(Part 3) Top products from r/travel

http://www.international.gc.ca/experience/intro_incoming-intro_entrant.aspx?lang=eng

Get yourself a working holiday here in Canada. Not many Canadians go the other way, but as I hear it told the quota for coming TO Canada fills up pretty fast so apply as soon as you know you want to come here (only 5300-ish spots were available for UK citizens for 2014 and the quota for rounds 1 and 2 were filled the day they were opened and within 3 days for the 3rd round). If you miss it there's always the next year etc until you turn 30.

There's similar programs for you to go to Australia.

I don't know about the USA though. That being said once you get into Canada, you can easily drive or take the bus/train across the border into the US. You wont be able to work there though.

Take advantage of the working holiday visa prgrams while you have the chance. I didn't learn about them until I was about to turn 30 and I wish I had known sooner. Once that time is gone you'll never get it back. However, University will always be there and employers love international and life experience. I've landed several jobs when recruiters were impressed by my ability to travel and live solo in other countries.

They seem to like that independance and ability to manage in strange and stressful environments apparently.

If you need someone to help you set it up, there's lots of organizations that will do it, for a fee. But they're rarely mandatory and, in the end, it's more satisfying to accomplish these things on your own. Many people on this board can help you if you get stuck on some details.

Also, Lonely Planet (http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/world/the-big-trip/) and Rough Guides (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rough-Guide-First-Time-Around-World/dp/1848365101) publish books intended to guide you through the process of planning your first gap year. Pick up one of those and give it a read for a lot of useful tips and destination ideas.

Just a week???

Oh that should be easy to pack lightly for. Last summer my wife and I did a 3 week tour through Europe. Like everyone we packed to much but I think I have a better grasp on what I would take on my next summer trip. First take stuff that dries quickly if you want to pack light. My plan for our next trip is to take essentially two pairs of clothes. One to wear while the other dries. From the items below you can see that I would lean on the side of casual and comfortable but I think that it versatile enough to wear out for most occasions.

Backpack: Northface Alteo 50 50l bag should be way more than you need. For our 3week trip I took the 50 and my wife took the Alteo 35. Great bags. Just make sure to try a backpack on before you but it though, each pack fits people differently.

Sandals: Slipons rugged ones I would recommend Teva or Reef

Quick drying shoes: I would take something like the Merrell Barefoot Shoes that pack up small and are light weight. I would also include some socks to wear with these as well sometimes.

2 pair pants: I actually like zip off pants for the versatility. I would get these from Columbia.

2 boxers: ExOfficio

1 quick dry swimsuit: I actually used something similar to these since they could double as boxers, fit under a wet suit, and fit in around Europe

2 t-shirts : SeV from Scottvest. Or maybe make one a polo shirt or button down shirt.

1 long sleeve shirt: Columbia

1 good hat that covers the neck

I think I could travel summer time nearly indefinitely with this gear.

It's hard to say because prices will have changed a lot since I did it. SE Asia was ballpark about $1000 a month. Australia is significantly more expensive, but work pays really well there. If you're under 30 and from the right country you can get a visa for there and it's super easy to travel between there and SE Asia.

See if you can get your hands on some up to date copies of books like this or this - download them or just go to a bookstore and leaf through - they'll have sections on budgets for each country that will give you an idea of how much you need. As a rule of thumb, add about 15-20% to what they say as by the time you get there they'll be out of date.

Like I said, I budgeted $30 a day for Laos but in a lot of places I lived on $10 a day. In Thailand you can spend $50 a day in Bangkok or the islands, but if you go out into the country you can easily do $20 a day.

It's all about research - but that's easy because research makes you more and more excited about where you're going.

Let me know if I can do anything to help!

Finding camping in the parks will be very, very difficult. Some parks are full months in advance. They may have a first-come, first-serve area but you will ABSOLUTELY need to be there at 8am. If you sleep in the car, you will get a hefty fine. Plan ahead. Even camping outside the park in a private campground will be difficult to find and frequently fully booked. Realize that "outside" the park can be more than two hour's drive easy. Can really put a dent in your in-park time. Get a National Parks of the West book. Super, super helpful. Will outline all the campsites and outside park camping and hotel/hostel options and everything you need to know like hours, etc. I used Fodor's but they're all probably pretty similar.

http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Complete-National-Full-color-Travel/dp/0307928462

I've been to all the national parks. Yes, all of them. Have fun!

