21 Comments
User's avatar
Barbara Landreth's avatar

I might suggest compression socks for the million-hour flight. Learned the hard way. Mine were in my bag, within reach, couldn’t be bothered to put them on. (Result? Swollen ankles for two days.)

Susan Orlean's avatar

Thanks for the reminder! Great suggestion.

anneakatz's avatar

Read Daphne Sheldrick’s book- it’s fascinating. And it’ll explain the history of the organization LIFE LOVE AND ELEPHANTS. They’re doing a wonderful thing.

Mia Nguyen's avatar

Omg, love Survivor: Black Tie. Have the most wonderful time! Can't wait to hear all about it. My favorite sun hat is the Arc'teryx Sinsola Shade Hat. Light and easy.

book inc's avatar

A great read! Have a great trip!

Shannon's avatar

I brought one of those uniqlo dresses to Vietnam and it was great. Lightweight, washes well and dries quickly, can be dressed up if needed. The only thing to be wary of is that if your sunscreen isn’t completely absorbed it will leave marks on the material. They wash out but don’t look great. If you got the white it shouldn’t be a problem, but I have the dark blue.

Diana M. Wilson's avatar

When I was traveling a ton, I used to "dream" of creating a packing APP--one that would enable me to "calculate" how many different combos of the same thing I could configure. And when I hiked the Camino--all 500 miles of it--I realized that quick dry--as in wash in sink and dry by morning--was my new bestie. Anyway....Happy Travels!!

Marianne McKiernan's avatar

I bought those Danner hiking sneakers for a trip to Greenland and Iceland this year, and they were amazingly comfortable! Have a blast and say hello to all the animals from me.

Cyndi Lee's avatar

I am loving The True True Story of Rajah…so fun and funny and unique.

Mary Bisbee-Beek's avatar

I’ll bet the lanyard bracelets will be the key souvenir!

Travel with ease and all best to Babar’s relatives — Queen Celeste is my role model!

Fraser's avatar

Sounds like fun Susan! Have a great time!! (Toronto)

Abra McAndrew's avatar

Heart the Lover was so engaging! Loved it.

Annie Grossman's avatar

That dress looks awesome. I’m a chronic under packer. I always figure I can probably get buy wearing roughly the same five things I wear at home and can probably get whatever else I need where I’m going if I’m in a bind… Only thing is I feel like that means I have sometimes had to pay a silly price for a bathing suit at a hotel shop.

B L's avatar

A hat is essential. A neckerchief is great for protection from sun and bugs and absorbing sweat. No toiletries? Sunscreen, bug repellent, itch-relief stick or cream, soap? Highly recommend shampoo and conditioner in bar form. Also quick-drying socks, undies, and bras that can be washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight. And I always pack OTC eye drops that come in tiny individual ampules, Pepto tablets, Tums, and whatever Rx meds I need.

Buen viaje!

Bonnie Garvin's avatar

It’s so cheap because they’re using child labor in impoverished countries. I’m not trying to guilt trip you. I’ve bought my share of clothing from them as well. But since reading this article, I’ve reevaluated my shopping options. Source: Business and Human Rights Centrehttps://share.google/d3t1lM8Go50i2A6pD

Sharon A's avatar

Glad for the recommendation for The True True Story of Rajah the Gullible (and his mother) by Rabih Alameddine. Been considering it, although next fiction book (I alternate fiction with non-fiction) will be George Saunders' Vigil.

As for packing, sounds like you've got it all covered -- but don't forget the undies. Do you pack fresh for the entire trip or rinse out on the road (if not too personal a query)?

Laurie David's avatar

Susan just fyi there is a huge environmental cost to shopping fast fashion like uniglow and H&M and many others. There has been a lot written about it in the last few years.

Safe travels.

Susan Orlean's avatar

I am aware of that, but the big cost comes with buying and discarding quickly. I try to avoid that: I’m not buying trendy things that will end up in a landfill next year. But you make a legitimate point. Hard to know what the options are for affordable practical clothing!