Keys to planning a trip II: What should I pack in my backpack?
When we are preparing for a trip and it's time to pack, we always wonder what to bring. The most common mistake is to overpack and fall into the trap of "I'll take this just in case". In order to avoid this mistake and to make a 10 backpack with everything you need and without weighing us down too much, we share with you here OUR KEYS:
1st Always take into account the destinationAs you know, in Tumaini we have projects in different regions, countries and continents, so we recommend different things to travel to each of them.
2nd Also the duration of the tripGenerally speaking, we tend to carry more luggage if it is a long trip. However, the best thing to do is to load your backpack with the same things you would take with you for a week's travel. It may seem unbelievable, but you won't really miss anything and you won't have to carry any extra weight.
3º WeightWe cannot carry too much weight because it will make the trip more difficult and because we run the risk of injury. Carrying around 11 or 12 kilos is ideal. In addition, we often buy gifts and souvenirs when we travel, so we will carry even more on our return trip.
 |
| Cristina in Peru, with appropriate clothing |
With these keys in mind, we can now focus on what to wear:
ClothingWe always take comfortable clothes that can be combined in order to have different possibilities. If we are travelling to a country where it is cold, it is best to take clothes that allow us to dress in several layers, so that we can warm up faster.
If, on the other hand, our destination is a warm area, we will take light clothing, but it is also important to include a couple of long-sleeved shirts and long trousers because the air-conditioning in the transports is usually very strong and it gets cold.
 |
| Tumaini Travellers covering their heads in the Golden Temple |
To make a Solidarity TripIn addition, we always recommend adjusting, to a certain extent, our way of dressing to that of the country, especially to avoid uncomfortable situations and prying eyes. That is why we always inform you of the "codes" used in each area.
Generally speaking, we recommend you:
-
A pair of long-sleeved T-shirts.
-
A pair of short-sleeved T-shirts or tank tops.
-
2 or 3 long trousers (if it is cold, better three).
-
2 or 3 shorts (there are long trousers with a zip that can also be converted into shorts, they are very practical!)
-
Underwear for a week.
-
Windbreaker jacket (preferably waterproof, for those showers that come when you least expect it).
-
A warm jumper or fleece-type jacket.
-
Microfibre towel, dries quickly and takes up little space.
-
Swimwear if you are going to a beach or bathing area. It is better to take a large scarf for the beach rather than a towel, as it will take up less space and dries faster.
-
A sleeping bag or sleeping bag if it's going to be cold. A sleeping bag takes up very little space and can get you out of trouble in a hostel. If it's a sleeping bag, it's best to use one that takes up very little space when rolled up.
-
Cloth bags to store things (underwear, dirty clothes, small technological devices, etc.) and find them quickly. If we share a room, we will be less disturbed when looking for something than if they are made of plastic.
The best trick for storing clothes is to roll them up and not fold them. Although it may not look like it, it will take up much less space.
FootwearIt is not a good idea to wear only one pair of shoes. It is advisable to carry at least two, so that you can change them if, for example, you go for a hike:
-
Nerea, in Kenya, it's best to be comfortable to enjoy more. Trekking shoes: if we are travelling to a hot destination, we can choose summer models, which are somewhat cooler. The quality or characteristics that we have to look for will depend on the type of trip we are going to make. For a Solidarity Trip, we always recommend models that support the foot well, that do not slip and that are comfortable. Remember that it is always a good idea to use them before travelling. -
Trekking sandals: they are especially suitable for long walks in hot areas. If our destination is a cold country, we can save them.
-
Flip-flops: they have a double utility. We can use them in the showers (recommended to avoid infections) and to go to the beach.
Toilet baghygiene products are almost always relatively easy to buy at your destination, so if you forget something, don't worry!
-
Essential items: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (alum stone is an option, as it does not pollute), bar of soap (better than a bottle of gel, because it lasts longer and does not pollute as much), shampoo (we can use the bar of soap as well).
-
If we are travelling in a group, we can share and distribute the products, so that we don't all have to carry one shampoo, one soap, etc.
-
Menstruation: instead of carrying tampons or sanitary towels (highly polluting), girls can use a menstrual cup. It is being used more and more and the new models can be used for hours without any problem.
-
Expendables: sometimes we think that there are things we couldn't live without, but a trip teaches us a lot. Examples of dispensable products that will only add weight to our backpacks are hairdryers, hair straighteners and other hair care accessories, or creams of different types with a strong smell (the ones who will enjoy them the most are the mosquitoes we will attract).
TechnologyLet's think about what we are really going to use before we start carrying all the devices and passwords we have around the house. Remember that technological devices are usually expensive and if you take them with you on a trip, you will not only be carrying their weight, but also the worry that they will be stolen or damaged. It is also important to know the type of socket in the country and the power of the electricity so that you can take adapters with you and avoid damaging your electronic devices.
Of course, you should always carry a small folder or clipboard with your passports, visas (if needed), cards (debit cards usually cost less to withdraw money abroad) and vaccination cards.
In the next post, we will share with you the keys on how to make a good and complete travel kit.
Post by Almu, Tumaini team