6 days or 6 weeks, probably doesn’t matter, I would pack the same amount of stuff any way. How much to pack is more related to what you do where, than for how long. After all laundry facilities and stores are almost everywhere.
Activity related gear
I’ll be spending quite a bit of time sitting in a car while on self-drive safari so will bring binoculars. But really, the camera is my most important gear, and all the stuff that goes with it which will be carefully packed in my carry-on. Still trying to decide whether to take the tripod. What do you think?
Plus all the other techie stuff like netbook, wireless mouse because I don’t like the built in pad, external hard drive to store photos, 12v/USB plug, and a power converter to reduce from 220 to 110.
I don’t plan any major hiking like last time so don’t need to bring a backpack or big clunky boots. However I will be prepared for some easy day hikes with my fanny-pack and tennis shoes. And because I’ll be car-camping the tiny backpacker’s stove (no fuel) and headlamp will get taken along. I can buy a tent and air mattress there.
Clothes & Accessories
I could live in the same clothes for a lot of days because I hate to do laundry. And what the heck I’m camping. Fortunately many caravan parks/campgrounds have laundry facilities. I’m no fashionista but do like color coordination which allows for mix-n-match. Having a skirt along means I could dress up a bit but they’ll be no heels. With Feb/March temperatures in the subtropics ranging H83/L64 F (29/18 C) light weight is needed and can always be layered for warmth.
Many travelers suggest cubes or space-bags to compress and organize clothing. I usually fold things and just look wrinkled. Maybe I’ll try rolling clothes this time and see if that works better. I’ll wear a fleece jacket and my bulky tennis shoes on the plane.
Yes, I’m a jewelry freak but I leave the bling at home. Because I don’t travel full luxury with a body guard one necklace, a ring and pair of earrings that I can wear all the time is my limit. And a colorful scarf can jazz up even a t-shirt. Plus then I have an excuse to buy something there.
Personals
Besides the bulk and weight plus the hassle with 4oz fluid limitations, shampoo, crème rinse, mouth wash, etc. are just easier to buy at the destination. Travel towels are small and dry quickly. I pack them in a plastic bag and then try not to forget about them when wet.
Hair bands are wrapped around the hair brush handle then I stick that in a shoe. I’ll take a spare pair of eye glasses and the prescription too. To reduce the bulk of containers I’ve packed daily vitamins in small zip-lock bags. The one prescription medication I take will stay in the original bottle with the script attached. Every country is different, but South Africa allows 30 days’ worth of medications.
Extras
I never go anywhere without a map, even if it’s just a few pages. Because my Smart phone isn’t global I won’t have access to immediate maps like at home. I’m also taking a guide book but I rarely find time to read anything beyond that.
This trip I’m adding a few spare batteries because I discovered the right size can be difficult to find. I’m throwing a spork and can opener in a coffee cup because I don’t need to collect any more of them. Plus a pillowcase for dirty laundry, or maybe two to cover questionable looking pillows. I could even use the laundry bag as a pillow, if the clothes aren’t too smelly.
And some gifts, small things for special people met along the way. I’m taking some hatpins from the Grand Canyon.
Suitcase or backpack
This is a very individual choice including whether to check bags or not. I used to carry a backpack but now have bum shoulders so it’s a suitcase on wheels for me. And I’ll be checking that and taking a carry-on too which will have at least one pair of clean underwear and my toothbrush along with the camera gear and netbook. I’ll be traveling in a private and rental car so thankfully won’t have to schlep my case in and out of busses.
Very Important Papers
I’m not paranoid but do have to consider all possibilities. I make Word files of important info like serial numbers for items of value, addresses, passwords, etc. Also scan copies of important documents like Drivers License, passport, credit cards, etc. And take photos of everything packed. Then I email this information to two people I trust implicitly and to myself.
It’s called cover your ass because shit happens. We all hope not but in the event luggage and/or purse are lost or stolen having documentation could make life just a little easier.
I always pack too much but am getting better. I’m leaving the kitchen sink home this time. 😉 If I forgot it then I’ll either buy it there or live without. Many large stores are available in urban areas of South Africa and the good rate of exchange often makes it worth buying there instead of packing it.
So what do you think? Did I forget anything? There’s still four days before I leave for six weeks in South Africa.
good thing you are planning on checking luggage…i don’t think half of your accessories would make it through security at our airport =o/ oh, and don’t forget to pack the addresses of all your postcard recipients =o)
There’s a document with those addresses too.
Sounds like you have all the bases covered! I like your idea of buying shampoo, etc once you arrive – while you can probably find your normal brands, it would also be fun to try more local options.
looking forward to seeing your great pictures and hearing about the trip!
My biggest problem with buying personal products anywhere is getting non-scented.
I’m taking some tips from you! We are only going to be gone two weeks, but I always pack toooooo much. I love taking the kitchen sink.
Have a great time! We can compare notes when you return.
Have to post on what I brought that I didn’t need. Have a great time!
Seems like a lot of tops: 3 blouses, 3 tank tops, 4 t shirts and 2 tops, reading across the list. Also, 3 leggins? Might look into if you need 2 pr. of jeans and 2 skirts as well. I also pack too much, and am trying to take advice from http://www.onebag.com/ and only take a carry on when I go for 5 days to Las Vegas next month. I only offer this up because you asked. 🙂
You’re right. It’s too many clothes. That’s why the pile sits for a couple of days. Gives me time to rethink and remove.
When I take short trips it’s always just a carry-on. But this time the camera gear is that option.
Have fun in Vegas. And thanks for the reminders.
If the tripod can be packed without a hassle I would take it. You know as well as I do if you leave it behind you will wish you had it. On the other hand if you take it, you may well wish you had left it behind. Murphy’s law, c’est la vie!! Wish I was coming with you….. Safe trip Diane
I’ll see if it fits in the suitcase without making it over weight.
I wish you were coming with also.
All the best in your travels Gaeyln. If it were me, I wouldn’t take the tripod. Major majority of my stuff is taken hand held. I would not only find the tripod burdensome but worrisome as well. But, that’s just me. Hop a Hippo, ride a Rhino, fly a Flamingo, & catch yourself a Zebra on your zip drive. The Desert Rats at the bottom of the hill wish you safe travels, picture perfect weather, & good digital hunting…:)).
I rarely use the tripod either but keep thinking I’d like some night sky shots. Just depends on my mood at the time of final packing. I’d love to ride a Zebra.
Good luck with the new RV. When will you head back north?
Great travel hints –even for those of us whose trips (sadly) are less adventurous! Thanks. And Bon Voyage, just in case we have another computer breakdown (which happened last week) and I don’t get back to you before you take off. Have fun!!!!! (As if there’s any question.)
Wondered where you where. I suspect I’ll not be on the computer as often while traveling.
If you’ll email your snail-mail address you’re on my list to receive a Postcard from South Africa.
Don’t forget a couple extra SD cards for the camera. As for the tripod, if you had a compact one that was super light or one of those Joby or flexible thingamajigs, it might not hurt for taking photos in lowlight situations. I hope you have soooo much fun on your trip.
Boy this is a post to keep for any traveling. Looks to me like you’ve thought of everything. I used to be a pretty good packer but now I’m so used to have everything I own with me that I don’t know what I’d do with a suitcase. I sure was surprised to see fleece on an Africa trip but then I have no clue what the weather will be like there this time of year. I’m sure getting excited about this. Can’t imagine how you must feel.
I like when I can take my house and stuff along too. It’s just a light fleece jacket cause you never know.
Almost 3 days to wait. 😀
I think I would leave the tripod home … I took one with me to Africa and never used it. I enjoyed your packing post … we will have a packing challenge later this year when our vacation from the motorhome takes us to both cold and warm weather destinations over a period of 3.5 months.
I’ve decided not to take the tripod. Packing for opposite weather extremes gets bulky.
I’m always checking and double checking to make sure I have everything. There must be some phobe for the fear of forgetting something.
I think that’s why I make lists.
Off to India in a month (for just 24 days) and am packing in real time and in my head. I’m pretty much organized and from what you write, I see we’re on the same wave length. I am going to take a small tripod for night shots. Bon voyage, Gaelyn, and am looking forward to your photos.
P.S. You’re leaving the Go-Girl at home? Taking mine, just in case….
I’ve been packed in my head for months. Decided not to take the tripod. Took the Go-Girl last time and never used it, so leaving it home this time. We’ll both have amazing times. 😀
Well, I hope you have a wonderful trip. If you are going though the Garden Route, you are so welcome to pop in. Will be delighted to see you.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful trip. If you are going through the Garden Route, I’d be delighted to see you. Let me know?
How could a trip to SA be anything but wonderful. I will be going through the Garden Route and would like to meet you too. Been loving your stories. Sorry I haven’t commented much.
When you’re in the area. let me know. E-mail is fine, or cell: +27826514687.
Thanks. I’ll get in touch. Probably early March.
Looks like you have things pretty well covered. When you are packing camera and computer gear you need to carry those on, so that limits what else you can carry on. We used to travel with duffle bags, but have switched to a bag with wheels too–makes for getting through the airports much easier. It’s really hard to decide what clothes to take, especially when you’re encountering many different conditions. Just be sure to allow room for bringing those extras back, or perhaps a small duffle bag would fit in your checked bag, but you can buy one there if you need to. Whatever you take you’ll make do with, or have an excuse to go shopping–not at all bad. I know you’ll have a great trip!
I’m leaving some space in the suitcase for items to bring back.
These are great tips:) I’m the same way…..always be prepared:) Dealing with students on trips, we have to think about all of these things ahead of time. One time this girl in my group didn’t think the rules were important. I smiled to myself and had all my plan b’s and c’s together:) Security pulled her and detained her for two hours in the Spanish airport. I smiled inwardly and watched her friends get nervous and concerned. It was a great teachable moment about life. I’m always prepared with lots of things up my sleeves:) Travel teaches us these things.
I also would not open my window to touch that lion….even if I wanted to:)
You’re a good teacher.
The window was already open and that lion was about 5 ft away.
These are great tips, Gaelyn. I ALWAYS over pack and aim to make some improvements in that area.
Although my suitcase wasn’t full, have to leave room for goodies, I usually over pack also. But I’m getting better.