South East Asia: Packing 101
23 Days before
As you have hopefully seen by the title of
this blog post I leave for Bangkok
The first thing you need to think about is
vaccinations and, unfortunately, needles are my worst fear. These need to be
taken care of months before you go to any countries with risks of disease. Make
an appointment with your local GP to have a chat about the injections you need.
I've had jabs against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, rabies, and Japanese
encephalitis. Not all are compulsory but all are recommended. It sounds like a
lot, and I was not at all thrilled about it, but whilst holding my mum's hand,
I kept my eye on the big picture: that I knew this trip would be worth it. They
can be quite expensive, and some are in short supply so don't dawdle about it.
Now, I've never been to South
East Asia
I think I've done rather well regarding
clothing for the trip. Now, there is some helpful information in this next
paragraph but I must admit, a lot of it is fashion based so apologises to those
who aren't fussed about that kind of thing. I'll start with day time clothing.
I've got things for hot weather, which I'm likely to experience in Asia (duh),
but there is also a chance I'll be cold at some point, for example, if a hostel
goes a bit overboard with the air con, in which case I've got a plain black,
cheap hoodie. I'll wear it on the flight too. I've then packed three pairs of
shorts, two pairs of trousers and a dress, all chiffon- my thoughts behind this
is that chiffon is nice and light.
Number 1
If you're into shopping, like me, don't pack
as many clothes as you think you need as I bought 2 tops, a pair of shorts, a
pair of trousers and a dress whilst I was out there... it's just all so cheap
and there are markets everywhere! This meant I had far too much clothing. For
bottoms I'd suggest taking 2 pairs of shorts, a pair of trousers and a dress.
However, I very much doubt there will be an
iron available where I'm travelling, but luckily I'm not picky. For those of
you who like your crisp pleats, I would recommend not going for garments that
require ironing.
Number 2
If you roll your clothes instead of folding
them and pack carefully then this isn't so much of an issue, but it is a
hassle. Although there is no iron available most laundrettes will iron your
clothes before you collect them anyway.
Then I have two floaty, tops, and a cami top.
I also thought it would be a good idea to double up the two swimming costumes I
have as bodysuits for when I want to dress nicer in the evenings. Along with
that, I've got some silk pyjamas (also nice and light), and some running
leggings and a sports bra for potential yoga classes. Shoes wise, I have two
pairs of sturdy sandals,
Number 3
You'll only need one pair of sandals! I
hardly wore mine- such a waste of space.
a pair of flip flips I bought for 90p from Primark, and a pair of Converse. Converse are my favourite shoes ever but I'm
sure if I'm caught in torrential rain or I step in a puddle I wouldn't
appreciate the fact they're made of canvas. SO I bought a leather pair! They
look exactly the same but take a bit more wearing in so don't buy them the day
before you go. Bags are also important to be cautious about. You want everything
to have a zip or it could be easy for a thief (or monkey- yes I'm
serious) to get into, especially if it's a backpack since you can't see it when
it's on your back. I'm bringing a cute yet simple, white shoulder bag for
evening wear, a little light backpack for day trips and an all-important money
pouch. Globe Mad specifies that you need a money pouch and NOT a bum bag.
Finally, don't forget your headwear. Heat stroke is the last thing any one
needs on their travels so stick on a hat.
When it comes to toiletries you've got to
remember that, surprise surprise, they actually have supermarkets abroad where
you can buy toothpaste and deodorant and stuff, so only bring a bit of what you
need and top up on your way.
Number 4
You probably won't need moisturiser as you
wear suncream and after-sun every day. It'll just be another thing weighing you
down.
However, think about things you may need that
you won't be able to get when you're there, for example, if you've got a repeat
prescription for some medication make sure you get enough to last you the whole
trip. Similarly, if you're going for a while don't just think about things you
use daily, remember things like nail scissors and tweezers, etc. In terms of
makeup, you won't need a lot. I'm taking mascara, an eyebrow pencil as my brows
are quite faint, some different lip colours, a cheap highlight, and a bit of
concealer. However, I'm praying my skin will be flawless from all the glorious
sunshine:))
Number 5
I hardly wore makeup
at all whilst I was out there, but the few times I did, for festivals or going
clubbing, I did enjoy wacking a little bit on. Go for travel sized makeup, and
not a lot of it. I also had too much makeup remover for the amount of makeup I
wore. It was just another thing weighing me down.
