Packing for the Journey

Arrival at JFK; first stop Seoul

Today I set off on a one-way flight to Bangkok with just a 40-liter backpack and an open itinerary. For the next few months, I’ll be traveling through Southeast Asia with my college roommate and best friend, Chris, who’s joining me for the first six weeks. After that, I’ll be on my own, following the “Banana Pancake Route” through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Packing for a trip like this meant keeping things simple. My bag is filled with the essentials: a handful of quick-dry shirts, a few pairs of shorts, one set of lightweight hiking pants, and swim trunks for the inevitable beach stops. I’ve got sandals for everyday wear, sturdy sneakers for hikes, and a rain jacket that I’m sure will earn its place during monsoon season.

A journal and my laptop are tucked inside, so I can keep track of the trip both for myself and here on this blog. Beyond that, it’s the basics — a compact med kit, toiletries, and a few pieces of tech. The goal isn’t to carry everything I might need, but to trust I’ll figure things out along the way.

This trip is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about slowing down, disconnecting from my phone and daily routines, and living a little more in the moment. I don’t know exactly where the path will take me — and that’s the point.