Baseline Wander

Continuing my travel preparations, I decided I need a daypack or small backpack to carry with me on the plane, or just to walk around with in Argentina. I went to Adventure 16 (which is like REI but a little smaller) and found this cool Timbuk2 messenger bag…or as I like to call it, a manbag. Girls carry bags; guys carry manbags.

I’m really torn, because I don’t know whether to love it because it’s a useful bag, or hate it because it’s almost a purse. Maybe I should call it a manpurse.

As I began packing for my trip to Argentina, I figured it would be wise to put together a health kit that could potentially be useful during international travel. This is what I’m taking, adapted from a list recommended by the CDC.

1. (optional) Malaria pills
2. (optional) Antibiotics for Travellers’ Diarrhea (e.g. Cipro)
3. Antidiarrheal medication (e.g. Pepto Bismol and/or Immodium)
4. Antihistamine — for allergic reactions or to help with sleep.
5. Antimotion sickness medication.
6. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen — for pain or fevers.
7. Antibacterial/antifungal ointments or creams (e.g. Neosporin)
8. 1% hydrocortisone cream
9. Insect repellent with DEET (up to 50%)
10. Sunscreen
11. Basic first aid items (bandaids, gauze, etc.)
12. Antibacterial hand sanitizer.
13. Thermometers.

A few other useful items to have for international travel (if you won’t be staying at high-end places) are the following:

1. Combination lock — for locking things up when you leave your room.
2. Photocopy of your passport and other important documents.
3. Electrical outlet convertors — for digital cameras and stuff.

That’s it…just trying to remember what to bring on trips.

There comes a time in every guy’s life when he has to show his dome. Actually, I did this in preparation for my upcoming trips since it’s easier to travel without having to worry about hair.