What I Learned While Backpacking - Tips On Packing, Money, And Safety
I traveled by myself to the South Pacific - specifically New Zealand. I went to Los Angeles, then spent one month in Australia, then backpacked throughout New Zealand for ten-and-a-half months, finally going to Fiji for one week on my way home. I was gone for exactly one year. I also lived out of a suitcase for one year. I had a smaller suitcase so I had to be selective about my packing. I had one pair of dress pants, two pairs of jeans, one pair of capris, three t-shirts, one hoodie, one sweater, one dress, one skirt, and dress shoes, plus pyjamas. I bought two more sweaters in New Zealand for work. I packed flip-flops to use in the common showers, one book (you can exchange books at hostels as you go), my limited toiletries (no hairspray, or any extras like hair gel), and two towels. I learned to be creative and mix-and-match my clothing so that I could have work clothes for a full week. I learned a lot about money management while I was traveling. Before I left Canada, I added
