At last the sun is finally starting to make an appearance in 2014 and therefore it is perfectly acceptable to actually start planning for sunnier climates! With our sunglasses at the ready, we are all eagerly anticipating the end of this academic year and welcoming our long-awaited summer holidays!
Now, the lure of travelling the globe, unhindered by suitcases, stress or concrete plans, seem to be a typical idyllic vacation for many students. Backpacking is the epitome of the ultimate student life; living day-by-day, meeting some pretty eclectic and amazing people, whilst fulfilling your travelling dreams! However, the one glitch that – lets face it – does cause a slight amount of worry and heartache would be the teeny tiny issue of: “how to pack everything I could need into one small backpack?!!”
Therefore, we have compiled an easy, essential and entirely attainable list of the absolute must-haves when packing for your adventures abroad:
- It may seem painfully obvious and self-explanatory however, do not underestimate the power of a decent back-pack. With such vast selections available it does seem daunting, but honestly you need to choose with care! If you only come away with one memory from reading this article let it be this: choose a backpack with a zip on the side as well as the flap at the top. Possibly the best idea ever and saves you from taking every piece of clothing/miscellaneous item from your bag in search of your toothbrush!
- An essential item that is invaluable when travelling with a heavy backpack are hard soaps of shampoo and conditioner. These trusty soap bars allow you to maintain your glossy hair without lugging around huge containers of liquid on your back! Pick up such items from Lush – great scents and beyond useful!
- An all-purpose pashmina should not be forgotten! Great whether you are chilly on a plane, need an immediate pillow on an endless train or bus ride, need an impromptu towel or you arrive at your hostel to find less than desirable sheets and want to sleep on something you know is clean! A pashmina is honestly an item that is indispensible when travelling!
- Now if you do not want to go all out and buy a money belt to keep your valuable items secure on your body, a crucial item you need to invest in would be a small, secure individual bag. If it can be slung over your shoulder and has secure pockets that all zip up then this will be invaluable when trawling through local markets and bustling streets!
- Whilst not trying to put off any potential travellers, a bag padlock is an absolute must when you are hopping from one fine hostel to the next! They are so cheap to buy and you will be thanking your lucky stars when people lose their personal items but yours are all locked up safely in your bag!
- Finally, it has been said so many times but cannot be stressed enough… Do not overpack! You may think you will need your fifth pair of shorts or favourite jumper but honestly when you are walking to find your next hostel or to running to catch the last bus you will be cursing that extra weight on your back! Plus, if you overpack, how can you buy souvenirs on your travels!!
So, if you are eagerly anticipating a summer with reckless abandon, scintillating stories and globe totting travelling just remember to pack our essentials! This list could be endless so make sure to do your research before strapping on your mammoth 23kg bag for an endless summer!
Picture Credits: totaltravelguide.co.uk, babble.com/home/the-big-back-to-school-giveaway/