I have found a travel buddy thanks to GapYear.com! Her name is Pooja and she sounds very enthusiastic. I really need someone like her. Best of all? SHE'S LOCAL! Nothing beats gushing about German boys in Singlish. ;)
Not going to reveal much about her here but I'm going to tell you that most likely, we'd be hanging around each other for a good three months. Where there's my blog, there's Pooja. At least, if she allows it!
I don't get many views now but once I go to Europe, I know my friends and relatives will be checking this page almost daily, seeing what I saw a few hours before right across the world. Isn't that fascinating?
Right about now, I'm going to reply her email. She's making plans to fit mine, over the long weekend. Hopefully we make a good team!
Have a very Good Friday and Happy Easter Sunday. ;)
31 March 2010
30 March 2010
Ceský KrumLOVE!
Flickr is good for a number of reasons. I wrote a lot of stories as a hobby about a year back and went there for ideas and models. They have countless excellent photographers that leave me awestruck. My favorite would be unedited pictures of natural scenery and/or buildings and monuments. It feels more natural that way. :)
By typing 'Cesky Krumlov' into the search box, I get so many amazing pictures. It's like I can actually experience Cesky Krumlov without even being there. (It is actually Ceský Krumlov but I'll save myself some effort by relieving the acute Y!)
That's the beautiful Czech Republic in a snowy December. Isn't it just like what you'd imagine out of a storybook?
This is another gorgeous view from what I think might just be from the top of an old bell tower . . . or a helicopter. :) Don't hesitate on viewing the photographer's page I've linked these to!
Having some coffee alongside the River Vltava? This is what you get. Colorful houses more than pleasing to the eye.
Here is an example of 'dressing like the locals' . . . or at least dressing like what people who go to Cesky Krumlov! The main article is Tourist? Where?! which you can find by clicking the link. Let me go a few more pages down and see if I can find a better picture.
This photograph shows a group of people hanging around this place whose name I do not know. Someone enlighten me? :)
Now take a look at this picture of children, teenagers, and young adults! Here's what the photographer said: "Take a close look at what the children are wearing to see what is "stylish" in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic in October 2006." It may be in 2006 but at least you know what's normal there. Just like most seasonal countries, no? Just ditch that nasty tourist cap that says Czech It Out home!
Now you know how to take advantage of a very good website. How well do you blend in in a foreign country? Write it in the comments below!
By typing 'Cesky Krumlov' into the search box, I get so many amazing pictures. It's like I can actually experience Cesky Krumlov without even being there. (It is actually Ceský Krumlov but I'll save myself some effort by relieving the acute Y!)
That's the beautiful Czech Republic in a snowy December. Isn't it just like what you'd imagine out of a storybook?
This is another gorgeous view from what I think might just be from the top of an old bell tower . . . or a helicopter. :) Don't hesitate on viewing the photographer's page I've linked these to!
Having some coffee alongside the River Vltava? This is what you get. Colorful houses more than pleasing to the eye.
Here is an example of 'dressing like the locals' . . . or at least dressing like what people who go to Cesky Krumlov! The main article is Tourist? Where?! which you can find by clicking the link. Let me go a few more pages down and see if I can find a better picture.
This photograph shows a group of people hanging around this place whose name I do not know. Someone enlighten me? :)
Now take a look at this picture of children, teenagers, and young adults! Here's what the photographer said: "Take a close look at what the children are wearing to see what is "stylish" in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic in October 2006." It may be in 2006 but at least you know what's normal there. Just like most seasonal countries, no? Just ditch that nasty tourist cap that says Czech It Out home!
Now you know how to take advantage of a very good website. How well do you blend in in a foreign country? Write it in the comments below!
26 March 2010
Mr. Wolf
Everyone fears a Mr. Wolf, no? He's big, he's bad, he's hairy . . . and scary. And he looks kind of like this.
Scary, indeed. :)
If you're a female traveler, like me, there are definitely more things to be wary of. If you have done your research like I did, you would know that the most-emphasized topic would be men. If you're a male, most likely you would not encounter any problems. You might even enjoy the attention you get while strolling down the Reeperbahn!
