Yup, yup. I am ready for my trip to Argentina. Last minute packing, as usual. When I start packing too early, I tend to over-think. So, last minute is the way to go, super efficient. When there’s a deadline, there’s a miracle. Believe it.

All packed. It didn’t take me long. Gathered a few things here and there, had a few dilemmas, but got over them pretty fast. It was a little tricky to pack for city and nature trips, not to mention with very different weathers. Buenos Aires is super hot right now, but Patagonia is chilly and windy. Thanks to Stacie’s invaluable suggestions, I managed to pack the most essential (almost).

Tata!!

I love my Deuter 55+10 backpack. It has a detachable small backpack to be used for day trip. The bag is very well designed.

It even comes with a transport bag! Deuter, beautiful.

Next to it is my Lowepro Passport Sling. Lowepro offers a few camera bags. I chose their Passport Sling because it doesn’t look like a camera bag and can be used as a handbag at the same time. Nothing screams “tourist” like a bulky camera bag.

See their video here.

I love high performance gears. They instantly make me “high performance” as well. Hehe.

I wasn’t planning on bringing my laptop, thought an iPad would do just fine. But a tradeshow in February requires me to work while I am in Argentina. After realizing I couldn’t get away without a laptop and I definitely wanted to bring my SLR, I reassessed the packing situation. Oh dear, I had to take a small carry-on with me. For a moment, I really struggled to accept this fact. But I quickly get over it.

“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

So, tata!

It’s really a small carry-on. I make sure it fits under the seat. You know, in America, some planes are getting smaller and smaller (like my head is touching the ceiling kind of small). I definitely don’t want my carry-on to go in the cargo.

See what I mean? Small bags. Kai is bigger than the backpack!

What’s in the bags, you might ask?

See below for a summary. If you are planning a trip to Argentina too, I hope this list would help you.

I’ll tell you after the trip if I have used all the items! Or if there were any items that I wish I had brought with me.

I probably could have cut a few more things. But I want to be comfortable and don’t want to waste time doing laundry every other day!

Clothes:
– A few short-sleeved tees and a few long-sleeved, button-down shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, 1 dress, 2 tank tops, shorts, undies, bras, robe, silk thermal top & pants, waterproof pants, windproof jacket, a medium size hand-towel (some hostels don’t offer towels)

Shoes:
– 1 pair of tango shoes, sandals, Vasque hiking shoes (didn’t pack any heels)

Supplements:
– Liquid vitamins, energy boost drinks, bee pollen, some misc. vitamins, Cliff bars, mints

Medicines:
– Zero. Wanted to bring Midol, aspirin and 5-htp, but didn’t get time to buy any.

Toiletries:
– Travel- sized skin care, shampoos, etc. (yes, I like to smell good whenever I go), minimal makeup, some tampons for emergencies, travel-sized skin epilator (I don’t shave, nor wax), sunscreen (even for the lips, UV is strong in Patagonia)

What else are in the bags… hmmm…

Electronics:
– Cameras (SLR and point & shoot) and lenses, memory cards, batteries, chargers, adapter, convertor, earphone, Kindle loaded with books, calculator/alarm clock, Merriam translator

Am I forgetting something?

Accessories:
Oh, Wallaroo Jasper 50+ UPF hat with chin-strap (so that it doesn’t get blown away), a wool hat, sunglasses, gloves, scarf, headband, a wristlet and a runner’s waist pouch (not the bulky one! It hugs the skin, you’ll never know it’s there!)

I didn’t bring trekking poles with me, no space!

Of course, most importantly: passport, cash and credit cards.

That’s about it.

Dropped Kai off at Radim’s (thanks, Radim for taking care of my baby).

Off to the airport.

0 Spanish skill. 1 backpack (well, +1). 30 days. Argentina, here I come!

p/s: I threw my hat on the toilet counter at the airport, and landed right under the automatic soap dispenser. Can you guess what happened next?

Washed my hat and now it has a wet spot.

&*%%$$#$#

Next post: My Perfect Plan Backfired! Coming soon …