Hi
The biggest expense in travel gear is usually the backpack.
Sometimes clothes and shoes factor in too, but I don't consider them travel gear per se as I can also use them at home.
Other expenses are insurance, taking care of your stuff (like moving out of your flat and putting things in storage if you are gone for over a year), arranging for jabs, getting a passport, getting visa's, getting to the airport.
Your cold weather gear will be quite expensive, btw. With going to Scandinavia and Russia during winter you'll need some decent boots, expect to pay around 100 EUR or more for a pair. A warm jacket will also be necessary.
Tip: Sometimes you can pick up decent clothes for a fraction of the price that you pay for the big brands (Jack Wolfskin, Northface, Goretex, ...) at chain stores. You don't have to pay 100 EUR for a fleece with the pawprint, a 10 EUR fleece from a big department store will do the job too, it just might be a bit more bulky.
I bought things that seemed like a good idea but in the end was just 'stuff'. So, perhaps all you need to do is grab a few bits, stuff them into an old day-bag and just wait till you get to the mainland? After a few days, whatever gets added, you'll know it's needed.
My latest buy was a solid shampoo bar bought from 'Lush' in Dublin a couple of weeks ago.
As suggested, chain stores are good. TKMaxx in UK is my favourite.
Happy travels Erolgirl.
[ 21-Jul-2009, at 03:58 by fabyomama ]
One of the best things we have bought is tops and bottoms. Essentially long underwear, the tops look great on their own, are breathable, non-bulky, don't get stinky even after 5 or 6 wearings, and feel really good. They're made of Merino wool so they are not scratchy. Not cheap at $70 but I think well worth the expense. They will last for a very long time.
Claire
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we spent $150 for two backpacks + rain covers
$100 for clothes+towls
$50 for travel books
$300 for a netbook
$200 for mattress
we had an old sleeping bag and 2 fleece
Too much >.<
My first trip was of course the most expensive - including travel insurance, backpack, decent hiking boots, really light weight sleeping bag and a lot of random travel crap that I learned through experience I didn't actually need. - probably about AU $1000 all up - travel insurance $450 (it was for 6 months) backpack was around $250, boots $150 - both bought at 50% off. Sleeping bag $50, and clothes and random crap made up the rest.
Japan trip was easier - it was the middle of winter, so I had to invest in some thermals (they're not expensive though!) and a couple warm jumpers, because Aussie winter clothing just wasn't cutting it. I think I spent about $250 including travel insurance.
And after freezing when I hit the truly cold weather in Kyoto and China, even with thermals and a fleece - this time I realised I'd most likely actually need a proper, warm and waterproof jacket. Haven't left yet, but by the time I DO go, it'll probably have cost me about $600 including travel insurance. My coat cost $230, but I don't mind too much, because it was a great deal and it will do me for those cold winter days here too! I'm also mulling over a warmer sleeping bag as the one I have is two season and I was cold when I was in Europe in Autumn so the middle of winter is going to be worse!
I would back up what has been stated before the big spend goes on your backpack/rucksack(s).
What I would suggest is take the time to use the internet to get the best deal!
Before I started traveling, I made a list of the things I knew I'd need and watched for sales. In the U.S. there are several internet discount sellers and places like R.E.I. have sales too. The trick is to know what you'll need and not spend your travel money for useless things. Good luck!
The good thing about having a lot of relatives is that you can always borrow some luggage which is probably one of the biggest expenditures when traveling. The next thing to purchase are the things that may be for hygiene and personal stuffs with medicine.
My biggest expense was a serious weather proof jacket. Gotta protect yourself from the elements!
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