When I was in Italy last summer, my biggest fear was getting lost. We were in a big group, around 60 people, and never once did we lose someone. This time around, I am not so worried about getting lost because of how small of a group we are going to be.
My biggest fear is not having a working phone and something happening without me being able to contact Ms. Pham. I am also afraid of having something stolen. Kristina said she is planning on getting a fanny pack. I was also thinking about that. I had a flat little pack that went around my neck for Italy but it was quite aggravating to have it with me. It didn’t hold very much and I always ended up putting it in my backpack, which I had a lock on. Tina, the wife of the Vietnamese couple from my hometown, said that it is better to have a smaller bag that crosses your body or is attached to you. Not something that hangs off your shoulder or from your hand. She said quite often, in busy areas, people will drive by on their scooters and just rip your bag or money out of your hand.
I am slightly worried about getting sick. Crystal gave some great tips on not getting sick, so I’m hoping by following those that I will avoid it. I also have really bad seasonal allergies, so the different types of plants might bother my allergies. But I will be taking my medicine along with us just for that reason.
As I continue thinking of everything that I need to pack, I begin to realize more and more that I will probably not be able to fit all into a backpack and carry-on suitcase. I managed it on the way to and from Italy but that was only a week long trip. I was deathly afraid of losing my bag because of the huge inconvenience it causes. I am also not very small of a person, so it would be more difficult for me to replace my lost clothing.
But fears aside, I know this is going to be an eye opening trip. And hopefully my fears will not overshadow the excitement!
Crystal Blagg says
Hey Breanna,
I too am afraid of something happening and not being able to contact Ms. Pham and having something of mine stolen. I read articles online that said not to have fanny packs because someone could slice the bottom of it and have its contents fall onto the ground, where the thief could then grab for the items. I, myself, was thinking about carrying a cross body (small enough to not gain attention and across my body so it is harder to grab and run with)… but I have also read that someone can slice the back strap of the cross body and grab it from behind me. So either way, fanny pack or cross body, we still have some risks, but I think those two types will be harder to steal than traditional purses. Since we are traveling in groups, hopefully that will lower the chances of something bad happening. Fitting clothing, personal items, and souvenirs in our suitcases will be a challenge. When we go, we should probably consider packing items that we wouldn’t mind leaving in Vietnam in order to make room for our souvenirs.
Brenna Sherrow says
My mom is working on getting my phone unlocked so I will have a means of communication. I actually started looking at cross body chest packs, which is like a fanny pack that goes across your chest. I would hope that I would realize someone was lifting a weight off of my chest if they attempted to steal my bag. I managed to fit everything I needed for a weeks trip in Italy and my souvenirs on the way back into a carry-on suitcase and a backpack but because this trip is longer I am thinking I might need a little bit bigger of a bag.