Advice for Women Travelers:

Packing

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General Advice About Packing

Every person packs differently, both in what they bring and how they pack it. So there's no magical perfect list out there - you will discover what's best for you through trial and error. But, still, I love reading other people's packing lists! So, here's mine.

Note: no matter how much you plan, you are going to forget something you need -- that's just how it is. Do not panic when you realize this has happened. Do NOT let it ruin the vibe of your trip. Remember that, in the vast majority of places you go, even most developing countries, you can buy what you absolutely need. And your detour to get that item is just part of the journey.

Some general packing tips:

A Note About Backpacking

While camping light is important, packing what YOU need, the way YOU want to, is also important. And don't worry about having the latest gear. This is an excerpt from an article from Backpacker Magazine, by a guy that still uses an external frame backpack, and I completely agree (it's about backpacking in the wilderness, rather than in urban settings):

A high percentage of people I pass on the trail pack like I do—with some creature comforts—especially if they are taking children into the woods. Maybe you can argue that they ought to carry less, but, as a person accurately described as old-school, I argue that hikers ought to carry exactly what they want, and, if that means more gear, then external-frame packs are the best option. They distribute weight better, are easier to pack, have plenty of side pockets, myriad places to tie loose items, and they have far better ventilation. Plus, there is the retro-cool factor—like driving a Camaro you’ve wanted since high school... I flat-out prefer external-frame packs. I hope that, once the gram consciousness that now almost theocratically defines the backcountry loosens up a bit, more people will realize that external-frame packs are worth their weight in reading material and vodka.

Also see: Packing Advice For First-Time Humanitarians & Aid Workers - What you should pack before you head out on your first mission trip. 

And also see my packing list for my motorcycle camping trips.

A good twitter account to follow on the subject of packing for travel abroad: DepartSmartOrg.

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  Quick Links 
Index of resources for women travelers (how to get started, health & safety considerations, packing suggestions, transportation options, etc.
 
Advice for camping with your dogs in the USA
 
Saving Money with Park Passes in the USA
 
Advice for women motorcycle riders and travelers
 
transire benefaciendo: "to travel along while doing good." advice for those wanting to make their travel more than sight-seeing and shopping.
 
Suggestions for Women Aid Workers where the culture is more conservative/restrictive regarding women than most other countries.

Where I've been
A list of all of the states in the USA and all of the countries I have lived in or traveled in, the farthest North I've been by land, the nearest I've been to the equater, various other stats.
This includes all of the places I have traveled to and through via motorcycle.

Some of my favorite photos from my travels. Very hard to pick favorites.


Advice for Hotels, Hostels & Campgrounds in Transitional & Developing Countries: the Qualities of Great, Cheap Accommodations

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