I’ve never been a hostel-style of traveler, filling up a backpack and hitting the road. Camping as a child doesn’t count. As much as I love luxurious hotels with a view, I definitely fall somewhere in the middle, placing more emphasis on my vacation experiences. The steamer trunk will remain at home. My October 2015 Machu Picchu G Adventures trip, from sea level to 12,000 feet, was fast-paced and included 3-star accommodations.
Packing my new 26” Eagle Creek Load Warrior wasn’t a challenge and I wanted to be sure to leave a bit of extra space for the gifts and textiles I knew I’d purchase along the way. Depending upon the type of trip, I stuff and organize my bag with appropriate clothing. And, from my years of travel, there are those comfort items I never leave home without.
- Eagle Creek Packing Cubes. Those who are ‘in the know’ completely understand. Those travelers who’ve never experienced their organizational capabilities should give them a go. Packing cubes will change your packing world.
- My Burton Cadet backpack. The coral color pops, it’s got a lot of space—enough for an overnight getaway, and the stylish look functions equally well on an urban adventure or a full-day trail hike. Here’s what I stuffed it with on a recent long-haul flight: a book (a paperback that could be left behind once completed), back-up charger, camera, Bucky travel neck pillow, pocket notebook and pen, smart phone with downloaded podcasts and playlists, soft shoulder shawl that functions as a blanket, sunglasses, empty travel water bottle, a sundry kit filled with lip balm, No Jet Lag, hand lotion and hand sanitizer, pocket Kleenex, and all valuables.
- In addition to the backpack I carry a cross-body Overland shoulder bag to hit the streets. It’s stuffed with a guidebook and local map, a small travel umbrella, water bottle, my compact Taxi Wallet, smart phone, point-and-shoot camera, sunscreen, notebook & pencil.
- Other creature comforts include: a washcloth or two, Kleenex packets or toilet paper (especially when traveling to developing countries), colorful scarf (to keep warm, cover head/shoulders at religious sites, dress up a pair of jeans), small zipped ditty-bag to collect business cards and post cards, and a hat.
If I’ve learned one thing while traveling the world- pack less ‘stuff’ and bring home more ‘memories’. –Rochelle, May 2016
