I'm sorry if there's been some tension between the two of you, because I have watched with some amusement -- one of the reasons I enjoy the world so much is it's diversity, and because there are differences there will always be some conflict, and tension, and I must chuckle a little, that one of the most wonderful things about the world landed in my own posting. :)
I appreciate BOTH of you for the thoughts and tips you provided, because both are helpful. I'm not 100% on board with Rick Steves either - for example, I plan on taking a much smaller pack than he suggests for his travelers, and the scarf may not make it in. But I did find some links on the web link above to a store I think may offer a couple items I could really use (rei.com).
As for the soap dispute: I'll bring my own from home -- but it won't last my entire journey, so I'll certainly purchase more abroad too. To be honest, I'm more concerned about shoes than soap.
As for #12, 15 and 19, I hate being addressed in all caps...I feel that I am being yelled at!
For the OP:
shoes: one pair Teva type, one Rockport type, black or brown....fits male and female.
bring a sarong...male and female....can be a skirt or male waist coverup, a beach or hostel or shower cover-up, a hostel sheet, a blanket on the beach, a towel, a skirt, a shoulder wrap for churches, a scarf, a head piece, a picnic blanket... etc... the best thing I brought!
Soap and toothpaste and shampoo issue...bring some and find the rest as you go...
I still do not know if you are male or female, but I am female and found it great to bring my own tampons/pads so I did not have to hunt them down when needed.
Or, get on a pill or such with which you dont have your period every month....makes it better, but you must try this out for several months before you go. Make a check of the time change also.
and I have to be a mother and say...
(Also, of course, bring condoms if you are gonna have sex, to protect against other things.)
SARAKI
I use capitals to identify who I am addressing. If it makes you think that you are being yelled at, then I suggest you have a very insecure personality.
I also don't do grungy when I travel. Casual long pants that are quick drying - avoid those zip off short types. Buy local sometimes. Not sure where you're from, but North American and European T-shirts for example are heavy fabrics - they don't dry easily. Buy Local as you go. Dark, but not black fabrics work. While earth tones might not be your colours, they have some benefits.
wolfiewillowdog probably has a bitchy personality judging by their retort
Campmor is a great mail order company in the US.
Get a pair of quick drying, sun protecting, light weight pants that zip off into shorts (a good option if the temperature changes a lot during the day or you are someplace with bugs that come out at dusk):
pants for a guy
pants for a woman
Also, get a pair or two of midweight long underwear:
underwear for a guy
underwear for a woman
It is pretty stereotypical traveler wear, but travelers buy this stuff because it makes sense.
trusted partner
