Kitlist
As I have only planned one week ahead once landing in Mexico, it is hard to think about what to pack, especially into one bag. However I plan to:
Hike, swim, work away, avoid mosquitos (and malaria), be green, be groovy and also be reasonably safe
My checklist is suited to my trip, and the climate conditions that I expect to encounter once in Central America (including hurricane season....):
Backpack
- Pack- 65L capacity
- Pack Cover
- Small Rucksack for carry on
- Bumbag for important items
Clothing
- Top layers
- Bottom Layers
- Dresses
- Fleece
- Jumper
- Bikinis/ Swimming costume
- Pants
- Socks
- Bralet
- Gym set
- PJ's
- Cap
- UV protect sunglasses
- Goggles
- Tote bags
- Trainers
- Birkenstocks
- Slides
- Rainmac
Cosmetics/ Healthcare
- SPF face, lips and body
- Makeup
- Firstaid kit- tweezers, comped, plasters, antiseptic wipe, bite cream, tape, germoline, triangle sling
- Pill pack - pill, anadin, antihistamine, Imodium, paracetamol, iburprofen
- Cleansing balm and cloth
- Aloe vera
- Shampoo and conditioning bar
- Soap
- Razor, razor head and razor case
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Hair brush, slides and bobbles
- Insect repellent
- Nail file
- Mirror
- Tampons
Extras
- Microfibre towel
- Scarfs for hostel beds (to act as a curtain for privacy)
- Hammock
- Journal
- Pencil case
- Book
- Micro USB
- Phone adaptor
- Portable charger
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Drybag
- Padlock
- Cards / games
Saving plastic
- Cutlery set
- Reusable bottle
- Tumbler
- Eco brick
Bumbag
- Passport w/ yellow fever vaccine
- Insurance policy
- Mexico visa
- Headphones
- Phone charger
- Eye mask
- Wallet
From carrying your own cutlery set, water bottle and tumbler makes it easier for you to say no to single use plastics. My cutlery set is awesome, it has a knife, fork and spoon and also has a couple of straws, a straw cleaner and chopsticks. I am set, and it is my mission to only use these when travelling. I plan to get my cold drinks made into my tumbler and will try to fill my water bottle up at every available tap - if they ensure me it's safe.
Another impacting factor on the environment are the harmful ingredients found in sunscreen. Most common suncreams contain contain chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone. These chemicals melt into the ocean upon contact, bleach the coral and poison the fish. When choosing a suncream, try to factor these ingredients to preserve the fragile underwater eco systems. I have found that, Badger SPF 30 active mineral sunscreen, is eco-friendly and also has a high SPF for protection too, i found it in Real Foods.
For soap and shampoo, I am taking bars as they have zero plastic packaging and are small and easy to carry. I` got both bars from Trevano, Cornwall but these can now be found in most large supermarkets, Boots or Holland and Barrett.