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The eternal travelers question: What to pack for a gap year? Deciding what to pack for your gap year depends partly on what you have chosen to do and how long you will be away for and where you are going. We don’t want to sound patronizing as you probably have a good idea of what to pack when backpacking, however here are a few suggestions by destination country.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- Bags
Thailand is the ultimate in backpacking, so a back pack (duh!) is ideal. However, don’t run out and spend hundreds of pounds on an expensive backpack unless you are sure it is a good investment for the future. In Thailand you can buy anything and everything substantially cheaper than at home. When considering what to pack, consider flying out with your possessions in a cheap disposable duffel bag, and buying a bag out there.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- Documents
It wasn’t that long ago that just being a British citizen enabled you to travel anywhere without a passport. Not any more alas. Make sure you pack your travel documents before you travel. I mean really, if you are wondering what to pack when backpacking these are the most important items. Everything else can be bought in country. An before you pack them check they are not about to expire during the trip. Also check they have a bar code (some of the older passports and replacement passports do not). Certain countries will not allow you to entre the country if your passports are not machine readable.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.-- Clothes
Pack light. Really, an empty bag is ideal! Shopping in Bangkok is a wardrobe busting experience. Ok so most of the goods are counterfeit, but that just adds to the appeal. Head out to the MBK centre for an afternoon and you will soon realize that the €200 shopping spree before you left home was totally pointless – and expensive.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- Shoes
Thailand kills your feet. Fact. It is also the land of the sacrificed foot wear. Trust me, you will loose your shoes, several times, it is not a matter of if, but when. This is mainly due to the following reason. It is customary to take your shoes off in Thailand when entering a house, bar, restaurant, shop… anywhere. Now add a few thai whiskey buckets into the mix and you soon realize that you have no idea where your shoes are…again. Fortunately Thailand boasts more flip flop shops than the entire planet combined (yes, we did just make that up) so cheap footwear is available and very necessary. A pair of comfortable shoes or boots are pretty handy for your travelling days though.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Towel
Again, pack light, towels are very space consuming in your bag. Better to buy one in Thailand.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Camera
Oh yes, long may the memories last. When considering what to pack for your gap year, a decent camera is very necessary, just don’t take it to the fullmoon party. Your last pictures will be of thousands of drunkards passing out on a beach before the sand or sea water kills it. Do take a spare memory card though and back up your photos to CD or post them online on your travels.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Toiletries
Thailand has all the toiletries you could need, and then some (pink nipple cream anybody?). There is even a boots in Bangkok and Koh Samui. Ditch the shampoo and buy it on arrival.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - First aid kit
Healthcare in Thailand is pretty good, so you shouldn't run into major problems. Do take some antiseptic cream and plasters though. The tropics can make the smallest of cuts become infected.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Guide book
Speaks for itself really, although buying one in Thailand will generally be cheaper.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Pen and something to write on
Always useful, why not keep a diary as well?
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Entertainment
Take an MP3 player or a good book, and you'll have something to do on buses and trains. You can even carry a laptop if you feel the need, actually they can be pretty handy, a multitude of free wifi spots can keep you connected with family and friends via skype, email and Facebook. If you choose to do so, do not carry it in a laptop bag, buy a more generic looking bag and always keep it on you or locked up in your hotel.
What to pack for a gap year in Thailand.- - Adapter
Thailand supports European plug sockets, but consider carrying a multi adapter
What to pack for a gap yearmin Thailand - accessories
· A padlock A sleep sack or sleeping bag liner bag) perhaps a single duvet cover can be used as well.
· Mobile phone when you arrive in Thailand you can buy a sim card extremely cheaply.
Sunglasses. The world looks better through them and you will need them. The cheapo ones in country will die in a matter of days, and they are not good for your eyes either.
