I sure hope Laozi knew what he was talking about because my plans are kind of sketchy right now.
Welcome armchair travelers: fasten your seat-belts because this is going to be another one of my great adventures and you will have a front row view of what is going on. I look forward to you joining me for the next weeks, as I document my adventures traveling through China by myself on a budget.Wednesday begins my next travel adventure. To say that I am excited, is an understatement, I am ECSTATIC.
This time I am off to China. It is massive country, obviously, one with which I am struggling on getting a handle of where I am headed once I get there. So far I have had some good advice, let’s see what transpires once I am there and start heading from Shanghai towards Chengdu.
Flights
I am booked: Houston to London to Shanghai and return the middle of June Beijing-Vancouver-Phoenix-Houston. On the way out I fly Continental, then Virgin Air.
I arrive in Shanghai on Friday after a layover in London. A special shout out goes to Continental Airlines for telling me in my itinerary that I was arriving in London and Shanghai on Thursday, when in fact I arrive in Shanghai on Friday, therefore messing up my reservations for accommodations in Shanghai. On the other hand, fortunately, I was able to cash in my Continental frequent flyer mile enabling me to fly business class, most likely my last brush with luxury. But one never knows?
Packin
g
The packing ritual has begun. At this point I have pretty much packed the large backpack, the day pack is next.
I think I will be taking:
- 2 pairs of travelers pants
- Skirt
- Long sleeve shirt
- 3 camisoles
- 2 short sleeve button down shirts
- Black t-shirt
- Hoodie
- Windbreaker/rain jacket
- Black scarf
- Long underwear
- Pareo (doubles as a sheet, makeshift towel and cover-up)
- Sunhat
- 3 bras
- 4 panties
- 2 sets of socks
- 2 sets of pajamas
- Umbrella
- Day hikers
- Chaco sandals
- 12 packages of tissues
- Toilet paper
- Converters for electrical plugs, 1 Euro, 2 Chinese, 1 American 3 prong to 2 prong
- Charger that works with Kindle and Blackberry
- Headlamp
- Bike lock
- Duck tape
- Pens, paperclip[p, rubber bands
- Plastic bags
- Metal chop sticks and spoon
- Pocket knife
- Business cards
- Suntan lotion
- Deet
- Med kit:
o Cipro
o Malaria
o Ibuprofen
o Acetaminophen
o Jet Lag herbal medicine
o Anti- diarrhea medicine
o Pepto-Bismol
o Cough drops
o Earplugs
o 2 disposable syringes and alcohol wipes
o Band aids
o Antihistamine
o Decongestant
o Anti-itch cream
o Benadryl creme
o Mosquito coil
o Baggies
o Cortisone creme
- Money belt
- China Guidebook
- Kindle
- DLSR camera with 2 lenses
- Mini laptop
- Back-up drive
- Extra batteries for Blackberry, camera and headlamp
- 2 Books on history of China
- Deck of cards
- Compass
- Toiletries
o Hairbrush
o Comb
o Deodorant
o Soap
o Shampoo
o Razor
o Dental floss
o Toothbrush
o Tooth paste
o Night guard
o Eyeshades
o Earplugs
- Wash cloth
- Eyeglass case
- Copies of all credit cards and passport
- Eyeglass prescription
- Passport with Chinese visa
- 2 credit cards and 2 ATM cards
- Drivers license
- $150 in cash
- Small diary
There may be a few adjustments, some technology additions and hopefully I can eliminate some clothes and maybe some stuff in the med kit, because it feels like I am taking a lot.
Accommodations
In Shanghai, I am staying at Le Tour Traveler's Rest Youth Hostel for around $11 a night in a 6 bed female dorm room. I have made arrangements for the hostel in Shanghai to pick me up at the airport. Past experience has taught me that after traveling for two days, I am usually a bit disoriented and I would rather skip the challenge of finding my hostel.
Look for my next post after Wednesday. I will be available on Skype as well as email: Cyberprincess713.
Posts
