By Lauren Juliff
Student Travel Expert, about.com
Everyone makes mistakes while traveling -- it's what helps you to grow as a person -- but some mistakes can be more frustrating than others, especially if they could have been easily avoided. Packing can cause some of the most concern for new travelers, and they often end up packing a lot more than they need to. Make sure you don't make the following packing mistakes:
Buying a Backpack Too Large
It's
daunting having to think about traveling the world with only 10
kilograms of your belongings but it's easily done. One of the biggest
mistakes new travelers make when they first set out is buying an
enormous backpack. No matter what size backpack you buy you will fill it, so you'll want to aim as small as possible. I'd recommend buying one between 40 and 60 liters.
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Packing Too Many Clothes
One
of the easiest ways to cut down on weight in your backpack is by
throwing out some of your clothes. If you make sure to pack a
combination of outfits in neutral colors that will all go together, then
you'll find yourself with a dozen outfits from just three or four
shirts and pants.
You'll be able to pick up cheap clothes as you
travel so simply throw something out when you're sick of it and replace
it with something else from the country you're traveling through.
Packing Too Many Medicines
You
can get medicines all over the world so there's no need to pack your
entire bathroom cabinet in your backpack. Take a few essentials --
painkillers, Imodium, antihistamines, bandaids -- and leave the rest for
when you need them. I wrote an article on what to include in your travel first aid kit.
Taking Things you Won't Use
Many
travelers research what to pack by browsing packing lists online -- one
of the easiest ways to get an idea of what to include on your travels.
The problem with packing lists is that they're tailored to the
individual who wrote them. I have zero need for a sleeping bag or a roll
of duct tape, but a friend of mine couldn't travel without them. Use
packing lists for research but don't follow them as if they're rules.
Remember to take what you think will work for you.
[post_ads]Not Packing For the Weather
It
can be tough to pack for all types of climates, especially if you'll be
experiencing hot and cold weather in one trip. Make sure to research
what the weather will be like at the time of year you'll be visiting a
country -- Thailand in August, for example, experiences rain on a daily
basis; Northern Vietnam in December get very cold.
The easiest
way to prepare for different weather conditions is to layer. Don't take
one enormous sweater, but pack two thin long-sleeved tops that you can
wear at the same time to keep just as warm. Thermal underwear is good
for this.
Dressing Disrespectfully
For
females especially, you'll be expected to fit in with the locals when
you travel to certain countries. In Southeast Asia you'll have to cover
up to visit any temples; in the Maldives you can't wear a bikini on the
beach. Make sure to research what's appropriate to wear in the countries
you'll be visiting -- and pack a sarong so you'll always be able to cover up when needed.
