Ultralite Travel- The kit!



After making my first trip around the globe as 20 YO i have refined  the art of ultralight travel & backpacking recent years after a long break with luxury travel, and resorts. Im glad to be back in the ultralight segment since it so much more rewarding (and challenging) . Bringing just a small messenger bag containing the most necessary stuff I try to flow around in Europe or Southeast Asia. Prior to departure I set up a rough plan with some highlight , transport routes, contacts, and other necessary information . I pick the first destination depending on flight routing and pricing and a principle I don't book the legs in advance. A typical trip can be 3 weeks to 4 months . One leg (i.e a city, or attractions) i usually a few days but can be prolonged up to a week.
Since i travel ultralight i don't need to use taxis or upmarket hotels but i can take a moto on hire, or just walk.



A small luggage enables me to use a motorcykle to move around or go offroad. Laos
The luggage
The base kit contains a set of 5 each of t shirts, socks underwear etc. In addition i bring some essentials like first aid, an ipad , books and music and travel guidelines.
I don't bring luxury stuff since this hinders my flexibility when moving around. I want to mix with locals as well as foreigners without being stamped as as a luxury traveller . Some of the essentials stuff i bring in double sets to reduce risc. This includes
-passports *2
-creditcards
-telephones
-cash
-proof of insurance, driving license etc.


Having double kits enables me to continue the trips should i be the victim of theft or robbery etc. Don't rely on a smartphone to store essential infos since its too weak to rely on . Use it a tool among other. Skype Rebtel , Skyscanner , Amazon and Pocket apps are great for research and on route planning.  



The attractions
Generally speaking i'm interested in urban discovery rather than major attractions. Of course I have ticked all the major attractions in earlier trips. Nowadays i look for a sort of relaxation and tranquility sometimes mixed with the thrill and action of motorcycling around.
Biking around and making stops here and there has been a great way of travelling around. Especially in southeast asia i have found having a off road motorcycle or even a moped a great way of transportation. Upon arrival on the airport , train/bus station I sometimes tries to pick up a bike directly rather than get into the taxi etc system.
This tsunami hotel is to be found close to Nai Yang beach Phuket Thailand.
The People
In every city or local municipality there are people open to communication. After periods of solo-travel i try to find spots where there is a openness to communication. Hostels, bars or cafe's are great spots to have com break with a stranger. Its amazing how you sometimes can connect and get great openness in just minutes. The same openness can take years topoli achive back home where there is a filter of politeness and political correctness surrounding communications . Prior to trip its sometimes possible to connect with old colleagues or expats residing abroad.
This team was part of the tuctuc monopoly at the Vietnam boarder town Duc Han
The Plan
Recent years SE Asia and SE Europe have proved to be great spots for this type of travel. I have travel through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam , Myanmar , Malaysia and Philippines . Right now i'm short of new ideas so I stay in those areas for now . Earlier i travelled USA inkl Hawaii , NZ, Australia etc. Those industrialised countries just don't seem attractive any longer. I am curios about Africa India and S-America as well. In Europe the former eastern block are my favorites.

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