I’m staring at a huge pile of what’s left of my belongings, and it’s terrifying.
In two days I will be climbing on board the legendary MV Explorer to start my four month adventure at sea. I’m more than excited for this chapter of life, but there’s a looming question hanging over my head: how the heck am I going to fit 4 months worth’s of outfits into one suitcase?
I’m a firm believer in traveling lightly, but when you’re gone for this long, there are certain things you inevitably need to take. My list looks something like this:
– 3 pairs of jeans
– 8 t-shirts/ tank tops
– 1 long sleeve shirt
– 1 jacket
– 1 pair of boots
– 2 Flip-Flops
– 2 bathing suits
– 1 sleeping bag (just in case)
– socks
– underwear
– electronics
– resistance band (hey, I might work out)
– 2 bandannas
– 1 sarong
Toiletries
I am also taking a separate bag of toiletries: bandaids, qtips, nail clippers, tweezers, deodorant, makeup. I figure anything else can just be purchased. I’m also taking an empty bag, which I am 100 percent confident will be completely filled with trinkets and clothes by the time I get back home.
Hair Stuff
I am leaving it all behind. No hair dryer, no straightener. I’m going au natural. I may regret this when I look like crap in all my travel photos, but, that’s what bandannas are for!
What’s Essential?
Whenever I pack for long trips like this, I think of what’s essential, and I let everything else go. I’ve already gone through my packing list once and narrowed it down to about half, and before we leave on Friday, I fully intend to hack at it again. You never need as much as you think you do!
Stay tuned for updates as I sail around the world for the next 4 months with Semester at Sea!
photo credit: L. Bernhardt, Resident Loon
