Travelling light, pack list & buying a van?

skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 11:03
Last edited 07/04/2024 - 10:45

Another one for you travellers..

I am doing a few months abroad (Europe) and don't want to lug around a checked bag. I'm intentionally packing light because I never wear half the shit I bring when I bring a wardrobe. Keen to get everyone's lessons learnt. See pack list below and keen on opinions for getting around. Buying a van is exxy up front but potentially cheaper long term (not without significant risk though).

My list (with some adjustments, thanks all:
* 1x pants (quick dry)
* 1x shorts (quick dry)
* 1x athletic shorts (exercise + doubles as togs)
* 1x convertible pants\shorts
* 6-8x shirts ("one week")
* 1x SPF hiking shirt
* 1x rain jacket
* 1x microfiber towel
* Running\walking shoes
* Regular lightweight shoes
* Thongs (Archie's)
* 1x hat
* Tech (laptop, flagship mobile phone for pics)
* Toiletries (toothbrush, soaps,..)

Edit w suggestions:
* 6-8xUndies \ socks!! (WOOPS)
* Sunnies
* International power adapter
* Powerbank
* Pillow (memory foam)
* Sleep support (USB fan, lightweight bag, ear plugs, eye mask)
* Lip balm
* Lightweight cold-weather top (e.g., fleece)

Thoughts\recommendations?

Travel

Comments

  • elgrande on 06/04/2024 - 11:39
    +2

    Umm.. underpants?

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 11:47
      +1

      Hahah! Yes, that would help 🤣

    • Muzeeb on 06/04/2024 - 12:00
      +7

      Already covered in the initial list…

      Thongs

      • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 12:49

        ;)

  • AdosHouse on 06/04/2024 - 11:42
    +1

    Feel like you need some sock and undies in there, unless you're doing Europe commando and sockless.

    I did 2 weeks in Japan with just a hiking backpack, much easier than lugging around luggage. If you go a backpack get a waterproof cover for it.

    Make sure all your charger(s) are international voltage and have the different wall plugs for the countries you are visiting.

    EDIT: Just checked my packing list for Japan, include some sunnies and a powerbank in there.

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 11:49

      Good call. Will add these.

  • Mechz on 06/04/2024 - 12:02
    +1

    Europe has shops for anything you might forget.

    I would pack an inflatable pillow and compact sleeping bag anyway, will work regardless if you get a van or not and means you don't have to find them in a pinch.

    Maybe a small USB fan as well, they're allergic to AC over there.

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 12:17

      Are inflatable pillows actually comfy? Better than rolled up shirts?

      Yeah my plan is to have enough to get by and then to pick up small bits as needed. USB fan is an interesting one.

      • Mechz on 06/04/2024 - 12:25

        The pillows are fine if you have something to cover it like a regular towel or tshirt.

        Rolled up Ts don't cut it for me, YMMV.

        • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 12:49
          +1

          I have a neck pillow that I will use on the plane. Takes up a lot of space, but will go with that in the first instance.

  • JIMB0 on 06/04/2024 - 12:42
    +1

    Lip balm.

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 12:43

      brings to mind some other small goodies: ear plugs, eye mask..

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 06/04/2024 - 13:08
      +1

      Need the lip balm to leave in the centre console.

      • Muzeeb on 06/04/2024 - 14:47
        +1

        But only if you make a promise to yourself that you won't see a prostitute in Amsterdam.

  • BOGOF on 06/04/2024 - 12:46
    +1

    Lightweight fleece.

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 12:48

      true, something cold-weather and easy to pack

  • sumyungguy on 06/04/2024 - 13:27
    -4

    Your clothing list has a povvo vibe. Consider taking apparel that may get you upgraded on the plane and get you a decent table in a nice restaurant. You're never going to pick up wearing convertible pants/shorts and a plaid hiking shirt.

  • BOGOF on 06/04/2024 - 14:46
    +5

    If heading into Eastern Europe, then an Adidas track suit.

  • Shadowsfury on 06/04/2024 - 14:56
    +2

    Over the last few trips I've been attempting to build out a packing list I can keep referring to for every trip, that includes anything I might need to pack. And then if something isn't relevant I can just ignore it. During or after each trip I make improvements to it.

    A lot of below are tech/photography related so probably not relevant to you but left it in anyway.

