(Part 2) Best products from r/travel

Hi there,

I have done this route by bicycle: Cairo, (Egypt) Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. I went through all those countries Capital Cities. I found the capital cities to be a waste, by car i would try to bypass as far as possible and only use to pick up essential supplies.

Egypt: This is pretty safe and you won't have much trouble with the people however car laws and registration here can be tricky. large fees are payable as deposits ones which correlate to the vehicles value. I do believe you get it back but it requires capital. The borders over Egypt and Sudan were the trickiest I came across, be sure to try arrange ahead of time.

Sudan: I found Sudan incredibly beautiful and safe. The people are very warm and welcoming. I had some run in's with the law but nothing to hectic. Arrange visas ahead of time. The night time desert is utterly beautiful and the most peaceful place you can visit on earth. Your thoughts will scare you.

​

Ethiopia: Wow wow wow. stunning country. Green and full of mountains. The coffee ceremonies in the villages are a unique experience. Its a wild country and you may be harassed at times. If you are in a group and a bit stubborn to being hassled you will be fine. Lovely country.

Kenya: The northern part, bandit high way can be quite scary, I would arrange a security escort through a tour company to help you through these parts, they are not to bad and you would possibly need them for a day. Road can get a bit rough up there but they are tarring quite well now. As you go South it will become more green again towards equator you will have stunning views of Mount Kenya as well as Kilimanjaro as you approach Tanzania.

​

Tanzania: Beautiful, not to much trouble here, I believe the fuel is quite expensive here.

​

Zambia: Very friendly quite easy to travel. Obey laws though don't speed etc.

Botswanan: Wild animals everywhere. Roaming elephants, giraffe, lions you name it. Stunning, take your time through these parts.

South Africa: Try get through the Mafikeng area quickly try stop a little further into the country. Once you are through that you get into the beautiful Karoo and as you approach Cape Town it gets stunning

​

Summary: Definitely do able by car! Major expenses will be border expenses and sadly some bribes as well as fuel and accommodation. Camping is possible in the quiet areas and that will save you a ton of money but generally Africa is not to expensive.

Let us know if you do it! You can read my book on Africa here if you like: https://www.amazon.com/Kunjani-Afrika-Guinness-Journey-Bicycle-ebook/dp/B07FZQ5C5F/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=kunjani+africa&qid=1570085021&s=gateway&sr=8-2

http://www.international.gc.ca/experience/intro_incoming-intro_entrant.aspx?lang=eng

Get yourself a working holiday here in Canada. Not many Canadians go the other way, but as I hear it told the quota for coming TO Canada fills up pretty fast so apply as soon as you know you want to come here (only 5300-ish spots were available for UK citizens for 2014 and the quota for rounds 1 and 2 were filled the day they were opened and within 3 days for the 3rd round). If you miss it there's always the next year etc until you turn 30.

There's similar programs for you to go to Australia.

I don't know about the USA though. That being said once you get into Canada, you can easily drive or take the bus/train across the border into the US. You wont be able to work there though.

Take advantage of the working holiday visa prgrams while you have the chance. I didn't learn about them until I was about to turn 30 and I wish I had known sooner. Once that time is gone you'll never get it back. However, University will always be there and employers love international and life experience. I've landed several jobs when recruiters were impressed by my ability to travel and live solo in other countries.

They seem to like that independance and ability to manage in strange and stressful environments apparently.

If you need someone to help you set it up, there's lots of organizations that will do it, for a fee. But they're rarely mandatory and, in the end, it's more satisfying to accomplish these things on your own. Many people on this board can help you if you get stuck on some details.

Also, Lonely Planet (http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/world/the-big-trip/) and Rough Guides (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rough-Guide-First-Time-Around-World/dp/1848365101) publish books intended to guide you through the process of planning your first gap year. Pick up one of those and give it a read for a lot of useful tips and destination ideas.

efore I forget, you and many people use the terms interchangeably, I just wanted to make sure you were aware. Angkor Wat is the single largest temple ever created. Angkor is the entire complex, which once housed about a million people, was the largest city in the world circa 1200, and has dozens of temples INCLUDING Angkor Wat.

