Packing for Kathmandu- SOL #28

I leave for Kathmandu, Nepal tomorrow! I, of course, left the packing for today. I typically pack the day of, but I have to leave by noon, so I figured I’d do it tonight. I am usually an over-packer, but I am trying to be better. In an attempt to pack less and avoid checking a bag, I pared down what I would normally take. Here’s a look at what is coming with me to Kathmandu:

I’ll be in Nepal for a week. As far as clothes go, I’m taking 3 pairs of shoes (trainers, sanuks, and sandals), 4 pair of leggings, 1 skirt, 1 pair of jeans, 5 undershirts, 8 shirts, 1 jean shirt, 1 cardigan, 1 track jacket, 2 bras, 11 undies, 5 pairs of socks, and 1 scarf. I realize this seems like a lot of clothes for a week, but due to the warm days and cool nights, I’ll have to layer. Additionally, I am taking toiletries (deodorant, solid shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion, toothpaste and toothbrush, perfume, and a hairbrush), a bag of wipes, kleenex, and some medicine (it is Southeast Asia after all), and a small makeup bag (powder, mascara, blush, and chapstick).

One trick I’ve learned as a traveler is to use packing bags. It really helps compact everything into a much smaller space. See what I mean…all of that fit into this:

 I always travel with my writer’s notebook, writing utensils, and a couple of books. I plan on spending lots of time writing and reading on this trip. I can’t wait to relax!

Now to pack it all in my carry on. I was a little skeptical that it would all fit, but I have some mad Tetris skills, so it worked out just fine.

Now for my personal item. I’ll be taking my backpack filled with a few other travel essentials.

In my backpack, I’m bringing my camera in its own case, my new wide angle lens, laptop (for blogging of course!), adapters for Nepal, my iPad (in case I need more books), headphones, EOS lip balm, sunnies, eye mask for the plane (I have an overnight flight on the way back), a small pack with essentials like hand sanitizer, kleenex, mints, disposable toothbrush, and small pillbox with tylenol and melatonin, face mask for that pesky pollution I may encounter, and my passport. I’ll also throw a couple of snacks and my reusable water bottle in there in the morning.

I am so excited to go on this adventure, and seeing the weather forecast today made me even happier…

Of course these temps are in Celsius…:) For those of you who operate on Fahrenheit, I’ll have highs in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s. Oh, and look at that sun! I am such a happy girl tonight!

What are your travel essentials? I always love hearing what people bring with them.