From Chaos to Calm: Packing for the Adventure of a Lifetime

When I booked my 4-month journey across five countries on two continents, the excitement quickly gave way to a major question: What the heck do you pack for India, Nepal, Egypt, Zambia, and Kenya from March through June? With climates ranging from the humid lowlands of India to the high-altitude chill of Nepal to the dusty safari plains of Africa, I knew this wouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all situation.

So I leaned hard into minimalist, practical, and culturally respectful packing—and it worked. I stayed mobile, comfortable, and appropriately dressed for temples, remote villages, bustling cities, and national parks.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what I brought, what I’d tweak next time, and tips for planning your own epic multi-country adventure.

Countries Visited: A Quick Overview

• India: Kolkata, Sundarbans, Agra, Delhi
  
• Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Himalayan trails
  
• Egypt: Dahab (scuba diving), Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan
  
• Zambia: Lusaka, Victoria Falls
  
• Kenya: Nairobi, safaris, Mount Kenya region
  

Each destination had different cultural norms, climates, and infrastructure—which meant my bag needed to be as adaptable as I was.

My Minimalist Packing List (Everything Fit in a carryon suitcase and 28 liter backpack)

Clothing

Tops (5-6 total):

• 2 breathable t-shirts (cotton or merino)
  
• 2 tank tops (used mostly under shawls or at home)
  
• 1 long-sleeve button-down (for temples & sun protection & work)
  
• 1 long sleeved flannel shirt
  

Bottoms (3-4 total):

• 1 pair hiking pants
  
• 1 pair loose harem-style pants (perfect for temples)
  
• 1 pair leggings
  
• 1 pair of shorts
  

Underwear/Socks:

• 8 pairs quick-dry underwear
  
• 1 sports bra + 1 regular + 1 bralette
  
• 3 pairs of socks (including 1 wool for hiking)
  

Outerwear:

• Lightweight rain jacket
  
• Fleece zip up jacket
  
• Scarf (lifesaver for modesty, warmth, and sun)
  

Shoes (3 total):

• Ballet flats for dressing up
  
• Lightweight trail runners
  
• Flip-flops (hostels, beaches, quick errands)
  

Sleepwear:

• 1 pair of sleep/casual shorts
• 1 pj dress
• Sleep mask for face to block out the sun
• Sleep bonnet for hair
• Sleeping bag liner for when it’s too hot for the provided comforter and there’s no sheet
  
  

Toiletries & Health Items

• Shampoo and conditioner bars
  
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor
  
• Natural deodorant
  
• Reef-safe sunscreen (restocked in Egypt)
  
• Menstrual cup
  
• Lipstick
  
• First-aid kit: ibuprofen, Imodium, bandaids
• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• Doxycycline for malarian prevention
• Antibiotics for food poisoning
• Antibiotics for UTI
• Treatment for yeast infection that could result from antibiotics

Pro tip: I bought shampoo and conditioner locally when I ran out. It’s cheaper and saves space!

Electronics for Remote Work

• Laptop + charger
  
• Portable stand + foldable keyboard
  
• Smartphone + unlocked for local SIMs
  
• Travel adapters (Europe + UK plug types)
  
• Power banks (10,000 mAh and a smaller one for hikes)
  
• Headphones with mic (Zoom approved)
• Earbuds
  
  

Vaccinations & Medical Prep

Before departure, I visited a travel clinic to update key vaccinations. Here’s what I got (or already had):

• ✅ Yellow Fever (mandatory for entry to Zambia and Kenya from Egypt)
  
• ✅ Typhoid
  
• ✅ Hepatitis A & B
  
• ✅ Tetanus booster
  
• ✅ Rabies pre-exposure (optional but I opted in)
• Oral cholera vaccine
  

Other Considerations:

• Carried a digital and physical Yellow Card (proof of Yellow Fever vaccine)
  
• Bought travel insurance covering scuba diving, trekking, and medical evacuation
  
• Brought anti-malarial tablets (for Zambia and Kenya), and checked CDC guidelines here.
  

Travel Planning Tips for a Multi-Country Trip

1. Layer Activities Around Visa Requirements

• India and Kenya require eVisas. Egypt and Nepal offer visa-on-arrival. Zambia doesn’t require a visa although it says online that it does.
  

2. Map Out Transit Hubs

• I used Skyscannerand Rome2Rio for planning regional travel and cross-border connections.
  

3. Book Accommodations in Blocks

• I booked the first 1-2 weeks in each country in advance. After that, I booked based on where the wind took me.
  

4. Stay Mobile

• Travel light enough to walk 20 minutes with your pack. It opens up way more options.
  

5. Plan Around Seasons

• March in India = dry and warm.
  
• Nepal in April = perfect for trekking.
  
• Egypt in May = dry heat, ideal for Red Sea diving.
  
• Zambia and Kenya in June = start of dry season, great for safaris.
  

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Stay Curious

I won’t lie—traveling across five countries in four months while working remotely was an ambitious feat. But by packing intentionally, respecting local cultures, and staying open to flexibility, I managed to have the adventure of a lifetime with just two bags.

If you’re planning your own long-haul journey, remember: You don’t need more. You need better. Prioritize function, comfort, and respect—and leave room in your bag (and your mind) for surprises.

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