Travel packing list

Whether you are wondering what I packed for my travels, or if you are thinking of leaving it all behind and taking a trip yourself. Here are the items that I took with me for my 4 month trip around South America. Remember to keep it light; the less you have, the less vulnerable and annoyed you will feel.

• Ipod or MP3 player for long bus rides
• copies of your passport and important documents
• small lock
• bathing suit 
• 3 or 4 pairs of shoes: causal flip flops and closed toed shoes, hiking shoes, and chacos (so they aren't the most attractive looking shoe, but you will appreciate them for your long walks on cobblestone, or hiking in hot weather.)
• a watch (for those like me who didn't have a cell phone)
• small first aid kit (anti itch ointment, pepto bismol, band-aids  etc.) Don't over do it with the medicine, you won't have any problem finding a pharmacy there.
• small book (comes in handy for writing down email addresses/Facebook names, advice on where to go next, etc.)
• 1 book (wherever you go there will likely be a book exchange close)
• caribeaner/hook (for attaching stuff to the outside of your bag)
• a laptop certainly isn't necessary, as there are internet cafes everywhere, but for those with a blogging obsession like myself, i enjoyed having my mini 10 inch Dell along for the ride.
• USB or external hard drive for backing up all your photos
• earplugs/eye mask (if you are staying at hostels and planning to sleep at night)
• sunglasses
• quick dry towel
• travel alarm clock (missing a bus sucks)
• rain jacket (leave the umbrella at home)
• headlamp 
• bug spray
• small purse with a zipper
• universal outlet converter
• small backpack (for the day hikes, or weekend camping trips)
• bathing items
• clothing; 3 tank tops, pair of jeans, pair of hiking pants, 3 pairs of socks, 5 t shirts  2 skirts, 2 long sleeve t shirts, 1 pair of capris
• universal sink stopper (with such little amount of clothing, you'll find yourself hand washing quite a lot.)