***

You have a combined option that is possible. Official tour guides charge $25 USD for Angkor Wat alone. My guy can arrange it if you're interested. His name is Barang and the best way to contact him is on his FB. Barang can arrange for a customized route and customized guides of your liking. He is not allowed to guide himself, but does know some about the temples (he is not trained though so it is all local knowledge). You can use any other guide too, but this guy is phenomenal.

Another resource would be the book "Ancient Angkor" which can be found everywhere in Siem Reap, and even on loan at my hostel. I am planning on purchasing it as it is an amazing book and definitely worth the money.
There is an awesome video I saw playing in the Golden Temple Hotel. It shows the construction of Angkor and the reign of the king (forgot his name). It also talks briefly about Koh Ker, the capital before Angkor, which got me interested in the region. In fact, the temple of Beng Mealea is the single most amazing temple I have ever laid my eyes on, and it is just about an hour east of Siem Reap.

Just as a reference, I've been to Siem Reap Twice, once for about 5 days and last time for 2 weeks. Still have temples I want to see.

I'm one of those people that carries a lot of DSLR gear with me. I take a Nikon D800 and 3-4 lenses. You can check out my most recent travel album here. Photography is my passion, so I can't bring myself to take less. I love it and want to take loads of pictures. So for me, it makes sense. However, to anyone not into photography like I am, it isn't what I advise.

I recommend that you don't get a DSLR. If you're not very comfortable/familiar with shooting a DSLR, you'll use it on auto a lot. If you're using it on auto, you're paying too much for the camera you're getting. Instead, get a smaller/compact micro 4/3 sensor. They can let you change lenses (like a DSLR), have good quality, are small, cheap, and still take excellent quality photos for Internet use (they won't print as big as some DLSRs can, but that's rarely done with travel photos and your average traveler). They won't be as good in low-lighting, but that will be a non-issue for many.

In your price range, I recommend the Olympus PEN E-PL6 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens. It comes with a zoom lens range that will be good for travel; you'll be able to do landscapes or walk-about shots in cities. It won't zoom far out, but you could buy another lens for that. However, I find that zooming far out is rarely done in my travels so I don't plan my setups around that rare need. A recent post with good pics using this camera can be seen here.

I would then get TWO 32 GB memory cards. Back them up often to your PC (if you're taking one).

Get a very small travel tripod. It won't be perfect for all situations, but it's better than none and it's very easy to travel with. If you want a night shot, you'll need a tripod. Or if you want to do a selfie that doesn't look like a selfie, put the camera on a timer and go stand in front of it on the tripod. It's cheap and light and adds more options.

Lastly, get some kind of camera bag that can hold all of your camera equipement + a laptop/tablet. It's nice to keep everything together, they usually have lots of pockets to store caps, SD cards, misc items, etc that are easy to lose in general travel luggage.

All of this should be within your budget and you'll get great photos out of it.

We traveled for a year around Europe and used a day pack for all of our outings, including hikes and 10-15 mile a day walks when exploring a new the city. It was great for carrying our water, extra layers and a jacket, food/snacks, and our groceries when we went shopping. We this wrote a review in r/onebag:

We needed to find inexpensive, lightweight, and packable/collapsible daypacks. After some searching, we came across the Hikpro 20L. We purchased two them (one for each of us), and have been using them nearly every day for the last 18+ months. Furthermore, nearly every time we use them they’re loaded with 7-8lbs of stuff, and we carry that weight for 30-90 minutes at a time. Finally, even with all of that use, the bags have held up remarkably well and still look new!


 


Hikpro 20L Features

• 20L
  
• 6.5oz
  
• Two mesh water bottle size side pockets (one on each side of the bag).
  
• One external zipper pocket on the main body of the bag and one inside zipper pocket (the pouch the bag collapses into doubles as the inside pocket).
  
