By Sara Sentor
There is so much to do and see in Australia that getting bogged down in the weight of suitcases can be a hindrance. The best way to experience Australia is traveling light. Take the basics, Australia is a casual place.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Lightweight luggage
Travel-sized toiletries
Small bag for portability
- Lightweight luggage
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Small bag for portability
Step 1
Get a sturdy backpack with lots of pockets. This will help you keep everything in one place and allow easy access when necessary. If a backpack is not your thing get a lightweight piece of luggage like a duffel bag that is easy to maneuver. Choose luggage made of durable and weather-resistant material. Mulholland-brand duffels offer laminated polyvinyl that is great for outdoor use and is waterproof, resistant to tear and scratches as well.
Step 2
The climate varies in Australia so pack according to the month. Spring is in September, December brings summer while autumn is in March and winter comes in June. Rainy season is summer, and the more south you travel the more temperate the climate with lots of sun in winter but cooler temperatures. The best clothing to take if traveling in summer is a couple of shorts, jeans and a couple of T-shirts with a pullover for chilly nights if you go to the Outback. For winter substitute sneakers for boots, pullover for an all-weather jacket and T-shirts and shorts for fleece shirts and warm cotton trousers. When you are in doubt do not pack it. There are plenty of American-style stores in Australia.
Step 3
When you travel to Brisbane and Australia the sun is a consideration that cannot be ignored. Even if you do not feel hot and the temperature is bearable the sun here is strong and you can get burned in minutes. It is always necessary to wear sunscreen and a hat. So apply sunscreen and keep yourself slathered in it. Always keep a bottle of water and some snacks in your backpack. This will help ward off dehydration and you will not feel tired from all the walking around.
Step 4
Get travel-size bottles for all your toiletries to keep it light. If you run out you can always buy more at stores in Australia. Essentials are shampoo, body wash, moisturizer, soap, and toothpaste, toothbrush and a deodorant or perfume. Anything else is surplus. With the outdoors dusty and hot you will be sweating a lot and will want a lot of showers. Many people prefer body wash to soap because it is easier to handle. It may take a while for soap to dry and keeping it packed is a chore.
Step 5
The key to traveling light is not taking anything that is considered a luxury. The whole point to going somewhere new is experiencing their culture and their way of living. It may be better to buy a sturdy hat in Australia as their hats are made for the Australian climate. Consider buying necessary extra clothing in Australia as you will know exactly what is needed when you get there. Take the bare essentials to get you through two days and the rest. get on the go.
About the Author:
Sara Sentor has been an SEO web content developer since 1999. She has a degree in mass communications and has written content for sites ranging in content from finance to e-commerce and health to education.