People frequently ask how I am able to travel with only one backpack, so I’ve put together this detailed overview on what, why, and how I pack.
Jeans and shirt
Clothing. A pair of jeans, shorts, and three shirts. Swimming trunks and pajamas too.
Shoes
I take a pair to wear on a daily basis (being black, they double as shoes to wear out at night), flip-flops for the beach, and my new ugly five-toed shoes.
Socks and underwear
Three pair of each. You don’t need to see them.
Toiletry and health-related accessories
Toiletry bag (including Pepto Bismol), a well-packed first-aid kit (including new for this trip, suturing equipment in case things go wrong), and suntan lotion and mosquito repellent.
Reading material
A Lonely Planet book (travel bible) and two leisure books: 1) Eat, Pray, Love, which is a terrible book, but since I don’t like to leave books unfinished, I’m stuck with it, and 2) Dante’s Inferno … to remind me of the hell that is Thornton I will return to back at work. Oh and the GQ provides entertaining articles as well as cologne samples that can be rubbed on your face if you want to go out at night. Practical and really classy.
Diving mask and snorkel
Since this delicate face only tolerates my own equipment.
Toilet paper
Never leave for another country without it, unless you (and your hand) want to risk it.
Accessories
Small backpack, hat, sunglasses, super absorbent towel, etc.
Fancy electronics
Digital camera, LED flashlight, power outlet converters.
Eye shades, ear plugs, and Ativan
Turn a 14-hour plane ride into a sleepy, forgettable blur.
And that’s it. Now shove all this …
… into a backpack and you are ready to voyage almost anywhere in the world.