• Small reflective tape accents (these double as pull strips, so the outside and main pocket are easier to zip).
  
• Folds into itself (pouch)
  
• 5 year warranty
  
• Sells for about $15-20
  
• Various colors to choose from
  
• Slightly padded shoulder straps
  
   
  
  Possible Areas of Improvement
  
  
  
• The inside lining/coating of the backpack started peeling away within the first month of use.
  
• The backpack isn’t waterproof and the claimed water resistant feature could certainly be improved (perhaps it was compromised because of the inside lining/coating peeling away?).
  
• Lighter would of course be better, although it would most likely come at the cost of padding or durability.
  
   
  
  
  Possible Hikpro 20L Alternatives
  If you absolutely need your daypack to be waterproof, lightweight, and cost (about $50 USD) isn’t a concern the Matador Daylite16 Backpack might be a good alternative to the Hikpro 20L.
  
  On the other hand, this inexpensive (~$17) bag from Mandarin-Gear might be ‘good enough’ at a fraction of the price.
  
  Additionally, here are a couple of bags recommended by the community:
  
  
• Amazon Packable 25L daypack from u/kootness
  
• Exped Summit Lite in 15L or 25L from u/fellow_reddit_user

Have your checked out Bhagavan Das, his life is kind of interesting.


\> In his classic book Be Here Now, Ram Dass introduced the world to a young guru named Bhagavan Das. Continuing his own story in It's Here Now (Are You?), Bhagavan Das shares the profound and surreal moments of his spiritual awakening in the East, his fall from grace in the West, and his peaceful reconciliation with the sacred center.


For many years in the early '70s Bhagavan Das moved through India and Nepal, embracing the austere life of a holy man, exploring Hinduism, Buddhism, transcendental meditation, tantra, worshipping the divine mother, and living under the loving blanket of his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Only twenty-five years old when he returned home to the States as a celebrity, he found himself traveling on the "guru circuit" with Ram Dass, Allen Ginsberg, Jerry Garcia, and Timothy Leary--living more like a rock star than the saint he was proclaimed to be.


In compelling detail, Bhagavan Das explores the tortuous journey that led him from his quest for the sacred to his spiritual death and eventual rebirth. A vivid memoir like no other, It's Here Now (Are You?)is an odyssey that will inspire seekers of any age on their own road to fulfillment.


https://www.amazon.com/Its-Here-Now-Are-You/dp/076790009X

$120 for a two day tour seems high but Beng Melea and the floating village are both a ways from SR. You could negotiate a better deal from Cambodia vs on the Internet. That page does not say if it includes your Angkor Wat Area ticket, but a one/three day pass is $20/$40US. Also, it looks like that price is just for the car and driver. if you are looking for a proper tour to "learn about the ruins/Cambodian culture/history " you will be disappointed or paying extra.

The best way to learn about the temples if you do not want to pay extra for a tour guide is to read. I borrowed this book from a local library and brought it with us and found it invaluable...

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Angkor-River-Michael-Freeman/dp/0500974853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420479982&sr=8-1&keywords=ancient+angkor

The temples around Siem Reap are spectacular. I really loved Beng Melea. You do not mention going to see the giant buddha or the waterfall but that was fun too.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297390-d1177491-Reviews-Phnom_Kulen_National_Park-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)

• Bring strapless bra
  
• Underwater camera!!!!!!
  
