Comments on: What did you wish you had brought on your RTW trip? What did you regret bringing?

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:15:46 +0000

I’m currently on a RTW trip and have written my own experiences about packing and what I wished I left at home on my blog: http://roundtheworldtraveler.com/planning-your-travel/what-to-pack-and-what-i-wish-id-left-behind/

By: Gsp

Gsp — Sat, 31 May 2008 21:46:43 +0000

What a cool conversation…

I’ve been very HAPPY about various obvious stuff, like a universal plug adapter, etc. but the slightly more interesting ones have been things like:

My mini Rubik’s cube, for helping to quiet the mind on long journeys.

A really great all-in-one antiseptic ointment (I like Brave Soldier’s) that worked a treat for burns, stings, cuts, rashes, even cured my first (& only thankfully) case of haemorrhoids from too much plane & junk food in the US – and faster than the cream from the chemist!

My swiss army knife – scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, small blade have actually been surprisingly frequently useful for all kinds of things from cutting plasters to size to opening packages.

And actually, regarding the earlier post about iPod causing you to shut off from people…I found it easy to resist that temptation, and in fact it really enhanced many of my experiences because certain music listened to frequently at the time (e.g. as a soundtrack to moments like walking home alone after a great night out with new friends, looking at the skyline) became entwined with the experience, and made the memories much more visceral…and in fact because I (like most people I imagine) choose music to suit my mood, it even intensified the emotions at the time. And put me in a better frame of mind to engage more fully during tougher times and trips.

My best experiences with the iPod were when I discovered music due to the place I was visiting and the people I met there. Not necessarily local music, but even just a recommendation from a new friend.

Outstanding! …writing about all this is in fact evoking some powerful memories right now.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:08:33 +0000

I regretted taking a first aid kit. It was too big for starters and I never used anything in it. I guess it depends where you are travelling to. In NZ I did not need it.

I was happy to take my ipod but the previous poster was correct, it can tempt you to shut off from others. However, this can sometimes be a good thing…

By: Maia

Maia — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:44:52 +0000

Always bring a bathing suit and goggles, even if you’re going skiing. And either a real Goretex raincoat or no raingear at all–a cheapie isn’t worth the weight. And a good waterproof camera: Olympus Stylus 720 SW is my fave.

By: Maia

Maia — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:44:46 +0000

By: Maia

Maia — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:44:40 +0000

By: Scribetrotter

Scribetrotter — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:51:18 +0000

Indispensable: a universal sink plug, a bandanna, a doorstop, a length of paracord, a mosquito tent and a tin mug. And I agree with Boris about the sarong!

Superfluous: a too-large backpack (small is beautiful), any kind of jewellery, my iPod (too much temptation to shut myself off from people).

By: Boris

Boris — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:37:05 +0000

I always regret bringing my dive gear and then I am so glad I did when I jump in the water.
Bringing a towel is really useless I think.It’s heavy and takes ages to dry. Take a sarong instead.