Since you're packing so light... consider one of these

http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Luggage-Travelsafe-Climbing-Black/dp/B002Q5NKYK/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1371944963&sr=8-26&keywords=pacsafe

Nothing will ever protect your gear 100%, but something like this, attached to something immovable like a bed is about as secure as you can reasonable make things. If you're going to be using that laptop for work while you travel it might well be a worthwhile investment. I bought one a few years back and it really gave me peace of mind that all my gear was safe while I was out and away from my room.

I find a smartphone or wifi tablet is really useful while traveling. Information, contact, entertainment are all useful features of a device. I really like having ebooks. You don't really need a data plan, wifi is pretty widespread.

That said, I often bring a single paperback book too. You might not always want to pull out your device everywhere, you don't have to worry about water or dust or pickpockets with a paperback. (But your paperback can't send email or check news or weather or take photos.) Plus travelers often swap books. Lots of hostels and hotels and coffee shops have book swap shelves. So you can trade off your book for another when its done.

I also find a money belt like this very useful. I keep some emergency cash, a photocopy of my passport, credit card, and itinerary in it. You might also consider hidden passport pockets like these to sew into your pants.

Hey! So I found my scrappy little pack list I had before I left. Hope this helps at all :)

• Bring strapless bra
  
• Underwater camera!!!!!!
  
• Download Hola (hola.org) this one!!! This is GREAT for watching shows abroad
  
• Health Insurance - World Nomads
  
• Power of attorney
  
  
• Berry Plus Laundry Detergent
  
• 4x (2 boxes)
  
• Contact Solution
  
• Tampons (lots)
  
• Lancome Mascara
  
• MAC powder
  
• Revlon Eyeliner 2x
  
• Eye drops
  
• Watch (you don't want to be pulling out your phone to tell the time)
  
• Electrolyte packets
  
• Tennis shoes
  
• New sandals
  
• Gear Ties
  
• Clothing line
  
• Universal Sink Stopper
  
• Deck of cards
  
• Journal
  
• Packing Cubes
  
• Kindle
  
• Adapters
  
• Quick dry towel
  
• Memory cards
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Sleep Mask
  
• SF refrigerator magnets for hosts
  
• Alarm clock (Don't use your phone - not good to leave out)
  
• Headlamp
  
• Bamboo utensils
  
• Carabiner
  
• iPad with Logitech keyboard case
  
• Good head phones
  
• Anti-malaria pills
  
• Pepto bismol
  
• Cipro
  
• Advil
  
• Pink eye eye drops (you never know!)
  
• Sleeping pills
  
• Small brush
  
• Toilettry Bag
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Fleece
  
• kleen canteen
  
• Combo padlocks (combo better than key - if you lose the key you're screwed)
  
• Sun dress
  
• New Tivas? - Take old tivas to cobbler
  
• Bottle opener
  
• Scarf
  
• Combo+wire cord to tie the backpack to a bed
  
• Sea to Summit Mini Backpack
  
• Manicuring scissors/file/tweezers
  
• Steripod Toothbrush cover
  
• Toothbrush
  
• Mini First Aid Kit
  
• Razors (gotta stay fresh!)
  
• Shampoo & Conditioner
  
• Flats
  
• Mini Sewing Kit
  
• Hand sanitizer
  
• Epipen
  
• Neosporin
  
• Ziplock baggies (big and small)
  
• Face lotion (x3)
  
• New Bra/undies
  
• Flip flops for showers (old navy)
  
• Super glue
  
• Cliff bars
  
• New Jeans
  
• Backpack - Osprey Waypoint 85
  
• Backpack rain cover
  
• Mini umbrella
  
• Dry Bag
  
• Stuff sack for laundry
  
• Shoe bags
  
• Grocery Bag
  
• Leather strap over purse
  
• Kleenex
  
• Q-tips
  
• Deoderant
  
• Hair ties
  
• Shower gel
  
• Pajamas
  
• Travel Pillow
  
• Sleep sack
  
• tent?
  