• Download Hola (hola.org) this one!!! This is GREAT for watching shows abroad
  
• Health Insurance - World Nomads
  
• Power of attorney
  
  
• Berry Plus Laundry Detergent
  
• 4x (2 boxes)
  
• Contact Solution
  
• Tampons (lots)
  
• Lancome Mascara
  
• MAC powder
  
• Revlon Eyeliner 2x
  
• Eye drops
  
• Watch (you don't want to be pulling out your phone to tell the time)
  
• Electrolyte packets
  
• Tennis shoes
  
• New sandals
  
• Gear Ties
  
• Clothing line
  
• Universal Sink Stopper
  
• Deck of cards
  
• Journal
  
• Packing Cubes
  
• Kindle
  
• Adapters
  
• Quick dry towel
  
• Memory cards
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Sleep Mask
  
• SF refrigerator magnets for hosts
  
• Alarm clock (Don't use your phone - not good to leave out)
  
• Headlamp
  
• Bamboo utensils
  
• Carabiner
  
• iPad with Logitech keyboard case
  
• Good head phones
  
• Anti-malaria pills
  
• Pepto bismol
  
• Cipro
  
• Advil
  
• Pink eye eye drops (you never know!)
  
• Sleeping pills
  
• Small brush
  
• Toilettry Bag
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Fleece
  
• kleen canteen
  
• Combo padlocks (combo better than key - if you lose the key you're screwed)
  
• Sun dress
  
• New Tivas? - Take old tivas to cobbler
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Scarf
  
• Combo+wire cord to tie the backpack to a bed
  
• Sea to Summit Mini Backpack
  
• Manicuring scissors/file/tweezers
  
• Steripod Toothbrush cover
  
• Toothbrush
  
• Mini First Aid Kit
  
• Razors (gotta stay fresh!)
  
• Shampoo & Conditioner
  
• Flats
  
• Mini Sewing Kit
  
• Hand sanitizer
  
• Epipen
  
• Neosporin
  
• Ziplock baggies (big and small)
  
• Face lotion (x3)
  
• New Bra/undies
  
• Flip flops for showers (old navy)
  
• Super glue
  
• Cliff bars
  
• New Jeans
  
• Backpack - Osprey Waypoint 85
  
• Backpack rain cover
  
• Mini umbrella
  
• Dry Bag
  
• Stuff sack for laundry
  
• Shoe bags
  
• Grocery Bag
  
• Leather strap over purse
  
• Kleenex
  
• Q-tips
  
• Deoderant
  
• Hair ties
  
• Shower gel
  
• Pajamas
  
• Travel Pillow
  
• Sleep sack
  
• tent?
  
  
• Check contact prescription
  
• New glasses
  
• Check up
  
• Get immunizations - yellow immunizations card!
  
• Get a youth card through STA (see 13 ways link above)
  
  
• India
  
• Vietnam
  
• (Dual citizen to Spain - don't need visa for Brazil)
  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072JYSXNZ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Prana bridger jeans. Wonderful lightweight material, a bit of a stretch that feels good esp after long days of travel. Easy to keep clean, fast drying, nice color choices and don't take up much room in the luggage since they are thin. They make shorts in same fabric. I love these. Don't get zip pants that covert to shorts!

​

[there :)] (http://www.amazon.com/Luckies-London-Scratch-Map-LUSCR/dp/B003NCIPS6) it's the same thing as the picture but the person shaped it like a globe. I have one and its very nice, worth de 25 bucks :)

please forgive my english

edit: sorry just found the globe version [here] (http://www.amazon.com/Luckies-London-Scratch-Globe-USLUKSG/dp/B00H3V9ZXW/ref=pd_sim_op_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=06BD7QJ09QA00W6BWBAM)

My travel necessity now--either domestic or international--is a shampoo bar. Since it's solid, you don't have to take it out of your luggage at security like you do with bottles of shampoo and conditioner. I use shampoo bars at home now exclusively and will never go back. These are my favorites, and they come in nice little tins that are perfect for traveling. I use this to wash my hair *and* my body. I have long, wavy hair and never need to use conditioner. My hair looks just as good as it did when I used expensive shampoos and conditioners.

https://www.amazon.com/Shampoo-Bars-Hair-Gift-Set/dp/B07K2WMYGC/ref=sr_1_8?crid=KA9CJDXM7373&keywords=shampoo+bars+for+hair&qid=1554410933&s=gateway&sprefix=shampoo+bars%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-8

I would avoid Hanes to be honest my friend... It's the crappy WalMart brand..

