Pack Your Bags

Packing is an activity that's on just about everybody's list of least favorite things, somewhere between scrubbing the toilet and cleaning your closet. But what you take with you on your vacation can make or break a trip. So take five from emptying out your dorm room, and give some thought to what you'll need for your upcoming adventure…whether it's a week in Paris or a month in China. <big>Luggage</big> Your first step is to decide on a suitable form of luggage. Some factors to consider are length of your trip, budget, and how much moving around you plan on doing. In most cases, the longer the trip and the tighter your budget, the more convenient you'll want your luggage to be. It's called backpacking for a reason! While a regular framepack will serve you well enough, a travelpack — a cross between a framepack and a duffel bag — has a few key features. It's easier to lock and the shoulder straps can be "zipped away" when not needed. Give yourself a little time to shop around — there are many styles and fits, and an uncomfortable pack can make for an unhappy traveler. If you're going for a short trip, visiting just one or two places, or staying at the Ritz and the Four Seasons (hey, a girl can dream), a suitcase or twowheeler should do you just fine. <big>Clothing</big> When selecting your clothing, be sure to consider the local climate and cultural norms. Thai temples, for example, deny admission to visitors with exposed legs or shoulders. Generally speaking, layers are the way to go; with a few tshirts, one or two longsleeve shirts, and a light (waterproof) jacket and / or sweater you'll have plenty of flexibility. And don't pack anything you aren't willing to part with. If you're traveling for over a week or two, you'll probably have your laundry done a few times; and, chances are, something will get lost or they won't remember to pull your jeans out after five minutes or lay that sweater flat to dry. Pack clothes that are durable and comfortable. As far as shoes go, think lightweight and good for walking. A pair of sneakers or lighthikers (already broken in) and durable sandals (Tevas are traveler's best friend) will keep your feet happy. <big>Money and Documents</big> You have several options for carrying money. Credit cards are accepted widely in Europe and ATM machines are a dime a dozen. Before you leave find out if your bank charges a service fee for international ATMs. If you're headed to a lesser developed country, where credit cards are not as widely accepted or service fees are added to credit card payments, travelers checks are your safest bet. Running out of money brings unnecessary hassles. Do some research ahead of time (cost of accommodations, food, transportation, souvenirs, and admission to tourist sights) and take ample funds. In case you do run low on cash, look for a Western Union or Thomas Cook through which you can arrange international transfer. Keep in mind, though, that these services can be quite costly. For travel outside the US, you'll need your passport. If you don't have one, allow plenty of time for the application process. Check the entry requirements for the countries you are visiting; if a visa is required, you'll need to allow a couple of weeks for processing. (And, you'll need your passport in order to get a visa.) It's a good idea to pack a photocopy of your passport and store it separately; if you lose your passport, take the photocopy to the nearest American embassy as soon as possible! Although slightly uncomfortable in warmer weather, a money belt that tucks inside your pants or hangs under your shirt is a safe place to carry your passport and money. When you do get down to packing, remember the golden rule of travel: pack as little as possible and leave some room for shopping. Mandira Mehra is a packing master.