When you’re traveling from country to country…
…with a maximum rucksack load of 7 kgs, we tend to be fairly selective about what we carry and what gets left at home. It all depends on the climate of the countries we’re visiting and the type of accommodation (if any) we plan to use.
Most of our long trips are in the tropics, so bulky clothes are the least of our worries. We find the bulkiest – and heaviest – items are the photographic and related electronic equipment, snorkeling gear and medical kit. But we like to include reusable utensils for drinking and eating, lightweight blankets, and so on.
SandSpice Travel Essentials – The Things We Carried
Regarding reading material, whenever possible we always select Kindle versions of the books we take with us. It’s quite alarming how much space a few real books will occupy in your pack.
Here then is a summary of the things we’ve carried during our travels – as well as the stuff we’ve purchased during our trips . Depending on your destination, you might find some of these travel essentials useful yourself…
The New Sri Lankan House
Through the inclusion of plans, sections and elevations, full-colour photographs and interviews with owners and architects, Powell traces the evolution of residence styles in both urban and rural areas of Sri Lanka.
Pop-Up Mosquito Net for Beds
The mosquito net size is L79 x W71 x H59 inch, big enough for 2 adults to sleep inside.
Easy to Pop-Up and Fold, the tent can be washed by hand in warm water and air dried easily. Package Size: 18 x 18 inches, Weight: 1kg.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Offering complete waterproof protection from river rafting trips to motorcycle tours, MIER Dry Bags have been proven on rivers, oceans, and open roads around the world. It is made from high grade 500D ripstop tarpaulin which will not only provide you with the waterproof protection you require but also ensure your dry bag is durable and reliable.
Sri Lankan Wildlife
An ideal field guide and armchair read, this book is illustrated with color photographs of species and includes maps charting animal habitats to aid identification.
Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Natural, safe mosquito bracelets - Non-toxic and safe to use against mosquitoes, bugs and annoying insects, as these bracelets have essential oils citronella, eucalyptus oil, lavender. Provide protection against mosquito bites up to 120 hours.
Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
Nothing but pure, organic, ground Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). No GMOs. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA. So good, it was voted "BEST" Ceylon Cinnamon by Epicurious in 2018.
After Bite Itch Eraser (Pen)
Active ingredient is 5% Sodium Bicarbonate. Inactive ingredients are Ammonia, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerine, and Purified water. No chemicals - it works off of heat and vibration. You have to hold the pen on the skin for 60 seconds.
Full Face Snorkeling Mask
The 180 panoramic view gives you a clearer view of the ocean world. Additional removable motion camera brackets allow you to easily capture your adventures and share them with your friends and family. Suitable for beginners, adults, children. and inexperienced swimmers.
Universal Plug
Charge Up to 3 Devices at Once. USA, Japan, Philippines Travel Adapter Plug with Dual USB. Perfect for Cell Phones, Laptops, Camera Chargers
Sand Free Beach Blanket
This mat keeps away sand, dust, and water, with 4 stakes to secure it firmly to the ground. Comes with a travel sack which allows the beach blanket to pack to an incredibly small, compact size.
Recipes From Sri Lanka
Chef Emily Dobbs shares her favourite Sri Lankan-inspired recipes for every meal and season, including chapters on breakfast (such as crispy egg hopper 'pancakes') short eats (think traditional street food like vadai and mutton rolls) and a large selection of meat, fish, fruit and vegetable curries and their accompaniments.
Anti Leech Hiking Socks
Ideal if you travel in areas of the tropics like SE Asia, Borneo and New Guinea where leeches are common. These socks protect your feet and ankles from the leeches and are comfortable worn over socks.
Mini Water Filtration System
The reusable 0.1 absolute micron MINI water filter produces clean water from freshwater lakes, rivers, & streams, as well as faucets in your hotel while traveling. Also comes with a straw that enables you to drink filtered water directly from a water source.
Pocket Blanket
Waterproof, Windproof & Sandfree Packable Beach Blanket - Perfect for Picnic Time, Travel, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking Outdoor
Sri Lanka Curry Powder
Roasted Curry Powder made according to a traditional recipe with freshly harvested exotic spices in Sri Lanka
High-Performance Backpack
TETON continues to be the top selling internal frame backpack on Amazon at a great price for all the included features; For men and women: Waist Belt- Adjustable 26 - 60 inches. Torso Length- Adjustable 15 - 19.5 inch.
Mosquito Wipes 30% DEET
Adventure awaits. Whether you’re camping, fishing, hunting or heeding the call of the wild, you need an insect repellent that’s going to go the extra mile. Repel Insect Repellents offer dependable coverage that last as long as you need it to.
Street Food Asia
Join Luke Nguyen through the bustling and fragrant backstreets of Asia. Through Saigon, Jakarta, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Luke uncovers the hidden locations and secret street food cultures.
Mobile WiFi Hotspot
Rapid download speed up to 150 Mbps 4G LTE and 43.2 Mbps 3G download. Enjoy your incredibly fast Internet experience!
Offers up to 6 hours of working time and up to 300 hours of standby. Ideal for tourists going abroad.
Easy Spanish Step-By-Step
A proven grammar based approach that gets you communicating in Spanish with confidence, right away
Mosquito Wipes 30% DEET
100% Pure Memory Foam. Rotate 360 Degrees, Super Soft Neck Pillow, with 3D Contoured Eye Masks, Earplugs & Luxury Bag
SandSpice Travel Essentials – The Things We Carried
Subscribe now to get instant notifications of newly published articles (no spam).
In addition to travel essentials you may be looking for Travel Plans? Then take a look at these extended, low-cost itineraries:
Travel Plans
