Unless it’s going to be cold
where you are going or unless you plan on doing a lot of rough hiking, then
sandals are the way to go. If sandals
are going to be the only thing you wear during your trip don’t get cheap when
buying a pair. I’m a whitewater rafting guide and can testify how much better
more expensive sandals are better than the cheap ones. A good pair of Tevas or
Chacos are your best bet. It is also nice if sandals are your only pair of
shoes because it will free up a lot of room in your pack.
Flip Flops
Flip flops
are a great second pair of shoes if you will be packing walking or hiking
shoes. These shoes are cheap at home and on the road. They work great at the
beach, walking around town, or in the showers. These shoes are small, light
weight, and pack up easy.
Trail Shoes
Packing
shoes can either be the greatest idea you ever had or your worst
nightmare. Shoes are usually hot, will
make you go through socks super fast, and more importantly they take up a lot
of room. If you must take shoes buy a pair before you leave. Good name brand
shoes are hard to come across and are usually just as expensive as they would
be at home. If you must bring shoes for hiking these are better than full size
hiking boots.
Sleeping Sack
A sleeping
bag is too big and hardly worth carrying around in most places. Unless you are
traveling in a very cold climate and will be camping a lot, leave this at home.
Instead just pack a lightweight seeping sack. You can get cloth and fleece
ones. These take up less space and can help you a number of ways. They will
save you money from not having to rent sheets, can be used as a sleeping pad if
camping, or as a sheet on a dirty bed.
Umbrella
A small packable umbrella is the
only thing you really need to protect you from the rain. Odds are if its
raining you won’t be going out. If you will be going out in the rain it won’t
be for long. If you pack rain gear you will probably never use it. Plus it’s a
pain to pack away wet gear when you get on a bus or cab. At least with the
umbrella you can shake it off.