After backpacking around South East Asia for more than 6 months, I realised that while there are a million and three “what to pack for your backpacking adventure” articles, there aren’t any that tell you the silly things that you’re grateful to have with you at certain moments.
As a seasoned solo wanderer, I’m here to let you in on a little secret: the essentials that will make or break your experience have nothing to do with a toothbrush, clean underwear, or that dog-eared copy of Eat, Pray, Love. No, to truly survive and thrive out there in the wild unknown, you’ll need a few unconventional items that will keep you from losing your mind during those long layovers, bumpy bus rides, and sleepless nights in questionable hostels. So toss out that useless guidebook, dump half the contents of your bag, and make room for the five essentials that will turn you into a happy and effortlessly social backpacker.
My all time favourite, the Rubik’s cube has made a major imprint on my adventures in many different ways. A couple of weeks into my travels I met two guys in a café in Phuket (hi guys if you’re reading this) and Harvey (or as he prefers, my Rubik’s mentor) took out a Rubik’s cube. I watched him solve it effortlessly and thought “wow, I want to be able to do that.” He and I ended up working together in a party hostel in Phi Phi and the Rubik’s cube was a major hit here. With some drunken lessons from Harvey and a couple of YouTube videos later, I soon learned the secrets that the cube possessed and I was elated.
I mean, what better way to stave off boredom during long bus rides or WIFI-less plane journeys than a classic 90’s puzzle toy? Yes yes, you technically will have to learn how to solve it. Don’t look at me like that. It’s actually pretty easy once you understand it, and look, I’ve even added a link to the best video on YouTube to help you. A Rubik’s cube is a backpacker’s secret weapon. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of downtime to fill and a cube gives your mind something to chew on. Don’t worry if you can’t figure it out, half the fun is just fiddling with it.
My memories of travelling are filled with visuals of colourful cubes and confused expressions. The Rubik’s cube is such a core memory for so many of us 90s and early 2000s kids that to meet someone who can solve it is almost like meeting a celebrity. Add a few drinks to the equation, and you will be worshipped. Is this a guide on what to pack or how to boost your ego? I forget now.
My point is, if you’re worried about making friends while travelling, the Rubik’s cube is a cheap and cheerful icebreaker that is sure to get a conversation started. When other travellers see you adeptly manipulating the cube, they’ll flock to you in awe. Use this opportunity to teach the people you meet and pass on the joy of the cube as you travel. The amount of friends I’ve made by teaching them the basic algorithm of the cube is unbelievable. You never know who might become your next travel buddy over a shared love of puzzles and ’90s nostalgia.
Endless Entertainment With a Deck of Cards
Trust me, at some point, someone somewhere is going to say the words you’ve been waiting for since you stuffed that damn pack of cards into your backpack: “Does anyone have a deck of cards?”
When that moment comes, you’ll be the hero (unless you’ve left them in your big backpack at the hostel, yikes). From wasting time and bonding over a game of blackjack, to teaching local kids an easy game of snap, the possibilities a pack of cards can offer is endless.
Every evening that I spent in Laos involved a pack of cards and a round of Cambio before calling it a night. Backpacking is the perfect time to pick up a new card game or two. The amount of card games I have been taught (and quickly forgotten) while travelling is impossible to count. By learning other games from fellow backpackers, you’ll get a glimpse into different cultures and make connections over a shared experience. Some games translate across borders, so don’t be afraid to share what you know as well, I’m sure “F*ck You” is a world-wide recognised drinking game.
Stay Cosy and Comfortable With Warm Socks
For the intrepid solo backpacker, a pair of warm socks is essential kit. Trust me, it does not matter if you’re flying to Bali and ending your trip in Laos, there will come a time in between all the sweating and overheating when you’d happily trade in your flipflops for a pair of cosy grandpa socks. A chunky pair of socks will save you on those long overnight trips on sleeper buses with dodgy aircon or icy hostel rooms with sticky leather “mattresses”.
Wool socks are the wanderer’s best friend. They insulate even when wet, breathe so your feet don’t get swampy, and the natural fibres massage your soles with every step. Smart socks, am I right? While cotton may be cosy, it won’t cut it for serious adventures. Wool all the way, baby.
At night, slip those bad boys on for instant relief from the bone-chilling cold of over-AC’d rooms. No more lying awake shivering, contemplating the meaning of life and why on earth you decided to go backpacking in the first place.
Anti-Nausea Meds are your Best Friend
I’ll say it louder for the people in the back. ANTI. NAUSEA. MEDS. From my experiences on dive boats, twisty bus rides, food that didn’t quite settle right, or one too many beers the night before, nausea can strike at any time. And when it does, it puts a serious damper on your adventure.
Thankfully, anti-nausea medication is easily sourced. Whether you’re buying a 12 pack for next to nothing in 7-Eleven, or stopping by a pharmacy, these little guys are so essential. Products like Dramamine, Bonine, or generic dimenhydrinate are easy to find and can be a lifesaver. I cannot express this enough. Do NOT wait until you feel travel sick, take the damn tablet at least 30 minutes before a bus journey or boat ride if you aren’t too sure. It’s not going to help you if you’re already throwing up.
For milder cases of nausea or upset stomach, natural remedies like ginger chews, peppermint or lavender essential oil can do the trick without the side effects. Even the Thai inhalers with natural herbs can help to ease off the nausea a bit. These are called ya dom meaning literally “medicinal inhaler.” They may not be as fast-acting as the medication but can relieve discomfort when your stomach’s feeling off.
Nobody wants their trip of a lifetime ruined by a bout of nausea. Do yourself (and everyone else on the bus) a favour – toss some anti-nausea meds and natural remedies in your bag. Your stomach will thank you for it!
Earphones over Everything Else
While screaming babies, amorous couples, and slamming doors at all hours of the night are the backpacker’s lullaby, it can sometimes be nice to drown it all out.
Not only for sleeping, earphones are crucial for creating your own personal soundtrack to your adventures. You will need a bad-ass playlist for the back of a Grab bike or some chill vibes for lounging on the beach.
Pro tip: invest in a sturdy, tangle-resistant pair that can stand up to being jammed into your pocket or backpack. Water resistance is also key – your buds are bound to get sweaty in the tropics or wet during a random thunderstorm.
While the essential gear may change for each trip, your earphones are always a must. They’re your connection to comfort, entertainment and escape in unfamiliar surroundings.
Conclusion
That’s it, the bare essentials for any aspiring solo backpacker. I mean, obviously go and read some more helpful articles on what to pack such as a toothbrush and shoes if you must. In my opinion though, with these 5 things you’ll be absolutely flying it. Pack light and leave your inhibitions at home.
The world is your Rubik’s cube, waiting to be solved one twisted algorithm at a time. Pull up your socks, pop a pill if things get hairy, then zone out to your anthem with those earphones in. Easy.
Now go, get lost.