Chris Guillebeau, 33, is on a five-year mission to visit every country in the world. He is currently on number 164.
Every month, I hit the road for another adventure. The average trip takes two weeks and brings me completely around the world, from North America to Europe or Africa, then home via Asia. Despite the different destinations, I pack almost exactly the same things every time.
For years, I agonized over packing, making lists and cross-checking everything several times before finally leaving for the airport. Fortunately, it's now down to a mindless process that lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish. I have a Rollaboard carry-on bag for my clothes, and an over-the-shoulder messenger bag for my laptop and other gear.
No matter your destination or travel style, here's the most important strategy that can make your travelling life much easier: the less you put in the bag, the better. You may think this is a sacrifice ("What if I need something and don't have it with me?") but most of the time, it's not. Your life will be easier as you whisk through airports, ignoring the long wait at baggage claim, and never worrying about what you've forgotten to bring along. Worry only about your passport and your money, which you'll keep close to you, and any important valuables that are in your smaller bag.
As helpful as it is, committing to travel with less baggage does raise a dilemma. Since your space is limited, what do you bring? These tips may help:
Take more money than you think you'll need. If you end up with too much money, you can always redeposit it when you're home. But if you get stuck without money on the road, you have a real problem.
Clothes should be versatile and easily packable. Layers help: bring long-sleeve T-shirts that look nice enough to be worn on their own, but could also be used underneath a dress shirt or or blouse. Make sure your jacket is wrinkle-free or at least wrinkle-resistant.
Bring shoes you can use for multiple occasions. Try to find shoes that are comfortable for extended walking, but nice enough to wear on dressier occasions if possible. Make these your primary pair of shoes. Judge any additional options against the primary pair: do you also need sandals? Running shoes? Something else? Maybe so, but if you can get by without them, do so.
Multi-task your technology. The widespread adoption of smartphones threatens to make cameras obsolete for everyone who's not a pro photographer. An iPod can be used as an alarm clock. I used to bring a wide variety of adaptors, before realizing that one multi-adaptor would work in most of the world.
Put all needed papers in one folder, including hotel confirmations, copies of visas or airline e-tickets, and anything important. Bonus tip: don't lose this folder.
Bring a few snacks. When you're travelling, you're not always able to eat at normal time periods, and you'll probably be eating different food whenever you do. A small pack of raw almonds is my favourite choice, and I usually have a few granola bars in the bottom of my bag as well.
Dress up slightly. Generally speaking, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Make sure you have at least one outfit that can pass as "nice" wherever you go.
I still like reading print books and magazines, but the iPad has made it easier to have access to a near-unlimited stream of additional reading material. In addition to a small stash of printed material, I keep up with newspapers like the Economist each week through my online subscriptions. I also read hundreds of blogs.
I try to keep fit wherever I am, and a pair of running shoes takes up the greatest amount of space in the bag. I always throw them in front of the hotel or guesthouse door after settling in, using the philosophy that it will increase the chance that I'll actually put them to use. If they've been well-used, I'll sometimes leave them behind in the last country before heading home.
Upon arrival in a new place of lodging, I immediately unpack. Sometimes I'll live directly from the suitcase if it's only a quick stay, but I usually prefer to have everything out and in its place. It usually takes less than 10 minutes to repack upon leaving.
Pack less, worry less. Regardless of what finally makes it in the bag, you may be stressed on the day of departure. Sooner or later, let it go. You're on the road!
Next week: the writer navigates through chaotic Taiwan.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
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About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.
Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.
The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.
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PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
The specs: 2019 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Price, base: Dh1.2 million
Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.3L / 100km (estimate)
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, May 3
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Dubai Rugby Sevens, December 5 -7
World Sevens Series Pools
A – Fiji, France, Argentina, Japan
B – United States, Australia, Scotland, Ireland
C – New Zealand, Samoa, Canada, Wales
D – South Africa, England, Spain, Kenya
Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar
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Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Manchester United v Club America
When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)
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About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
Company%20profile
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying