Packing is a high priority when it comes to travel. I watch a good number of packing site and love looking over their tips and tricks. Something though, that I think that remains unaddressed is the idea of finance vs. minimizing. I've been packing for the last month and a half and I was regularly confronted with blogging sites that say packing lighter is better. I agree 100% with this. Lighter the better, and especially since I don't have the best back.
That being said the large amount of sites recommend new products. This is good, it makes people aware of thir options, but if you don't have the money to over haul all the things yo have, then you should be pointed towards new options and feel no guilt over downsizing these sorts of things. If you don't have the money to afford heaps of new equipment, all in one soaps or technology that's supper light and high quality, then don't spend it.
The cheapest option is to bring the stuff you have, that you already spent the money on. Why buy something new if you already have it. You will go through it eventually, and it will lighten up.
A careful solution to lugging, say, bottles of shampoo and conditioner are smaller bottles. You can get lots of cheap travel bottles at the dollar store, and spend an evening just filling up, especially with more expensive face washes and toners, saves buying travel size of the same thing as well.
Cut back on things you can lighten up on. Jeans, sweaters, and other things like that can be lessened.
A big thing is to exercise and get in shape. If your normally, (like me) lean towards a sedentary lifestyle (reading and writing are, unfortunately not very active pastimes) then you should stretch/do more to get your body ready for the sudden activity.
The point is more for me, if I don't have the money for a new, slimmer or lighter computer then I'm not going to spend the money and I'm going to bring the monster.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
How Not To Get Lost
Getting lost is something I never really fear, but I know its a rather common place thing for people, especially in the days of GPS phones and what not.
I'm actually quite fortunate to remember the direction I've gone. M brain picks out land marks generally and retains them in case I need to backtrack. Its important especially if you need to return for the washroom, your place of stay or somewhere, where there are people to speak to about directions. If I am somewhere new, I'm never afraid to go to the tourist office and nab a map. Really, that's what they're there for.
The only reason I made it to the hostels on both occasions was because I stopped and asked directions. The first time I stopped twice and the second time a whopping Four, mind you the second time I had just taken a flight, a 4 hour train ride and a 30lb bag.
Above all the things I say, two things are important.
2.) Looking like a tourist with a map is okay. Really, if your lost, finding your way is more important than your self image.
1.) Never be afraid to ask directions, especially if its something you want to see or do.
I have a great example of this last one. My sister and I were going backpacking/camping on Isle of Skye, and along the 2 hour hike, she and I both fell behind the two other people with us. It was a significant enough lag, that the next day we both headed out early in order to get a head start. There had been, the day prior a long, steady down hill walk, and I had experienced enough up hill walks to know this was going to be a bitch the next day. Long slow and full of sweaty panting. My sister stopped a head of me (having gotten an early head out than I) and stopped to talk to an older couple. When I reached them, he finished explaining to her a steeper, much faster trail, ill used but would cut our walk up the hill by 20 minutes to a half hour. After thanking them, we found it and used it. While it was steep, it took all of five minutes to get to the top. We ended up beating our companions back and able stop for many sheep and water breaks! See not so scary, and way less work!
I'm actually quite fortunate to remember the direction I've gone. M brain picks out land marks generally and retains them in case I need to backtrack. Its important especially if you need to return for the washroom, your place of stay or somewhere, where there are people to speak to about directions. If I am somewhere new, I'm never afraid to go to the tourist office and nab a map. Really, that's what they're there for.
The only reason I made it to the hostels on both occasions was because I stopped and asked directions. The first time I stopped twice and the second time a whopping Four, mind you the second time I had just taken a flight, a 4 hour train ride and a 30lb bag.
Above all the things I say, two things are important.
2.) Looking like a tourist with a map is okay. Really, if your lost, finding your way is more important than your self image.
1.) Never be afraid to ask directions, especially if its something you want to see or do.