Check out Costco... They have great Adidas socks and underwear!! Quick drying and keeps you cool! They are pretty inexpensive as well!

Here are the links to what I bought at Costco!I believe they were slightly cheaper than on amazon. A pair of 3 was like $23 for the boxers and the socks were like $15 for 6 pairs or something...
[Underwear] (http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Performance-Climacool-Underwear-Thunder/dp/B00QG7W7HA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463646203&sr=8-1&keywords=adidas+climacool)
Socks

1. "SIM wiki" ? I don't see anything useful after searching "reddit SIM wiki" https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=reddit+sim+wiki
   And I also don't see the word "wiki" on the right bar of the travel subreddit. What is the link how did you find it?
   
   
2. What are the advantages of buying a SIM card in person in Greece versus buying one from amazon like here https://www.amazon.com/Orange-Holiday-Europe-currently-promotion/dp/B07NLCL9SP/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=eu+sim+card+orange&qid=1572805301&sr=8-1
   
   
3. In the amazon link above "Credit valid 14 days after 1st use ( first call, first text, first internet connection). Top-up online on topup.orange.com with international credit cards " Do you know what is meant by "credit"
   
   Thanks!

Based on your reply I'd stick to Seattle and ONP. It really is fantastic. You can Google around and find lots of info including the Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Sequim, Dungeness Spit, and much much more in the park itself.

The Washington Trails Association Web Site is a great resource for hikes. For day hikes you might want to buy this book. It's a well known local resource and very very good.

https://www.amazon.com/Day-Hiking-Olympic-Peninsula-Washington-ebook/dp/B01N6HQV5P/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1543120699&sr=8-7&keywords=hiking+olympic+national+park

Did 5 weeks last year with the Farpoint 40 because I was looking to avoid all issues with my luggage.

Carry right on flights, wear it around for hours if needed, climbing stone steps without dragging traditional luggage, keep my hands free, etc.

Worked perfect if you're going for minimal packing and maximum activity potential.

As far as what to pack, I kept my electronics/cables/GoPro set-up organized with a GridIt, and otherwise just packed like 6-7 underwear, 6-7 socks, 4-5 shirts, 1 nice shirt, 1 sweater (for Switzerland), jeans, and shorts. Easy.

Also brought a daypack. Tiny backpack to keep water, sunscreen, etc. in for hikes and longer days out.

> 4 pairs underwear

What kind of underwear are you bringing? If they aren't anything fancy and you have some extra cash to spend, I highly recommend these. The price can be a bit off-putting, but you can wash them in the sink and have them dried by morning meaning you could theoretically be fine with 2 pairs if you are sleeping in a hotel/hostel every night. I like them so much I wear them over any pair of cotton ones on a daily basis.

Also, ditch the umbrella and go with a poncho. It will be smaller, lighter and more versatile (doubles as a ground cloth or a makeshift rain shelter).

Make sure you have 1 set of extra batteries for the head lamp. When you have to switch them out, know that it is time to replenish your extra ones.

For the guide book, I would try to trim as much of the fat off that thing as possible if you know exactly where you are going. You can probably reduce the over all weight of that if you wanted to.

I see the money belt so you are a bit worried of being pickpocketed/robbed. I'd buy two or three shitty quality, second hand wallets and fill them up with 15-20 bucks (5's and 1's to make it seem like more money) and old membership cards and keep it in your pocket. That way, if you get held up, you can toss them the wallet. They think they have your real wallet and are more likely to leave without discovering your money belt.

Also, unless you know something I don't, there is no reason to bring your birth certificate. For your passport though, I would make copies of it and leave one at home with your parents (or someone who knows how to use a scanner and email) and keep one in your bag. Also, making a list of phone numbers and addresses of US embassies in every country you plan on passing through would be a good idea to have too.

Your packing list lacks a water bottle. Save yourself a couple of euros per day, and fill up a water bottle at your accommodation with free, clean tap water (it's something we have in Europe, yes), and help the environment while you're at it.