Well, every city has its bad areas, of course, just like any city anywhere in the world. Don’t hang around outside train stations or in parks after dark, and take all the crime-prevention steps you would take at home if you go out at night. When I arrive in a town I always ask at the tourist office in the train station if there’s any place to avoid. As far as whole regions . . . I suppose there’s more crime in Eastern Europe than Western Europe, and a lot of Italy is notorious for theft, but then again there are any place that is notoriously famous for tourists will have someone or two there ready to rob. You just have to take care of your things and yourself.
For women, you should know that each year, hundreds and thousands of females take the European trains and most are under the age of 22. Almost all of them have no problem at all. (Source)
First and foremost, never trust anyone. Even if they are your friend's brother's friend, you can never be too sure. Never trust anyone on first sight, that is, but when you learn more about the person, feel free to trust your instincts.
Don't accept free candy. Nothing is free in this world. If you are offered a walk to where you want to go, if you think it is safe because it is a populous place, very well. Always be alert. You have to be a master of body language and social behavior at this point. Mentally note the stranger's ways. Is he always looking at you other than your face? Maybe you caught him glancing at your backpack a few times like he's studying the zippers. You may just spot a creep!
If you are in the middle of the Vatican City and you're surrounded by people, always make sure your bag is in front of you.
Don't let anyone bump it you. The next thing you know, your wallet might be gone. If you are a girl, your best bet is to keep your money and cards close to your chest with a moneybelt or a hanging-from-the-neck money pack. Keep it under all your layers of clothing, even if the summer heat is making you sweat. You can't be sure to avoid anyone. You'd be swerving like a race car, looking like a maniac or an antisocial who's afraid of touch. Just be alert. Commonly, pickpockets would apologize and you'd overlook their cruel intentions because they seem so polite. During those seconds, they can easily reach into your bag!
Carry a sling bag instead of a backpack. Or put the backpack in front of you (and half the time you'll look pregnant. With the over-the-shoulder sling bag, you can easily put your bag in front. It's easier to look after it, being right under your nose.
Don't keep money or cards in your pockets or exposed pockets in your bags. Always, always keep them in money belts close to your skin. However, do put some money in your front pocket if you know you're going to have to go in and out of your money belt during the day. Be smart and know how much you would need. Estimate well. You don't want to be digging under your clothing awkwardly in front of the gelato stall in front of a queue of Italians. If you need to, leave your cards and most of your money back at the hostel which you are sure has safe safekeeping. Ask for a receipt or some note claiming you kept your things with them.
Crime is rife on the train, at tourist spots, festivals, hostels, and even the bathroom. You can never be too sure of the people around you. Just always be alert.
If you're female, you should know by know that men are mostly evil (hah!). Just kidding. No offense to men. But if you're female, avoid looking at men at all costs unless they're doing something really attractive like taking photographs of the scenery or busking. Or they're really cute! No, kidding. Staring at men who look at you straight in the eye is inviting them to come and talk to you. I don't want that, and I know neither do you.
Don't agree to let anyone look after your things when you need to go to the bathroom on the train. Don't trust your hostel mates too easily. When you couchsurf, you should also not let your iPod lie around without your eyes on them. You are, after all, in someone else's country. You are at a disadvantage. Don't let your guard down.
Don't agree to go to anyone's house, and really do NOT get drunk when you're alone. Your "friends" may not be so friendly after all. Also, don't accept gifts, especially drinks, from strangers. It's never normal to get free things, like I said!
Let me go through again, these are what you should do:
Day's worth of money — cheap wallet in your (hopefully) front pocket
Week's worth of money — money wallet or deep down in your backpack or bag
Credit and ATM cards — money wallet or deep down in your backpack or bag, or back at the hostel
Passport — back at the hostel when sightseeing
Some common tactics:
London — slitting bottom of bags open (at busy markets)
Rome — old women throwing plastic babies when you catch, little children will steal from you
Bangkok — being offered some smokes, you're escorted to a gang and they threaten you for money
Do go here and read the comments below for many different scenarios of being robbed and mugged all over the world. It was very insightful for me!
Scary, indeed. :)
If you're a female traveler, like me, there are definitely more things to be wary of. If you have done your research like I did, you would know that the most-emphasized topic would be men. If you're a male, most likely you would not encounter any problems. You might even enjoy the attention you get while strolling down the Reeperbahn!