I have a great example of this last one. My sister and I were going backpacking/camping on Isle of Skye, and along the 2 hour hike, she and I both fell behind the two other people with us. It was a significant enough lag, that the next day we both headed out early in order to get a head start. There had been, the day prior a long, steady down hill walk, and I had experienced enough up hill walks to know this was going to be a bitch the next day. Long slow and full of sweaty panting. My sister stopped a head of me (having gotten an early head out than I) and stopped to talk to an older couple. When I reached them, he finished explaining to her a steeper, much faster trail, ill used but would cut our walk up the hill by 20 minutes to a half hour. After thanking them, we found it and used it. While it was steep, it took all of five minutes to get to the top. We ended up beating our companions back and able stop for many sheep and water breaks! See not so scary, and way less work!
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| My Sister heading out. (We're going over that ridge ahead) |
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| The further away little white dote is our destination. |
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| There is the main trail twards the left of the ridge, the smaller one is not visible. |
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| My sister taking a much needed water break after hauling ourselves up the steep trail. |
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| Victory!!! |
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
The Reading Addiction
15 Days.
Tooth Brush Acquired, but this is not the most important thing of the day. It is the debate of how I will reduce the boredom of my Fart Marination .
Here is my selection of books.
Now I know what all my fellow travelers are thinking; "Why so many?" or "Why not an Ebook?"
And I know what my fellow book lovers are thinking; "Why so few?" or "I'm glad you're still using books(the ones you see above are not in fact from a cheep e reader)!"
I started out with three books. I've even read one already!
I have been working at a used book store for the last two and a half months. Two things have happened in that time. The first being that since working, I have acquired more books. It happens. Working in a shop of over 100, 000 books, and reading upteen backs of books, one is bound to leap from the shelves (a genuine danger) and claim me as their new audience.
The second thing is I've finished only one of the books I intended in reading during my summer. I've filled half my other time with a toilet roll full of movies I'm supposed to be watching. Again I can hear the book lovers kicking up a fuss, but socks to them because I enjoy narratives of all kinds.
Now the Travelers raise a more important point. The straw figure that I am is meant to carry Bruce around on my back. Adding what amounts to 7 books, (Small portions of tree) to my weight load seems silly. I could do so much with that space! I could fit an extra pair of jeans! Or I could put another coat! Or I could fit another bail of underpants! ... Or... I could just save myself the bloodly back trouble and just bring one.
To be honest, I'm probably only bringing three, and going to have to plow the other four.
Any suggestions on what I should bring or which ones I should read? Comment bellow you wonderful shlubs, I'm off to do some reading.
Tooth Brush Acquired, but this is not the most important thing of the day. It is the debate of how I will reduce the boredom of my Fart Marination .
Here is my selection of books.
 |
| "How the Scots Invented the Modern World", "Knots and Crosses", "The Sisters Brothers", "Black and Blue" "The Marriage Plot", "The Enchanters End Game" and "Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas" |
Now I know what all my fellow travelers are thinking; "Why so many?" or "Why not an Ebook?"
And I know what my fellow book lovers are thinking; "Why so few?" or "I'm glad you're still using books(the ones you see above are not in fact from a cheep e reader)!"
I started out with three books. I've even read one already!
I have been working at a used book store for the last two and a half months. Two things have happened in that time. The first being that since working, I have acquired more books. It happens. Working in a shop of over 100, 000 books, and reading upteen backs of books, one is bound to leap from the shelves (a genuine danger) and claim me as their new audience.
The second thing is I've finished only one of the books I intended in reading during my summer. I've filled half my other time with a toilet roll full of movies I'm supposed to be watching. Again I can hear the book lovers kicking up a fuss, but socks to them because I enjoy narratives of all kinds.
Now the Travelers raise a more important point. The straw figure that I am is meant to carry Bruce around on my back. Adding what amounts to 7 books, (Small portions of tree) to my weight load seems silly. I could do so much with that space! I could fit an extra pair of jeans! Or I could put another coat! Or I could fit another bail of underpants! ... Or... I could just save myself the bloodly back trouble and just bring one.
To be honest, I'm probably only bringing three, and going to have to plow the other four.
Any suggestions on what I should bring or which ones I should read? Comment bellow you wonderful shlubs, I'm off to do some reading.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Marinating in Farts and Fear
First, before I continue I'd like to just say that I love Arc'teryx! What a wonderful company. They are rather pricey, but I really appriciate they're costumer service. I go on and on about Bruce (my Arc'teryx Altra 62), but I think it was one of the best investments, especially if your carrying something like that around and have no idea what you're going to be doing. They replaced both buckles on my bag, which ended up breaking during my trip. The first one was replaced by another company, but I brought up the issue with them and they gladly replaced it.