    Printing of confirmations
    Consider e-sim before trip
    Cash
    Reactivate Skype credit
    "Credit or debit cards - no forex fees, can withdraw cash
    Consider Revolut, NAB Platinum Debit, Citibank, ubank, Up"
    Credit card if hiring car (for vehicle bond when not taking insurance)
    Cards for lounge access
    Confirmation met NAB debit card travel insurance and get certificate of currency from https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/nab/get-travel-insurance
    Drivers licence
    If driving in non-English speaking country, get licence translation from RACV
    Passport - check expiry
    Visas - check expiry
    Apps for phone - e.g. local Uber/Grab, better map apps
    Download relevant languages for Google Translate
    Check vaccinations of destination countries and get as needed
    Travel wallet
    Extra wallet to leave at accommodation with spare cards/cash
    Body wallet/sling
    Spare phone for Australian SIM
    GST items - reminder need to carry with us when travel, and hard copy tax invoices
    Copies of cards, accommodation saved down handy
    Luggage locks
    Luggage scale
    Add Airtags to bags
    Setup Google Nest camera before going away
    Spare duffel bag if not otherwise using a carry on
    Organise for someone to collect mail while away
    Download offline maps on Google
    T shirts especially quick-dry
    Polo shirts
    Long sleeve shirts - casual e.g. linen
    Shorts
    Jeans
    Pants/chinos
    Hiking pants
    Suit (e.g. wedding) including shirt and matching tie/tie clip/cufflinks
    Uniqlo heattech thermals
    Sleeping shirts
    Sleeping shorts
    Underwear
    Socks - sports and/or business depending on shoes
    Dress shoes (e.g. for suit)
    Casual shoes (runners)
    Hiking shoes
    Slippers
    Cap
    "Jackets - consider weather and if need multiple
    Windproof, hoodies, extra thick, foldable down"
    Sunglasses
    Swimwear (if lots bring 2)
    Belts
    Sweaters
    Gloves
    Beanie
    Scarves
    First aid kit box (roadtrip)
    "First aid kit - Replace any used medicines:
    - Bandaids
    - Blister plasters
    - Pain relief (neurofen, paracetamol)
    - Immodium/Gastrostop
    - Motion sickness (Travacalm)
    - Antihistamine/nasal spray
    - Sleeping pills (melatonin)
    - Anti-itch cream
    - Painaway cream
    - Eyedrops
    - Strepsils hydra lite "
    Sunscreen - face and body
    Insect repellant - DEET and natural
    Hand sanitiser at least 2 bottles
    Vitamins
    Mints
    COVID tests
    Small grocery bags
    Laundry bag
    Earplugs for plane
    Eyemask for night flights
    Umbrella
    Water bottle - Camelback grey, Kathmandu blue, insulated 2L
    Water container (10L for roadtrips)
    Hiking poles - blue and burgundy
    Spare lighter backpack/hiking backpack
    Waterproof bag
    Waterproof pouch for phone
    Headlamp if night hiking
    Glasses
    Wedding ring
    Citizen watch
    Keys
    Board games (if road trip)
    Plane phone clip
    Plane foot hammock
    Plane neck pillow
    Portable fan
    Shoe horn
    Sony A7 III
    Tamron 28-75mm lens
    Tamron 70-180mm lens
    Laowa 15mm lens
    Samyang 35mm lens
    Ensure have 2 SD cards in A7 III, and the plastic box to keep spare
    Remotes for selfies and batteries
    Phone mount for tripod
    DJI Mini 3 Pro
    DJI Fly More Pack (batteries/charger)
    Drone landing pad
    Drone bag - Fly More or individual pouches?
    Drone filters
    Tripod
    Camera weather protector
    Rubber lens hood (window photo)
    Nisi filters
    Flash
    Flash controller
    Cleaning kit (or at least clean camera before trip)
    Consider backup strategy during trip - cloud, dual SD etc
    Multi port USB charger
    Consider 65w or Chargeasap 200w
    Pixel fast charger
    USB cables - USB C
    At least 3 - phone, battery, camera
    USB cables - USB A
    At least 1 - for speaker/Xiaomi battery/Bose headphones
    USB C to A cable for cars (Android Auto)
    Car mount for phone
    Power adapters/converters depending on country of travel
    Tech packing cube (180deg)
    Surface Pro 5 tablet
    Laptop charger
    Laptop P's HP
    Pixel Buds Pro
    Bose QC35 headphones
    Mouse
    Movies and TV shows onto laptop if bringing
    Portable battery 1 - Nitecore Carbon Fibre
    Portable battery 2 - any other
    Car charger - either take from 86 or bring 4 port Tronsmart
    Fitbit
    Fitbit charger
    Pen
    UE Boom speaker
    CPAP machine
    Kindle
    Flashlight - Nitecore or USB powered
    HDMI cable
    Comb
    Toothbrush
    Toothpaste
    Mouthwash
    Flosser
    Deoderant
    Facewash/cleanser
    Face moisturiser
    Hairspray
    Eye cream
    Shaver
    Nail clipper
    Lip balm
    Travel sized wet wipes
    Tissues
    Shampoo (if needed)
    Soap (if needed)
    Chromecast
    Sweat towel
    Coin pouch

