As I'm preparing for my trip, I am faced with the dilemma that every traveler hates: what to pack and what not to pack? I asked a travel agent about the logistics of baggage, that thing which is such a hassle to deal with at airports, and she told me that to go to China, I am allowed one 12 pound carry-on and another 50 pound check-in bag. Now, that seems like a lot, but then again, packing for seven weeks? I'll have to definitely take less clothing and try to take the essentials that I absolutely need. And not to mention, I have to leave room for souvenirs! Obviously, there is no point in taking a truckload of things that I could get there and not being able to take back things I could only get there for memories.
Another concern I have is about technology. Generally, everyone says that taking as little to no technology while traveling is best, but then again, we live in the modern era, and how does one survive with no technology for a couple of months in another country? In my previous experience of traveling to India, it wasn't that difficult, but I did need to be hooked up to an internet cafe every once in a while. And not to mention, although fascinating in many ways, China is a country that I don't foresee anyone wanting to be disconnected from the world while they are there. Emergencies can happen.
Here is my list of things so far:
- Comfortable, practical, yet limited amounts of clothing (one bag and a half should be enough).
- Some female toiletries that are always a good idea to take along anywhere. This includes lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and other "feminine" products.
- Amazon Kindle loaded up with tons of books so I can spend some free time reading on the plane and when I am not blogging.
- Travel Medicine - most importantly Cipro, the medicine that helps alleviate traveler's diarrhea and which is unavoidable if you're staying longer than one month in a country, no matter how careful you are (or so Dr. Richardson tells me).
- Contacts and contact solution. That said, I'm also taking glasses because you never know when you need it.
- And of course, the essentials: passport, scanned hard copy of passport, flight itinerary, World Nomads travel insurance policy, travel guide, emergency contact information (both in China and the United States), GSM phone that I can replace with a Chinese service once I get there, other necessary identification, and some renminbi as well as plastic forms of money.
I can do this.