I've got my list down proper but I'm not going to upload it until about tomorrow. I have a handful things to get before I leave. I didn't know the fun fact about the life span of tooth brushes (3-6 months) and now my teeth just laugh when the bristles run over them.
Additionally, I need a hair brush. They actually fall apart. Its not a thing that lives forever. The plastic bits fall off and soon your carving ancient mystic symbols into your scull. According to hair dressers I should be combing wet hair with a comb, but really, the brush is quick and tidy, and, while I am concerned about my hair, I don't think my hair is going to up and move if I maintain my use of a brush.
Travel tooth paste. I don't need to explain that really. I'm traveling and its tooth paste. I come off the plane having sat in 5.5 hours marinating in recycled farts, time travel and fear masked with t.v dinners, brushing my teeth is a priority, because then at least my mouth doesn't resemble what the rest of me has been doing.
Then, the bane of purchasing if your using a backpack, I must acquire souvenirs. I do like the people I'm giving these gifts to, but I have a limited amount of room! There are things I could bring! My lucky piece of horse hair. My batman suit. A wig for special occasions. C'est la vie I suppose.
Tomorrow, the book break down... How I will endure the 6.5 hour flight over a distance that took the vikings 5 years, frost bite and cannibalism, by complaining about small beverages and whining about the video selection.
I've got my list down proper but I'm not going to upload it until about tomorrow. I have a handful things to get before I leave. I didn't know the fun fact about the life span of tooth brushes (3-6 months) and now my teeth just laugh when the bristles run over them.
Additionally, I need a hair brush. They actually fall apart. Its not a thing that lives forever. The plastic bits fall off and soon your carving ancient mystic symbols into your scull. According to hair dressers I should be combing wet hair with a comb, but really, the brush is quick and tidy, and, while I am concerned about my hair, I don't think my hair is going to up and move if I maintain my use of a brush.
Travel tooth paste. I don't need to explain that really. I'm traveling and its tooth paste. I come off the plane having sat in 5.5 hours marinating in recycled farts, time travel and fear masked with t.v dinners, brushing my teeth is a priority, because then at least my mouth doesn't resemble what the rest of me has been doing.
 |
| My feelings towards souvenirs. |
Then, the bane of purchasing if your using a backpack, I must acquire souvenirs. I do like the people I'm giving these gifts to, but I have a limited amount of room! There are things I could bring! My lucky piece of horse hair. My batman suit. A wig for special occasions. C'est la vie I suppose.
Tomorrow, the book break down... How I will endure the 6.5 hour flight over a distance that took the vikings 5 years, frost bite and cannibalism, by complaining about small beverages and whining about the video selection.
Friday, September 6, 2013
That One Thing: 18th Day - Infinate Knickers
The summer's green lush leaves are fading, and a chill wind from the north tussles them about, I'm brought to thoughts of underpants.
Well, not exactly, but I am forced to think about them none the less, with my fly out date looming. I want to bring all the underpants, as I always do. Truly there is nothing better than a happy butt while traveling, but I do have to take into account, space in my bag. I think I'm just bringing Bruce, instead of a rolling carry on, which means I can't bring heaps and heaps of things.
Last time I traveled for 3 months, I brought about 10 pair. Nice, and it worked out really well in the end. But this is a litte longer, so its double. Actually, double all under garments. I don't want to burn through them.
Why is this such a dilemma that I have to post about it?
A lot of the sites I go to are big about minimizing. 3-5 pairs. Ugh. Could not do. Firstly, far to much using the laundry and hanging things out to dry. If I bring a larger amount, I can put them in the laundry bag and if someone else pulls the bag out, they just give me the bag and aren't handling my undies. If there are only a few, I have to use laundry more frequently. It saves me laundry, is the point I'm getting at.
They're other suggestion to reduce the amount of knickers is to pack travel underwear. That means I have to go out and buy brand new underpants for more money than their worth, which means less trips.
Conclusion double the amount from last time.
