Posted 29 Jul 2010

Travellers heading off on gap years will need to think very carefully about what they put in their backpacks.

Moving regularly from place to place means it’s important to pack light, yet being away for months on end means clothing for various weather types may be needed.

TV stylist Brix Smith-Start said travellers should consider taking items that are multi-functional and can be worn in a number of ways for a range of purposes.

For example, those who intend to spend a lot of time in beach locations, in Thailand for example, could find that a sarong is a sensible piece of clothing to pack.

"Things like sarongs are really great because you can wear them wrapped around your body or use it as a beach towel. You can even roll it up and use it as a scarf," she pointed out.

And of course it’s not necessary for travellers to take everything with them from the outset, as t-shirts, raincoats and other essentials can be purchased in the countries they visit and donated to charity before they head home.

Category: General Travel