GoRoundTheWorld.com - RTW Travel - Packing

Clothing and Toiletries

The trick to packing lightly for clothing and toiletries is to anticipate the broadest range of weather conditions you expect to encounter during the year. Then, pack one, complete outfit for each end of the range, and one for the middle. At other points in the range, you can always layer (or “un-layer”) your clothes from what you have with you.

Everyday Outfits and Outfits for Special Occasions

Pack enough clothes for three days, one at each end of the range, and one in the middle. Go through your clothes and forget about packing your favorite things are to wear - instead, pack those things which can be worn in a variety of settings. Instead of taking your favorite jeans and a pair of nice slacks for dressy occasions, take one pair of somewhat dressy slacks that will do the job for events with some formality but are comfortable for everyday wear. By doing so, you have gone from two pairs of trousers to one, thereby saving space and weight in your bag. Also remember that laundry services in many locations are cheap and cheerful, so plan to launder the few articles of clothing you take with you frequently. For those rare instances when inexpensive laundry services are not readily available, you can always do laundry in your room, letting your clothes dry while you sleep.

If at all possible, try not to pack more than the following and, by all means, pack less if you can:

Men

Two pairs of trousers (one may be a pair of jeans)

One pair of rugged pants for outdoor settings

Two, long-sleeved, collared shirts (pack interesting shirts, not dress shirts for business or formal occasions)

Two tee shirts (it is really inexpensive to buy new ones on the road)

One thin sweater

One pair of shorts extending close to the kneecap or longer

One jacket (lightweight or winter, but not both)

One swimming outfit

Three sets of undergarments and socks

One pair of shoes that are casually dressy while at the same time useful for outdoor settings (check out Mephisto brand shoes for this)

One pair if open sandals (any sport sandal will do)

That’s all

Women

Two pairs of trousers (one may be a long, comfortable skirt)

One pair of rugged pants for outdoor settings

Two long-sleeved blouses (pack interesting blouses, not too dressy)

Two tee shirts (It is easy to buy new ones on the road if need be!)

One thin sweater

One pair of shorts extending close to the kneecap or longer

One jacket (lightweight or winter, but not both)

One swimming outfit

Three sets of undergarments and socks

One pair of shoes that are casually dressy while at the same time useful for outdoor settings (check out Mephisto brand shoes for this)

One pair if open sandals (any sport sandal will do)

That’s all

Toothpaste, Soap, Hair Care, Feminine Care, and Other Basic Items

Try to pack only the most basic items. You do not need to pack shampoo and conditioner; pack only conditioner instead (ask your hairdresser for recommendations if you are unsure about that). Pack travel size items if at all possible. You may be traveling for an extended period of time, but basic hygiene items are available cheaply throughout the world, and in many cases at just a fraction of the cost back home. When staying at a guesthouse which offers such products, get in the habit of taking the unused portions of products with you to your next stop. Not only will that reduce waste, but that half-bottle of conditioner or that extra travel bar of soap may come in handy down the road. Remember that for the basics, you can and will buy what you need as you go along, and it will not cost very much to do so.

Contact Lens Solutions

Bring along a large bottle of solution. This can be hard to find in many locales and, when found, can be quite expensive.

Suntan Oils and Lotions

Suntan oils and lotions are like contact solution - they can be hard to find and expensive. Finding suntan lotion without bleach is nearly impossible in some parts of Asia. In parts of Africa, such items are virtually non-existent.

Laundry Bag, Laundry Rope, and Detergents

Pack a thin laundry bag that will help you separate clean from soiled items in your suitcase or backpack. Find a sturdy rope at a camping store which you may use to dry your clothes in your room for those times that a clothes dryer is not available and you are doing your own laundry. Pack minimal detergents because, like basic hygiene products, detergents are readily available and inexpensive throughout the world.