I stuffed a 55L Osprey Farpoint backpack for this trip, but a packing cube the size of a 2-ring binder was all the clothing I brought. Aside from my laptop and electronic gear, the rest of my bag overflowed with stuff that I easily could have picked up on the road. (Minus the bottles of Clamato, and the rest of the Caesar making kit.) Here are a few tricks us ladies can use to lose some weight off our backs.

 

Mix and match

I know you love that sparkly purple tank top, but if it doesn’t match with most of your bottoms, you should probably leave it behind. I’ve already ditched a few things because they were incompatible with the majority of my stuff. Cheap clothes are all over the place, though, so restocking your wardrobe can be done easily.

 

White

I love white tops, but I’ve tossed 3 in as many weeks because of sweat stains. Unfortunately, as good as the laundry services may be, they’re not likely to get that cute white romper you love so much back to its crisp colour you fell for. It sucks, too, because mosquitoes are less attracted to light coloured clothing.

 

Sarongs

There are lots of good deals on eBay you can check out before you depart, but buying one for $2 at a local merchant is all part of the experience. And soon, it’ll prove to be one of the more useful things you can have. Beach blanket, the cover-up for temples, or simply shading you from the sun, sarongs will quickly become a staple in your hot destination travel kit.

 

Makeup & Hair

I’m not one to wake up and spend a bunch of time in front of the mirror in the morning. I’d rather be sleeping. I take approximately 30sec-2 mins in the morning doing these things, and that’s about it. I packed liquid eyeliner, mascara, and a travel straightener, and I’m glad that’s all I brought. Anything more than some pressed powder and moisturizer would be a bit of a waste. I don’t think anything would be able to stay on my face long enough the heat.

 

Toiletries

Unless it’s something you absolutely cannot live without, leave it at home. After running out of my favourite shampoo, I was quite devastated that I wouldn’t be able to find anything comparable. I was very wrong. A quick stroll through any shop, and I found a few brands that were almost the same as my western beloved, for less than the Canadian counterpart. I’ve since re-upped on body wash, cotton swabs, a pumice stone, razors.

 

Tampons

There is one exception to that “leave the toiletries at home” rule, and I promise that tampons will be worth the extra weight. I haven’t found a box for less than $8 in any city I’ve been in so far. (I’m talking small box of 8 or less.) Locals don’t use them, so they’re not very accessible. Pantyliners and pads are all over the place, though, so those can be purchased on the cheap!