Now that you've got a better idea of the shape of the trip, here is a good base for what to bring:
DOCUMENTS - in your money belt:
- Passport (and copy, kept in a separate place)
- Visa(s) (if required)
- HI membership card
- HI-Comm card and info
- International student/youth/teacher ID
- Tickets (airline, bus pass, etc.)
- Hostel reservation info
- Insurance info
- Credit cards and/or bank card
- Cash (US or CAD and local currency)
- Traveller's cheques
- Vaccination card (if required)
CLOTHING - in your back pack:
- 3 days worth of everyday clothing
- Warm sweater or fleece jacket
- Wind/rain jacket
- Swimsuit and/or shorts
- Hiking/walking footwear
- Sports sandals (great for icky bathrooms)
- 80% wool socks (for dry feet)
- Hat with brim, and a bandana
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES - in your day pack:
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Band-aids, painkillers, prescription medicines
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (DEET)
- Swiss Army knife
- Flashlight
- Duct tape
- Sewing kit (nylon thread)
- Guidebooks, language aids
- Camera and film
- Letter writing supplies and addresses
- Travel journal
TOILETRIES - in a toiletry bag (huh!):
- Shampoo and conditioner (non-leak bottles; no flip tops)
- Soap and/or antibacterial cleansing gel
- Deodorant
- Hair styling: gel or spray, comb/brush, etc. (not too much!)
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Deodorant
- Contact lens supplies
- Tampons (sometimes hard to find)
- Small towel
- Toilet paper (sometimes hard to find or of poor quality)
- Waterproof pouch for stowing documents when showering
- Universal sink stopper
FIRST AID KIT:
- Band-aids (various sizes)
- Prescription drugs
- Painkillers
- Vitamins
- Antiseptic powder/cream or tea tree oil
- Moleskin/second skin or foot powder
- Calamine lotion or Solarcaine (for sunburns)
- Diarrhea and nausea medication
- Contraceptives
- Nail clippers, tweezers, small scissors
OTHER STUFF - (remember the key rule!):
- Sleep sheet (required at most hostels)
- Sleeping bag with pack-straps (don't take one if you don't have to)
- Mosquito net
- Neck pillow
- Alarm clock or watch with alarm
- Hairdryer
- Electrical adapters and converters
- Portable music player and media (CDs, tapes, MDs)
- Binoculars
ORGANIZATION:
- Elastic bands
- Mesh bag for laundry
- Stuff sacks and small nylon bags
- Waterproof pouch or zip-lock freezer bags
SECURITY:
- Locks for pack zippers
- Padlocks for hostel lockers
- Cable lock for pack
- Safety whistle or personal alarm
- Nylon pack cover (keeps pickpockets out)
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