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I always forget something!
November 10, 2007, 01:30 AM
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I always forget something!
When I travel, I always forget something. I thought it would make sense to list items that are useful to travel with, but are not immediately obvious. For example, I recently returned from India. I did not pack a head lamp or a flashlight. Doubly annoying, because I always have the same "Aha!" moment a few days into any trip where the power grid is sketchy.
So remember to pack a head lamp! (Wags finger.)
Any other suggestions, besides money, tickets and passport?
Are we there, yet?
Mike
tript member
1. Swiss Army Knife.. or Leatherman... or whatever your tool of choice is. Something that cuts, and preferably something with a cork screw. Just remember NOT to pack it in your hand luggage.
2. Bandana - protect your head in the sun... or get it wet and tie it around your neck when it's really hot. useful for runny nose in the cold... and if you are in backpacker moneysaving mode and your hostel has no towels... nice to take to the bathroom with you for drying your face off.
3. sarong... super light, super packable, super useful... use it as a quick trying shower towel, use it as a beach/park blanket for sitting on, wrap it around your body for walking back and forth to the shower (if you stay somewhere with a communal shower), put it over your pillow as a little protection if you don't trust the dodgy hotel you are staying in... a light sheet to keep the mosquitos off when you are sleeping in a hammock on an amazon river boat... etc etc
4. lighter... even if you don't smoke, always good to have at least one sourced of fire.
i travel, therefore i am.
Friedel'sAccent
tript member
How about a book? Even the best trip has its fair share of down time, and it's nice to have the perfect reading material when you're waiting at a train station, trying to fall asleep, nursing a hangover, etc.
Of course, a book isn't the most obvious thing to forget, so I'll amend my suggestion by saying: the right kind of book for your specific trip. If you're gone for a month, you may need 3 or 4 (yes, I read a lot, even when I travel). But what if you don't have enough room in your suitcase/backpack for 3 books? Here's where it gets complicated...I've had several trips where I've finished my reading just on the long-haul flight and wished I had been more discerning in my selection. Something long enough to get you through a trip, but not so complex that you're struggling with it when you should be enjoying yourself on your travels.
So, in short, what I've often forgot is to put enough thought into my choice of reading material for a particular trip.
Roel
tript member
How about a book? Even the best trip has its fair share of down time, and it's nice to have the perfect reading material when you're waiting at a train station, trying to fall asleep, nursing a hangover, etc.
Of course, a book isn't the most obvious thing to forget, so I'll amend my suggestion by saying: the right kind of book for your specific trip. If you're gone for a month, you may need 3 or 4 (yes, I read a lot, even when I travel). But what if you don't have enough room in your suitcase/backpack for 3 books? Here's where it gets complicated...I've had several trips where I've finished my reading just on the long-haul flight and wished I had been more discerning in my selection. Something long enough to get you through a trip, but not so complex that you're struggling with it when you should be enjoying yourself on your travels.
So, in short, what I've often forgot is to put enough thought into my choice of reading material for a particular trip.
Maybe a traveler's reading list as another thread topic? I usually take two books the size of bricks, and trade them if I'm done. My wife also takes two, so sometimes she is the most obvious trading partner.
The pens suggestion is spot on. We were just in India, and spent a decent amount of time exploring small villages. I think every six year old is trained to ask for "one pen?" Always with a big grin. Should've thought of that one. Oh, well. In a couple of weeks, we will be in Vietnam and Cambodia. You can bet I will carry a box of Bics along on that one!
Are we there, yet?
Huss
tript member
Why do I....keep launching new websites?