“He who would travel happily must travel lightly.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
We at believe that you should always be prepared, like every good Boy/Girl Scout, because you never really know what you might need or when you might need it. Your safety, security and health are our primary concerns.
Our Travelers Packing List has been refined and evolved over the years as a result of being tried and tested annually on our real world adventures. It is not meant to cover every travel situation, but merely serve as a really good guide. It will we firmly believe, enhance your coming around the world adventure. It will help you prevent Packer’s Block from occurring—that irrational inability to intelligently decide what you really need to take—and not take! Obviously, different strokes for different folks, as there is no right way. (Well, actually there is!)
Our advice for you is to pack as simply, smartly and lightly as possible to avoid the equally dreaded Packer’s Stoop—the consequence of carrying too much stuff. Symptoms include: excessive sweating, marriage dissolution, fear of theft, hernias, team squabbles and extreme upper body muscle development. Honestly, a simple roller-bag and a light day-pack will suffice.
You have no doubt read all the advice and heard all the clichés. But lest we forget those sage nuggets, indulge me in paraphrasing it all again for you as we believe that it is really freakin’ important. So, here goes: Some say that how you pack your bags defines your journey and that less stuff equals less worries. Embrace minimalism and enjoy more experiences. If YOU can’t carry it — it shouldn’t go! (Bill’s Travel Rule #1) The lighter your burden, the more pleasant your journey. It makes sense to pack light: security reasons—the less you have the less you can lose; better mobility—easier to move; it’s economical—you don’t have to tip anybody and laundry is cheaper than paying for extra bags; it’s quicker too—you don’t have to wait for your bags anywhere and no-checking issues.
That said, know a couple things are in your favor at the onset: 1) we will be traveling the globe during the months of early spring, so don’t think extreme weather; but cool evenings are likely—layer up! Rain is always a possibility between the Tropics (where we will spend most of our time!); 2) On every trip some heavily-laden travelers will inevitably jettison and ship some unneeded stuff home—you can too!; 3) They do have laundry services at most of our hotels—utilize it!; and finally, 4) Know that the world is full of consumer-friendly stores everywhere these days if perchance you really need something.
Finally, know that you couldn’t possibly take everything that we list—although a few foolish folks have tried—so please be wise in your choices and save money by packing smart and light.
The Global Scavenger Hunt Packing List:
Essential Toiletries (share if possible):
◊ all required prescriptions
◊ allergies? EpiPen, eye drops, decongestants, nasal sprays, antihistamines
◊ eye wear (glasses or contacts)
◊ Vitamins
◊ sun protection (waterproof & SPF 30)
◊ 30-50% DEET-based insect repellent
◊ any malaria medication
◊ pain relievers: aspirin/Aleve/Tylenol/ibuprofen
◊ 10-day supply of antibiotics
◊ tummy aids: antacid tablets, Imodium, Lomotil, laxatives
◊ mole/second skin
◊ liquid Band-Aid + bandages
◊ antibiotic cream (Neosporin, Bacitracin)
◊ non-drowsy cold medicine
◊ sleeping aids, Melatonin
◊ 5-Hour energy drink or chocolate-covered espresso beans
◊ Pedialyte powder packs
◊ tiger balm
◊ lip balm
◊ small nail clippers + tweezers
◊ tooth brush/paste + floss
◊ feminine products
◊ contraceptives (Who’s getting lucky!?)
◊ antiperspirant
◊ moisturizer
◊ razors
◊ nasal moisturizer spray
◊ motion sickness relief
◊ hand sanitizer/towelettes
Useful Stuff to Consider:
◊ sunglasses
◊ re-useable synthetic tote bag
◊ point n’ shoot digital camera
◊ plug adaptors
◊ USB charger cords
◊ USB rechargeable batteries
◊ mini-LED rechargeable flashlight/headlamp
◊ small waterproof gadget dry bag
◊ extra digital camera chips
◊ lightweight speakers
◊ headphones or ear buds
◊ Swiss Army knife (stowed in checked bag)
◊ note pad w/ pens
◊ faux wedding band
◊ cheap watch
◊ Pashmina (good for Islamic nations + planes)
◊ alarm clock (if not on phone or watch)
◊ extra sealable Zip◊ Lock plastic baggies
◊ insurance details
◊ address list for postcards
◊ small useful gifts for children (balloons, stickers, balls, pens & pencils—no candy!)