Well, every city has its bad areas, of course, just like any city anywhere in the world. Don’t hang around outside train stations or in parks after dark, and take all the crime-prevention steps you would take at home if you go out at night. When I arrive in a town I always ask at the tourist office in the train station if there’s any place to avoid. As far as whole regions . . . I suppose there’s more crime in Eastern Europe than Western Europe, and a lot of Italy is notorious for theft, but then again there are any place that is notoriously famous for tourists will have someone or two there ready to rob. You just have to take care of your things and yourself.
For women, you should know that each year, hundreds and thousands of females take the European trains and most are under the age of 22. Almost all of them have no problem at all. (Source)
First and foremost, never trust anyone. Even if they are your friend's brother's friend, you can never be too sure. Never trust anyone on first sight, that is, but when you learn more about the person, feel free to trust your instincts.
Don't accept free candy. Nothing is free in this world. If you are offered a walk to where you want to go, if you think it is safe because it is a populous place, very well. Always be alert. You have to be a master of body language and social behavior at this point. Mentally note the stranger's ways. Is he always looking at you other than your face? Maybe you caught him glancing at your backpack a few times like he's studying the zippers. You may just spot a creep!
If you are in the middle of the Vatican City and you're surrounded by people, always make sure your bag is in front of you.
Don't let anyone bump it you. The next thing you know, your wallet might be gone. If you are a girl, your best bet is to keep your money and cards close to your chest with a moneybelt or a hanging-from-the-neck money pack. Keep it under all your layers of clothing, even if the summer heat is making you sweat. You can't be sure to avoid anyone. You'd be swerving like a race car, looking like a maniac or an antisocial who's afraid of touch. Just be alert. Commonly, pickpockets would apologize and you'd overlook their cruel intentions because they seem so polite. During those seconds, they can easily reach into your bag!
Carry a sling bag instead of a backpack. Or put the backpack in front of you (and half the time you'll look pregnant. With the over-the-shoulder sling bag, you can easily put your bag in front. It's easier to look after it, being right under your nose.
Don't keep money or cards in your pockets or exposed pockets in your bags. Always, always keep them in money belts close to your skin. However, do put some money in your front pocket if you know you're going to have to go in and out of your money belt during the day. Be smart and know how much you would need. Estimate well. You don't want to be digging under your clothing awkwardly in front of the gelato stall in front of a queue of Italians. If you need to, leave your cards and most of your money back at the hostel which you are sure has safe safekeeping. Ask for a receipt or some note claiming you kept your things with them.
Crime is rife on the train, at tourist spots, festivals, hostels, and even the bathroom. You can never be too sure of the people around you. Just always be alert.
If you're female, you should know by know that men are mostly evil (hah!). Just kidding. No offense to men. But if you're female, avoid looking at men at all costs unless they're doing something really attractive like taking photographs of the scenery or busking. Or they're really cute! No, kidding. Staring at men who look at you straight in the eye is inviting them to come and talk to you. I don't want that, and I know neither do you.
Don't agree to let anyone look after your things when you need to go to the bathroom on the train. Don't trust your hostel mates too easily. When you couchsurf, you should also not let your iPod lie around without your eyes on them. You are, after all, in someone else's country. You are at a disadvantage. Don't let your guard down.
Don't agree to go to anyone's house, and really do NOT get drunk when you're alone. Your "friends" may not be so friendly after all. Also, don't accept gifts, especially drinks, from strangers. It's never normal to get free things, like I said!
Let me go through again, these are what you should do:
Day's worth of money — cheap wallet in your (hopefully) front pocket
Week's worth of money — money wallet or deep down in your backpack or bag
Credit and ATM cards — money wallet or deep down in your backpack or bag, or back at the hostel
Passport — back at the hostel when sightseeing
Some common tactics:
London — slitting bottom of bags open (at busy markets)
Rome — old women throwing plastic babies when you catch, little children will steal from you
Bangkok — being offered some smokes, you're escorted to a gang and they threaten you for money
Do go here and read the comments below for many different scenarios of being robbed and mugged all over the world. It was very insightful for me!
Flying Solo
Yes, going to Europe—or anywhere else, in fact—is a dream. But you see, dreams are only dreams if they're not going to happen. Not anyone can go, not anyone will go if they have parents or guardians who prevent them from doing so. From my experience, I have both parents with different opinions on my trip. I watched a movie Love In Siam about two boys who grew up to like each other... Apart from that, one of the boys had a sister who wanted to go to Chiangmai, Thailand, to stay with her friends before Christmas. Her mother was persistent in saying no but her father allowed it, saying she was not a small girl anymore. In the end, the girl went. Then she called to say she wanted to stay till after Christmas, which again, the father allowed while the mother washed her hands off them. Then after New Year, the girl never returned. No calls, no emails, no address. The parents went to look for her but they never found her. That's one bad scenario.