.... Too much information?
Well, not exactly, but I am forced to think about them none the less, with my fly out date looming. I want to bring all the underpants, as I always do. Truly there is nothing better than a happy butt while traveling, but I do have to take into account, space in my bag. I think I'm just bringing Bruce, instead of a rolling carry on, which means I can't bring heaps and heaps of things.
Last time I traveled for 3 months, I brought about 10 pair. Nice, and it worked out really well in the end. But this is a litte longer, so its double. Actually, double all under garments. I don't want to burn through them.
Why is this such a dilemma that I have to post about it?
A lot of the sites I go to are big about minimizing. 3-5 pairs. Ugh. Could not do. Firstly, far to much using the laundry and hanging things out to dry. If I bring a larger amount, I can put them in the laundry bag and if someone else pulls the bag out, they just give me the bag and aren't handling my undies. If there are only a few, I have to use laundry more frequently. It saves me laundry, is the point I'm getting at.
They're other suggestion to reduce the amount of knickers is to pack travel underwear. That means I have to go out and buy brand new underpants for more money than their worth, which means less trips.
Conclusion double the amount from last time.
.... Too much information?
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Essentially 20 Days
Its the final Count down, so now I'm going to give a brief every day update into my ready level. I'll post some pictures to go along at some point. For now its making some more money and drying not to pass out at the cash register. I've got Bruce (My backpack) partially full, but I have to do a lay out and see what I have, make a list and see if I can't reduce. Then again, I am moving for two years. Then again.... I am going to be traveling on the side.
Here though, is a list of resources I've been using for packing as well as for visa application.
www.herpackinglist.com
http://travelfashiongirl.com/
http://www.endlesslychanginghorizon.com/applying-for-the-youth-mobility-scheme/
I'll expand upon all of them but if your doing any moving for long or short periods, these above blogs are so helpful. Keep your eyes out!
We'll see what goes down. Prepare for a proper post tomorrow.
Here though, is a list of resources I've been using for packing as well as for visa application.
www.herpackinglist.com
http://travelfashiongirl.com/
http://www.endlesslychanginghorizon.com/applying-for-the-youth-mobility-scheme/
I'll expand upon all of them but if your doing any moving for long or short periods, these above blogs are so helpful. Keep your eyes out!
We'll see what goes down. Prepare for a proper post tomorrow.
 |
| This is me right now. |
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Meet Bruce: Arc'teryx Altra 62
They say go big or go home...
Well they say that in places like sports stadiums and monster truck rallies. When it comes to backpacking, "go big or go home" is rather frowned upon.
I get the vague impression people think you have some sort of clothing obsession and a sever inability to downsize.
In anycase go big is what I did with my backpack. While not the biggest my Arc'teryx Altra 62, better known as Bruce the Bag. I bought this bag in the late summer/early fall of 2012, though the exact date escapes me now.
When I purchased the bag, I had no idea what I was really getting into. All I knew is I wanted a female oriented back pack, but I didn't know what size I would need. I didn't know what brands, or models there were, and what features were important. All I knew was I was going to be living out of it for 3 months and that seemed like a very long time. So off we went to the MEC to ask some people who knew things.
Now, the lady who helped me was a mix of usefulness. Perhaps she was having some sort of internal conflict of some kind but I found I had to push her for answers to my questions. It was my mother who ended up being the most help. I don't know what it was, but she was able to ask all the right questions. How will this endure? How much can it fit? How is this suited for Europe travel? and most important - How does it fit? Again and again she asked that.
I have a bad back, it runs in the family so I wanted a bag that would help and not do any damage. I tried on two bags prior, one MEC female bag and one Unisex bag. The Unisex was a flop right off the bat. It didn't settle right on me and with added weight I knew it would lead to some troubles along the line. Not only that but it was 70 +10 liters. The other female one didn't suit either, though I can't recall why. I just remember trying on Bruce. It fit like a glove. snug where it should be and the weight evenly dispersed across my back.