  
• Check contact prescription
  
• New glasses
  
• Check up
  
• Get immunizations - yellow immunizations card!
  
• Get a youth card through STA (see 13 ways link above)
  
  
• India
  
• Vietnam
  
• (Dual citizen to Spain - don't need visa for Brazil)
  

I can't claim to have used every headphone on the market, but I previously used the Audio-Technica QuietPoint and was quite pleased with the sound quality and noise cancelling ability. They are wired though (don't need to wire them just to cancel noise obviously) so no bluetooth if that is important to you.

Audio-Technica makes good mid-range products and these are a great value at 100 dollars in my opinion. I used them for several years until I upgraded to the Sennheiser HD-1, but those are above your budget:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KWLF5K/ref=emc_b_5_t

EDIT: I had the ANC9 version, slightly more expensive but still well within your budget, changed link.

I would add this one item. I LOVE it, tiny, super lightweight and works great with a hotel or hostel sink to do easy laundry. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y0CL8K/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 VERY worth it!

Not OP, but I have two different sets: one from TravelWise and one from eBags. I like the versatility of having the different options depending on what I'm doing, but I think the Slim ones are my favorite. I've never used the large one from TravelWise, but the medium and small have been great too!

A. Travel laundry line like this It's twisted and you just shove your clothes through it without needing laundry clips

B. Concentrated biodegradable laundry soap, good for anywhere This one bottle lasted me 3 months backpacking this summer

C. Poof, clip it to the outside of your bag, doesn't get gross like a wash cloth

D. Personal towel Go ahead and buy the biggest one, takes up little to no space, can be used for damn near anything and will dry your clothes if you need it to.

E. These soap slips work great Fantastic for hostel showers ect. Shove that sucker deep in your poof and you're good to go.

These 5 items take up almost no room, weigh near nothing, and are concentrated to last a many month trip. Don't be that smelly hostel dude!

Edit: Laundry mats can be fun, it's a blast going with other foreigners to laundry mats where the directions aren't in english and it's all a crap shot. Actually met the roadies for an awesome band from a music festival we visited while at a laundry mat in Belgium. Hung out for the entire time we were washing clothes.

While that's a great camera, If you don't need underwater ability I would go for something else. I was very happy with my Canon Powershot SX260 HS. This was a few years ago and on amazon it says OLD MODEL so there is probably a newer one. They're both great cameras but you will sacrifice a little bit in order to make the camera waterproof. That being says OP took some damn good pictures. Plus it always seemed someone I met traveling would have the underwater camera OP used so I would use them for water shots :)

Regardless of where you decide to go i'd suggest this book. It has a lot of good info on where to go, where to stay, what sort of budgets you can expect in different parts of the world. it's quite inspirational. Who knows you may just want to turn that 12 day trip into a longer one :)

http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Guide-First-Time-Around-Edition/dp/1848365101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341340852&sr=8-1&keywords=first+time+around+the+world

BTW, I traveled alone for the first time last year through S.E Asia for 6 weeks and was horrified. That fear lasted about 1 day, after arriving at my first hostel I met so many people and just went with the flow and ended up having traveling partners for a few weeks of my trip.

Good luck and have fun!

I have the Audio Technica ATH-NC9 noise canceling headphones (https://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-ANC9-QuietPoint-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B007KWLF5K)

They have great sound, come with a nice case and are really comfortable. I got them for $135 on buydig.com, full retail is $199

Seven days in Heidelberg will probably be quite a lot, unless you have specific reasons for staying there for a week. I would consider switching up the days in Berlin versus Heidelberg, or even checking out some nearby cities between the two.

As far as what you need - it's always nice to have a dictionary so you can read signs. I always try to learn a few key phrases that I can say (or recognize) to locals. These are things like 'thank you,' 'excuse me,' 'please,' etc. If you have a smart phone, there are apps you can download that have offline dictionaries/translators so you don't have to carry around and flip through a book.

I can't remember exactly what mine is called, but you can do a search for "offline german-english translator." Along those lines, you can also download offline metro maps and city maps for your phone.