Then there's the other essentials, such as a
first aid kit including bug spray, water purification tablets, a pen knife
(learn how to use this properly), an international adaptor, a good quality portable
charger, blah blah blah.
Number 6
I must mention ear plugs are a LIFE SAVER.
If there's a snorer in your room, which you'll most likely come across, you'll
rely on ear plugs to get you through the night.
You can find all of this on any packing check
list online.
You'll also need things to do, particularly
if, like me, you'll be doing long journeys. I'm taking a reading book, a cute
little puzzle book and a small notepad so I can scribble ideas for blog posts
as I go.
Number 7
I ended up leaving the puzzle books I packed
at a hostel as I simply didn't use them, but I read both books I brought in the
first 2 weeks and couldn't find another book shop until I was at Siem Reap
airport, coming home from Cambodia! I wish I had brought another.
You don't want to be carrying massive hard
back books with you, but at the same time if you take a kindle there is always
a chance it'll get stolen, so be smart.
Now, my parents have brought me up to be extremely
security conscious. I know people have things stolen, and I refuse to be one of
those people. I have a little padlock for my backpack, I'm not putting anything
in the side pockets of my backpack, I'm bringing a bike lock so I can attach my
backpack to my hostel bed when I'm not around, and all sorts. You can never be
too safe. I'm not taking anything sentimental, even if I'm homesick and I need
something close to my heart I don't want to risk anything meaningful being
stolen. Possibly the most important thing to be aware of is your money, as
without it you're not going to be able to get yourself out of some sticky
situations. Don't take out all the money you need for the trip at once as
having loose cash is dangerous.
Number 8
You will need a bit of emergency cash in
your bag in case your card gets stolen. However, have a couple of compartments
for your emergency money. I kept all of mine in the same place and ended up having
it all stolen. Make sure they're both places are padlocked at all times and
don't allow anyone to see where you keep it.
And I'd recommend taking two money cards, just
in case one doesn't work. Never keep all your money in the same place either.
This is a TOTALLY hypothetical and unlikely situation, but if you're threatened
by thugs and you're forced to give them all the money you're carrying then you
don't want all of it to be in your money pouch because then you'll be left with
none. Keep one card and some emergency money in an inside pocket of your
backpack or in a sock.
Also, print off your booking documents. Don't
rely on apps or screenshots on your phone, have a solid copy. If technology
fails you, you may end up having to pay loads extra.
Lastly, remember you're going to want to
document your trip. I've bought a waterproof phone pouch so I can take pictures
underwater, and take a disposable camera if you fancy. You don't necessarily
need to splash out on a GoPro to capture good memories. Most importantly make
sure you're not always looking at things through a screen or a lens.
I spoke to a well-travelled man recently about
what to bring and he said once you've packed the first time, take out some
things and then pack again. Then once you've packed the second time, take out
some things and then pack again. Once you've done that three times you've
probably got the right amount of stuff you need. I know I suffer from over
packing syndrome so this was perfect advice for me and hopefully many of you as
well.
Number 9
My friend, who also has a travel blog (Travel Junkie Hol), suggested I
brought a duvet cover and a pillow cover in case the bedding in my of my
hostels are grimy and gross, so I did. She spoke from experience as she stayed
in a very poor area of India
Number 10
Another thing to remember is when it rains in Asia it RAINS, and
backpacks aren't waterproof! It's not fun when all your belongings are soaked
through so bring a waterproof cover for your backpack!
Number 11
Lastly, I packed some high energy, substantial, emergency snacks....
which I had eaten by the end of the first 2 weeks. So if you're anything like
me (with 0 self-control) then don't bother with the snack!
So I've rambled on about my packing for a good
few pages now and it's probably the last you'll hear from me until I'm out
there. I'll try my hardest to blog frequently to update you on how useful my
amateur packing tips are, but please follow my social media pages (links on the
home page) to keep track of my activities! Wish me luck on my way!
Love,
Lizzy xx
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