    • AdosHouse on 06/04/2024 - 15:23
      +8

      looking to see if kitchen sink is included

    • skkunx on 06/04/2024 - 15:59

      Massive list! Thanks for sharing! Some great pre travel suggestions I'm going to hijack :)

      • Mugsy on 07/04/2024 - 22:08
        +1

        Note that with the NAB Platinum VISA Debit card, NAB will charge you an ATM withdrawal fee when overseas in addition to 3% of the amount you get out in cash… it's a really bad card for getting cash out. Consider other $0 international transaction fee cards for getting cash out when overseas (e.g. Macquarie). The foreign ATM operator may still charge you a fee though but at least your bank card provider won't.

        The NAB Platinum VISA debit does have great complimentary travel insurance if you can't get a credit card with complimentary travel insurance. If 90 days is sufficient, the Bendigo Ready credit card has no annual fees and covers this period of time traveling. If you're going longer, look at other options (not sure how long a duration the NAB Platinum's insurance covers).

        • lainey13 on 10/04/2024 - 21:26

          Got an email for my Macquarie, $249 annual fee being introduced :(

        • Shadowsfury on 11/04/2024 - 13:04

          Good call out - I specifically keep the card just for the insurance really (90 days) and means I don't unnecessarily tie up any credit with a permanent travel credit card.

          I use other cards for my cash withdrawals (and purchases while away for that matter)

    • brendanm on 06/04/2024 - 18:41
      +1

      Wtf

    • sumyungguy on 06/04/2024 - 18:49
      +1

      May I humbly suggest a regional/country-specific addition? Incontinence pads for when you're waiting for Immodium/Gastrostop to kick in

  • batfastard on 07/04/2024 - 07:41
    +1

    If you have multiple devices to charge, suggest a small powerboard?

    Plug powerpoint adapter into wall, powerboard into adapter, chargers into powerboard.

    Or don't. Whatever.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 10:42

      Maybe, maybe not.

  • kiwijunglist on 07/04/2024 - 08:10
    +1

    Swimming togs
    Shoes
    Jandals (thongs - if you don't know what jandals are)

    You can use a mini pillow case filled with your fleece etc as both a pillow and an increased carry on allowance if needed.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 10:43

      Plan was to have a pair of athletics shorts as part of my gear, which can double as togs.

      Second pair of shoes seems to getting thrown around a bit, so will probably include that. I have a decent neck pillow, so will run with that til until it fails me :)

  • Nicoletta on 07/04/2024 - 09:14
    +1

    Looks like a good list so far! Inflatable pillows are pretty terrible though. Consider a memory foam one instead. I’d also add a second pair of shoes to alternate with. Give the Archie’s things a good test before you go - they hurt my feet! With only 4 tshirts you’ll be washing very frequently. Will you have access to a washing machine regularly or will this be basin washing in your accommodation? Take some laundry soap sheets either way. And for personal safety, consider a money belt, bag lock and door lock. Pen, small notebook and a pack of cards would also be handy additions!

    As for transport, probably worth checking if trains would suit your trip. They are generally pretty good in Europe. Buying a van I imagine would be very expensive for a person travelling on their own. Better when you can split costs with someone else.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 10:41

      Thanks! OG plan was too wash in basin, but all will depend on where we end of staying. Have taken on the advice below and will bring about a weeks worth of gear. Everything I have is fairly lightweight and I will have the space. Should cut the washing down by half, or so, which I am sure I will be grateful for.

