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5 hours into a 25 hour train ride, someone ties a still alive-and-shitting chicken underneath your seat. It absolutely reeks and when agitated likes pecking at your leg - WTF?! [my abbreviation] - The Traveling Duo
That's the thing about travel, isn't it? When you're faced with those odd WTF situations and there's really nothing you can do about it, no way to explain why you're agitated and even if you could, it's entirely possible that you're the one who's out of line according to local mores. There's not much to do besides mutter, "WTF?!?!" Then, take a deep breath and remember that hey, if you wanted everything to be the same comfy experience, you'd have stayed home.
But staying home is not for you, no siree. Because you're heading out, here's newish advice on an old topic - packing - from Anna Brones. On The Traveler's Notebook, 10 Steps to Packing Better for Your Next Trip.
When I was younger my father often liked to tell me “pack what you would be comfortable carrying on foot for a few miles.” As we traveled I was always frustrated that I was only allowed the space of one carry-on bag and what went in it were only the essentials. Nowadays I am thankful my father taught me the basics of efficient packing; I secretly smile when people ask “you’re only bringing one bag?” [Anna, you're my kinda traveler!]
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8. Flip flops. Even when going to cold weather destinations, a pair of flip flops can be indispensable, especially if you are planning on spending time in hostels. Throwing on a pair before venturing into the shower in a shared bathroom will protect your feet from a variety of microbes that cover the floor. On warmer trips, flip flops are a much appreciated break for your feet at the end of a walking-intense afternoon.
On a personal note, we did great on our recent trip, one bag each, with plenty of room to spare. We picked up an extra duffle bag not because we had too much stuff, but because one of ours gave up while we were underway. And we did shop some - but we'd packed so light that we had plenty of room for our new goodies.
The war on liquids is still on, so while you're planning you're packing, why not go solid? Less Than a Shoestring posts about three switchable items. Plus, what to do with that slightly damp bar?
If you’d rather not carry an over-sized travel soap holder, use a small resealable container, a film canister, or the less attractive but ever practical snack-sized ziploc. Bonus: numerous small bars packaged this way can help keep your suitcase smelling fresh!
Speaking of the war on liquids, in Bangkok airport, a place with a name too long for me to manage, I purchased two bottles of water for the long haul flight in the terminal. After security. In the duty free zone. I was then liberated of those bottles of water by security just as a boarded the plane. The explanation? "Sometimes, flights to the US don't allow passengers to bring ANY liquids on board." Is the solution going to a Ziploc bag full of three ounce bottles of water? WTF?!?!?
Pam blogs about travel and other adventures at Nerd's Eye View. Wanna see some pictures of her recent trip to Vietnam? Go here.
