Whether I’m exploring locally or on an international adventure, my sightseeing bag and it’s contents are pretty consistent. I thought I’d share my necessities for a day trip- these are items you can take from your home, your tent, or your hotel room for a day out and about, taking in the sights and scenery of wherever you may wander.
We should probably start with the bag itself. My criteria for the perfect sightseeing bag includes a shoulder/cross body design, thick strap, spacious but not bulky, and cute. Some people prefer a backpack, but I find it annoying to have to take my bag off my back every time I want to retrieve an item, which is why I always go for a bag with a shoulder strap. The strap has to be thick so it’s comfortable to wear. And let’s be real- this bag is very aesthetically pleasing.
I bought this bag from Litton Fine Camera Bags on Etsy, and I was devastated to find out that they are no longer in business. It is perfect because the strap and hardware are heavy duty, and the canvas material makes it very durable. It fits all of my necessities perfectly with room to spare.
So what do I pack? I try not to carry any junk because carrying around a heavy bag all day would be exhausting and hard on the body. The following are the items I consider necessary for a day sightseeing in a new city, hiking in another country, or road tripping around my own province.
Camera gear is always a priority. I always carry my DSLR (Nikon D7000), an extra lens (normally a 50 mm), my charger in case the batteries run low, an extra memory card, and my GoPro.
I usually bring a couple notebooks, a tourist guide to whatever area I’m visiting, and a map.
I always make sure to have a full bottle of water so I can stay hydrated throughout my adventure. My sightseeing bag has a pouch on each side that fits my bottle perfectly.
In terms of personal items, I typically bring several items in a small pouch that fits perfectly in my sightseeing bag without adding bulk or weight. And let’s be real- this little bag is adorable. I always bring hand sanitizer, sunscreen, a facial wipe (I love these from Yes to Cucumbers), a hair elastic, a pen, and a granola bar or some other nutritious snack. These bars from MadeGood are gluten-free and made with veggies! I also like to carry a lighter and small flashlight, because you never know!
What are your sightseeing essentials? What kind of bag do you carry? Where will your next adventure be? Let us know in the comments or on our social media (@twowildtides), we love hearing from you!
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