Hi everyone, hope you're all good. If you're reading my blog for the first time, welcome! I'm Belle, just your average 22 year old preparing to go on a solo (one way ticket) adventure to the other side of the world. For two months, I'm doing the classic banana pancake trail through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam...then will spend a month and a half exploring Bali, then will arrive in Australia just before Christmas and start my working holiday visa! If you want to know more about me and why I've started this blog, scroll down to my first ever post and have a little read:)
So, I leave the UK in exactly 1 WEEK. Sorry, what?! I don’t know if it’s just me, but this summer has flown by far too quickly. I had my last ever shift making ice creams on Friday. To be honest, I'm absolutely buzzing that I can now have a long deserved break from costumer service (and ice cream... I don't want to have anything to do with ice cream again for a long time). That being said, I really will miss all my crazy colleagues form the bottom of my heart.
Any ways, I thought I’d write one last post before my departure to let you all know how I'm genuinely feeling about everything and what essentials I’m packing in my super cool new Osprey backpack (exciting, I know). I also wanted to write one last post whilst I still have access to a laptop and fast working WiFi. Let’s be honest, that probably won’t be the case during most of my travels through South East Asia. I’m going to try my best to publish posts from my phone as much as I can along the way... but like, don’t freak out if you haven’t had an update in a while, it probably just means I'm having too much fun (or literally can't find any WiFi signal). I also trust that none of you really care that much to actually freak out about my lack of posting, so I guess I'm off the hook. That being said, I'm determined to write as much as I can!
How I'm feeling about everything
As I mentioned in my previous post, I think it's great to talk about feelings. Yes, I started this blog to create a platform where I can write freely about my amazing travel experiences and share it with you all... but I also started this blog with the intention to reflect upon how these experiences actually make me feel and shape my understanding of the world. I guess this blog is sort of like a journal for me as well as a way to really connect with my readers and open up interesting conversations.
I know I still have all these experiences to come... but even the build up to my departure has made me feel a hell of a lot of things. With only one more week left in the comfort of my home and my bed, I'd say I'm a little bit of a nervous wreck. But, I'm also extremely excited and so ready. I guess what's so scary about everything is the fact that there are so many unknowns... and the fact that I'm gonna be all on my own! I mean, I don't even have a return ticket?! Okay... as I'm writing this I've started to realise how hard it actually is to put how I'm feeling into words...I guess I'm feeling a little bit of everything... I'm in transition phase? I'm gonna shut up about feelings now and talk about packing...
What I'm packing
Alright so I'm not actually going to bore you with a list of every item I'm packing in my backpack... but after doing some research and getting recommendations from friends, I did want to mention a few essentials that may be useful for any of you who are thinking about long-term travel.
Packing Cubes - These little compartments are literally a game changer. You can organise your clothes and keep things separate so that you know where things are and don't have to completely mess up your backpack/suitcase whilst looking for things.
Padlocks for your bag - Always best to keep your bag locked up when checking it in and during overnight stays in places that don't have lockers/places you're not familiar with... especially if you're carrying around valuables!
Indestructible phone case - My friends keep making fun of my dorky new phone case, but knowing my luck with phones, I definitely need it... especially now that I'm going travelling! It got to a point where I had dropped my phone down the toilet or cracked the screen/camera 4 times in the space of 2 months. As soon as I got my 4th replacement phone I didn't want to take any more risks so bought this chunky protective everything-proof OUNNE phone case, I love it.
Kindle - I believe a Kindle is a must for long-term travel. I've always loved reading, but since getting my Kindle I've sort of turned into a book fanatic. I like reading more than one book at a time, so having a Kindle means I don't have to lug around heavy books with me. Don't get me wrong, I do absolutely love the feeling of actually holding a book and alternate frequently... but I do love the freedom a Kindle gives you!
Dry Bag - This dry bag is perfect for stuffing in dirty washing / wet clothes if you have to move from one place to another and don't have time to wash dry and fold everything. It's also great to keep things in that you don't want to get wet (very essential in South East Asia Monsoon season.) It can also fold up, so it's small and compact when not in use!
Lush shampoo and conditioner bars - No plastic, so great for the environment! They also smell delicious and last a long time, so perfect for travelling.
Tesalate Beach Towel - These towels are completely sand proof and also dry really quickly. There's also so many pretty designs... they're quite expensive but I just couldn't resist. It's great quality and will last forever... definitely an essential if you're planning on spending days on the beach!
Of course there are so many other essentials to think about (like... your passport and money lol)... but those are 7 practical packing essentials that may be useful! Of course everyone is different and it depends what you really consider as essential, but I hope these tips help nonetheless. I'm always guilty of overpacking... so I'm going to try my best to pack as lightly as possible. I also want to keep space for clothes and souvenirs that I'll pick up along the way.
Well, I guess that's pretty much it for this post! Thanks for reading. I also want to thank each and every one of you who has subscribed to my blog so far (if you haven't yet, you can do so just below). I can't wait to carry on writing and share my experiences with you all... the big adventure is just around the corner! Big love, Belle x
Comments