With our travel about to get under way in less than 5 months (!!!) I thought I'd mention what I've bought specifically for this trip as far as traveling necessities go. If you'd like to know more about the equipment I've purchased for filming, I can do another blog post about that, just let me know in the comments if that's something you'd like!
So, I've never had to pack for a trip that's been more than a couple weeks long. A whole year is sort of a big deal and I have no idea what I'm doing really. I'm trying to plan for all types of weather and climates without packing too much or even bringing a checked bag. I'll be practicing different ways to pack along with reading about how to pack for a round the world trip more in depth after I figure out everything I want to bring, and then can parse it down from there. I've already done some research, but without seeing what I have its difficult for me to envision the actual packing process and how it'll look and what I can actually fit. This is certainly NOT everything I'm bringing, not even a little, but these are things that I have purchased specifically for this trip. I plan to do a post before I leave about what exactly I packed with a follow up, after the trip, to see how it went and what I did and didn't need or how I did in terms of what I used or what I ended up having to buy while on the road. Welp, Let's jump right in shall we?
I recently purchased the hard-sided Samsonite110 carry-on, which is something I used to pride myself on not having. I don't know why. I was just like "I don't need a suitcase I have this backpack and that's all I need!" Like that somehow made me a "cooler" traveler or something. What a weirdo. The main reason I needed this hard-sided suitcase was to protect the camera equipment because I was worried that just putting all of it in my backpack wouldn't be anywhere near safe enough, and that something would end up damaged. I decided to pick one that was super cute- it's like blush pink and has flowers on the inside- yes please!- was compliant with international carry-on sizes, could expand to hold more, had wheels, and could hold everything I'd need it to. This one fit the bill AND was on sale. I scooped that up quick! I ended up using this for Virginia to try it out and loved having it- it fit so much!!
One of the great apparel purchases I've made is this awesome blue dress from REI. It's the Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Dress and I snagged it, again, when it was on sale. It offers UPF 50 sun protection, super lightweight, comfortable, resists static as well as stains and spills. The latter of which is mainly why I bought the dress. I'm the clumsiest and spill often, already having worn this dress multiple times, I've put it to the test each time. And each time it has come out unscathed! Not only that, but this bad boy has POCKETS. Yes, yes Becki, dresses have pockets now, whoo hoo. YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THIS HAS FOUR POCKETS. There are two main pockets, that are deep- no itty bitty shallow pockets here, and then another pocket in each one. One of these inner pockets is a zip pocket and the other one is a mesh pocket. I usually put my keys in that and they stay nice and secure. I've used the zipper pocket for money, credit card, and ID when I don't want to grab a wallet or purse! I pop the credit card into an RFID sleeve I have too in order to keep that safe. But, one dress doesn't make up an outfit!
Shoes are the one thing I really don't know how to pack. I hate shoes and only where them when I absolutely have to so...I don't know how to pick a shoe that can be super versatile. Which means I think I'm going to end up packing too many. I have these cool Tropic Feel Canyon shoes that can be worn with or without socks (which I love), made from recycled materials, breathable, able to go into water, quick-drying and are advertised as being able to go with you just about anywhere. But what about when I need something comfortable but isn't so...breathable.
In come these All Birds Wool Runners. I haven't gotten a chance to put them to the test yet, but lord have mercy are these things comfortable. I didn't even have to break them in. It felt like they were meant for my feet and I love that. They're supposed to help reduce foot odor because of the wool, and keep your feet warm, but not too warm. Plus look at that color- wowza! Fell in love and had to get that color, it's called Sunrise! Ugh.
Besides the shoes and dress, as far as apparel goes, I received this cute tree scarf from Amazon as Christmas gift and can't wait to try it out. It looks like a regular ol' infinity scarf, but wait! There's a big ol' pocket in there to stash your cash, ID, or whatever else you need, in order to thwart would be pick-pockets! Look at this picture, it can fit a whole dang bottle of water in there! I'm wondering if it will work well in practice, without looking like you're actually carrying stuff in there or not. We'll find out!
Some other essentials, at least I think they'll be essentials, that I purchased include those cute little bear looking things that have soap sheets in them. In case we find ourselves in need of soap but have none, these little buddies will save us! A first aid kit for pretty obvious reasons (see: "I am the clumsiest..." above), a lock that can be used in accommodations for extra security, SOAK laundry detergent to wash our laundry in sinks when needed, and also pocket laundry soap for the same reason. I'm not really sure which of the two (liquid detergent or detergent sheets) will be better or more convenient so I wanted to try both out. Lastly is a swiss army knife, just to have some little tools at our disposal, a small dry bag for electronics and important documents while we on or near water, and a Trtl pillow which is touted as the "#1 selling travel pillow." I bought it during the pandemic so I haven't had a chance to try it out, but anything has to be better than your head hanging down while you sleep or in any other awkward and uncomfortable position. Especially if we're going to be spending a lot of time on planes, trains, and other long-distance transportation.
There are some things left that I need to get like gaiters for trekking through any jungles to protect from snake bites, a selfie stick to get the whole crew in some photos, a pocket alarm for safety, SIM card adapter, and some insect repellant and sting relief. But other than that, I think most of the specific long-trip travel stuff I need is all set!
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