Last summer, I traveled SE Asia for eight weeks. I went to the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. There were some challenging moments, but it was all amazing and I can’t wait to share the details of my trip with you all. To start, let me tell you how I packed.

I carried all my things in a medium-sized backpack (that has a laptop sleeve) and a large purse. Both were accepted as carry-ons on all flights. 

What I brought with me:

Electronics:

• iPhone 5
• Macbook Pro
  
• Kindle 6" E Ink Display
  
• Nikon D7100 + Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
  

Cords/chargers:

• portable external charger
• iPhone cord
• cord for charging kindle and external charger
• laptop cord
• DSLR cord and charger
• universal adaptor

Clothes + accessories:

• water proof shorts
  
• bikini 
  
• underwear (4)
  
• socks (6)
  
• sneakers
  
• flip-flops
  
• earrings (1)
  
• hankerchief
  
• tank tops (2)
  
• sports bra
  
• bras (3)
  
• rainproof jacket
  
• athletic shorts
  
• t-shirts (3)
  
• capri pants
  
• black skirt
  
• sunglasses and case
  
• baseball cap

Toiletries:

• toothbrush + toothpaste
• razor (2)
  
• deodorant
  
• shampoo + conditioner
  
• body wash
  
• hand sanitizer
  
• eyedrops 
  
• tiger balm
  
• bug repellent
  
• sunscreen
• lipstick
• nail clippers, nail file, and tweezers
  
• hair brush
• sports hair ties (4) and small ties (4)
  
• q-tips
  

Other:

• computer mouse and mouse pad
  
• usb key
  
• earbuds
  
• umbrella
  
• travel security neck wallet/purse
  
• flashlight
  
• bandaids
  
• small quick dry towel
  
• eye-mask for sleeping
  
• ear plugs for sleeping
  
• mouth night guard
  
• Excedrin + Tylenol
  
• passport
  
• scuba diving certification card
  
• two passport size photos
  
• playing cards
  
• tissue paper + wet tissues
  
• mechanical pencil
  
• pens (3)
  
• two notebooks
  
• folder including copies of my passport and credit cards incase lost
  
• padlock and key 
  
• SO MANY PLASTIC AND ZIPLOCK BAGS

My advice is to try not to overpack. You can always buy things along the trip, but you can always throw things away or mail things home if you need to, too. If you’re thinking, “Oh my goodness, how can I live without X, Y, and Z?” –Remember that the people of the country you’re visiting to, do. (Obviously, I’m talking about something like a brand of toothpaste, not medication, if you needed.)

My entire trip cost $4447.54. I ate a lot of good food, mostly local. I stayed in some nice hotels and some crowded hostels. I took a few buses but booked several budget flights. I paid for some hotels and flights online with a credit card and took out cash from ATMs along the way (never more than $200 at a time). 

The money break down:

Flights: $1,234.09

Hotels: $684.10

Cash withdrawals (which covered food, activities, hostels, buses): $2,529.35