I (26/male) am leaving Los Angeles in January for at least one year of backpacking solo around Australia, NZ, SE Asia, and possibly some other places! Other than enjoying my remaining time before I leave (going to favorite restaurants, hanging with friends, etc.), what pre-trip activities should I be thinking about, and what preparations should I be making (especially while I have good insurance)? What do you wish someone had told you before you left for a trip of this length and scope? [more inside]
posted by adamk on Oct 7, 2009 - 11 answers

I am looking for a new bag - hopefully, you can help me find one bag that will do my international business trips, day hikes, and weekends away. [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat on Sep 5, 2009 - 14 answers

Less than six months before moving internationally - how do I manage all my stuff? [more inside]
posted by divabat on Nov 8, 2008 - 15 answers

Long time listener, first time caller: Any globetrotting rowers or shipping pros out there? I need to transport a rowing oar overseas, and I don't want it damaged. I'm planning to check it on my flight as 'sports equipment', but any advice or alternate suggestions are welcome. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by iona on Oct 8, 2008 - 9 answers

When packing for two seasons, how can I avoid airline baggage fees on size and weight? [more inside]
posted by netbros on Sep 22, 2008 - 13 answers

I'm going to spend a week in Copán Ruinas, Honduras. What should I pack? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine on Jul 19, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm traveling to china in a few weeks, for a few weeks. We're going from Beijing to several outer areas, staying in hostels, figuring things out as we go. What do we need to be prepared for? [more inside]
posted by pithy comment on Jun 25, 2007 - 20 answers

We move in just a couple weeks. We're stuffing all our belongings that will fit into the car and shoving of. Among these belongings will be two desktop computers. What is the safest way to transport these? [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Sep 12, 2006 - 13 answers

My partner and I once saw a photographic phrasebook / dictionary while at the National Gallery in Canberra, Australia allowing the language impaired to point to an image. Does anyone know of the book we're referring to? (An Amazon ref would be grand) [more inside]
posted by pipstar on May 25, 2006 - 3 answers

What should you take into a tropical post-hurricane situation? [more inside]
posted by TrashyRambo on May 18, 2006 - 13 answers

How do you properly fold a sport jacket to store in a suitcase for 3 months? [more inside]
posted by beammeup4 on May 1, 2006 - 7 answers

I am getting ready to fly out to be in my sister's wedding. How should I pack the bridesmaid dress so as to best prevent wrinkles and so on?
posted by jenfu on Oct 24, 2005 - 9 answers

How-To Pack Light for a Nine-Day BritRail Trip? [more inside]
posted by grabbingsand on Oct 5, 2005 - 13 answers

I'll be driving across a rather large portion of Canada with my girlfriend in a little over two weeks: Vancouver Island to the southern portion of Ontario, a trip that covers roughly 4200km and should take the better portion of four or five days depending on how frequently we stop. My question for you, oh great teeming mass of Metafilterians, is what we should bring for the trip?
[there is inevitably more inside, although not an inordinate amount] [more inside]
posted by The God Complex on Apr 14, 2004 - 28 answers