Preparation and Packing
“Travel light. Live light. Spread the light. Be the light.” - Yogi Bhajan
Preparation
I am a planner. This can be both a benefit and a deficient. I decided that for this adventure I would not over plan every minute of my free time. With a few exceptions, I let my free time be organic. However, I did use my planning to be prepared for a stress-free adventure. With great tips from Rick Steves’ Travel Forum, and Pinterest, I was able to be more than prepared.
“Research is the GPS to Discovery.”
—Steven Magee
Documentation: With the great information and checklists provided on My Account on the Rick Steves website I knew what documentation I needed to travel. Because I have not traveled in a long time, I needed to get a new passport. The U.S. Department of State's website estimates 6 to 9 weeks to process a passport. I was pleasantly surprised to see mine in the mail in about 3 weeks.
Money: Traveler Checks are a thing of the past. All you need is a
debit/credit card and a few US dollars. I took a debit card, a credit card
(as backup), and $100 in cash (I brought more than $50 back with me).
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TIP: When using an ATM, pull out larger amounts to reduce the amount of fees you pay.
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TIP: When an ATM or card machine asks if you'd like to accept/decline currency conversion, always decline.
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TIP: Call and let your bank/credit card company know you will be using your cards in another country. I was told they do not do this anymore. However, they do, and they thanked me as there is a chance they could freeze your account for fraud if they do not know.
Electronics: Because I was taking the packing light seriously, I wanted to reduce my electronics to only what was absolutely necessary. So, no laptop, tablet, or camera. One of the best purchases I made for my trip was the Bracelet Strap Hand Wrist Lanyard, and Cell Phone Lanyard Tether Tab for my iPhone. This made me feel a little more secure I would not accidentally drop my phone into a canal.
Cell Phone: My cell phone provider and the plan I have allowed for free unlimited text and internet access. I download the WhatsApp to make calls.
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TIP: The WhatsApp also came in handy to communicate with our leader and our tour-mates– sharing information and pictures.
Camera: Although I was tempted to take a camera, I decided to use the camera on my phone. My iPhones camera is good and would/did take great photos.
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TIP: Learn about taking photos with your phone. I found a great YouTube series about iPhone photography.
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Tip: Have a cloud account to upload your photos. Upload your photos each evening. This way if you do lose your phone, you do not lose all your photos.
Portable Back Up Battery: Although I did not use this much, it is good to have. The plane and coach had charging ports.
Curling Iron and Blow Dryer: These were my splurge items. A curling iron with changeable wands (took only two) and a travel blow dryer. Yes, the hotels have/had blow dyers. However, for a few of them running around the room would have dried my hair faster.
Cords, etc: Because I was only taking limited electronic items, I only needed two styles of cords. All my items were dual voltage, so I did not need a converter, only a plug adaptor.
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TIP: Take multiply phone cords (they pack small). These tend to be the most common item left behind.
Before You Leave: Besides having all your documentation, your trip paid for, and your bag packed, you want to have your home and life prepared for travel. Here are some tips and ideas that I used and found useful.
Back up your information: Have an electronic back-up of your documentation. Copy and scan your passport, credit cards, prescriptions, itinerary, hotel list, and emergency contacts. Upload this to a cloud account or email it to yourself. You want to be able to access on the road just in case you need the information.
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TIP: Send or give this to a trusted relative or friend as another layer of back up.
Prepare your home for while you are gone and your return: You will be tried when you return. Coming home to a clean house, clean sheets, and no laundry will make your return home less stressful.
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TIP: Clean out your refrigerator of any perishables.
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Tip: Unplug any unnecessary electronics.
“He who would travel happily must travel light.”
—Antione de St. Exupery
I am embarrassed to say I was the heaviest packer on my previous trips. Not this time. I was determined to pack light. Because of a back that likes to go out once in a while I decided on a roller bag vs. a backpack. The bag I choose was the Rick Steves Rolling Carry-On. I also took what I called my coach backpack. This had the items I would need during my flight and then what I needed on the coach. Inside this backpack I also had my small touring backpack. A small one that basically fit one fuzzy stuffed Monkey, a bottle of water, back-up battery, and the few items needed when we stopped at a site. I tested out both packing cubes and rolling/folding methods of packing. The rolling/folder worked better for me.
Before I chose the clothes I was going to take, I decided on a color theme. My thought was if I reached into my bag in a dark room and started pulling things out, they would all go together. I figured out I could make 30+ different outfits with what I took by just mixing and matching.
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TIP: Test pack and pack early–don't wait to the last minute.
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Tip: Use small bags to organize items , i.e. cords, make-up, medications.
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TIP: If you are questioning if you need it , leave it.
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Tip: Limit your footwear. They can weigh you down.
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I took one walking shoe and one walking sandal.
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Reminder: Separate your liquids for TSA.
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Take only the minimum. You can buy more while you are there.
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Reminder: Be mindful of perfumes and scents. Your tour-mates may be sensitive.