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When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. ~ Susan Heller

Oh how the time flies, doesn’t it? Two nights ago I did a lot of Christmas shopping. In fact, I’m nearly done! I have a few more things to buy in Toronto tonight and I think I’ll be all set for the holidays. You know, for a day that I’m not even going to be in the country for, I’ve really gone all out. I certainly don’t regret spending the amount of money I have spent but it’s a little mind-blowing just how quickly it adds up.

As for the trip planning, I still have nothing new to report. I do have a list of things I aim to have completed by mid-week:

- Traveller’s cheques purchased.
- Hiking boots purchased.
- Hostel for first night booked.
- List of things to take created (and possibly packed).

G. is dead set on going with only one backpack, which means creative packing skills. I’m really good at packing light and making it stretch for a long time. My pack weighed a grand total of 10 kg when I left for Italy last year. I spent a grand total of 16 days reusing my clothes. Of course, it was a bit heavier on the way home but that was because of the souvenirs. I have a much larger pack this time around (did I mention it only cost me 25 whole dollars?) but it’s still not as big as G.’s.

If he expects to take only one pack it will probably be only his and I’m not certain I’ll be able to carry that thing. It will be heavy and, although I have been going to the gym for three weeks now to gain a little muscle strength for the journey (I aim to get to the top of Tikal even if it kills me!), I’m probably not going to be able to take it for long stretches of time.

I know it’s going to be hot and it’s going to be difficult trying to find a hostel when you’ve got thirty pounds on your back. However, relying on only one backpack still means that thirty pounds will slow one of us down.

G. is on a business trip right now but when he comes home we’re going to have a chat about this. It doesn’t worry me too much (not much does when it comes to travel. C’est la vie!), but I don’t want us to get snippy with each other due to one backpack. Plus, if we’re both frugal with the things we take we can spread the weight through two backpacks making it easier for both of us.

Similarly on the topic, would anyone be interested in a photo post of how I pack my backpack? Like I said, I’m quite good at making very little stretch for a long while. Maybe I can inspire someone to cut the amount of stuff they take on their next vacation!