The Knack of Packing for a Long Trip

On Monday morning Herman and I board a plane for Southeast Asia, where we’ll vacation for the next three months. We plan to visit Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, and possibly Hong Kong. All preparations have been made:

-House sitters are moving in Monday afternoon

-Gardeners and pool man are prepaid

-Bills are paid electronically

-All flight & hotel reservations are made

-Visas are acquired

-Currency has been exchanged

-Said goodbye to all friends

-Ride to and from the airport is arranged

The only thing left to do is pack the bags.

The secret for packing for a long haul vacation is to take as little as possible. Herman and I each carry one backpack carry-on that holds our computers, phones, travel documents, toiletries, books, and our Kindle. We each have one checked piece of luggage, but those are very small bags. We take few clothes, and get them cleaned at Mom&Pop laundries as often as possible. Laundry service is Asia is very cheap. A kilo of clothes—wash, iron, and fold with one-day turnaround—costs only a few bucks.

Fortunately, SE Asia is quite warm this time of year, so we need not take any heavy clothing for cool weather.  Beside what we wear on the plane, shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and an outfit for fine restaurants is all one needs in that climate.

So for the next few months I’ll be posting travel pics from Asia. Hope you enjoy.