One of the benefits of doing Project 333 is that you’re already working with a limited set of items and have already thought about the potential combinations, so a packing list ends up just being a subset of that (assuming you’re going to a place with a similar climate, like I am). I’ve had to deviate a bit though – just an addition of a sun hat, swimwear and pants with better pockets. Plus stuff to wear on the plane, which is basically pyjamas really – we’ll be landing at 3am!
These are some of my essentials, which will be coming with me in carry-on. Mastering the art of travelling without checked luggage is on my to-do list, but with a 7kg, one bag limit on Tiger and my camera gear weighting about 4kg already, I’m not sure that’s likely to happen any time soon.
Anyway, here’s my travel essentials:
- Camera gear. Obviously.
- Smart phone, for storing documents and media, and accessing wifi.
- Something warm and comfortable to wear on the plane and over air-conditioned hotel rooms.
- Snacks! Especially on a budget airline that doesn’t give you food. I’m taking a dried fruit and nut mix, and my mum is packing sandwiches.
- Reading materials – I get through books very quickly, so a Kindle ends up smaller and lighter for me.
- A scarf, for covering when it’s a little chilly or in religious buildings.
- Notebook and pen/pencil for sketches and ideas.
- A billion packs of tissues, because I seem to always get sick on flights.
- Empty water bottle to fill up in the departure lounge.
I don’t think I’ve emphasised enough how much I love this ONA camera satchel – it’s one of the most beautiful and expensive non-tech items that I own. It’s a bit on the heavy side and I’m terrified of getting the leather exterior wet, but it fits everything beautifully and is about a million times nicer (and less obvious) than a regular camera bag. It also fits nicely under the seat on an airplane, so I don’t have to freak out about someone knocking my camera in the overhead compartments.
Usually I travel with my Canon 16-30L lens and the ‘nifty fifty’ 50mm f1.8, but as I’m going to the zoo I wanted to also take something with a bit more zoom power, the 24-70L. It’s a bit of a heavy load, but I’m hoping the photos will be worth it.
I’m off!
