Top Ten: Items to pack on gap year out travelling

"I was wondering what was weighing my backpack down..."

So, you’ve booked the flights and you’ve handed in your notice to your boss…no more shelf-stacking or filing for at least a year! The first thing you’ll probably be wondering is what to take away with you in that backpack of yours round the world?

Most travellers would say that a good rule of thumb is to pack your bag, then take half out and you’re ready. I would say take what you need, not what you want- but people have different perceptions of what a ‘neccessity’ is. Believe me, your happiness will be measured by just a few important factors; getting enough sleep, good food & drink (thus keeping a good healthy body) and the weight of your bag. I have a Berghaus Jalan 70+15 Rucksack, which I bought in the sale for around £100. Front-loading with wheels and detachable daysack which has not let me down yet. Comfortable support on hips, dead easy to pack/unpack and sturdy. The wheels are a genius addition.

So if your basic route is heading to SE Asia, onto Australia and New Zealand you should have no excuses for not travelling light as you won’t have any use for jumpers, coats, or trousers. Here’s what I packed:

1. Flip-flops. Not the wicker type as they get smelly when wet..a decent comfortable pair that can handle getting wet and dry quickly are invaluable. I have a Quiksilver pair I bought in the sales again, but there’s plenty of cool ones to choose from. Bring plenty of waterproof plasters for between your toes during the first week of wearing!

2. Sarong. Light, space-saving, quick-drying fabric which you can use as a towel or keep you warm when on cold air conditioned buses/overnight trains. You can buy one for around £2 GBP in Bangkok’s Khoasan Road- haggle in the markets! Ask how much an item is then offer (at most) half, go a little higher (increments of 20’s if in Baht) if you really want it, but remember that you can always come back later or buy at a different stall, they will come after you if you walk away! Don’t bring a towel, straighteners, hairdryer, or beyond the bare minimum of toiletries. Tip: wash the sarong separate in sink as the colour from the cheap ones can run.

3. Boots. Only if you’re going trekking, you’ll need a pair of hiking trainers or light boots with ankle support. In the wet season it can rain for some time in Asia, so sliding around in that muck up and down trails can get tiresome. Often your hotel will clean boots for a couple quid…well worth it afterwards as Oz won’t let you through customs with dirt on your footwear and it’ll save you scrubbing up in the sink for hours. Pick up a poncho, or a very light rainjacket from most 7-Elevens for a couple quid. Invaluable when caught in the frequent Thai thunderstorms.

4. iPod. Or other mp3 music device loaded up with podcasts, audiobooks and classic albums to make the soundtrack of your trip. Add a mini-speaker or double adaptor to share the funky vibes with new pals.

5. Book. One you’ll read on the trains and buses as well as a Lonely Planet guide. Give yourself some “me” time now and again, reading will help you kill some time and keep your mind active so you don’t turn into a beach bum permanently. Some hostels will offer a book exchange so you can swap when you’re done.

6. Pack of cards with jokers included. Learn intelligent games like “Arsehole” and make new friends through the shuffle of the suits. Learn a couple of tricks to impress new pals and never tell people how its done!

7. Torch. Or head-lamp. The wind-up ones are good, no need for batteries which will come in handy in the jungle when you are “showering” by candle light, or peeing into a squat toilet, or in a dorm when it’s past the curfew and you want to keep reading or plan the following day’s exploration.

8. Laptop. Controversial this one; if it has a 12-inch screen or less, I would take it with you if you have one as the cost of staying in contact can be quite steep otherwise- just make sure it’s covered by your insurance policy. WIFI is widely available and free in most places. Ask at reception, more often hostels will have it and hotels you’ll have to pay; have a search in the area first to see if there’s any you can hop on to temporarily before charging the VISA to check your gmail. Install Skype for free computer to computer calls or low cost phone calls home. Get a Flickr account to upload your photos and a gmail account to write to friends and family. Facebook is the universal way for staying in touch with other backpackers you meet and sharing photos between eachother.

9. Insect repellent. I picked up a maximum strength one from a travel shop and still frequently got mauled by bugs, so don’t bother with the low strength ones. Deet in the sprays is potent stuff though so spray on your clothes and go easy because its tough to get up, a squirt goes a long way.

10. Combination lock. Pick on up for around £5- don’t get the really cheap ones, they’ll break easily. Store your valuables in lockers and safety deposit boxes. Keys are easily lost so the combination one is usually the safer bet.

Apart from all that, throw in your passport, digital camera, factor 50 sunscreen, a couple credit/bank cards, a very small first aid kit (antiseptic wipes/plasters/face wipes/scissors), a couple tees, knee-length cargo shorts, board shorts, couple pairs of underwear, trainer socks, face mask & earplugs (which you sometimes get on your flight) and (don’t forget) your toothbrush.

Remember though, if you need something you’ll always be able to buy it out there so don’t think you need all these things before you leave; barter hard in the markets for the best deals- it’s great craic! Any questions, drop me a comment below. Happy travels!