Packing for a back pack trip 1

Never packed like this before, I inagine there are a couple different ways to do so, I'll run you through some thoughts,

1. Light packing

2. Pack to the max for weary travellers

3. Weary traveller

4. Pleasure travelling

5. Cheap travelling

1. The light packing, i would imagine this is for someone who is on the road a fair bit, moving around a lot and unable to really use much of anything except for clothes and toiletries. For the light packer, you can probably get away with clothes for half the time you will be there or say half a weeks worth and just look into washes near you; otherwise, maybe I'd  recommend one pair of hiking pants (depending on the area), one pair of hiker boots or sneakers,  and flip flops. Your clothes should reflect the climate you are, keep in mind the cheaper area you are in; the better chance you are of finding nice stuff to wear at a decent club on the event that there is a dress code. In the experiences I have had travelling, I always practically pack; I don't usually pack for the "unexpected" (unexpected being like dates, bars and clubs). I'm an adventurer and Oliver Casey was certainly someone who made me aware of the things that surround you on a journey, and yes you as well Jack! 
But the thing when packing light is the frustration of what to and not to bring, what can I find and what can't I find there. Bar of soap and hotel travel toiletries are crucial. You are allowed a certain punt of liquids per bottle (I learned this on the last trip -_-) so, instead of freaking out cause you can only bring 100ml of something, it could actually be like two or three important but sealed bottles. Maybe? I don't know, china is sketchy like that I think. But ya. Don't buy toothpaste in china, not healthy and don't get too fussy with your products because unless you're buying from a licensed  retailer, usually you want find 100% real products, everything here is for show. When light packing remember that you will need to either throw away clothes or do done laundry at some point, in asia, if you are not sure about money and laundromats, utilize the local sink taps and what not to hand wash clothes, if you have a bar soap and just travel clothes go nuts, but if you are like me and packing some nicer clothes, you will probably try to find a laundromat or utilize hotel service. Most hostels will have a laundry area.

2. Packing to the max. If you rather be safe than sorry, you will be paying a bit more or be throwing some stuff away to make room for new stuff. Most airlines allow you to carry roughly 80lbs per flight. 50lbs in checked luggage and about 10 for carry on items. When travelling to further places and not sure what to expect, ways have small toothpaste and a bar of soap to be safe. You probably won't have to worry about laundry of you pack to the max but again, you won't have room for new stuff. Packing to the max will be a pair of underwear for 3/4's of the trip, at least a shirt and pair of pants for every other day. Socks for each day of the trip, pair of running shoes or hiking boots and a few undershirts. In your bigger bag, sometimes you can get lucky and find a side pack that you can use as a carry on and "purse" when you don't have your larger pack with you. 

4. Pleasure travelling calls for all the party town essentials. Whether you are going with money or not can change how you pack. If not going with money, bring your cologne, deodorant and whatever else, you can start the vacation on the airline with your free couple ice cold sodas, make a stop at a convenient store or duty free and pick up sine ice cojd sodas. Normally cab drivers will take you to where you need to go but be warned if you don't carry yourself as experienced they will take you for a more expensive ride than needed. Avoid alcohol on public transit unless you have it pretty well concealed....usually not allowed. Take your jeans, shorts, work out gear, shirts, and maybe small but noticeable accessories. Obviously this depends on your budget and whereabouts, but ya pleasure travel will be easiest if you are not running around trying to purchase clothes on the go as well as it leaves out the chances of you getting hosed in prices of non essentials....like ice cold sodas.

3. Weary traveller, similar to packing to the max, the only difference being that you are going to have a few bad ages, antiseptics, disposable clothing, prepaid traveller card and duffle bag carry on luggage with wheels and handle.

5. Cheap traveller....my favourite way :p you have done your research, you want money for souvenirs and ice cold sodas. You know the map and basics of the language. You are ready to go, packing disposables and enough clothes to last you a solid half of the trip. You are packing clothes you are not worried about losing and have significantly wise choices made regarding your flights and hotels. You only brought one bag that met the weight limit and that way you have room for other souvenirs you may acquire for your journey back.

I don't know if this helps, if you are like me...you will laugh, find a bit of it as things you never thought of and have an idea of what sort of time I am having here in china :)

Cheers!

Carm

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