A traveler, who has been to almost every country in the worl, is revealing his essential tips for packing.
Speaking with the New York Post, investment banker-turned-international traveler Barry Hoffner is sharing what you should never leave home without. The traveler has been to 192 out of 193 countries. He plans to eventually cross North Korea off his list.
Traveling so much, he told the outlet that he packs light and carries just one carry-on. But he always comes with a portable power bank, backpack, merino wool t-shirts, ear buds, and Starbucks Instant Coffee packs. If that sounds like an odd assortment, then let's examine his reasoning why.
"For me, this is the most essential item. You never know when you're not going to have electricity," he explained of the power bank.
Traveler Shares Tips
Likewise, the backpack has a function. It's easier to carry than a roller bag, making for quicker travel.
"I just feel better with that because there are a lot of places I travel where the roller just doesn't work," he shared. The traveler also opted for wool t-shirts because they're odor-resistant and fast-drying.
"They're made from merino wool, and apparently they don't smell, so I can wear the same T-shirt for a few days," he said.
It's all in the name of traveling light. The traveler says he carries earbuds or earplugs so he can sleep in noisy areas.
"Oftentimes, there's a lot of noise in the kind of places I stay, so ear buds or earplugs are essential," he said.
Meanwhile, the coffee is a bit self-explanatory.
"I bring these packets when I can't have a local coffee for whatever reason," he said.
He shared one coffee story, for instance.
"We're in the desert in Mauritania, and I come out in the morning to watch the sunrise, and there's a camel herder in front of me milking his camels," he shared. "I walk over and point and say in Arabic, 'Can I try some of that camel milk?' He looks at me like I have two heads, but then he beckons me over and pours a little bit in my coffee."
