USA

I love to travel. I love to plan to travel. My bucket list is huge. This trip is special this time around because I'm going with my new hubby, Jose. In a way, this is our honeymoon, belated since our wedding was in August.

I tend to over-research for every trip that I go on. This trip isn't an exception. I've been researching for months on what I would need for a 3 week trip to Southeast Asia.

My goal in packing is to fit everything into a 21" wheeled carry-on and be able to travel 3 weeks with it. If I was pack-backing throughout the whole trip then I would bring one of those heavy duty hiking packs. But since my home base in Cambodia will be at my aunt's place in Phnom Penh, I have the luxury of leaving my luggage behind. I plan to carry a day pack for the short excursions to Siem Reap, Ratanakiri, Sihanoukville and Kampot. Believe me, it's much more convenient to have a backpack then a suitcase especially if I have to ride on the back of a motodop to get around.

After much thought, below is what I came up with for my essential packing list. I'm really trying to aim for comfort and style. It is my honeymoon you know and I do want to look cute. Let me know what you think.

Clothing
1 x swimsuit (yes I'm bringing a bikini, probably shocking to the local Khmer populace)
2 x ¾ length sleeve shirts
4 x tank tops
4 x dressy camisoles
1 x comfy yoga pants (for airplane ride and doubles as sleep pjs)
1 x techie travel pants (I bought a North Face adjustable length travel pants from REI)
3 x plaid Bermuda shorts (can't be wearing daisy dukes in a conservative Buddhist country)
2 x sun dresses
1 x thin, lightweight zip up
4 x moisture-wicking, non-chage, fast-drying underwear (yes 4! I love Pantagonia's hipsters)
2 x bras
1 x walking flats
1 x dressier sandals
1 x flip flops for showering
1 x hat (you will need this as a barrier against the hot sun)
1 x belt (this is a plain vanity on my part, I want to wear it with my dresses)

Electronics
Electrical adapter and converter
IPad
IPad charger
Phone
Phone charger

Miscellaneous
Daypack
Money belt, wrist wallet, shoulder bag and fake wallet
Sun glasses
TSA locks or zip ties for luggage and daypacks
Ear plugs (for noisy bus rides)

Medicine
Hydrocortisone cream
Dramamine
Immodium
Tums
Aleve
Insect repellant (Jungle Juice works great)

Toiletries
Anti-chafing cream
Wet wipes
Tissue packets (just in case there isn't toilet paper available)
Contact solution and spare contacts
Travel size hand sanitizer
Travel size baby powder (this really helped with drying skin in senstive spots especially when it's humid out)
Travel size shampoo and conditioner
Travel size face lotion with SPF
Travel size face wash
Travel size body lotion
Travel size deodorant
Travel size hair brush
Travel size toothpaste
Tootbrush and travel case
Nail clippers
Disposable razors
Lip gloss
Blush and blush brush
Mascara
Milk of magnesium (great mattifyer and oil control product)

And there you have it, my essential packing list for Cambodia.