I’ve been out here for 15 of the past 24 months, this time on a year stretch. The more people I talk to, the more I feel less like an idiot for having brought things I wouldn’t need. I’m not the only one who has mailed a big package of stuff home after a few weeks.
Here are a few things that I could not live without:
1) Retractable Cable Lock These run about $10 and can really save you in hostels that don’t have security lockers. I just lock my pack to the bed. Also really handy if you need to sleep on dodgy transport – I even locked mine to my belt buckle once because I was sketched out by my busmates.
2) Tupperware A small Tupperware container is one of the things in my pack that I’ve used the most. Yes, it’s good for leftovers. Better though, I’ve used it to keep electronics from getting wet in monsoons and usually for transporting potentially leaky items (The Great Olive Oil Spill of 2009 was such an occasion).
3) Seasoning (No Kidding) If you’re traveling in hostels that have kitchens, invest a few bucks in spices that you crave. Most days I can’t be assed to cook but when I do, I have at least some herbs, curry powder and garlic salt. From there, I can whip up about ten things for under three bucks. Transfer anything to plastic baggies, so that the glass container doesn’t weigh you down. Light and tasty.
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