“How do you even begin to pack for a six-month trip” many folks ask us. “Same as for a one-month trip” would be our standard reply. Of course, packing for a winter-long trip isn’t the same as for a week-long trip to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. We have to plan on being more self-sufficient and be prepared for small emergencies, such as road rash from dumping your motorbike in Vietnam, or guarding against infection from a scrape against corals while snorkeling, or treatment for stomach issues as the result of a late-night street food binge (I guess this is something to be considered on a visit to Mexico as well) or even the mundane tasks of doing laundry in your guesthouse’s bathroom sink. To many people’s surprise, it’s not the clothes needed for a trip of this length that fills the space in our back packs. It’s really all the peripheral stuff, and especially in the new age of technology, the laptop, phone, e-readers, cameras and associated charging cords, spare batteries, surge protector and outlet adapters that consume so much of the valuable space that will ride on our backs. One lesson we’ve learned over the years and the course of many extended trips overseas – keep your travels to locations with similar climates and the amount of clothing needed will be minimal. Last winter took us to sunny Greece, southern India, Indonesia and Singapore. But also to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and New Zealand (during their fall). Having to carry cold-weather clothing like wool socks, pants, hats, gloves, fleece layers and rain jackets filled our packs to overflowing. Don’t get me wrong – each piece was absolutely essential and was worn regularly. But with the itinerary we’re envisioning this winter, none of that gear will be coming along. It’s board shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. Pack a small amount of laundry detergent, a length of clothes line and a sink stopper and you’ve got a wardrobe suitable for an entire winter of travel. Add a few items for entertainment (deck of cards, small journal, hammocks), medical kit, assorted small miscellaneous items and toiletries and we’re set for adventure. One new item we’ll be packing this year: reusable bamboo straws. Our sunset cocktails at the beach bars will be consumed guilt-free, knowing we’re not contributing to plastic straw pollution.