Wow. Somehow, just like that, I’ve reached the end of three months in South America.
Long term travel may come across as super glamorous as you’re browsing Instagram, but it comes with some not so pretty parts and some lows. That said, I wouldn’t change this experience for anything.
At the end of three months, I may be starting to hate most things in my backpack because it is literally the only things I own (and I see them every day), but are some things that make me so happy because they’ve made my travels so much easier.
My long term travel necessities below!
wool sports bra
Wool is seriously the best fabric ever. Let’s be real here, I’m not doing laundry every few days here (and I am not carrying around a weeks worth of sports bras), and it is totally okay to wear multiple times and nooo smell. And okay, this is a bold statement here, but it isn’t as enraging as a regular sports bra when taking off when sweaty. Chicas, that last statement alone should have y’all clicking to buy one this very second. (Runner up to the sports bra, love my REI long sleeve wool!)
portable charger
Let’s be real, we are all addicted to our phones. Even though I have yet to buy a SIM card, I’m still using maps.me, taking pictures, listening to music, (and of course asking for the wifi while out), etc all day long. And after a day spent entirely wondering around, if you’re hopping on a night bus, there’s a good chance your battery will be drained. Your portable charger will be a life saver. You’re welcome.
long phone cord
Phone related again. There is nothing worse than getting to a hostel and seeing the wall outlet is nowhere close to your bed. Multiple times I’ve pulled out my phone cord and someone has said “ughh, you’re so smart… did you buy that here?!” Nah, Amazon – buy it before you leave!
steripen
If you’re not already aware, you cannot drink the tap water almost anywhere in South America. Not only am I saving the planet and saving money, but perfect for my lazy side… Sometimes you’re at your hostel and really don’t feel like walking to get water (and don’t want to pay the upmarket cost your hostel sells water at).
dry bags
These have saved me so-many-times. Just two examples: One, I walked entirely across the city of Cuenca to get to a vviewpointonly to be greeted at the top with a sudden storm. I had been out and about all day after my Spanish class, so I had my computer, a sweater I bought, etc in my backpack. I ran into a shop wondering how long it was acceptable to pretend to browse when I realized I had a dry bag in my backpack! Saved the day for real. Two, just as I was thanking the heavens for glorious weather during my Amazon visit, on our last boat ride, a downpour started. Never have I been so happy to have a dry bag to protect my camera and phone. I mean yeah, I am traveling during rainy season, but they are also so useful if you’re doing any outdoor adventures (or taking any sort of boat rides).
packing cubes
I kind of hate my backpack. There I said it. Living out of a backpack isn’t the worst thing in the world… until you realize you are literally unpacking and packing every-single-day. Maybe it is just me, but about the only thing that doesn’t get taken out of my backpack every day is like one pair of shoes and my bag of adventure gear. Everything else? Somehow ends up thrown on my bed. But, I have packing cubes, which are the ultimate llifesaver So while I am still unpacking/packing, it’s much easier when I’m tossing things about.
yoga mat
Hmm yeah, maybe not a must for everyone but coming fresh from my yoga teacher training, my personal practice has been developing. Not only that, but yoga isn’t as popular here in South America as it is in the States or in Europe so it’s not always easy to find a studio (and if you do find one, their schedule may not mesh well with your schedule). Cue your own travel mat! Well not everywhere will have space, you’d be surprised the number of places that have a rooftop or courtyard where you can practice
There you have it – my long term travel necessities! Anything else that is 100% a necessity for you?
