Tricks & Tips

Here I share with you two things which help me with English

Grammarly is a free online writing assistant. This software gives you suggestions about spelling and grammar. Please note that if you work with sensitive content, you should check your workplace information security policy before downloading it.

I use the online dictionary Wordreference a lot. So far, it is my favourite. There are many languages available. When you search for the translation of a word, there are different suggestions and examples according to the contexts.

You can also find some free websites or apps to learn a language. Grammar rules, vocabulary, pronunciation, little homework, you could find the website that fits the best for you. For example I use anglaisfacile.com (French/English, French/Other languages) and slovake.eu (Slovakian/English, Slovakian/Other languages).

For those moments when I feel lazy to learn English or another language. I simply watch a movie in its original version with subtitles. It really helps me to understand better. I catch the words more easily when I listen. You know, when I meet a person who speaks really really really fast… Sometimes I wish I could put the subtitles on haha  ^^

“Too much is always better than not enough”, “Who knows ? Maybe I’ll need this”, “I’m pretty sure that I forgot something… but what ?”, “Hey, please, could you sit on my bag, I can not close it”

“What to pack” is for sure the endless question before a trip.
First thing I could say is : the less heavy the bags are, the more comfortable it will be to carry. Second thing is : opt for waterproof materials. It’s easier to protect electronics, important documents and medicine. Another thing, I’m a golden fish. So I have an unbelievable strategy : I write a list to not forget what to bring 😀

Wherever I go I try to pack light. You’ll find recommendations for someone who wants to travel around a country for several months. It means that you’ll be prepared to live in all seasons.

If you plan to travel for holidays, you could adapt to pack lighter or to add some stuff you enjoy (for example perfume). Same, if you plan to hike and camp, you could bring technical clothings, a light tent, a camping mat, and so on. In the table below, the clothes and equipment written with the asterisk* are the ones you could skip or bring in a smaller quantity.

In general, I travel with three kind of bags : 

• 1 trek backpack (Volume : 55 L) _ It is in the bag I put all my daily clothes and stuff. To choose the size adapted to your body, I recommend to see a professional.
• 1 backpack (Volume : 18 L Size : 45 x 31 x 15 cm) _ In this one, I bring my essential and important stuff, I keep it all the time with me
• 1 handbag (Size : 7 x 25 cm) or bum bag _ Small enough to go in my backpack, I use this one when I don’t visit. For example when I want to walk around with the minimum stuff possible or if I hang out with friends. 

Outdoor outfits, shoes and accessories

Waterproof winter Coat 
Waterproof hiking shoes, Running shoes, Flip flops, Sandals*, Waterproof Winter boots*
Light scarf [Also useful for cold nights in spring and autumn], Beanie & Gloves, Cap, Sunglasses

Clothes for 8 days all seasons

8 Tee shirts, 8 Underwears, 8 Pairs of socks,  2 Jeans*, 1 Belt, 2 Shorts*, 1 Hiking pant convertible in short, 1 Sport legging, 2 Winter leggings, 1 Pair of tights*, 5 Winter socks*, 4 Thermal tops, 3 Light sweaters*, 1 Fleece, 2 Huuuuge sweaters* [Just because I love them]
2 Pyjamas + 2 Pyjamas socks* [Yeah I know, it’s weird but I’m sensitive to cold ^^ My feet become blue easily. So now you know all my life]
1 Swimsuit + 1 Swim short* [Nice if you get the chance to surf or do a water sport, and you don’t want to lose your swimsuit on the way] 
Laundry tote, 1 laundry bar soap*

Personal hygiene products

Microfiber towel [It dries faster than classic towel]
1 Waterproof toilet bag : 1 Toothbrush, 1 Tooth path, 1 Oriculi bamboo ear cleaner, 1 Brush, 1 Shampoo, 1 Bar soap [It’s easier to bring], Tweezers / Razor, 1 Menstrual cup [It’s really practical, I let you google it to see how it looks like 😉 ], 1 Nail clipper, Hair elastics [For long hair. Also useful if you need to close a pack chips 😛 ], Earrings / Piercings*
Sun cream, Lip balm stick, Moisturizer cream pot [It closes better and don’t spill in the bag]
Antibacterial hand gel, Tissues
[For the following products, you have to check with a health professional. It should be adapted to your own needs.]
Medicine in Zip lock plastic bag : Regular medicines or allergy medicines [If you have allergies like me, you should see your doctor few months in advance. It’s a specific demand to get the quantity of medicine adapted to long term trip.], eucalyptus essential oil* [It’s nice when you get cold, it’s known for the respiratory health benefits], antiseptic [For your future little boo boo 🐱 ], plasters, tiger balm* [For the ones who like it]

Travelling and camping stuff

Backpack rain cover [If your trek backpack isn’t waterproof], Backpack Flight Cover* [To protect the straps and belts of your trek backpack during the transport]
Luggage locks that can be opened by aviation security agencies (“TSA Approved Lock”  Transportation Security Administration Approved Lock)
Sleeping bag*, Inflatable pillow
Water bottle
Head Torch*
Tote bag
Cisors*, Piece of rope ribbon* [Useful if you need to attach something or to make a cloth rope]
Sewing kit
Playing cards* [Nice a way to make new friends 😉 ]

Essentials and electronic devices

Wallet, ID card/Passport, Driving Licence, Insurance Card if you have
Folder with administrative papers (+ copies)
Phone + Earphones + Charger + Power bank
Camera + Memory cards + Charger
World travel adapter*
Laptop* if needed (+ external hard drive/memory stick)

To finish this list, I want to share that it’s nice to bring with you a tiny thing which reminds you of home. It could be a lucky charm, a picture, a souvenir,… Just something you really like, it will cheer you up and warm your heart.