Originally Posted by OzMan

I second that. Excellent advice.

The only thing I could add would be a soft thin money belt that goes around your waist inside your clothes for your cash, CC and passport. Sleep with it, bring it into the shower with you etc unless you are gonna be five star hoteliing it all the way. Keep some cash in your pocket for minor expenses and to give out if you are robbed.

I started my world travels from Australia in 1985, through China, did the Trans-Siberian railway across Mongolia and USSR(then) to Europe, worked in Europe for a few years and ended up in USA.

I think the most important rule is carry as little as possible. After travelling for a few weeks you will be able to throw out/give away even more stuff you don't really use.

I met a Canadian guy in a youth hostel in Hong Kong that was coming the other way. He had just a shoulder bag and was doing just fine. I ignored his advice and ended up having to get acupunture treatment in China for a fucked up back.

Good luck