Models Direct Guide: Packing for Backpacking
If you find packing for a two week holiday stressful, just think how much worse it would be packing for a gap year or backpacking trip! Whether you're a student taking a year off before university, a professional taking a career break or simply want an adventure, follow Models Direct [http://www.modelsdirect.com] guide on what you should take with you.
Essentials
• Sleeping bag. This is a must for if you're planning to stay in hostels or if you'll be camping. At many hostels you will have to pay extra for bedding and it may not always be the most appealing! A lightweight sleeping bag that rolls up small should be fine although if you're camping you will want to check that you will be warm enough.
• Towel. Again, hostels may charge you extra to use their towels and it's more hygienic to have your own. Microfibre travel towels roll up small and dry quickly. Models Direct advise [http://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice/] that you make sure the towel is fully dry before you pack otherwise it'll be a breeding ground for germs.
• First aid kit. This will be especially important if you're travelling to developing countries. Even if you're not it's wise to take items such as plasters, painkillers and sickness tablets with you just in case. Models Direct also remind you to check whether the countries you are visiting require you to have any vaccinations before you go.
Clothing
• 2-3 t-shirts
• At least one long sleeved t-shirt
• 1 pair of jeans
• At least one pair of other trousers
• Swimwear
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 jumpers or fleeces
• A week's worth of underwear
• A pair of walking boots if you know you will be walking a lot
• A pair of flip-flops for hostel or campsite showers
• A comfy pair of trainers
• A nice outfit that can be worn if you go out
Other items
• Cosmetics/toiletries
• A Swiss army knife - just make sure it's not in your hand luggage!
• A camera
• MP3 player
• A torch
• A padlock
• A notepad and pen for recording your trip
• A bag for use during the day
Obviously what you take will depend on the country/countries you're going to, what activities you will be doing and where you intend to stay. Now all you have to do is try to fit it all into your bag!
Essentials
• Sleeping bag. This is a must for if you're planning to stay in hostels or if you'll be camping. At many hostels you will have to pay extra for bedding and it may not always be the most appealing! A lightweight sleeping bag that rolls up small should be fine although if you're camping you will want to check that you will be warm enough.
• Towel. Again, hostels may charge you extra to use their towels and it's more hygienic to have your own. Microfibre travel towels roll up small and dry quickly. Models Direct advise [http://www.modelsdirect.com/help-advice/] that you make sure the towel is fully dry before you pack otherwise it'll be a breeding ground for germs.
• First aid kit. This will be especially important if you're travelling to developing countries. Even if you're not it's wise to take items such as plasters, painkillers and sickness tablets with you just in case. Models Direct also remind you to check whether the countries you are visiting require you to have any vaccinations before you go.
Clothing
• 2-3 t-shirts
• At least one long sleeved t-shirt
• 1 pair of jeans
• At least one pair of other trousers
• Swimwear
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• 1-2 jumpers or fleeces
• A week's worth of underwear
• A pair of walking boots if you know you will be walking a lot
• A pair of flip-flops for hostel or campsite showers
• A comfy pair of trainers
• A nice outfit that can be worn if you go out
Other items
• Cosmetics/toiletries
• A Swiss army knife - just make sure it's not in your hand luggage!
• A camera
• MP3 player
• A torch
• A padlock
• A notepad and pen for recording your trip
• A bag for use during the day
Obviously what you take will depend on the country/countries you're going to, what activities you will be doing and where you intend to stay. Now all you have to do is try to fit it all into your bag!
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