Along the same lines, you can get a sim card for your phone that works only in Germany, and not worry about an international roaming plan through your U.S. carrier. You may also be able to contact your carrier about giving you a certain number of international text messages for a set fee. That way you can text your travel partner if you get separated.

You will need an adapter if you are going to use any of your electronics. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/International-Travel-Grounded-Adapter-Plug/dp/B001ISR9B6 (although I'm skeptical as to why this one is only $3....)

My wife and I are currently on a RTW trip for 1 year. She has a 38L pack and mine is 42L (Gregory z40). We aren't camping, but I couldn't definitely fit a sleeping bag in my pack if I wanted to (and I could strap a sleeping pad on the side).

For charging, get a set of adapters (you'll probably only need one or two) and get a power strip. This one has been awesome for us: http://www.amazon.com/Simran-SM-60-110V-250V-Universal-Protection/dp/B003UHYDYO/ref=pd_sim_e_3 - Check your devices, both they should already be friendly with european voltage, so you WON'T need a converter.

You're going to want an America the Beautiful Pass. $80 for unlimited national park admissions for one car for one year. Most parks are around $20. I also recommend getting one of the National Parks of the West guidebooks so you can link them all together and what-not. I've been to all the parks in a previous version of this book http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-Complete-National-Full-color-Travel/dp/0307928462/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

Linking national parks is the classic, American way to road trip. Enjoy yourself. I've been all over the world but my favorite trip was spending a few months living in my pickup in the parks.

-Travel surge protector with USB port: http://www.amazon.com/Outlets-To-Power-Strip-USB/dp/B0018MEBNG/

-Outlet converters

-Combination lock

-Make sure to turn data roaming off on your smartphone. Also download Skype to make long distance calls, and Viber to text.

-Microfiber travel towel

-Laundry soap sheets (http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Laundry-Soap-Sheets-50-Count/dp/B000Y0CL8K/) if you're planning on doing any of your own washing in a sink/shower. I generally only use them for socks/underwear. On that note, I highly recommend Icebreaker brand socks/underwear. Expensive, but very comfortable, and made out of Merino wool. It sounds gross, but you can wear comfortably for 48 hours without washing without any odor whatsoever - read up on them. FWIW, I brought two pairs of boxer briefs for a 2.5 week trip in SE Asia, and washed in the sink... they also dry very quickly (within a few hours of being hung up).
-A few doses of each advil, cold medicine, Imodium... and any other meds you may need.

I have a 2 small drysacks, which I can just stuff things into, which is pretty nice. and a specific case for my phone or ipod

Edit: Also, I have a raincover for my backpack. keeps the water out. and you dont have to worry about anyone unzipping your backpack in a busy place.

• http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-3-Pack-Ultimate-Sack/dp/B001AZNATC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369243924&sr=8-1&keywords=drysack
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Osprey-UL-Raincover-Titanium-Medium/dp/B000MNLDP6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369243977&sr=1-1&keywords=osprey+rain+cover

> Peru. I want to learn more about the history of that place, and visit machu pichu. Very interested.

I've read and recommend:

• Turn Right at Machu Picchu
  
  
• The Last Days of the Incas
  
  
• Andes
  
  
• 1491 and 1493

You might enjoy Alain de Botton's reflections on the airport then... :)

http://www.amazon.com/Week-at-Airport-Alain-Botton/dp/0307739678

For me and my three-month solo trip, I would say:

• unlocked smartphone
  
• portable battery
  
• packing cubes (saved me valuable space in my 44L backpack)
  
• plenty of underwear and a pair of long johns
  
• travel wipes in case you find a toilet that doesn't provide toilet paper -shudders-
  
  If I did it again, I would definitely bring a selfie stick and gopro camera. And although my iPhone did everything from navigation to booking, I would also bring a kindle/tablet for those long plane and bus rides.

great work, as others have said. i think you underestimate its value. this is one of my favorite travel books and while it doesn’t have tons of “where to go” information, it served as a great reminder of the feel of tokyo (and your work reminded me of):

https://www.amazon.com/Tokyo-Foot-Travels-Colorful-Neighborhoods/dp/4805311371

that said, there are numbnuts who gave it lower ratings because of the lack of it being a true guide book, but they need to understand that is not what it is about, not to mention there are more than enough of those out there.

