Below are some general packing tips and information.
Please read the luggage requirements and travel information carefully.
Clothing
Your clothing should be breathable, light-weight, hand-washable and quick drying. Here are some suggestions –
- shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- long pants (zip-off pants are useful)
- short-sleeved shirts
- long-sleeved shirts
- undergarments
- sweater, jacket or windbreakers
- rain jacket with hood and pants or rain ponchos
- sun hat preferably with brim and chin strap
- bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
- swimsuit
Footwear
- sturdy, comfortable, walking closed toes shoes preferably waterproof
- hiking shoes or sneakers
- sandals or flip flops
- comfortable and breathable socks
Baggage
- suitcase or duffel (20 kg or 44 lbs max for internal flights, if applicable)
- day pack for daily activities and easy access (bring rain cover, if available)
- waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and camera gear (Ziplocs works)
- packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
- money belt, security pouch and document organizer
Electronics and/or Camera Gears
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags (double bagged if possible) –
- headlamp or flashlight
- camera, lenses, filters and memory cards
- 18-200 mm lens or 18-100 mm lens (recommended)
- telephoto lens, 300 mm or more (recommended)
- tripod
- cellphone
- extra camera batteries and chargers
- plug adapter is not needed since it’s the same as in the US/Canada
Toiletries
- soap
- shampoo and conditioner
- shaving supplies
- nail clippers, file, brush
- toothbrush, toothpaste
- moist toilettes (handi-wipes)
- hand sanitizer
- lotion (badger foot balm is also helpful)
- hairbrush, comb, mirror
- small towel
- toilet paper
- sunscreen
- lip balm with sunscreen
- insect repellant
First Aid
- Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen
- Band-Aids/ plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat lozenges
- Vitamins
- Diarrhea medicine (Cyprolfaxin works great)
- Antihistamines
- Ace bandages
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide or other sleep aids
- prescription drugs/ medicines
Documents
- document organizers
- PASSPORTS
- Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure the names on the ticket and passport matches)
- Medical insurance card/ Travel insurance
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline ticket and schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travel insurance and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone back at home and put another copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself.
Others
- sunglasses preferably with straps
- eye glasses, contacts, contacts solution
- binoculars
- pencil and pen
- energy bars, hard candy and snacks
- duct tape
- matches or lighter
- clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
- cash, credit card (including some small bills and make sure bills are printed after 2002)
- guide books, maps, language books
- water bottle or camelback
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is available for purchase at the hotel and local markets.
