Thanks! Great suggestions!

1) Check websites that serve the area you want to visit. Look at the clothes and rank things by popularity. You aren’t looking to purchase any of these things, but it gives you a good idea of what people are buying. Also, it may give you an idea of what not to bring(thinking of white tennis shoes here).

2) When you reach your destination, go to the first grocery store you see. Make a note of the open and closing times for further reference if you have an emergency(need some pepto) and to give you an idea of the shopping times in the area.

3) The last thing I can think of is a little more specific to being prepared for weather changes. But, since I travel mostly to the UK, I have made up this one along the way. There are shops that offer/require grocery bags to purchase, like Netto’s, they have the bulk standard grocery bags and the sturdier model for pence more. Go for the sturdier model and when it rains, you have something to keep all your electronics dry. I know you could travel with a trash bag, but that looks funny. This will make it appear a lot less likely that you are carrying valuables.

Also, sorry to Till about the name/gender issue. I read that forum post of yours and there was so much talk about woman’s clothes, I made an ass out of Uma Thurman(ignore the bad SNL reference).

a) safe (legally and physically) and healthy (physically and mentally)
b) involved in the trip (what I mean is that you actually profit from the trip be it for the business side or the pleasure side)
c) comfortable (this includes packing and luggage weight but also the right clothing, accessories and preparation)

If for a given person anything is absolutely necessary in these categories, they should definitely do it. Everything else is secondary and can be dealt with when and if it comes up.

Till

1. Travelling can be both physically and mentally draining. Long haul flights, jet lag, long days walking / touring when you’re not used to it, stress of trying to do basic things like buy lunch when you don’t know the language or even where to go…. Plan rest days or days where you can retire early or sleep in.

2. Take your packed luggage for a test run. Take it out the front door, try handling up / down stairs and if you’re really game, take a ride on public transport. Better to realise your luggage is too heavy & cumbersome before you head off than during your first long trek, over cobblestones, to your hotel!

3. Road test all your clothing and footwear before you go. If you’re planning to do sink washing, try it out at home for a few days. See if things dry and decide if you can live with whatever stink remains!

4. Use a packing list, perhaps find one online as a starting point.