Something like this would work, although I'd be shocked if you can't find that, and for cheaper, in Hong Kong. Just ask for North American plug adapters.

Check the adapters for your electronics (110–220 V?), but you probably won't need a voltage converter; that adapter is all you'd need. If you want to plug them in in the same place, you can bring a power strip. Something like this would work without needing an adapter for the wall.

You could look into a product like this if you're super worried: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-120L-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B004WN9XAO

Not travel directly, but two of my favorite history books: 1491 and 1493 both by Charles C. Mann. Two groundbreaking books about the history of the Americas before and after Columbus, dispelling all those old rumors and bad thought to describe what historians really know and why the Americas are the way they are now. I can't recommend these enough. Amazing.

Even though these are history books, if you go through these and aren't crazy excited to see the places, then nothing will work.

Is it this book?

Great book - sitting on my shelf right now...

This might be a little more offbeat than what you're looking for but Tokyo On Foot is really cool.

europe for you will be a lot of different airport check ins and knowledge of the train/bus/whatever to get to those! I recommend some literature: http://www.amazon.com/Week-at-Airport-Alain-Botton/dp/0307739678

This is what the product looked like: https://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-120L-Backpack-Protector-Steel/dp/B004WN9XAO

If you have this kind, you should be able to use it, as long as you can plug the two skinny prongs into it. The grounded (round) part doesn't really do anything, it doesn't have to plug.

I have a few of these, they work fine in both the UK and Europe, although they are bulky. This is another of the same.

If you are not going to the UK, just Europe, these are nice.

Googd judgement comes from experience.
Expeirence comes from having bad judgement.

I try to learn from the experiences of others in cases like this, so for the past few years I travel with a few pacsafe products, on a mesh, canvas bag for some small items and also a whole pack mesh cover. [http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Luggage-Travelsafe-Climbing-Black/dp/B002Q5NKYK]. Even if I'm just going to brush my teeth, I lock down everything. Doesn't stop a quality pair of wire cutters, but prevents the 'grab and run' thefts. Even important when on a train or cafe, and I go into the habit of locking it every time it was off my shoulder.

I recently was intrigued by the trtl pillow, although I haven't tried it yet. linky

Currently I have this one and I like it because it's super compact, but I'm not sure how effective it is for sleeping on coach.

I'm 5'11" (180 centimeters) tall and I had trouble with sleeve lengths and pants in general when I looked to buy clothing in Japan. The ratios are always just a little bit off, making me feel like a 12 year old with poorly fitting clothes all over again.

You may want to consider bringing extra SD cards for your camera. You could get smaller ones and mail the cards home full of pictures or just carry a larger backup for when you fill your first. If you don't offload your photos somewhere, I think you'll fill the camera pretty easily.

If you own a Nintendo DS (any model before they added the camera will not be region locked), you can get dictionaries for it in Japan.

A collapsing water bottle is very handy to have when traveling, as is an elastic clothesline. I have this one and it's very useful.

Pick up some nice pens and a pocket sized notebook when you arrive, they're my favorite way to work around communication difficulties.

Almost forgot! Make sure you look up the power converters you'll need. Japan is compatible with the US, but I don't know about England/Australia. When I visited Argentina I also needed a transformer to keep their 220v power from destroying our electronics.

ExOfficio boxer briefs.

Money Belt

I recommend this book - How to Shit Around the World.

The ones I have been looking at thus far have been termed either "travel zooms" or "compact mega zooms". I think I'm looking for something with: portablity (around pocket-sized), decent MP's (12+), >20x optical zoom, decent low-light quality, GPS, probably no more than $300-350.

This has led me to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V and the Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

Cook it, boil it, peel it, or forget it.

ALWAYS drink bottled water. Make sure the water is from a reputable source (seal is intact, for example) and that the bottle hasn't been sitting in questionable water.

Regardless of what you do, prepare for GI problems no matter how careful or lucky you think you will be. The only thing worse than being sick is being unprepared and sick.

I would highly recommend the book How to Shit Around the World by Dr. Jane Wilson-Howarth. The author goes into tips about the types of illness you could run into while travelling, how to avoid them, and what to do if you get them. The book is filled with some humorous cautionary tales and useful tips.