10 things you must take backpacking

1. A pack of cards – this is the easiest and best way to make friends! Especially if you’re solo travelling, going up to new people all the time can be challenging! Having a pack of cards and some card games in mind can break the awkwardness and get you guys bonding in no time!
2. Packing cubes – When you’re constantly unpacking and packing your rucksack, it can be easy to misplace things, having packing cubes to section out your stuff will help you to keep things in order and remain somewhat sane if you are an organized freak like me!
3. Clothes you feel comfy in and that you actually wear at home – Especially if you’re travelling somewhere that is hot and humid, you are going to what clothes that don’t feel like you’re wearing clothes! If you don’t find yourself reaching for that pair of shorts at home, don’t bring them backpacking!
4. Comfy sandals – Although I did take a pair of trainers with me, I only wore them once, on the Ha Giang Loop, the rest of the time I wore my Birkenstocks – they are so comfy and ideal when you are constantly taking your shoes off to go in the sea, in hostel rooms etc
5. A sleep mask – The hostels can be very light in the mornings, with dodgy curtains and people getting up early for whatever reason, a sleep mask will give you the best chance of a good nights sleep.
6. Suncream – Unlike most things you buy when you’re travelling, suncream is expensive, so I recommend bringing enough with you for your trip.
7. Headphones – This was probably my most used item. I used my headphones SO MUCH. They are essential for all the long travel days
8. A good wallet – I started off with a small purse that I had to fold my notes up to put them in, but I soon realised a long one would have been much better. If you can, I’d recommend getting one long enough that you can slot your notes into and then can fold up the purse. Make sure it also has zips and space for all your cards
9. More pants than you think! Bring at least 2 weeks’ worth – somehow they just go! 2 weeks will fly by and you do not want to have to put a wash on for just your pants, no backpacker has the budget for that! So bring as many as you can fit into your underwear packing cube.
10. Plastic bags/ wet bags – for damp clothes, washing etc – These were a lifesaver. Wet clothes can start to smell pretty quickly in hot and humid environments, so having a couple of plastic bags to section your stuff out is a necessity when you aren’t able to wash your clothes there and then.

10 things i wish i had taken back packing

1. Good quality packing cubes (mine broke)
2. A good, waterproof hanging toiletry bag (mine disintegrated)
3. A travel documents folder – for visas, passport photocopy etc
4. Toothbrush cover
5. Tote bag for the beach
6. Travel jewellery holder to stop it all from getting tangled and lost
7. A small blanket (for sleeper buses)
8. Flannel – a cold flannel would have been lush when the AC wasn’t very good
9. More bottoms – I only bought 2 pairs of shorts, needed more and a couple of skirts
10. Cereal bars!