What to Take for Exotic / Remote Travel

Most of us are experienced travelers in the sense that we know to downsize our toiletries and not to pack five pairs of shoes for a three-day weekend.  We know what to take for skiing and what to take for the beach.  But what do we pack for a more exotic trip?  What are some of the necessities to bring if you are headed to a non-traditional location?

Here are a few quick items that you might consider for your next exotic trip:

• A point-it book could come in handy if you are trekking through an area with a significant language barrier. It basically contains thousands of pictures of things you might need; you can simply point.

• Biodegradable toilet paper would certainly come in handy. Enough said.

• Layers are an essential clothing choice when you are unsure about the climate.

• Scarves are a great lightweight addition to your packing wardrobe. You never know when an indoor museum might be chilly or a beautiful old cathedral would prefer you to cover your head and arms before entering.

• Eating utensils could come in handy when you least expect it. Make sure that whichever ones you opt to bring will comply with your airline’s restrictions.

• Don’t forget a travel towel and travel washcloth. These are not as universally provided as you might think, and they are surprising versatile when you are on the road.

• When I am traveling to my parents’ house in northern Colorado, I know that I can find the basics either in their bathroom or at a nearby drugstore. But if you are headed to unknown locations, make sure to pack a first aid kit, including a universal topical treatment such as Tiger Balm.

Let me know what else you would add!