Considering I’m heading to Thailand in just a couple of weeks, I thought this post was pretty pertinent, partly to help others and partly as a mini to-do list for myself. Oh, if you are heading to South East Asia, have a read of my blog post on the best things to do in Thailand. How much you should bring largely depends on how long you are going for, which brings me on to my first point…
How Long Are You Going For?
It might seem like I’m saying if you’re going for a longer period you need more items, but I am actually saying the opposite. If you are heading for 2 weeks and under then you need a fair amount of items on you as you don’t want to waste time washing clothes on a short break.
On the other hand, if you are heading for a good few months, you can buy clothing items in the markets and can wash your clothes each week (well…2 weeks).
On a long trip, less is more. When properly backpacking, you will lose 60% of your clothes, so don’t bring your favourite tops.
What To Pack For Thailand
- Tops
- Shorts / skirts
- Jeans / trousers
- Boxers / knickers
- socks
- Flip flops
- Sun glasses
- Swimming costume / Bikini
- Camera (if not using your phone) or/and GoPro
- Rain jacket
- Pen and paper
- Deet mosquito spray
- Diarrhea tablets
- Moisturiser
- Ear plugs
- Pollen allergy tablets (antihistamine)
- Mosquito recovery cream for bites
- Repellent wristbands (for those times you run out or forget the mosquito spray)
- Shampoo / conditioner
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Painkillers
- Toilet paper (you never know when it will come in use)
- Chewing gum (for those times you can’t clean your teeth)
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes
- Sun tan lotion
- After sun lotion
- Condoms
- Locks for your luggage
- Shaving equipment
- Passport
- Slip on comfy shoes
- Water bottle with filter system
- Slim sweater (warm but not too big for the bag)
- Hiking shoes (if you plan on doing some hiking)
- Kindle
- Mobile phone
- Laptop
- Music player / MP3 or whatever you are using
- Mini torch (normally can get one as a key ring)
- Hat (in case it gets cold, great way to warm up)
- Any cables you need, such as a phone charger
- Universal converter
- Nail cutter / file
- Hand sanitiser
- Medical kit
- Glasses (if needed)
Extra Items For Him
- Shirts
- Chapstick (which protects from the sun)
Extra Items For Her
- Tampons / pads
- Dresses
- Leggings
- Sports bra & bras
- Sarong
- Make-up
- Lip balm (which protects from the sun)
- Comb / brush
- Straighteners
Apps For Travelling
Something that I have only started considering in modern times is which apps you will need. These will become incredibly useful, such as translating languages and converting currency, especially with most, if not all, hostels and hotels having free wifi. Below are some of my favourite:
- Google Translate
- Momondo
- XE Currency
- Dropbox (if taking photos on the phone)
- Hostelworld
- Duolingo
- Prey
Before You Go
There are a number of things you need to tick off before you even get on a plane or consider packing, such as the below:
- Buy a decent and durable backpack
- Vaccinations – Ask your GP for advice on this one
- Wash bag – it is worth getting one, so if that bottle of shampoo or sun tan lotion opens up in your bag, it won’t coat all your clothes and favourite books.
- Travel guide – nowadays you can just read online or use an app, but there is something special about reading about an area while taking an overnight coach to the destination.
- Travel insurance – Seriously, just do it. Plus don’t just get a cheap one, this will tend not to cover for activities you will probably be doing. Look at what IS and ISN’T included before buying the insurance.
- Sort ou travel – as well as booking your flights out there, you might want to work out what transport you will take out there. Personally I prefer to leave it until I arrive, so I’m open to change plans, but if you are a worrier, then this might be a winner.
- Bank cards – talk to the bank, make sure they are aware you are going abroad and also check what charges there will be when using your card abroad. You might be better off getting a specific credit card which is ideal for usage abroad.
- Scan passport – Some hotels/hostels will ask for this, while it is also useful in case yours gets stolen.
- Medicine – Make sure you have any medicine in large supplies for while you are out there. It will be much harder, not to mention ridiculously expensive to get it abroad.
Packing cubes – You don’t need this one, but almost every other travel blogger I meet goes on about how much easier they m