--you can easily buy these at any ocean town.
3 pants (jeans, adventure pants (i.e. convertable pants), comforatable loose somethings)
1 shorts
5/6 tees and tanks. You must cover your shoulders and knees when you go into a Wat, so don't over-do it in the tank department. You can and will buy cotton tees in many places.
1 long sleeved shirt--lightweight. I only use it when I am burnt and need to stay out of the sun. A flow-y coverup will do.
1 lightweight fleece
1 light rain coat (you do not need goretex!)
1 good baseball-type hat (they don't have great hats over here)
1 adventure sandalls (I love Chacos)
1 hiking sneaker (I brought asics)
Head lamp/small flash light (you can also easily obtain this in Asia)
Small bag for walking around the city and short hikes. I brought an EMS satchell and Sam brought the Arc'terix Cizero '18 (super lightweight). Sam and I are against the front backpack, backpack look. First of all it's super nerdy looking and second these people appear high maintenance. All of your crap should fit in your pack--or FedEx it home.
Small cord and lock for securing you bag on the train and such (helps with peace on mind) we got ours at EMS--made by Eagle Creek
Money belt/necklace. Great to wear if your sleeping on a train/bus/plane. Do not wear your money belt outside of your clothing--thieves have been know to cut and run. Always conceal your most valuable belongings.
Pak towel--very useful
Watch--make sure you know how to operate the watch before you leave. My watch was from target--$9. Tells the time and occasionally wakes me up when I want it to and occasionally when I don't! Sam's watch has the temp and date--which is really nice.
Pens!!! Pens are like gold in Asia! Bring more than one.
Things I wish I brought...
A dress--Patagonia makes one that is non cotton, but it was $80 and I couldn't justify it. They have dresses here, but you can't really try stuff on... Very hit or miss.
Things I wish I left behind (and eventually sent home)
Socks!! It's hot here, we barelly ever wear our sneakers. I sent 3 pair home, kept 2.
Okay, so this we are a little on the fence with... Sam and I both sent our sleeping bags home. First I want to say that you DO NOT need a 15 degree bag. At most a 40/50... It's hot here. We opted to keep our sleeping bag liners. We hadn't used our sleepbg bags at all up until Bangkok, and they take up valuable space. Of course, as soon as we sent them back to the US we stayed at a bungalow that only provided tiny blankets. Our sleeping bag liners have been great. After all, it's hot, and neither of us are particularly cold people. Our advice, if traveling as a couple, get one light sleeping bag that fully unzips (not a mummy, but the other) and then use it as a blanket. Alternativelly, just bring liners.
Outlet converters. We didn't send them all home. But all of the outlets up until Thailand have accepted regular US plugs. These also appear the be easy finds, they sell them in most tourist neighborhoods for a buck or two.
As far as toiletries go, bring small 3oz sized ones. You really can buy it all here, for cheaper or the same. Bring sun tan lotion!!! The good stuff (meaning 30 and waterproof, is really expensive) otherwise all you get is skin whitening lotion or 15, not waterproof (useless!)
If anyone has anything to contribute, please feel free to do so! Any questions, we will happily reply. And no, you won't be washing all of your clothing in a sink, they do laundry here better than mom--going rate, $1/kilo.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
No comments:
Post a Comment