Ecotravel Packing Essentials:
Packing Light and Bright

Our ecotravel packing essentials, a list we generated from our years of traveling poshly to primitively and all levels in-between, is our must-haves checklist. We don't leave home without them. No matter where we go.

We pack as light as we can for ecotravel trips, but it's important to bring the necessities.

Ecotourism adventures can span the entire spectrum of climates, conditions, and activities. Your tour guides are sure to provide you with a list of suggested clothes and gear. And even though all our items may not appear on more general packing lists, our ecotravel packing essentials have kept us civilized and smiling in all our journeys.

Ecotravel Packing Essentials Checklist

Small bills. Small denominations in cash and traveler's checks are easier to exchange for local currency, and are not as flashy as big denominations, attracting unwanted attention. Buying inexpensive items, like a bottle of water, with a large bill can be a hassle. Sometimes vendors can't make change. Also, small bills are great to have for tipping people.

Tissues or toilet paper. In the wilderness, you can understand the need. But even in some cities, toilet paper is not readily available. We find the small packages of tissues are perfect to pack and carry.

Hand sanitizer. Staying healthy begins with clean hands. How many times did Mom tell us to wash our hands? A gel or liquid cleanser is ideal especially when disposing of trash is a challenge. Hand cleanser can be used to clean all kinds of surfaces, if need be.

Hand wipes. These can do double duty as a sort of pseudo shower. When you've been camping and not able to bathe in days, these can freshen you up quite nicely.

Sealable plastic bags. These packing essentials boast a myriad of uses: to pack in--keeping liquids from spilling into luggage, protecting items from rain or dust, and keeping dirty laundry from contaminating clean clothes; and to keep trash in until you can properly dispose of it.

Baseball hat or hat with brim. Even though you may normally eschew headwear, hats can be invaluable. The protect your scalp and face from the sun. They keep you warm and dry. They keep ticks and such out of your hair. And they hide hair that needs washing.

Sunscreen and bug repellant. Sunburn and bug bites can be more than mere annoyances. They can be dangerous and sideline your activities. Sunscreen and bug repellant are not just niceties, these items are packing essentials.

Fleece shirt. Even if you are headed for the tropics, you could encounter uncharacteristic temperatures. Maintaining proper body core temperature is essential. Even if the coldest climate you encounter is on the airplane, you'll love having a fleece to pull on. It makes a fantastic pillow, too.

Energy bars. Especially if you are a vegetarian, bring plenty of energy bars for emergencies but also for days when you may be menu-challenged and need a meal boost.

Chocolate. I include this only because if you're a daily chocolate appreciater like me, and you find yourself in a country or a wilderness without a ready supply, a little chocolate survival stash can stave off the crankies.

Headlamp or flashlight. Especially when camping or trekking, you need a light source just in case.

First-aid and medicines. We discuss this in more detail in Health and Safety Tips, but if you do require prescription medicines, bring slightly more than you think you will need, in case your stay is extended. Pack all your prescription medicines and anything you cannot do without while traveling in your carry-on luggage. That way, if your checked luggage gets misrouted, you will still have your necessities. And basic first-aid items, especially blister and cut treatments, are packing essentials.

For more Ecotravel Packing Essentials, check out Trouble-Free Travel.