Hey everyone!
I'm packing for a RTW and have a 40+10L backpack. I'll be travelling for a year, alternating between rural and urban destinations, which implies walking, trekking, but also going out and walking about cities)... I'm not big on fashion and style but it would be great if some girls here had tips on what shoes/how many pairs to bring etc..
any suggestions welcome, I'll also take any girl to girl advice on safety/ everyday things/ looking reasonnably correct while travelling
thank you!!
maya.
shoes? clothes? how to compromise?
Hi Maya!
I've listed some of my backpacking recommendations below:
Shoes:
- Pair of flip flops, preferably rubber ones that can be worn in the shower as well as on the beach/warm weather. My Havaianas always do the trick.
- Pair of city walking shoes. I usually take my Converse sneakers. They are great day shoes and can be worn if you decide to go to a bar or out at night.
- A good pair of hiking boots. I bought a good pair about 6 years ago, and they're still going strong.
- Nicer shoes. My last two trips I've taken a nicer pair of flats..mainly for clubing (especially if you're planning on traveling to Europe). I would recommend against heels, mainly because the frame will bend in your backpack. But this is your preference.
I would bring two pairs of pants...Jeans and a good pair of hiking pants. I usually include in my pack a jean skirt, a pair of shorts, a fleece, and a rain jacket. But this is dependent on the type of climates you will encounter.
I like having my pack as organized as possible. I found that zip-lock bags are really efficient in keeping smaller items separated and organized.
Hope this helps you a bit. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to share my experience!
Kind Regards,
Jen
A good pair of double strapped Tivas will do you for just about everything. I've gone through about 2 pairs now and they have been more than enough for everything from a hard days hike, to dressed up for a fancy dinner. They are perfect for around town, and they are good on the beach. They are light and easy to carry and if you don't mind looking like a German you can wear socks with them if it gets a bit chilly.
Hey!
When I travel I always take one pair of heels and plenty of flats/ flipflops. This way it leaves more room for clothes
As your travelling you will be meeting different people all the time who won't have a clue that your wearing the same shoes all the time and even in your pictures you'll notice there will be very few that show your feet
The main priority is comfy clothes and plenty of underwear as you may go days without being able to wash clothes.
Also I never carry towels with me in my travels... it's always easy to pick up a towel really cheap everywhere you go and they are very heavy and take up a lot of room!
Good luck
Hiya!
I totally agree with Jen in terms of numbers of pairs of shoes and types of shoes. When I've been travelling I've seen lots of people wearing Toms? Maybe they would be a good option too?
Also if you roll all of your clothes when you pack you can fit more in Always handy! But I always over pack so maybe write a checklist and then stick to it. Take more t-shirts, vests and underwear than anything Those are the things you always seem to need more of. There's always going to be places to buy things though so you don't need too much. It's really hard to stay motivated to look good all the time - like makeup and straightening hair etc because its so hot it just melts off. You end up just getting used to it and looking good natural.
In terms of security - if you are going to Asia make sure (especially in Vietnam and Cambodia) that you wear your bag across your body, or don't wear one at all. I had my bag snatched by someone on a moped in Vietnam so paid more attention to keeping it across my body from then on :P Also be careful in Thailand of the drinks - they put loads of amphetamines in them, especially in Koh Phangan when the Full Moon Party is. It's so easy to get chilled and forget the basics so just make sure you watch what you are drinking, and of other people. BTW the nights before full moon are so much better than full moon Oh and try and leave your passport somewhere safe - don't take it with you if you don't have to, and always keep photocopies of it somewhere else.
Have an amazing time!
Laura
I bought these little bag things..you can roll up clothes and put them in, and you have them all in one thing in your bag (saves space - and you can put lots of stuff inside, if you pack smart). Kinda like with ziplock bags, but they're made of material and have a zipper. I bought two, and use them every time I go somewhere, so they work for me.
Also, you can never have enough socks. A friend said that once, and horribly agree.
Also, ask yourself how much you're actually gonna hike - as hiking shoes can be heavy, and you'll be carrying them with you everywhere. If you won't hike so much, then better to go with sneakers (unless it's something hard core?). I hiked in Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and Australia, in various places - and in converse. In some parts of Scotland this sucked (it was slippery and wet at the time), but otherwise worked out ok.
Have fun!
[ Edit: Edited on 03-Feb-2012, at 03:36 by Buttfish ]