So the final week before embarking on a four month backpacking trip has been a bit of a whirlwind of emotions and activity!
I have spent much of my time sweating. And not in a good way. From packing boxes and moving things down three flights of stairs including a double bed and a sofa, although I have been quite impressed with my world’s strongest woman impersonation.
I’ve been getting anxious that I have sorted everything before leaving, getting emotional saying goodbye to my French family as well as walking through this town I have called home for the past year stroking the window of my fave boulangerie and waving cheerio to the drunk homeless man on the corner. As well as getting stressed with cancelling contracts, saving important documents, trying to speak to a person not a robot at my bank and working through list after list of things I need to get done including my nifty travel hacks here. But it is all coming together hurrah!
My bag is now nearly packed and I thought it might be useful to share just what I have crammed inside.
2 black leggings (one thicker for hiking and one thin to layer or wear in cooler evenings)
2 pairs of thin comfy trousers (I will wear one on the plane and the other can double up as pjs to protect my pins from hungry mozzies)
4 vest tops
2 t-shirts
1 thick snuggly jumper
3 shorts (This may be a bit excessive but I have a nice pair, a pair for hiking and obligatory denim shorts)
4 socks (Including two thick hiking ones) 2 bras 2 bikinis 5 underware
1 sundress (for city strolling and for over my bikini)
1 sarong (that can also be used as a scarf, towel and beach coverup)
1 travel towel (I have one of those micro fibre ones which packs up really really tiny)
Flip flops, hiking boots and pumps to travel in (These last ones may end up being binned)
1 hat (to stop my bonce from burning)
Tips:
- Rolling clothes rather than folding is a real space saver
- Layering will be your best friend so think thin
- Stuff socks into your hiking boots
- Pack clothes that you won’t mind if they get stained, ripped, or eventually chucked down the line
- Dark colours will allow you to eek out another day or so before washing!
- As you will be taking so many photos to remember your time away it’s a good idea to choose clothes that will not be too dated in years to come. I find that plain dark tops work well.
- Embrace the backpacker look as explained here!
I have also prepared a small first aid kit, a bag with my gadget chargers and a toiletries bag that has been decanted to within an inch of its life! Phew. So all the above will be my little house and wardrobe for the next few months! Wish me luck.
