27 Days to Go....and Someone has a Bit of Time on his Hands....

Tom’s Steps to Packing Light
(stolen from a very bright online travel article)

Step 1.  Get a small bag. Note:  We've got this covered.  See August 14th entry.  The bag should be lightweight and easy to carry. It is helpful to have a bag that can be carried as a backpack, or as a shoulder bag depending on the circumstances. It is also handy if it has wheels. It is quite common to have to walk long distances, climb stairs and have to do many things at once, all while you
have your bag with you. Not checking bags means faster transfers and no lost luggage.

Step 2. Plan your wardrobe so that everything matches with everything else. This does not have to be monochromatic or boring. Rather, it suggests a minimalist approach to fashion. Ladies, one skirt and a single pair of trousers can be matched with a t-shirt, a fancy blouse or a tank top to make six different outfits--plenty of clothes for a week journey. You can get fancy with a scarf, bandanna, hat or other uniquely "you" wardrobe piece. If done right, you might be able to get
away with one load of laundry rather than 'darks' and 'lights'. Guys, just follow suit.

• Bring enough clean underwear so that you can get through at least 6 days of our journey without doing laundry. This also goes for socks, if you will be wearing those daily. Laundry opportunities will present themselves as we travel.
• Bring at least one pair of waterproof, dark hiking shoes. Short of a river crossing by foot, they won't get wet, they are incredibly durable, and are extremely comfortable. Best of all, you won't be carrying additional weight and sacrificing the big space taken up by another pair of shoes in your luggage. A second pair or shoes such as sandals, thongs, or slipper might be considered. We will NOT be visiting any dressy or formal locations.
• Consider your packing space carefully. Put items inside of other items, like those Russian nesting dolls. Roll clothes into small rolls to reduce wrinkling. Stuff socks into shoes.
• Pack your dry toiletries in the one bag and your liquid and gel toiletries in another. Remember to keep your liquids and gels to no more than 3 ozs.
• Keep your hand lotion, water, sunglasses, ear plugs, snacks, toothbrush, floss, hair brush/comb, a change of underwear, pen, notebook, camera, and any special medicines and necessary items you need in the top of your bag or organized in a sensible manner because you never know what may happen at the spur of the moment when you travel.
• Keep your ID, money, credit cards, in a security pouch. Keep some small currency in your pocket for little purchases (rather than pulling out everything each time). Carry photocopies of your ID, visas, and credit cards with you but in a separate compartment from the real ones (the idea being that if you lose one, you still have the other). Consider 'buddy packing' where your travel partner keeps your important photocopies and you keep theirs. This is a great idea.
• Electronics. Think wisely about this category. Obviously you’ll want your camera. Even if you are not in the habit of taking pictures, don’t leave this off your list.

• Cell phones. Unless you have a great international calling plan you’ll find that even the shortest call will be amazingly expensive. Even if you simply want to check email on your phone, you’ll pay significant roaming fees. Tom will have a cell phone with him for emergencies. You will have access to telephones everywhere there is cell service so seriously think about leaving yours behind. If you do bring it with you, make sure you have your charger and any plug adaptors required.
• Laptop. Even a small one with charger with adds several pounds to your bag. We will have internet service regularly during the trip. All hotels and resorts will have internet stations. Tom will have his laptop and you are welcome to use his when WiFi service is available.
• Fans, headphones, radios, alarm clocks, etc. all take up space. Think long and hard about what you really need.

Step 3. Make a packing list and visit it several times before your final pack. Practice packing your bag several times.  Roll clothing so they stay less wrinkled and pack tighter. Use corners and other cracks and crevices wisely. For example I always try to pack things in bags and inside of one another. It’s easier when I’m looking for something. I like the small and medium compression bags, not because you can get a lot of stuff in your luggage but because it keeps things firm so they don’t wrinkle. Putting like things together such as all shirts in one, pants in another, socks, underwear, toiletries, etc. makes it easier to find quickly what I want. Instead of having to unpack and repack 20 items, I am only moving four or five.  

Step 4. What you don’t bring you can buy. The first rule in packing is to layout everything you absolutely are certain you can’t leave home without and then put HALF of it back. I love this concept and travel even lighter these days than on earlier trips. There is always something along the way that I will want that adds to my wardrobe…and the weight I am carrying. So if I start off real light, then I can enjoy more space for souvenirs I would have otherwise passed by.   

Tom’s Suggested Packing and Check List

In Daypack
Camera, battery charger, and plenty of memory cards.
Cell phone and charger if you decide to bring one.
Flashlight or headlight.
Binoculars (optional).
Pen and notebook.
Laminated Itinerary.
Sunglasses.
Extra eyeglasses.
Medications.
Sun block (can be purchased there).
Insect repellent (can be purchased there).
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In Backpack
Underwear and socks.
Four to five tops.
Two long pants.
Two short pants.
Swimsuit.
Rainwear.
Light gloves.
Extra shoes.
Toiletries (travel light).
Book (optional).
Travel games (optional).
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To Wear
Jacket.
Hat.
Heaviest Top.
Heaviest Pants.
Hiking Boots.
Money Belt
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Documents and Finances
Passport with Visas.
Shot record.
Driver’s License.
Credit & Debit Cards.
Cash.
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Can’t do withouts… you probably can...do without
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Now lay it all out and put back half of what you see. You’re all done. Put both pieces together and then weigh your pack. Decide if you really want to carry more than 25 pounds.