Guide to packing lightly

[mguy]

You've seen those huge backpacks and wonder what on earth do they have in there. Why not just the bring the bare minimum and purchase things there.

The essentials

4 collared shirts
2 decent party shirts
sleepwear
starter toiletries

Electronics
Laptop
Phone charger
Camera

Documents
Passport/Bank Card/ID
Copy of Passport

You will already be wearing the following during the flight

Jeans.
Light Jacket.
Nice comfy shoes.

That's it! You don't need to check in anything.

Anything else missing can be purchased inexpensively in the country.

Slippers
More toiletries

[zboy1]

You've seen those huge backpacks and wonder what on earth do they have in there. Why not just the bring the bare minimum and purchase things there.

The essentials

4 collared shirts
2 decent party shirts
sleepwear
starter toiletries

Electronics
Laptop
Phone charger
Camera

Documents
Passport/Bank Card/ID
Copy of Passport

You will already be wearing the following during the flight

Jeans.
Light Jacket.
Nice comfy shoes.

That's it! You don't need to check in anything.

Anything else missing can be purchased inexpensively in the country.

Slippers
More toiletries

What about very cold climate countries like Russia? So far, I've bought a pair of snow boots, 2 caps, 1 GoreTex gloves, 2 thermal underwear, 1 scarf, 1 neck warmer, 1 balaclava, and 2 ski pants. I already have a Winter jacket, so I don't need to buy another one. What other clothes should I get for that climate? And for electronics, do I need to get a step-down converter or do I just need an adapter for my laptop?

[Andrewww]

Don't forget the condoms...

[Falcon]

Mguy's simple packing list is also almost exactly the same as mine.

In China, the locals were always talking about how the Americans would drag tons of useless items with them.

Oh no, it's the consumerist Americans along with their junk-hoarding obsessions!

[Voice of Reason]

I wouldn't have so many shirts.

This guy has an excellent post about packing lightly:

http://tynan.com/packing2012

[xiongmao]

Yeah good list.

Really the only thing you need to take is medication - it's really hard to find your favourite stuff abroad, and pharmacy staff almost never speak English.

Oh, and take big, man sized tissues if you like them - they're just impossible to find in a country like China!