KNAPSACK ON MY BACK SKIN
KNAPSACK ON MY BACK FULL

My name sake.!!! I love this.brings back awesome childhood memories.!!! Valerie Kanter from Knysna, Western Cape, South AfricaMy all time favorite.Anthony Vincent from Aberdeenshire, ScotlandYou should watch the Red dwarf version as sung by Adolf Hitler and Lister.I cried with e it on UKTV Play, Dave.I often carry a small bag of nuts for snacking, and of course a water bottleĪll this goes in my beloved GoLite Jam 2.Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind.a little nylon bag that folds up into its own pocket, a bit like this one but smaller, in case I want to use my backpack as a daypack, or in case I go crazy and buy more stuff than I can fit in my backpack (e.g., tea in Sri Lanka) or stuff that I can't take carry-on (e.g., samurai sword letter opener in Japan).I try to choose one with dense type, to maximize reading time relative to weight :-) I can't tell you how many times I've had to beg for a pen to fill in entrance visa and customs paperwork at airports printouts of applicable Lonely Planet chapters, which I then throw away as they become unnecessary.printouts of all plane/train tickets and hostel reservations (with directions).driver's license, health insurance card, Qatar Airways gold card, possibly in a wallet.My credit card ( CapitalOne) has amazingly low currency exchange fees and my ATM card ( PNC) reimburses us for ATM fees - I get way better rates with them than through cash exchange. My friend asked how much cash I take the answer is NONE. Justin likes to take our handheld GPS unit, which can be handy for finding your hostel at the end of the day, but lately I've decided it's not worth it.my travel watch, which figures out time zones for me.charger/converter and cables for the above three.my cell phone if I'm going somewhere with GSM (for emergencies, and because hostelworld SMSes you directions to your hostel for free).Plus, my earbuds double as ear plugs, and can be used with in-flight entertainment systems. Music, videos and games for boring travel interludes, and internet for on-the-go travel planning, blogging and IMing. iPod touch - omg, I can't travel without this anymore.maybe a washcloth or small hand towel, if I'm staying in hostels.sleeping mask (another QA freebie) in case of migraine.folding brush/comb thing (a QA business class freebies) and two hair ties (I always lose one).the above all goes in a toiletries bag, or a large plastic bag if I'm watching weight.1-2 doses each of Naproxen, Immodium, Pyridium, and Zyrtec, and 2 bandaids - just enough to tide me over until I find a pharmacy, if I get sick.

KNAPSACK ON MY BACK FULL

whatever medications I'm taking, and a full tube of ketoprofen gel.

antibacterial hand sanitizer, if I'm going somewhere with sketchy hygiene.

My contacts can be left in for a month at a time but I still remove them for flights - maybe I should experiment with not doing that, and just take eye drops, but I'm totally paranoid about getting stranded without usable contacts

contact lens solution and case, glasses, backup pair of contacts.

bug repellent and/or sunblock, depending on destination.

KNAPSACK ON MY BACK SKIN

I know taking my own soap and moisturizer is self-indulgent, but I freaking hate getting dry skin on vacation from caustic hotel soap, so I self-indulge

travel-size shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, SPF 15 moisturizer (necessitating a quart-size Zip-Loc, if I'm traveling to a stupid country).

optional: swimsuit if destination involves swimming flip-flops if destination is South/Southeast Asia hat/gloves/scarf if destination is cold tank top and gym shorts if destination is warm & liberal, or I'm staying in a hostel.

one pair of decent-looking sneakers, for preference my trail runners since they're most versatile.

3-4 pairs socks, 1 cotton underwire or sports bra, 7 pairs cotton underwear.

two pairs of pants with lots of pockets and that don't need belts, one of which is convertible to shorts.

3-4 lightweight shirts, some combo of T-shirts and long-sleeved depending on climate.I like to think I travel pretty light, but I know some of you are way more hard-core than me - your feedback is welcome.

QatarThe friend with whom I'm traveling to Spain asked my advice on what to pack, so as a follow-up to my travel planning tips, I am now sharing my default packing list when going to a new country for 7-10 days.

Knapsack on my back