      Should have mentioned that I will be travelling with my partner, so many costs shared. We are rethinking the van-plan now though… Train and/or loaner car from her family is now on the table. :)

  • kpr on 07/04/2024 - 09:56
    +1

    Have a look at lisecarlaw on Instagram, she has highlighted episodes of what she packed as carry on only for a six week trip to Europe with her family of four. Also follows her trip and what worked along the way & what didn't. She did buy some specific items for the trip that didn't take up much room like the neck pillow.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 10:41

      Nice. Will check her out.

  • Bystander on 07/04/2024 - 10:18
    +1

    I always travel with 8 changes of clothes so that I only need to do laundry once a week, ie 8 undies and shirts etc. Plus laptop, cables, chargers, toilet bag, various bits and bobs. All up it comes in at less than 10kg and lets me avoid the baggage carousel. I do wear the heavy stuff at checkin and I always carry a luggage scale.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 10:42

      Smart, will take this on board.

    • sumyungguy on 07/04/2024 - 13:17

      I travel internationally with no changes of clothes. I board flights wearing travel jeans/pants, L/S shirt, outerwear jacket, ExOfficio undies, merino socks, waterproof trail runners or lowcut hiking shoes (all dark colours). In my bag is qty=1: undies (backup), shorts, tee, swimwear, thongs. For cold climates I add gloves, beanie, warm socks, merino base layer top+bottom. Travel undies get handwashed daily and other apparel as needed.

      • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 13:53

        This is kind of my dream; but I am not quite ready for that kind of committment yet :D

  • TEER3X on 07/04/2024 - 13:21
    -2

    I don't understand how this is a thing?

    If the wife forgets something, I just yell at her to make me feel better.

    • skkunx on 07/04/2024 - 13:52
      -1

      Abuse isn't funny. Please think before you comment.

  • Mugsy on 07/04/2024 - 22:02
    +1

    Regarding lightweight, cold-weather jackets, I usually go for the Kathmandu Heli down jackets (comes in hooded and non-hooded varieties). They're very light, compact, and have a good number of inside pockets that are great for putting phones, passports, etc.

    For sandals, I like the Keen Newport hiking sandals if I'm doing a lot of walking in sandal. Not very light but depending on the locations you're going to and if the weather suits, it might be better than the archies (which I also use but mainly worn around the house). The Keens offer protection for the toes.

    A beanie and gloves also a good idea if you're going in cold weather (in which case, forget the keen sandals… and make sure you have warm socks too).

    For charging cables, I use a 2m Baseus USB-A to USB-C cable… sometimes, I need that extra length. I usually bring at least 2 cables as it's one of those things I don't want to left with something faulty.

    Be sure to have at least two debit cards with $0 international transaction fees… one VISA and one Mastercard. Sometimes, one type of card is accepted only at certain establishments. My preferences would be Macquarie for Mastercard, and Suncorp for VISA as you can fast transfer between these two banks, and they have authenticator apps (i.e. less reliance on receiving SMS codes). I would open up two of each bank's debit cards and keep the second one as a back up. If your main card is stolen/lost, you can cancel if via their apps and move your money to the second account. Could open up a third account too if you want that extra contingency.

    Also consider a HSBC Everyday Global for times you're around a HSBC ATM for fee free withdrawals except in these countries: Argentina, France, Greece, Malta, Mexico and Turkiye.

    And I would look into some travel esim options provided your phone supports it. My wife recently used two TravelKon esims in China with great success. I don't know your data usage needs though. If minimal, you may be able to use an Amaysim esim and add on an international roaming pack. $70 for 9Gb and some calls/texts but it lasts 365 days. If your data needs is more, then I would consider the travel esim or a local sim if that's convenient.

    • skkunx on 09/04/2024 - 13:01

      Thanks. Definitely need to research eSIMs.

      I've got the Bankwest world card so that I can access some lounges and it "comes" with insurance (annual fee of 280). Best points back as well so the 280 doesn't feel too bad. I've also got Wise and my normal debit card.

  • lainey13 on 10/04/2024 - 21:27

    To really save space, travel version of a vacuum seal bag.

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