Many a times, I have read positive stories about traveling, and traveling solo. I was so inspired. My story started when I told my parents I was going with my two best guy friends. I told them in late 2008. In late 2008, my plan was still fragile. I had a lot of money problems, and I haven't really gone past much other than secondary school. And since, my guy friends dropped out of it wordlessly. Needless to say, they hadn't saved enough money or have time to go for this trip. Then, last year, came two friends online, one of which I met through the other. She said she was saving to go with me, to meet me, to have a lifetime of an adventure with me. Just this year, she told me she wouldn't be able to go for personal reasons I shall not talk about. Then actually, before her, her friend wasn't going to go either. They were both not ready to take on more adventurous things like couchsurfing, visiting Russia and Belgium, and even hostels... I'm not going to say more.
If you're reading this, most likely, you're like me. Well . . . read on!
Like I said I had found two girls on Gap Year who said they could come with, and then I found out one can go for four weeks (good enough, I won't ask for more), and the other just found a job and might only come for two. I'm just afraid that in the end, I'd be alone again. Third time might not always be the charm. I just fear promises being broken . . . even if it wasn't a promise to start with. I'm no one that anyone should be obliged to comply with, to heed to for whatever reason but I've already been hopeful twice. It's not that I'm fearful of going alone, I'm just afraid of being disappointed again. My original plan, like I always say, was to go alone. The time is coming close and I'm still going, solo or not.
So today, I'm alone. I have been since that post I made about going solo. Of course, traveling alone is much more dangerous than with someone or a group of people. As I have researched, there are ways to take precautionary measures:
Best if you:
Take precautions on:
You shouldn't let this "fear" of being alone hold you back. Yes, you will be bored. Yes, you will be lonely. Yes, you will be more vulnerable but so what? To hell with those! Every country has its risks and why are you any safer here than you are there? Doesn't your country have criminals, too? The only thing is you'd be away from your family and friends but if you don't spread your wings, you will never fly.
I thought of it so much over the year. I do want someone to experience this with me, someone who will be there for me, someone whom I will thicken our relationship with. To have someone to come back home with you and know you two did it together, it would be just amazing. But sometimes, bringing a friend can be disastrous. Trips can turn sour and you two might never talk to each other again. Of course, that is the worst case scenario. Easiest examples are when you two (or three, more) want to do different things at different times. You want to visit the Louvre but your friend is dying to go to Disneyland. What if your partner is a morning person and you can only move when it's time for lunch? Being alone lets you make decisions on your own, and you can count on it that you will be much more mature and independent when you return home!
This experience will change you, it will open your eyes to the world you'd never have seen if you let these things stop you. Trust your instincts. Always, always be sensible. Stick to well-lit, well-known places unless you trust the people you've decided to go with. And of course, it helps if you've got a Swiss Knife within an arm's reach, and if you know some kungfu!
More will be added as and when I think of it. ;)
Many a times, I have read positive stories about traveling, and traveling solo. I was so inspired. My story started when I told my parents I was going with my two best guy friends. I told them in late 2008. In late 2008, my plan was still fragile. I had a lot of money problems, and I haven't really gone past much other than secondary school. And since, my guy friends dropped out of it wordlessly. Needless to say, they hadn't saved enough money or have time to go for this trip. Then, last year, came two friends online, one of which I met through the other. She said she was saving to go with me, to meet me, to have a lifetime of an adventure with me. Just this year, she told me she wouldn't be able to go for personal reasons I shall not talk about. Then actually, before her, her friend wasn't going to go either. They were both not ready to take on more adventurous things like couchsurfing, visiting Russia and Belgium, and even hostels... I'm not going to say more.
If you're reading this, most likely, you're like me. Well . . . read on!