Once I hit the road traveling I was initially nervous about carrying it around but I had packed lightly. I Germany, it made it easy to distinguish my bag from everyone else. (It is very hard to miss that color of green in a pile of bags) Once I got to Scotland, it was even better. Everyone seemed to travel with backpacks over there! But my Bruce still stood out. When I settled in FW and started to do a bit more camping like trips, it was really beneficial to have it along. I never over filled it and when there was a bit too much stuff, or someone didn't have enough room, there was always Bruce.
I may, one day, get a down sizable bag, for shorter excursions that involve mucho plane travel, but for now there's going to be Bruce.
I love my bag. the perfect size, weight and colour. It was pricy, 400 + dollars but completely worth it in the long run.
Well they say that in places like sports stadiums and monster truck rallies. When it comes to backpacking, "go big or go home" is rather frowned upon.
I get the vague impression people think you have some sort of clothing obsession and a sever inability to downsize.
In anycase go big is what I did with my backpack. While not the biggest my Arc'teryx Altra 62, better known as Bruce the Bag. I bought this bag in the late summer/early fall of 2012, though the exact date escapes me now.
 |
| Bruce lounging on the floor of my bedroom. |
Now, the lady who helped me was a mix of usefulness. Perhaps she was having some sort of internal conflict of some kind but I found I had to push her for answers to my questions. It was my mother who ended up being the most help. I don't know what it was, but she was able to ask all the right questions. How will this endure? How much can it fit? How is this suited for Europe travel? and most important - How does it fit? Again and again she asked that.
I have a bad back, it runs in the family so I wanted a bag that would help and not do any damage. I tried on two bags prior, one MEC female bag and one Unisex bag. The Unisex was a flop right off the bat. It didn't settle right on me and with added weight I knew it would lead to some troubles along the line. Not only that but it was 70 +10 liters. The other female one didn't suit either, though I can't recall why. I just remember trying on Bruce. It fit like a glove. snug where it should be and the weight evenly dispersed across my back.
Once I hit the road traveling I was initially nervous about carrying it around but I had packed lightly. I Germany, it made it easy to distinguish my bag from everyone else. (It is very hard to miss that color of green in a pile of bags) Once I got to Scotland, it was even better. Everyone seemed to travel with backpacks over there! But my Bruce still stood out. When I settled in FW and started to do a bit more camping like trips, it was really beneficial to have it along. I never over filled it and when there was a bit too much stuff, or someone didn't have enough room, there was always Bruce.
I may, one day, get a down sizable bag, for shorter excursions that involve mucho plane travel, but for now there's going to be Bruce.
I love my bag. the perfect size, weight and colour. It was pricy, 400 + dollars but completely worth it in the long run.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Woah! I'm Back!
Did I ever change my mind. Wordpress is nice but everything is so streamlined on my Blogger account.
So, back to my travel blog. I did some wacky stuff since we last spoke/spake internet. Firstly, I traveled for 3 months in Europe, Scotland, Germany and the Czech Republic to be particular. Was that ever an eye opener. Travel did so much good for me and now I'm hooked! So, I'm going to restart this blog, give it a face lift and start posting again.
It will be weekly for now but if I can manage it will be twice weekly if I can.
So, be prepared, at the end of the week I will be posting a proper post! Article and the whole works.
So, back to my travel blog. I did some wacky stuff since we last spoke/spake internet. Firstly, I traveled for 3 months in Europe, Scotland, Germany and the Czech Republic to be particular. Was that ever an eye opener. Travel did so much good for me and now I'm hooked! So, I'm going to restart this blog, give it a face lift and start posting again.
It will be weekly for now but if I can manage it will be twice weekly if I can.
So, be prepared, at the end of the week I will be posting a proper post! Article and the whole works.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Switching!
After lots of helpful advice and research, I've decided to switch this blog to Wordpress. Nothing else will be posted here!
http://laststoponroute.wordpress.com/
http://laststoponroute.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
So! I'm going to Climb a Mountain some time in late April, Early May.
Ben Nevis.
Ben Nevis.
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| Ben is in the background, the one with snow. |
Thursday, January 10, 2013
For Starters
Yet another travel blog to clutter the world. I was thinking of just going off my old blog, but I think its better if I just separate them. My old blog has some history and baggage.
That being said, I will, on this page be commenting on travel, living before travel and hopefully my little trips. Hoping in a car, while not every exciting, is never the less travel.
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