◊ team business cards with names & websites
◊ sewing repair kit
◊ crispy $1 bills (for tips, fees and baksheesh)
◊ snacks/energy bars (maybe one for each day)
◊ quick dry travel towel
Flying Comfort Kit (packed in daypack):
◊ refillable water bottle
◊ snacks: nuts/dried fruit/candy/energy bars
◊ warm layer
◊ portable media player/iPad or mini-laptop
◊ downloaded music, movies & books
◊ noise reduction headphones or ear buds
◊ reading material
◊ sleep eye mask, ear plugs + neck pillow
◊ lip balm + moisturizer
◊ tooth brush
◊ tissue + hand wipes
◊ chewing gum/mints
◊ playing cards
◊ small towel/washcloth
◊ 4-visa photos
◊ optional change of clothes (top + pants)
Items for Women:
◊ 1 – outer shell waterproof/windbreaker jacket
◊ 1 – hat (floppy or cap)
◊ 1 – warm dark sweater or fleece pullover
◊ 1 – walking casual shoes/sneakers/flip-flops
◊ 5 – socks (dress & athletic)
◊ 5 – underwear/bras
◊ 1 – sleep clothes
◊ 1/2 – sarongs or casual skirts, LBD
◊ 2 – lightweight casual pants (khaki’s/travel)
◊ 1 – bathing suit
◊ 1/2 – shorts
◊ 3 – T-shirts, polos
◊ 5 – long and short-sleeve blouses
◊ 1 – belt (double as money belt optional)
◊ 1 – scarf or bandanna
Items for Men:
◊ 1 – outer shell waterproof/windbreaker jacket
◊ 1 – hat (floppy or cap)
◊ 1 – warm dark sweater or fleece pullover
◊ 1 – walking casual shoes/sneakers/flip-flops
◊ 5 – socks (dress & athletic)
◊ 5 – underwear
◊ 1 – sleep clothes
◊ 2 – lightweight casual pants (khaki’s/travel)
◊ 1 – bathing suit (double as casual shorts)
◊ 1/2 – shorts
◊ 3 – T-shirts, polos
◊ 5 – long and short-sleeve shirts
◊ 1 – belt (double as money belt optional)
◊ 1 – scarf or bandanna
That said…forget half the above!
The Global Scavenger Hunt Packing Tips
Bill’s Packing Rules of Thumb:
> The single biggest travel mistake? Overpacking!
> Old adage: Pack half the stuff—bring twice the money!
> Resist the urge to pack more “just in case“—they’re called stores!
> Take nothing you can’t bear losing.
> It is true that, there’s no bad weather, only bad gear! Buy quality stuff.
> Stick to a twin color (darkish) scheme for versatility and layers.
> Split a few necessities 50/50 with your teammate’s bag—if lost you’re still okay.
> Think about stuff you can share.
> Take old socks + underwear—throw away!
> Roll up your clothes—don’t fold them.
> The Holy Grail of Packing? The judicious use of large Ziploc bags. Trust me!
> Put daily pills/Rx’s in 2″x2″ pill bags.
> Tuck socks, underwear or longish doodads into your shoes.
> Take care of your feet: comfortable, not stylish shoes—and break in before you go!
> Wrap your heavy items in the middle and bottom of bag.
> Take a digital photo of bag just in case!
> Think no-wrinkle, UPF protection lightweight microfiber-blend clothes.
> Buy shirts + pants with zippers for extra security.
> One word about the unpredictability of weather and clothes: layers!
> Use scented dryer sheets in your bag—it keeps clothes smelling fresh and clean.
> Take items that are utilitarian dual-use.
> Use transparent silicone travel-size bottles.
> Always pack airplane snacks to maintain blood sugar.
> Have a copy of medical and eyeglass Rx’s. > KISS—keep it simple stupid!
Pre-Departure Check List:
> valid passport with 5-empty pages + 6 months validity.
> 4-passport photos for VOA
> Any Mandatory immunization certificate!
> Full trip supply of recommended Rx’s
> emergency contacts
> travel insurance
> cold hard cash ($20 bills)
> set up WhatsApp + Skype connections
> credit cards & ATM Cards (Maybe let them know you will be traveling.)
> scans + copies of all docs and then e-mail to yourself too
> all immunizations booster updated: tetanus & polio, typhoid series, Hep-A, Gama globulin, etc
> antimalarial prophylaxis (Malarone)
Travel Gear (Suggestions):
> main roller bag—20 kilo max!
> TSA-approved luggage locks
> a daypack/shoulder bag
> money belt/security pouch (optional)
> extra present/tchotchke bag (optional)
Stuff You Probably Won’t Need:
> jewelry
> Travelers Checks, really!? ATM’s!
> guidebooks (verboten!)
> umbrella
> gloves
> an International Driver’s License
> blow dryer (hotels have them)
> iron—three words: wrinkle-free clothes
> language phrase book + currency converter
> Please leave camouflage military-style clothes at home!
> Your vanity! No one cares what you look like…just be the real you!
What Travelers Most Often Forget?
> that they are married!?
> their manners
> personal hygiene items
> power cords (converters + outlet adaptors)
> back-up vision (glasses, contacts, sunglasses)
> enough Rx’s
> ear plugs + headphones
> an extra layer (sweater or sweatshirt)
> bathing suit
Things to Do Before you leave Home:
> change voicemail
> STOP all home deliveries + mail
> unplug computer after you back up!
> put a few house lights on timer switches
> arrange pet care and/or gardening care?
> prepay necessary bills
> do the dishes, take the trash out—yucky!
> Please leave your expectations at home!
> Leave all loved ones on great emotional terms.
> Unplug and let go…
Any suggestions? We mss something? Please let us know at: GSH (at) GlobalScavengerHunt (dot) com
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