Pack, unpack, pack again, see if more can fit into my backpack (for purchases), unpack, pack a different way (more room – yay!), unpack, wash your clothes with insect repellent, realize you messed up, throw clothes into pack and fly away!
Fly to Des Moines that is, which is where I will officially pack my bag one last time. The process for packing for a long trip is overwhelming, especially for someone like me who doesn’t pack lightly and likes to be comfortable while traveling. Keep in mind whatever you take with you, you will have to carry it on your back. Think light, pack light.
How and what to pack for 3 months through Central & South America:
Weather: 50-69 degrees Fahrenheit, warm/hot days likely, rainy (traveling through South America’s winter), and a little winter (skiing in Chile)
Find helpful tips below
Shoes:
1. Havaiana sandals – shower shoes, cute shoes, beach shoes, and walking shoes
2. Salomon Trail Running Shows (waterproof) – walking shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes, rain shoes, and snow shoes (skiing in Chile)*
Tops:
3. Athletic V-Neck (x2)
4. Athletic racer back
5. Long sleeve athletic pullover
6. Long sleeve
7. Top (x2)
8. Tank top
9. Cute top
Bottoms:
10. Jeans
11. Yoga pants
12. Athletic shorts
13. Jean shorts
Jackets:
14. Puffy down North Face (packs easily – see photo)
15. Rain jacket
16. Zip up hoodie
Other:
17. Journal
18. Phone (x2)*
19. Sunglasses (cheap)*
20. Passport (and copy)
21. iPad*
22. Insulated water bottle
23. Collapsible water bottle*
24. Travel towel*
25. Jump rope
26. Resistance band
27. Yoga mat towel for work outs (TBD)
28. Hat*
29. Lots of little sunscreen*
30. Insect repellent wipes (25% deet – high risk area) and spray (15% deet – less risky areas)*
31. Make up wipes (30+)*
32. Travel size shampoo*
33. Travel size conditioner*
34. Travel size facial cleanser*
35. Medicine (altitude, motion sickness, travelers D, allergy, etc.)*
36. Vaccine waiver*
37. Travelers insurance card*
38. Playing Cards
39. SWIMSUIT
40. PJ set
41. 3 bras (includes 1 sports bra)*
42. 10 pairs of underwear *
43. Socks (6 – 3 for the first 6 weeks and 3 for the last with insect repellent)*
44. Cards
45. Flip belt*
46. Small satchel*
47. Day pack – note, this is included with my backpack*
*not pictured
Tips:
Insect repellent – you can buy Insect repellent to put on your clothes. I have never done this before, but think it’s a great means to take extra precaution. In order to really protect yourself from bugs, deet of 20% or more is recommended.
Tips:
Space – make sure you leave room in your pack to buy more things on your trip!
Simplicity – go with one color scheme and plain clothes (avoid patterns) so you can mix and match easily.
Spend money on what’s important. The second most expensive thing on my trip after my backpack was my trail running shoes. Your feet are important – you will be walking a lot!
Travel Clinic – visit your regular doctor or your local health department to gather information on your required immunizations and vaccines. In my case, I do not need the Yellow Fever vaccine, yet I may travel to countries that require the vaccine. Therefore, I received a waiver from the health department.
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