One of the great things I learned about travelling was how little stuff I actually needed to get by. You won’t need loads of different tops and dresses. You honestly won’t care what you wear, you’ll live in a bikini, casual clothes and flip flops for the majority of the time.
You may need a smart top, but generally you’ll be fine with strappy tops, shorts and wearing cheap accessories you can buy from the local markets - which also double up as souvenirs!
I prefer a backpack over a suitcase as I find it easier to just throw it on my back and go, instead of having to drag a suitcase behind me. But this is a personal choice and one you need to make for yourself. Some people get the biggest backpack they can find and stuff it full of clothing and things they’ll never use once on the road. Have a think about what size bag you actually need. And remember you’re going to be the one carrying it!!! Do you really need that extra pair of shoes now?!
My motto is take less than you think you’ll need, and if you do need something desperately you can always buy it while you’re travelling.
Put everything you think you need into one pile and then try to halve the amount of stuff you take. To make it even easier, I’ve put together a list of potential items you may want to take with you.
The Essential Packing List!
Clothing
Layers will be better than carrying lots of big bulky items. The weather in Asia is also going to be a lot better than the UK!
underwear
socks
tops
t-shirts
pashmina
sarong
shorts
summer dress
bikinis
flipflops
trainers/flats
jumper
fleece
waterproof jacket
jeans
leggings
baseball cap
Electrical
adaptor
charger
mobile phone
kindle
Toiletries
face wipes
toothbrush
toothpaste
hairbrush
bobbles
kirby grips
makeup
sunscreen
shampoo
conditioner
tampons
condoms
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