>PACK LIGHT / CARRY-ON ONLY Pack light Pack light Pack light. Reasons for this:  You'll walk more with your luggage than you ever expect - even on a tour. Also, carry-on allows flight flexibility - you can standby for the earlier flight that cuts short that long layover (not allowed with checked bags). Bonus:  A liberating vacation from our daily burden of possessions - distill to essentials!    So!  Lay out everything you think you need and take away a third.  Strive for carry-on only. Buy the right suitcase (see Equipment). One suitcase and one daypack per person. >SHOES Start wardrobe planning with shoes: (I can't say enough about footwear importance) 2 pairs plus flip flops or crushable sandals: First pair - good quality waterproof walking/hiking. Second pair - back-up that can be used to give feet a rest from first pair and when first pair get wet or muddy.  Still need to be able to walk around London all day in this pair.  There are some good packable options out there. Lastly, flip flops or sandals for pool-side, dirty showers, beach wear, around hotel. Water shoes or Teva types good option here too. NEVER take new shoes on a trip.  If you buy something - do it at least a couple weeks in advance and wear them a lot before departure. >CLOTHING Make sure all tops go with all bottoms for maximum combinations out of minimal pieces. Look for reversible and convertible pieces - ie. zip-off pants and reversible knit cold weather layer in two colors. Choose a good quality rain parka with hood and drawstrings for outermost layer. No jeans - they pack thick and don't dry readily.   Plan on washing - especially socks and undies - along the way.  Or another good strategy - bring items that are on a 'one-way trip' and just leave them behind.  Often someone in your host country will be glad to get them, and then room for souvenir purchases magically appears!   >LAYERS Layers are the key for dealing with weather variations, rather than carrying a big thick coat (unless taking an Antarctic or more extreme trip). Start with warm weather layer and work outward:  t-shirt or tank top first, then short-sleeved shirt and/or long-sleeved shirt, then warm layer (fleece, hoodie, reversible sweater, etc.), then rain jacket.  Don't start with a turtleneck (again, unless in a more extreme trip) because it's hard to take off later in day when it warms up. *See notes in PACKING LIST below for more tips...

(copy / paste / print): cash - small bills best credit cards - two types, in case one doesn't 'go thru' travelers checks - use as emergency funds and to convert phone calling card drivers license airline tickets passport / visa immunization records - if required, check carefully photocopies of above - trimmed and kept in separate place addresses / phones / email / emergency contacts both home and abroad -   check US Dept. of State International Travel). moneybelt - more in Cautions luggage tags / TSA locks pens, pencil / notepad guidebook / maps language book itinerary novel / journal wet wipes - single pack airplane food toiletry case - thin, waterproof shampoo / conditioner soap - liquid works well   (all liquid toiletries in good quality small travel bottles    and within ziplocks) toothpaste / toothbrush / floss brush/comb vaseline first aid kit - small meds - combo of: antibiotics / antibacterial cream / cortisone / Pepto / Imodium / pain-reliever / Ex-Lax / vitamins / RX Kleenex - couple travel packs nail clipper / file shaving needs for women:  feminine items / pocket mirror / lotion /   hair clips or bands  make up - minimal jewelry - minimal and not irreplaceable sewing kit sunscreen insect repellent (no aerosols, look for stick type)   see Cautions eye needs:  contacts, solution / reading glasses /     sunglasses / case plastic fork / spoon / can opener baggies - few large, few small, myriad uses bungee or rubber bands thin nylon cord for clothesline camera / battery(ies) extra storage / film charger - outlet / car voltage/current adaptor/convertor binoculars - see Equipment pouch/case safety chain raincover bird book lens paper scope / tripod flashlight - small, or penlight alarm clock - travel style watch - cheap, w/ new battery or windup type extra batteries compass - small, zipper clip-on type raincoat - parka style w/ hood rain pants - thin nylon hat - crushable swimsuit - men can use zip-off pants   (tankini type works well for women - top can be worn   alone) scarf/bandanna - many uses shoes - 2-3 pairs - see PACKING TIPS above pants - 1 pair chinos (for airplane), 2 pairs cargo or zip-offs   shorts - optional / use zip-offs skirts - 1-2, depending on preference, good for airplane t-shirts - 2-3 shirts - 2-3 long sleeve, 2-3 short sleeve sweater/warm layer - choose carefully - make sure thin     and packable socks / undies - 4-6 pairs bra - 2  belt nylon or net bag - flattens to almost nothing, for     souvenirs, dirty clothes, etc. >If traveling w/ kids (limit to what child can carry in own daypack): small toys / games / cards Gameboy type w/ charger or batteries books snacks small sketchpad / colored pencils / little sharpener Beanie baby friend (not irreplaceable) small ball or nylon frisbee >Following optional, depending on trip and preferences (not all carry-on items): tent sleeping bags / pads ground cloth snorkel gear harmonica laptop small hard drive device (for digital pic storage, etc.) MP3 birdsong system insect net - head, etc. laser pointer walkie talkies GPS cell phone / charger water bottle - not often needed, bottled water widely   available gloves / stocking hat - depending on trip towel - optional, thin packable hand-towel size bowl / cup - optional, depending on type of trip vest - birder's type, w/ pockets

Daypack, Peruvian style

Flamingos, Rift Valley, Kenya

Raingear in good use, Amazonia