In Malaysia, month 4! I feel like I’ve acquired some wisdom on packing, what are good things to pack and what are not so good things to pack. So for you future racers who are wondering what to bring or curious of what is on the other side of the world, this blog is for you! Hope you find these things helpful!
- You do not spend hundreds of dollars on “outdoorsy” clothes from REI or stores alike. By month 3 you’re sick of your clothes and want new ones anyway. You are constantly exchanging clothes with your squad mates; the community on The World Race is great! So seriously, bring clothes from home that you already own.
- Bring some clothes that are cute. Tops, a pair of your favorite jeans, and a dress.
- Don’t forget a little bit of jewelry and make-up too, there’s days where you just want to feel like a girl and be cute!
- GET a pack with wheels! I would exchange my awkward big hiking pack with a pack with wheels in a heart beat. It’s a pain in the butt to carry/drag your pack everywhere. That thing gets heavy after a while!
- Don’t worry about bringing an 11 month supply of anything. Trust me. They have shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste/toothbrushes, all of your needs over seas and you can actually find most brands you use at home! Extra stuff weighs your pack down and just gets in the way. Most people around the world brush their teeth and use all the same things we do at home.
- Bring a pair of Flip Flops. You don’t always want to walk around in Chacos or Keens.
- You have a lot of down time. Bring movies on a hard drive, a kindle/nook to read (obvi the bible) playing cards, a notebook, journal and an ipod.
- Asia has great and cute selection of clothes (malls, stores, vendors) so if you can, wait off until there to buy anything.
- You can totally get away with bringing a sheet to cover up with in the hot countries instead of buying an expensive sleeping bag liner.
- If there is one thing you do not want to forget, it is packing cubes. They will literally make your life so much easier. Buy packing cubes!
- Converter’s to charge your things around the world is a great idea. It’s so nice to have your own and be able to charge things when you want.
- Bring a Nalgene, don’t plan on using plastic water bottles the whole race. It’s not convenient at all.
- Get a good air porter. Duffle style is good. Ones with a skinny strap that you sling over your shoulder are not.
- Bring an actual pillow. You will not regret it. Travel ones are nice too because they fold up but nothing beats an actual pillow!
- Baby wipes will save your life. One pack is enough to start you off, they are easy to find at most markets.
- Travel sacks also make your life easier and more organized.
- Do not buy a full supply of Malaria meds. Realistically you’re only going to need them for Africa and you can always find them at pharmacies or get more sent to you.
- Bringing a tent is debatable, it’s not a necessity. You can always bunk with a team mate. Most months you will not use it.
- Bring a straightener.
- Bobby pins and good hair ties are hard to find.
- Toms are good shoes to bring, I love mine and wear them all the time.
- Bring a comfy sweatshirt that you love to wear from home. Nothing beats cuddling up in a good sweatshirt.
