After a half dozen hours, and trips to 4 different sports/camping stores in NYC, I am over-whelmedly pleased to introduce you to my pack, Harry Harvey. (Funny story – I had a nightmare last night that I got to JFK and the TSA agents were trying to make me check my bag, even though it is well within carry-on standards. It was nearly a fiasco and I was quite hysterical. I ended up giving the TSA woman a diatribe of my pack shopping experience and how she needs to let me carry my pack. She finally took pity and put in a good word for me to be allowed to bring it on board.)
This sexy 32 will also help me keep from acquiring things along the way. I did end up getting a 13 litre day pack, the Osprey Daylite, so I can take my computer with me during the day.
What I’m Bringing
Clothes:
- 7 Shirts (5 tank tops, 2 loose shirts to sleep in or toss over as coverups for the beach/temples/etc)
- 5 Pairs of pants (2 pair of shorts (one for sleeping), 2 capris/work out pants, 1 loose pair of long pants for the plane – not pictured)
- 2 Bikinis (yaa!)
- 3 pairs of shoes (flip flops, sports flats, and sneakers)
- 3 Bras (1 shelf, 1 sports, 1 “real” which still may get left behind..)
- 7 Pairs socks (mainly for when working/sporting and wearing sneakers)
- 14 Days worth of underwear (I doubt I’ll be wearing socks often, and didn’t want to HAVE to do laundry every week 😉
Yes, this sounds like a lot with which to begin a four month adventure (or at least it does to me!). However, the beautiful thing is, they all fit into 4 packing cubes*!
*No need to show you the underclothing pack 😉
Boom. Look how perfectly they fit.
Toiletries:
- Razor
- Toothbrush and paste
- Soap
- Hard Shampoo and Conditioner (Godiva and Big, from Lush)
- Floss
- Tweezers
- Brush
- Hairties
- Deodorant (not pictured as I hadn’t bought a travel sized one yet)
I’m not bringing any makeup or jewelry (except the necklace my friend Kim sent me from home – it’s a reminder that while I may travel far away, I am loved and cherished by my family and friends).
Side Note – packing cubes are massively helpful. While I was hesitant to invest because of the price, I got all four of these from TJ Maxx for $22 – less than half of what 3 of them would have been elsewhere (even online).
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Other Cool Stuff:
- Computer and phone, plus requisite chargers
- Portable charger
- Adaptor and multi-outlet plug
- RFID credit card case
- SteriPen (99.9% effective UV water purifier)
- Waterproof case for phone/money
- 3 TSA locks and a padlock
- A Citronella based detergent – supposedly keeps mosquitos and other buggies away.
- XL Micro fiber, fast drying towel (also doubles as a pillow or blanket!)
- Last but not least, this guy:
Just kidding. I’m not bringing Strider, but neither of us are happy at parting 😦
I mentioned in the video the sillyness of the three zippers on the front pocket. Here is my solution:
Obviously, merely a visual deterrent, because if some jerkface wants to get into your bag, they will.
Spending Update
My aim was to keep expenses under $1,000. I came close, but did end up going a little over. Special thank you to my Uncle Tim for a generous donation that helped cover almost all of my SteriPen purchase!
| Date | Description | Price | |
| 03/04/15 | Flight from JFK to Bangkok | $577.30 | Rewards Miles |
| 03/04/15 | Couchsurfing Verification | $20.00 | |
| 03/05/15 | Hotel: Chiang Mai Apr 13-15 | $142.80 | |
| 03/05/15 | Diva Cup | $33.00 | |
| 03/07/15 | Clothes: capri pants, 1 sports bra, 1 tank top | $66.00 | |
| 03/07/15 | Website Domain | $26.00 | |
| 03/14/15 | 5mths Meds | $99.00 | |
| 04/7/15 | Osprey Kode 32 | $127.00 | Orig. $150! 20% discount for joining EMS, 15% student discount |
| 04/9/15 | Travel Insurance | $238.00 | $200 estimated |
| 03/22/15 | Sneakers | $37.00 | $70 estimated |
| 03/22/15 | New Unlocked Phone | $150.50 | |
| 03/23/15 | Flight change Bangkok to Chiang Mai | $24.00 | Rewards Miles |
| 03/25/15 | Lush: hard shampoo/conditioner/travel case | $21.00 | |
| 03/25/15 | BB&B: travel cases, toothbrush, sunblock, sanitary wipes, tp, brush | $32.00 | |
| 3/25/15 – 4/10/15 | Day pack | $39.00 | 20% discount for joining EMS (they had to re-enter me into the system so I got the discount again. Woohoo! Also got the 15% student discount) |
| XL micro fiber, fast drying towel | $36.95 | ||
| Travel Pants | $12.00 | ||
| Luggage tags, RFID case, water bottle, locks, flashlight, bug repellant detergent | $45.00 | $45 leftover from credit fraud rebate | |
| SteriPen | $80.70 | $25 amazon gift card, $50 from uncle Tim, $50 credit fraud rebate | |
| Total Spent | $1,807.25 | ||
| Rebates | $727.00 | ||
| Actual Spent (Total Spent – Rebates) | $1,080.25 |
I didn’t expect to have to buy a new phone (story for another time), but it all turned out for the best and I’m glad I didn’t have to spend more than I did. Discounts at EMS, Reward Miles, and donations all helped me save along the way.
All in all, I’m pretty pleased with my preparations. I can’t believe I leave in just a few hours! I started to freak out a bit last night, and today I’ve been excited and nervous in equal waves. But there’s no going back now! I’m holding this quote close:
curioustravelertravelogues 
Hey Kiddo! Really good trip prep – I’m impressed. Stay loose and go with the flow and you’ll have a great time. Use that 1,000 megawatt smile generously – it’s universally understood! Bon Voyage:))
LikeLike
Safe travels and ever marvelous adventures–adventures truly full of marvels! And may serendipity be your companion!
LikeLike
Awesome job of preparing!
LikeLike
Well done! I am excited for you and inspired by your planning and organization.
LikeLike
That backpack seems to be the perfect size!
LikeLike
It is! A week in and I’m very happy with it “in the field” 🙂
LikeLike