1. Do not OVERthink packing

(I put together a small list of long-term travel advice and will post one a week on Tuesdays.)

I was overwhelmed by the idea of what to pack for 4 months of travel? Simply, you need one of everything. Well, maybe two of a few things. You will have cold and hot weather, rainy and sunny. So, yes bring a good coat and some boots, but don’t forget a dress and flip flops. Don’t bring 10 shirts, but do bring layers.  

Yes, inevitably you will run out of your favorite shampoo and have to buy some kind of knock off that is written in Arabic. Get over it.

The best part of traveling is that you leave behind old things and pick up new ones as you go. Make sure you don’t bring anything you can’t see yourself parting with. Yet make sure you like it, because you will be wearing is EVERY DAY.

Simply put, you can still find anything you need elsewhere in the world. So, stop freaking out about packing and breath. 

My packing list ended up with

4 Long sleeve shirts/pull over shirts

2 Undershirts

2 Regular shirts

1 Pair of jeans

1 Pair of shorts

1 Heavy coat

1 Jumper/Hoodie

1 Dress

7 Undies

4 Pairs of socks

1 Tennis shoes

1 Flip flops

1 Pair of boots

1 Scarf

And it all fit into a 46 liter pack. With even 2 bottles of wine at one point!