What to Take to Travel Light
The best helpful Tips for Trans-Siberian Train Travelers today is to travel as light as possible. Some people recommend that you put out everything you think you’ll need and then pack only half of it. Remember that unless you’re going on an upmarket tour, you’ll be carrying your luggage yourself.
For Summer in Moscow and Siberia pack thin clothes, a sweater or hoodie, and a raincoat. In every hotel you will be able to get laundry done, often returned the same day. Take shirts and tops of a quick-drying cotton/polyester mixture if you are going to wash them yourself.
No worries if you forget anything, clothes are not expensive in Russia and very cheap in China.
Useful Items
The following items are also useful:
- A good pair of Sunglasses (necessary in summer as well as in winter)
- A water bottle (two liters) which can take boiling water
- An insulated mug
- Spoon and fork and Knife
- Small towels
- Adhesive tape, pen, business card
- Camera with extra memory cards
- Flashlight
- Folding umbrella / Poncho
- BathTissues (toilet papers), Paper Napkins
- Wet tissues / facial tissues
- Corkscrew, can opener
- Copies of Passport, visa, air tickets, etc.
- Essential addresses ( friends and relatives)
- Washing Powder (liquid travel soap is good)
- Hand soap & Instant Hand Sanitizer
- Electric heating coil
- Earplug
- Compass if your cell phone does not come with one.
- Don’t forget to take good books
Provisions
Though the menus in Russian restaurant cars are sometimes long, often they’ll only have few items on the list: Soup, a meat dish, and a few refrigerated salads. Beer, chocolate, and biscuits are generally available. There’s also a good selection of things to eat available from hawkers on station platforms along the way.
It is wise to buy some provisions before you get on the train, especially if you’re going the whole way without a break. Take alone fruit, cheese, and sausage; you can almost always buy bread, tomatoes, boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, soft drinks and beer on the platform.
Remember that in Russia, as in most other countries, it’s considered rude to take pictures of strangers, their children or possessions without asking permission. Often people are keen to have their picture taken but you must always ask. This is particularly the case during political demonstration or rallies.
Refrain from photographing touchy subjects such as drunks, queues and beggars. Photography in churches is normally discouraged, and taking a photo of someone in front of an icon is considered disrespectful.
Stay Safe
If you are taking the Trans-Siberian/Trans Mongolian Trains watch out getting on and off from the train as some of the platforms may have a big gap. Not a good idea to get hurt and be in pain and ruin the rest of your vacation. Also, watch out for missing manhole covers on the sidewalk of Ulan Bator. It will definitely be a good idea paying extra attention.
Items I Recommend
OutdoorMaster Sling Bag – Small Crossbody Backpack for Men & Women (Green)
Dimension:18.1×13.4×7.5inch(H×L×W),weight:0.8lb
Norpro 559 Instant Electric Immersion Heater 300 Watts for Water Coffee Tea by Brand new
Rests on the edge of the cup. Use to heat water for brewing tea or coffee
120 volts and 300 watts
Lightweight and portable
Instant heater. -Nickel plated brass unit. -Lightweight and portable. -Ideal for home, office or travel. Generic Specifications: -Voltage: 120 Volts. -Wattage: 300 W. Dimensions: -7.5″ H x 4″ W x 1.5″ D.
Travelon Compression Travel Comfortable Socks, Black/Gray, Large
Perfect for long flights, sports and extended periods of sitting Stimulates blood circulation
LOOP® BEST World Travel Adapter with Dual USB Charging Ports | International [US UK EU AU] Universal Fused Safety AC Wall Plug (Black)
This adapter works in Canada, Russia, Asia, Central America, South America, and the Middle East to name a few.
This Travel Adapter charges almost all USB Devices: Apple, Samsung, Sony, Blackberry, HTC, Lenovo, LG, ZTE, Huawei, MP3 Players, Bluetooth Speakers, Tablets, Smart Phones, Headphones, Power Banks and Sat-Nav systems.
RFID Money Belt For Travel with 1x Passport and 6x Credit Card Protector RFID Sleeves
This Money Belts for Travel is designed to keep your documents secure with special RFID blocking lining used to keep your information safe. If you are thinking of traveling this could be the most important accessory in your trip Get the peace of mind knowing that your most important gear is with you at all times.
Furi Titanium Mug with Lid (500ml)
Double-wall insulated titanium alloy construction
it’s ultra lightweight, well designed and comes with a mesh bag excellent for backpacking!
Titanium alloy, safe for cooking over the fire
Extra large size – 500ml (17 ounces)
Collapsible handles
Titanium imparts no taste or odor on food or beverages
Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
This “spork” is lightweight and nearly flat, takes up no space so that it ycan pack away however you want. Never miss a meal because you don’t want to eat with someone else’s utensils or with your hands when you are on a trip like Trans-Siberian train.
zeroUV – Classic Eyewear 80’s Retro Large Horn Rimmed Style Sunglasses (Tortoise/Brown)
The glasses are good. The lenses are dark enough to keep my eyes comfortable, but they don’t make it hard to see things. They don’t feel cheap. Perfect for Summer in Siberia.
100% Protection Against Harmful UVA/UVB Rays
Vintage Inspired Frame Design
Classic Wayfarer Silhouette
Reinforced Metal Hinges.
Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/XF18-55mmF2.8-4.0 R LM OIS Lens – Silver
For Travelers who want to capture pictures so that they could go back in time by looking at them and try
to reconnect & crystallize moments of their travel then I would recommend this camera. I am absolutely happy with it.
You will be pleasantly surprised that this camera comes out with wonderful images. Light weight and perfect for travel photography.
Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
For Travel Photographer somewhat professional I would recommend to use DSLR cameras. I use this one even though it’s heavy and the lenses are large and heavy too but you won’t regret the quality of the picture you will get.
I believe this is a perfect lens for travel, not so heavy and it got 28mm wide and 300mm zoom with f 3.5 at 28mm. I use it all the time and never had any problem on quality of the picture.
If you are a Nikon user, not a bad idea to test it out.
Takeya ThermoFlask Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 24 oz, Asphalt
A Water bottle (two liter) which can take boiling water is essential for a long journey.
Premium Grade A2 Stainless Steel – BPA Free, non-leaching & toxin-free, your drinks stay clean, safe, and pure.
Double Wall Vacuum Insulation – keeps water, soda or beer cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages for up to 12 hours.
ULTIMATE SUN PROTECTION: With UPF 50 to block out 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, the Tough Headwear outdoors hat is more than your average sun hat.
DESIGNED FOR THE OUTDOORS: Whether you’re fishing down on the river, logging hours on the trail or tending to your garden, our sun hat will keep your head and face protected from the sun and heat. The adjustable drawstring ensures your hat stays on your noggin.
