Round the World Preparation (Check list)

RTW Checklist

Okay so you've managed all the technical stuff, the rest is easy right? (Wrong)

Now it's time to pack your back pack my friend, wait a minute, YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YET!

So that's the next step, remember this bag will be your life line of supplies for an entire year or longer. It has to be large but not bulky, sturdy but lightweight. Trendy but inconspicuous. (well that's a personal preference)

All these characteristics may seem a little far fetched but there are a few stores you can rely on for top quality merchandise at budget prices. Millets for example stock dozens of different styles, shapes and brands. That's where i got mine from, it was a Eurohike bag with a 60 litre capacity. Came with a load of pockets and compartments and was just perfect for world travel. Check for chunky zips, preferably two zips on each rail will help in case one packs up. And make sure it has a waterproof cover that you can slip over the top and tie up. Absolutely perfect for the monsoon season and a useful deterrent to thieves who may consider dipping their hand into all those juicy compartments in that crowded train station ticket line. (Yes it does happen)

At just £40 for mine and £35 for my girlfriends 50 litre equivalent. It certainly didn't break the bank. Be sure to check often into stores like Millets as they often have random sales where you can pick up that pen knife you've always wanted a chance to use. (Boy did i use mine)

Blacks is also a good store although a little dearer, and don't forget to check online for web priced goods that can save you plenty of money. People on Ebay often sell their backpacks once they have returned from their trip, but i find they are so sturdy and nimble i still use mine even for weekend breaks!

So you've got the packs! Now you need to fill it.

I found it difficult to find information on what kind of clothes I'd need for my Round the World journey. Some travel forums would say take this and that and others would say take nothing but a bandanna and buy the rest when you arrive.

So in the end i grabbed one medium weight zip up cardigan, around ten Plain T-Shirts. Two pairs of combats that unzipped into three quarter lengths and shorts. A pair of actual shorts and some swimming gear. I took one pair of adventuring trainers and that was it. The rest of my pack was packed to the brim with travel toiletries, a mosquito net (Essential) and a first aid kit. (Also essential)

Everything i had packed into my big backpack was stuff i could replace easily. Stuff that wouldn't spell the end of my trip if it got lost, broken or stolen. This is an important strategy as your back pack gets man handled and thrown around by many untrustworthy hands. Carry your valuables in a smaller back pack that your can wear as a front pack. (Worn on your chest) while still being able to carry the bigger case on your back.

So you've packed your case and its ridiculously full! don't worry, as the days go by your bag packing skills will increase rapidly, double in efficiency and by your second week away you'll wonder where half of your stuff is gone. (it's all still in there) Except in my case where by day 4 my trainers were stolen from the Taj Mahal, and guess what, no spare pairs!

As for money, take your first countries budget with you in cash. I.E if you have budgeted £300 for one months accommodation, food and transport in India take £300 cash. You can change this into local currency when you arrive at the airport. The rest of the money can sit happily in your current account at home, it seemed that every country with the technology for a cash point supplied plenty slots to stick your Switch/Maestro card. But more on this later!

Check List:

Passport
Tickets (you'll have to guard these with your life all year)
Insurance documents
Money (Take your first countries budget with you in cash, rest on your Switch)
Camera (My god DON'T forget this)
Notepads and pens
calculator (prob got one on your phone though)
Mobile phone (Check that it'll work in the countries you visit)
Chargers for electrical equipment
I Pod or MP3 player (Some overland travel lasts for over 2 days!)
Plug Converters (Although you can buy these abroad)
First Aid Kit
Mosquito net (I found this more useful for keeping out cockroaches)
Cap (Sunstroke can really slow you down)
Pen knife (If your good with your hands you'll use this A LOT)
Suncream Factor 15 upward (Try carrying two 20 kilo backpacks with sunburn)

Clothing:

(Suggestion)
1 medium weight garment
10 lightweight garments
2 lightweight bottoms
2 shorts
1 Pair or Flip Flops
1 pair of sturdy trainers
7 pairs of underwear for daily rotation

There are probably plenty of things I've forgotten to mention so use this as a guideline for you own check list.

So the preparations are pretty much taken care of and your probably so excited that it feels like experiencing a new emotion altogether. Take some time walk around your room, your town or anywhere else you call home. Because in the next couple of days you are about to see things that will change how you look at the world for life.

Good Luck...