> Also wondering about getting a compressible day pack for those jaunts around the city. Anyone have any cheap options for that?

AmazonBasic. Got a external mesh side-pocket for water bottle too.

Regardless of where you decide to go i'd suggest this book. It has a lot of good info on where to go, where to stay, what sort of budgets you can expect in different parts of the world. it's quite inspirational. Who knows you may just want to turn that 12 day trip into a longer one :)

http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-First-Time-Around-Edition/dp/1848365101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341340852&sr=8-1&keywords=first+time+around+the+world

BTW, I traveled alone for the first time last year through S.E Asia for 6 weeks and was horrified. That fear lasted about 1 day, after arriving at my first hostel I met so many people and just went with the flow and ended up having traveling partners for a few weeks of my trip.

Good luck and have fun!

> Just buy a cheap USB charger for $1 when you land so you have a local plug.

If he has a US charger that will work in Japan and South East Asia. Add a tiny euro converter to it (which you can get locally for like 50c) and it will work in India and Europe as well. It will also work in the UK/Ireland/Malaysia/Singapore, incidentally, you just need to press in the earth pin in the socket to get it in. This is what I travel with mostly, American plugs and that little adapter.

I'm slightly wary of the really cheap Chinese USB chargers, in my experience branded chargers tend to work better and may be less of a safety risk. I usually only use the one really cheap one I have to charge other cheap stuff that only requires a low current.

But for Japan/SE Asia US plugs work the best anyway.

I'm pretty sure that's a sink stopper. You can put it on the sink drain so it fills up, which can make it easier to do laundry.

Something like this

I recommend you consider the material of your underwear - I see you've got some UnderArmour compression shorts there. From my Euro trip, my friend brought the same stuff and the material is good for wicking away moisture, but it gets smelly real quick.

I brought a couple pairs of these and they were definitely worth the investment. You can wear them weeks at a time and they dry quickly after washing.

I use an Osprey Fairpont 40L. I love it. Can be used as a backpack or duffel. Perfect size for a carryon.

Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack, Volcanic Grey, Medium/Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EBM3KA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XZMlDb6XSF88V

Here's a variety. The one I have has loops at the ends, much better than suction cups IMHO. (I think there is a brand out there that has both, though.) You can also just get away with a length of strong twine, and even just draping things over shower curtain rods, towel racks, and radiators in a pinch. I like having the clothesline though.

The universal sink stopper is a must have if you plan to do any hand-washing. You never know if your lodging's sink will have a stopper at all.

Your best bet is it to buy a dual voltage hair straightener. They draw a lot of wattage and therefore need a pretty beefy transformer. The same goes for hair dryers.

You'd need a beefier 200 or 300 watt transformer, which is too large for travel: https://www.amazon.com/Simran-AC-200-Voltage-Converter-Transformer/dp/B004MPR3X6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1502385522&sr=8-6&keywords=transformer%2B200%2Bwatts&th=1

If you can get ahold of one, I'd highly recommend one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luckies-Scratch-Map-Personalised-World/dp/B003NCIPS6

I have one on my wall and it's awesome.

> Peru. I want to learn more about the history of that place, and visit machu pichu. Very interested.

I've read and recommend:

• Turn Right at Machu Picchu
  
  
• The Last Days of the Incas
  
  
• Andes
  
  
• 1491 and 1493

If you've got a portable washing machine it becomes even easier, especially in the summer, when it's easy to air-dry clothes.

> washing in the shower

I've done this...with usually poor results. Most places I've stayed the water pressure hasn't been good enough to wash out the soap in the clothes (I've tried those travel laundry soap sheets...in my experience, they don't work well. I've also just used shampoo and regular soap, also with bad results). If you are somewhere humid it then can take a long time to dry (I carry a travel clothes line.)

The sink method is hard as not a lot of sinks I've found actually plug, so you'll need to bring a stopper or plug with you. If you can plug it, and have the time to really squish and clean, then it can be a better method. It still can be hard to completely get the clean.

Others may try something like this. I haven't tried it, but bloggers I follow like these types of systems.

> I don't want to pay upwards of $10 weekly to wash my clothes in laundry machines

Where are you traveling? I've been to places in Central America and places like Egypt where you can get laundry done very cheaply. The trick is also to only pay for it to be washed and then dry it yourself on a travel laundry line you bring with you (Again humidity can be a problem.)

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Simran-AC-200-Voltage-Converter-Transformer/dp/B004MPR3X6/ref=sr_1_6

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Not travel directly, but two of my favorite history books: 1491 and 1493 both by Charles C. Mann. Two groundbreaking books about the history of the Americas before and after Columbus, dispelling all those old rumors and bad thought to describe what historians really know and why the Americas are the way they are now. I can't recommend these enough. Amazing.

Even though these are history books, if you go through these and aren't crazy excited to see the places, then nothing will work.

Somebody posted these on Reddit as being the best underwear, ever. The idea being, you can just wash them at night, hang to dry, and wear them again.

I am not totally convinced; I'd rather spend my small amount of evening time going over my photos than washing underwear. But I did buy two pair and I bring them on trips.

I would actually recommend you to get a local one at every place you'd go through. For example, the EU uses a two pin plug converter, so just get one for that, and you're covered for both Germany and Austria.

There's no point in investing a lot for a multipurpose plug converter, because it costs way more than buying individual converters.

You can get one for $2 (Amazon) whilst a reputable universal travel adapter would cost at least $14 (Amazon)

So considering you have multiple devices, just get 2 of the $2 adapters, and you'll be fine.

Sorry mate, just to confirm - is the bag below the same bag I linked you earlier?

​

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Osprey-Farpoint-Travel-Volcanic-Medium/dp/B014EBM3KA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550162243&sr=8-1&keywords=osprey%2Bfarpoint%2B40&th=1&psc=1

​

It's £30 cheaper on amazon and i'm not sure why.

Check out exofficio boxers, they're made of an anti microbial material and you can go almost a whole week without washing them, perfect for traveling light. Not to mention they are a thousand times more comfortable than anything I've worn.

Boxers

Boxer Briefs

Briefs

For travelling / backpacking in Europe, I have found a few things useful:

• Flat rubber sink plug for handwashing in hostel sinks
  
• Rubber travel clothesline for hanging clothes
  
• Tube of concentrated laundry soap
  
• Packing cubes help to keep clothes organized
  
• Travel towel (Packtowl is my favorite)
  
• Eye mask & ear plugs
  
• Plastic bags and elastic bands (useful for many things including wet clothes)
  
• PDF versions of guidebooks (eg. Lonely planet)
  
• External USB battery for phone/device charging
  
• European SIM card
  
• Having some quick-dry clothing
  
• Light and cheap laptop for long-term trips
  
• P+S camera, gopro
  
• Daypack
  
• Flip flops for hot weather, around the hostle and in the hostel showers
  
• 0% exchange credit card to taking out cash
  
• Combination padlock for hostel lockers (no key to lose)
  
• Offline map app such as Here Maps
  
• Small container with an assortment of bandages
  
• Cold and flu medicine, anti-biotic ointment, aspirin
  
  Not needed:
  
  
• Heavy physical guidebooks
  
• Multiple pairs of shoes (1 is enough)
  
• Power transformer (an adapter is enough as most cell phone and laptop adapters chargers can accept 110-230 V)
  
• Lots of cash on hand (take out as needed to reduce theft / loss risk)
  
• I brought a small steel cable to lock my bag in places that didn't have lockers but i never used it
  
• Sewing kit (haven't used it in 6 months)
  
• Sleep sheet (I brought one in case there were dirty places I had to sleep in but it wasn't necessary in the end)
  
• Under-the-shirt / under-the-belt passport holder. There are varied opinions but I prefer leaving my passport in the hostel locker.