Troys Travel Advice

(more important than Smart Traveller)

No matter how many times I am reminded to pack light it always seems to happen: heavy bag to lug around! I got a back pack wheelie one this trip and I'm pretty sure I ain't gonna use the harness part. That In itself could have saved me a couple a kilos. But. Guys: think - if you're pretty sure you ain't gonna read that book, leave it home! If you think you need to bring a couple of 'just in case' shirts or jeans: don't! There are clothes shops and bookshelves where you're going! Do you really need 5 pairs of shoes? No. (PS: I didn't but starting to think I'd of been fine with one!). This luggage thing is particularly imperative if you're heading to heat! Trust me: you'll be sweating like a pig!

A good pair of walking shoes can save your day over and over! Don't bring your new ones that you're not sure about. Bring your neutral coloured all round favourite pair! Even better: let these be the ones you wear on the transition from home to destination and beyond!

A drink bottle is handy as hell! I got one from K-Mart that actually has a small plastic attachment that screws into the lid; you fill it with water, freeze the sick and then you have a ready made ice block in your water at least until lunch time! It's a nifty idea. Cost me less than a bottle of water in first place! (Just don't fill it up before flight: you'll have to have it confiscated. It's great on plane though as you can rehydrate all trip!

A single plug with locks, pop-out sections and pull out bits! This one plug $6 on eBay) is all I need! It has 2 USB sockets as well so I can charge phone and use speaker as well...while on that, a mini USB speaker is a godsend. I sat on my balcony with my favourite tunes playing (respectfully volumes) while sipping Retsina! Bliss! I'm talking one the size of a tennis ball (JB have em for under a $20).

Now, this could be a gay thing, but I have found a small pack Of antibacterial hand wipes so handy (pardon the pun!). Comes in handy after eating street food like prawns in Paella or tacos or sticky donuts!

They are great after a few public transport jaunts where you're touching rails, doors and buttons! They are refreshing and cooling too! For about a buck, you can't go wrong!

Chuck in a plastic 2 buck disposable rain jacket from Reject Shop. Perfect for a sudden downpour. I do have a simple small (but sturdy) collapsible brollie in bottom of pack: light and about 8 inches long(usually enough! Ha! )

And, while you're at it; a pack of those disposable paper dunny seat covers! Must admit, have not used one yet but I know where I'll have to! Get em on eBay or discount store for a couple of bucks!

I also did a 3 min sketch of the bag (just wheels at bottom and handle at top) and simply put arrows and key words where I've stored stuff! It's been great. I know exactly which zipped pocket or area everything is in: plugs, shaver, medical stuff, speaker, house keys, line, extra cash, charger...it helps me not forget anything or leave things behind!

...there's one thing I'm still crap at: washing! (My clothes) I've tried washing in shower with me then air drying: tedious and sometimes doesn't dry fast enough, dropping into laundromat which can be hard to find.

It's been so hot that my stuff has been well worn, sweaty and I can smell myself! Not good! So: anyone have a tip for me here?

-and lastly KEEP A BLOG! It's a lot of fun! It keeps you connected and helps you feel close to others (especially when traveling solo). It helps pass time in transportation, waiting areas or when held up...which happens a lot more these days than ever: for example, I'm writing this waiting for the ferry which is now 1 hour late and I'm calm n collected and feeling accomplished.