This article is a guest post by Roxana.
The face of tourism is changing, with independent travelers being the future of it. Journeys are a way to explore on your own, be adventurous and spontaneous, while staying budget-conscious. An increasing number of people decide to go on these self-organized trips, while standard mass-tourism offer with tourist guides isn’t as popular: there is just so much more to see and experience. Whether you’re going hiking and exploring nature or discovering cities of Europe – a good backpack has your back (literally!). Here’s what you need to pack for a safe and careless journey.
Basic first aid kit
You don’t have to pack a whole pharmacy, but being prepared goes a long way. You never know what might happen, and having basic medication and supplies will make your trip safer and more pleasant. Surely you want to pack an insect repellent, antifungal cream (especially if you’ll spend a lot of time wearing shoes – better safe than sorry!), some analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and bandages. Depending on season of your trip, pack a sunscreen too. This applies especially if you plan on going mountain hiking: on higher altitudes, you’re more likely to get sunburns.
Choosing the right clothes
Be savvy when packing your clothes: arrange them by their weight and put things you’ll use the most – on top. Wherever you plan on going, you have to do your research: check what the weather will be like and be prepared. It’s always good to have a light raincoat packed: it doesn’t take a lot of space and you’ll be safe and dry during possible showers. Never pack just for one season, and ask around how low do the temperatures fall at night at your traveling destinations. Pack comfortable garments, like gym clothes, in order to make your trip as comfy as possible. You may want to leave out jeans, tight shirts, and synthetic materials. Pick fabrics that let your skin breathe and are cozy. As for footwear, sneakers are the best choice if you’re a light traveler. Make sure you cram a pair of flip flops and a spare pair of socks. If you’re going hiking – you’ll need just the pair of boots that you already have on.
Sleeping bag, blankets, and towels
Backpacking through different countries implies sleeping on trains, in hostels, sometimes even on rail stations! You can find many different types of sleeping bags on the market and they are usually very compact. Some backpacks even have a special space on their tops for sleeping bags, so you won’t have to worry about them taking too much space. If you’re sensitive to cold, pack an extra blanket that will keep you warm. Depending on the duration of your trip, it’s good to pack at least 2-3 towels. Here’s an extra tip: pack a concentrated travel detergent and wash your dirty towels and clothes. Make sure they are dry before you pack them, otherwise – you risk unpleasant odors and mold.
Maps and gadgets
You’ll need some sort of navigation tool – a map, compass or GPS. It’s good to take what technology offers, but don’t rely on it too much. Your phone battery might run out, so you may also want to have one of the old-school navigation tools, just in case.
Essentials we often forget
Very often, the things we need the most end up being left at home. Here’s what you’ll want to check from the list: matches or a lighter, Swiss knife (or some other multi-tool), water bottles and food, your phone, camera and a writing journal, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, toothbrush and basic hygienic products. If you are traveling abroad a handy thing to always have on your travels is a universal power adapter, of course, don’t forget your passport, tickets and money!
These are the most important things you need to take on your journey. When you’re done with packing, check to see if your backpack is not too heavy, to avoid any discomfort while wearing it. Adventure awaits, enjoy your trip!
Roxana is a travel enthusiast and lifestyle consultant from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find out more about her writing following her on twitter and facebook. She is also one of the editors at Higstylife Magazine.
Awesome list! This was spot on for what I usually take on my adventures! I never leave without my journal.
Such good information! We always forget the first aid kit and then end up needing it for small cuts. :-/