A Dead Bat in Paraguay inspired me to travel. I want to do a mini version of the trip minus the gas. I booked tickets to Quito, Ecuador with a return flight from Rio. I'm giving myself 4 months to hit up Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay (maybe), and Brazil. Any tips on what to pack, what's a good backpack, and misc travel tips? I'm thinking 2 weeks worth of clothes should be good.

2 weeks worth of clothes is way too much if you're moving around a lot. It's partially personal preference, but I think 3-4 days worth is fine and you can still dress well; just wash/hang a little bit of dirty clothes whenever you have a chance, such as right before/after showering. Get some sort of rubber sink stopper to assist with this. I also try to choose clothes that are pretty much all interchangeable.

Check out http://www.onebag.com/ it's all about what to take, how to pack it, and why you should just use a carry on.
Also Tim Ferris at http://www.fourhourworkweek.com (if you haven't read the book read it NOW) has an article and video on How to Travel the World with 10 pounds or less. http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/200...reehouses/

Since I'm spending 13 days in the Philippines in April for my first World Trip I decided I'm just going to use a carry on and buy anything else I need there. As bad as hassling checked luggage is in the States I'm sure it's worse in a foreign country.

Nice travel tips. I guess the white pimp suit is not going on this trip.

(02-27-2010 01:19 PM)feomateo Wrote:  Nice travel tips. I guess the white pimp suit is not going on this trip.

Ha.

I would make room for it.

Bring lots of little unique nick-nacks that you can only find in the US. They wont take up much space but they'll do wonders for your exoticness. Some examples: gum, cigarettes, lighters, jewelry, camera, phone, clothing accessories.

My book was to scare you into taking that trip, not motivate

Take all the sexual gear you need.. condoms, lube.
Earplugs for sleeping in loud dorms.

At least one outfit where you look sharp.

You won't have room for two weeks in a backpack alone. But you can add a duffel bag to the mix. I don't travel light but I like having options, looking somewhat decent, and not having to do laundry ever 6 days.