Like I said I had found two girls on Gap Year who said they could come with, and then I found out one can go for four weeks (good enough, I won't ask for more), and the other just found a job and might only come for two. I'm just afraid that in the end, I'd be alone again. Third time might not always be the charm. I just fear promises being broken . . . even if it wasn't a promise to start with. I'm no one that anyone should be obliged to comply with, to heed to for whatever reason but I've already been hopeful twice. It's not that I'm fearful of going alone, I'm just afraid of being disappointed again. My original plan, like I always say, was to go alone. The time is coming close and I'm still going, solo or not.
So today, I'm alone. I have been since that post I made about going solo. Of course, traveling alone is much more dangerous than with someone or a group of people. As I have researched, there are ways to take precautionary measures:
Best if you:
- minimize eye contact with strangers, males especially:
In some countries like Turkey and Italy, it may be an open invitation for them to approach you if you look at them. They take it as you are interested, however brainless it sounds. The next thing you know, they've got friends they want you to meet. And you'll cry later in the night . . . or morning. [see Mr Wolf]
- never look lost or distressed:
Others may jump on this chance to talk to you, knowing you have probably lost your way and are alone, and it might lead to some unforeseen circumstances. Always have that upright, bold posture, and that "I know my way to the Berlin Wall" face (if you're going to the Berlin Wall) instead of "Um, I think I know my way to the Berlin Wall..." Thinking changes your facial expressions. [see Tourist? Where?!]
- minimize that 'tourist' look:
Right, if you've got a 15-kilo backpack on you, I know that doesn't help but it does help when on your day outs, you dress as simply as you can (I bet you would have seen how locals dressed) and head out with minimal things. A sling bag is always cool because you can put it in front of you for safety and still not look like a tourist . . . much . . . as compared to day packs! [see What To Bring]
- never accept a stranger's invitation home:
I know it seems friendly, "Oh, what a cute French guy who's asking me back to his lovely Parisian home for coffee!" But remember: you are still in a foreign country, and are constantly at a risk of being taken advantaged of because of the fact that you are far from your home. If you cannot say no, let him/her know that you have already agreed to meet your travel friends that following day/night and are unable to do so. [see Mr Wolf]
Take precautions on:
- letting a stranger show you around:
Again, if some handsome Hungarian or dashing Dane asks to bring you around, it's best if you decline. You see, you are solo after all. Who will you look for if you run into trouble? A simple chat at a cafe would be alright, and you can ask him/her about the place. Avoid it if it's someplace like a nightclub alley in Antwerp or a secret pasta stall in Florence (you get the idea). Then again, if it's around someplace touristy, it should be safe. Don't take my word for it. I would still accept a friendly invitation if someone offers to take me to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower! A free tour! Whoo! [see Mr Wolf]
- agreeing with a stranger on traveling together (unless):
My mother said (yes, yes, mom) that it would be wrong if you accept the offer to travel together. Then again, what's the point if I can travel with people I've never met with in real life but when I see a fellow backpacker, I cannot travel with him/her? There's no point in that. I say go. Let's say the man is fishy, say no. If you cannot say no, again, let him/her know that you have already agreed to meet your travel friends that following day/night and are unable to do so. If he's persistent, you know he's a dick. Kick him. [see Mr Wolf]
You shouldn't let this "fear" of being alone hold you back. Yes, you will be bored. Yes, you will be lonely. Yes, you will be more vulnerable but so what? To hell with those! Every country has its risks and why are you any safer here than you are there? Doesn't your country have criminals, too? The only thing is you'd be away from your family and friends but if you don't spread your wings, you will never fly.
I thought of it so much over the year. I do want someone to experience this with me, someone who will be there for me, someone whom I will thicken our relationship with. To have someone to come back home with you and know you two did it together, it would be just amazing. But sometimes, bringing a friend can be disastrous. Trips can turn sour and you two might never talk to each other again. Of course, that is the worst case scenario. Easiest examples are when you two (or three, more) want to do different things at different times. You want to visit the Louvre but your friend is dying to go to Disneyland. What if your partner is a morning person and you can only move when it's time for lunch? Being alone lets you make decisions on your own, and you can count on it that you will be much more mature and independent when you return home!
This experience will change you, it will open your eyes to the world you'd never have seen if you let these things stop you. Trust your instincts. Always, always be sensible. Stick to well-lit, well-known places unless you trust the people you've decided to go with. And of course, it helps if you've got a Swiss Knife within an arm's reach, and if you know some kungfu!
More will be added as and when I think of it. ;)
Tourist? Where?!
