Gear

This is a list of what you’re probably going to want while you’re away.  So give it a gander and then decide for yourself what to take.

  • Guide Book: Lonely Planet is the standard (aka The Bible), however there are others that do a great job as well
  • Backpack: Top Loader or Side Loader?
  • Day Bag: No fanny packs please…have some self respect
  • Sunscreen: With UVA and UVB protection
  • Small Flashlight: For those all too frequent power outages
  • Alarm Clock: Let’s face it, your lazy.  Don’t miss that train
  • Hat:
  • Reading Materials: Comic Books, Romance Novels…
  • Camera:
  • Rechargeable Batteries & Recharger:
  • Tiny Sewing Kit:
  • Small Travelers Towel:
  • Toiletries:
  • Small Folding Scissors:
  • Small First Aid Kit:
  • Bug Spray:  
    • Traditional bug spray’s use DEET as their primary method of preventing bites.  DEET has been proven to work, however it’s also considered to be unhealthy in large doses.  Check the label to see what you’re getting.  30% DEET is the highest concentration that you’ll need.  Anything more than that is overkill.
    • Another more natural method of preventing bug bites is Lemon Grass Oil.  It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed in with sunscreen.
  • Diarrhea Medicine: (Amodium AD)
    • Traveler’s diarrhea occurs when the body naturally moves water into the colon to push out toxins.  This causes a watery stool.  Standard over-the-counter diarrhea medications work by preventing too much water from entering the colon.  So it does NOT cure the problem, but it will prevent you from pooping yourself on a long bus ride.
    • There are other prescription medications that are available that work by actually killing the bacteria or parisite that is causing the problem.  These should only be used in severe cases.  Ciprofloxacin is a common anti-diuretic prescribed by doctors.
  • Lip Balm:
  • Extra Sheet: There are a lot of filthy hotels and hostels out there.  Sometimes it’s just good to have a buffer
  • Ipod: