(Written by Us)
Without a doubt the best investments we made were on backpacks, footwear and a camera. The more expensive bag, the Osprey Sojourn 60 held up much better than the Karrimor (see photos). Similarly, our DSLR camera outperformed our standard digital (which we ended up throwing away about 2 months in). Below is a list of the essentials - don't leave home without them!
- Backpack. Your backpack is your home, buy one that will last. Also make sure you can lock it well, that it is sturdy enough to keep your souvenirs safe and preferably on wheels (unless going mountain climbing). We used the straps on the Osprey only a handful of times during the whole trip.
- Hiking sandals. We've worn our sandals everyday for 4 months (imagine the state of them). Invest in good ones your feet will thank you.
- Packing Cubes. Best invention ever. When you're packing your bag every few days you need a designated place for everything. Also it's helpful to remove one cube and use it as a carry-on if you are overweight in the airport. Genius. Bring at least 4.
- iPad or Laptop. We've used the internet for finding good restaurants, booking flights and showing e-tickets. We never needed to print paper or pay for an internet cafe. Paperless is where its at!
- SD card reader. Used daily to transfer all our photos to the laptop & hard drive. Best $2 ever spent!
- String. We've used it regularly - everything from a make shift washing line, a mosquito net adjuster, a tie for backpacks to even a hair bobbin at one point!
- Bath Plug. Most hotels have their own bath plugs but the majority don't work well enough to hold water in the sink or bath. When soaking clothes its essential to have your own.
- Pens & Notebooks. Not just for keeping a diary or writing hotel addresses for taxi drivers but also for keeping a spending log & completing visa forms (many, many forms).
- Pen Knife. Used almost everyday for something or other. Try to get one with a can and bottle opener attached, you'll thank me for it! We lost our pen knife last week and it was a mini tragedy.
- Tape (duct or masking). We use tape to secure our mosquito net, mend holes in bags & toiletry kits, stop bottles from leaking, and wrap boxes of souvenirs bound for home.
- A Good Camera. If its a once in a lifetime trip you will want a camera that is up to the job. You won't regret investing. We use the DSLR everyday.
- Mosquito net. Although we didn't need it everywhere, when we did stay in places where we had to share with insects and animals (along with mosquitoes), the net gave a sense of protection and helped us to sleep more soundly. Worth carrying around.
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