So you want to avoid getting nicked? If you're really lucky, your trip could be a crime-free trip.
I always picture myself in Italy. I've read up on this country, and I've discovered that the most heinous petty theft crimes come from this place. It's infamous for that by all backpackers, I would say. Since I have never been to Italy (yet!), I'm going to note down some precautionary measures to take. Like they say, "Prevention is better than cure."
- Dressing Up
Do a little research. What I did when I traveled within my region was to look up what locals wear during the season. When I went to Macau in December, I looked up Flickr for photos and albums tagged with 'Macau' and 'December 2009' in. Then I find pictures taken that include the locals (in the background, usually). From that, I learned that even though the Macanese tend to overdress, a normal jacket would suffice. I dressed like them, though a little more stylishly than most. For Europe, I did the same. Since I will be heading to London first, I researched on London in the summer (August). I found t-shirts and sandals and sometimes a cardigan. I found out, too, that even tank tops are doable! All in all, avoid having your map out every second. There are street signs, aren't there?
- So They Say
It is not necessary to know a language to visit a place. As long as you're polite, you should do just fine. After all, you're in their country. Be respectful and never be too proud of where you're from. Of course, don't assume they speak English. How would you feel when a foreigner comes up to you in, say, Danish, and expect you to reply? I know I would feel slightly irked. Also, if you're loud, sarcastic, or extra witty, please refrain from making unnecessary comments to the people you seek help from. You might just be ignored. Make an effort; learning simple phrases like 'please' and 'thank you' won't hurt! [see Please and Thank You!]
- Art of Acting
Never, ever appear lost. Even if you are, muster every ounce of confidence left in you and lift your head up and smile. Embrace everything around you. Take it over instead of letting it take over you. Of course, don't overdo with the smiling bit. What I would do is, I would take the first few hours of being there (even being in the airport is fine) to observe the local people. Observe those alone if you're a solo traveler, like me. Some countries, they are fast-paced. Some are just extremely relaxed. Go with the flow. From what I learned, people in Hong Kong are mostly fast-paced, especially in the train stations. When I slow down, I feel extremely out of place. I quickly appear lost. Be relaxed, look around like you know where you're going. If you should, ask for directions. Your best bet is to go into a store and ask the assistants. It's safer than asking a stranger who might try and lead you somewhere you don't want to go. Either that or try and spot signs and/or discretely follow people who look like tourists and you might just get where you want to be.
- Know Your Destination
Read up on where you're going. It doesn't take much to take about 20 minutes to read through a guidebook from your library about the country, just brimming through the 'local customs' page. Of course, we have the internet. When I went to Thailand, I read online that you should always stay on track. I saw a few articles about tourists being drugged and raped. I'm not saying that every Thai person has bad intentions, but you should always be aware of the situation of each place you're visiting. There are many earthquakes around the world lately. Be aware of where you're visiting and the safety of the place. You should also read up on some local customs. If you're visiting churches, you should know that you must be considerately attired. No revealing of shoulders are allowed, and some even ban anything that's not shoes. The last thing you want is to be turned away! And that undoubtedly leads to your being a tourist.
At all costs, avoid looking like this fine couple here. :)
02 March 2010
What To Bring
Ever wondered what to bring on your trip? Be it 2 weeks or 2 months, (maybe even 2 years) you have to bring the amount of clothing to last you a week without washing it. At least. Because, hey, face it, you probably would skip doing the laundry and head off to the Sziget music festival instead! Don't even smile!
Basically, I've divided my lists into four. SSW, SSM, FWW and FWM. SS means Spring/Summer and FW means Fall/Winter, and M and W obviously for men and women. Let me know if you think there's anything else that is important to bring.
Tips:
Check out the lists under the cut!
Basically, I've divided my lists into four. SSW, SSM, FWW and FWM. SS means Spring/Summer and FW means Fall/Winter, and M and W obviously for men and women. Let me know if you think there's anything else that is important to bring.
Tips:
- If you won't wear it at least twice a week, don't bring it.
- If the backpack is heavier than 1/5 of your weight, lighten it.
- If the backpack is too heavy, put jackets and/or shirts into your carry-on bag.
- Avoid bringing thick towels.
- If the backpack is too heavy, take out a few shirts and shorts. You will probably buy more along your trip.
- Avoid brightly colored bags! You don't want to stand out, really.
Check out the lists under the cut!
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