This video shows a classic example of how NOT to pack for a big trip. It is unfortunately my packing for Latin America (I am sad to say) and it is way too much stuff to bring. Judge for yourself by watching the video comments are most welcome 🙂
As I am already traveling with this huge monster of a bag, I can say one thing for sure "something has GOT to GO". I have travelled for years and years and am used to not bringing very much. I usually travel with about 12 kg, which is a good amount for a woman my size (I weigh about 58 kg). But this time I have brought 18 kg plus my small bag which weighs another 4kg. This means I am almost carrying HALF my own bodyweight now that is STUPID! However, it can be quite difficult to pack for a trip in which you will be spending time in both hot and cold countries (from -5 to +40). Furthermore, as you can see, I travel with a lot of equipment for video making and a lot of women’s stuff such as two electrical shavers, extra face creams, shampoo etc. But seriously..I NEED to empty out things from my bag in the very near future :-).
Tina and I have just left for Guatemala in Central America. It’s the start of a trip starting in Guatemala and taking in some of the countries in Central America and South America over the next year (or so). You can see what I packed below.
I thought I’d publish a list of what I packed for the trip. This list is also a lesson in how not to travel light! At the start of our trip, we’re intending to study Spanish for some time, both in Guatemala and probably Ecuador – for this reason I’ve packed some extra books. Also, as we’ve bought one way tickets, I’ve brought ‘a bit extra’ in case we end up living and working in Latin America. My bags are now so heavy (22.6KG for the main bag, 6 KG for the small bag), I feel like a pack horse. Here’s the list:
Electronics Sony Vaio laptop computer + power supply Canon Eos 20D digital camera + recharger + case Canon Powershot G9 digital camera + recharger + case Apple iPod 40G + charger Iriver IFP 899 MP3 recorder/player + external lapel mics (for Podcasting) Mini Sony Walkman speakers 1 LED head-torch (+ 2 spare Lithium batteries) 1 mini wind-up torch 160 GB external drive 1 Nokia mobile phone + charger 4 spare memory cards 4 spare Panasonic batteries for Iriver MP3 player 3 travel plug adaptors
Miscellaneous items Roll-top waterproof bag Box Earthoria Business cards 5 CD-ROMs in case with important software 2 pens Camera cleaning tissues and blower 1 sleeping bag (comfortable to about 6 degrees C) 1 cotton sleeping sheet 1 extra light trek towel 4 pairs of ear plugs 1 eye mask 1 large padlock and keys (for room doors) 2 mini padlocks and keys for rucksack Rucksack wire net security mesh protector Rucksack waterproof rain cover 1 Money Belt 1 Leather wallet 1 Swiss Army pen-knife 1 small key-ring thermometer
Books Spanish Dictionary Spanish Verb Tables 3 x Novels Footprint South American Handbook 2009 Canon G9 Canon User Guide A4 pad of paper
Toiletries & medical supplies 1 toiletries bag 2 bottles insect repellant with DEET 2 small deodorant bottles 1 Gillette Mach 3 razor 8 spare razor blades 1 small shaving foam canister 1 extra small shaving oil canister 40 plasters Nivea Factor 30 sun lotion 1 comb Radox shower gel Travel size shampoo bottle Mini pocket tissues Migraleve migraine relief tablets 20 Aspirin tablets 20 Ibuprofen tablets 1 tube Antihistamine cream 1 small bottle Iodine 1 packet water purification tablets 6 weeks of Nicotine replacement therapy patches
