RTW Packing List

In true travel blog fashion I have compiled a packing list for my RTW trip. If you know me at all, then the thought of me living out of a backpack for 6 months seems quite laughable (let’s just say I have A LOT of clothes.) But, these are the parameters I face in living my dream; therefore I can honestly say that my research consisted of about 25% travel plans and 75% packing plans! I found it extremely helpful to see what fellow RTW travels had in their packs, so here goes nothing…

In my 34L Pack & messenger bag

Clothes

2 bras, 1 sports bra

8 pairs of underwear

3 pairs of socks

3 swimsuits

2 leggings

1 short skirt

1 long skirt/ dress

1 pair of yoga shorts

1 pair of jeans

1 pair of jean shorts

2 long sleeve shirts

3 dresses

1 long sleeve zip up

4 t-shirts

6 tank tops

1 scarf

1 fedora

1 pair of Birkenstocks

1 pair of boots

1 pair of sandals

1 small purse

1 knitted poncho

3 packing cubes (huge space saver!)

Misc. Items

Shampoo

Conditioner

Leave in conditioner

Surf spray

Soap

Deodorant

Mooncup

Vaseline

Glasses

Sunglasses

9 months of contacts

contact case & solution

eye drops

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Misc. cosmetics

Dry shampoo

Hairbrush

Mp3 travel speaker (splurge item because life needs music)

Laundry kit

Sleep sack

I leave tomorrow and I am finally all packed

Wicking towel

Flashlight

Journal

Scissors

Sewing kit

Wine bottle opener

Sudafed

Ibuprofen

Pepto

Imodium

Hair ties

Hair clips

4 headbands

Sleep mask

Earplugs

Ipad mini & charger

Ipod & charger

Iphone

Water bottle

Handkerchief

2 Combination locks

Digital SLR Camera

Camera supplies

Yes, I know. I over-packed. But, let me just say that this is what’s left after taking many things out… several times. Inevitably I will lose things, leave things and add things to my pack. I just hope that it doesn’t get any heavier!

7 Days and Counting

Ever since I can remember I've always dreamed of backpacking through Europe. After college I thought I would easily be able to check this ambition off of my bucket list. However, do to unforeseen circumstances (a.k.a. life) this dream had briefly been put on hold, rescheduled, and eventually fell under the category "to be determined at a later date". That is until my good childhood friend Jessica decided to move to Sydney, Australia last fall to live, work, and travel for roughly a year. 

Safe to say I was beyond jealous of her ability to pick up and chase after her travel dreams, so I devised a plan to follow my own travel bug. I visited Australia in my youth, but I jumped at an excuse to visit the land down under once again. At first, my plan was to visit Jess this summer and then head on over to Europe. This visit quickly became an extended stay with excursions to Melbourne, Perth, and New Zealand. We then decided to seize the opportunity to do some traveling in Southeast Asia, as of now that includes: Indonesia, The Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand. From there I will say goodbye to Jessica and head to Europe with a very tentative itinerary. 

Somehow my dream of one day backpacking through Europe has become a 6 month journey round the world and I couldn't be happier with that outcome. To fund this trip I saved every penny and sold my car, furniture, and clothes. Then, I sub-leased my apartment, quit my job and moved back in with my parents. These means may seem extreme, but I know that the rewards will measure up. 

I have always been fascinated by other cultures and I cannot wait to experience an array of diverse lifestyles. I have never liked to go out and do things on my own, so a solo-backpacking trip is extremely out of my comfort zone. But, I anxiously anticipate the opportunity to get out there and meet new people. I hope to not only take away from this trip a new view of other cultures, but also a new stance on myself. This blog will track my journey, keeping my friends and family informed, but more importantly provide me with a written record of an unforgettable time in my life. I invite you all to follow along.

Wish me luck I leave one week from today!