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Travel + Leisure
5 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Live in Colombia—These Are 14 Packing Mistakes First-timers Always Make, Plus What to Bring Instead From $7
With 12 countries—five of them megadiverse—South America is home to stunning natural landscapes, charming small towns, and thriving modern cities. From the Andes to the Amazon, and from the Caribbean coast to the southern tip near Antarctica, the continent's dramatic geography mirrors its cultural richness. But all that variety makes it especially tricky to pack for. As a Colombian-American writer based in Bogotá part-time, I see tourists make the same packing mistakes again and again. Of course, what you bring depends on your itinerary, but there are some things you definitely shouldn't pack. Here are the common missteps that'll make you stick out (or miserable), plus what to bring instead for a smoother trip. Sandals might feel like the easy choice, but in many South American cities—like Santiago—they'll instantly mark you as a tourist. Locals tend to favor more polished footwear, even in warm weather. These Adidas sneakers are a smart pick: they're lightweight, comfortable, and versatile enough for city walks, countryside adventures, or even nights out. Plus, they pair well with outfits in both hot and cool climates and don't take up much suitcase space. If you're only packing one pair, make it this one. Sweatpants aren't the norm in most South American cities—unless you're exercising or pulling off a trendy set in places like Medellín. Otherwise, they're bulky to pack and scream tourist. A better option? These lightweight, loose-fitting pants from Funyyzo. They're comfy enough for long travel days but polished enough for city strolls or dinner out. Plus, they won't take up much space in your bag. While some parts of South America have safe tap water, it's smart to play it safe with a filtered water bottle. My Lifestraw bottle has filtered water from streams, hotel sinks, and rural spots without fail. Though it takes a bit of space, it's worth it for peace of mind, saving money, and cutting plastic waste, especially where recycling is limited. If a liter feels too bulky, there's a smaller 22-ounce option too. Wearing overly casual athleisure (think leggings, bike shorts, or exercise tops) outside workouts is a common tourist giveaway. Unless you're going on a hike, skip those. Instead, stick to classic tees like these Miholl V-necks—comfortable, versatile, and worn everywhere. They work for almost any weather and keep you blending in while traveling. A simple travel essential. Pickpocketing is common in many South American cities, especially on public transit and crowded streets. Skip backpacks and keep your essentials close with a crossbody fanny pack like this Maxtop style. Wearing your bag in front makes you a less obvious target. If you need more space, consider an anti-theft backpack designed to deter thieves. Always stay alert: keep bags front-facing, avoid pocketing valuables, and limit phone use in public. My favorite packing trick? These roll-up compression bags. They shrink clothes down without needing a vacuum—just roll the air out by hand. I pack them flat inside my cubes on the way there, then use them on the way home to make space for souvenirs. Every South American country has incredible artisan goods, so odds are you'll return with more than you brought. These help you do it without paying for an extra bag. I'm all about carry-ons for trips under three months—lugging heavy bags through South America's cobblestones, buses, and boats is a nightmare. This Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on is roomy yet lightweight and tough enough to handle everything from steep hills in small towns to bumpy bus rides. After two months using it in Europe and countless trips across Colombia, it's my go-to for multi-destination travel. Durable, practical, and easy to maneuver—highly recommended. One of the biggest mistakes I see travelers make in South America? Packing only for warm weather. But climates here shift drastically depending on elevation and season—Bogotá hovers in the 50s year-round, and places like Cuzco can go from sunny days to freezing nights. This lightweight puffer packs down small but adds just enough warmth for cooler temps. I always bring one (plus a thermal shirt) to stay prepared without overstuffing my bag. Cargo shorts might fly in outdoor settings, but in South American cities—especially capital ones—they're a dead giveaway you're a tourist. Locals tend to dress more polished, even in beach towns. A classic pair of Levi's 501s works just about anywhere and will help you blend in much better. They're durable, versatile, and easy to dress up or down depending on the setting. Plug types vary widely across South America—Brazil alone has multiple standards depending on the state. Buying separate adapters for each can be frustrating. A universal adapter like this Uniadapt model covers all major plug types, making it a smart investment for years and multiple trips. Mine lasted nearly a decade before breaking, proving its lasting value. Rainy seasons near the Equator can hit hard and fast, making a compact umbrella essential. This travel umbrella stands out with an extra UV-blocking layer, shielding you from both rain and harsh sun. Lightweight and portable, it's a must-have for unpredictable weather—and perfect for creating instant shade and cooling down on sunny days. If you're traveling in the wet season, pair it with a packable rain poncho for full protection. Sunburn isn't just a beach problem—UV rays intensify at high altitudes, making mountain sun protection crucial. Don't skip facial and body sunscreen to avoid burns and premature wrinkles. Thrive's reef-safe SPF 50 mineral formula offers strong protection with minimal white cast, perfect for South America's varied climates—from snowy peaks to tropical beaches. Wherever your trip takes you, you'll be covered. After visiting 45+ countries, I always travel with two wallets to avoid total loss if pickpocketed. I split cards and cash between them—this strategy saved me in Panama when I lost a coin purse but still had backup funds. I keep cash in this compact leather Hibate coin purse, which fits perfectly in my crossbody fanny pack. When traveling in South America (or anywhere), a little extra caution goes a long way. For over a decade, my Rainleaf microfiber towels have been travel essentials. Lightweight and compact, they dry fast and pack small. The large towel is perfect for beach days or water excursions, and a quick shake easily removes sand, great for keeping rental cars clean. Even if your hotel supplies towels, these come in handy for South America's waterfalls, hot springs, rafting, and snorkeling adventures. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Savvy and sustainable: the festival packing hacks you swear by
