It is always entertaining to listen to travelers complain about luggage on cobblestone. They couldn't wait to see the Appian Way until they had to lug their baggage across it.
When you go on a world trip, you have to think light and less. If you don't, you'll be donating a lung to the "I'm Going To Die On This Hill" party. Most items you can either buy there or do without. The following sections summarize what to take and what to leave:
"Fashion On The Go" Your international wardrobe will take up a lot of precious space. If you don't moderate yourself, you will overflow in clothing you hardly use. The trick to minimizing room is to bring lightweight, non-ironing, high quality outfits. Easy, right?
To Take You need the bare essentials here... two pair of pants (one casual but semi-dressy and one quick-dry convertible pair), three shirts (one simple, non-offensive tshirt, one solid colored polo, one button-down shirt that matches your semi-dressy pants), one pair of shorts, four to five pair of underwear, one swimsuit, five pair of socks, one pair of great walking shoes (that can be used for every occasion), and one pair of light pajamas. That's it... everything else can be bought there on location, and probably for cheap.
To Buy Clothing to be bought while traveling (and left behind at each location): One or two shirts, flip-flops, replacements for worn out socks, towels, and anything not worth taking any further.
"Gizmos And Gadgets" You can bring the whole photo studio around the world if you want... the problem is you'll cry the whole time. From stolen cameras, to broken laptops, to the countless plug adaptors, you will be living an electric nightmare.
Laptops - Internet cafes are a global business. These computers usually don't have superior security or privacy, but they are cheap. If you're bound and determined to bring a laptop, try a notebook first. They are small, inexpensive, and have most of the functions you want (camera, internet accessibility, word processing). If they get lost, you're out a couple hundred dollars instead of a several hundred dollars.
Digital Cameras - Nice professional cameras are thiefs' main targets. The function of small, compact cameras are so advanced these days that you can't tell they're not professionally taken. With video capabilities, night options, optical zooming, and sound recording, you can't miss with a reliable, compact, digital camera.
Camcorders / Video Cameras - The easiest option is to use the digital camera video function and leave the camcorder behind. For those who want the High Definition or sole video functions of camcorders, there are several compact, traveling options. Find one that easily pulls into a computer so downloading files and does not use disks or cassettes (which will be broken or lost along the way).
"Moolah, Moolah, Moolah" There is no easy way to haul money around with you. The trick is to carry money in multiple locations, hidden from view, and easily accessible. Most travelers like money belts (they're great), neck pouches (good also), and in backup stops.
So, what currency type do you take? Cash is still king, so you will have to bring it with you and pull out cash from ATMs over the course of your trip. Protecting your bank / debit card becomes top priority. Also, it may be wise to increase your ATM withdrawl limits to minimize fees and opportunities to get robbed at or near a bank.
Credit Cards are the next best thing for purchases but not every business takes them. Be aware: There are crazy fees attached to international credit card purchases. Check with your bank to find out what they charge for any foreign transactions and update them to your travel plans and requirements (don't want a denied card in the middle of the trip).
With the ease and security of credit cards, traveler checks are becoming less desirable. Use them as a last resort... along with Western Union transfers.
"Nurse, I Need A Nurse Here" Bring a lightweight first-aid kit. Kits should include bandaids, pain medicine (both adult and child), diarrhea pills, and cold medicine. If you take prescription drugs, have your supply ready, a physician prescription note, and the drug chemical name (not marketing name). With the drug chemical name, you should be able to get most drugs internationally with a little work. The message here is there are pharmacies everywhere... but you will need a little patience and possibly, a little assistence, you can get any prescription you need.
"I Love Books" Your home schooling will require lots of books. Math workbooks are probably the most needed resource for home schooling your kids. The internet has many online books for language arts subjects or you can purchase an e-book reader and download a few dozen books for the kiddies to read. The e-readers are light and easily stored... though also fragile. Be creative, use your resources well, and try not to bring your local library with you.
"What's Left?" The following are those unique items that don't fit perfectly into any category... so they are shoved here. These articles aren't life or death, but they are comfort or non-comfort.
High Absorption Towels - These small towels can fold up into practically nothing and soak up lakes. Though the texture isn't a teddy bear's belly, these towels are magic and very functional for the long term vagabond.
Travel Sheets - Keep a simple barrier between you and the beddings of others. Helps with bugs and sanitation. The silk versions are more expensive but fold up into nothing.
Locks - You have to secure your goods in transit and while away during day trips. You can't always avoid petty thieves, but you can definitely discourage them.
