So this is my suitcase of accessories, brimming with homo must haves such as ties, bow-ties, belts, brooches, braces, cummerbunds and err… Mexican wrestling masks. Opening this treasure of bedazzled trinkets fills me with a sense of calm. Yes, I do have the bow-tie to match the colour of my new messenger bag. Yes, I do have a brooch and pair of braces that are perfectly co-ordinated. It must be akin to the feeling of security that straight people experience when a new Michael Buble album is released.
When I embark on my long-term trip on December 31st, I’ll be carrying a modestly sized backpack with me and so there will be tearful goodbyes as my big gay dress-up suitcase and I part ways. The shared sentiment amongst the backpacking community seems to be that one of the great benefits of wandering from place to place with just a backpack, is that your life becomes less about what you have and more about what you experience. Of course, I am in complete agreement that the experiences travelling can provide are infinitely rewarding – I wouldn’t be packing up and leaving everything I know in London if I didn’t think that was the case. And I certainly wouldn’t be leaving my case of accessories behind.
But I confess that I am sad to be leaving behind my “stuff”. On my last trip, a month in India, I was convinced that existing with just the possessions in my backpack wouldn’t be a big deal, but actually I found it very frustrating. Opening up my backpack to have a choice of two pairs of shorts, a couple of vests and a few t-shirts did not make me a happy homo backpacker.
Me, when I open my backpack. Via realitytvgifs.tumblr.com.
I can only hope that on my upcoming (much longer) trip, I will get used to the idea of living with much less, and that I’ll be able let go of any resentment at not having a selection of bow-ties and bags at my disposal when I want to sashay to the nearest Gaysian bar. And, well, I might sneak a couple of bow-ties in – they are small after all.
Have you ever struggled with letting go of your possessions on a trip? What are your tips for travelling light?
10 comments
Adam says:
Nov 12, 2012
Well….I can tell you I brought a skinny tie or two on my round-the-world backpacking trip and I’m glad I did! So many people told me beforehand of all the packing necessities and tips (don’t bring white clothes, don’t pack jeans) and I just didn’t listen to the lot of them. I was happy to have my fav pair of jeans with me, and having a tie helped me score a hot date in Tel Aviv one time.
Pack what you want for your trip — because, in the end, you’ll end up throwing things out and buying new stuff along the way. I got so tired of my “backpacking” clothes in India that I bought new shirts there and again in Bangkok. Helped to keep me sane
That Gay Backpacker says:
Nov 12, 2012
Yeh, I think that buying and getting rid as I travel is going to be my strategy. I am totally totally on board with the favourite pair of jeans thing – they completely change the way I feel. And they are, of course, skin tight.
Jo (The Blond) says:
Nov 14, 2012
I understand..bieleve me! I’m no fashonista, but having to wear the same clothes all the time frustrates me, too. I don’t want to take too much with me, but can’t really live without some of my things from my wardrobe. On the other hand, the clothes in Asia are sooo cheap!
That Gay Backpacker says:
Nov 14, 2012
I usually have problems shopping anyway because I’m so petite. But now I think about it, that won’t be such a problem in Asia, will it? Hooray – lots of new clothes for David.
Joshua says:
Dec 3, 2012
It’s all about the speedo sweet pea
That Gay Backpacker says:
Dec 3, 2012
A speedo does take up less space. But they look ridiculous 90% of the time. I’m not sure.
Tom @ Waegook Tom says:
Dec 12, 2012
I’m actually surprisingly low maintenance when I travel – I don’t need much at all! But what I don’t bring in clothes, I make up for in cosmetics to make me smell nice and my hair look lovely. Just because I travel with a backpack, doesn’t mean I have to look (and give off the scent of) a hygienically-challenged hippy.
Echoserang Lakwatsera says:
Dec 12, 2012
I am quite disturbed that I do not have any of those accessories inside my backpack. Nor a very fashionable set of wardrobe. Does that make me less of a homo? O_o
RIC says:
Mar 7, 2013
you are HILARIOUS! I just came back from India for a few months with a 38L pack! and that included hiking boots! sooo uhhh im interested did you ever use your wrestling mask travelling?
That Gay Backpacker says:
Mar 7, 2013
Thank you, Ric
Well, when I bought the wrestling mask in Mexico, I spent a lot of drunk hours dancing around my room with it on. I guess I’m easily amused.