We asked you for your top festival packing tips, and many of you – seasoned attenders of Glastonbury, Womad, Primavera and Download, to name a few – had a lot to say. You shared your hard-won advice, occasionally taking us to task, and it turns out many of your tips are sustainable as well as savvy. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. So to help you make greener choices this summer, we've rounded up some of your best eco-friendly tricks, from solar-powered lights to an interesting way to reuse a fabric softener bottle (and no, none of you are associated with any of the products or brands recommended). Anna Parker avoids single-use plastic ponchos with a reusable rain poncho like this one. She also rates the Gym Kitchen's grain pouches. '[They're] ideal for when you can't stomach (or afford) another burger. You can eat them cold straight from the packet. They won't go off easily and won't mind being squashed in a bag.' She also recommends a much more durable water carrier than the one included in our guide. 'The one you suggested won't last longer than a season: you can't take it apart and dry it out properly before putting it away, so it sits over winter with old water in it. The Colapz water carrier is excellent and well worth the money,' she said. Reader Ellis Kay suggests taking a collapsible water bucket, a bar of soap and a cloth. 'It's a great way to keep clean while avoiding shower queues and environmentally problematic wet wipes,' she told us. She also recommends this Ortlieb water bag for keeping hydrated back at camp. 'And you can get a shower valve attachment for nice communal hair washing,' she adds. Heather is 'a disabled festival goer and, as a person on a mobility scooter, I offer to fetch and carry [food and drink] for the group, using reusable coffee cups and resealable plastic containers.' Try Circular & Co's reusable coffee mugs, which are made with single-use cups, and these leak-proof containers from John Lewis. A few readers suggest taking lights, but Jonathan Kendal specifically recommends solar-powered ones. 'They're nonintrusive, slightly bigger than fairy lights, switch on automatically and go out after about three or four hours,' he told us. Find them at Marco Paul or Argos. Graham, who says he has attended more than 50 festivals over the past 30 years, said: 'As a man of a certain age, a wide-mouth fabric conditioner bottle is very useful.' Enough said. While reader Mark's wise advice is to 'take your own toilet roll! Don't rely on there being paper in any Portaloo.' (Filter readers love the Who Gives a Crap subscription.) And multiple readers wrote in to advise taking a four-wheel trolley to help lug all your gear. Just make sure you get one sturdy enough to handle rough terrain – I've witnessed many festival goers stranded with a mountain of stuff because their trolley has lost a wheel. Try this one from Decathlon or this one from Argos, both of which have great reviews. And finally, a reminder from reader Neil about how sometimes less is more. '[At] my first Glastonbury, which wasn't all that long ago, I had the clothes I was wearing, about £20 and a ton of resourcefulness. Guess what? I didn't die.' Festivals aren't cheap: if you're hoping to reduce how much you spend this year, check out some more affordable (and sustainable) secondhand gear. Decathlon has a Second Life scheme, where it sells preowned or tested products that can no longer be sold as new at a reduced price. Or shop around for a cheaper price. Reader Jonathan Kendal told us he bought a tent from a commercial seller on eBay for £60 cheaper than if he had bought it straight from the manufacturer. The best summer shoes: 44 sandals, pumps and trainers for everyone The best fans to keep you cool: 14 tried and tested favourites to beat the heat Beat the heat: 14 expert tips for keeping cool in hot weather 'Like a warm autumn walk in the woods': the best supermarket runny honey, tasted and rated 10 of the best climbing plants for your garden, from honeysuckle to sweet pea Hide toys, tidy away cables – and make friends with baskets: 11 clever home storage hacks Whether you're heading to a festival or a campsite this summer, your experience will live or die by one thing, says Sian Lewis: a decent tent. Lewis, a seasoned camper and outdoor kit expert, put 10 tents through their paces for our guide to the best tents, sleeping in each for a few nights at campsites (and in her friend's field) in a mixed bag of weather conditions. From a budget tent under £100 to a glorious two-bed family tent that will keep everyone happy, there's something for every budget and occasion. Happy camping! Hannah BoothEditor, the Filter Along with your tent, you'll need a decent mattress to sleep on. Our intrepid, dedicated camper, science journalist Linda Geddes, put 26 to the test to find the best for every outdoor sleeping occasion, from luxury glamping to expeditions. And our guide to the best head torches, by Paddy Maddison, might come in handy too, for those midnight stumbles to the loo. It's graduation time. If you're about to leave university and launch into the world, what thoughtful gift would you love to receive (and no, we won't accept money as an answer)? If you recently graduated – or if you're a friend or loved one of someone who has – did you receive or give anything particularly useful, or inspiring, or both? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@
