While I’m taking a three month break from my travels here in the USA (I know, who would’ve thought you’d need a break from travelling….my life is so tough. Sigh.), I’ve had time to think about everything that has been invaluable to me this last year. As I was clearing out my backpack ready to re-fill it again in March, there are some items that will definitely be making the cut the second time around, simply because I used them at least once a week, if not more.
Here’s my essential items for a round the world trip.
Hiking Boots/ Shoes
If you had asked me before I started planning this trip whether I would ever been seen dead wearing a pair of sturdy hiking shoes, the answer would have been a categorical “no”. I have always despised the clumpiness (for want of a better word) of them, and they have always seemed so sturdy that they would leave you in pain at the end of a long walk.
However, having to bite the bullet and realise that flip flops really weren’t going to help me survive many different terrains and temperatures was one of the best purchasing decisions I’ve ever made.
I’ve worn my hiking shoes for dog walking, hiking, transport days (because who wants to carry a heavy backpack and daypack and run for a bus wearing sandals?!) and so many other things in between. Although I still don’t necessarily like them for the fashion aspect, I appreciate how warm and dry they keep my feet.
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Compression Bags
I honestly thought these compression bags would have been a duff purchase and that they would end up tearing or getting thrown away due to lack of use. However, they have actually been a Godsend for all of my more bulky clothes, particularly when I switched to a colder winter climate in Europe and needed to buy warmer (and thus thicker) clothing.
I also use one of the bags to store my underwear and swimwear in, so that it doesn’t get lost in and amongst my other clothes and shoes.
After 11 months, the bags are starting to show a little sign of wear, but as long as they’re still doing their job, they’ll be coming with me again this year.
Portable Mini Speaker
This was actually a Christmas present I bought Scott before the trip, knowing that we would want to listen to music in hostels.
But we have used it EVERYWHERE.
We have used it to listen to Spotify on computers and phones, we have used it when we have been watching our favourite shows and movies online. We have used it to listen to You Tube videos. For pretty much anything that requires sound, it has been awesome.
Durable Plastic Glasses
Another Christmas present from a member of Scott’s family, we actually weren’t sure how much use we would get out of our durable wine glasses.
But we hadn’t realised just how many times they would come in handy.
Imagine you have bought a few beers from the local shop, which looked slightly less than clean. You’re not going to find me drinking out of those cans. And what about when you purchase a bottle of wine to drink while you watch the sun go down? You’re not going to want to sip it out of cracked mugs from the hostel kitchen now, are you?
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Bottle Opener
Ok, I don’t want to make it seem like I spent the whole year drinking (please discard my last post re:beer), but a bottle opener is one of those things that you always know are so invaluable, but always forget to pack.
So, just make sure you don’t forget to pack one, ok? Trust me, if you’re spent your hard-earned money on alcohol and then can’t get it open, there will be tears. And rude words.
Rubber Bands
When Scott packed rubber bands in his backpack before we left, I thought he was insane. I couldn’t even imagine what I would use them for.
Fast forward 11 months and our supply has dwindled by over half (and if you knew how many we left with, you’d know that was a LOT).
They were used to tie showerheads to curtain rails when the handheld showers just weren’t doing the job. They were used to keep ziplock bags together when they kept getting lost amongst other things. They were used to keep pairs of flip flops together and keep rolled clothes in tight balls. You get the picture.
Nalgene Water Bottle
Another one I wasn’t sure we needed, but that again, came in extremely handy.
It saved a lot of time and money spent purchasing cold drinks to take on bus and train journeys and was even used to carry wine or vodka cocktails when we were heading to the beach. Most airports also have water fountains so you can easily fill it up before a low-cost flight to avoid having to buy a bottle of water onboard.
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Waterproof Bag
I bought a waterproof bag on a whim after reading a recommendation for one on a blog (see? reading this isn’t a waste of your time after all!) I figured it may be able to at least keep my laptop and electronic cables dry in my daybag.
Then after my first long walk to the bus stop in the pouring rain in Greymouth, New Zealand, I knew it had been a worthwhile investment.
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