Packing is overrated. Bring basics. Use local stuff if/when you need it.
Edit: OK my point wasn’t show up, buy up, discard. My point was only bring what you know you’ll need. It’s a mistake to try to prepare for every situation. If you do need something unexpectedly, they usually have it there.
That’s a good attitude to have when you are trying to calm a mind anxious about whether you forgot something, but it is a really wasteful strategy long-term
The point is to only bring basics, not buying everything at the destination. By that I meant if really need something particular, they probably have it there, and the local version of that thing is often more appropriate to the locale than whatever you might bring.
It’s simple stuff like
Don’t pack dancing shoes just in case you go dancing
Don’t pack for all possible climates
Don’t pack a bunch of snacks
Don’t pack all the books you plan to read
Personally the only time I need more than a backpack is if there’s specific gear required for the job. Everything else can be found at the destination, if I actually need it. And as a bonus, I live more like a local while abroad.
Packing is overrated. Bring basics. Use local stuff if/when you need it.
Edit: OK my point wasn’t show up, buy up, discard. My point was only bring what you know you’ll need. It’s a mistake to try to prepare for every situation. If you do need something unexpectedly, they usually have it there.
That’s a good attitude to have when you are trying to calm a mind anxious about whether you forgot something, but it is a really wasteful strategy long-term
I suppose that depends on what and how much stuff you need while traveling. New travelers tend to overestimate when answering that question.
Regardless, traveling light is a far superior experience, in my opinion. Hauling possessions around really isn’t the point.
Traveling light and buying everything at your destination are two completely different things. It’s not an imposition to carry a backpack around.
Yeah that’s actually what I meant.
The point is to only bring basics, not buying everything at the destination. By that I meant if really need something particular, they probably have it there, and the local version of that thing is often more appropriate to the locale than whatever you might bring.
It’s simple stuff like
Personally the only time I need more than a backpack is if there’s specific gear required for the job. Everything else can be found at the destination, if I actually need it. And as a bonus, I live more like a local while abroad.
Yup, passport and money are the necessities. Probably want a change of clothes too I guess. Everything else is just nice-to-have things.
Buy, take, break, throw it away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j5NjzxOStQ
Cool song!